Getting a Head Start on Halloween

shirt {DKNY} - jeans {Gap} - boots {RW&Co} - purse {Target} - necklace {NYC street vendor} - rings {The Bay}

My sissy (in law) snapped these pics of me outside of Value Village before we headed in to search for some 60's inspired garb for a Mad Men themed costume party. I have to tell you that now is the time to hit up the thrift stores if you're in need of a Halloween costume. There was so much good stuff that I ended up not buying anything costume related (obviously I still bought two other "real life" items, who do you think I am?!). The choices were abundant and I got overwhelmed by the possibilities. A strong contender was a royal blue 100% silk sequined number with fabulous shoulder pads. Think Vanna White in the late 80's. In hindsight, I may have to go back for that one...

Other standouts included grass skirts (I mean, who doesn't want to wear a grass skirt?) and rubber snakes attached to shirts (what?). And since the following onesie is just too good I will leave you all with this...enjoy and happy Sunday!

j.

This Is What Unemployment Looks Like

tee {Gap} - jeans {American Eagle} - shoes {TOMS} - necklaces {gifts} - sunnies {Oasap}

I spend my days juicing fruits and vegetables in between buying more fruits and vegetables at the grocery store or buying furniture I don't need from the thrift store. In other words, I'm your grandmother.

Things to note in this otherwise pointless post. The juice is pineapple, apple, pear and mint and is what dreams are made of and that chair up there swivels.

I do plan on giving this chair a paint job and making a cushion for it. Hmm, a DIY project....still your grandma. Did I mention the chair swivels?

j.

Nice Bones

black jacket {Jacob} - skeleton tee {Zara} - polka-dot jeans {Macy's} - 

black booties {Top Shop} - arrow earrings {H&M}

So, a few days ago I rambled about my love for patterned jeans. Well, I have another fashion love to tell you about. It's the graphic tee. The kookier the better is my general rule when it comes to picking out the perfect one. I also like tees that have a sort of vintage-y feel to them. So when I saw this particular one in Zara, and for more than half off no less!, I knew I had to make it mine. I think this trend is something that could make for a good thrift adventure too and we all know I feel real good about thrift adventures. That may just have to go on my to-do list. I like to include enjoyable, totally unnecessary tasks on my to-do lists. It makes me feel more accomplished that way.

j.

50 Shades of Wrong

Sometimes, I wear things that just don't work. Unfortunately, this dress is one of those things. And instead of learning from my mistake, hiding said item in the depths of my closet and forgetting that the unfortunate occurence ever happened, I decided to post the tragic photos for all to see. Enjoy.

unfortunate teal dress {thrifted} - plum tote {justfab} - bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21} -

Love bracelet {etsy} - gold watch {Target}

Let's start with the dress' redeeming qualities, shall we?

1. Color

That list is pretty darn short. I've got one plus and one plus only. The dress is a pretty shade of teal which made for a smashing contrast with my plum tote and seafoam nails. That's all I got.

Moving on to everything that is wrong about this dress. It is loose in all the wrong places (read: the girls) and clingy in definitely the wrong places (read: tummy). It is an atrociously awkward length and needs to lose at least two inches. It shows panty lines like nobody's business. And to top it all off, there is a faint stain (but stain none the less) on the skirt that I failed to notice in the thrift shop (gross).

Disregarding how uncomfortable I felt all night in this dress, I've decided it may be salvageable. I have only worn it once before in the winter and it worked much better styled with tights and boots (and a tight tank underneath to streamline things...). I need to take up the hem and possibly nip and tuck a bit in the chest but I am determined to turn this ugly duckling into a beautiful teal swan. Stay tuned!

j.

P.S. How many of you thought of the porno romance novel that's flying off the shelves when you read the title to this post? It's alright, you can admit it. Honestly, it's amazing how often I hear conversations about this book. Today, I overheard three women say "they're making it a movie...I wonder who they would get to play him" and that's all it took for me to know which book they were referencing. But seriously, for all of you who've read it - who would play Christian Grey?!

Blazers & Loafers Beautiful

Hi friends. It feels like I haven't done a bona fide outfit post in a while. You recall my phobia of tripod swiping thiefs, don't you? Well, there's that. And the fact that I am in school. What?! I didn't just move to NYC to shop everyday and roam the streets taking photos. Oh well. The past few days have been beautiful here. I'm talking blazers and loafers beautiful. No coat needed. Spring, is that you? {Quick sidebar to brag tell you all that my blazer was thrifted a while back in Victoria and is real deal vintage. 100% wool. Made in Canada. Fits me like a glove. Cost less than my starbucks.}

I was assigned a group project for Marketing and as it turns out my friend, Sesame, is in that class and we were able to pick our own groups. We, along with one other girl, have to write a marketing plan for Abercrombie & Fitch either advising them or not to break into the plus-sized juniors market. Sort of a delicate subject. Sort of controversial. Sort of love it. For our first group meeting we decided to go visit the A&F flagship store on 5th Avenue. Have you ever been into one of their stores!? It was like entering another universe. Or "trendy" downtown club. Complete with half-naked men boys standing at the door waiting to be photographed with barely definitely not legal girls as they enter the store. And we mustn't forget the dancing sales girls on every level. All five of them. Yes, there were five levels. I have never actually shopped at an A&F store before, probably because it would be too big a blow to my self-esteem when their largest size stops halfway up my...what are those things called again...oh right, thighs! All jokes aside, yes they have very small sizing standards but, do they ever know how to merchandise (fancy word for display...yes I'm showing off my school smarts here) their clothing. Never have skinny jeans, cut-off shorts and primary colored polo tees looked so appealing. Each wall was like a rainbow of collared cotton. Unfortunately, the pretty colors were not enough to distract me from the pounding music they had playing. While I am the first to admit that I am an old lady at heart, I really think everyone would agree with me that they need to turn that bass down a few notches. This is a clothing store people, not a nightclub. I really think someone ought to tell those poor dancing sales girls...

cranberry & grey houndstooth blazer {thrifted via VV Boutique} - floral tank {Old Navy} - fringe necklace {Aerie} -

rock ring {Urban Outfitters} - dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - tan leather loafers {thrifted Zara via Housing Works}

After we were done checking out all five levels and had definitely filled our quota of dancing sales girls, we booked it out of there. We took advantage of the warm weather, stopping to take photos as we found our way to a cute little swedish cafe. It was an entertaining afternoon, to say the least. Thanks to Sesame for being my photographer so that my paranoia could remain safely in check, for at least a little bit longer.

One more thing! In case you can't get enough of me (haha...) my roomie interviewed me about my style for one of her classes and you can read it here. She thought she was imposing when she asked me to answer a few questions one night...little did she know I live for questionnaires, surveys, forms etc. Ya, I'm a weirdo, I know.

j.

Mad Hatter

Good evening lovelies. I'm writing this post at 1:00am because I have a very busy week ahead of me and I have the time at this moment. A quick preview into my next couple days to keep you all coming back. On Wednesday, I am going to the IFB Conference. This is a fashion blogging conference that's being held at Milk Studios in NYC. I am so excited to meet other bloggers, learn  a lot and, I'll be honest here, I'm also pretty freaking excited for the swag bags! I'm already plotting my outfit because I will be in a room full of uber-stylish fashionistas so the pressure is on. As if that's not enough, on Friday I'm volunteering for the Jen Kao runway show during NY Fashion Week. No. Big. Deal. Definitely more to come on those two events! In the meantime, as if fleaing (here I go, making up words again) wasn't enough for one weekend, my friend Sesame and I went thrifting on Sunday in hunt for a 40's dress for her to wear to a themed wedding. Obviously there was some photo-taking and stops for food along the way.

Finger-less gloves are my new best friend. Each of us was rocking a pair so obviously a photo had to be taken. Yes, those are zippers are on ear lobes. A flea purchase from the day before.

Shopping takes stamina so sustenance was sought. Twelve blocks away. But so totally worth it at Ess-A-Bagel. We got a sweet and a savory one and went halfers. Cinnamon raison bagel with apple cinnamon cream cheese. And an everything bagel with lox cream cheese. Pretty sure I died and went to heaven right there in the shop. A quick stop for a london fog (earl grey tea latte) and giant cookie was also in order.

The first stop was the "thriftique", AuH2O, where no 40's dresses were found. The 80's did call while we were there and Madonna wants her jacket back. As amazing as this jacket was, it did not come home with me. Don't worry, two other items did.

Our next stop was Village Style (where I bought this coat). They have the best selection of vintage hats. Sesame modelled a few for me and ended up finding a gorgeous baby blue and lavender beaded floral headpiece that we decided is definitely reminiscent of the 40's. Now, to find a dress to match the headpiece.

striped scarf {gift} - green wool coat {Aritzia} - green finger-less gloves {Angelrox} - white leather purse {Coach} -

beige top {Winners} - gold bird cage necklace {Brooklyn Flea} - bright blue skinnies {The Gap} - tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay}

It really was a great weekend. I can't wait for all of the exciting events I have coming up this week, so check back soon as I'll be sure to fill you all in.

Now, it's really past my bedtime. It is a school night after all.

j.

Brooklyn Flea

I had the best Saturday. Once again I travelled over the bridge to the glorious streets of Brooklyn. This time the destination was Ft. Greene. And the task at hand was the Brooklyn Flea. I went with one of my roomies and a friend who also lives in our building. Before we get started here, I would like to take a moment to introduce you all to my new friend. She is the photographer extraordinaire for all of the below photos (except the small ones...yes, those are my instagrams - slightly obsessessed). Now, I asked her what she wanted her blog alter-ego to be and we have tentatively decided upon what I think is the best alter-ego yet, but she's still pondering (so stay tuned!). Since I like to give my friends some anonymity but still have their nicknames be somewhat relevant, I think hers is just perfect because it basically rhymes with her name. So, without further ado, please enjoy the photography of Sesame Shoe (who will be referred to as Sesame from here on out)!

The flea market is held in an old bank building. Spread out over three floors. The main floor, pictured above, was the most expensive and where we started so once we hit the basement the goodies just started falling into my hands. Below are a couple goodies that came home with me.

Of course, all that fleaing (making up words now) makes a girl hungry. So we consulted Yelp (saves my life on the daily) and found a sub place nearby with four and a half stars. City Subs, I do think you make the best subs on the planet. Obviously after a monster sandwich we still weren't satisfied, so over to Blue Sky Bakery for a chai tea latte and chocolate chip oatmeal cookie. That did it!

Next, who doesn't love posing in photos after stuffing their belly?

striped scarf {gift} - black & white striped tank {Karen by Karen Kane via Palm Desert Outlets} - scissors necklace {thrifted from AuH2O} -

beige striped cardigan & fuschia belt {Loft} - dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay}

It was so great to have a real person snapping my goofy mug instead of the trusty ol' tripod. We did encounter a rather curious bystander who probably thought I was famous crazy. She asked what we were taking photos of. I said my outfit. She accepted that, was quiet for a moment and then said, "but what are you going to do with the photos?". Explaining a fashion blog to middle-aged women never gets old. She wasn't mean, just genuinely curious...unlike the boat lady.

So, this fleaster (Real word. Saw it on their website. Self-defined as: person who excels at flea market shopping; flea market shopping extraordinaire) has a penchant for new baubles, so I may have walked away with two new necklaces, two rings, a pair of earrings and a vintage key. Oh yeah....and a pretty awesome blue and white striped blazer, a leather purse that matches my hair, a wallet that matches the purse and don't even get me started on $1.00 books. Best. Day. Ever.

I may have a slight problem....

j.

The Non-New Yorker's Guide to: Thrifting the East Village

I was inspired to write this post after having brunch with my one and only friend who I knew before moving to NYC. She is somewhat of a marketing/PR/social media guru so I really value her insight, opinions and guidance. She told me that I should focus some of my posts on being new to the City because this is something that is unique to my blog, a fledgling little fashion blog swimming in the sea among many, many more experienced and polished fashion blogs. She told me it was cool to hear my first impressions of places and experiences in NYC because I was seeing or experiencing them for the first time. With a brand new, un-jaded set of eyes. So, I had plans after our brunch to explore the East Village as I made my way from thrift shop to thrift shop. Which I did, keeping her wise words in mind.

Coming from the Upper West Side, I grilled my friend for step-by-step directions and manically and compulsively consulted my iPhone for the best route to take. I took the red line (this is how New Yorker's refer to the subway) to 14th Street, walked the underground tunnel (best not to really think about it when you're down there) and transferred like a pro to the L line towards Brooklyn. I hopped off at 1st Ave., before crossing the East River into Brooklyn. I had previously mapped out my thrift adventure (thank-you Yelp) and could easily walk to all four stores from this subway station. I am cordially inviting you to come thrift the East Village with me, with the disclaimer that this is going to get long (sorry in advance).

Thrift Stop #1: East Village Thrift Shop

The first store I entered was fairly large, had a decent selection of women's apparel, a plethora of leather jackets and did not prompt me to hold my nose the way Value Village does (sorry VV Boutique). A quick scan of the racks showed me far too many "mall brands" for my liking (ie. H&M, Target, Forever 21). The price tags were on the moderate to high end for thrifted items, not high enough to send me running but not low enough to make me buy everything I tried on without a second thought. I persevered, perusing through the mall brands that I will not try on merely for principal's sake. I ended up with about five items to try on, a really nice Kenneth Cole striped sweater that I had high hopes for and several wool skirts. 

For various reasons - an ill fit, the unreasonable price tag, the anticipation of better (and cheaper) things to come - I left empty handed, much to the shop keeper's dismay. On to store two!

Thrift Stop #2: No Relation Vintage

The second stop on my thrifting tour brought me to this gem of a store. It was huge, by thrift standards, and boasted an impressive shoe section and array of 70's garb. I was happy to find out the price tags were lower than the first store, although still not low enough to make me exclaim, "Shut Up! $2 for a silk shirt, that's basically free!". But we were moving in the right direction. I only tried on two items and ended up buying one. At first glance I thought the below was a skirt. Once in the change room, I decided that no it was probably a poncho so I tried it as such first. That looked right. I took it off and feeling somewhat devishly I thought, why not try it as a skirt. After skillfully shimmying my booty through the neck hole trying not to stretch it out, opening the door of the change room and peeking out to make sure that no one would notice this possibly horrendous fashion faux paus, I checked myself out in the mirror. It worked as a skirt! And a poncho! And was only $5. Now, that's what I'm talking about.

Moments before paying, I was distracted by shiny objects in the display case at the register. Damn you impulse buys - you get me every time! A woven rattan clutch and bronze necklace were mine.

Thrift Stop 3: AuH2O

By far the smallest thrift store I've ever been into, AuH2O is as charming as a high-end boutique. A very minimal selection makes this store hit or miss, I'd say. I tried on a pair of patterned palazzo pants, which I liked, but the price tag (only $12 but still...) and the current season stopped me from purchasing them. They did have a decent selection of really cute vintage jewelry. And I'm a sucker for jewelry. I bought a long necklace with a scissors pendant on it for entirely too much money but I HAD to have it. Also found a bracelet with jewel-toned stones around it for a reasonable price. The clasp was loose at first but the girl working there fixed it up for me with a pair of pliers.

Thrift Stop #4: Village Style

Arguably my favorite stop of the day - I saved the best for last, unbeknownst to me! A similar size to shop number two, Village Style was full of vintage outerwear and a hat selection that would make even the most seasoned chapeau lover weak at the knees. Even with all the beautiful vintage gems around me I had eyes only for one. It was love at first sight. I saw the cream colored wool and stripes of teal, purple and blue from a mile away and knew - just knew - that I had to own whatever it was. It was a love affair fit for a made-for-TV movie. It was indeed the wool coat that I donned in my last post. I picked it off the rack and tried it on immediately. I was in love. Deep, soul-churning love. The price tag told me $40 and I was okay with this considering my feelings. But then I saw it. When I turned a certain way. There was a slight water mark down the right-hand side of the coat. It was hardly noticeable but still, it was there. So I did something that I never do. I took the coat up to the register and told the man I loved it but there was this large stain on the front. He asked me how much it was (my insides starting doing somersaults - my plan was working!). I told him $40. He inspected the coat and told me $35. I countered immediately with $30. He inspected it some more. He told me it was a nice coat. I silently agreed but stood there waiting. He said $35 again. I told him I would have to pay this much in dry cleaning (which I don't know is true and in all likelihood I will probably not have it dry cleaned). He was firm at $35. I told him I would look around the store and think about it. Which I did, half-heartedly, thinking of my one true love the whole time, making sure no one else was about to try her on. I went back to look at her again. The man walked past me so I gathered my courage one last time and told him to look at it in this light where the stain was (slightly) more visible. He inspected it again. Told me it was a nice coat, again. I had nothing to lose so I played my ace. I looked at him with what I hoped were pleading (not crazy) eyes and told him I was a poor student (which is true). He was silent, probably trying to figure out how to get rid of me, then he sighed and said Okay! I looked at him and repeated, just to be sure, $30. He nodded. I refrained myself from running to the register and knocking down people in my way. I had just had my first successful bartering experience. I paid and quickly left before he could change his mind, being sure to thank him profusely and leave him with the biggest smile ever (which wasn't hard considering I had a big, goofy grin on my face for hours afterwards). Thank you Village Style, I love my wool coat and will be back, along with all the other thrift lovers who I will send your way.

I hope you enjoyed this little thrift adventure with me (I warned you it was going to be lengthy). This was only a fraction of the thrift shops in the East Village so I can't wait to go back. Definitely a different vibe in this district compared to the rest of Manhattan. Described to me as the Brooklyn of the City, I knew I was going to like it here. Definitely a bit rough around the edges. Grungy but in a trendy sort of way - but not too trendy. You see more punks than princesses. Chains and mohawks versus Gucci and Prada. And after shopping in SOHO for a couple days running, I was happy to be away from the stiletto-clad bean poles for just a few hours.

Until next time,

j.

Poshy Poshy Poo Poo

I braved the camera swiping thieves and crazy oglers to bring you these photos today. As soon as I donned my brand new thrifted wool coat (more on this thrift adventure later), I just had to grab my tripod and schlep around the Financial District to find a suitable location for a solo shoot. The fact that this square was swarming with security guards and less than a block away from the NYPD made me feel confident that I would at least be safe from a steal and run. After it was all said and done, I realized much to my ego's dismay that New Yorkers could not give two hoots about the crazy girl posing in front of her tripod.

striped wool coat {thrifted @ Village Style} - blue scarf {Palm Desert street market} - scissors necklace {thrifted @ AuH2O} -

black & grey striped dress {Joe Fresh} - black belt {Winners} - grey finger-less gloves {Wooden Ships via ABC} - teal tights {Hue} -

black knee-high socks {Jacob} - tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay} 

So, you may be wondering about the really random and slighly inappropriate sounding title to this post. No? Well, humour me will you? I had my first class at Parsons today. Fashion Textile Studies. Basically we are going learn about fabric and the raw materials that make up fabric. My professor could not be more entertaining. She is a true Georgian peach who, although has lived in the City for over 10 years, has still maintained her Southern drawl. Ya'll understand me? (This, by the way, is a direct quote from her, usually ending most of her sentences). In her introduction to the class, she made it clear that she comes from the B&T side of fashion (that's business and technology) and NOT the poshy poshy poo poo side of things. Awesome. We went over the syllabus, the first assignment, her expectations of us and the outcomes of the class. Pretty basic. She did dive in to chapter one a wee bit, covering the most basic textiles that most of us know and love. Again, I quote, we talked about sisters Poly and Ester and how they are kin to cotton. She enlightened us about other natural fibers, such as, wool, silk, rabbit and alligator. At this point she stopped, laughed and said, "If it walks and we can shoot it, it's a textile". While hearing these words come out of anyone else's mouth would have been slightly traumatic, her spunky Southern delivery somehow made them sound charmingly comical.

In keeping with today's lesson, I learned that wool and rain do not get along particularly well. Especially thrifted wool. The result is a scent somewhere between wet dog and your great Aunt Edie's neglected basement. Not pleasant. But so totally worth it.

j.