Panting Over Dickies Girl...

I've committed this fall/winter to strictly pants (as much as possible)!! Cropped, wide leg, high waist, skinny, tapered, jeggings...you name it, I'm all about it! But just because I'm throwing myself full fledged into party pants, that doesn't mean I'll sport just anything out there. I still have high standards for pants, they must meet a few requirements::

-Flattering

-Versatile/Functional

-Fashionable

-Affordable

In my search for the perfect pairs to incorporate into my wardrobe, I've stumbled upon quite the gem! I was recently re-introduced to Dickies Girl, and it is was love at first wear!

I've planted my behind in a pair of DG black jeggings, and I don't say this frequently so you know it's serious... They have been life changing! I don't know if there is even a word to describe accurately their comfort level--they are that good! They pair impeccably with heels, sneakers, and/or boots, and can effortlessly be dressed up or down (versatile). Skinny jeans can be tricky for anyone to pull off and the fabric and cut have magically combined to elongate and slim my short gams (flattering). And just because I work with designer clothes doesn't mean that I can afford the designer price tag, so when I found out that the pants cost only $30, I was beyond myself! (affordable, what a steal!)

Dolls, you absolutely can't go wrong with these DG pants. Check out the website (Dickiesgirl.com) to purchase your own pair as well as to see all that DG has in store for you, and keep checking back because BIG things are under way over there.

Miu Miu By Way of Zara...

{zara.com}

You already know how much I loved the Miu Miu S/S 2010 collection. However, my wallet would not/will not allow me to take home any of my hearts desires. I was browsing a couple websites and saw that Zara was also inspired by the high end collection and produced some pieces in the same vain. I've been looking at every location in the city for the collection and sending my mom on the goose chase in Texas. As the sun peeked out today and the clouds gave way to a blue sky, I found it!!!!! I finally got my hands on the navy/white cat printed dress (sans collar unfortunately). None the less, I'm still super excited about my new frock!

Nothing On the Agenda

This past Saturday I went shopping with a friend to help her find a dress for her birthday and for a wedding. She did a little research prior (which I love) and found this amazing thrift/vintage store tucked away in Boerum Hill called Re/Dress. I was excited to shop for someone else, it's one of my favorite things...to have no self agenda or expectation. We arrived at the store and I was focused on the task at hand. After we had picked some things for her to try on, I decided to browse while she was in the fitting room. The first rack I came to was home to this incredible fully sequined dress. It gushed with hanger appeal, but I wasn't shopping for myself. My friend, along with the staff, talked me into at least trying it on for fun.

{please ignore bra straps}

I was convinced that it wouldn't "be for me..." ha ha ha. As soon as I zipped it up, I didn't want to take it off. I stood in the fitting room trying to find a zillion reasons why I didn't need it, trying to ignore that fact it fit me perfectly... reasons why we were not meant for each other! Needless to say, I walked out of the store with said dress in hand. While I have nothing on the agenda/calendar that calls for such a fanciful number, I can't wait for the event that calls for this golden ticket. Unknowingly I walked out of the store with a second gift. My friend purchased a pair of tap shoes for me as a treat. While I pretend to know how to tap, in all honesty I can semi shuffle-ball-change and that is the beginning and end of my tapping abilities...and I can not wait to debut my twinkle toes!!!

Street Stalker(s) Success

Today the stars aligned and all was well in life! I woke up next to this pretty lady and we began our afternoon of lunch dates, impromptu meetings, and a brief shopping adventure. I've already expressed my feelings on double denim, I've dipped my hand into it over Christmas, and still trying to get my sea legs back when it's mentioned around me. Roxy stepped out into the day wearing triple denim. One of the biggest DON'Ts in my book...but folks, she pulled it off! I have to give her credit where credit is due! She looked like a total BA! I must say, I was very proud and impressed with my little designer delicatessen.


Jacket: Gap denim jacket
Shirt: Gap denim button down
Jeans: Ernest Sewen boyfriend jeans
Sunglasses: Herrera pink sunnies
Bag: Gryson


After our respective lunch plans Roxy and I reconnected to walk back to her apartment. We made a quick stop into Goodwill. As soon as I walked into the store my eyes burned from the sequins and beads on this dress. I saw it from the corner of my eye and it was the only thing I saw while in the store! Not crazy about the length, but I'll make adjustments as needed. I got a similar dress for Christmas and was thrilled to find it a little sister for under $10!! What a steal! Hopefully pairing it tonight with a pair of jeans or leggings.



Hope you have a good weekend!!!!!

DIY Cowboy Booties: Take 2

I spent the day out in Williamsburg Tuesday hanging out with a friend. We were leaving breakfast when I spotted a warehouse size thrift store. We quickly thumbed through a few racks. As we were leaving I spotted a pair of two toned grey cowboy boots that would be perfect for the DIY cowboy bootie project. I wanted to think about it and do a little more research before I purchased. I went back to the store today and found a second area of shoes with more undiscovered boots.

This time I stumbled upon these grey/white snake skin boots. I'm undecided! They are the exact style and texture that I have been looking for, but the color is my hesitation. I'm funny about light colored shoes anyways and maybe I'm thinking too much about the black/cognac combo from Free People. Giving myself a few more days to think about it...I'm just so eager to complete this DIY project and rock a new pair of kicks!

Trend Setter Vintage

I am more than happy to refer friends to my favorite stores, restaurants, hair stylist, tailor/seamstress. However there are some sacred precious apparel gems I will stubbornly keep to myself. When I find that one of a kind outlet, I keep it detained all to myself. After much contemplation today, I've decided that it is time to share this one specific fabulous find...

About a year ago I stumbled upon one of the most intriguing, inspiring, and fun vintage apparel sellers on eBay. Blogging world, I would like to introduce you to Trendsettervintage. Based out of L.A. the virtual boutique is headed by fashion obsessed that have a focus on the fashion and styles from the 1950's-80s. Here is where you'll find designers like Armani hanging out with the likes of polyester and rayon. You'll find archived department store labels, forgotten designers, nameless pieces, and tons of fabulousness to boot! This boutique is where my deep rooted adulation for sequins was encouraged. In a way I feel like Trendsettervintage has raised me... Schooled me in the knowledge of vintage, introduced me to lost silhouettes, and encouraged me to think outside of the box and form my own opinions, style, and point of view.

While this may sound a little like a eulogy, it partially feels like one. My secret is now revealed and the excitement I had for being the only knowing virtual shopper (aside from their other 8000+ viewers) is fading. I will still get just as excited and eager to look at the newly uploaded pieces and bookmark them in my eBay account... now I just have more competition! :)

Currently I'm watching the below styles. Bidders start your engine!

(all images from trendsettervintage)

Bullseye... This Just In!

Word of the day: Target

Definition: Department store roots that evolved into a savvy discount store.

Use in a Sentence: John Paul Gaultier will be following the footsteps of his peers Anna Sui and Alexander McQueen and collaborating for a spring collection with Target. The fashionably affordable collection drops March 7, 2010!!!

Sample Sale Season

Some people get excited about wedding season, others are excited for the fall season, I get excited for sample sale season!!!!!! I tend to be a buy now-where now kind of shopper so sample sales work out perfectly for me. What good are fall clothes purchased in June/July? I can't wear them then, they sit and take up too much of my already limited closet space, and most importantly taunt me that I'm sweating in the subway, my make up is melting off, and I'm still ions away from the crisp fall weather. The first of sample sales have been posted so now I'm attempting to prioritize and schedule my sale attendance accordingly!

(photo by Loose Luggage)

You're going to want to check out the closet clean out happening at Digby & Iona. Becky purchased this 13 point deer ring this summer and I don't think it has left her finger since. The company designs with a sharp wit and innate sense of humor while still executing their philosophy of quality, character, and individuality. I promise you'll leave with something unique and charming.

DIG DEEP

Archetype Closet Clean Out

What: Fremont, Digby & Iona,Quail, Eskell, April77, Lewis, and more for cheap.

Why: A little something new for your job interview.

When: Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m.

Where: 676 Broadway, b/t Bond & Great Jones Sts., 2nd flr. Cash only.

Prada and Miu Miu Sample Sale

What: RTW, handbags, shoes, and wallets way below store prices.

Why: Off the rack and off the hook.

When: Thru Oct. 23. Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 609 W. 51st St., b/t Eleventh & Twelfth Aves. Credit cards only.

So let the "bargain" shopping begin (said in King Max's voice from where the wild things are)!

Denim Therapy

A couple of years ago I found out about a company that repairs denim via Daily Candy. All of my denim, specifically jean problems had been solved. At $7 per inch to save my favorite pants just seemed too good to be true. I was recently reintroduced to the company through a friend that works for the company. Denim Therapy is providing services that people have been dying for for years. I no longer have to throw away denim due to holes from extreme wear and tear. I've since learned my lesson and have invested in multiple pairs of pieces but Denim Therapy's services now insure that I'll hold onto my denim second skin for even longer. Their services expand beyond just patching up torn denim. Need new stitching, hems, or zippers, they are your go to people. I couldn't be more pleased with the end result. They have resurrected ole' faithful and given me a couple more years of wear!

The Mother Load of Vintage/Thrift

As mentioned in previous posts, I spent all of last Thursday vintage/thrift shopping with two of my friends on the Upper West Side (mostly). I walked away with a bag full of goodies that I can't wait to start incorporating into my wardrobe.

The first is this crop top. Ariel and I were strolling around at 96th and Broadway when we stumbled upon St. Francis Thrift Store. It's in the basement of a church (also where I purchased the elephant belt and green chinos). The store offers incredible deals and steals, the day we went they had 3 for $10 skirts! I wasn't looking for tops that day, but stumbled across this when walking to the jeans section and had to have it! I love it with a pair of black high waist, cuffed shorts, but still looking for other options! I couldn't go wrong with this top, or the price of $3!!!

Our next stop was Salvation Army, also on 96th and Broadway, (and where I purchased the Gap jeans that my cut off shorts are made from). I'm dying to get back there because there is an AMAZING silk sequin and beaded dress that Ariel must purchase for herself, at the most coveted price of $25.... We were waiting for Becky to meet us when I found these orange printed high waisted harem pants. I hesitated for a moment and then thought, what the heck...They are too cute, easy yet versatile to style, and uber comfy.

This amazing find was hidden away at the vintage store in my neighborhood, Odd Twin. I'm all about the romper/jumper and thought this 1980's one was too cute to pass up with it's bold print, handkerchief layers, and front pockets. The length needs to be taken up a hem length and it's good to go! Red lipstick, black wedge espadrilles, and a stack of bangles....Done and Done!

Becky also walked away with a bag of goodies, but unfortunately I don't have any images of them. (Maybe she will post her treasures soon)! Ariel, thank you for being my good luck charm shopping!

Thrifting DIY

Last week I was determined to find the perfect pair of men's jeans to make into cut offs and distress. Finally on Thursday while thrift/vintage shopping with two friends, I stumbled upon a pair of men's Gap loose fit jeans that brought all my dreams to fruition. Thursday night at about 3am I decided to begin my reworking project.

I cut off the legs to about 3 inches above the knee as well as up the inside/outside seams. I haven't washed the jeans yet, but looking forward to frayed edges and being able to also roll the hem.

I wanted to jazz up the shorts so I ripped part of the back pocket off at an angle. I borrowed a bedazzler from a friend and started studding away. Still not done with the jewels, but this is what I have so far.

I wanted the jeans to be super distressed and realized, again it was 3am, that I didn't have any sand paper. I headed to the kitchen to see what I could find and returned with a cheese grater! I think I like this better than using the sand paper (warning: extreme denim dust will occur)!

So very pleased with my work on this DIY project. The jeans are exactly what I wanted, loose, slouchy, distressed, and glamified! Decided to sport them today with this plaid shirt I reworked back in April when I was home. It was a man's over sized shirt that I took in on the sides and center back to make fitted.

For a complete tutorial on the how-to click on my friend Lauren's blog below...She inspired my top!

Undeclared Panache: Do It Yourself - Fitted Flannel

Jimmy Choo to Design for H&M

On November 14, Jimmy Choo's collection for H&M will be released in 200 stores. The collection will include coveted pumps, handbags, and apparel to coordinate! The collection is centered to accessorize the shoes and bags with clothes, instead of the other way around! Fellas don't you fret, you have not been forgotten. There will also be a men's collection of shoes, bags, and apparel. I know it will be hard, but I'm going to sit and wait patiently!