Long Weekend, Longer Post!

I had a glorious weekend, thanks to a saved personal day I had to use up before the end of the month.

Blake and I headed to an Estate sale early Saturday morning in Bonita. The email I received called it a digger's paradise, and boy was it!
Blake usually gets bored with estate sales but at this one he spent an hour in the garage digging out various pieces for an old 1960's wood turning lathe. The lathe and an entire box of tools and etc was only $50! He was really excited. So excited that he crammed it in our Rav4 and broke my favorite mug in the process :(

I found a few things too...I scored an old typeset tray for only $20, a really cool vintage mexican embroidered shirt for $2 (silk embroidered on an old flour sack!), a George Carlin LP for $1, a couple of Vera scarves for $1.50 each and this sterling and onyx ring (hubby bought it for me) for $15!

I was drooling over it at the estate sale, just look at the detail! Under the onyx stone is a basket weave base. $15 was a steal. Its an amazing piece, unsigned, unmarked, but obviously hand made.

I also bought a vintage tiki dress clip ($12) which I refashioned into a necklace in the studio today. I'll post that one up on my other blog tomorrow when I take some better pictures.

The rest of Saturday was spent at the in-laws with my pup Ruby. We took her on a long walk to her favorite park where she poop danced all over the place. You know that thing dogs do when they do their business then kick their feet to spread the scent? We call that the poop dance. Aside from the poop, its really fun to watch her kicking her legs in the air and running excitedly in circles. She only does it at the park so its a rare show.

Later in the evening Saturday, my brother-in-law Ryan, along with Blake, performed a song he had written for me. Earlier in the week we had gone to see the Old 97's and Langhorn Slim perform at The Belly Up in Solana Beach. Langhorn Slim was amazing, I even got some pics with the band after. The Old 97's were so-so, their newer songs are very repetitive, but I like their older music so we stayed for them as well. This obnoxious woman in front of me, throughout the entire set, would turn to her friend and talk as loud as possible with this screeching, wretched voice. The guy to their left told them to shut up a few times, but I was getting pissed. Who pays to see a concert and just ignores the music? I finally snapped and told them to go outside if they were going to talk. The woman told me to move (there was no where to move to, it was a sold out show and we were standing in a seated area).  I told her if she was going to talk she could talk behind me but she was ruining my concert experience. There was a little tussle, more arguing, some foul language and wine spilled, but I finally broke through her and stood in front of her, making my point loud and clear. Apparently my B-I-L heard her say "why are you so mean" at some point in the argument, and he had an instant line for his song. I'll have to have him copy it for me so I can share. I promise I'm not overly eager to fight with people and generally I'm easygoing, but the sound of her voice was piercing and I was so frustrated. I guess I'm the uptight sober girl now...

But enough of that. Here's my OOTD for Saturday which I was too busy with family to upload and blog about.  I thought, its so pretty, I'm going to spend the day with my husband, I want to look pretty too! I tiptoed carefully around that "digger's paradise so I wouldn't get my previously unworn dress dirty. Did I mention this was another of those $9.95 steals from around Christmastime? Kitty cat dress with pockets? Sold!

It was very bright. Next time I'll wear sunglasses! I just love these sunny pictures on the patio. People waiting for Hash House staring at me is so uncomfortable...

Deets:

Dress- Floreat, Anthropologie spring 2010

Shoes- Frye, Anthropologie 2009

Necklace- Gold Bird and Cuckoo Clock, Anthropologie In Case 2007

Sunday and Monday I was in grubby clothes so no OOTD's necessary. 

To all of you that joined in on the STERLING FILIGREE RING GIVEAWAY CONTEST I have to tally up your points and find a deep enough hat for all your entries! I'll announce the winner by Friday!

Cheers!

In English, Please.

I'm working at 3 today so I thought I would get my outfit up beforehand while taking a break from a work project.

I feel a little exposed writing my blog in a public place, but I figured I would multitask by eating lunch, having my tea and getting my work done all at once.

I haven't eaten here in a while but sitting here for the past thirty minutes or so reminds me why I love this place. There is a conversation entirely in italian being spoken between the owner and a patron, a loud conversation that almost begs for a little eavesdropping. If only I spoke italian. I bet the conversation is quite interesting (it certainly sounds so).

The place is Pappalecco in Hillcrest, and you can read about why I love them so dearly here.

On to my OOTD. Whenever I wear this dress I feel like a young girl, its flirty style and vibrant colors evoke a certain girlishness lost in the quest to become a woman. Or maybe that's just me.

 I'm fully aware San Diego is boasting bright blue skies and the most glorious weather in the western hemisphere at the moment, but I'm just not ready to bare my legs yet (hence the tights).

Deets:

Dress- Maeve, Anthropologie 2010

Tights- Hue, Anthropologie 2010

Shoes- Totem Heel, Anthropologie 2009

Necklace- Contrived To Charm

Ring- Miss November Studio

I made this ring from a piece of Anthropologie hardware. I have one in yellow too!

Tiki heels! Sometimes accessories can are more fun with unexpected details.

My friend Tiffany (of Contrived To Charm) gave me this necklace she made with found objects for Christmas when we had our vintage store together.

The vintage name charm is my favorite part.

I wonder what the note in the bottle says?

Sterling Filigree Giveaway Contest Question of the day:

If you were to send a bottle to sea, what would your note read?

Cheers!

PS...The conversation in italian was about tourists coming home and receiving multiple traffic tickets in the mail from driving in Italy. I guess if you're going to visit Italy, do not drive! Pappalecco owns a travel company that sends its patrons on exciting trips to Italy. They have been hearing back from a lot of their patrons about the tickets they have been receiving in the mail once they are home. Four tickets and $1500 Euros later, the poor guy sitting near me (topic of conversation in italian) having his lunch seems dejected and finacially drained after having a great trip. There are cameras at intersections you may not be aware of. Yikes!

Vintage Saks

Hey Friends,

Was it just me or was everyone incredibly sleepy today? Gravity was bringing me down!

I spent the entire day yawning my way through work and practically dragging my feet.

But at least I looked good!

I bought this vintage Saks Fifth Avenue tunic at a local fashion swap store as soon as it hit the rack. I think it looks very mid-century and is incredibly well constructed. Yay for geo-prints and turquoise!

All I need is a bouffant, a headband, a charm bracelet and a tray of lemonaide!

Deets:

Tunic-Vintage 1960's Saks Fifth Avenue (Park Avenue Room)

Denim- AG Leggings in black, Anthropologie 2010

Shoes- FarylRobin platforms (older)

Necklace- Vintage 1960's copper and enamel

Ring- Miss November Studio

 The Necklace:

I found this in a thrift store. Still kicking myself for leaving the matching earrings behind.

Looks familiar?

Joan Holloway from Mad Men (S2P1)

Its not the exact necklace, but it sure looks similar!

PS. I want to live in Sterling-Cooper.

Question of the day:

Who's your favorite Mad Man or Mad Gal?

I think I like Joan best. Her style is phenomenal and I secretly want to be buxom ;)

Cheers!

Gold Lion's Gonna Tell Me...

I had a long, exhausting day at work today. When I came home I relaxed with some gelato, tea and Saturday Night Live (good episode, love the PeeWee sketch!). Once that was done I got straight to work shoveling through the giant mountain of clothes in the corner of my room.

It was getting prettttttty bad...

Then I found mildew on my wall. Yuck.
So I cleaned that too.

DH came home a few hours later and made me dinner. He was a late bloomer in the kitchen, but everything he cooks is fantastic. So I cleaned while he cooked and now I'm full and my bedroom is sparkling and mildew free.

And I'm still exhausted.
What better to wake me up than a silly photo session with hubby?

Deets:

Dress- thrifted

Shrug- Free People 2010

Tights- fleece lined leggings, Anthropologie current

Belt- thrifted and frankensteined (Blake made this belt from two different belts)

Boots- thrifted suede and leather

Gold Lion

DeHoarding Contest Question of the day:

What second-hand gem do you have hiding in your closet?

Cheers! 

City Girl Gone Wild

I had a looooong day at work today, productive, but loooooooong. 

You know why!

Tuesday at Anthro :-)

I got home as soon as I could to plant the succulents I bought yesterday after work that were still in the back of my car. Blake came home as I was finishing up and laughed about us being "city folk." I had turned our kitchen table into a potting station and everything was covered in soil, including my hands and face!

Tomorrow morning I'll take some pictures so you can get an idea of the obsession I have for succulents. 

Here's the outfit I wore today. I have to say, I felt very comfortable and received tons of compliments for this look. This one will be a repeat down the road when I'm lacking creativity in my outfitting.

Deets:

Jacket- Vintage, recent thrift store find

Blouse- Odille, Anthropologie 2009

Vest- Vintage

Denim- Earnest Sewn high waist wide leg jeans, Anthropologie 2008?

Shoes- Miss Albright, Anthropologie 2009

Hat- Vintage

Necklace- "Barty's Bad Day" (More on Barty here), Miss November Studio

Barty's Bad Day by MNS 

Don't forget about the STERLING FILIGREE RING GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

(REFRESHER)

Your Question for Today...

What are you obsessed with?

Me? Clothes/jewelry/accessories (obviously), boots and rings specifically, vintage, mid-century modern home decor (as you can see), succulents, makeup, Devendra Banhart, Jenny Lewis, ETSY, rosebud lip balm before bed.

Cheers!

Watching My Budget Shrink!

I forgot to mention in my last post that I made another Anthropologie purchase:

anadyomene malliot, org. $148 by pez d'or

I had to buy this. It was waaaay marked down and I shelled out a mere $20 and change for it. It has a sweet 1950's style with a halter strap, gathered mid-section and low cut leg holes. I have a slew of teeny bikinis, but as I enter my 30's I just don't feel like prancing around the beach nearly naked anymore. 

So that leaves me with about $21 and change to play with for the rest of the month and its only the 6th!!! Its gonna be tough, but I can handle this!

Yesterday's outfit was chosen for thrift shopping. I always try to wear leggings so I can try on skirts and pants without too much trouble and I just love this little fish chemise. It was a beautiful, warm day so a light cardigan was all I needed. 

Deets:

Chemise- Lilka, Anthropologie summer 2010

Cardigan- Splendid, Anthropologie 2009

Leggings- BDG, Urban Outfitters 2009

Boots- Steve Madden 2008

Boot Cuffs- KittyDune on Etsy, current

A note on the boots, I've had these re-soled twice in the past few years. If you spend a lot of money on shoes and happen to wear the soles out, invest in shoe repair. Its about $30 depending on where you go to have new soles put on. These boots had a slick sole on them and the shoe repair replaced them with hard rubber soles with tread. No more slipping on slick surfaces! My advice is not to try and take all of your shoes at once. Shoe repair costs add up so take them in as they wear down.

KittyDune is an Etsy seller I found while searching for something to spice up my legwear collection. The boot cuffs are about 6" high so you won't experience excess bulk or overheat in your boots. I also bought them in plum!

Etsy is a fantastic site for finding great handmade goods for fair prices. Most sellers will fulfill custom orders as well, so if you have something specific in mind, find a reputable seller and make a request or try posting your idea on the Alchemy where sellers will bid on the job! I love searching through the  Treasury and other seller's favorites to find new and unique hand made items perfect for gift giving! There's also a ton of vintage clothing for sale on Etsy!

Today's outfit is boring loungewear, so I won't be posting it :)

Cheers!

Butterbean Butt Badge

Its been a few days, but I haven't fallen off the wagon yet!

I fell asleep early on Monday and didn't get a chance to post my OOTD, so here it is!

I love high-waist, wide leg pants. I love them even more if they're vintage! These pants are so long I have to wear platforms so they don't drag. I'm 5' 7.5" and I have really long legs, with platforms I'm all legs in these jeans!

Deets:

Blouse- Weston Wear, Anthropologie 2008

Vest- Only Hearts, Anthropologie 2005

Jeans- Chemin De Fer, vintage

Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell, purchased second-hand 

Ring- Miss November Studio (scroll down for close up)

Watch- Michael Kors, current

I had Blake take my photos for this outfit. He becomes really exasperated and takes rapid-fire photos to get it over with, and he hates this photo. I like it!

I am a huge dork, this is me clowning around and showing off my booty. These pants give me lima bean butt. I don't mind though...before he passed, Blake's Grandpa nicknamed me Butterbean Butt. I wear my butt proudly, like a badge...a butt badge. Hah!

I made this ring from a vintage sterling pin. I have a weird fascination with Llamas (I really want one!)

Blake made a jig from a piece of pipe so I can make rings that fit knuckle to knuckle and wrap around the finger. Its pretty dramatic looking, but its an illusion...

I made it like a shield, the front covers the entire front portion of your finger wrapping around the sides but the small band in back ensures full range of motion and complete comfort. I have made a few rings this way and it always surprises people to see that the ring isn't just a tube.

$50 Going, Going....

Don't worry, I haven't blown my January Anthro budget just yet, but I did purchase a new dress:

 $9.95 STEAL: Nathalie Lété Paris for Anthropologie Marine Mural Dress 

I picked it up after work for $9.95! Someone made a huge return of summer items and I saw this little number hit the return bin. I know the last thing I need is another dress, but it will be so comfy in summer with heels or sandals! 

Here is my OOTD:

I don't know what the motivation was, but late last night I was pulling together an outfit really late and I had to be up really early.  I guess I was feeling playful (as you can clearly see)!

Deets:

Blouse- Anthropologie, summer 2010 (previously unworn)

Pants- Vintage LEE Frontier Woman Denim Cigarette Pants (late '50's/early '60's) $5 at Frock You Vintage's Huge Frocking Sale (in San Diego)

Shoes- Anthropologie, Miss Albright summer/fall 2009

Belt- Contrived To Charm, The Muse, current

Necklace- Vintage, sterling and copper

Ring- Miss November Studio, sterling silver and turquoise

My headband is a chiffon sash tied around twice and knotted.

I'm a silversmith, check out my shop Miss November Studio on Etsy!

vintage necklace gifted on Valentine's Day by my Mother in Law

More on those pants...

Frock You Vintage is a FANTASTIC little vintage haven in North Park in San Diego. They carry some high end, some rare and collectible, and a ton of wearable vintage in really good shape. Every so often they have a "Huge Frocking Sale" where they fill the yard next to the shop with racks and racks of $1-$10 vintage clothes and accessories. They also invite guest vendors to sell. Its like a free for all and I have found some really great, super cheap stuff. You can check out some of their amazing vintage at www.frockyouvintage.com, but I suggest you visit their store if you can!

...and that belt...

Contrived to Charm is owned by my supertalented friend Tiffany who is amazingly crafty. After Tiffany and I closed our co-owned vintage clothing store, I started silversmithing and Tiffany picked up leather tooling. Her business took off immediately, people love her belts, especially The Muse. We have spotted Contrived to Charm on Margaret Cho virtually anytime she is on television, and there's a rumor that Kat VonD is a C2C fan, although she never seems to cover her midriff... Tiffany's belts are featured in Etsy treasuries and she has been on the home page of Etsy more times than I can count. She has definitely found her calling. I remain her biggest fan and at last count I own 7 C2C belts. She can be found selling her various belt and handbag designs at www.contrivedtocharm.etsy.com and her blog www.contrivedtocharm.com, or shop her wares at Home Mercantile (yelp profile link) in North Park in San Diego.

"The Muse," handmade by Contrived To Charm

Cho LOVES her Muse belt by C2C

I need your opinion...

I showed off my supersweet dress deal to Blake and he thinks $50 is a baloney budget. Maybe he just has no idea of what my clothes cost (from years of sneaking things into my closet), but he thought one piece of clothing a month is better. With a $50 budget I have to stay within that set amount, regardless of what the item is. I think $50 is a good, manageable budget. What do you think? 

Day two down...only 363 days to go. 

Piece of Cake.