Saturday, June 27, 2015

Links a la Mode 6.25.15

Took a break from lounging by the pool to share the good news. As you've probably realized by now, I made it on to IFB's Links a la Mode! Go check out all these other great bloggers!

Links a la Mode Weekly Roundup: June 25, 2015

Friday, June 26, 2015

Look of the Day: Blue Hawaii

I wish I was in Hawaii, but no. As you read this, I'm probably dead in the middle of the desert. My husband and I got talked into going to Palm Springs. It's supposed to be 109º when I fly in on Friday and will cool off 4º on Saturday. At least, by the time I fly home to Seattle, our predicted ninety-degree weather will seem downright pleasant.

I'm actually pretty excited, though. I will take lots of photos of all the cool desert stuff and the mid-century architecture!

For some photo previews, follow me on Instagram!
Vintage Hawaiian dress - thrifted tassel earrings - thrifted Report flats

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Look of the Day: Mini Shirt Dress, Tassel Earrings, & Some Thrifty Tips

Fun Fact: Everything I'm wearing, with the exception of one bracelet, was thrifted! The whole look cost not more than $55. I would say "What's the point of going to the mall?" But let's be honest, if it weren't for our society's consumption habits, we wouldn't have thrift stores and garage sales so chock full of awesome stuff.

 Okay, I think it's high-time I share some of my thrifting advice.

First and foremost, thrifting takes patience & experience! I've been doing this for years and seem to have endless amounts of focus when it comes to shopping. I went garage saleing with my dad as a kid and I have really good eyesight, which helps me pick out things like real leather among a sea of plastic.  My hope is that this post will help you work with your predispositions; be they genetic or otherwise.

#1: Plan Ahead
 If you don't have the patience or are short on time, go in with a game plan so you don't get overwhelmed. Need summer dresses? Then head straight for the dress section! Not sure what you're looking for? Choose 2 sections to start with and branch out when you feel comfortable. If you're like me and get overwhelmed in big stores, keep your head down and focus on just the stuff directly in front of you.

#2: Get to know quality
Do some research and familiarize yourself with good brands, good fabrics, and countries of origin that are known for higher quality construction.

Examples:
Classics like L.L. Bean & vintage Levi's, vintage Salvatore Ferragamo & Coach, or mid-range brands that just hold up well, like Gap, Old Navy, & J. Crew. Coach knock-offs from the 90s are still a good buy, because they're usually good leather.

As for materials, leather (duh), silk, linen, & wool are all good bets. Wool, especially, as it has anti-microbial properties meaning it shouldn't stink no matter how many times its former owner wore it skiing.

Countries of Origin to look for:
Japan
USA & Canada
England, Scotland, etc.
France, Spain or Italy
Anything in Scandinavia

This is not to say high quality can't be made in other countries, but these countries aren't big garment manufacturers anymore, so the item is either old or a really good newer piece that was probably very expensive.

#3 Look in Unexpected Places 
When you're feeling more confident or just aren't finding things in your size, don't just leave! Check out the places no one else has thought to look! I'm petite, so I always check the XL section of the Boy's Clothes. Quite frequently, amazing things are mistaken for boys clothes and put here. I've found a cashmere Burberry sweater, a pair of jeans made in Ballard, just 10 minutes from my apartment, and some vintage pieces that have since become all-time favorites. 

If you're tall, try the men's section. High quality women's jeans are frequently mistaken for men's jeans, and it's a great place to find nice sweaters. 

Stunning vintage maxi dresses are always put in the XXL section of women's dresses because they usually involve much more fabric than maxi dresses of today. This means, that even if they are a little bit big, the good construction and drape of the fabric will be flattering on you anyway. Vintage sizing is also very different from modern day sizes, so don't assume something will or won't fit!

#4 If you love it, buy it
No matter where it's made, what it's made from, or whether it's in style or not. If you feel good in it, buy it! Things in thrifts stores should be considered one of a kind, even if they're from a mass producer like Gap or Target. It's probably a good deal and who knows when you'll find another in your size! Like I said, I've been doing this for years, and I rarely find 2 of something in the same size.



Think of it as a treasure hunt. Don't forget to have fun!
Email me if you have any more questions about thrifting! 

P.S. The dress is for sale in Shop Fleur Elise.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Look of the Day: Black Floral & Boyfriend Jeans

I bought these jeans at Value Village about a year ago, with the intent to sell them. All of a sudden, though, I've fallen in love with them. I really never thought I'd say "I love my ripped boyfriend jeans" EVER! The biggest benefit is the comfort. Also, I think it's pretty cool that all the rips and fades happened because these used to be someone's favorite jeans. They've even got a wallet fade on the back pocket. So killer.




Forever 21 top & glasses - vintage cardigan - vintage Lee denim - Charlotte Russe shoes - Vintage Coach - Tocca necklace

Monday, June 8, 2015

Look of the Day: Blue Boho

This royal blue top is another treasure found in last week's thrift store outings. It's handmade, probably circa 1978 or so. Elastic in the gathered neckline makes it perfect for wearing off-shoulder. And guess what? It's for sale in my Etsy store!


 I get so easily obsessed with new accessories. Right now, it's these grey Forever21 sunglasses.

 Oh! And my new star bracelet! I've worn it everyday since I found it at Value Village. It's marked as sterling, but I'm gonna show it to my dad and get a second opinion. Either way, I'm crazy about it! I've been lusting after star pieces since the Rodarte headpiece debuted in 2012. So you know, for 3 years or so.

Bag is vintage, shoes are JCPenny (last year), and pants are Gap (thrifted).

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Look of the Day: Thrifted Floral


It's been one of those magical weeks when it comes to thrift shopping, so I was inspired to get my camera out. I took photos of three different outfits! First off, this dress! It's from Old Navy, but I found it for $6 at Goodwill. Not exactly the best fabric for the 80 degree weather we've been having, but I couldn't not  wear it. I love it too much!

My second outing to a thrift store resulted in 3 amazing denim finds. First off, a pair of vintage Wranglers in fabulous condition. Unfortunately, they're a size 1, so they're up for grabs on my Etsy. Second, a pair of Acne skinny jeans for a whopping $4! That's like a savings of $246. The third pair was found in the boy's section (my favorite place to look since I'm small). They're a pair of raw denim jeans made about 10 minutes from me in Ballard. They're from the sadly-closed store, Blackbird. They used to make jeans and sell a great selection of men's wear, but have since moved to selling perfumes, incense, and super-cool beard oils online and wholesale. The jeans are another size tragedy, but they were too good to pass up.


More outfits coming soon!
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