Black and white pattern play

Tick tock tick tock, the minutes are coming to a close this evening. I have committed myself to a new fitness regime, also known as yoga. I took the plunge and got the unlimited monthly pass and have made it a goal of mine to do 90 classes in 90 days. I’ve needed a new fitness challenge in my life and my fallback, running, hasn’t been working for me as of late. I suppose it’s the social and spiritual aspect of the practice that I enjoy and, well, the great exercise. Soooo, long story short: I have to be up at 5:45 am to make my 6:15 am class in the morning, so tonight’s post will be short and sweet. Wish me luck getting up! 

I’m a HUGE fan of color, but I’m also a big big fan of graphic black and white patterns. Black and white can be so versatile, classy, and plain sexy. It’s the perfect pattern to play up with all your fun colorful accessories! The dress I have on in the picture below is a Liz Claiborne dress from Thrift Town that was hand dyed in India. The fabric is just stunning and the shape of the dress perfectly classy and elegant. I had fun with these photos and loved the juxtaposition of the black and white dress with the black and white checkered wall just lying around in my back yard. See! Inspiration everywhere! 

The classy and elegant dress was turned up a notch with the amazing Ferragamo shoes I also found at Thrift Town. I mean, how cute are they? Can’t beat a pair of beautiful Italian shoes, especially at $24.99! (they retail for well over $400 new!)

Alright Ms Short and Sweet must hit the hay now, but remember my fun fashionistas: If you are ever in a stump on what to wear or wanting to add a fun new piece to your wardrobe; look no further than an amazing black and white print. Simple, elegant, chic, classy, sexy, bold, dramatic, shall I go on?…

Outfit: 

Liz Claiborne dress, Thrift Town, $15 (new with tags on)

Hair piece given to me by a sweet antique dealer at the Sac Antique Faire

Necklace, co – worker made

Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, Thrift Town, $24.99

Believe in something bigger…

                  …Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. God of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth…

I’m not a religious person, but I find absolute comfort in Ganesh. A little back story… 3 1/2 years ago I was going through some TOUGH stuff and went over to my friend Jenna’s house to visit with her mother. Her mother was/is a spiritual healer and had just acquired a crystal light bed from Brazil. You lay on the bed and she adjusted the crystals above you to match up with all of your chakras. And if you believed in it or not, you asked the spirits or what ever you want to call them/it to help heal what ever ailment was bothering you at the time. I was in such a bad place physically and emotionally that I was willing to believe and ask for healing. She turned the lights on, which then radiated through the crystals. She placed a towel over my eyes and said that I might feel things or see things and to just remain calm and relaxed. Crazy right?! Well, with the towel over my eyes I laid back and began to relax. As I laid there, I opened my eyes through the towel to then see an elephant type figure on the wall. This image was foreign to me, I had no clue what it was. I took the towel off my face and the elephant figure was no longer there. I thought maybe it had just been something I visualized in my head and proceeded to put the towel back on my eyes. After another minute or so, with the towel on my face, I saw it again. There wasn’t a sense of fright from this, but rather a sense of calm and comfort. After Jenna’s mom came back into the room I told her what I had experienced and she smiled and said that the vision I saw was was Ganesh, the Remover of Obstacles.

For a girl that had a million obstacles preventing her from getting healthy again, it was enough for me to believe that maybe I do have something greater than myself watching over me. Two days after that I went to a yoga studio in SF and there stood Ganesh in the door way. Might sound crazy, but the deity brings me immense comfort in times when all seems to be failing me or even when all things are going well.

Believing in something bigger can be in the form of a deity like Ganesh, or just believing that if you keep working hard the Universe will reward you in the end. Once I made a decision all those years ago to change the course of my life, the energy/Universe started to show itself in the most beautiful and profound of ways. Things I had only dreamt of started to become realities .

In the hardest of times I have to believe and have faith that everything is going to work out. Bumps along the road just add character and empower me to rise above and be a better person because of it. If your dreams and goals are scaring you, believe in something bigger!!! Believe that you are fully capable of accomplishing anything.

I started believing in my love for fashion and being creative again when I decided to turn my life around. I’d like to think that maybe Ganesh is all around protecting me and guiding me towards the brighter light of things. Each day that goes by, I feel more and more blessed and grateful for all that has happened.

90% contentment 8% joy 2% gratitude…

Fashion is my medicine and allows me to be free and creative and for that I am supremely grateful.

This weekend, I had the opportunity to revisit the crystal light bed and the things I asked the spirits to help me with this time are very different from the past. I realize that I’ve grown a lot from 3 1/2 years ago and that all the ailments that had been bothering me then have been healed. I didn’t see Ganesh this time, but I did feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace after.

It was a lovely weekend filled with love, yoga, friendship, gratitude, and a whole lot of zen going on. I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend…

Fun outfit post and vignettes of this weekend:

Thrifted 60′s outfit, both from Freestyle ($5 and $5)

All that glitters is not gold sometimes…

90% contentment, 8% joy, 2% gratitude…

Living in contentment, joy, and gratitude is what I aim for every morning when I get up. But, not every morning do I achieve this and sometimes the Richter scale is sent askew and I’m thrown off balance to a land of vertigo. This weekend I found myself more in line with resentment, jealousy, and anger. Not a good place to be at all for me.

I just spent the last 2 hours writing a really heart felt blog post to have it magically disappear. I take this as a sign from God. (Ganesh perhaps?) to shorten the post. Short and sweet it is…

Ladies if you had a bad weekend like me, I feel you. All that glitters is not gold and things are painful to experience sometimes.

To be short and sweet: If I’ve learned anything at all, it’s to find something you absolutely love with all your heart, soul, and might. My clothes are my love. It is plain and simply my art, what drives me to be creative and free. When I’m feeling the downest of the down, I turn to my clothes and let them speak to me. And you know what? They bring me back to life and make me feel whole again always. Find something that makes you feel whole, I guarantee it will save your life and empower you to be the best woman – the woman you were always meant to be…

I woke up Sunday a little blue, but I quickly took that melancholy state of mind to a creative happy place. A little fashion shoot always cures the bluesy heart for me. I say phewy to the achy heart and hello to something that brings contentment, joy, and gratitude – thank you clothes for bringing out the best in me.

Outfits:

Top to bottowm:

Hat, SPCA thrift, $8 – Crop top, Freestyle Clothing, $12 – Express jeans, Freestyle Clothing, $10 – Leopard belt, Sei Bella Boutique, $10 – Steve Madden heels, Freestyle Clothing, $15

Hat, Goodwill, $3 – J.Crew dress, Freestyle Clothing, $7 – DVF jacket, Freestyle Clothing, $13 – Necklace, Goodwill, $3 – Bebe boots, Freestyle Clothing, $14

Spring has Sprung

We are well into the Spring season and flowers, warmth, and bird chirping is amongst us. I love nothing more than to throw on a comfortable, yet sexy dress for the warmer weather. Mix in a statement necklace and a cute pair of flats and you are well on to your Spring styling ways…

Prim and proper is what I do best, but sometimes I let my naturally curly hair go and embrace the easy breezy comfortable side of things. Shoot, I even wear flats sometimes! 

I am in love with this long tie dyed dress and feel not only comfortable in it, but sexy, too! I don’t like to wear short dresses because I’m not comfortable in them, but a long racer back dress is right up my ally

Outfit:

Tie dyed dress, Freestyle Clothing Exchange, $10

Necklace, handmade by my dear Momma

Steve Madden flats, Freestyle Clothing Exchange, $13

M.M.M.M.M. – Mad Men Meets Modern Misses

When you combine sweets, vintage hats, and an awesome fundraising effort; you have brilliant night written all over it. Not only was the Mad Hatter Meets Mad Men event for a great cause, but it was very entertaining and DELICIOUS! No seriously, the hats the women wore were out of this world and drool worthy. And the sweets, OMG the sweets! When you have Ginger Elizabeth chocolates as the Honorary Chair you are sure to be in for a treat. (not sure if people know this about me, but I LOVE dessert. It is my serious guilty pleasure in the food department)

Can I just tell you how frickin’ excited I was to finally wear one of my vintage hats out in public! When I put on the 60′s Jonathan Logan vintage dress with the light blue vintage pill box hat, I instantly felt like I had been transported back to the 60′s, or at least been a character in Mad Men! I felt so glamorous walking down Midtown in my fancy hat!

Enough about me! Some of the other women in attendance wore some killer hats as well. The one I loved the most was the light pink hat below next to the lady wearing the orange hat. There was something just spectacular about it to me. Then after talking with her for a bit, I found out her mother had picked it out for her. (apparently her mom has a vintage store in the Foothills, why didn’t I get her #?!) It was so reminiscent of the 60′s era and reminded me of some kind of delicious delicatessen set delicately on top of her head. See, I still have sweets on the mind…

Over all, it was a fun night filled with laughter, good Mad Men fashion, sweets, and all in the name of a good cause for our beloved Fairytale Town.. You just can’t beat that! 

Below are a few photos from the evening with some of my favorite hats, hairstyles, and makeup:

 

 

 

“Life as it is”…

“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” – Wayne W Dyer

Life as it is revolves around me constantly working on being in the present moment, enjoying it, and embracing all that I have – not all that I don’t have. This is REALLY hard for me sometimes and it stems from a place where I once only lived in the past or in a make believe land of some future that didn’t even exist. We all do our own versions of soul searching in life and mine personally has been a choppy ride, but it eventually landed me to a higher, calmer ground known as peace of mind. 

Peace of mind comes in the form of having appreciation for the job that I have at the Crocker Art Museum, a roof over my head, (it’s my own apartment!) my new bike, friends, and my ability to be creative once again. 

Art takes on many forms and my form of art seems to have manifested in my clothing choices. I stopped caring what I thought others might think of me and started just wearing what made me feel good and creative. And thank god for thrifting and all the amazing stores in Midtown for providing me with amazing articles of clothing over the years. I may not have a car, but who needs one when ya live in Midtown next to so many great thrift,vintage, and used clothing stores! My outfits each day are my works of art. I don’t typically know what I’m going to wear when I get up. I let my clothes speak to me, inspire me, transform me to a character that I will take on for the day.

Embracing life as it is and accepting it, can be such a beautiful thing… 

Outfit:

Silk dress, Thrift Town, $2.99

Necklace, Thrift Town, $1.99′

Hat, vintage hand me down from a friend, belonged to her mother in the 60′s 

I wear what makes me feel good and confident and this fun 60′s look definitely made me smile. 

Mad Hatter Meets Mad Men fundraiser for Fairytale Town – (5/16/13)

When you have a million hats, which one do you choose?!!! It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with hats; be it vintage, contemporary, or outright crazy. Hats, to me, can make an outfit go from ordinary to extraordinary in a matter of seconds.

Looking back, some of the most iconic women that I adore were hat aficionados. From Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, to Greta Garbo; these women always looked remarkably sharp in what ever hat they rocked.

So, when I was recently invited to attend the Mad Hatter Meets Mad Men fundraising event for Fairytale Town, I naturally said YES! Ummm, any excuse for me to wear one of my fancy hats and I’m there! I have been collecting vintage hats for about two years now and hang them proudly on the walls of my dining room. (I’ve converted my dining room into my closet, a girls got to get her style on!) Now, the question that appears in front of me is: “What hat do I choose?!” Hmmmmmm, this will be a tough one. Since it’s a “Mad Men” inspired event also, I will base the hat decision off of what ever 60′s inspired ensemble I come up with. Have I mentioned my love for 60′s fashion?

I am thrilled to be attending this fundraiser and can’t wait to see what everyone is wearing! How cool would it be if someone showed up with a Philip Tracey hat on? I would die! 

For more information on the event please check out: https://www.facebook.com/events/644841148876360/

The fundraiser is for a great cause and Ginger Elizabeth chocolates is the honorary chair! I mean, how could you not go? Chocolate, hats, Mad Men inspired clothing = recipe for amazingness…

See you this Thursday at the Masonic Temple!

Here are some possible options for my hat choice:

“We’re talking about a ‘rebel’ution”

I do prim and proper well, but from time to time I do like to spice it up with my ensembles. Guess you can say it’s my inner rebel sneaking out. Hey, I may be turning 31 on Tuesday, but I’m sure as heck not gonna let that stop me from being adventurous with my looks!

Something about leather skirts, leggings, and crop tops makes me feel a little sassy. I’ll be 80 years old wearing those leather leggings watch. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not! Leather leggings and massive amounts of blush

I’d say I’m 90% classic and 10% rebel – ummm, ok maybe 80/20 I think the most important thing in fashion is to have fun with what you wear. You can say my clothes are my art; one day rebel, next day Phoebe Hepburn…

In honor of the original rebel, a.k.a my Momma, I’d like to give her a big thanks for being the raddest, most beautiful, and talented Mommacita out there. Giiiiiirrrrlll, I adore and love you. Happy Mother’s Day you rebel you.

 

Outfits:

#1

White jacket, Freestyle, $25

Black crop top, Heart Boutique, $19.99

Necklace, Sei Bella Boutique, $7.99

Leather skirt, Freestyle, $15

TIP: If you are in the Roseville area, please make sure to check out Sei Bella Boutique. Such an amazing range of newer brands to vintage pieces. Located at 1950 Douglas Blvd.

#2

Polka dot blouse, Freestyle, $15

Faux leather leggings, Thrift Town, $1.66

Ninewest heels, Goodwill, $10

Ray bans, Freestyle, $45

Great Gatsby inspired thrifted fashion show on Good Day Sacramento 5/11/13

Such a fun morning! I always love going on Good Day Sacramento, but especially this morning! I have such an affinity for the 20′s era of fashion and was especially inspired by the new Great Gatsby movie that came out last night.

I love the high attention to glamour, sequins/beading, and accessories – especially the headwear. I take a lot of pride in what I do and went out of my way to find some of the best Gatsby inspired clothing and accessories. Since today was a double segment, I decided to do a more feminine/soft flapper-esque lineup for the first segment and a more dramatic/dark evening look for the second. The first 4 girls had on light pink, tan, and sequin numbers that all went to the knee or slightly above. So fun and perfect for dancing, say the Charleston perhaps? The 2nd group of girls had on more elegant looks ranging from floor length, (with a turban!) to a silk pleated skirt and blouse with a tassel, and an Egyptian inspired gold and black dress. (also popular in the 20′s) I, too, wore two different looks and did a fun short beaded number with a beaded head piece and a more elegant long silk velvet dress with a vintage stole. (My sweet Momma made the silk velvet dress 20 years ago – though not thrifted, I thought appropriate to honor her and her talented sewing skills for Mother’s Day)

My makeup artist Jessica Schubert did a fantastic job on the girls!!! I highly recommend using her for your next photo shoot and or wedding  You can find her information at: https://www.facebook.com/GlamOnTheGoCa

Two of my models are fellow fashion bloggers as well! I think they are just adorable and talented writers and fashionistas Go ahead and check them out! :

https://www.facebook.com/EverythingsAThing?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colour-Me-Classic/474831409200017?fref=ts

Lastly…If you are wondering where I got all these wonderful things? Well, look no further! Here’s a list and a lot of what you saw on today’s show will be going back to the store today and will be available shortly!

1.) Freestyle Clothing Exchange on 21st and L st. I LOVE this place with all of my fashion heart. Quite a few of the dresses are from here

2.) YSJ Vintage at 924 12 th st. They have some of the best vintage clothing in town! They are also opening a new store in Rocklin this upcoming week! Here’s the info:https://www.facebook.com/events/191852437630176/

3.) Firefly Exchange thrift is a super cute little thrift store located at 1910 P street. I always find awesome accessories there

4.) Thrift Town – I usually go to the one off of El Camino. Hands down one of the best thrift stores. Just the best prices out there.

5.) Cuffs is located at 2523 J street and has new and vintage pieces.

6.) Goodwill – I go to the one in between 16th and 17th on L st. It’s the boutique and has the best stuff! Their next big sale is Memorial Day where everything is 1/2 off starting at 8:30 am!

7.) The Sacramento Antique is the 2nd Sunday of the month and located under the freeway on 21st and X st. It’s tomorrow morning and you know I will be there!

8.) Sei Bella Boutique is an amazing consignment store located at 1950 Douglas Blvd. They not only have great contemporary pieces, but beautiful vintage pieces as well. And the prices are great, too! If you are in the Roseville area I highly suggest checking them out.

9.) Prevues has amazing vintage and newer thrifted pieces. The neat thing about this store is that they have costume attire as well. They are located on 2417 K st.

Here are a few picture highlights from the morning

Happy thrifting!

Classic hat, modern dress

I have a deep appreciation for the classics. Vintage pieces speak to me like old friends wanting to catch up… tell stories. When I find a good piece I am giddy like a kid in a candy store. Seriously, it’s a rush! Mmm, candy and vintage clothing – that’s a recipe for amazingness. I have a weakness for the sugar, too

My absolute favorite way to dress, how ever, is to combine these beautiful vintage pieces with contemporary ones. This way, I feel like it’s a modern take on something old. I feel I owe it to the vintage pieces to keep their story alive. But, I don’t always want to look like I completely stepped out of the 40′s, so I like to add a little ‘newness’ to my outfits.

I was recently getting my shop on at a local Thrift Town and stumbled upon this lovely mint condition red wool hat. It was made in the U.S. and if I were guessing, I’d say it came from the late 40′s early 50′s. The price tag for it was $24.99, which is a little high, but absolutely worth it for such a beautiful piece of art and history. 

I remembered that I had a black and white J.Crew dress from Thrift Town and had a feeling it would go quite nicely with my vintage hat. Best part about the dress was the price tag! Would you believe it was only $2.99?! Now, that makes paying $24.99 for the hat totally worth it!

I think the combination is the perfect example of how the old and new can compliment each other. The shoes are vintage as well purchased at SPCA thrift ($10) – great vintage shoes there! 

Happy thrifting everyone and please let me know if you have thrifting or styling questions

TIP: Download the Thrift Town app on your iPhone/smart phone to  receive VIP coupons and updates on the latest sales and promotions! 

Love,

The Dress Fiend