Forever Vintage

... We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

2011-04-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

wow really? its been 2 months since I last posted??? well February doesn't count due to its shortness but wowsas. well I never promised consistency, lol. I don't know... I had seriously one of those low moments where you kinda hit a wall in life and you start to ponder and second guess everything. I had the what am I doing with my life, job; had the "its not you...[no really its you]/lets just be friends" convo- to where yes... no... we are just friends and then my lease ended on my apartment. While I like to decorate my body in the art form that's fashion... interior decoration is not really up my alley. I peruse Apartment Therapy and Deco blogs much like the next person but when I realized I lived in my place over a year without much movement on my end to make it a home...rather then just a place I eat and take a shower it depressed me even further. Well instead of buying a sweater... I bought something for the apartment. And since I become obsessive compulsive about things then threw myself headfirst into decorating and re-organizing my apartment. So some 2 months later (and some paint in the hair) I actually adore I don't have wires strewn about and my walls are no longer an apartment yellow-white pretending to be beige. In the process I also lost the wall I liked to take OOTD shots against- so I will have to figure that out (back to the closet I go) and I got a couple more projects that I'm going to tackle. but its been a productive couple months and I look forward to [trying to] blog again...albeit with a lot of home deco post sprinkled in.

Isn't this video just amazing? When I first saw it I instantly recognized it as the streets of Oakland. I went to university close by and while living in East Bay- Oakland became one of those cities....by the lake* that I got to know intimately. The city gets a bum rap and not undeservedly so. There has been instances where sitting and chilling watching a movie was interrupted by the sound of semi-automatics but on the other side of that coin are crazy-talented and creative, street or college educated people who live there, as evident by this short youtube video, who are trying to share it with the world.

~VH

*Oakland joke. Everyone lives "by the lake" ...and usually they do. Lake Merrit is a hella big lake.

Sparkly Zebra does exist in nature.

2011-01-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm aware on some level I'm dressed like a missing character on Golden Girls. But that old lady on the slot machine is exactly what drew me to this sparkly zebra-striped tshirt. I loved that it looked vintage, was over sized and comfy. When I went to describe this new little gem to my sister who is living across the pond... a quick google of the brand made me completely unsure as to who their target demographics was. I always assumed when I saw this brand on the racks that it was targeted towards the blue-haired bingo playing set...but apparently no. Because the rest of the website looks like something Kim Kardashsian would be wearing.

I have a tie peen.

Once upon a time at my job, Fridays were a day where we could don jeans and flip flops. Made the 4 days prior to friday easy when you just had to shake on a pair of skinnies, fun blouse and goooo. Cuts down on dry cleaning too. Then some hoochie-(w)ho in one of the offices took the "casual friday" to far and got jeans banned from all locations. These pants I discovered in the far reaches of my closet, still with tags on! I guess I didn't need a pair of wide legged blue pants anyways... I definitely should take a page from Veshoevius and maaaaybe start categorizing whats in those closets of mine. (and in storage and at my parents house and....)

Grrr-ah!

This is my bear vest. It wasnt nicknamed by me but its fitting. Oddly enough maybe because it fills a hole that I planned on filling with a fur vest (that somehow came out dirty sounding) I keep finding myself reaching for it to throw on over stuff. It's perfect for our weather we are having now- mid 80s but really chilly at night.

~ zebra t-shirt: Alberta Makali (please go to the website. Its wow)
~ wide leg pants: Joie
~ knit vest: ? old. I think its maybe from target? tag is gone.
~ shoes: Chloe 3 buckle booties
~ assorted rings || vintage fab necklace seen here || vintage cuff

Have a great weekend!

Vicar in a Tutu.

2011-01-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

I took a style note from the gorgeous Najeema at A Stylized Hysteria and threw on this turtleneck over the H&M dress I bought, wore and promptly forgot about it. It is one of those simple easy fashion moves to essentially turn a dress into a skirt...but yet I have never done it! I guess I follow by example. Naturally since this is a pale pink or mauve pleated skirt its easy to relate it with the whole 'black swan' fashion coup that happening.

While not continuing what has become an exhausting conversation about the Black Swan and how its influencing fashion, the movie was okay, enjoyable. Over-hyped? Yes most definitely. Mind fuck? No not really but at points eye-ball rolling inducing. In fact I am not completely sure why they are marketing this as a scary thriller. The movie reached as hard as it could to be a serious low-budget art film, and Natalie Portmans pained "I IZ SERIOUS [crazy] BALLERINA" expression throughout most of the movie in the end was killing me. But the imagery and themes of the movie were definitely thought provoking (good or bad your choice), especially to an ex-ballet dancer. I personally feel like 'ballerina' fashion rears its head every few years - Black Swan just sped up that time-line. I adored the Rodarte dress that Nina, portmans character wore to a gala event in the film. I also really liked these promo posters, to which I am a huge fan of this art style.

source

Even though I have worn this dress before, it felt that much shorter for some odd reason with this turtleneck over it! All day I walked around in fear of showing off my hoo-haa and I was teetering that fine line of looking like an overaged cheerleader. Not a good look for work- but it was Friday and very few people showed up since this was essentially a holiday weekend for many (not I sadly!) These oiled suede Rosegold booties were bought earlier last year with a couple credits on gilt after spotting them in store... so essentially I just had to pay for shopping. Win! I wouldn't say they are the comfiest shoe because the arch is a bit high...but the bigger the mouth opening, the smaller my ankles look. Double Win.

~ black puff sleeved turtleneck: Marc by Marc Jacobs
~ grey pleated dress peaking out: H&M. last worn here.
~ booties: Rosegold enid booties
~ stacked leaf necklace: F21

Into the New Year we march.

2011-01-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

source

As the template imagery and post titles would suggest (plus my constant reiteration), music is a force that fuels my life, shapes and drives me. Know to my group of friends as the music head I actively subscribe to all things music, I am an avid ‘mixtape’ maker since I love sharing music I love and the idea of introducing new music/songs to my friends which gets passed onto their friends and so forth and so on. I create mixes, have dj’ed on several occasions and I am usually attending some music concert or event etc. One of the things I have always wanted to do with this blog is dedicate a small space just to music. Hopefully it will be fun to create a monthly mix tape (or playlist whatever) and share it. I will probably also eventually catalog and organize (since some friends have requested an electronic library as well) of older mixcds I have made and others have contributed and give a link to download if you so desire. So here is to something that I hope I can sustain in the new year!

So this is what is bouncing in my brain between the headphones the past couple months (some old some new..mostly new). If anything check out Becks cover of INXS 80s classic Never tear us apart, absolutely beautiful and to put it out on jumpstreet - let it be known now I love Diplo (and so upset I missed his nitty gritty dj spin here in LA last wed!). His remixes always turn up the bass and turn it into a hand clapping, seductive grind on the dancefloor event. The remix of Adeles new single, Rolling in the Deep, is also singularly awesome and amps the original up (which I also adore) A chill playlist but Happy listening!

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Jan 2011 Playlist

Karma Police: Easy Star All Stars feat Citizen Cope (Radiohead cover) [mp3]
Superstylin': Groove Armada [mp3]
Helicopter: Deerhunter (Diplo Rmx) [mp3]
Whats in it for you: Avi Buffalo [mp3]
My Drive Thru: NERD feat. Santogold & Casablanca [mp3]
In Search Of: Miike Snow [mp3]
Miss Fortune: Aloe Blacc [mp3]
Rolling in the Deep: Adele (Jamie Xx rmx)
Never Tear Us Apart: Beck (INXS Cover feat. St. Vincent, Liars & Os Mutantes) [mp3]
Thats My Bitch: Kanye West feat. Jay-Z [mp3]
Sunday Girl: Four Floors (Diplo Rmx) [mp3]
Crystalised: Gorillaz (XX cover) [mp3]
Julius: Starfucker [mp3]
Too Deep for the Intro: J. Cole [get his mixtape free dl]

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Disclaimer: Music/media featured on this site unless otherwise noted is intellectual property owned by the artist, manager and respective label(s) et al. I believe in supporting artist so if you like what you hear- see the artist in concert, buy a t-shirt or shit buy a cd. If you wish to have any content removed please contact me by email listed above.

Kill the Headlights and Put it in Neutral.

2011-01-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

The champagnes been popped, the presents unwrapped and the holiday decorations have come down. It is with extreme sadness that my 3 week holiday break is officially over. WAH! back to the grind. Since its a new year... I figured might as well FINALLY redo my template which has been banging around this blog since its inception, been awhile since I've had to think XML but I like how it turned out. Despite the Armageddon of rain Noah's Arc style here in Los Angeles and a cold snap... I had a wonderful staycation. It was good to just relax and hang out with my family and friends and stay snuggled in watching movies while drinking hot cocoa spiked with Baileys. Looking forward to the spring and I have already planned my next vacation! (this one involves a plane though...not my couch)

Felt good to get outside in the weak sunshine this weekend. Far to chilly for my taste Since I was holed up and shuttling between my house, my parents and friends I needed to finally buy some groceries do some dry cleaning etc. I will admit while getting dressed I thought the long skirt was a great idea...but since its some polyester (hmm it could be silk though now that I think about it) it was FAR TOO COLD.

If you open my closet you will immediately notice that I am crazy- everything is sorted by color AND I have an obscene amount of light colored clothing. I love neutrals- white, beige and cream and while sometimes it is to close to my skin color i have never shied away from a tan. This lil off the shoulder sweatshirt is actually my sisters. I secretly coveted it when she bought it off clearance annoyed she got to it first. being siblings naturally I stole it from her closet at first opportune, hid it from her when she moved overseas the first time and have never given it back! In fact since I'm sure shes reading this.... I totally busted myself out. A. you never wore it anyways!

I am not one for knock-offs, I'm okay with a vintage nod or something that is inspired but I couldn't resist the cuff when I saw it at Kitson before Christmas. The gold leaf necklace was bought for me by my sister way back when and while incredible cheap I love the layered effect. Although you cant see the flats they are dying at the heels (I drive stick so that wrecks the backs as well) so I need to find some neutral colored flats ASAP since I wear them so much.

Heres is to 2011!

~ shrunken sweatshirt: Gap. very similar one here

~ maxi skirt: F21

~ denim jacket: Calvin Klein last seen here

~ Minkoff morning after bag in purple

~ flats: Chloe (not really seen)

~ assorted jewelry : cuff from Kitson || H&M leaf necklace (very old) || asos claw ring

~Vintagehoney

This one looks like it will be good...

2010-12-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

"This year's movies have legitimately transformed my idea of what is creatively possible. To commemorate, I've remixed 270 of them into one giant ass video."

This short, creative and brilliantly edited (anyone who uses Ratatat in anything gets my vote) youtube video reminds me why I love movies...and just how many that came and went this year that was on my list that i totally forgot to go see!

Cranking up the netflix *cough cough bootleg* queue

Lets get ready to rumble!

2010-12-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

I apologize in advance to the extreme trendiness of this outfit. I am teetering between 'blogwhoriffic' a boxer and the inexplicable sensation to start doing the running man.

Attempted to do some Christmas shopping, bought a lil tree for my apartment (fake because I am pretty sure my mischievous cats would decide to investigate and destroy a real one) and some decorations. Yea I'm late but everything Christmas was 50% off at Rite Aid (drugstore chain) and I was even able to grab some ice cream! I ended up getting incredible frustrated by the crowd pushing and shoving. endless looping looking for parking that I called it quits. I definitely will be doing all my Xmas shopping online from the comfort of my couch. Thank god for amazon prime :O)

This little jacket is sweatshirt material and very lightweight.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

~ grey asymmetrical jacket: F21
~ scoop neck t-shirt: James Perse
~ silk pants: express. see them here
~ booties: Calvin Klein. Last worn here.
~ silk scarf: Hayden Harnett "peacock" scarf. Bought at one of their online sample sales ages ago.
~ purse: Steve Madden k/o of A. Wang something or the other.

Devil in a new dress.

2010-12-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

I really need a gif of me swinging from some nutz cause is anyone else playing the shit out of Kanyes new album? You already witnessed me gushing over the video/upcoming album here...now imagine it thumping in a small silver sports car with 12 inch woofers. I am making myself and my people deaf.

My big boss and Co. came into town to check up on my boss and I. Oy! So I got a chance to get dressed up a little bit fancier then I normally would for work since we ended up at one of my favorite local lounges in DTLA. While I don't talk about my work here.. for what its worth it is pretty boring and the sector I am in... truly a boys club. The jokes I hear would make the tiny hairs in your ears melt. Thank god I'm bawdy and got enough cajones to throw it right back at them. I'm not called feisty for nothing.

In Dutch there is a term (I don't know how far reaching its used) tweede levenstijd, that describes the 'second life' someone has after going through a divorce or becomes a widow. That second chance at a family/love etc, usually later in life. This dress is having a tweede levenstijd. It belonged to a family friend (she was just referred to as Tia though) and she wore it ...while pregnant. This is definitely saying something that I am constantly wearing 80s maternity wear! I somehow got a hold of due to a high school group project and ended up hanging in my closet ever since. I usually wear it belted because while I really liked the sleeves it is actually a couple sizes to large. My other beef with it was that even at my height (5'8" and change) its length came off witchy. So a few months back I decided it was time to give it a second life and had my tailor turn the hem asymmetrical so that I could wear it like a shirt dress. It came out great and was a surprise bonus to discover the material was silk crepe, who knew I was just throwing in the wash for years!

The calfskin belt is vintage Saks Fifth Avenue that is obviously a definitive nod to the Hermes Collier de chien belt. I got it several months ago (spring) and kept waiting for the right outfit to wear it with. I find it so incredible 80's showy and or ornate so I wanted to wear it with something that was very simple. After trying it on with several outfits... I discovered that there was a chance the black dye of the belt might rub off (on light colored silk of course) So now its been relegated to only be worn with black items until I can find a way to have the black dye stop rubbing. I love shiny animal jewelry and the lion heads plus the studs were awesome. Not to mention it was a bargain, lol.

Am I the only person who can't wear a trench without feeling like either Inspector Gadget or a Flasher? My goal when I bought this trench during the height of my Theory obsession was to buy an investment piece, but aside from the above comments I don't reach for this trench as often as I could because it is unlined. It's also really heavy- being a blend of cotton and polyurethane.

Wow this is a wordy post! I am exhausted so sorry for babbling.

~ black dress: reworked vintage from Costa Rica (says Jose Alvarez on the tag)
~ trench: Theory (bought in '05- don't remember the name of the cut/style)
~ belt: vintage Saks Fifth Avenue (prob late 80s-early 90s)
~ black suede pumps: Cynthia Rowley Mindy pumps. Seen here
~ purse: AC Jet Setter.
~ jewelry: gold link necklace wrapped double around wrist || gold claw ring from asos.(yes I bought it in gold as well, lol)

~ Vintagehoney

and its not the weather...

2010-11-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

... hand me my [p]leather

I love leather. I love the feel of it, the varying textures and there is nothing better then the smell of leather to me. I've made mention to my other ethnic half and I equate this love for leather to visiting the busy central market in San Jose where tanned hides, leather bags and goods hung around you as you pushed your way though it. So its quite funny that I have on not only faux leather shoes...but a leatherette-type finished button down. I usually shun all things pleather... sorry PETA, but I do make the very very rare exception. I got to try out these chloe k/o for the first time and while they stink like the fake leather they are...they actually turned out to be pretty comfy.

I've had this beloved purse circa 10th grade or so. My dad flew down for business to aforementioned San Jose and I cant remember if I instructed him to grab me a bag from the market or if he decided to get my sister and I a leather token. I wore the shit outta it during that year along with Levi cut offs, high top all stars and vintage ADIDAS shirts that belonged to my mom and dad in the late 70s. I retired it to adopt the small backpack trend a la Clueless only to pull it out again sometime in college where I explored and did what would be likened to a Lisa Bonet/Persia White impression, lol minus the dreads. But plenty of the other good good.

Hope everyone stateside had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!! I ate my weight in apple pie!!

~ grey tshirt: J.Crew tissue thin tee
~ green pleather button-down: thrift
~ jeggings: Walmart! my jeggins quest ended at the last place I ever thought to go to.
~ Chloe Susan K/O: F21
~ bag: Costa Rica- please see your local spanish tourisy section for similar.
~ jewelry: assorted necklaces | artisan leather bracelet | Asos claw ring, F21 rings, Adina eternity circle etc

~ Vintagehoney

Blue Fringe

2010-11-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

No one is happier then me that ponchos and capes have made the [quick] come-around and I can yank this out from the wee back crevice of my closet. I am a winter baby- born early during a crazy blizzard in Amsterdam and while I love the California sun like any other native here...I love it when temperatures dip and I can pile on the layers! Granted it doesn't get quite that cold here in Los Angeles without heading up into the mountains...but once you live in a warm climate long enough your blood gets thin.

I bought this poncho for myself for my 21st birthday. I had decided I was going to go to Saks in the City (SF) and pick out something nice to wear to my [not really surprise] party. I hopped onto BART and rode across the Bay and as it happened it was incredible cold that day that I fell in love with the idea of this long, flimsy wool poncho. It was close to 200 dollars which was a fortune to my college school days and since its a mohair and wool mix it on occasion gets kinda itchy. I unfortunately cant remember the brand since I cut the tag out- mohair + scratchy tag on a t-neck- I couldn't take it. I also wore it on my first 'adult' trip to Paris (sans parents/) that year around Christmas no less and I remember stomping down the Champs feeling oh so Parisian. lol.

I also love a good trouser flare. It is an instant stride changer and nothing makes me feel longer and leaner then a well fitting pair. These in particular are paper thin- so thin I am always worried about snagging them... or gaining a pound and splitting the seat. These are also blessedly long enough to almost cover my feet in booties.

~ poncho- cant remember label
~ jeans: Rag & Bone trouser flare. Get similar here

~ long sleeve tee- unknown brand from S. Africa (super freaking warm)
~ shoes: Chloe 3 buckle booties (peaking out)
~ necklace: Charlotte Russe

~ bag: vintage

Pocket Change

2010-11-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

A few things I've added to my closet in the last month or so. Nothing fancy, or too expensive- but fun little things I look forward to wearing...and some wishful thinking on at least one part. Funnily enough Ive been almost like a magpie in my desire to wear and find unusual gold pendants and baubles.

1. Asos Claw ring in silver. Comes in Gold too.

2. Forever 21 long drape striped cardigan. Similar here

3. Vintage gold tone geometric pendant necklace.

4. sheer floral print button down

5. Vintage Giraffe pendant on mesh magnetic chain- ebay

6. Cynthia Rowley 'Mindy' suede pumps

7. H&M necklace

8.camel leatherette biker/scuba jacket
9. sheer zebra print button-down blouse

10. olive faux leather button down shirt

11. Vintage wood and gold pendent necklace- ebay
12. Adrienne Vitadinni zipper trim sweater tunic

~ Vintagehoney

White meat. Dark meat. All will be carved...

2010-10-31T02:45:00.000-07:00

Black Spider-kitty ring finger says....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

and since Thanksgiving is around the corner.....

Eli Roth's slashfest faux Thanksgiving trailor in Grindhouse

Be safe! Be merry! Have fun!

~Vintagehoney

*kitty ring from forever 21.

Something vague

2010-10-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

I always forget about this oh so comfy maxi dress I bought earlier in the summer from H&M. I didn’t reach for it as much as I thought I would...more so because I envisioned throwing it over bikinis etc and I spent a lot less time in a bathing suit then I normally do because of our under average summer weather (thank you global warming for that one day though) so it was an ohhh yeaa this old thing when I pulled it out to run errands (ikea, target etc) Simple and easy.

This green blazer is actually filling in for my favorite vintage military green Levis (or lee not sure anymore) jacket from my dad (it made it to Woodstock and back) that I for the love of god cannot find. It's somewhere in a box in my parents garage. I’m hoping at least, I wore it all through high school and I treasure it. Yet another casualty from the NorCal [back] to SoCal move. I've had this particular green blazer for-forever. I think I bought it my freshman or sophomore year of college and its gone from the back to the front of my closet many times in the past years with the ebb and flo of fashion and my personal taste. I keep picking up green jackets when I'm out shopping only to see this (and lost jacket) in a thought bubble that makes me put it back on the rack.

I love belts. I have a ton of them which are in desperate need of a storage solution. They are currently thrown into a Barneys shopping bag on the floor of my closet, which I drag out and dump on my bed to rummage through. This belt is one of my favorites because I think the way it fastens is so clever, and I love push stud closures. I bought it in 2006 and oddly so I can’t remember if I got it at a thrift store in Berkeley or on Haight…or ebay. As you can imagine due to the brass buckle (which is dented and aged) is pretty heavy. The picture is true to color- it’s a gorgeous reddish brown. The ring I bought with credit on gilt so it was free. When I first got it I thought it looked incredible plastic and cheap… I still do but the design has worn me down.

I am as sick of this bag as you are, lol. I am contemplating the A.Wang rocco bag as a replacement but its seriously like vacay or bag. I'm certainly leaning more towards exotic vacay.

~ green blazer/jacket: Limited- from college so old enough.
~ dress: H&M tank dress... seen here kinda
~ belt: vintage
~ invisible shoes: Corso Como Jesus sandals
~ handbag: ac city tote
~ ring: sword 2 finger ring: Noir

-Vintagehoney

No one man should have all this power.

2010-10-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

Imma let you finish Kanye...but MJ had the greatest full length music video of all times.

All joking aside, say what you will about Kanye West but this video for Runway is absolutely ridiculous…and genius. As musically creative, bemused and yes... annoying I find kanye, I am thoroughly glad that he continues to be his own muse and use his creative talent to put out interesting musical concepts such as this video/songs (along with the likes of Beyonce and Lady Gaga et al) We need musicians to carry on the Michal Jackson torch. The cinematography and visuals are stunning as are the overt imagery (Illuminati…the red hooded lil boy). He (and Hype Williams) gets my toast for this one. Crazy marketing for his album and Selita Ebanks looks gorgeous as a Phoenix...making me rethink my Halloween costume...if only I wasnt a bird last year.

And if you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the album cover My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy:

Banned album cover by George Condo

Love him or hate him. His talent is undeniable.

~Vintagehoney

I bet you think this blog is about you

2010-10-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

There are times when I update this blog that I am struck by the sheer narcissism that having a blog centered about me is. there is definitely no question about it is year of the blog and I am surprised by how of putting it is to me to continually read rhetoric on "how to reach your readers" and "how to direct more traffic to your sight" ad nauseam

Yes I realize I am writing this all on my blog. While updated sporadically it is indeed about all things me. (What I like, what I’m wearing, what I find funny etc) and while I manage to swallow the ego-trip feeling that bubbles up I do feel caught in a weird gray spot. I am no stranger to one’s own spot of vanity on the web.... I have mentioned that I have had one blog or another on the net since roughly 1999. I’ve mentioned a personal diary somewhere still standing in the interwebs that contain my entire college saga that I updated religiously and when I have that self nagging doubt I just log on to read and remember just how far I’ve come as a human being. That personal diary was cathartic and while my intent was not to find readers or the sort I eventually did and actually found one of my most genuine closet friend through it (which yes became a real life friendship that I hold dearly to my heart).

This blog is to serve the same benefits as my personal diary and while I'm obviously I am a private person (hence the head choppin- I do lile the anonymity and the focus is on the clothes...) My attempts are to share a little part of my world out to the web darkness. I love reading comments if I get any and I make an effort to comment on other peoples blogs when I can (usually logged into my regular gmail account though) sitehits etc arent on the top of my list. Since I am already a part of an online community...I am aware that my participation in the blogosphere lags.

So I hope Veshoevius of Taxonomy of my Wardrobe doesn’t mind that I reposted a section of her Friend Friday Q&A because frankly I have been wracking my brain on how to broach this topic succinctly and I couldn’t have said it better to myself.

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5. Do you view your blog as a product? Where have you or do you hope to place it?

No. Nor do I intend to make it one. You know, whatever happened to the days of a blog being on online diary or mood board? One where you could post what you felt like. I am feeling a little bombarded these days with articles about how you should be marketing your blog, branding it, taking it to the next level, catering for your audience, post daily or you're not serious, do more outfit posts, categorise your blog, don't write long posts, don't write short posts, comment to increase your followers, don't comment to increase your followers... the list is long, contradictory and getting overwhelming.

All this well-meaning advice is fantastic for those hoping to be the next Susie Bubble or Fashiontoast. I salute your drive and ambition because blogging, even as a hobby, is hard work. I'm all for blog improvement and there are excellent posts I've read recently full of great tips (see Grit and Glamour for my personal favourite and in my opinion one of the most balanced). But I have to be realistic about how much time I have on my hands. I have a very busy life which is only set to get busier and the blog has to be something that fits into my life not the other way around. I'm also quite wary of making a product out of something I wish to retain creative control over because if I wasn't able to blog on my terms I probably wouldn't blog at all.

Knife pleat in the back.

2010-10-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

So I have a quirk to share... when I am not perusing youtube in my boredom (which I tend do at work because a. we aren't blocked and b. with headphones on and serious look on my face it passes for work) my other time waster... and the change collecting at the bottom of my purse is searching on ebay for those oddball, one-offs that you hover over the 'bid now' button with the shououuuuld I? hmmm but maaaaybe if i _______________ it will work thought running through your mind.

Yes folks that is a bad lil quirk of mine. I bid on auctions on items on Fleabay that tend to raise eyebrow amongst the fambam because in my head... (or in the words of Tim Gunn) I will make it work. Case in point this skirt.

Love it. Looove the soft gray. Looove the many many many pleats that make me appear 10 pounds heavier from the waist down and isn't quite the most flattering over my rump. But with a twirl it makes a full circle and I quickly forget that I may look like a hippo in Fantasia. ..or rhino? whatever

The history behind this purchase is I wanted a pleated skirt (Once again being worked on subliminally by designers) and after mindless clicking next- next- next on ebay came across this pretty pleated number. It was 4 dollars. Seriously!

If one thing isn't apparent by now while i love designer clothing... I love cheaply had, well made [vintage usually] items that somehow just work and make me feel good. This was one of those cheaply received items that when I purchased back in July I couldn't wait to pull out for fall with a little knit sweater, scarf and booties (or in this case heels). Granted I've never heard of this brand to save my life, no matter really, but it appears to be really well made and the fabric is a poly/wool blend so it hangs heavy.

There are of course downsides to my lil ebay habit... I end up with some Fugly useless shit (that is its own entry where I use colorful language to describe the time I got a 2 piece salmon colored linen suit fit for the Amish). My rule is as long as its under 20-30 bucks shipped...who cares. I used to spend more than that on my weekly starbucks fix. However in the back of my many closets in bags headed for the salvi/goodwill are some OOGLY ass misses I believed at the time that with enough imagination I could tailor-bend it into something worthwhile. In most cases the seller mislabeled the sizing, the fabric was different then I expected or the length didnt work on my tall frame. Luckily for me I find more hits my closet loves then misses and If I actually disclosed just how much of my closet was ebay gift-bag surprises...one would well probably call me a cheap poly-suited bastard lol. I prefer to think of it as cultivating a little bit of eccentricity. I should start tagging my crazy ebay purchases in my post.

Because of some questionable items Ive received I do ask specific question to the seller before bidding regardless of the bid amount. and I have the patience of a turtle so I will easily just have a tab open of me clicking slowly through 500 ebay finds that turn up to whatever search string I requested. A lot of the times I use abstract terms- "silk, nude, chemise," and see what pops up. More oft then not I do find something I like... and yes sometimes its either too small, too big or the worst I forget about it and the bid ends.

The good stuff always turns up on the last pages of the Ebay search or page 2. never fails.

~ gray knife pleated skirt: ebay
~ cream pointelle sweater: no idea stolen from baby sis and tags ripped out
~ patent pointy pumps: costume national. Last seen on my feet here.
~ Urban Outfitters knit animal print scarf
~ bag: structured bag hybrid madness
~ assorted jewelry

Anna the great.

2010-10-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

I love her accent!

I'm sure we have all seen the ridiculous fantasmic pictures of Anna Dello Russo at the Vogue Paris masquerade ball to never doubt or question her fabulosity, here is a youtube video making the blog rounds to further cement her Italian 'too cool for school' aura. Love the fun she has with fashion, designer shapes and her look. Brava!

Dude looks like a lady!

2010-10-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

BANANAS!

Kinda long I know but I got sent this via email and thought she did a bang-up job contouring and shading herself into Jared Leto. Plus anything set to Nine Inch Nails is instantly cooler. Fact.

Seeing Spots

2010-10-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is from when it was warm but comfy. right before the crazy heat wave. We here in Southern...well all of California I guess, suffered from a sudden, unexpected heat wave that set a new record for us here in Los Angeles. Downtown Los Angeles broke records with a daytime high of 113+ F (the thermometer broke at 113...so the scientist aren't actually sure just how hot it truly got) Collectively referred to now as the "event" by my friends ... it was definitely not fun. As I've mentioned repeatedly on my blog, I live in an older 40's building tucked away in the foothills of Hollywood- I get a great cross breeze/ventilation from one end of my apartment to the other and because of the outside foliage it rarely gets warm in my apartment albeit incredibly shady (as noted by my lack of natural light in my pictures). which means no need for air condition. Honestly I grew up in LA in the 80s/90s where no one had air condition in their drafty craftsman's and California Bungalows- so one would think that I would be used to it. I'm not.

It was a miserable day that stretched into a miserable night. I came home to a fire at my apartment complex that took out cars GTA style, the air was so hot and dry (both from the heat and I am assuming from ash) that it would bite the skin (I kept reapplying lotion, taking showers etc) and around 10 pm my kitty GQ started showing signs of heat exhaustion (hot paws, panting...coupled with runny eyes from the smoke/ash) which then led into an extremely hot sleepless night of trying to keep him hydrated and his feet and fur wet (he at one point had a soaked dish towel clipped around his neck superman cape style) Oh and the kicker, I lost power at 3 am (burnout in my hood) so without my fan it just became even more opressive and suffocating- pure misery. The heat stretched into the weekend making it not pleasant and I am still trying to recoup and go back to normal business. Now its chilly and raining. Go figure.

(Love the pintuck detail but yes it is a bit too sheer)

This shirt is from way back when as I tend to hold on to everything. I'm not a hoarder cause I do give a good chunk of clothes away- in fact when I moved to this apartment I did an incredible purge along with my sister to goodwill. (some stuff I do regret now like this vintage 1920s dark brown sheer lace peignoir... shouldn't have listened to my sis) Oddly so this blouse came up on the chopping block along with a couple other polka dotted blouses but because the spots are untraditional I kept it. My friends son who was 3 years old at the time I bought and wore it (hes now 7!) told me I looked like "oner and one dalmashuns" so from then on I referred to it as my Cruella DeVil blouse. I also have the bad habit of buying skirts a size too big in the waist. I blame my rump for sometimes sizing up and having it gap in the waist but in this case it was deliberate. It was the last one and figured I would just hike it up and wear it as a paperbag waisted skirt...but it kept totally gaping on me and sitting funny. I wonder if I can and should even bother seeing if it can be taken in by a tailor. What do you think?

(see the gaping?)

~ blouse: Forever 21 (super old as mentioned)
~ pleated skirt: nordstrom junior brand Halogen
~ shoes: Miss Sixty 'Tracey' heels. worn here as well.
~ bag: AC city tote
~ H&M black bangles

Lieve Mama, Hartelijk gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag!!!

Fall, I see ya!

2010-09-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Lined up and ready for battle

So over the past weekend while I was rearranging and pruning my closet for the upcoming change in season (that and I saw a moth which turns me crazy) decided to snap some shots of my favorite recruits for my fall [winter] shoe army.

I personally love it when you get a peak in someone’s else’s closet and see a piece of their personality. So these pictures, while a small representation of my shoe wardrobe, are pretty much the ones I will be grabbing the next few months. A few boots are missing in action since they are at my parents house in storage but will probably be worked into rotation eventually. There are a couple shoes I am eying to purchase (really love the See By Chloe embellished Doc Martens but oh so pricey!) but for the most part I think I am set. Which is good for my wallet... and even better for my closet because I am running out of room! Details are down below.

Lol, yes my left foot is slightly smaller then my right. Isn't everyones?

I try to take care of my shoes (read: anal). They all stay in the box they came in (more because my kitties like to dig their nails in leather) and stay wrapped etc. I do however need to replace the heel caps on a couple of them. :O) Granted I also realize these are a good representation of the mild F/W climate I live in.

So some you've seen before, some are the usual suspects but the deets if you are so inclined...

Top Row L-R:
Due Farina 'Odessa" buckle boots; Dutch store nonbrand on the 'kalverstraat" equestrian boots; Michael Kors Poleci boots; Miss60 dance boots, Rosegold 'Enid' booties, LAMB 'King' Booties; Calvin Klein 'Peg' booties, Chloe Silverado 3 buckle booties, Chloe Susan k/o booties, Jeffrey Campbell Ninety-Nine wedge boots

Bottom Row L-R:
Chloe Jodie mary jane wedges; Joie 'Vittoria' suede wedges; BCBG suede pumps; Stuart Weitzman 'Extra' peep toe (also suede); Boutique 9 pony hair pumps; Costume National pointy toes; Kalliste platform peep hole; Prada t-strap nailhead platforms; Joie 'Layla' buckle platforms; Joie 'Veronica' mary janes.

HAPPY FALL!!!

GQ checking out my shoe game.

~Vintagehoney

Goodbye Summer, I hate to see you go

2010-09-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I wasn't ready for the autumn wind to blow

This is one of my favorite summer dresses. It is the perfect shape to throw on and grab brunch which is exactly what I wore it to on Sunday. Its actually from my mother and she loves to remind me that she wore it when she was pregnant with me, so its ...pretty old...and it hides my food baby pretty good. My only qualm with it its a tad to long (which is weird because my mom is 5'4" so it must've been calf length on her) and it dips really low in the front and the side.

Because the dress is a little bit boho to me I decided to wear it with those cork balenciaga platforms that become a net frenzy when they showed up on the racks at DSWs in major cities. After much finagling I was able to get my hands on these for pretty cheap. Helps to have a bigger foot when it comes to shoes. They are crazy tall though and definately just sit and look pretty shoes. I admire anyone who spends hours walking around in them because they were definitely giving my knees and calf muscles a work out..and this was just walking to and from the valet!

Ahh the last official weekend of the summer, even my gnarly tan from a month ago is fading. I cant wait for fall! Although the temperature stays for the most part pretty mild here I cant wait for those days when it super chilly and I can bust out the tights and layer up!

Excuse the laying egg pose.

Tried out somewhere new in my apartment. Meh still not enough light as witnessed by the 'noisy' photos. Just gotta make do with my shady cool apartment :O)

Has everyone been following fashion week? loved so many looks and if I wasn't such a lazy blogger would attempt to post some of my favorite looks.

~ dress: Vintage from my mom (Dutch Brand)
~ sandals: Balenciaga Cork platforms. Cheaper Alternatives from Kors (prob comfier too!)
~ bag: Glazed AC city tote
~ jewelry: leather wristband || Ivory carved elephant necklace from Africa

I stay fresh like I'm wrapped in plastic

2010-09-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it’s all in the details.

So last Friday a close girlfriend and I headed out to partake in Vogues Fashion’s Night Out here in Los Angeles. I didn’t attend last year and what I do remember it sounded dismal in size and participation. This year LA got its act together and organized events worthy enough for me to rally through my normal end-of-the-week Friday night exhaustion (I’m usually like Cinderella… around midnight I am face down in my dessert or fighting of serious yawns) It didn’t help that this was the weekend following Labor Day weekend and I was suffering from post-vacation exhaustion.

After scrutinizing the map and ‘trolley’ routes…and honestly getting a late start out (we headed out around 8 pm) we headed to the Beverly Center as the center point (and free parking) checked out a couple of the local scenes (opening ceremony) debated walking over to Robertson after making the courtesy round through the Bev Center (which mainly involved everyone just ogling each other)

Since the night was winding down as far as events in the Beverly center we headed outside and after some hesitation on our part decided to just try and wait for one of the LA Dash buses transporting LAFNO fashion partygoes form one shopping neighborhood to another. After debate about whether or not a bus was going to show up with other fashion revelers…one did and we hopped on. Even though the lady bus driver warned us she wasn’t making a return route.

Fine whatever.

We got off at Fred Segal and ended up having a blast. I was very proud of LA effort- I saw the trendsters, the hipsters, the fashionistas, the Anthro-ish vintage-wear rockers…the purple skinny jean wearing BEP look. It was great. Drank, danced and people watched in the parking lot and made our way (cautiously) upstairs to where the Dandy Warhol’s were playing a set and the entire floor was swaying and buckling under the weight of people having a good time.

Now my goal at this point in this entry was to post pictures. But I decided to forgo my bigger better camera for my small cheapy point and shoot. At the mall I pulled it out to snap pics and it went PFFFTTT and decided not to turn on. So that kinda ruined my night picture. wise. (Turns out I thought I charged the battery but put it in wrong…)

Sorry for the lousy pics, my camera angle is super off (I think I am placing it to high? Making me look big headed on top and tiiiinny legs. Gotta fiddle with it again. Or maybe its just me in denial on just how broad my linebacker shoulders are) and I didn’t check light or blah blah. So I leave you with a few quick ‘what I wore’ shots. My outfit was basically about my jacket and my shoes. Oh I love the shoes. 5 inch with a 2 inch platform and I could’ve stomped into the sunrise they were that comfy. I’m not normally a leggings under tunic gal- but these suedette leggings are awesomeness and I forsee them making a lot of appearances this upcoming winter. Oh and it was really to warm still for my trench. Even with the 3 quarter sleeves. Hmm maybe it was the vodka.

Girl you bout' it, you can strip like comic and trance to melodic, techno-tronic

~ grey ruffle neck tunic- noname beach coverup
~ black skirted trench: Susana Monaco. Kinda old bought it last dec.
~ suedette leggings: F21 get your own here.
~ plexiglass platforms: Aldo Perruse buy them here. on sale too!
~ bag: RM Nikki in sage
~ Assorted rings || necklace

bring the buckets by the dozens

2010-08-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

Not inventing the wheel here.

skinny grey jeans: check
nautical stripes: check
strong shoulders blazer: checkety check

Although I did purchase this blazer back in the beginning of way back when (I think end of '08?) before the ‘strong shoulder’ trend hit the masses. At the time I thought it was a funny coinky-dink that I stumbled on this great blazer with puffy padded shoulders…only to see the fashionista memo on every overseas fashion editor one season (I just like unusual details, in this case the puffy shoulders, and it was a great deal to fill the lack of blue blazer hole in my closet then) For some odd reason when I get an itch for something and go hunting for this mythical item, only to procure it becomes a huge trend 6 months later and then I’m sick of my coveted purchase. I like to think I got a great nose for upcoming trends…but the most plausible answer is that much like those into fashion I’m just gravitating and picking up on cues being given by designers and the natural progression of one trend to the next . No I am not high, lol.

I also find it bemusing to see how various items, shoes, purses etc become blogsluts as everyone and their blog mama rushes out to buy same item. So here I am on a blog click spree… and all I see is the same fucking outfit- shoe, belt (Moschino at the moment it seems for the EU girlies) from coast to coast, continent to continent. It just makes me think that this [non]phenomenon happening clearly remarks how intrinsic this interwebz is and just how non-unique we really are...and how [we] are all just a bunch of followers. She also hit the blogtrend right on the nail

Don’t get me wrong, there are more then a few items that I’ve seen on blogs that put a small fire under my little lemming heart- but then there are a whole slew of items that just make me scratch my head in disbelief. (Like those fetish looking JS dani platforms? I had the pleasure to run across them at Bloomingdale on the sale racks a couple weeks ago… I tried them on for fun just to see what the fuss was about. Solidly made? yes. Freaky Fetish tranny shoes… yes again) but to each their own. As long as you don’t yuck my yum, I won’t yuck yours.

giving the Kardashians a run for their money

So what you cant see in this picture is all those shoe boxes stacked in the corner of my dressing room/closet area I cropped out. Eep! They actually go in the closets behind me but I’ve been to lazy/busy/bored to bring myself to clean them up and out and put them back in their proper space. One day. In fact I should probably tackle the clothes monster on the floor of my walk in closet. Meh Overrated. Plus I would deny my cats the pleasure of burrowing and getting cat hair all over my shit. Anywho wore this blogwhorific outfit out to drinks over the weekend and ate my weight in bbq. Also helped my baby sis pack up her apartment for her big move and attempted to catch some much needed Zs.

Petey "Sonic" Porcupine officially says wassup

~ blue blazer: Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

~ striped blouse: Banana Republic. worn here

~ grey skinnies: NY&Co Jeans

~ shoes: Pour La Victoire 'Sloane' pumps. Buy them here

~ bag: RM 'Nikki" in sage.

~ jewelry: nOir 'Pete the Porcupine" ring || assorted rings/necklaces/bracelet

* blog title is from Hospital Beds. I prefer the Florence and the Machine cover.

Got to give it up.

2010-08-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

So driving out of my underground work parking lot yesterday afternoon I immediately noticed how dark it was already at 5:30.

The summer that never happened is slowly slipping away. What an unusual cold summer we have had! And nothing announces the nearing of the end of summer for me then the annual US Surf Open that I attend every year in the OC. My friends and I joking refer it to as our "annual Mecca to the land of neck tats and lifted trucks".

I had such a great time at the end ceremonies this past weekend; checking out the yummy surfers, bmxers and motocross dudes, the sun bleached bros and babes and dancing in the warm sand to the free Weezer concert in my bikini. Nothing makes me happier to be a SoCal native then moments like these that end with a salty corona, some fish tacos and a bonfire on the beach. I will try to put some pics up of the fun this weekend.

These pics as mentioned in a previous post are from a couple weeks back that I never got around to uploading, it was from when it was cooler then it is now and donning a jacket to keep warm during the morning gloom was necessary (well.... still is) I had an idea to tuck this bat-winged blouse into a pencil skirt and actually liked the end result.

This military green capelet/jacket is one of my favorite pieces in my closet and I love the pintuck tailoring on the sleeves.

Have a good one!

~ green capelet: Chloe

~ silk batwing blouse: Zoe NYC

~ skirt: H&M seen here

~ heels: Joie "vittoria" suede pumps

~ satchel: vintage

~ magpie claw necklace worn here last

~ chain link bracelet oldie.

- Vintagehoney

"RUN & TELL THAT, Homeboy"

2010-08-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

SHUT UP RIGHT NOW!!!

I know I am probably incredible late- I blame being gone the past weekend in Sin City but this is absolutely bananas. LOL I love autotune the news and this is the best they have done. If you have no idea whats going on catch the original story here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Vintagehoney

and we don't care about the young folks

2010-08-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ahh so exhausted but the Dutch Cuz are back in the low lands and while I had an incredible time with them showing them the [LA] goods... I am incredible tired and my bank account is worse for wear. I have however a few outfit post from the previous weeks that I didn't get a chance to post. I guess since I am a lazy blogger I will dole them out over the next couple weeks or so.

So leaving you with some quick shots (lol my hand on the hip pose) cause I need to do some serious clean-up recovery efforts in my apartment! More later!

~ Olive linen shirtdress: Target

~ leather belt: vintage
~ purse: super old from college.
~ mustard t-strap heels: Prada.

- Vintagehoney

Short Skirt. Long Jacket.

2010-07-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

So the 'summer' in LA started out with a whimper. Our notorious June gloom bled into July and it was cold and rainy until this past Saturday! Which was totally unexpected and while I am clearly a winter baby I do enjoy the long dog days of summer where all my free time is spent enjoying all the trappings that sunny days and warm nights bring. Since my two darling younger cousins are coming to visit from Holland for 3 weeks I am excited that it will warm up and they get to experience and enjoy their first LA experience! They are totally obsessed with the Hills and aside from showing them the charmed side of life here (...where everywhere has valet) I want to make sure they see the 'real' LA as well and have planned a jam packed itinerary of shit to do.

Utter exhaustion is headed my way!

This print was love at first sight and the pleated layers just put that love into longterm. My only beef is that it is sheer! I got on nude undies but its not a skirt I can wear to work (...not that I would its a lil to 'fun') so it has been relegated to a casual going out skirt.

These shoes are incredible comfortable!

Yes I stay up late.

~ sweater vest: Hennes (super duper before stateside H&M old)

~ cotton skirt: M. Missoni bought last year. Similar here

~ trench coat: Louis Verdad. Last spotted here.

~ sandals: Miss Sixty 'Dakota' heels

~ clutch: vintage stolen from my mama from Costa Rica.

~ jewelry: Whiting & Davis bracelet|| assorted rings.

Summertime and the livin's easy

2010-07-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Party like a Frogstar!

So when I fall off the blog wagon I fall hard. It’s been ages since I’ve updated and can only point to …well its summer! I had told myself that I would try to update at least twice a week…but between bbqs, chilly (honestly downright freezing) bonfires at the beach, partying and oh man FIFA! It’s been a busy June/July for me. Sadly, my country lost (I am ½ Dutch for those who might’ve missed it…my other ½ is Central American…hence my year round tan lol) and it was an incredible disappointing loss but oh man I am so glad sports are over! I am a total sports nut and have been actively and physically (ouch financially!) cheering on one team or another since last year October. So finally! *siiiigh* my life is not revolving around a game! You would think I am the guy in my relationship! Well that and my love for power tools and cars.

So I am once again going to pick up the blogging habit and try (try again) …will see! Hope everyone is enjoying the summer (or lack thereof here in Los Angeles)

This is Serious Bidness.

2010-06-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

Purple and Gold pride.

I'm afraid the play-offs may cause a temp. haitus in blogging. Yes I turn into a nail-biting, crazed purple and gold screaming nightmare. While I couldn't ask for a better, more exciting match-up then the Boston Celtics... it's going to be a hard one. Much sleep is going to be lost over the next couple weeks. EEK!

GO LAKERS!

Micmacs

2010-05-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Micmacs

"Amélie and Delicatessen director Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs merges slapstick comedy with social conscience and political satire to create a film that’s both visually stunning and darkly hilarious.

A near-death experience catapults a video-store clerk on a zany quest to bring unscrupulous arms dealers to justice; along the way, he falls in love with a contortionist. The caper is Jeunet’s strongest film to date, a rich visual experience exploring the collateral damage of war via its group of bizarre and colorful misfits."

If you are like me and fell in love with the quirky tale of Amelie, the fun cinematography and Audrey Tatou this looks like a cute film of the same cloth. Judging from the trailer many of Jean-Pierres favorite actors appears in Micmacs.

Check it out opens today in Los Angeles and NYC!

Everyone have a safe and fun Memorial day weekend!

~Vintagehoney

Sem Contenção

2010-05-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

So I mustered up strength and managed to snap a few shots of what I wore. Many sneezes happened in between and I debated whether or not a face mask was fashionable.

I CANNOT WAIT for this long weekend. screw being broke. screw my allergies. The promise of being able to sleep in for 3 days is sooo delicious sounding. I usually steal away for long weekends like this but this year I am staying local and have a ton of little things planned to keep me occupied...that can be done cheaply!

I adore yellow and wonder why I don't wear it more. I bought this blouse at a thrift store somewhere in the Bay Area (been so long I cant remember which store, which city exactly) against the very vocal oppositions of my sister and friends. *Shrugs* I love that it is a silk and linen blend and I think the puffed sleeves are fun. I am also glad to have finally found these high-waisted linen pants. I had to take a seam-ripper to the bottom hem to gain more inseam, I only like wide legs with platform heels and these are almost not long enough for my liking.

A bit chesty isn't it (as in all ribs no meat, lol)

I hope everyone who is stateside has an awesome holiday weekend!

~ silk and linen blouse: Vintage
~ navy wideleg linen pants: H&M
~ purse: Vintage Anne Klein. here
~ platform sandals: Kors (not really seen)
~ thrifted lucite necklace | Assorted rings| leaf bangle from F21

My blog titles are usually song lyrics or song titles of what I am grooving to at the time. In this case I was listening to Bebel Gilberto...

This Post Is Sponsored by Benadryl and AAA

2010-05-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Ah blog.

I didn’t mean to neglect you last week but it turned out to be a dozy of one.

My allergies for whatever reason continue to torment me despite the amount of pills I keep popping. There are moments between my ‘multi-sneezasms” as a friend coined them (I have a loud scary 'faking it' scream sneeze that startles me and the people around me… yes it’s annoying for all parties involved. But I learned a long time ago not to try and muffle the sound. Blew out my eardrum before.) where I gave honest thought to sealing myself up in a room Howard Hughes style and worried about my heart stopping.

So basically nature wiped out my will to live (and get dressed judging by the amount of times I pulled on my cigarette pants and my sweater duster to work.) I was a sad sight.

As if life couldn't possible given me any more “making lemonade out of lemons” moments, I got a flat on way to work.

Yes. That is a donut on my car.

Cha-ching!!!

There goes any sort of fun and frivolity for the month of June. My tires cost about $250 a pop and I need two (for the front, backs are as usual fine)

I hadn’t planned on replacing them until July so this threw a cog in my budget. (and if I can continue to whine for a moment about my car… my car registration is due on Friday)

Oh, and now I have to devote a day this upcoming holiday weekend to have the new tires installed.

Thank you car.

So that just made for a shitty week.

The one sweet spot though was Sundays Lost series finale.

I have been with Lost since day one. I laughed, I cried.. I clapped... I shook my fist at the TV in anger, threw my hands up in bafflement and scratched my head in puzzlement.

Wouldn’t have been Lost without all those feelings and I am glad that it went out that way.

I loved the dialogue and discussion, rabid online fan base trading theories and ideas of what LOST was about. I'm going to miss having a show that made me think, ruminate and pull up that pricey liberal arts education knowledge forgotten in the crevices of my mind.

I will truly miss looking forward to the crazy that was LOST.

*pours a little liquor out*

With a thought she has caught by a thread

2010-05-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I truly did as I celebrated a dear and close friends birthday. We all had a great time and I have pictures that I will eventually put up to share. The only bummer was my freaking allergies!! I am so sick of sneezing, and sniffling...hanging out in that dugged out allergy medicine fog. For most people allergy meds knock them out... me nope! I just zombie out and sometimes it actually makes me jittery and keeps me awake.

Some people count sheep, some read...some mickey themselves out with some carefully created cocktail.... I peruse youtube when I can't sleep.

I honestly cant remember insomnia pre-internet (well I'm lying cause I am old enough to remember pre-internet days....somewhat) but I love browsing all the various content people have taken the time to upload for my singular sleepless enjoyment.

Here are two that I absolutely fell in love with. Both the songs and the stop motion are genius. I hope you enjoy them as well!

I would also like to give a big shout out and thank you to Prêt à Porter P for highlighting my blog on hers last week! I absolutely adore her [your] style and her blog and have been a silent stalker/voyeur for the past year. I blushed hard when I saw my lil name. Thank you!

Doll Parts

2010-05-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've been part of a fashion forum community since I graduated college. Spending most of my day logged in chatting with fellow-fashion minded gals has provided me with both a way to make my work day go faster, an incredible network of 'friends' spread out across the country/world and a community that has enriched my life in more ways then possible.

Well like any group of friends...when one person buys something that is rad. everyone wants in. The rad in this case would be the petticoated Abaete Nancie skirt from a couple seasons ago.

credit: Saks

Since the Abaete skirt was hard to find in a size large enough to fit me I did what I always do... keep my eyes open for something as similar as possible that fits the bill. I think I found a good approximation in this über cheap 10 dollar of the sales rack H&M skirt I bought a few months ago. I can be a thrifty bugger I tell ya.

This shirt was a gilt.com purchase a few weeks back. I was searching for this exact same blouse in this beautiful kelly green I spotted last year..and was incredible happy to see Geren Ford re-release it in neutral colors. The cropped canvas jacket that I bought a few years back travelling overseas and rediscovered when I had to bring everything out of storage to move into my apartment. I think I had originally meant to change out the buttons but got lazy.

While I love these Mius Mius dubbed 'ice cream pumps' on aforementioned fashionboard.... they are admitedly super ouchy! The toe box is incredible cramped and pinches my toe causing numbness.

~ blouse: Geren Ford 'pintuck' blouse in Ecru
~ jacket: dutch brand
~ skirt: H&M
~ bag: Minkoff morning after
~ shoes: Miu Miu 'Naplak Patch' in Nudo

Moral of the story... join a fashionboard.

Paint it Black

2010-05-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

At the last minute I decided to take up the invite to a friend of a friends gallery opening over the weekend. I hadn't originally planned on attending because I knew it was going to be a long weekend for me and didn't know if I would have energy for it. But somehow I rallied and thoroughly enjoyed the event (so mad I left my digicam at home though!!!)

Ordinarily I would wear some a short party dress but I had bought this long comfy Alexander Wang K/O t-shirt dress and was jumping at an opportunity to wear it. The weather was utterly gorgeous over the weekend and the nights were cool but balmy so I didn't need a jacket. I had an idea to top this white sequined 80's style top over it and loved the silhouette. I don't know if it photographed all that hot but I swear it looked better in person.

I love how the back of the sequin overtop draped over the dress. I am planning on wearing it this way over something short, black and tight.

I wanted a long floaty black skirt (please see sidebar) but instead stumbled across this maxi dress on a shopping trip with my sister. I rarely venture upstairs in H&M to the divided section and now I wonder why I never do! I saw a rack full of these and instantly gravitated towards them. The tank dress is sheer and I don't know how anyone shorter then me is wearing this, because even in my comfy "I know I'm going to be on my feet" heels the dress dragged. Best of all... it was $12.95. It totally filled the maxi skirt void for me and I can see it getting a lot of wear this upcoming summer.

~ blouse: Love 21 sequin top

~ dress: H&M Divided tank t-shirt dress

~ shoes: Miss Sixty strappy heels. Last worn here

~ clutch: Vintage snakeskin clutch
~ jewelry: F21 feather earrings | H&M black bangles bought last year | assorted rings.

I feel right at home in this stunning monochrome.

2010-04-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe its the end of April! This month went by so incredible fast for me! Did it go by that fast for you? Maybe its because I was busy almost every free moment I had? and of course I'm sure the NBA playoffs have much to do with my time being tied up screaming obscenities at the tv screen in a sports bar... or game 1 live last Sunday at the Staples Center (GO LAKERS!)

People always seem genuinely surprised when I first open my mouth after getting to know them and the raunchy humor of a 14 year old boy tumbles out along with my die hard sport devotion or the fact I'm a total tech geek or gearhead. I always joke I like to "hang out with my Y out"... implying I like reveling in my non-existent Y chromosome... but I understand. My outer facade definitely doesn't match that of a tomboy- and while I dont consider myself a tomboy (because who needs labels). I do get incredibly annoyed with being called a girly girl off the bat just on sight by anyone.

There is definitely something masculine about a tight fitted button down shirt. granted its silk, and I tucked it into the shortest skirt i can possible get away with in my corporate enviroment..but my stride in my ass kicking booties was definitely longer and stronger.

Originally I was going to twist the skirt so the front was all grey and the back was all black. But it has pockets and I kinda dug the splitting of self down the middle via the grey side and the black side.

I got this jacket on super sale (30 bucks) after some crazy stalking from Urban Outfitters.com last year. After repeatedly getting the cancellation notice after purchasing it, one finally stuck and I got my hot lil hands on it! I liked it so much in black that when it popped up in blue I nabbed it also. So now I have two jackets in diff colors of the same cut, lol. I never ever do that. I prefer only to buy multiples of basic staple items (paper thin tshirts, comfy cardigans etc)

These booties are really that high (I havent measured but I'm like 6'1" in them) but actually pretty comfortable all things considering. I've been on pub crawls in them without much pain...although I'm sure the alcohol helped numb the pain.

nippy days and colder nights still!

~ coat: Kimchi Blue Ruffle wool coat
~ shirt: Express silk button down
~ skirt: Vince "brushstrokes"
~ shoes: Lamb 3 buckle booties
~ hue tights
~ bag: Ana Corrina city tote

To Crop or Not to Crop…

2010-04-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

So I learned last week that cropped pants is very much a personal thing. Everyone has a different idea on what cropped pants are, loose fit or classic cigarette “Audrey” Hepburn fit, length to the ankles…or length to wherever you feel is appropriate. I’ve also seen more than a few comments over the years that more or less imply that it should be left to only the tall and slender.

I personally love cropped pants in just about any shape or form and while I’m tall… I’m not super skinny. I love classic slim fitting ones to the baggy incarnations that a few in the fashion forward set adopted. Since I am tall it’s very rare that I find cropped pants that hit my ankle- I have maybe one pair that does that will eventually make its appearance since I wear them all the time. These particular pair I am wearing though are incredible comfortable and while easy to slip into… I did find the proportions a bit challenging.

My goal when wearing these was simple, try out a different silhouette…and not look like an idiot. Or a genie. Or its 1993 and it's Hammertime.

I love the silver beaded adornment on this cashmere blend sweater. To me it looks very 1920s art deco. I think it echoes my vintage Dave and Whiting bracelet perfectly. The pants are sooo comfortable. They are a thin slouchy silk and I can wear them through the many seasons we [don't] have here. Best of all...they were on sale and I could easily justify trying out this trend.

slouchy, comfy... perfect.

~ blazer: vintage my mothers from the 70s
~ sweater: cashmere cheapy sweater
~ pants: Express silk cropped pants
~ bag: Minkoff Nikki in Sage
~ shoes: Stuart Weitzman purple suede heels
~ bracelet: Whiting & Davis

2 legit 2 Quit y'all

I got stripes.

2010-04-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am still on the fence about how this all came together. It's what I would call an 'experimental' outfit, trot it out see what needs to be tweaked, how I would wear it differently next time what elements need to be changed etc. I bought this skirt before Christmas and have been dying to wear it...well once I remembered I purchased it. Its a pale bluish-grey almost the color of concrete and because of this weird color I've found it for some odd reason a hard color choice and I usually never have issues pairing colors.

I love airy fabrics and tend to gravitate towards silk. I like the feel of wearing it and here with our dry heat, keeps you cool. Plus silk comes in such a vast array of finishes or knit and I like to keep a contrast in fabric types. I had been in the market for a striped tee for ages. I love the resurgence of the striped/breton trend that has lasted a couple seasons, but I hadn't found anything I really liked. I have even chased down people in awesome striped shirts ..only to hear it was purchased years ago etc. Plus I was really leaning towards navy stripes.

So one boring Sunday morning a couple months back I found myself on shopstyle.com, tabbing through image after image of navy 'striped' tees in search of that intangible t-shirt. On there I spotted this shirt from Banana Republic, 3 navy stripes, it was silk and even better...on sale. I am all about instant gratification I got up, got dressed, hopped in my car and drove to the Grove to see if it was there.

After some "no I don't need help" frantic riffling through the sales rack I came across the last one. In petite. In small.

....but this is Banana Republic...so you and I both know that BR = HUGE

The icing on the cake was the sales associate passing out sales code postcards. Luckily my code on my postcard was 30%, so it made the sale even cheaper. I skipped out happily.

I love the layered apron effect of the skirt but I do need to have it taken in at the waist. I tend to size up for length and my butt but then the item is too big and it goes on the "take it to the tailor" list which never happens. The jean jacket is a few years old, and I know the contrast cross hatch stitching isn't current... But it's a good fit and comfortable and I'm still making the effort to wear what I have and see how I can recycle/remix it in.

Weird awkward pose. no clue what I was doing.

Color is peacock.

~ jacket: Calvin Klein denim moto. old.

~ blouse: Banana Republic

~ skirt: BCBG

~ bag: Handmaid bag by michelle frantz. Worn here as well

~ shoes: Calvin Klein 'Peg' booties

~ misc. costume jewelry

Happy 4-20. And because I am a true BLUE Californian. Legalize it.

"Cause fuk it I wanted to wear a cape and do some rock shit"

2010-04-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Credit: Otter

The ceiling breathed and heaved and with every base chord and the walls ran with sweat as hands raised to testify that "yes everybody got their something/ everybody is a star"

Last Friday night I had the pleasure to see Nikka Costa live for an impromptu show at the Roxy here in Hollywood. A surprise concert that caught me off guard, if it wasn't for the blah blues and the well wishes of my darling younger sister it was definitely something I would've missed out on (again!)

Seeing Nikka Costa live is something akin to a religious revival. Between her soulful voice as she writhed across the stage...in yes her sparkly cape, the wailing of the electric guitar, organ and... trombone she managed to lift and take everyone on her funky musical journey. It's also great to bring a new fan or someone who's never witnessed her spitfire performance as my friend turned around to me delighted that "holy shit Imma need to smoke a cigarette after this"

Being the music-head I am, every Tuesday I used to book it to the now extinct Wherehouse on my bike (cause that's how we rolled in my college town) and check out the new cd releases on Tuesday. Yes cd. One Tuesday my junior year of college (aging myself) I happened to pick up a cd sampler off the single shelfs (y'all remember the cd singles?!) for a buck. The cd single whose cover of a neon pink star caught my eye contained 4 songs of some singer I had never heard of but recognized some of the producers on it (?uestlove among others) and decided to take a chance. I mean it was a buck! And I'm so glad I like pretty shiny things because those first funky notes that blasted surprisingly out of my stereo was well welcomed and like most of my musical choices shaped me in some way and I became an instant fan. I eagerly awaited the drop of her full album and my roommate/BFF somehow managed to get her hands on a huge concert promo poster for me that hung in my room for years (In fact I have it somewhere in storage somewhere)

She also coincided with the continuing evolvement of my style into the '70s boho chic style I rocked at that point in my life. Sporting a huge [accidental] orange/blond afro-curly ponytail I bust out my mothers high waisted jean skirt and dug up some high-waisted wide legs which, worn with fringed vest/boho blouses and my omnipresent woven rucksack from Costa Rica completed my retro-vibe.

credit: Conor

That year I also got to see her live ( and her buzz she created with the single 'everybody's got their something' that appeared I believe in a jeans ad?) at a small intimate club in San Francisco. I dragged above bestie, sister and another friend for what turned out to be a throwdown of one the most delectable, downright funky ass grooving/catching the spirit/sing-a-long hand clapping concert experiences I've gotten to enjoy thus far. Blue eyed soul, funk and all that jazz.

This Friday night her backup band was in full form and we all got a kick of watching the young blond female trombonist get down with Nikka and the crowd, i'm surprised she was old enough to perform in a club that was 21+ My only complaint is... the Roxy. I love that its all historical and sheit, and a small enough space that you can reach out and touch the performer (or at the least make eye contact)...but they need to update their sound system. The dj between the sets spinned some great old and new 'element' hip hop songs plus like sly and the family stone to set the night, but their sound system when compared to most of the musical arenas here in Los Angeles... or even the clubs is outdated. You would think with the stamped on the ticket, '2 drink minimum' they could afford to redo it... but whatevs. I only bought one drink. So take that Roxy.
Knowing that I most likely would be getting down and dancing and the fact the Roxy gets hotter/wetter then a Miami night- I wore a simple grecian styled throw on dress from H&M (I never ever shop this much at stateside H&M, I'm surprising myself even) and some gladiator-esque wedge heels. too literal? Maybe. You be the judge. And as predicted I was drenched by the end of the night.

~ jacket: oldy but goody Old Navy "voldy" hooded leather jacket
~ dress: H&M
~ shoes: Miss Sixty strappy heels
~ jewelry: Forever 21 necklace

stay funky.

Pusherman

2010-04-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

Ah! another rainy night to drizzly morning for us here in Los Angeles. Which is fine by me! because I get to trot out some late in the season boot purchase (which I will have to wax poetic in a later post because they were coveted for years)

If you look on the sidebar to your right ---> that way. I have a lil "want" list. Every season I try to make a list of what I need and or what is missing from my closet. In the wake of my consumption-consciousness I'm really trying to only buy what I've pared down as need/want on that list. I've already slipped and bought a few misc. items that I have no real need for other then I thought would be fun to wear...it's gonna take time to break old habits!

So second on my list is a trench coat. Now I was not looking for a 'classic' trench coat, but rather a trench with interesting details. Like pleated shoulders, crazy buttons etc. Perusing my blog-read list a really awesome trench caught my eye and I thought it would be sooo nifty to have a trench with a hood!

BOOYAH! As if the fashion gods heard my murmuring I stumbled across this awesome swing trench in olive and... wait for it.... with a hood. *angels singing*

It's by See by Chloe and me finding it was a happy surprise. I love all things Chloe and bee-lined it to the See by Chloe rack and loved the cute swing cropped coats in basic red and dark blue. I already have a S.B.C. cropped capelet in a military green that I love to layer over everything, so I didn't really need to be checking out these coats. As I started to walk away (with yes... a blue cropped military-esque coat in my hand) I noticed that here were trench coats buried behind everything else. After some digging I pulled out the trench coat, saw that it was my size and had a cool hood. I couldn't find a price tag on it but judging by the other trench coats... was a pretty penny.

Because of said pretty penny, I was actually pretty reluctant to try on. Nothing is worse then trying something on, realizing you love it and then having to put it back on the hanger (...or eat ramen for two weeks). But as I slid it on and admired the silhouette, saw how perfect it would fit into my wardrobe...and it was on my list afteral I made it minel. I did some quick calculations in my head to see if I could afford it but as I was putting it back on the hanger I realized there was a price tag tucked into the sleeve. How I missed it when I tried it on is beyond me.. but upon seeing the price made my heart leap. 1/2 off.

HOLLA! Now honestly it was still pricey but no longer in the eating ramen price bracket. bagged lunch for two weeks bracket but no ramen!

A shot of my new very cool necklace, Magpie Claw:

Creepy huh! Reminds me of Jurassic Park and those ravenous velociraptors clicking and grinning on the other side of the door.

Here is a less scary shot. I have been searching for some sort of claw jewely for a few months now and was happy via some google searching to fall upon Talonalia. Now you can't imagine how surprised and pleased as punch I was that one morning going through my bookmarks to hit on her blog, and the words Talonalia come into focus. I love her blog and her style so it made my Magpie claw that much sweeter. So if you are in the market for an awesome bird claw, please clickety-click. She has some other awesome bid choices (sparrow, hawk etc) and it was packaged so beautifully in a lil silver cannister.

~ Coat: See by Chloe trenchcoat.

~ Top: Silk white blouse from Banana Republic.

~ Skirt: 'Newbury' skirt by A Handcut Preloved design bought at Anthropologie

~ Boots: Due Farina

~ Bag: AC Jetsetter. seen here as well.

~ Jewelry: Magpie Claw from Talonalia

*sorry for the grainy photos! My ISO settings/exposure was off from me fiddling with it, my shady apartment was that much darker due to the clouds. I was to tired to take them over (all I wanted to do was kick off my boots- since I take the pictures at the end of my day)

Grand Jeté

2010-04-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

The days are getting longer and our evenings are being stretched by the spring sun. There is nothing more gratifying to me then driving into the long shadows in the late afternoon. While I begrudgingly welcome warmer weather and sun I am still trying to get the last of fall/winter wear wardrobe kicks on. In fact I have a pair of short booties on their way to me from a gilt sale (which honestly I can wear at night here to go out etc) AND I recently bought some awesome boots I've lusted after for the last 6 years. A "destiny item" I will get to on a later blog post. Hopefully rainy days are on the horizon.

At a young age I accompanied my best friend to a Christmas performance of the nutcracker. Upon arriving back home I announced I wanted to be a ballet dancer. My parents being the wonderful supportive parents they are promptly enrolled me in a local ballet studio. I was 2. From that point on I danced ballet (and jazz and character etc) on average 5-6 days a week just about year round until I about 15. By then I was jaded by the idea that I would never be a professional ballerina, angry at the constant time constraints and the way the ballet culture seeps into your life and being. Couple that with normal [hormonal] teenage angst and being unable be involved in other activities such as musicals, dances etc. I quit.... not before head butting more then once with the strong matriarchal Dutch director of the ballet co. but I threw in the shoes...and leotard and tights and never really looked back.

There are few things that to this day match up to the experience and emotions I felt when I was a dancer; like losing yourself while dancing only to look up bewildered once your focus somehow gets brought back down to earth and you realize you've either gone through the motions automatically- mind wandering or the graceful image of yourself in the mirror is now in sharp relief. I loved the excited feeling standing fully costumed with garish "so it can be seen" makeup backstage, lights dimmed with the orchestra at your feet. The blood, blisters and body aches and dancing in constant fear from one teacher who ruled with a booming french voice and an even bigger staff. He would pound out the count on the floor in, only to pound it even harder if someone messed up, absolutely mortifying if it happened to be you as he berated you in French and English. and oh the look. The leotards (black) and soft chiffon skirts tied over tights, pink ballet shoes with satin ribbons. Lean lithe bodies with hair pulled into a tight bun. God forbid you cut your hair to short to pull back. I now relish those years I devoted myself to dance.

So it was rather fitting when one of the dear girls on fashionism pointed out this dress looked like a ballet outfit. I bought it at H&M because lately I've been attracted to mauve, gray, cream and soft pink and upon seeing this dress and the pretty pleats had me doing a return trip to the Beverly Center to purchase. I originally wanted to wear it with mint but I loved how after adding a silk sash, tights and a throw on cardigan I did indeed feel a bit ballerina-ish. Just an ish though.

The neckline is incredible drapey and I think im on the cusp of boob size who can wear this (more then once I looked down horrified to see boobs and bra) The material is polyester but doesnt feel or breathe like it. very good buy for like 30 bucks. I dont know though how I will..if I will wear it in the summer. It is a bit short and sheer that only works in my eyes over tights and with layers. It came I believe in pale pink, sand or a matte champagne color and this muave.

~ pale Grey chiffon dress: H&M

~ long cream cardigan: Urban Outfitters kimchi and blue house brand

~ heels: Dolce Vita " Maiya" pumps. find them here and on sale!

~ AC City tote in glazed black. Worn here as well

~ hue tights

No More Rain (in this Cloud)

2010-04-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

It is a bit cold and drizzly that ushers in the second week of spring for us here in Los Angeles. Knowing that scorching heat is looming on the horizon and perhaps a few weeks away (in fact last week it was in the 80s...this week in the low 60s coupled with allergies= no fun!) has kept my daily style in limbo and I am trying to egg out the last few 'winter' outfits as I can. I'm a winter baby and adore "cold" chilly weather (no snow and no rain please!) that you can pack on coats and we sun babes can pull on boots and tights. Now my cold and your cold... might be too different beasst. Cold for me is in the 50s (laugh on) and it rarely stays in the 50s during the day here so...anything below 70 would be considered cold to someone Southern California bred, our blood runs thin haha. Despite this lack of real cold I have a coat closet full of yummy warm winter coats that make their annual trip to Europe and NYC to visit family. I recently got caught in snowmegeddon in NYC in February on my way to somewhere warm and tropical- which resulted in something of a winter wonderland for us staying on the UWS (with fam) over by Central Park. Plus being marooned my sis and I got the idea to hit up Bryant park and actually got to sit in on my first real fashion show during NYC Fashion week! Despite the beauty of the snow and the cozy feeling that it brings...by day 3 of snow I was over it and wishing for the endless sunshine that is LA.

I used to hate turtlenecks as a kid. My Dutch mother would stuff my sister and I into the tightest, warmest imported via Holland on trips there were entirely to warm for our winters. That tight, choking feeling pressing on the middle of my neck used to drive me crazy. I recall vividly pulling and trying to stretch out the neck part in the backseat of my moms datsun on the way to school, miserable. fast forward to ...probably about 20 years later and I did the unthinkable a couple years ago and acquired a few in solid basic colors. Difference between my mothers 80s version and mine..is the stretch factor. The ones I picked up are a soft to the touch thin pima cotton silk blend. Warm, soft and bottom line stretchy.

And since Ive moved into a new apartment by my lonesome (billz billz billz..that is my sole responsibility) Ive had to scale back on my normal shopping kicks...which is fine because while moving and staring at the countless wardrobe boxes I realized Ive become a victim of consumption and it made me ill (and my back hurt moving them) so I vowed to only buy the "destiny" items, those on my list of things for spring that was carefully cultivated and to bottom line... shop in my closet. cause between you and I... I have enough and its disgusting.

I bought this 3/4 sleeved blazer from Zaras for a song about 6 years ago, I think before we even had Zaras stateside. Wore it once and promptly forgot about it. (please see above paragraph on shopping in closet) its one of those items in your closet that you hold on to because of the potential. It is wool and well made and the contrast grosgrain ribbon pipping blends the idea of black and deep navy without a second thought. I also love anything with 3/4 sleeves in part because I love it for layering..but because very few jackets hit me at the bracelet on my wrist due to my arm length (i have a long wingspan) I also love how the military looks- something that i gravitate too anyways because i like utilitarian structured coats and jackets is on the runways again.

*And my camera is crooked. I realized Im askew and a bit Alice in Wonderland as in one pill makes you larger/smaller due to my closet area doors. Yes I am that large and yes those doors are that small.

~ Asymmetrical navy and black wool jacket: Zara
~ Grey silk blend t-neck
~ black skirt: H&M
~ boots: Michael Kors "Polaris"
~ Rebecca Minkoff Morning after bag in purple. worn here as well
~ F21 layered Jewelry

New year, New space, New mind

2010-04-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

and well effort. This will be the third...nay fourth...hmm maybe even the 5th time I've tried to put effort into resurrecting my blog (or one of the many that litter the internet with my name attached to it) I'm in a new spot that's all my own perched atop busy LA. So this blog still has the same goal... be my mouthpiece and outlet for the shit that gets on my close-knit bunch nerves. They don't want to hear me go on and on about a shoe or bag...but I can damn well shout it out to the interwebz. With my new apartment I'm hoping to also incorporate home decor...but we will see what happens. I am a lazy girl with a busy schedule so something usually gives. but other then that I'm back? yay? ...we'll see how long this last.

The remix...

2009-04-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

It's the remix baby! I try to re-wear, re-work re-mix my clothing/accessories because it forces you to wear something a new way and be creative. I tend to get a particular outfit combo in my head and wear it once every so often. To fill in those gaps... I buy new shit. Not good 'cause its just part of the over-consumption culture...and I think it makes me lazy and takes away from working with what you have already got. Being an adult with a well paying job also helps in making it easy, but I miss and remember cultivating pieces and making them work in a thousand different ways when I was younger (bolder...poorer, lol)

I love this dress, and removing the neck-tie sash and adding on a belt has made me love the shape of the dress even more. I'm all for tent dresses but I do enjoy showing I have a waist. The leather belt is actually a clasp belt worn backwards (I do this all the time) and my jacket is well loved and moth eaten, I like to think it lends to a bohemian vibe.

~ DVF Morgane belted. Seen here last.
~ vintage leather clasp belt
~ F21 kimono coat
~ Michael Kors "polaris" boots.
~ RM Nikki in sage.

Click, Clack

2009-03-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Ontop of my lil container thingie I stole from my fathers lab (relaaax not meth lab a real lab. he is a cancer research scientist...well retired scientist now) that has a bajillion clear drawers sits a thin white box. The lid in fancy script bears the name Joslins and nestled in cloth sits this necklace (somewhere in one of the plastic drawers sits the matchign earrings). Vintage naturally, this blog and my moniker is not for naught, I always imagined what girl purchases this or was gifted this slim white box im guestimating is from the mid 70s. Did she wear it to a high school dance? a disco? was it a gift not wanted or saved for special occasions? The condition of the ties is perfect which makes me think it was rarely worn. I found out thru some net clicking that the logo on my box is from a now defunct Colorado department store; Joslins. It's wiki tells me that it was a dry good store from 1888 which later converted into a department store in the 1930s which remains a historical landmark. Kinda cool huh?

I actually rarely wear this necklace because it is incredible noisy as the shell disc (plastic? real shell...I'm not sure) click and clack against each other and they seem a bit fragile. The matching earrings (They were clip ons that I converted to pull thrus) get much more wear. Like whomever wore these before me though I treasure it.

It is close to 90 degrees in downtown LA...very weird for January.

~ J.crew ruffle neck cardigan
~ H&M navy blue wool skirt
~ F21 cami
~ vintage shell tier necklace
~ italian brand Miu Miu bow bag mini inspired bag
~ Delman xosa shoes in flax
~ F21 bangles/bracelet

Push and Pull

2009-01-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

So without getting into an details... today I am somehow oddly one year older. Weird how it seems to happen on the same date every year! lol. Well being that its my birfday and a big scary number (actually they all seem to have become BIG and SCARY as I get older) I wanted to wear a new dress and feel pretty but yet in black as I mourn the loss of a decade. I am joking...kinda, lol.

I fell in love with this dress pretty much around the same time the rest of the Internet did when everyone laid eyes on the Fall/Winter catalog from Hayden Harnett. I was still living in Amsterdam at the time and moved the dress to the top of my wish list. I adored the graphic bird print on black, the sleeves and seemingly floaty silk... it didn't also hurt that the model was gorgeous and I vowed to cut bangs once upon stateside.

Now I didn't cut bangs because I have a pretty flat oval face, large eyes and prominent nose. Wearing bangs that thick on the forehead I would end up looking like Fabienne from Pulp Fiction:

" whose chopper is that?"

Zed

"who's Zed?

Zeds dead, baby. Zeds Dead.

But since I couldn't have the bangs (and we did need that pulp fiction interlude) I decided on the dress. At 256 dollars... it was a bit out of my then unemployed price range but finally it was offered up at one of their infamous online sample sales. Since there was much net rumour about how ill-fitting and off sized Hayden Harnett was, I contacted a girl on MUA who bought the dress in white. She did tell me it ran large but it was well made and worth the gamble. Reading the measurements and busting out the tape measure- I took the plunge and ordered a small.

It finally arrived and I couldnt have taken a size bigger being that the small was big. and I am normally a solid medium in dresses or a 6-8 in dresses. Its not nearly as floaty and airy as the catalouge made it seem, in fact it was much heavier, thickier and a bit dowdier then I expected. There is a skirt lining underneath that is completely unneccesary that I keep meaning to remove and the bracelets on the sleeve could be a bit tighter. It is well made though and I like the drape front- it took many moons for me to finally wear. It is fitting that it is named Ms. Hitchcock (I'm assuming because of the birds) because the dress shape is a bit to 1940's authentic. I do like it none the less though.

Oh snizap! and this dress got pockets! word!

To one year older but wiser. .. well maybe just older, lol.

~ Hayden Harnett Ms. Hitchcock wrap dress

~ Nude pumps- bronx
~ chainlink necklace

Penny Pincher

2009-01-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

This dress cost 11 bucks. No joke eleven whole dollars. In fact I think it was $9.99 so with tax eleven dollars (give or take I'm not a math whiz) Now when I tell you where I bought it, you might wrinkle your nose up in disgust because when I think of this store my nose involuntarily wrinkles up in disgust. Ross... yes. nasty, messy smell ghetto hot mess Ross. Normally I never set foot in that store, just the sight of the sign makes me shudder...which is odd considering I love perusing the racks of TJ Maxx (from henceforth will be called TJX) and Marshalls. It does help though that I grew up/live in an affluent area and that the Marshalls and TJX caters to this clientele with racks filled with designer goodies (with the recession we are talking Prada, Missoni... Versace etc)

Anyways back to my Ross story.. I stay clear of this store because while I can easily dive into a thrift store I cannot under most circumstances deal with Ross...anywhere. But on this odd occasion that led me to ross... I needed to go to Home Depot for something of the other..which is located next to a Ross.

After picking up probably glidden paint and perhaps wall anchors I decided as an afterthought to pop into ross to look for a gym bag. A quick perusal of the dismal bag selection the shopper in me was ilke meh. why not. Lets take a looksie. lo and behold I found this swingy, stretchy throw on dress that I thought would go well with these boots. I like the idea of a light heather grey and camel/tan together. Throw on my favorite denim trench, that yes I understand is outdated and people dont like jean trenches. But it is a perfect weight for the undecided weather and there is something so 70's that I love about this coat. I used to wear it with tall hooker boots and my mothers minis from the late 60s and go stomping around campus. I also bought it at GAP for what then to broke college student me was a gazillion dollars but now I shit out on the regular (it was I think around 100 bucks)

I love the drapey t-neck that I pinned down in a shape I liked with a vintage brooch I got in my hot hands for 8 bucks a few years back. Its enamel and I think adds a cool touch to necklines, blazers etc..yes I am an old lady with my old lady brooch.

~ Gap denim trench
~ grey cowl neck sweaterdress (feels like thin jersey sweatshirt material)
~ target white tights
~ seychelles at last double ring boots
~ vintage brooch
~ Hayden Harnett Nikko in currant. Last seen here

Cobalt Skies

2009-01-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

You know how some people always manage to find parking in the worst parking situations, or those that things somehow merrily work out for them??? Well my knack is finding interesting and great coats and jackets. I chalk it up to the fact that I have the worst line karma known to man... doesn't matter what type of line I pick..there can be one person in front of me! but yet somehow i will be the last person out. Its so bad I make other people pick the line to not have us be there forever. So the universe corrects this oversight by giving me a gifted hand or eye for things. Maybe the universe would like to also gift me with the wining lotto numbers...? Just asking out-loud, putting it out there lol.

I love the shape of this coat and the color. I could not accurately capture the color of the coat indoors but it is a vivid cobalt blue. I like the well spaced buttons and the mod neck shape. Surprisingly the quality is pretty good for forever 21. This is my second coat from them, the other coat being my favorite tie waist coat. The linen and leather clutch I bought a few years ago from Hayden Harnet during their infamous sample sale for cheap when they first came on the scene. Now I love hayden harnett, but their online sales will never top the old school CHEAP sales they used to have. I miss those days. And yes I am guilty of having dragging jeans. I'm pretty tall as you may (or may not... my headless body might be deceiving in height) tell and I do cartwheels when I find jeans with an inseam long enough to drag. My normal inseam runs about 34" barefoot and these run nice and long...which allows for some bad ass platforms to be worn underneath.

~ F21 jacket

~ F21 ruffle front tie tank (not really seen, sorry!)

~ Peoples Liberation Jeans
~ Hayden Harnet mercer clutch
~ Chloe 3 buckle booties (not seen) from F/W 2006 I think.
~ leaf bangle

Burnt Orange [Peel]

2009-01-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

Light weight silk dress is perfect for this spring like weather. Print and colors not everyones cup of tea but I love it. I love burnt orange, yellow and grey together. I actually had the dress altered a bit in the waist. It is junior sized and a house brand I believe from nordstrom, but I wanted the waist to fit higher up then the dress was made. Made it a bit more current then this weird houseprint dress with poufy shoulders. Oh, and did I mention it has pockets! I love anything and everything with pockets.

~ Nordstrom brand silk dress
~ Costume National patent pumps
~ Rebecca Minkoff Nikki in 'Sage'
~ Vintage Whiting & Daves floral bracelet (Cant really see it)
~ Target floral cluster ring.

Lets go for a swirl...

2009-01-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

Ahhh the tahari dress makes its debut! This will definately become a DGAF* throw on dress. It's an over the head slip on, throw on heels or boots + purse for those days where I need to look okay with minimal effort as possible. Anyone else have days like that? where you wake up with zero amount of enthusiasm to make an effort...but yet you dont want to look like roadkill at work?? Yea usually this is either monday or friday for me. Where either the weekend has zombified me rightously so...or the week has beaten me into submission and I am just praying for a saturday morning sleep in. Luckily I have a mental list of DGAF outfits for when this weekly occasion arises and they tend not to be photog worthy but since I blogged about purchasing this dress here. probably should show the end result

~ Elie Tahari dress. Seen here

~ Mackage 'Chili" coat
~ MbyMJ faridah in true blue? something blue
~ Old ass but comfy as hell patent olive Delman pumps

* DGAF=as the internet generation you should know what this means...but for some odd reason if not. D.ont G.ive A F.uck

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T22:10:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009!

Ahh the learning curve that will to stop writing 2008. Hope your holidays were a blast! I had fun and ohh the winter sales!

This belt is so nifty- it is an interlocking belt clasp. the arrow part hooks through the middle. I'm guessing it is probably mid-80s. maybe a little older.

~ F21 dress
~ oversized grey sweater
~ vintage frye boots
~ glazed AC city tote

Ms. Harmony

2008-12-17T21:26:00.000-08:00

It is a rainy day yet again in Los Angeles. Bummer. I love this vintage leather short-trench jacket. It even has a hood! I bought it for under 30 bucks several years ago and quickly forgot about it. It has a great groovy 70s feel to it that really appeals to my boho side. Nothing like an old friend and everytime I walk I sound like an old Cadillac creaking, lol...or I am on the set of a western.

Come to my Garden

2008-12-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed I wear a lot of dresses. I always have loved dresses but this year they just have really become easier for me since I am always running late. It is easy and no fuss for me- add accessories, shoes and bag..then out the door to sit in LA traffic.

I am madly in love with this black and white floral print- looks like a sketch.

~ Elie Tahari dress
~ Mint by Jodi Arnold coat
~ 9West captor heels
~ vintage purple belt
~ Foley + Corinna jet-setter

Smells like teen spirit

2008-12-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

Now that the '90s are back in, I really have that "been there done that" feeling as I was in jr high and high school in the 90s and that time period, fashion and music sits with me very vividly. I could easily dig through my parents garage of my fashion past and pull our a similarly printed flower baby doll dress. All that is missing is my tragic ripped light washed denim jacket and chunky doc martens- oh wait that is also making a comeback isnt it.

I got this dress for 10 bucks!

~ American Eagle silk babydoll dress
~ macys brand august silk grey cardigan
~ F21 flower elastic belt
~ Betsey Johnson tights
~ vintage Frye mid calf booties
~ Anna Corinna glazed city tote

Ashes in the Fall

2008-11-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

I love this long maxi dress- but I always feel so limited by what I wear it with.
Happy Winter!

~ Theory maxi jersey dress
~ Miss sixty 'dance' boots in Bordeaux
~ knit cardigan
~ marc by marc jacobs turnlock terri in moss
~ green F21 necklace

Party in my head

2008-11-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

My love of prints continues- relatively newcomer Issa (Daniella Helayel is the brain behind this line) I love her silk and interesting faux wrap designs although it is pretty hard for me to find her dresses in my budget. I have gotten lucky though and this dress is a great standby for chilly LA fall (although I wasnt happy with my shoe and purse choice- oh well)

~ Issa of London 'Beijing brown' wrap
~ old cream peep toe pumps
~ old Biasia bag

Run Eyed Blues

2008-11-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

I love prints and graphics and no one does it better then Diane Von Furstenberg. I have always been fond of her prints and wrap dresses and was pleased as punch when she had her comeback in the early part of this century as us youngin's rediscovered the ease of just throwing on her silk jersey dresses and going.

~ Diane Von Furstenberg "Parr" silk wrap
~ black hue tights
~ F21 white cami/tank
~ Modern Vintage 'Alma" t-straps
~ Rebecca Minkoff Nikki (sage)

Oxford Comma

2008-11-17T21:40:00.000-08:00

So... As much as I love girly dresses and skirts- I do wear pants as well. On the weekends I live in jeans, but pants to work do make an appearance occasionally.

The beginning of the fall season I totally stocked up on these uber cheap cotton cami-tanks at forever 21. At $2.50 cent a pop you cant go wrong and they came in a ton of fun and various colors. One thing I realized I needed to beef up was my basics- and buying 22 of these tanks was definately a step in the right direction.

I also love this dainty tier necklace made for me by Basil the Cat on etsy. She is wonderfully talented and I highly recommend her.

~ F21 cami
~ Nordstrom brand semantiks' cardi jacket
~ Theory Max C pants.
~ Vintage Anne Klein doctor bag
~ tier necklace

Everything and Porcelain

2008-11-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

Cannot beat the warm weather in Los Angeles in November. This was my super bargain graphic skirt I managed to snag for 15 dollars. I love the black and white graphic prints this F/W season. (bonus it has pockets!)

~ j.crew ruffle neck cardi
~ F.21 olive/yellow cami
~ j.crew bubble necklace
~ Calvin Klein graphic print full skirt
~ Hayden Harnett Niko bag in currant
~ 9west basic black pumps

Warwick Avenue

2008-11-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

This is a love or hate dress. Comfy and casual- but it is a bit British Children nightie from an era gone by ( I don't really tie the bow because of this)

~ Diane Von Furstenberg 'Morgane' dress
~ Rebecca Minkoff Morning After
~ Nine West cap toe pumps

Working 9 to 5...

2008-11-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

I love this trench coat- I cant possible wear it enough for my liking! It is a shame Louis Verdad never got as big as his promise and that his company stumbled. I am hoping for a comeback!

I am also a sucker for the big baubles that J.Crew carries~ I have deep affection for costume jewelry and this necklace was right up my alley.

~ Louis Verdad trench coat
~ blue 'mossimo' blouse
~ Kay Unger black skirt
~ Modern Vintage 'Alma" shoes
~ Handmaid carryall
~ J. Crew 'Bubble' necklace

Snail Mail!

2008-09-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

I am an online shopping aficionado, partly because I am in front of a computer all day at work but lastly because once you figure out the ropes…you really cant beat the deals (most of the time) you can find on the internet.

This week’s mail roll call:

I eagerly anticipated the arrival of these shoes after seeing a Chica I admire on my fashionboard wear them- they became deeply discounted and I jumped on the deal to grab a pair in my size.

I got my usual size and much to my dismay my long finger toes hung over the front of them! They fit really nice and comfortable on the foot part but after getting second opinions conferred that indeed- they were to small in the foot platform portion and I needed to sizeup. So a bigger size is heading my way. Hopefully the wont be too big.

Miss Sixty Dakota shoes in black:

I am a big believer in the “throw on” dresses on those days where the effort just isn’t worth it but I still want to look nice at work:

Tahari & some other brand I forgot:

Collecting vintage belts is a thing I love doing and I have these cool ones headed my way via ebay to ad to my collection. I envision all sorts of fun ways to pair them with my winter dresses and tops for this upcoming season. (plus for average 7 bucks each- not to shabby)

Adrienne Vittadani:

And a cool leather one from the 80's

I got word last night that the Joie Vienna’s I had ordered via revolve with my $150 off $300 code were OOS in my size sadly. I emailed them to make sure I can still use the code (which I can) but now these are NOT headed my way and I am totally bummed out. I guess its better though for the pocket book (and I have the ones from last year I never wear in midnight)- but if they should restock in my size in the next 14 days. … they are MINE!

And finally the icing on the cake:

I ordered the Mackage Jazmina coat after finding it on bluefly in my size! So hopefully it ships and my navy wool coat quest is over!

Slip into the Autumn Shade

2008-09-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall!!!

So to celebrate my personal return to the blogosphere what better day to pick then the start of my favorite season!

There is something so delicious about autumn, especially in sunny southern California where the slight drop in temperature marks the beginning of our chilly, windy fall. Our leaves don’t quite turn golden and red but rather remain green until around the winter equinox where they all just (spontaneously it seems when you have to rake them all up) fall off the trees leaving them naked.

Today also marks the day I officially start thinking seriously about my Fall/Winter wish-list and start thinking about boots (what to wear, how to pair)

I’m sure a lot of other people have been much more proactive in rounding out their list but when temperatures average every day above 84…it gets kind of hard to think about nippy nights and chilly mornings.

It is sometimes hard for me to figure out what to add to my list because I generally shop year round for what I may need…so I tend to have things already lined up for F/W by the time it rolls around. Plus I haven’t had the chance to survey my closet to do an extensive prune and weed that I manage to do every season. So this is what I have so far for my F/W winter wish-list and I will add on to it accordingly.

Blue Wool Coat

I have this amazing Mint wool felted coat that I somehow got too late in the season to enjoy and stuffed in the back of my closet a great Mackage Chili coat in brown from a couple seasons ago that I have yet to wear and forgot I owned in fact. I love color in my wardrobe via a statement piece and have always wanted to add a blue toned coat to the closet. Now that I have some good standbys for the next couple years in the usual colors – I can branch off and get blue!

I really like this jacket by Normaluisa @ Yoox

And covet this but it is sadly OOS (Nanette lepore ‘kiss me’ coat)

My other pick if I can find one in my size is the Mackage Jazmina in midnight blue. Not so whimsical and I think its silly to have a coat with similar detailing as my other two winter coats…but its Mackage and drool worthy.. I am currently leaning towards this as I know the fit and you can’t really go wrong with Mackage

Jewel Colored Pashminas

I love scarves and I collect them through out the year when I can. I tend to wear a lot of monochromatic colors during the colder months and I love colorful scarves piled around my neck. One of my favorite pictures from the Sartorialist that inspired me to do the same was this shot from a few years ago

She tied two pashminas together at the ends to create a layered looking loop easy to wrap around her neck. I did that to a couple of scarves and plan on doing it again. I have my eye on grabbing some olive greens and purples to add to my collection.

Cap Toe pumps

I wore my Anne Klein ones to death and they got the boot to the trash when I relocated last year to Amsterdam. Not a day didn’t go by that I did not mourn the loss of that great work and play shoes. I have these from MbyMJ and while I love them I need a less showy pair of shoes to pair with dresses for the upcoming months. I ordered the following from the 9west sale on 6pm.com so hopefully I like them and they work out. (They seem to be a knock off of these ones by Prada right?)

Grey Oversized Sweatercoat

I love a long sweater. They are comfy, easy to pull over everything and are a great transitional piece between the warmer fall days and chilly nights. I put them on over dressed and pair them down with jeans. My stand by from a couple years ago has totally unraveled due to wear and tear and it’s so hard to find one that I truly like that this has been on my wish list for a couple years now. I really liked this one and failed to grab it when it went on sale so you can be sure that when I find one I like I will have to make sure to pounce on it!

~ Society for rational sweater coat

Great red dress

Well now that I got my “great black dress” and “cute green dress” out of the way time to settle on something bright and vibrant to add into the wardrobe remix. I haven’t seen anything slightly worth mentioning but I’m sure if I dug hard enough I could.

Brown flats

Are a constant on my fall list. I keep meaning and keep forgetting to purchase these. I was leaning towards just the clichéd Tory Burch leather emblem ones and I bought some Chloe flats a few weeks back on a jaunt to Vegas (headed to Off Fifth) but I don’t know if it fills the dark brown flats gap.

Aviators

I am having the toughest time trying to find aviators that don’t make me look like a dumbass. I have an oval face but finding a pair that doesn’t either hit me weird on the cheekbones or cover my eyebrows is proving to be very very difficult. A quick trip to Fred Segal on Melrose last Saturday uncovered some potential in these Tom Ford ones…but I cannot in any way justify a 400 dollar price tag right now.

~ 'Charles' Aviator by Tom Ford

So that’s all I have for now! I am sure this will be remixed and edited as the colder days roll in and I asses the closet situation.

Sunday Kind of Love.

2007-10-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

I spent the better half of yesterday sitting in the hot sun and yelling myself hoarse at the Cal vs. UCLA game at the Rose Bowl. Befitted in fashionable bear ears donning the colors blue and gold, my sister and friend tailgated the afternoon away. And, although my team did lose ("great interception" is the most I will admit) there were no hard feelings between the 3 of us and we spent the rest of the night indulging in tall frosty glasses of amber liquid.

So you can imagine how I felt this morning upon waking up to sore feet (oy! The blisters from my flip flops!) a sore throat and a much lighter wallet (those tall frosty glasses weren't free mind you, no matter how cute people thought our bear ears were)

I did however see a few mail packages stacked ever so neatly waiting for me on my desk. True to form (this blog title ain't for naught) I lucked out on some great vintage finds care of ebay.

Anyone who knows me, knows this. I.Love.Ebay.

I also proclaim it loudly from the roofs and anyone silly enough to ask me if my vintage 1960s necklace is from "Claire's"

I have been lusting clutches. I have no where special or fancy to go to mind you but it isn't stopping me from wanting to obtain and amass many small, bejeweled, be-satined and de-skinned clutches.

So to satiate my clutch-desire I perused another site quickly becoming my favorite for some pretty "big enough for a cell phone" candy.

When I laid eyes on this I immediately began to droll. Once I saw the price tag however I quickly wiped the drool off my face and relegated the thought into the far…far corner of my mind.

B. Romanek
Caiman "Rockstar" Clutch

$2,195.00 Available on barneys.com

I also fell quickly head over heels with this; The color, snakeskin and gold-trim make for one adorable clutch plus the price is much lower than the 2K beauty above:

Montecarlo Wallet

By R&Y AUGOUSTI

$265

Available on calypso.com

Since my currently unemployed status has me limiting the amount of frivolous purchases *cough cough I present to you some cute (and cheap!) ebay finds- of the vintage persuasion of course.

I was more then pleasantly surprised when I unwrapped the package and discovered this inside.

I was really blown away by the quirky gold foil detailing and brass clasp.

I have a few outfits in mind already for it. It's on the smaller size and the brass needs polishing but other then that it is in great shape.

I can't really judge it but I am assuming from the tag it is early 70's

It is a top clasp with plastic covering the gold foil threading and satin.

These are the other clutches I managed to win:

fold over light blue leather clutch.

Purple leather fold over clutch.

Embossed leather with brown clasp from Italy.

This pale gold/beige clutch completely filled the void in my closet for a large light colored clutch. You can't tell by the picture but it is on the larger side which I'm glad for since I needed a bigger clutch.

I also received in the mail a scarf I forgot I had bidded on. I collect scarves and have a drawer full of silk, satin, old and new. I love the geometric print on this.

The brand is "vera" and it is raw silk. Not a huge scarf but big enough to wear how I am planning on wearing it. Either way it is a beautiful scarf and even tied on a handbag will work for me.