Something Old...Vintage Anthro and Entomology Taxidermy and I Might be a Cheater.

Yesterday was my closing shift so my picture was taken at appoximately 1am by my groggy hubby.

I adore this dress. I loved it when I saw it for original price back in 2006, but I found this gem just a few months ago at a fashion swap store. It has an itty bitty stain, but other than that its perfectly worn in.

And so comfy! 

I decided to go quirky and paired it with my victorian-esque canvas and leather lace up boots from Urban Outfitters. I fell in love with these in the catalog and purchased them right away. They aren't very versatile but they get tons of compliments.

My accessories for the day were a victorian inspired jet button ring and a green japanese beetle taxidermy necklace.

I bought the necklace from a vendor in Old Town for $10. Its an unusual accessory for a grown woman to wear, but I love beautiful bugs and sometimes I can be a little weird.

I embrace my weirdness!

As I was walking to Pappalecco for a pre-work panini, I found a japanese beetle laying in the mulch of a planter. Luckily I had my journal because suddenly a story sprang into my mind about an unusual girl of 12 named Clara who wants to be a boy and wears a japanese beetle pendant that she and her apothocary father made. I'm probably a little inspired by Edward Gorey since it has a macabre twist, but I certainly can't draw like E.G. so for now the story is playing out in my mind and in journal form. Hopefully I can keep up with Clara and eventually have a full story to share. Right now I'm writing about how she uses a linen bandage to bind her budding breasts and mimics the lumbering walk of the coal boy to practice being a boy. She has also stolen breeches off a clothesline and sometimes wears them in place of her petti-breeches. 

Annnnywhooooo......here's my "Apothocary's Daughter" OOTD...

Deets:

Dress- Odille, Anthropologie 2006

Boots- Urban Outfitters 2010

Socks- Anthropologie

Ring- Anthropologie

Necklace- Purchased in Old Town, San Diego

Michael Kors Watch

Oh...I have a major confession to make. 

I bought a dress and dipped into my February budget by $20.

I HAD TO. 

Last week at work we were talking about the Twinkle Twinkle dress by Girls From Savoy from last spring, there's a new version of it in stores now. I had purchased this immediately at full price and returned it due to shoppers remorse within a few days. I was in love with this dress and by the time it went on sale my size was gone. I'm just not the type to go searching for things, I'm too lazy, and I took it as a sign that I didn't need it anyway. 

Back to last week's conversation...I had said if it ever magically appeared in my size I would buy it no questions asked. I always felt like this was truly "the one that got away!" Anyway, a few days ago a coworker brought it to me and I bought it then and there. FOR $39.95!!! You all know I have been so good this month and still had $20 left in my January budget, so I borrowed from February and I refuse to feel bad about it. Yes I cheated a little, but let's call it bending the rules. Its not like I borrowed from February, March and April to buy the AG Farrahs!

Don't judge.

Can you ever forgive me for fudging a little?

Now I only have $30 going into February. Is it weird that my palms are sweating and I feel a little light headed at the thought?

Cheers!

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.

Ack-ses-o-rize!

Welcome back from the weekend! I'm into day three of my 365 day challenge...so far, so good.

Does anyone else stay up too late, pull their outfit right before bed and throw it on at 5am without a thought? I'm not sure I love this outfit, but I received a ton of compliments on the poncho and I was warm and comfortable all day, so I guess its a win. I had it shrugged up and cowled at one point today, the buttoning and slouching scenarios are endless!

The poncho was previously unworn and sat in my closet since early summer. It was one of those $9.95 Anthro purchases I just couldn't pass up at the time, but each time I came close to wearing it, back into the closet it would go. I ripped the tag off and finally committed to keeping the poncho this very morning. 

The skirt was a pre-owned find, I usually find black, red, or brown suede miniskirts, but lavender? I couldn't pass it up! It was purchased at a fashion swap store around late summer and again, it sat in the closet until I tore the tag off this morning. It has a high waist perfect for tucking fitted or blousy tops. It wins for versatility within my wardrobe. I'll be wearing it again soon!

These Steve Madden boots were an impulse buy early in December, but I have already gotten my $188 out of them. I was lusting after a Sam Edelman military boot in a Free People catalogue a few months back, but they sold out quickly. The lace-up military styling of these makes them extremely versatile in my wardrobe and magically they fit my skinny calves! Hooray!

Size 9's with thin calves. Boots are not an easy fit for me.

Deets:

Knit Poncho- Pure Handknit, Anthropologie winter 2009

Tunic- LA Made, Anthropologie summer 2010

Leather Miniskirt- Cayenne Leather

Leggings- Eloise (fleece lined, yuummmmm), Anthropologie, current

Boots- Steve Madden, current

Coral Necklace- Anthropologie in case, 2006

Boot Necklace- Anthropologie in case, 2008

Ring- Anthropologie in case, 2006

Watch- Michael Kors Rose Gold, Nordstrom, current

I bought this December 2008 as a gift to myself for a promotion! MK should be giving me a sales bonus for selling to people admiring it!

boot necklace

glass and brass ring

I'll be going out to a bar for a bit tonight to say Happy Birthday to my dear friend Celestina! I'll probably change up the outfit a bit so I'll post any wardrobe updates later!

Question: 

Boots are one thing I struggle with fit-wise. The calves are usually too big for me, and with size 9 feet (make that feet-slash-swim fins!), I think boot designers automatically assume the average 15" circumference will work for everyone. What wardrobe item are you forever hunting for worthy of public dancing (touchdown! Yessssss!) when it fits just right?

My Big Fat New Year's Resolution

Last night I was attempting to wedge several newer items in my closet when a hanger snapped in half. I smooshed, shoved, pushed, and used my shoulder to hold clothes aside as I crammed another sweater in. As I stood back and looked at the clothes I had hoarded and amassed during 2010 a pang of a years worth of shopper's remorse struck me dead in the guts like a bolt of lightning.

My closet is at CAPACITY. I cannot fit one more article of clothing in it, not one more hanger will fit on the bar. I use the skinny space saving hangers.

<<I have an "outer-closet" as well as a mini walk in closet. Both bars are exploding with apparel, most I haven't worn in years but love them too much to  give away or sell. I also have a huge dresser and the top two drawers in my husband's dresser. Almost all of his clothes fit on the back of this rack and in a small dresser. He hates shopping and gets outfitted for the year at Christmas.

I work at Anthropologie. Anyone who has been in a store knows what its like to be trapped in the sale room surrounded by all of those attractive clothes. Once you have fought your way out, you find your arm is loaded with a plethora of fabrics and patterns, and before you can blink all of those goodies are wrapped in tissue and shoveled into a bag to be hidden in the depths of your closet so hubby doesn't notice.

My mini walk in houses my dresses, sweaters, jackets, scarves, handbags, hats and a portion of my shoe collection. The "outer-closet" holds skirts, tops, vests and the majority of my shoes. My dresser hides everything else, including more hats. I have enough accessories to open a store.>>

Its pretty much the only place I shop, aside from the occasional thrift store, vintage clothing or second hand shop.

Anthropologie is my weakness.

I have never been one to make resolutions, in fact when I tell myself to cut back on something I do the opposite. This year will be different...
I will perservere.
I will find willpower.
I will stop shopping.

So here is my project for 2011...My closet is at capacity, so I will shop my closet.
I will only purchase thrift store finds and I will have a monthly "Anthro Budget" of only $50 (yikes!)

I have this little blog here to keep me honest, so every bit of encouragement is appreciated. I hope my project, as challenging as it will become, will inspire others to look at that 70% of clothes in their closets whisked aside each day and finally find the motivation wear it!