Day Two Fashion Challenge

Today seemed much harder than yesterday. I think the difficulty is trying to wear an outfit that is comfortable, and not too dressy. But once I let that go, and decided to put on something that I liked, regardless of comfort or appropriateness, I found an outfit that I loved. And it wasn't even uncomfortable.

 

my most favorite vintage sweater (thrifted)

black mini skirt (thrifted, then altered to it's new mini length by yours truly)

multi colored ethnic print belt (thrifted)

black patterned tights (target)

tall vintage 70s boots (etsy)

There were a number of friends at drop off today that were looking fabulous and excited about day two. But I, of course, left my phone (with camera) at home. I will make sure to take some pics later today of other participant's outfits and post them this evening. Looking good ladies! Keep the momentum going!

Day One Fashion Challenge

 My five day fashion challenge started off with a bang. I'll admit, I was a little whiny about it this morning when I got up and I was tired and cranky. I just wanted to throw on the old favorite jeans, Uggs, a sweatshirt and run out the door. But after a small internal pep talk, I came up with this:

 

Thrifted gray thermal

 Green vintage mini dress

 Leopard print tights (Target)

Vintage Frye cowboy boots (etsy)

I went to take my kids to school and, of course, ran into my best friends, (dropping off their kids), in the hallway. I was so happy to see them in their non-jeans (although Amy was wearing a denim dress, I told her that was OK).

 

Adriane in her corduroy flares, cowboy boots and puffy vest

 

Amy in her denim dress, cowboy boots and quilted jacket.

My outfit, with a 70s duster (from the 360 Ecotique) and my fringe bag.

The silly thing was, it wasn't hard or uncomfortable. I felt cute and I didn't feel overdressed or out of place. What on earth is so appealing about jeans? It is decided. This is a great challenge for me. If anything I get to show off some clothes that don't get a lot of wear in my closet. And who knows? After this week, maybe I won't be so quick to grab for the same old boring pair of jeans.

                                                                      

New Dress

I had a busy and productive week, and so far, it has been a blissful weekend. Back to work on Monday with some great projects. I just wanted to give a sneak preview of a new dress I have been working on. It is one of my re-fashioned bustier/vintage nightgown dresses. I am loving the look so far, and  hope to get it "off the pins" on Monday. It is a good thing this dress will be too big for me. The temptation to keep it is kind of overwhelming!

 

                                                      

New Loot

  I have always enjoyed it when other bloggers posted about their recent purchases and new found treasures. So today I have decided to do the same.
  As per my last posting, my poor girl guide, I went thrift shopping.  I am desperately seeking more doilies and hit up my main vain, Thrifty Bargain. It was half off day, and although I came home with not one doily, I scored my new favorite dress. I involuntarily let out a "F@*k yeah!" when I saw it, and the poor sweet woman next to me looked at me like I was crazy. Crazy in love with my newest score!

 

Pure bohemian goodness!  I love the tree and floral print and the earthy colors and not to mention the full sheer sleeves. (sigh) When i showed my hubby he immediately thought I could sell it for good money. I was  horrified, and I told him I was keeping it. He then remarked that I'll never wear it. I told him I'll be wearing it next week for my 5 day fashion challenge!

I scored this amazing and HEAVILY sequined top at the Salvation Army a month ago. It is a vintage Oleg Cassini, and it is like armor. It is so thick with sequins, it is like a bullet proof vest. It has this cool tiger-like pattern in black, bronze and silver. I had to repair a few small areas where the sequins were coming loose.  Although it is not perfect, it think it will be SICK with jean cutoffs and cowboy boots.

 

And speaking of cowboy boots, my next score was at that same Salvation Army, but only last week. I have a cowboy boot addiction. I am almost too embarrassed to even count how many pairs I own. But I keep falling in love, and I really do wear them with everything, so I definitely get my money's worth. These are pretty old and kinda crackly, but I love the color and the stitching.

And lastly, I scored this shearling coat  at that old Salvation Army I keep talking about, and have lived in it this whole winter. I have been obsessing over these, especially the really expensive Burberry ones, and this was close enough in aesthetic, and for $12, I couldn't resist. I got a similar one for my best friend for Christmas and we laugh when we wear them on the same day. She lovingly calls them our "Brokeback Mountain" jackets.

Till the next time, happy hunting!

A Poor Girl's Guide to Getting Everything She Wants

1. MAKE IT YOURSELF

                                                                          

    I get a case of "the wants" just as much as the next person, but my pocketbook keeps me from purchasing. I have always made my own clothes or "refashioned" what I already had. I am a self taught seamstress so the only thing you  need is a youtube video and a yard sale sewing machine.
  I have also been making my own kefir. It is a yummy yogurt drink full of probiotics and couldn't be easier to make (once you have the kefir grain). Here is a good tutorial if you want to start making your own.
  My husband has made our own sourdough starter, and we have been baking our own sourdough bread and enjoying sourdough waffles and crepes on the weekend.
  I have also been making my own kombocha tea for about a year now. Kombucha also offers great health benefits and is super yummy! Not to mention EXPENSIVE if you buy it from a store. The process is not that hard once you get started. Here is a great tutorial.


2. THRIFT STORES

                                                           

     These shops have been a great source for excellent treasures. I have practically furnished my whole house, supplied my whole kitchen and clothed my entire family from various thrift stores. I realize they can be overwhelming and sometimes "gross" to some, but I have the best time stretching my dollar in those often smelly treasure troves. I should probably dedicate a whole post to the AMAZING things I have scored, but for now, trust me, they are there.


3. BARTER/TRADE

                                                             

       We all have a service/talent/craft/product that we can use to trade with others who offer what we desire. I don't often have much cash to purchase, but have many times traded with other crafty and talented individuals. It is a great way for me to support other artists while getting my own stuff out there on other people.


4.  SAVE
                                           

                                                             
           I don't have a lot of experience in this area, so I can't truthfully go into great detail. I have heard if you put money away/don't spend every penny that ends up in your pocket, you might actually accumulate a little amount of money that you can put toward and spend on those "wish list" items. I am hoping to one day learn how to do this so-called "saving", but until then, I will continue to make, thrift shop and  trade.


I think it also important to note that yes, getting stuff is fun, but appreciating what you already have will have a greater long term effect on your life. Be mindful of your purchases, and try to put your money back into your community by shopping local and buying handmade. We are all in this together and should support one another. Move past the "wanting" and be a part of the "giving".


*pics are not mine unless otherwise stated.

Etsy Update

 Let me just start off by saying, I completely dislike being my own model. I work for cheap and I'm always available, so it just works out. Until my schedule permits me to have designated time for another option, this will do.
 I feel relieved to have finally been able to give my shop some much needed TLC. It has been a busy year so far, and time management has never been my strong suit. Lot's going on, but it feels good to have been so productive.
 I have a ton of great vintage going up in the shop this week and wanted to give a little "etsy update". 

                    Vintage burgundy velvet maxi dress modeled with Lost Boys and Lovers Harness

                                                       Vintage disco cut out maxi dress

 

Vintage ethnic print maxi sundress

 Vintage sheer/fringe/velvet poncho

 

Renouveau Clothing salvaged tablecloth angel sleeve mini dress (try saying THAT 3 times really fast!)

There is plenty more, but I should leave something to be desired. I hope everyone is staying happy and healthy during this cold/flu season. xoxox

Five Day Challenge (starting next week)

 I have recently found some online challenges like "Remix Your Wardrobe: 30 outfits in 30 days", (or something like that), which asks that you don't shop for new clothes and you must pick 30 different outfits from your own closet (post pictures of them) and see how creative you can be with the same clothes already in your closet. I was intrigued by the idea, but felt like I needed to start smaller.
  I have an obsession with jeans, (I think it is an American epidemic), I live in them. And for someone who makes clothes, sell clothes and loves fashion, I wonder if I am representing myself as such. Sure, I'll funk it up with feather earrings, cowboy boots, legwarmers etc., but for the most part, I wake up and throw on my favorite jeans, a sweatshirt and run out the door. In my defense, it is cold here in Northern California (in the winter), and I am pretty much taking my kids to school and coming home to work. Not a big need to dress up. But, I am a clothing designer, not a college student. Time to step it up.

                                                      

My poor neglected closet. I have an INSANE closet. FULL of amazing dresses, skirts and vintage everything. But they never get worn. I am starting to feel guilty.

 

 

 SO... my idea was to do a 5 day no jeans challenge. Starting Monday (my kids are home sick this week), I will wake up and put on an outfit that does not include jeans. I plan on wearing dresses with tights, skirts with boots, and the occasional polyester bell-bottom. I am not trying to win a fashion award, I am just putting myself to a personal fashion challenge. I also plan on posting a pic of each outfit so you can see how I'm doing. I'm pretty sure I have convinced my best-friend to do the same, so maybe we can inspire some others.