“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

Love Specialist?

To call myself a ‘Love Specialist’ would be like saying I’m an expert in the field of Quantum Physics. I’m lucky that I even passed my Statistics class in college! It’s no wonder I studied Art History and Art Studio – it was to stay away from the math!

Over the last couple of months my dating life has definitely changed for the better. It’s probably because for the first time in my life I know who I am and quite fancy the little lady I’ve become. Confidence and drive is attractive, don’t know why it took me 30 years to figure that out! So, I’m most definitely not a Love Specialist, but I do know that I have the tools now to pick better men – one that respects me for who I am and appreciates me and all my goofiness They have to be cool with all my dress, too – just say’n. 

I just adore walking around Midtown and finding new and exciting props for my pics. This trailer was the perfect backdrop for my photo shoot and brought a sense of comical relief that my photographer (Momma) and I needed. 

The dress I have on is actually a new dress, crazy huh?! Every now and then I splurge and I just had to have this black and white maxi dress from Target. Plus, it was only $29.99 and didn’t break the bank too badly. My $25 Target gift card helped! It’s the most comfy dress ever and I highly highly recommend it to everyone. You can find the dress here: http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-women-s-knit-maxi-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-14417923#prodSlot=medium_2_1

Outfit:

Target dress, $29.99

Fedora, Goodwill, $3

Vintage Ray Bans, gift from a friend

Vintage gold bangle, gift from a friend

Steve Madden flats, Freestyle Clothing Exchange thrift, $13

The life aquatic with a splash of humility…

When life throws you punches, get your gloves up and roll with it. Today was an interesting blend of vignettes that had me all over the map emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It was neither spectacular nor bad, but rather an interesting revelation of who I am, who I’ve become, and how I deal with the unexpected turn of events that life presents itself.

With that said, I decided to end my interesting whirlwind of a day with a nice run around the park. The run began sunny, with rays beaming through the trees. Moments later, sunlight skies quickly turned to darkness and torrential down pour. I couldn’t believe how quickly Mother Nature changed her ways and gave us the water we had been so desperately needing from the dry April month before us. When the rain started, I was still a mile away from home and decided to embrace the change of weather with a smile and kid like demeanor. I tore my fake lashes off, (yes, I ran with lashes on! I was gussied up from an earlier engagement that day – don’t judge) put my iphone in my sports bra, let out a little scream, and jumped in every puddle on the way home! Oh my god, remember how fun it used to be to jump in puddles as a kid? Well, it’s still fun!

As I approached home drenched beyond belief, I smiled and thanked the Universe for another day alive. In that moment I embraced the ‘life aquatic’ and took in that little splash of humility that the rain provided with open arms. Life will always have bumps, (like today did) but it is up to me as to how I deal with such events. I decided a couple of years ago not to fret the small stuff anymore and roll with what ever punches life throws my way, good or bad…  I have absolute faith that the Universe/Chi/Energy/Spirits/What ever you want to call it has a plan for me. What that exact plan is, I have no idea and that’s ok. 

A really close friend of mine lost her sweet Momma last week and another friend was in a bad car accident. Anytime I feel sorry for myself or have a rough day, I am reminded that my problems are so minuscule compared to the rest of the world. My thoughts and prayers go out to you two. Love you both. 

 

 

Charity thrifted fashion show for the Sacramento Children’s Home

I was sitting here this lovely evening with a belly full of Chipotle (don’t judge) and gelato when it occurred to me that I never blogged about the charity thrifted fashion show I did a couple of weeks ago! It was held at Lucca Restaurant and the proceeds raised that evening went to the Sacramento Children’s Home.

I felt honored when Terri, the owner of Lucca, asked me to be a part of the 4 part series of fundraisers she was doing to celebrate Lucca’s 10 year anniversary. Terri and I go way back and I think of her as a second Mom. So when she asked me to be a part of it, I gladly said yes! Whenever there is fashion and charity involved you know I’m there

Out of all the fashion-y events I’ve done, this one was the most challenging. I had 11 models and 12 looks, all of which I spent well over a month searching for the best thrifted pieces. I spent countless hours visualizing what I wanted the feel and theme of the show to be. In the end, I was steered toward bright Spring colors with a 60′s inspired twist. The 60′s are not only a favorite of mine, but just so happens to be on trend for the Spring season as well. One of the models, Stephanie, had on an AMAZING authentic 60′s ensemble that I purchased at the Antique Faire.  I loved the green shift dress on her with the head piece and broach. (see photo on bottom of article) Steph reminded me of the beautiful 60′s model, Jean Shrimpton – both are just absolute knock outs. 

My friend Jessica Schubert did the most fantastic job on her makeup and the other girls as well. (Jess, you are the bomb girl) Here’s the link to her page: https://www.facebook.com/GlammyGal

What really warmed my heart and made the event so special was one of the models I used for the show. She was an actual resident of the Sacramento Children’s Home and had lost her mother the year before. I felt so privileged to have met her through a friend. I was able to get her outfit she modeled donated and had my professional makeup artist friend, Jessica, do her makeup. She seemed so happy and that just touched me to the core.

In the end, I was finally able to breath and take in the night. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had yet and taught me a lot about myself and what I’m capable of. I was pretty proud to know that I can actually put on a successful fashion show! All the looks were thrifted and I was able to showcase thrift stores like Deseret Industries, Thrift Town, Freestyle Clothing Exchange, Cuff’s, Sei Bella Boutique and the Firefly Exchange. That’s a whole lot of 2nd hand stores that got to shine that night, too!

So this evening I count my blessings for all the challenges that have presented themselves to me this past year. With each new challenge I’ve grown in ways that make me want to cry sometimes. I know I’ve worked hard and all, but I really do feel blessed – I truly truly do. People have been so kind and compassionate towards me and it was nice to give back at Lucca that evening and raise money for the Sacramento Children’s Home…

Here’s the link to the professional pictures taken by Sacramento Magazine:

http://www.sacmag.com/Snapshots/Spring-Summer-2013/Lucca-10th-Anniversary/index.php?cp=1&si=0#galleryanc

And a few that I was able to snap through out the night (when I wasn’t running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off!)

If you’re wondering what I wore: Vintage 60′s Jonathan Logan yellow shift dress from Freestyle,  $15 – Earrings from Cuff’s, $16 – Ninewest shoes from Freestyle, $15. You know I had to represent the 60′s style I love so much! I even did the big french twist, cat eye, and fake lashes. (fake lashes are so fun!)

Exciting announcement: I’m going to be blogging for Thrift Town!!!

Drum rolls please….I am officially going to be blogging for Thrift Town as a thrifted fashion expert! I have been going to Thrift Town for more years than I’d like to admit and I’m just THRILLED that I have been asked to be part of such an outstanding team and organization. Not only do the stores have great merchandise, but the prices are beyond reasonable. I mean, a Ralph Lauren dress for $8?! Crazy, I know

Please stayed tuned for my first post in the next few days on their blog, which can be found at: http://www.thrifttown.com/blog/

You know when you were little and you wanted to be part of the ‘cool kid’ crowd? Well, I feel like I belong to that crowd now. I’m with my people, doing what I love most. Heck, I get to write about thrifting and fashion, I’ve pretty much gone to thrift store heaven…

In honor of my newly acquired writing gig, here’s a retro inspired Thrift Town ensemble!

Outfit:

White dress, Thrift Town, $10

Gold earrings, Thrift Town, $2.99

Gold bangles, Forever21

White Ninewest pumps, Freestyle Clothing Exchange, $15

Happy Thrifting!

Makeup inspired by an ad I came across while reading my 1966 Vogue magazine:

RIP Ol’ Blue 4/18/13

I’m sad to report that my beloved bicycle, Ol’ Blue, was stolen from me last Thursday. It happened in the wee hours of the evening right on the side of my house. I even had a U-lock on and they still managed to break through it

I’ve had Ol’ Blue for 2 and a half years and it has been with me through the hard times and the good. It was even stolen once before and retrieved at a local Antique store down the street. That time I was able to find out who stole it and made a police report, this time around I have not been so lucky.

Ol’ Blue wasn’t the most flashy of bikes, but I loved it dearly and felt it had become a part of me. It was the perfect blend of vintage (old Schwin) and modern, with it’s white basket and bell. I’d say it’s persona was like mine, classic yet new.

The day before the bike was stolen, the May issue of Sac Mag had come out showcasing me on Ol’ Blue. When I left my house Thursday morning, (magazine in hand) I stepped out to an empty poll with only the remnants of my beloved. As I stood starring, I began to cry. I’ve learned through the years that to stay angry only hurts myself, but in that fleeting moment I was mad. I just don’t understand why people do such things. In the end, I can only hope and pray that what ever it is that makes people steal bikes will hopefully leave them so they, too, can live a better and more admirable life.

I gathered myself and walked to work. I realized that this was only a bump in the road and that things were going to be ok. My problems were minor compared to what was going on in the rest of the world at that moment.

This past weekend I got a new bike and she’s a beauty. People really blow my mind sometimes with their generosity. It warms and touches my heart. I was surprised with a bike and instead of tears of sadness I smiled ear to ear with happiness and gratitude – thank you kind friend

I’ll miss Ol’ Blue… But, I’ll admit that my new bike is a pretty darn good replacement for my old one. I have yet to come up with a name for her, but I’ll let you know when I do! It’s so fancy, I even have fenders – say what?!!! Side note: A lady bug flew on me while photographing with my new bike, I take that as a good sign…

Outfit: Vintage dress (Freestyle, $12) Ninewest heels (Goodwill, $12.50) and earrings my Momma made.

Ol’ Blue, you’ll always be loved: