tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59155903650220112332023-11-16T03:51:39.349-08:00Operation Sparklethrifting magic since 1997H.O.T. Mess Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260092709001322197noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-678202933329109922012-08-27T18:17:00.001-07:002012-08-27T18:17:04.108-07:00Life Lessons: Being True to Thine Own Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Due to my reinvigorated thrifting spirit, I decided to spend my Friday off thrifting up a storm. The plan was to hit up the Robbinsdale Unique and the ARC Value Village (relatively) close by, but the combo of VIP day (25% off for cardholders) <i>and </i>the poor junk to treasure ratio of Unique kept me busy for a good two hours, leaving zero time for the second shop. </div>
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As I recently mentioned, my thrifting scope as of late has been largely limited to housewares—something I maintain is the result of "fashion fatigue." A few months off the fashion, and an impending season change has gotten me back on the horse, though I must admit I'm confused about what direction to take said horse in.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The five soft cover books were considered "children's" and thus each cost whatever 25% off of 69¢ is. STEALZ.</td></tr>
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Thus, I found myself in an annoying, and potentially dangerous, situation. After some initial non-clothing fabulous finds (six Harry Potter books for six bones, and <i>A Discovery of Witches, </i>the newest mystical trilogy I am delving into), I combed the clothing racks for a solid hour, putting item after time into my cart, all the while knowing deep down that I had a pile of duds. </div>
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By the time I came to my senses (aided, in part, by an elderly chap's comment that "it looked like a lucky day" for me), and realized I had to start making decisions, I had a cartload of crap.</div>
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Most items were easy to discount—a patterned H&M maxi dress for $7; a misshaped, wayyyyy too oversized ivory-ish sweater that reminded me of boogers; an initially promising boxy black button up that was spun from the thickest poly-fabric I have witnessed in recent times—but there were an handful of "vintage" items that I was having a harder time settling on. This was a particularly difficult task, as I have been satiating my 70's dress sensibility more as of late, and four of the major items at hand were pieces that more or less could fit that decade: a calf-length, color blocked suede jacket; a hand knit sweater and two vests (one a red, suede, cowboy-style, fringed number; the other a cropped, denim, patchwork Gunne Sax piece). </div>
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After some hemming and hawing, I realized that what I had in front of me was a thrifting novice's dilemma—pieces that, by virtue of their existence, and connection to the past, made me <i>think </i>they were good vintage. Except they weren't. And I didn't need them. And, perhaps even more importantly, they weren't <i>perfect. </i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps could have been...but not.</td></tr>
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Case in point: The suede jacket. </div>
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What. Do I really want to dress like a cast member from <i>That 70's Show? </i>I think not. Actually, in many respects, this piece <i>is </i>pretty sweet. But one of the snaps was busted, and it just felt...dirty. AND I am not a huge fan of this color scheme. So...back to the racks it went. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add to your imagination: slightly unflattering cut that rests high thigh and huge bell bottom...sleeves.</td></tr>
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I was drawn to the nasty, 70's version of primary colors in this piece, but the acrylic yarn used to knit it was so gross feeling that it made my skin crawl. I just couldn't do it, and thus sacrificed my vision of myself as an art teacher/mother of a Waldorf student from this time period. </div>
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Clearly I was having a fashion identity crisis—perhaps due in part to the fact that it had been so long since I had indulged in a good thrifting session. It seemed as though I was trying to make up for the fact that I wasn't able to imagine treasures into existence by allowing myself to settle.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party and business all the way around (plus pockets!).</td></tr>
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But settle I did not. The sole piece of clothing I did come away with <i>was </i>a keeper—a vintage, highwaisted, wool skirt that can be both party (perhaps with <a href="http://statigr.am/p/260041512547975636_197769543" target="_blank">this</a> wacky sweater) and business (for that "job" I may get some day). </div>
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Moral of the story: To thine own self be true! </div>
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Your closet will thank you.</div>
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Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-76302484631440944512012-08-17T10:59:00.000-07:002012-08-17T10:59:12.134-07:00GET WILD! Patterns galore! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite things about thrifting is the crazy patterns you find. Even though this fall it appears as though high fashion magazines want you to believe that "crazy patterns" and "crazy pattern mixing" is so <i>in </i>that just about anyone can do it, I think not. It takes a trained eye, and a no-holds-barred attitude when it comes to wild patterns. What they don't tell you is that if you are going to go down that route, you must do it with attitude! This means that if you are out at a bar and decided to wear a shirt as a dress, you need to not give two hoots if someone calls you out on it! Wear those patterns with pride and no one can stop you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzux6rcAsxL73NcxxZKPLBcmcrsnEzTcQuCuBDBDrLSrS-RlxDvRfTf6QP0xJH4Ha6Y7jc1OVSbX8qVc8yUPY2e9EzweKw3GGsXffOb7QWhUxhjCIWicpLcEuJ3WwAASNwALAhdUAorrE/s1600/0e701ce2e88411e1b71422000a1e9f9b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzux6rcAsxL73NcxxZKPLBcmcrsnEzTcQuCuBDBDrLSrS-RlxDvRfTf6QP0xJH4Ha6Y7jc1OVSbX8qVc8yUPY2e9EzweKw3GGsXffOb7QWhUxhjCIWicpLcEuJ3WwAASNwALAhdUAorrE/s320/0e701ce2e88411e1b71422000a1e9f9b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccQ9CPOTe01iHVvb0KzFjBuptfRGjik2OYRRRBnS-yWEI7MS2s1euE9vOd654UWMHJWRGvXIURRRNBhXGwrlw5Cd2662aVUGbbLfkryUzJKw_qSvFfMiNCjm39HbkeZXC4pnVXlO9ngrI/s1600/afb8af8ee88311e18096123138106077_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccQ9CPOTe01iHVvb0KzFjBuptfRGjik2OYRRRBnS-yWEI7MS2s1euE9vOd654UWMHJWRGvXIURRRNBhXGwrlw5Cd2662aVUGbbLfkryUzJKw_qSvFfMiNCjm39HbkeZXC4pnVXlO9ngrI/s320/afb8af8ee88311e18096123138106077_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This amazing, vintage, kimono-style muumuu situation. It was probably intended to be worn as pjs, but you bet your sweet bippy I am going to wear this to a fancy event some day. Some day. Also, I love the pattern so much at it is currently on my list for "tattoo inspirations" (sorry Mom).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarf_np01SchtiUHEzPIlj1wGgs8TO4cpzAR46eg4lg8rHMU6RGUdVWjk5z3xWqKWHxyPf-Jf78bmcRGlDcZ6-j2tGP37OkB_p8YDnS1yrUFbZY5La6Qiy70sd0eGemk1qusCptuZw7gTn/s1600/1c069678e88511e1aa6822000a1ea033_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarf_np01SchtiUHEzPIlj1wGgs8TO4cpzAR46eg4lg8rHMU6RGUdVWjk5z3xWqKWHxyPf-Jf78bmcRGlDcZ6-j2tGP37OkB_p8YDnS1yrUFbZY5La6Qiy70sd0eGemk1qusCptuZw7gTn/s320/1c069678e88511e1aa6822000a1ea033_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have SO much to catch up on—like what has transpired with my challenge of thrifting Sheila's summer wardrobe. We have some results, and we had some duds. Luckily, some of the "duds" meant they were passed to me, like this boxy, black and white floral patterned top. It spoke to my grandma and goth style preferences perfectly.</div>
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I love this pattern. Love it. </div>
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I found this weird 90's style button up during the same Saver's run as the above kimono dress. I feel like it was meant for some comic artist, who loves Talking Heads and Keith Haring.</div>
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And finally, since it is almost (almost!) sweater weather, I have this child's "Glamour Knits" top that is stylistically in the vein of the comic top. I feel very "Claudia" wearing this. You can't go wrong with weird knit patterns. EVER! (Just don't forget your ATTITUDE!).</div>
<br />Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-23862964212207143102012-08-17T10:24:00.001-07:002012-08-17T10:24:37.341-07:00WE ARE BACK! With farmers' market style chic!HELLO HELLO HI HOW ARE YOU!?!<br />
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I am sure many of you have been anxiously waking every morning, leaping to your computer and checking to see if we have rebooted Operation Sparkle and have posted about our great deals and steals. For those of you who have been doing that, I am sorry. It is for you, however, that I'm doing a very special OPERATION SPARKLE DOUBLE FEATURE!<br />
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Now that I am sort of on instagram (it is on my man's i-touch, which makes it a bit difficult to access and utilize as most instagram users can. My name is "doublepeace," which you may or may not be able to use to follow me. I'm really a novice at this new technology), it is pretty ridiculous to <i>not </i>share my amazing thrifting deals with the world! Plus, after a brief break from the thrifting world (two years working in a resale shop and years of giving into my thrifting obsession whenever I had the chance really started to do a number on my closet), I am ready to get back on that horse! I can't speak for Laurie, of course, but I do know that her recent move back to Milwaukee has exploded her thrifting options out of the water, so if we keep pestering her, maybe we can get her to share her recent treasures as well.<br />
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So again—deepest apologies for denying you of the magic of Operation Sparkle for so long. We have both been really busy, and had a lot of personal junk to deal with over the past year. Thankfully, thrifting will never go away, and you know that when you set something free, and it comes back to you, it is true love.<br />
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Or something.<br />
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So, for my first post of two back on the horse, I present you with a look that may be at least stylistically suitable for being on a horse (though not at all practical): Farmers' Market Style Chic!<br />
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While I have, on account of my busting closet, been looking more for housewares during my thrifting escapades instead of clothing and fashion accessories as of late, I did find a perfect outfit on a recent trip up north with my fabulous friend Mary. I say "perfect," because one of my many style icons is this chick that I once saw driving around with her man (or brother or friend) in a pick up truck in Chicago. They were both wearing various shades of brown, and looked like the coolest urban farmers you could imagine. I wanted so badly to emulate what they emulated to me within the 5 seconds that I saw them: people who worked their urban landscape and looked fabulous in sun hats and earth tones.<br />
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I am totally digging this 90's floral maxi dress. It is a bit large on me, even when I utilize the totally 90's back tie, but with a belt, I think it works. I recently rolled up to my friends' house wearing this, along with huge, vintage, blue-tinted sunglasses, and they told me that I looked like I was "from the future, coming to tell them something." Which I can totally get down with. </div>
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I also dig this dress because it reminds me of Phoebe singing about Smelly Cat, who, along with Claudia and Dawn from the Babysitters Club, was one of my few fashion icons growing up. And speaking of strangers whose fashion I want to emulate/be, I was also drawn to this dress because it reminded me of this cute girl I once saw working at the bakery by the thrift store this came from in Ashland, WI. She had braids and a dress sort of like this, and made me think that if I moved up north and worked in a bakery, I could be just as stylish as her. I also imagine that she works part time at a farm and has a really hot boyfriend.</div>
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These vintage leather shoes, purchased at the same thrift store as above dress, are one of my best finds of the year. I maintain they have magical properties, as they looked really narrow and small, but somehow fit on my feet <i>perfectly. </i>They are also the answer to my summer footwear debacle: sandally, but not <i>too </i>sandally.</div>
<br />Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-35629605134425230992012-02-03T09:16:00.000-08:002012-02-03T09:27:18.986-08:00Second time's NOT the charm: Lindstrom disappointsIf you are still reading/checking up on our thrifting adventures here on Operation Sparkle, you are probably wondering where the hell we have been for the past few months. Honestly, I am not really sure—suffice it to say that both Laurie and I have been dealing with quite a lot in our "offline" lives, which has prevented us from heartily engaging in both the act of thrifting and in the act of blogging about it. But, as now is a new time (the dawning of the Age of Aquarius), it is also time to get back on that thrifting horse. Unfortunately, my most recent re-trip to Lindstrom was akin to me getting on that horse and promptly falling off and breaking my collar bone.<br />
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Those of you who have been with us for sometime may recall <a href="http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/03/lindstrom-new-swedish-mexico.html" target="_blank">the stellar finds I came across on my last Lindstrom special trip</a>, accompanied by my two friends named Mary. It was to my dismay, and horror, that the adventure and brilliant finds of this previous adventure were unmatched by anything I came across on my most recent trip. The only logical explanation for such a shift has to be that so many thrifters read my post singing the praises of thrifting in Lindstrom that the market has been saturated.<br />
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Whatever the reason, all Molly (my comrade in arms) and I found was crap—think pilled, faded, oddly stretched out fashions from Maurices circa 2003. Despite hitting up FIVE thrift stores (three from last years trip (the other of which has since closed)), I, in an completely unprecedented move, left empty handed from the first three. Molly found a few things, like a hanging shoe rack, but for the most part was unimpressed. <br />
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It wasn't until we hit up some Family Pathways (technically not even located in Lindstrom, but in Wyoming and Forest Lake, respectively) that I found something to get my mitts on. In Wyoming I found a small picture frame in which to encase a quote by one of the more inspiring adults in my life, however little I know him, and a pot in which to encase a new plant I am currently rooting.<br />
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Forest Lake presented me with a few more finds. Clearly inspired by my reinvigoration into the world of <i>Northern Exposure</i>, I came away with these Southwestern patterned hankies, a mug with a Siberian Husky on it for my brother, and this cropped tshirt that screams Shelly Tambo.<br />
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I also found this notebook in which to pen my upcoming great American political novel. It is college ruled, five subject and was fifty cents. What sold me was the line written on the cover: "Acedemic Writing."<br />
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Acedemic writing indeed!Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-35090149875601843542011-11-14T12:27:00.001-08:002011-11-14T15:08:00.845-08:00The Boundary-Pushing Velvet Frock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now, as many of you know, the aim of Operation Sparkle is to spread the joys of thrifting, not to be some sort of snarky, cultural commentary blog. That said, it may seem off-putting to read what I am about to write, because it, so closely on the heels of my recent post "<a href="http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/10/gandalf-this-ones-for-you.html" target="_blank">Gandalf, This One's for You</a>," seems to imply the opposite. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But hear me out. As I spend less and less time consuming mainstream media, the more shocked I become at what passes as "entertainment," otherwise know as "stuff apparently worthwhile enough to grace the pages of a national publication." The bar for what is considered "content" is ever lowered, especially when you factor in the tendency to boost about 99% of the material by attaching some sort of celebrity to it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As my co-worker said the other day, I am sick of hearing about celebrities. They don't raise their own children, their marriages always fall apart, they don't dress themselves and most of them are incredibly boring and talentless. As this is the case, the bar for what makes a "unique" celebrity is also very low. Case in point: Zooey Deschanel. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now, as I stated previously, it may appear as though I was taking the piss out of Zooey Deschanel earlier this month with my Gandalf post, but I wasn't. There I was taking the piss out of Hollywood's depiction of "dorky girls." HERE is where I take the piss out of Zooey Deschanel.*</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And why would I waste my time doing so? Well, because just recently, as was brought to my attention by my great friend (and fellow thrifter) Jackie, she was interviewed for the food magazine <i>Bon Appetit</i> (????why???) and made an incredibly insulting comment about one of the fabrics that I hold closest to my heart, an Operation Sparkle favorite: velvet. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The excerpt: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><i>Bon Appetit: What's a girl's can't-go-wrong holiday party outfit?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><i>ZD: A velvet frock. But then, I push the envelope a little more than most girls.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">SAY WHAT?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Oh no you DIDN'T ZD! You did NOT just imply that you are so quirky, and edgy, and special that you are actually being some sort of "boundary-pusher" by wearing one of the most classic and loved fabrics of the winter time to a holiday party! </span></span></div>
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Now, it is, I admit, unclear as to where this "envelope-pushing" actually stems from—is it the fabric or her ambiguous reference to a "frock?" Now, if she meant "frock" as in "a robe worn by monks, friars, and other clerics; a habit," then yes, I would agree with ZD that she is indeed pushing some boundaries by wearing velvet religious garb to a holiday party (Baby Jesus would love that!). My guess, however, is that she meant "a woman's dress," which is, like, wait, do you consider Urban Outfitters circa Fall 2010 to be edgy? Because here I have my little black velvet mini which was duplicated and sold at UO last year:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now don't get me wrong, I love my LBVM, but I wouldn't say it is necessarily "boundary-pushing" by any means. If one were to really think outside the box with their velvet frocks, maybe they should go for a shapeless, two-toned, floor-length, jewel-colored, All that Jazz number, like this one.**</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you were SUPER edgy, you would wear something like this crushed velvet, silver mini dress. Unfortunately, ZD will never be able to be as boundary-pushing as the dress' current owner, because it is a man.***</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe this is more along the lines of what Zooey considers to be really appropriately wild, because it has flowers on it, and flowers are, like, really cute and feminine. Too bad I got it to emulate the grunge look from the Portlandia "Dream of the 90's" sketch (? also very edgy?).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Two of the wildest velvet items I have thrifted I've since let loose for greener pastures, which possibly indicates that I, as it turns out, am actually not that much of a velvet-wearing boundary-pusher. What would be great is if someone would wear this blue velvet crop top with these black velvet overalls to a holiday party. Now <i>that </i>is what I call a holiday party staple! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Still, I always have my prince/Prince-inspired purple, crushed velvet vest. Holiday outfit, here I come! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">*NOTE: This post isn't meant to be an attack merely on Zooey Deschanel saying something stupid (we all say stupid things) and the magazine printing it. It is meant, instead, to draw attention to how LAME our society has gotten—to the point where it becomes acceptable to equate "envelope-pushing" in fashion to wearing a velvet dress to a holiday party. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">**FULL DISCLOSURE: I actually forgot I had this dress as it has been sitting in some bag in my basement awaiting a modification session, along with about 25 other items I have purchased over the years with the intent to "do something" with them. If anything though, I am all that more motivated to wear it as it actually is if only to push some envelopes. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">***I'd love to see ZD and <a href="http://fashionastyjake.com/">Jake Thompson</a>, who I traded this dress to for a series of boxy, over sized black tshirts featuring wolves and soaring eagles, go head-to-head in an edgy dress off. </span></div>
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<br /></div>Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-20662012208401547622011-11-08T10:36:00.000-08:002011-11-08T10:36:19.185-08:00UPDATE: A Rock and a Hard Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just wanted you all to know that after much contemplation and reflection, I have decided to replace my rock. Luckily, we have this rock shop in MPLS called ZRS Fossils that was able to supply me with a replacement rock.<br />
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I also got this nifty little info card that explains the properties of labradorite, which include "enhances magical experience via telepathy, prophecy, spirit connections, serendipitous experiences, etc. Assists in finding truths in challenging transitions and life changes. Greatly protects and strengthens your personal energies." Now that is what I call a magical rock!<br />
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I also wanted to add that the little town which Fat n Happy's (and the resting place of my first rock) is located in is called "Castle Danger."Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-31692781482430997182011-11-02T16:37:00.000-07:002011-11-02T16:37:36.233-07:00A Rock and a Hard Place: Thriftin' the North ShoreA few weeks ago, my life partner, Chris, and I took a trip up the "coast" (of Lake Superior) to the North Shore of Minnesota. This was a pretty major get-away as it was the first time in the six and a half years that we have been dating where we took a trip just the two of us. Needless to say, expectations were high.<br />
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Initial expectations included some thrifting on the way up north, which was thwarted by a later than expected departure time. I know, it seems pretty incomprehensible that moi would pass up any chance to thrift, but sometimes, when you just want to get to the wilderness, you just want to get to the wilderness. Happily, we discovered walking around the tiny town of Grand Marais on Sunday that there was a thrift store a mere three blocks from our hotel*. Unfortunately, like most thrift shops, this one was closed on Sundays, so I had to wait a WHOLE DAY to see what delights awaited!<br />
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Given the small size of both the shop and the community, I came away more than content with my finds. First, we have this unseasonable (that just means I have something to look forward to when spring comes again) pair of vintage highwaisted striped shorts. SCORE!<br />
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Then, the short sleeved button down sporting one of the most impressively insane patterns I have witnessed on such a piece.<br />
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The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">crème de la crème </span></em></span>of thrifting in Grand Marais didn't come in fashion form, but instead in the form of old school pair of snowshoes I picked up for a cool benjamin**. This find was truly serendipitous as they had just dropped the price from $150 to a $100 and I had <i>just </i>been stating that some day I wanted to have a pair of my very own snowshoes.<br />
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With these finds in hand, I was feeling lucky. We took off soon after for an evening in Duluth, and, on the way, stopped at a rock shop (I am sucker for huge signs that exclaim "AGATES!"). There I found a precious little rock of labradorite, a mineral I have been coveting ever since Molly told me it had magical powers two years ago. Even though it was $7.50, it was <i>beautiful</i>, and I was on vacation, so I decided to <b>treat myself</b>.<br />
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Things were looking up. I had snow shoes, sweet 90's clothes, and a mesmerizing rock. The remainder of the trip I kept the rock close by, alternatively clutching it and cradling it in my lap, should I absorb some of its magical properties.<br />
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Then disaster, cloaked in treasure, hit. We stopped to get coffee at a little cafe/restaurant and low and behold, the second thrift store of the day!<br />
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Fat n Happy's.<br />
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Yes. I KNOW. Can you believe this shit? It is truly too good to be true!<br />
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And, unfortunately, it was.<br />
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As it turns out, Fat n Happy's was closed (no word on if it will reopen, but judging from the huge "FOR SALE! Be your own boss!" sign on the outside of it, things are not looking up for Fat n Happy's). The larger disappointment?<br />
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I was so excited about Fat n Happy's, so unable to contain my excitement, that I leapt out of the car and ran towards it, forgetting about MY ROCK. After figuring out that Fat n Happy's was closed and spending $12 on speciality chocolates, I was so distraught that it wasn't until we were about ten minutes away that I noticed that my rock...was missing. Ten more minutes passed until I, becoming increasingly panicky, was freaking out so much that Chris pulled to a wayside to search for my rock.<br />
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It was GONE.<br />
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My rock, which must have been on my lap, had been sprung into the parking lot of Fat n Happy's without me even noticing! Chris offered to go back for it, but tacking an additional 40 minutes onto a trip for a rock that may or may not still be in the Fat n Happy's parking lot was just too much. That didn't stop me from mourning my rock for the next day or so (it continues to weigh heavily on my heart***). The only thing that made me feel better was thinking that it was such a powerful rock, it couldn't be held down! And indeed, between all that clutching and cradling, I must have transferred part of myself to the rock, so it was only natural that it would do whatever it could to stay at Fat n Happy's thrift store, thereby permanently leaving part of my soul, a la a horcrux, at a thrift shop on the North Shore.<br />
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Not all was lost, however, as we did stop at a thrift shop in Pine City the next day and I found this totally amazing Woolrich patterned thick wool jacket, the only one I have seen to almost (almost) rival the <a href="http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/01/in-dead-of-winter-best-coat-ever.html">BEST COAT EVER</a>.<br />
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Lesson to be learned: in the sport of thrifting, you win some and you lose some. But no matter what, be sure to keep track of your rocks!<br />
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* This wasn't that much of a shocker as everything in Grand Marais is three blocks from each other.<br />
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** "A BENJAMIN!? That isn't a DEAL!," You may be exclaiming to yourself. "I was promised deals!" Well, in the world of winter outdoor sports (something I have embraced the past few years to get through the season), a benjamin for old school snow shoes with bindings is, my friends, a deal. </div>
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*** So...if anyone happens to find an oval shaped labradorite rock hanging out in the parking lot by Fat n Happy's, return information can be obtained by contacting me at <a href="mailto:operationsparkle@gmail.com">operationsparkle@gmail.com </a>(serious inquiries only, please).Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-68990119949415506932011-10-06T13:29:00.000-07:002011-10-07T12:30:53.659-07:00Gandalf, this one's for you!<div style="text-align: left;">A few nights ago, I was up late finishing an article and decided to treat myself with some online television viewing. While I should have launched right into the newest season of <i>Parks and Recreation</i>, I instead decided to check out <i>The New Girl</i>, that seemingly abhorrently awful new Fox sitcom staring Zooey Deschanel. Really, I wanted to see how insulted I could feel. As it turned out, my expectations were fulfilled and it was just as I imagined it would be—sexist, not even vaguely funny, and shaped by television producers' assumptions surrounding the posh/hipness of 20 somethings (more loft apartments, PLEASE!) and the never ending belief that if a girl wears glasses, no one is going to bone her, because, please, that is sooooo dorky.</div><div><br /></div><div>My biggest beef with <i>The New Girl</i>? </div><div><br /></div><div>That one of their tactics to drive home just how lame this girl was to have her reference <i>Lord of the Rings</i>. Clearly this was too much for her kind-hearted male roommates who reacted to this action as though she had told them they could contact syphilis just by touching her. Now that I've got that rant off my chest, let's delve into the real matter at hand, shall we? </div><div><br /></div><div>In response to this blatantly sexist and totally lame assertion by Hollywood that haute chicks can't be down with the LOTR, I present you with my most recent GBC finds, as influenced by all that is "dorky" and "lame" in Hollywood land. </div><div><br /></div><div>First, totally dorky accessories. </div><div><br /></div><div>Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses are for dorks. Their cousins, after all, are just normal glasses, made so people can <i>see</i>, which is totally gross. Sunglasses are lame because it means that you are trying to protect your eyes, and someone who is interested in taking care of themselves clearly doesn't know had to party. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219575128/" title="DSC05283 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6219575128_e4a5898e64.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05283" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, naturally, I picked up these four pairs. I am especially in love with the second from the top pair. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6220637551/" title="DSC05313 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6220637551_362f5d94c6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSC05313" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Big, cartoony buttons are dorky to the max. I don't even need to <i>pretend</i> they are dorky, because that is how dorky they are. These all came in one of those grab bags, along with an uncomfortable one about Jesus. My favorite is clearly the dorkiest of them all, the one that says "Left Handed Genius." I am going to wear it all the time, because its true. I also am going to sport the "Happy Winter" one when I feel like being deeply in denial. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZkD9AoRPdY666wmScCTklPHoM1Fw6Oas9kPN9pEjjNCT3il7l5IGb2TohLMipZnVqn6j7e-uIB_VlzJSVVe1agYcfEYHOdxCS_Y_LhnPFQR0mFndDbvXScD2EhF-cSL5i4eu5F89l5ec/s320/DSC05311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660493433161798130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>A beautiful metal woven bangle is lame because it reminds people of the Renaissance festival and faerie themed jewelry.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTMMtrXLcCyj0IDu6RW4Z_19EoIlKOyf_INpbxuVVkpdXfoCsk4cP5MuXqilA5q4VN-yCaXEDuW9WETyilhHCgT5hfnhGyePDIkN9o3b3PCK6Gm-WppCorXh7aoqJSIOJOU2KSNMNCb4U/s320/DSC05270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660493437603582450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzBOl1JITw0RJrUgEU1BxTS49dePHHS7iGG8d3SEWgRIq07nQvdjcUXiWer9-6vHh7h_G3XLshXIPv2NAvbOL3maHdKQjq_jxiRc525kI7AsSN1EBwdIG7TsHM7614Ly4VfJkst_ztyEm/s320/DSC05276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660493445049204914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>Not exactly "accessories," but still lame, because what kind of cool people drink things like coffee and tea? I made the executive decision to stock up on these mostly 25¢ mugs because Chris is forever taking mugs out of the house and losing them. I picked Gandalf-inspired mugs, a Cathy mug (it says "Woman on the move!") and one that says "I'm Proud to Be a Farm Wife," because those were the dorkiest ones I could find.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now for the clothing! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219054911/" title="DSC05289 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6219054911_6c2a71315f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05289" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219577352/" title="DSC05290 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6219577352_89c05f69e8.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05290" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This vintage carpety fabric vest is something only a true lover of LOTR would wear. Unless they found a knock-off at Forever 21, which would then make it "cool." </div><div><br /></div><div>Button-downs?! Come on, SO LAME! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219057053/" title="DSC05291 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6219057053_cba9649a29.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05291" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219058317/" title="DSC05292 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6219058317_a56d2251a1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05292" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For real though, I've been looking for a chambray and black silk button-down forever, so finding these was like Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then we have these 90's dresses that the "dorky" girl would wear once she got rid of her glasses and suddenly became hot. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219582292/" title="DSC05299 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6219582292_fbd997a49c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05299" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu7g0L1wykj3mc2AeyGgPwUzWkimnh-6AGyT9HhS_L-pdaEQTmt1bp5AbgEHZnQvJKeo3yo6xc-7i_GREzzGminW1jR8oO_4t384pskwIzasVc6XwoLKcls2z4lOdwCagDtaDOQbCWHx6/s320/DSC05300.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660616890414922866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219585682/" title="DSC05302 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6219585682_d9c3a62151.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05302" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This navy with little sunflower trim number is extra sweet with its keyhole back.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219064379/" title="DSC05303 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6219064379_2fd578f060.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05303" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIEOWVqi1H-g-eFYwiu-_Gu3LuaZjCXY4AZxosj8g3FSs6bQoXnPlO4CDo2aLdKaskXLgLrOCabfDd65kBMg1Vm2-oV3ol8pvJ59dh1ISzruu9K7OdyQ25iYKPhZWO8EcqON4mt-l1yJz/s320/DSC05307.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660616908728961794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>Polka dots?! Scalloped heart neckline?! Little bow on the back that I will have to slightly fix because one side is detached but it's okay because the whole thing was a dollar?! SO LAME!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219575790/" title="DSC05286 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6219575790_5da1c5fa2c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05286" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219054369/" title="DSC05288 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6219054369_7802ef4b8e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05288" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then we have this totally Grandma eyelet blouse. Fewer things are more dorky than Grandmas and eyelets. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219580398/" title="DSC05295 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6219580398_44b238d4e1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05295" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/6219059337/" title="DSC05296 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6219059337_1ae3bb2d0d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC05296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, this vintage red dress that no matter what way I spun it, couldn't come up with a way to make it dorky. It's impossible to put this on and not imagine myself on the streets of Paris, probably being photographed from some super tres chic street fashion blogger. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess the lesson to be learned is that in even the dorkiest of girls, there is a cool one underneath. </div>Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-35409173024731403632011-10-04T17:17:00.000-07:002011-10-04T18:18:40.099-07:00Fall is SO IN Right Now<div style="text-align: left;">I always find it humorous when fashion designers/magazine editors/whoever gets paid to espouse their fashion "expertise" declare certain colors are "in" for the season—now it is jeweled tones! Emerald green! And then a bunch of totally early 90's orange and magenta for color blocking! While the concept does bring Meryl Streep's face-punch inducing "cerulean sweater" monologue from that equally face-punch inducing film <i>The Devil Wears Prada</i> to mind, I do have to admit that sometimes these people are on to something.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I am excited to be contradicting this fall by wearing lots of pastels and white shoes*, I am also embracing a color palette more suited for fall. Just the other day, I celebrated having the day off from work by hitting up Unique's 25% off Customer Appreciation day and it became clear that my subconscious was clearly influenced by the changing of the season. Much in the same way that little 12 year-old Holly prepared for her first day of 8th grade with silk color-blocked button-downs, high waisted jeans and scrunchies,** all in shades of navy blue, forest green and maroon, my fall wardrobe is being peppered with colors that one can most readily find in the Crayola "Bold" marker box. </div><div><br /></div><div>First the tops. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG7jZCybs1zdEshICCbmHP6-2OHDI-1na4P8ZAnIZ2IWnUaNq0CnSQBZ3-gXVNBOqueba3t6cOX68OChZXJ4QIgLuJRg7CQIcL6jDTsboUDhdWoe2KeM03lip6wPzAZdzqq_Dva-5kbJp/s320/DSC05243.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659809099198481810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>This almost red-orange top has me freaking out. I mean really. The pseudo short-sleeved/no sleevedness of this top is messing with me in the best possible way.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjLkfsm6hvDku76a0nbo83HjCUdnPO_J_4vvcfyHAqYjhC1YNxZPQVlnmzb5tjcS910k1hbGYb78CdXkgF1pR6tQrZNSqXjAtZQsnFOVJT5ihKOgAFp8aHtuPoRayRwH3c94N25bHkRZm/s320/DSC05257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659809124772563282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>I found this oversized goldenrod silk top in the men's section.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPfsShn4aeChI213J-oncS6dyZgU8INgDhGjCqV_hpAheH-s-jk4ERHXVnJUIWYu-2zc5l0XQmbBqPsMEyJHKpwtjdAyXfJ2R4QTET7EI6V3yieJNGYUrUSFmIrRYnZuYi8aa-25FX8L-/s320/DSC05259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659809753220478498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>Can't you tell?</div><div><br /></div><div>I realized after washing it that it was missing two buttons, but it's all good. The overall bagginess of this whole situation means I probably will just wear it as an overcoat sort of deal. I could always sew on new buttons, but let's be real here. Who has that kind of time?</div><div><br /></div><div>Now for the bottoms....</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGIUJ8orzHvh3rhxHml439n3OxKLEcZNCb55RJx6CDpl-HYms_uOSY2WN6q3NbhdlQfD9707R4QU9IZL5nrjlsimS8UXdp0pKzDB-ljVpUH79tyL8pJTU2jEt_9ByVfpfyFmOthqsXe_x/s320/DSC05244.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659809103408090610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>You can never go wrong with denim pencil skirts. I would like one in every shade of rainbow, please, but for now, I'll settle for some forest green action.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6hBv6MLQ2pxoQ339gUKcxPyYHSdbheOVMKH75LSb5LVdl2_Wu9unaIyf2KKuAPXHXL330rD7pu4HXtsdrLtQa4vesBQttwdkKUmx5vxDXKqB1naMeHd66HeCZnkC7NIqmUbYHcewvg94/s320/DSC05262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659809761971254658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbeqWch1gFQq2ysyLrbocrqd2iXOpMOx2rwF16a-lbTlQBZzi24-_xvIAtbYm3QDosvDafxE3jTCnev3aAmaag2WIznyqNqaJFbmV0NzKp3PCZJncmljo3hColvsg6smKB78OO3_xvRVz/s320/DSC05264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659807175328912418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>I was a bit on the fence with this printed mid-calve skirt, but I'm glad I got it. There are pockets this piece as well, so really, there was no question. And no matter what fashion magazines say about how "patterns are so <i>in</i> right now!," patterns always have, and always will be, <i>in</i> with me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsh3GbqgdrIaQ-HDg4XNUrCDO9AvZK9ijmLIWgAMztsxEycssY2ridOzHoDsU0KoaXQBdcPYluwNFrSlqzZUVkyAzhbl9Tm7Kf1qEEQmo0D9dhTFdhoOzmPpAkZyF49mWwfUl78kjncpPj/s320/DSC05245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659809111077743602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMiisjgNilNQCRJZry0Pe5hOOpMOOwvVxxewgqFiQFw2bor2O81KEKRssnD82t-wOm8k-93o5cw0ONCJCsL4F3_d5QK2-_TPkhu9GUeXCB88A1A39-z9MTO_XajfmX-WjS2AERK0uKQwC/s320/DSC05246.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659809115115474818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>This burnt sienna vintage highwaisted skirt is probably the piece I am most excited about from this trip. I am digging the color and love the cut and the little scalloped action at the top. Pieces like this make the changing of the seasons for me.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3u1XF08gQO-MxUIBzefzhmAlVOFcJRH1Fg9eQI0Gre5aG0g_T1qdK2tpVoWBbLH1dFihOXU_40PFMUO2TQ6tyGPkJmM4bXqr_6H61ZQ544znJUvxibluO0zzqRvHpPx7YYBTcXg1KT7a/s320/DSC05266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659807161188540882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmJvPLhS_13rUuVrlPdqFH-Q7LPrT41kb1bNw0QmC2y0vGzMbERxvtNJBJIAVFYc8lbPEzWeTexLrG0CJQa0NFfYXt_zUkDwWSSa2hk42nWm9QR4YnCGRn-XLQHtAFiL_j8OHyMO7BBDF/s320/DSC05268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659807172551198930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>And finally, proof that thrifting isn't just for super stylish finds, but that it is also useful for finding practical goods at outlandishly cheap prices, a much-needed rain jacket. This puppy will be perfect while I bicycle on those drizzly fall mornings. The little heart motif is a bit girly for my tastes, but as patterns on the inside of rain jackets always make me a little giggly (little ducks? little umbrellas? love it), I think I can deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>*Keep your laws off my body.</div><div>**I was totally the inspiration for the start of this little company called American Apparel. You are welcome, Dov. </div>Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-87034426648118106942011-10-01T09:15:00.000-07:002011-10-01T10:18:15.011-07:00Transitional Thrifing: A Bad Day of Thrifting is Better than a Good Day at WorkI find that attempting to thrift in anticipation of a changing season is often disappointing. While the "real" fashion world prefigures/cultivates our anxiety over having all the key trends in line four months before the weather changes, thrift stores are generally unaware of the consumerist neuroses that has possessed us and generated a sudden and desperate need for snakeskin pants in August. Thus, my attempt to utilize my trip back to WI to visit my family for Labor Day as an opportunity to establish the foundation for my fall wardrobe, utterly failed. Because despite the universal belief that fall magically happens the day after Labor Day (certainly a marketing strategy), it actually does not. Mother Earth has no regard for our silly holidays and how we falsely demarcate the changing of the seasons by them. Nor do thrift stores.<br /><br />From a sampling of six or so thrift stores in Milwaukee and Green Bay over an extended Labor Day weekend, the temperature of the water was still definitely summer. And, even more unfortunately so, it seemed to be the dregs of the summer goods. The stuff that had sat in the back for a few months or was still trickling in after some odd-timed closet purgings. There were a few extra sweaters and jackets maybe, but no real show of force in the fall items.<br /><br />Thus, my haul, though modest, did produce some interesting pieces and a general flavor of what this time of year actually is: transitional. One day it's 75 degrees and the next it's 55. The weather is schizophrenic and so your wardrobe has to be as well. While we are all trying to make fall happen for our own feverish desire to freak out on new trends, there is still a definite need for our summer standbys.<br /><br />And so I present my finds, on a scale of Most Summer to Most Fall.<br /><br />For obvious reasons, this piece falls (ha!) in to <span style="font-style: italic;">The Most Summer</span> slot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQwvXWhCIBefYjj9FoyVhw9JBbJPz_18kiECOecJeBZvi34gQk2GVNxVWgrAi244RRnQaMFEmRZfV_JO5iw7sLk5cqUi7C5ZPzec_l93qfIJNmXeT4JZuOJKn4sa-tawne8hUr4e6YrQ/s1600/Black+w+Gold+Metallic+Swimsuit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQwvXWhCIBefYjj9FoyVhw9JBbJPz_18kiECOecJeBZvi34gQk2GVNxVWgrAi244RRnQaMFEmRZfV_JO5iw7sLk5cqUi7C5ZPzec_l93qfIJNmXeT4JZuOJKn4sa-tawne8hUr4e6YrQ/s400/Black+w+Gold+Metallic+Swimsuit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658563620318418658" border="0" /></a><br />A killer late summer swimsuit find, this thing defies all conventional swimsuit knowledge. The bizarre gold metallic and floral trellis-like placement print is incredible. It has removable straps and can be strapless or not, depending on how far you want to push it. And it still had the tags on it, eliminating the inevitable, even if minimal, gross out factor of buying second hand swimsuit. AND, it is one of two finds from this small group of items by the brand Newport News. I have no idea where this brand outlets, but I though Newport News sold cigarettes. I have been schooled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3N78gLCDC-xYRh-xXvz0OfOTgpLdVdaBpazhGQAtY2M8eyrK1jAxctJaKWC_XH916aKzJHwLz0bquldRfIOIRNOgvQD8pLcK75hLacF_57wo2JHnbHeiZHNE7kY4ohvfTyzjiL1vgJo/s1600/Black+and+Metallic+Swimsuit+Detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3N78gLCDC-xYRh-xXvz0OfOTgpLdVdaBpazhGQAtY2M8eyrK1jAxctJaKWC_XH916aKzJHwLz0bquldRfIOIRNOgvQD8pLcK75hLacF_57wo2JHnbHeiZHNE7kY4ohvfTyzjiL1vgJo/s400/Black+and+Metallic+Swimsuit+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658563616108538386" border="0" /></a><br />Although, if there were a cigarette company that also sold apparel, this is precisely the kind of thing I would expect them to make.<br /><br />Definitely on the still summer end of the spectrum, in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Summer Called, It Wants to Take the Boat Out Today</span> slot, is this cute lil' multi color nautical stripe tee.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLZbzKxINMMVmrzRyRcL09kOj12jgJW2tBRnVshwuMdS4dqFes6kFIW67W-g6M0rShoknIGoEkJOxKKGg9UoQR2-LYxp_SD2an7tqA9iN-bhTyqnetT77laJc3cGjS8mq8QULK5zqYkU/s1600/Multi+Nautical+Stripe+Tee.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLZbzKxINMMVmrzRyRcL09kOj12jgJW2tBRnVshwuMdS4dqFes6kFIW67W-g6M0rShoknIGoEkJOxKKGg9UoQR2-LYxp_SD2an7tqA9iN-bhTyqnetT77laJc3cGjS8mq8QULK5zqYkU/s400/Multi+Nautical+Stripe+Tee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658563610381267106" border="0" /></a><br />Nautical stripes have been The Trend That Will Not Die for a solid three years now, but the colors and the great 70's silhouette are enough to counter the super-trendiness of this top.<br /><br />Edging towards a middle position, at <span style="font-style: italic;">Potentially Do-able for Fall</span>, is this, also very cute, red tee with ruffled edges.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V6KQcZKNZwjERqX12cLii6qcDOLJi4uN04cuCXoXeupHQJLyA3X9K-HUQflgS-f_FEAypBLw6zWFmlNum7oGAu2FuUJGhq79i3PVHotY_nnT2haSQ45efYq7a6K1AFFIDMl9Y2KPeqw/s1600/Red+Ruffle+Edge+Tee.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V6KQcZKNZwjERqX12cLii6qcDOLJi4uN04cuCXoXeupHQJLyA3X9K-HUQflgS-f_FEAypBLw6zWFmlNum7oGAu2FuUJGhq79i3PVHotY_nnT2haSQ45efYq7a6K1AFFIDMl9Y2KPeqw/s400/Red+Ruffle+Edge+Tee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658563245040634482" border="0" /></a><br />I used to not "do" red, but now that I do, I can't stop. The ruffles take this tee from boring to subtly exciting!<br /><br />Smack dab in the middle, in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Jewelry Has No Season</span> slot, is this killer chunky gold triangle necklace.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganRVHB3qCNoLgp7mWYCOGRqfXMcF-bveeDXURzTwaNhHfqj_xgQHHsNLSTsG9VaEtT16GctYgUDEXORKwi-DzLhvegl0-cpzs4EgHJO5T5AO-BBJHN4PDg46c8ap8wDSpWGyIvyczLJo/s1600/Gold+Triangle+Necklace.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganRVHB3qCNoLgp7mWYCOGRqfXMcF-bveeDXURzTwaNhHfqj_xgQHHsNLSTsG9VaEtT16GctYgUDEXORKwi-DzLhvegl0-cpzs4EgHJO5T5AO-BBJHN4PDg46c8ap8wDSpWGyIvyczLJo/s400/Gold+Triangle+Necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658563240700718450" border="0" /></a><br />This is such a statement piece of jewelry, that if you're wearing it, it doesn't matter what else you're wearing, if you know what I mean.*<br /><br />In the most satisfying of slots, the <span style="font-style: italic;">This Is Actually Exactly What I Was Hoping to Find to be the Foundation of My Fall Wardrobe</span> slot, is this neutral-toned, wallpaper-floral printed silk blouse.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGgLXTDvgZGLpy8i5mVSFOET5CxzdxTtsbshE2ZHignlMnRhXXGqzTQupUPtCHKm9HPHg4N5sPUjrUt8Z15z8U5089j6CUO6A1F9ZjwoMM10ZUaQM7edK2B4JZfI83wnQf_DRUeta304/s1600/Wallpaper+Floral+Silk+Blouse.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGgLXTDvgZGLpy8i5mVSFOET5CxzdxTtsbshE2ZHignlMnRhXXGqzTQupUPtCHKm9HPHg4N5sPUjrUt8Z15z8U5089j6CUO6A1F9ZjwoMM10ZUaQM7edK2B4JZfI83wnQf_DRUeta304/s400/Wallpaper+Floral+Silk+Blouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658563239781456834" border="0" /></a><br />I ADORE the palette that is going one here, and the romantic Victorian wallpaper floral design. It is truly exactly the sort of thing I was hoping to find on this trip. As if it hadn't already swept me off my feet, it still had the tags from it, from TJ Maxx, and the tag looked exactly the way that they did in the 90's when I worked at the service desk at the TJ's in Green Bay. Perhaps I even sold this blouse the original owner, when I was 16 years old? The romantic floral, perfect Fall silk blouse, now steeped in the nostalgia of my youth.....<br /><br />The silhouette wasn't perfect on this, but I took it in an inch or so on each side and now it is the perfect amount of oversized. I haven't worn it yet, but absolutely can't wait.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnA0eDLhDXnOLAjbjKXfQbrRrchI-n13ZCHPS_aH-taO2UJQVpdRGbNLTj-ptFN5n9QBI-qNE588uSkOkQyC8gwxgES04vNZk33ZtOQsz7DuYQcsx42Jy93PmuhVsMamtTsjMdawJJUbU/s1600/Wallpaper+Floral+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnA0eDLhDXnOLAjbjKXfQbrRrchI-n13ZCHPS_aH-taO2UJQVpdRGbNLTj-ptFN5n9QBI-qNE588uSkOkQyC8gwxgES04vNZk33ZtOQsz7DuYQcsx42Jy93PmuhVsMamtTsjMdawJJUbU/s400/Wallpaper+Floral+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658563236481487122" border="0" /></a><br />This blouse is probably only 15 years old, tops, but they don't really do printing like this anymore, sadly.<br /><br />Falling solidly at the end of my list is the <span style="font-style: italic;">Nothing is More Fall than Goth </span>slot, is this black sheer silk peasant tie neck blouse:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-HPQgTiPbkvpTzyHPM7v9pXNwapTdCYBPZgvkkApbQgIM-4ja5Vn4mvzt59pIuSpIoRRgLtpJOG7sacXm4U9l2JMyecEiCYqKN6J6h2t4_5XgCGbIcNjnhD3EYtn_xhWe7f8SX214x8/s1600/Black+Silk+Tie+Neck+Blouse.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-HPQgTiPbkvpTzyHPM7v9pXNwapTdCYBPZgvkkApbQgIM-4ja5Vn4mvzt59pIuSpIoRRgLtpJOG7sacXm4U9l2JMyecEiCYqKN6J6h2t4_5XgCGbIcNjnhD3EYtn_xhWe7f8SX214x8/s400/Black+Silk+Tie+Neck+Blouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658563234877082466" border="0" /></a>It's hard to get a good idea of it from the picture, but it is very nice, and it is the kind of "staple" item that is key to your wardrobe. While thrifting is often defined by the "wow" pieces, it is also the best way to fill in on those great basics that get play forever. And yes! Bookending my list, this blouse is the second Newport News find from this trip. I am receiving a very confused picture of this brand.Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-86050652437350229252011-09-12T07:09:00.000-07:002011-09-12T08:30:54.285-07:00Unexpected Treasures—Portage, WI exceeds expectations, blows mind<div style="text-align: left;">As a short disclaimer, I have to share that, in keeping with Laurie's suggestion that we do our joint Portage piece over the weekend, I had meant to post this yesterday. Unfortunately, a series of egregious events, which mainly revolved around my misplacement of my notebook/journal from the past four months, prevented me from doing so. Fortunately, having a clear mind and a new day resulted in my 7:45 am discovery of said notebook behind our bookshelf, so all is now well in the world. And with that, we are off!</div><div><br /></div><div>****</div><div><br /></div><div>As a general rule, I avoid thrifting at Goodwills. In my experience, the merch is often less than desirable (think cheap mall fashions from five years ago) and everything is way overpriced (like a very cute 90's rayon mini I purchased a few years ago for $6.99. SIX NINETY NINE in <i>Green Bay! </i>I can only claim temporary insanity on that one, especially since the thing ended up being too small to wear comfortably). </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes, however, you have no other choice. Such as the case the day after our lovely friends' Cortney and Andy's wedding in Portage. As it was Sunday, chances of other thrift shops in this small town being open (on the Lord's day?!) were slim. So, after an unexpectedly wonderful brunch (crab cake benedict for under $9?!), Laurie, Chris and I found ourselves at the Goodwill.</div><div><br /></div><div>First observation: though prices were still steeper than the average small town thrift store, they were, for the most part, within acceptable ranges. Tops for $3.99, skirts for the same, belts for 99¢. My major complaint was how dresses were pretty much priced at $6.99 across the board, which led me to tossing all of my dress finds aside as none were special enough to justify that price tag.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second observation: The selection was actually fantastic! By the time we were ready to try items on, I had piles of cute tops, long skirts and the aforementioned collection of 90's floral dresses. Even with these better than average Goodwill prices, my selection ended up being heavily edited. Witness, if you will, the gems that stood out:</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YMusyHSF97WPiOk5sxxZ34xJq0RiN-4wtRg0wnJW9FlzvJLVsHFp-Brq_jP0lrsIdQiP2cZgozc9v8fC62FLeS_P3Ma0AJlMGhvxoK4YllWmFhDZc-5R4uefOxRt-k9Q7-TCGE0U8cqH/s320/DSC05203.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651491043923422210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-1ZWtFwSKJ6-4kVGmYpZx4GggZuit8WjT2X8VRz1K0uMlk3SszQwzLmdJyIw3t1skehnK2hYS3Rzoe756WQ7mECqxUJIJDY959EsHGZ7xPR24ZJGy3RDvnjM3fMWCHi7SdnfTFljkGDF/s320/DSC05206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651491047394707458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>First, an Operation Sparkle first—a gold studded black suede jacket. A first because, as Laurie just shared the other day, this piece was actually part of a set with her suede studded pencil skirt. It took all my will power to accept that the skirt did not fit me comfortably and thus should be passed to my thrifting partner. Hence the first Operation Sparkle spilt of a rocking two piece for the benefit of all (even if it killed me a little inside to do it).</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduqcEznJKUjh0qqAIEEYD9WvQK79egqQ0eDW8YGuhparbiwZnGaAAmJpiESXjv99tA-5le_5TG2KOX8zUaL57OKCWMaemWvZjxDFd3o71drQLt9GGgWjLnsfo-c9UGRr8PfGlblgv7QAa/s320/DSC05209.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651491067096448626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0XdDCU_eD7D_rsW_wyYCjrzmwF_YTwkZ8W3Z_c-Q6Zj6ItPRBy51GXEPOAd2sy6hCgJTMbauO-h5DFTA-XwPiBUSUsA3HYcq8utzI-i0wDsdQD69jgIL7iTHEJhHl0zjsA69_aPTKfb9/s320/DSC05210.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651491074420069842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div>In keeping with my 80's/90's New Years theme, I present my sheer Judy bond black and metallic top. I actually found two of these in a similar style (one of which I passed onto Laurie, which you just saw). Before you start thinking about how generous and non-competitive I've gotten in my thrifting, let me assure you that I kept the better of the two. Love the pattern and the metallic weaving in the waistband. Those stories about me wanting to kick Laurie in the shins for finding that colorblocked purse and that silk scarf are also totally true.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then we have my amazing selection of belts. Now, finding a good belt (much less several good belts!) can be difficult when thrifting. Despite a rather small selection, however, I found these <i>four </i>gems:</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KfrLUEQpuGwaI-LytTPaWHfOj7LHAKiNKdQ6HkJAyPmpt1xVP_GWwcDzI4hdpbTHHscocPg3-f9XursC_HEcCyMn5LsQPnO-3fTrntjkPnCCfUcMydzkmkfYd3WWhGZtk0zJCDnr3tnt/s320/DSC05216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651492218654156418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>A tiny, basic black leather belt to replace the last tiny, basic black leather belt I thrifted that was, as it turns out, about two inches too tiny.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ5EPAMImr269OIurSPDgkZR9H_1oYlbR_e6V1HJTV6j3PMFLaXPrSdGx-2wbC4mnykjUJ-3EJEyCOV3diEcSQgJqX3domgJDgHj7U98LUrIC2cxVPbnXEqf78q0LNVdb1Sd4CdCPHFxM/s320/DSC05214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651492208773041154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>The "dressy" black and gold leather belt. I was probably feeling the influence of my party jacket and top when I selected this one. But for 99¢, you can't really go wrong with something that is simple <i>and </i>a bit flashy in all the right ways.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-luiaDK1kfcsh8v2cdzP9P40LMKWbPelUdlYxbIMV8tgRxl2OSVf1OOeOltUlV_ZDIOoqiYiuSkrkpzXE-ye8080lMeigpg-lyWBIQLgWTI-42yfg3gLQw6_Ima0nM2Cz7RuGEWRXwze3/s320/DSC05218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651492227561157874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>A multicolored woven leather belt. Simply rad.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnvxiCZ-3_-yNGU30_Ym8TFUUV6HzsEzecwsA0y1ZhoVulYDBK9bEVzG-L_UuQuqFt3DnXZnTIbJm2L-iteS7aYdRbhgD7o2TIGe_NoA9k3C0hX1VSikaouFpTSpJkQ19u42tsrfhR8oL/s320/DSC05219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651494315395016386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>...and for when I am feeling a bit less colorful, a deep dusty blue leather woven belt. I love the color of this piece and one can't go wrong with woven leather belts.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaA1AW3pziagAeWqZefzS36DXB3yHCH4-0OitmX2mlF5DcCbeKXx7XmhgvTRN9Oayaf2lz7aEj9-DaTrDQ5-d6abWOV9IeGw0ueVXaeTIylfi_kKhl5_mkp71Qtxa7hoHKJp_2DIVy7Kt/s320/DSC05207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651491061793939154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Despite finding bucketloads of short sleeve shirts during my browsing of the shop, this simple button down sleeveless striped number was the only one to have made the cut. I dig its simplicity in color and its versatility in styling options (loose, tucked in, or, my new favorite, tied at the waist). The big pockets on the front are pretty good too, and useful, to boot!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj314d6z-7MreeFIq9BNfD7C9IXVZByf8rgdkl9CQQU_xC2oeT5VGSg2cyUX7ex2r1R-NV6Q-7Kg8aR7kdWrb9VaZDHGaPEf1wqNzlpzPGQ-BgBjvks6Ywz3_fnwHkfVac5dgKC_TKLSgOY/s320/DSC05211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651492194355382562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaW3QSHH_xKCNInmzgc0NGkfazG8jGulcJF6-dc3AyRFvJpdU_uJXfhlbKM5OyKe3ZtuiANKkPyzQSSUoYiX1GkdTDA1Q0Mvp9DV1QTtsMMqEXAe4ka8wdnJWgsf3UqfdbL10hajXB92y/s320/DSC05212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651492206207880114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Since I have been the prowl for good maxi skirts for a couple of years now, I was stoked to find a bunch on this trip. After some careful editing, however, I only came away with this one, which, upon first glance, did not get rave reviews. Laurie scrunched up her face, telling me she didn't like it. Reality set in then and she softened, offering the fact that "well, maybe with fall it will work." That's how I see it. Though the pattern is initially a little bogus, especially when temps are in the 80's, the colors work for cooler weather, the length is perfectly long, buttons down the front=good times and the fabric was soft—as opposed to the, at first glance, infinitely more superior black and white print skirt I was considering—proof that it pays to try things on.</div><div><br /></div><div>To wrap it up, my already posted about <a href="http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/09/maximum-beach-outfit-x2.html">multi-color bikini</a>. I win! </div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, even if I spent more than usual for what I got ($29), it sure beats buying one crappy top at the mall! </div></div></div>Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-78628541865335688032011-09-10T17:29:00.000-07:002011-09-10T19:21:45.138-07:00Special Trips! Portage, WI: What is Wedded Bliss Without Sweet Deals?Just a month ago I had the pleasure of having the excuse of two of my dearest friends, Cortney and Andy, getting married, to book a plane ticket to Wisconsin for a random weekend in August. I love weddings. You get to see old friends, you have awkward run ins with your friend's family members, you get way too drunk (for free!!), and are otherwise wrapped up in the demimonde created by the occasion. You can read all about Cortney and Andy's picturesque beyond picturesque farm wedding in Cortney's hometown of Portage <a href="http://homeagainblog.com/2011/08/16/an-affair-to-remember/">here</a>, but do that on your own goddamn time, because I have more important things to talk about. Those things being deals.<br /><br />Months before the wedding, when Cortney asked me to help set up the day before and of the wedding, I plead for a two hour leave of absence to explore Portage's thrifting scene. This was an opportunity that I could not possibly let slip through my fingers, not even for friendship. Luckily, my presumption that Cortney a) understands me, and b) would be the chillest bride on earth, proved to be true, and she did not bat an eyelash and said that she would point me towards all the good places.<br /><br />What I have for you today is the haul I made in Portage on two separate trips; one a power-thrifting episode a few hours before the wedding, and the other, with Holly and her fiance (and my dear friend) Chris, the day after the occasion and a good night's sleep in a pop-up camper.<br /><br />Firstly, I will show you my favorite find of the whole weekend, this color blocked purse:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2y9FO0MHgVOSbuW2GJt9F3oDUS1eobqlThDyZ-AcETwodR3bOMf-PuuEza_akTxf-tJCZWptBY_M8FZIZvkpjv4-XMQBUQLwjlpozACN9hi-rBbD7eAZ_SgN7xJl9J64OIteIX5dJBM/s1600/Color+Block+Purse.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2y9FO0MHgVOSbuW2GJt9F3oDUS1eobqlThDyZ-AcETwodR3bOMf-PuuEza_akTxf-tJCZWptBY_M8FZIZvkpjv4-XMQBUQLwjlpozACN9hi-rBbD7eAZ_SgN7xJl9J64OIteIX5dJBM/s400/Color+Block+Purse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901412441809954" border="0" /></a><br />The story of finding this purse is one of those moments of thrifting with Holly that I treasure. She was taking FOR EV ER wrapping up looking around while I was trying to get her to try on and edit our finds so that we could get out of the store and back to our friends, who were waiting for us. I camped out by the fitting rooms with our cart in an attempt to get my point across. She left me hanging there regardless, so I started aimlessly digging in the piles of things around me. That is when I found this purse buried deep behind all the rest, nearly invisible. When Holly finally made it over to me, I rubbed it in her face, and was able to see the jealously shooting from her eyes like lasers.<br /><br />But boy did we turn around from that ugly bout of pride and envy fast! While digging through the massive mound of clothes in our cart, Holly pulled out a KILLER two piece black suede outfit with gold stud detail. It was epic. Beautiful. What one lives to thrift for. Rather than be jealous, I was just sad. But I had a feeling that from the look of the skirt, it might be that tiny bit too small on Holly that is just big enough for me, and that I could perhaps get lucky. I was right, and I managed to convince Holly to keep the jacket (which you will get to see in tomorrow's Portage Part II segment) and give me the skirt. SHARING! Selflessness in thrifting. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. <br /><br />This is an epic party time find, without a doubt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbjeFptULomWB_ZzsIPa47GW3X6Ls2AXIIJkQrCXuTxiatKS7HRT6b_xMI9mY8IXWGY9Rt-H4E3XeMMVOVsiM_0VIZMfV2ePOgFOP6ZjrTv9ivstb8e7ZwzgVk0o860hDOCuBV4KnQj0/s1600/Suede+Skirt+with+Gold+Studs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbjeFptULomWB_ZzsIPa47GW3X6Ls2AXIIJkQrCXuTxiatKS7HRT6b_xMI9mY8IXWGY9Rt-H4E3XeMMVOVsiM_0VIZMfV2ePOgFOP6ZjrTv9ivstb8e7ZwzgVk0o860hDOCuBV4KnQj0/s400/Suede+Skirt+with+Gold+Studs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901415841431570" border="0" /></a><br />This two piece outfit I kept all for myself. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo41RBQIVA7FS-QufSBOC30gnx0VbvtWFK2RNJnLte3uUG98iUqxzlaNxEK8chRxAwvEbK8QtAYApPa5I1zN1AtEi4TAHvcG6IcwGtPoJ47YABurFPVhBnJbS9cZz270uQHla9bOAaDg/s1600/Lace+Floral+Print+Two+Piece.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo41RBQIVA7FS-QufSBOC30gnx0VbvtWFK2RNJnLte3uUG98iUqxzlaNxEK8chRxAwvEbK8QtAYApPa5I1zN1AtEi4TAHvcG6IcwGtPoJ47YABurFPVhBnJbS9cZz270uQHla9bOAaDg/s400/Lace+Floral+Print+Two+Piece.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901410041441618" border="0" /></a><br />I think coordinates are classy. Especially ones with printed lace motifs.<br /><br />Speaking of classy, nothing says GLAM like a metallic top. My favorite aspect of this top is the knit cuffs and hem detail, making this, essentially, a glorified sweatshirt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUvHlcGhjirFNudCnnJTqD-EWHxVYQvkntF2QG6nt6AOjGAxK32qNcoSFHatmmWFGkOSrp_KJiYCa0NNRIoFbBeA8xKF5bFsEoys1ySq5umu41dDRtrRiLe6reWgrGxQ3-6JrOCdMpqA/s1600/Metallic+Dot+Sweatshirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUvHlcGhjirFNudCnnJTqD-EWHxVYQvkntF2QG6nt6AOjGAxK32qNcoSFHatmmWFGkOSrp_KJiYCa0NNRIoFbBeA8xKF5bFsEoys1ySq5umu41dDRtrRiLe6reWgrGxQ3-6JrOCdMpqA/s400/Metallic+Dot+Sweatshirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901410856886274" border="0" /></a><br />You can never have too many tropical/animal printed anythings!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJVJ-FUSLbDNdYn7_E-B9aVwASQJYpXlB-ZYljaOkOuNAqdDq4v_eWATreMiQCh85PspJRji3VDwg5YPJttvvjgjWdx5l8J0bV15Qboz2mDNKOE72Gaa6mW5xbWIy0BtKqz7cGIfjfl4/s1600/Jungle+Buttondown.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJVJ-FUSLbDNdYn7_E-B9aVwASQJYpXlB-ZYljaOkOuNAqdDq4v_eWATreMiQCh85PspJRji3VDwg5YPJttvvjgjWdx5l8J0bV15Qboz2mDNKOE72Gaa6mW5xbWIy0BtKqz7cGIfjfl4/s400/Jungle+Buttondown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901120728096898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A paint-streak-stripe printed short sleeve button down shirt. This shirt reminds me of what eight year old boys wore when I was in 3rd grade, and what lesbians wear today. But Holly and Chris insisted that it was sweet, so I bought it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQjJy-LtQ1Tyfp9I5ICMzIquZ-n1A8VVgXfFTtpZBn38BvXQ0lutfDm8oAfqf0TwZgpqPXcS2wB54dKh4IOG768gz_GuXIScp2WonpMWNl3AUAYzvVpHNt20O9q7pSLS4kjvja4jBRjM/s1600/Paint+Streak+Buttondown.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQjJy-LtQ1Tyfp9I5ICMzIquZ-n1A8VVgXfFTtpZBn38BvXQ0lutfDm8oAfqf0TwZgpqPXcS2wB54dKh4IOG768gz_GuXIScp2WonpMWNl3AUAYzvVpHNt20O9q7pSLS4kjvja4jBRjM/s400/Paint+Streak+Buttondown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901118912137874" border="0" /></a><br />An oversized sleeveless space dyed magenta sweater. Bright colors are so in!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXv4YvxeLyMwGpU1tdJ7LcVlEojq2N06AbkI5dLzIOLIqTWq6yZB-O3XVc1_0gjBSK2vHpVamngwnJ288INiBDjZdCE6yzSBFsyl9R7O6W7Y6CljZAJbK3cZU8fl1LbSGCAylquSAETU/s1600/Magenta+Space+Dye+SL+Sweater.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXv4YvxeLyMwGpU1tdJ7LcVlEojq2N06AbkI5dLzIOLIqTWq6yZB-O3XVc1_0gjBSK2vHpVamngwnJ288INiBDjZdCE6yzSBFsyl9R7O6W7Y6CljZAJbK3cZU8fl1LbSGCAylquSAETU/s400/Magenta+Space+Dye+SL+Sweater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901116288892578" border="0" /></a><br />For all those times that I thought to myself, "I wish I had a below the knee acid wash denim pencil skirt, that would go perfectly with this", comes the answer to my prayers:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINO-Y_tW2VIW5rJynJBFn7w_PB8x3IBofwFv5-9RwdDb_enizOY9VEz2oWO3WadEC4_Gwra34125OCHDv9McGoI7JODgb9lqrq9-lEy526UqHRppbAs9jJjcs6ijtq6B06EtUr89DAAQ/s1600/Acid+Wash+Pencil+Skirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINO-Y_tW2VIW5rJynJBFn7w_PB8x3IBofwFv5-9RwdDb_enizOY9VEz2oWO3WadEC4_Gwra34125OCHDv9McGoI7JODgb9lqrq9-lEy526UqHRppbAs9jJjcs6ijtq6B06EtUr89DAAQ/s400/Acid+Wash+Pencil+Skirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901115001366274" border="0" /></a>Below the knee!<br /><br />Even better is the priceless 80's denim detailing tag, which reads:<br /><br />1st CLASS<br />METROPOLITAN<br />THIS LABEL<br />ENTITLES YOU<br />TO TRAVEL IN<br />THE METROPOLITAN<br />ESSENCE<br />BY JORDACHE<br />ADULT<br />VALID FOREVER<br /><br />Which is basically really good poetry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQHt_gykrpeqO9rUlBAGUNxpnLGfa9lfi7pLcHkqRZmFB8TnNWzldhHcrk6WIZx-raf0ZLlYIj533Y4n_yLB6s5UpViXJmhpcUroDAAomVZ76_WGLk4FSPHmFP0c1EKnBMuemwypf04w/s1600/Jordache+Tag.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQHt_gykrpeqO9rUlBAGUNxpnLGfa9lfi7pLcHkqRZmFB8TnNWzldhHcrk6WIZx-raf0ZLlYIj533Y4n_yLB6s5UpViXJmhpcUroDAAomVZ76_WGLk4FSPHmFP0c1EKnBMuemwypf04w/s400/Jordache+Tag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650901107199690562" border="0" /></a><br />Although a "single trip" that is "valid forever" seems a bit contradictory...it's probably just over my head.<br /><br />Rounding out the apparel and accessories portion of my finds is this F-ing beautiful silk scarf that makes up for all the shitty scarves that I have bought over the years wishing they were better than they actually were. The colors are amazing, the pattern, amazing, and it's actually silk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlisJXOYdByHTeivTKexVMhCTyT90OwP4VtjeuEqU3W0Eq0vrJofVkHAyAp4HM7cRKuTUDBJpITQYEfvo4JQ_sn0eEbXM4Xla4lR2Fk1_PQwGYRYJcV5RWv3UFEv259rIGR2ubWFqhaTE/s1600/Geo+Silk+Scarf.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlisJXOYdByHTeivTKexVMhCTyT90OwP4VtjeuEqU3W0Eq0vrJofVkHAyAp4HM7cRKuTUDBJpITQYEfvo4JQ_sn0eEbXM4Xla4lR2Fk1_PQwGYRYJcV5RWv3UFEv259rIGR2ubWFqhaTE/s400/Geo+Silk+Scarf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650900775622228466" border="0" /></a><br />This find made Holly rage pretty hard too, which is always a cherry on top.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGSz50qz9oLYU1L0lKRYa4hPHhXilp9HKAArW5aq-BJu2CxyHHPxxbInqPrKPgiLwz_nX2tpksexEtM0V8O39fr2ormpjh9zvATUYujtStT_8lnjaOKiqFZNqndwYqh1JP1FaOBb1x0Y/s1600/Geo+Scarf+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGSz50qz9oLYU1L0lKRYa4hPHhXilp9HKAArW5aq-BJu2CxyHHPxxbInqPrKPgiLwz_nX2tpksexEtM0V8O39fr2ormpjh9zvATUYujtStT_8lnjaOKiqFZNqndwYqh1JP1FaOBb1x0Y/s400/Geo+Scarf+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650900775796979394" border="0" /></a><br />Now, let's swing by housewares on our way out!<br /><br />A commemorative wedding trinket, to commemorate a wedding:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWMlZtG_UOUxGGMJguNmyGWk9c3whVRMr2TTmfP58R7sr9dD7ZzkHFylXMw3r75gxDUcJ2exln_maIdA9TFR469gtiPGls-v65s6aAaIjl0cI_v4uWKKl8klNhsD2DXKWgnJPuU_2RK4/s1600/Charles+and+Di+Mug.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWMlZtG_UOUxGGMJguNmyGWk9c3whVRMr2TTmfP58R7sr9dD7ZzkHFylXMw3r75gxDUcJ2exln_maIdA9TFR469gtiPGls-v65s6aAaIjl0cI_v4uWKKl8klNhsD2DXKWgnJPuU_2RK4/s400/Charles+and+Di+Mug.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650900775964431410" border="0" /></a><br />Cortney and Andy, may your love.....oh wait, nevermind.<br /><br />There was even a wall art score that day, which I stumbled upon but knew that I could not commit to, and so handed off to Chris. Thankfully, he was able to give it a good home in his band's practice space:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsrj6G9z2rvMTgEn7GtFBhhwlhnotsSO2HSPsqpcYqlU0N-P81mgsjyKczKaMRxGG59J9ER0msB0K-vvSx_gkkZrdD396JBBq35vLmMVqHHd_hTl0dhzsUgBJARa3PBQ7ewVqo2anpLs/s1600/Chris+and+Picture.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsrj6G9z2rvMTgEn7GtFBhhwlhnotsSO2HSPsqpcYqlU0N-P81mgsjyKczKaMRxGG59J9ER0msB0K-vvSx_gkkZrdD396JBBq35vLmMVqHHd_hTl0dhzsUgBJARa3PBQ7ewVqo2anpLs/s400/Chris+and+Picture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650900770180787122" border="0" /></a><br />It is bizarre indeed, and a real photograph, of some long lost extra from some indecipherable, long lost Monty Python sketch.<br /><br />********************************BONUS*BONUS*BONUS*********************************<br /><br />Those weren't the only sweet finds I got to bring home from Portage that weekend! I also purchased from Holly, at a deep discount, these preselected, hand-delivered castoffs from her trove:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6deccmbuIN2NhZLl-75iXEEOGQFQlTzciIll7mJXmt6S4W6994x6LEjV4omuCfDr3hS8_Sjtlti1gMHVO27XctS1va58vB0qcgd7xpvBJRMJYcFMXmeXtPh7WZzYQdjFcB3TD81EzSM/s1600/Holly+Bottom+Triptych.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6deccmbuIN2NhZLl-75iXEEOGQFQlTzciIll7mJXmt6S4W6994x6LEjV4omuCfDr3hS8_Sjtlti1gMHVO27XctS1va58vB0qcgd7xpvBJRMJYcFMXmeXtPh7WZzYQdjFcB3TD81EzSM/s400/Holly+Bottom+Triptych.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650900769216037282" border="0" /></a><br />They really make a beautiful triptych.Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-57356279148897037792011-09-01T15:03:00.001-07:002011-09-01T15:36:48.621-07:00Maximum Beach Outfit x2<div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure if you knew this, but today is the first day of September, which made yesterday that last day of August.* As my seasonal depression/fear of winter is so intense that last year I burst into tears when I saw my first changing tree of the season, this monthly transition is always a difficult one. On one hand, we tend to have hot weather (today it was in the 80's and crazy muggy), on the other we start dabbling into the fall, with chillier and darker nights and more knits. While this makes for lots of fun clothing options, it is also the last month in which my tanks, little shorts and swimsuits get to be paraded around before being stuffed into a plastic bag for the next 8 months.***</div><div>
<br /></div><div>In supreme defiance to this upcoming weather shift, I insisted on visiting the beach today (the 80 degree humid weather certainly helped as well). Happily, I realized this would be a perfect time to rock out in one of my new thrifted bikinis! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Yes, after a disappointing showing of my collection in last spring's Swimsuit Thrift Off, I was able to better my stash this summer with two new bikinis! The most miraculous thing about these bikinis? That they were clearly made for me because I don't know anyone else who has small enough ta-tas to fit into these tiny, tiny tops. </div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa_on3yrX1yUrbGWHIkQ6S9juHGRTcolPcY7TAkkJtXrofqZAvchL_APhLWimmbo-pUMFNnVJ4VJWFtzwWXRBt9nF4M9R0Ft_hqNCwTGtbmeVcYPv0tLcI2g5MLVIc-iG4DGyFpWUc6qT/s320/DSC05179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647515803573463250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEBBxcgtthXIYsOCIO7MvOSDKOEI8MoI3gcvVa2qvu1LFt_083_Rg_vQfj5bTsSNZHSmnI8Qdk3487xhryF9HL39u1cbRgtAyIxtXT9vEey9tWFc6WXJhnTqqyrG9GOMn9WjqxSWnUILI/s320/DSC05181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647515800305444482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>First, this little black knitted/crocheted number I found thrifting with Laurie in the GBC last memorial day. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I love the structure to this piece (pieces?) and the knit detailing. The best thing is that the padding in this piece is so out of control that it gives me cleavage like I never have, and probably never will again, experienced.**** Unlike the black one piece of a similar knit that I got as a youngster at the Kmart in Shawano, this top will not fall down, even when you are going hog wild on a tube in the lake. </div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qWHfRleRfWmG7puVI42aEoguu39hJMkMEjRDRUIrQ103oBrW1SadPF-4Vf0eiynVk0gOdJjpQH6obBm-pT3eevgO0GZI1ukTi8bih5BK7esVkDTKryqTwHrlARrp14xt3jD416JFaOSx/s320/DSC05178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647515810325791858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>While so far my lack of beach going (and yes, I know, summer is over) has relegated my knit bikini to the occasional backyard layout, I chose to debut this multicolored beaut during today's beach excursion. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>This was the first piece I grabbed the second we walked into the Portage Goodwill a month ago*****, and I swear it is magic. Even with the impossible french cut of the bottoms, it fits. I mean, granted, there was a lot of blinding white light reflecting off of my toosh at the beach today, but there was still full coverage, which is a must for a thrifted bikini. I am absolutely in love with the pattern and the little tie detail in the front. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Just think what would have happened in that Thrift Off if I had these little numbers in my possession then! Best not to regret how things turned out, though, because thrifting works in mysterious (and magical) ways.
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<br /></div><div>*Which we commemorated last night into the wee hours by listening to Bob Seger** and drinking a sangria mix that bordered heavily on the edge of wop. </div><div>**I'm just now realizing that Bob Seger is<i> so</i> much better when you are drinking. </div><div>***Seriously, it is killing me to write this. </div></div><div>****I am not really a "boob" woman per se, but when you endowed like me on top, it can be really exciting to have actual cleave. </div><div>*****For a major unprecedented successful Goodwill trip, stay tuned for our special "wedding edition" Special Trip. Not all who wander are lost, my friend! </div>Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-38620483719364116252011-08-31T06:35:00.001-07:002011-08-31T07:28:33.222-07:00Surprising NYC Trends: The Pink Pant<div>It's hard to believe that our NYC thrifting trip was almost two months ago! Since so much time has passed, I'm now beginning to reap the benefits of thrifting out of season—that is, my unseasonal finds at the time are now becoming seasonal. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Witness, if you will, the second of my surprising NYC thrifting trends: the pink pant. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>When I stumbled upon these gems, it was so hot out that the idea of wearing anything more than an semi-attractive triangle halter top,* the kind Sookie Stackhouse would drool over,** was completely unfathomable. Now, by this last day of August, the nights are cooler and the past few days, being overcast and rainy, require long sleeves on either tops or bottoms. Thus, I am finally able to sport finds from my new pink pant collection! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Now, I've tended to shy away from the color since my obsession with it as a child. There was a time when I, unknowing of how gender norms are associated with colors, loved the color pink so much that when I was on road trips with the fam, I would ask to stop at pink houses so I could get their autographs.***</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As it were, however, pink has come back into my life in a big way—with not one, but <i>two</i> pairs of pink pants! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>First, the no brainer: bright pink Levis. </div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb__wJanZFrmT0vtnFQW0Y-HkyzbTxH82BUW81jxx64HsPo4l29sRol7_Q7pMpG05_2RBlFv_ASJQ2RHZYYifZGovL1GkTTKiIcLBE2zsf4Xl4HmgISSwks8ynqzaP1GO16J51cDHqqtgR/s1600/DSC05156.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb__wJanZFrmT0vtnFQW0Y-HkyzbTxH82BUW81jxx64HsPo4l29sRol7_Q7pMpG05_2RBlFv_ASJQ2RHZYYifZGovL1GkTTKiIcLBE2zsf4Xl4HmgISSwks8ynqzaP1GO16J51cDHqqtgR/s320/DSC05156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647013751893155602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>A bit baggy in the thighs, I first considered cutting them into cutoffs. Then I rolled up the cuffs. Forgettaboutit! The damage was done and the pants are staying pants. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Then for the real wild card—mauve/dusty rose polyester grandma pants! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYteiAhYwxeBSMyvsp3W0Hb3OJRSw0JnL8nFHV0Eh8LsVoRd4-OVWpZfhnQ1PqaK9qrdWrHSqNntL7OOkwNZoc-1pjGBlF0A1PDA1t-cnMKseErnEshN6koz3Ng-depmZTVK3msTydVot/s1600/DSC05145.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYteiAhYwxeBSMyvsp3W0Hb3OJRSw0JnL8nFHV0Eh8LsVoRd4-OVWpZfhnQ1PqaK9qrdWrHSqNntL7OOkwNZoc-1pjGBlF0A1PDA1t-cnMKseErnEshN6koz3Ng-depmZTVK3msTydVot/s320/DSC05145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647013755474849650" /></a>I know! But I put them on, and wa-la! they transformed into <i>hot </i>grandma pants! Seriously, I have never felt more bitchin' wearing poly south of my waist. In fact, Mad Men or Kardashian***** trash style be damned, the <i>real</i> style trend for fall is hot grandma. Just you wait! <div>
<br /><div>*Ha! Yeah, right. </div><div>**Detachable sleeves, anyone? Anyone?
<br /><div>***Uh yeah. I am fully aware that as a five-year-old, not only did I have zero concept of issues in gender studies, but I also apparently failed to grasp the fact that inanimate objects can't do things like sign autographs.****</div><div>****I assure you that despite this severe breach in understanding reality, I turned out to be a reasonably intelligent and capable adult. </div></div></div><div>*****I just want to tell you how pleased I am with myself that I had to google that for the correct spelling.</div>Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-74415455383628833822011-08-27T13:54:00.000-07:002011-08-29T08:27:59.119-07:00If These Walls Could Talk, They Would Tell You How Boring this Hurricane IsHurricane Irene, having yet to make landfall in NYC, has already succeeded in doing one thing for certain. That being, boring the living shit out of me. OH MY GOD WE ARE GOING TO BE STUCK INSIDE FOR DAYS. Or at least 24-36 hours. And I am already going stir crazy, and am fighting what is surely a losing battle with myself to not start drinking.
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<br />Instead, for now at least, I am going to channel my frustrated boredom into something positive, like blogging. And making cream cheese-based dips. But first, blogging.
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<br />Since I am going to be doing a lot of staring at my walls over the next two days, I thought that I would share with you exactly what I will be staring at. And that is a lot of thrifted wall art. Operation Sparkle rarely deviates from the fashion side of thrifting, but there are oh so many other categories of material objects that can be exploited at thrift stores. Good wall art is one of my other passionate pursuits, and is one of the holy grails of thrifting, to be sure. It tends to be very hard to come by; especially anything that is actually art, made by an actual person, with any actual artistic talent. My boyfriend J (who particularly enjoys this category of thrifting, and is particularly gifted at it) and I have had some very good luck lately. We will start off with a bang.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYEGdoctlyeP-eQmKtvsEC-AGcxXHNa_9_n8qD_GUXvdXZW1jnAyEOd5c_xvhKFOT7fm3dYTe_5UQZ4XY9jtjjqrwrqL3q8-71dxig-pA-aOHo9BrB2fWBnI271Wino2ry515zRQt310/s1600/Biker+Full.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645649663225796802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYEGdoctlyeP-eQmKtvsEC-AGcxXHNa_9_n8qD_GUXvdXZW1jnAyEOd5c_xvhKFOT7fm3dYTe_5UQZ4XY9jtjjqrwrqL3q8-71dxig-pA-aOHo9BrB2fWBnI271Wino2ry515zRQt310/s320/Biker+Full.jpg" /></a>
<br />J recently found this painting on a thrifting trip in Brooklyn with our friend Elizabeth. The story goes that they were both torn by whether or not to purchase this beauty, with a rather steep price tag of $100. They both passed on it, only to both be tormented by the thought of it over the following days. J cracked, and decided to pull the trigger. Only when he brought it home the next day, did I become aware of the fact that this painting is roughly 4'x5'. And by ' I mean feet. This thing is f-ing humongous.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg676jwXpqt4MS72UIpA3cUpuGK_IwJ8V5wK4y27DyBStyHKjBXcjtH-03QpCzy3gtTon_Z6rw4K9GEijp5cRfRayGU-jRPxgmyqUjXy2k-m9gO9a0i2pt4rszJNRQ8d0F0l0GDZsL1jUA/s1600/Biker+Closeup.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645649663208329410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg676jwXpqt4MS72UIpA3cUpuGK_IwJ8V5wK4y27DyBStyHKjBXcjtH-03QpCzy3gtTon_Z6rw4K9GEijp5cRfRayGU-jRPxgmyqUjXy2k-m9gO9a0i2pt4rszJNRQ8d0F0l0GDZsL1jUA/s320/Biker+Closeup.jpg" /></a>
<br />But very special, to be sure. There are so many ways that the imagery could be interpreted. I like to think it is about pursuing freedom, and leaving your demons behind.
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<br />Next up, is what J and I briefly thought was going to be our Antiques Roadshow moment:
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgltnmajoK3bG8EsoiBJEZ3GzYSb9NOxDiGMfhkggq8dB6PtdQ4xBQPmBu0sgZDvmp_PwuwWxIWWadddrqC_oFCW-aTYWWff9xhcJbm29Wt-hgWDSyC41X5ENx4LVUctfaZs5ruaY15rU/s1600/Harbor+Print.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645649657370152850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgltnmajoK3bG8EsoiBJEZ3GzYSb9NOxDiGMfhkggq8dB6PtdQ4xBQPmBu0sgZDvmp_PwuwWxIWWadddrqC_oFCW-aTYWWff9xhcJbm29Wt-hgWDSyC41X5ENx4LVUctfaZs5ruaY15rU/s320/Harbor+Print.jpg" /></a>
<br />For a solid half an hour we thought that this was a real painting by a relatively known watercolor painter, somebody Margulies. It is actually a very high quality print of a watercolor painting by somebody Margulies. But for $10 at the Chelsea Flea Market, it is still a crazy ass deal.
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<br />We did still manage to purchase a real painting on that same trip to the Chelsea Flea Market, this hand-painted gouache promotional poster for a Kurt Weill Broadway Medley performance:
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B9HVdnIVexTGbSB167ZyMIx2CcDvBuRoO08wboVVn0JXp3qGeCKbXO_G6fNyaH05AlAq_sGlkKJ0FpPZPzHKwJoFCQm1GOsV8uHI8pAOBgatAD2SPHwVqono2d3ETqC67pBxBCbykNo/s1600/Kurt+Weill.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645649651688611634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B9HVdnIVexTGbSB167ZyMIx2CcDvBuRoO08wboVVn0JXp3qGeCKbXO_G6fNyaH05AlAq_sGlkKJ0FpPZPzHKwJoFCQm1GOsV8uHI8pAOBgatAD2SPHwVqono2d3ETqC67pBxBCbykNo/s320/Kurt+Weill.jpg" /></a>
<br />The poster advertises that songs from the Weimar opera <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny</span> are to be performed. The opera tells the tale of the fictional city of Mahagonny, in which everything is legal, as long as you can afford to pay for it. It becomes a nonstop orgy of all fun and bad things. A typhoon approaches the city and threatens to destroy it, and everyone freaks out, until they realize that the citizens of the city are scarier than the typhoon. Think about it.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXEqB1rvp0ue-BNfZugmnjzFU-3h3V-i4OG8TiD0oUKUpGh-o713ZC9X4pvAvuOaQrRbtOdzSs-NMK_v1tsK3SuikNOMzjkodYXBB9wRrnc75iI8w2ukDBE4KQG6P_N34cRitQIFNXnw/s1600/Diana.jpg">
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<br />Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-21797543765558870762011-08-19T10:24:00.000-07:002011-08-19T11:03:06.850-07:00NYC Thriftin': Boxy Tops edition<div style="text-align: left;">As promised, here is the first of the "trends" that popped up during our unprecedented fabulous New York Thrifting trip (for Laurie's finds (minus the bitchin' sweatsuit she now lives in) and my "Wild Card" numbers, click <a href="http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/08/big-thriftin-holly-does-nyc.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/08/its-been-too-long-but-that-doesnt-mean.html">here</a>)—boxy tops!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Now, boxy tops are rather trendy right now, but it is a trend that I willingly, and happily, partake in. I mean, after all, just check out these jems! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>First, the two Laurie passed to me:</div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlkt6lOH6GtveIDjL-Xhtz0kv67LgDojBz27u4ImxOkxxbAXsJY-K5Xnt1TQaNd5Q0tz4_HNFGXWyJ76Du2URNjA1xbnh350NRqhyGsYUmNnjQguBsqypxo7nB6BLX7Y18uGV5xv7U8mf/s1600/DSC05138.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlkt6lOH6GtveIDjL-Xhtz0kv67LgDojBz27u4ImxOkxxbAXsJY-K5Xnt1TQaNd5Q0tz4_HNFGXWyJ76Du2URNjA1xbnh350NRqhyGsYUmNnjQguBsqypxo7nB6BLX7Y18uGV5xv7U8mf/s320/DSC05138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642620347940751762" /></a>A simple blue and white checkered pattern tank. So simple I had to get it. Why not?<div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOsJ2k_E3m8E9JNCAkHmxlog9de7JY24YfBL-aUdunbVonY0v-Yo7oMIWwgyg2JrFlPAP5VOOQKixTTxIQk5VoKOsesSqAjVrDyk9v2Nyxg_XQK7MqJm2aN0WLCTMg-2E3k85K0HzmA4i/s1600/DSC05134.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOsJ2k_E3m8E9JNCAkHmxlog9de7JY24YfBL-aUdunbVonY0v-Yo7oMIWwgyg2JrFlPAP5VOOQKixTTxIQk5VoKOsesSqAjVrDyk9v2Nyxg_XQK7MqJm2aN0WLCTMg-2E3k85K0HzmA4i/s320/DSC05134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642620344063789154" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4qwid1BvGNhMliDrHDww3aveu__OwLx1U2HPbXhQOI1s90Cu18M04CZ_J3c9D4hAzvXCuhnqSiwadsKVZ4MaEScFeZpM7RMXhS6_wa3fKH6_dGqKe4Bscry54QLZEc4815Up-mExi9nm/s320/DSC05135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642626527412978754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>The most "unboxy" of the boxy tops. We all agreed this vintage ruffled shirt with woven rectangle detail was something straight out of Girly*'s closet. Laurie deemed it <i>too </i>girly, but I was so smitten with my new misguided serial-killing fashion idol that I went there. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Then we have the tops I grabbed on my own. </div><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh165m37e1_nxjkZ4w-0JTKGwKfzs0xJyMra2vY-ffsK9cZCm1U-OiHdbWJdZt4MsWOgV_jBmBVMTgF0Zp6m_V5BB0ZAmDr5PWQ0MhrzH672s9Pjjqw1Mp86D9aotZlvxRqjkS9cGV3SfFX/s1600/DSC05133.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh165m37e1_nxjkZ4w-0JTKGwKfzs0xJyMra2vY-ffsK9cZCm1U-OiHdbWJdZt4MsWOgV_jBmBVMTgF0Zp6m_V5BB0ZAmDr5PWQ0MhrzH672s9Pjjqw1Mp86D9aotZlvxRqjkS9cGV3SfFX/s320/DSC05133.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642620340187146322" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIjhzpZJzCxzaXdbq4Uk-gzckADB18P96_75lLnqchaqV2n4f6IEJaP2X4X1CneCdRdZCtXy4IuTPrkFaqO2fldckNzbTWl91WlK1MZUYG1elJ7h8sZfDm9WCED0pPhj7-wfrLJcstI0T/s1600/DSC05132.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIjhzpZJzCxzaXdbq4Uk-gzckADB18P96_75lLnqchaqV2n4f6IEJaP2X4X1CneCdRdZCtXy4IuTPrkFaqO2fldckNzbTWl91WlK1MZUYG1elJ7h8sZfDm9WCED0pPhj7-wfrLJcstI0T/s320/DSC05132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642620334400601810" /></a>Cotton? Check. </div><div>Boxy shape? Check.</div><div>Plaid print with pretty colors? Check.</div><div>Ambiguously long/short sleeves? Check.</div><div><i>Woven detail on the shoulder? </i>CHECK!!!!!!!!</div><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ9hcAp_7e-qc_4c4nnJKKlvzZkOQ5KgQYDrH2mSpqoTsD5MIe_7Q4hABtB0B_wLS88_zQp54q0MnVkvsY3NPjlPv1wcYnlRUqIvLmjx1bJCnW8cdrbAuw_K_EtbQKUFUXiU7XzEJGYyv/s1600/DSC05130.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ9hcAp_7e-qc_4c4nnJKKlvzZkOQ5KgQYDrH2mSpqoTsD5MIe_7Q4hABtB0B_wLS88_zQp54q0MnVkvsY3NPjlPv1wcYnlRUqIvLmjx1bJCnW8cdrbAuw_K_EtbQKUFUXiU7XzEJGYyv/s320/DSC05130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642620331561865442" /></a>Finally, a "Come to Jesus" woven tunic style top. I love the details and the colors. Yum. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>* <i>Girly </i>(1973), originally titled <i>Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly</i>, was a film we watched in NYC. I don't want to ruin it for you, so suffice it to say that it involves a psychosexual entrapment serial killing proper British family from the 1970's. Nuf said. </div>Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-60350293778458444202011-08-15T16:47:00.000-07:002011-08-17T16:58:54.900-07:00Gentrification Thrifting: Get This Old Shit Outta Here So I Can Make a Million DollarsI live in what is probably one of the most rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods in the entire country. None other than, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (I abate my own snickering). The rapid upgrade to new and shiny-ness is a constant topic amongst the people who live here. What new businesses have moved in? Which old ones have shut down? There are more obnoxious condos going up across the street from the projects? You have got to be f-ing kidding me.
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<br />The pace is staggering, and recessions have done little to stop it. And as a lover of all things old, anachronistic, and outdated, it is rather painful to watch.
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<br />With that in mind, I consider these following finds to be relics of the Williamsburg of old, procured with blood on my hands, so to speak, of the old moving out so that the new can move in and make a someone shit ton of money.
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<br />Last week my boyfriend and I were walking to our favorite neighborhood bar when a man yelled from a doorway "name your own price night! antiques!" Amazingly, I was set to ignore him and move on to drink-land (possibly the only force on earth stronger than deals), but my boyfriend stopped me, and we headed inside. Through the door was a disheveled storefront space that had clearly, for a long time, served as someone's home. I realized that I had probably never even really noticed it before, even having walked past it hundreds of times. It was peppered with picked-over household contents, some genuine antiques, some the standard hoarding of an potentially reusable object typical of depression era people. The yelling man was presumably the previous occupant's son, and was practically foaming at the mouth to empty the space of it's contents in order to turn into some easy-money making scenario.
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<br />Mostly it seemed like only garbage was left, but I spotted a corner of musty textiles that it seemed like no one had had the guts to sift through, and I knew I was in my element. I started digging. This was my first find:
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtOpcgiiPr0UznXUA4W5oHZ7UaoVJmRLvwqPMJEKvUXl8if6zPywqsyxgZtZakddF9R1grOIHh4iKd7vwNNBzio6Ho6wJWoixe5B4Qtg9dNJuXKdbTbchQLKWLKN2D1MnAPro1DTywzY/s1600/Abstract+Yardage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtOpcgiiPr0UznXUA4W5oHZ7UaoVJmRLvwqPMJEKvUXl8if6zPywqsyxgZtZakddF9R1grOIHh4iKd7vwNNBzio6Ho6wJWoixe5B4Qtg9dNJuXKdbTbchQLKWLKN2D1MnAPro1DTywzY/s320/Abstract+Yardage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641234840403522338" border="0" /></a>
<br />Some bright, abstract printed yardage. Not quite sure what I will do with it, but I loved the pattern, and surely someday I will find the perfect use for it. I always do.
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<br />Then come the clothes. The most exciting find of the night was definitely the vintage Diane Von Furstenberg tee:
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJGq1xBIh2hn5lMOJ5IJ0AfONojIubUuIx9uSsszlqodVmN4jKgpgZZEfDiYjSGNqAZM4ueltG-JGsMmfW_NWn0SUphAR8dpTays375EoPraFd0oOcKdSZb96rlS2q8ZOSdY65MqpfRo/s1600/DVF+Tee.jpg">
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXDNRcLHdZve8w0WHX6nyIfpCMrca5jfgqwjHN28gtgrKQfibnJxL1HrMwrS6FMeRh4WaNO2U2wfXbCmS3lLx39_R9qsgyEm8TldNTzM8lLFmTWLSm1nWCAcc-QWQpw46pmY805WjzgI/s1600/DVF+Tee.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXDNRcLHdZve8w0WHX6nyIfpCMrca5jfgqwjHN28gtgrKQfibnJxL1HrMwrS6FMeRh4WaNO2U2wfXbCmS3lLx39_R9qsgyEm8TldNTzM8lLFmTWLSm1nWCAcc-QWQpw46pmY805WjzgI/s320/DVF+Tee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641234614299226946" border="0" /></a>
<br />Fantastic bright Matisse-y graphic zebra print. You may notice the dinginess of the white. All of this stuff was all pretty musty and dirty, but through the miracle of oxy clean, this t-shirt is now bright white.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdbm6r9LhDkWqcSNAGsNsDsPT-rO3qj1JrGzsoiOo0Un6JFx4RhgMpb-lDNJeaRpY2fgI1sUyHkHe8a4COCGTr9UdM-BT-FV8tNPgMQuR4rYz18ucYJt09D0Is0WDkFYyR_3Nucr4wbo/s1600/DVF+Tag+Detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdbm6r9LhDkWqcSNAGsNsDsPT-rO3qj1JrGzsoiOo0Un6JFx4RhgMpb-lDNJeaRpY2fgI1sUyHkHe8a4COCGTr9UdM-BT-FV8tNPgMQuR4rYz18ucYJt09D0Is0WDkFYyR_3Nucr4wbo/s320/DVF+Tag+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641234616415145986" border="0" /></a>
<br />This next piece is for novelty factor. I don't think I'd ever wear it, but it is awesome none the less. And afterall, I was naming my own price.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt4Jo5Ggwqzq-ZxMSAMgb06JG51ac7MUdv1by0wnW1vjDbYHCcnWAhOgeAq5vgxVr3j-4CBCk2IrSU9rdZtKE-Pay00aUHBqMQa7mp6UPRjLJlF302JWWFoBXegptHhVBJvgbBENXk4s/s1600/Vintage+Floral+Polo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt4Jo5Ggwqzq-ZxMSAMgb06JG51ac7MUdv1by0wnW1vjDbYHCcnWAhOgeAq5vgxVr3j-4CBCk2IrSU9rdZtKE-Pay00aUHBqMQa7mp6UPRjLJlF302JWWFoBXegptHhVBJvgbBENXk4s/s320/Vintage+Floral+Polo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641234610059279890" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Very wild, very 60's floral print:
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03dkzBC9wuwMVGBf-VfNxNVFCsjSQCFu7eh_OnnbiyID_LdHxXYmQmtXJSmycvMnyc-7X1nV3oGSv7I5iaG5EbEB4Z6nchYmfWKSdFBHVvYISkn6NSg4heFfeP4kkxcdv-wgV1LT14Zw/s1600/Vintage+Floral+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03dkzBC9wuwMVGBf-VfNxNVFCsjSQCFu7eh_OnnbiyID_LdHxXYmQmtXJSmycvMnyc-7X1nV3oGSv7I5iaG5EbEB4Z6nchYmfWKSdFBHVvYISkn6NSg4heFfeP4kkxcdv-wgV1LT14Zw/s320/Vintage+Floral+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641234608648704466" border="0" /></a>
<br />This piece I will definitely wear; a bright red terry cloth boxy tank, and it's vintage Original Penguin!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rMczVa8-x3D2KGnWn4IFogXp6N-UcBKl2ORdz7boetAMg-g6bBHCdG7-7eEyipBTATWUaJHe0fh_YCn8ufx_MA5e19pxsCyzAjhIoeweU_PC1qTd8-Cs4CADq-VAmRmR_bneB2jlj94/s1600/Terry+Penguin+Tank.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rMczVa8-x3D2KGnWn4IFogXp6N-UcBKl2ORdz7boetAMg-g6bBHCdG7-7eEyipBTATWUaJHe0fh_YCn8ufx_MA5e19pxsCyzAjhIoeweU_PC1qTd8-Cs4CADq-VAmRmR_bneB2jlj94/s320/Terry+Penguin+Tank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641234607739714642" border="0" /></a>
<br />And all of this I got for $5, and the satisfaction of my personal sense of responsibility from saving these things from oblivion.
<br />Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-3926955939887215542011-08-11T20:55:00.001-07:002011-08-11T21:37:53.148-07:00It's Been Too Long (but that doesn't mean NYC's unexpected deals have passed!)<div style="text-align: left;">There is something inherently contradictory in how busy summer is. After suffering through six months of winter (seriously), the idea of summer is ripe with images of lazy days at the beach and backyard BBQs—a virtual paradise of chilling to the max. Suffice it to say that soaking up the summer sun is not what has been keeping me from sharing my awesome thrifted finds (just some of my "fun" summer dealings: cat peeing all over our bed while I was in NYC (she is <i>such</i> a bitch) and destroying my first "adult" bed I have ever purchased. A mold infestation in the basement. A heap of issues with the MPLS police department involving motorized vehicles, the least of which is a drunk driver totaling my car while it was parked on the street in front of my house. Can summer begin yet, please?!).</div><div>
<br /></div><div>With everything going on (and yet nothing actually getting done, which I am told I can blame on the three eclipses that took place last month, followed by Mercury going into retrograde), thrifting has, sadly, been regulated to special occasions, which in some ways is a serious bummer. On the other hand, it makes thrifting trips all that more special! Not only do I feel less guilty about coming away with piles of awesome finds, but the whole experience in itself is all that more enjoyable—kind of like how x-mas morning wouldn't be nearly as exciting if happened every week. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>When I was out in NYC last month, we decided to do some thrifting, my first excursion in the sport since Laurie and I hit up GBC on Memorial Day weekend*. This means I hadn't thrifted for an unprecedented <i>one and a half months. </i>Needless to say, the stakes were high and Laurie was sweating.** Thankfully, the thrifting goddesses were on our side the day we hit up one of Laurie's secret spots. Granted the prices were a bit steeper than in the Midwest, I still found so many gems that I had to find a bag three times the size of my original suitcase to get them home.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As it often happens, I noticed some trends that popped up after combing back through my deals. Lucky for you, my finds were so awesome and so thematically bonded that you are going to get not one, not two, but FOUR posts about the awesomeness that I found thrifting in NYC. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>First, the outliers. </div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDzvJC1SepjIetvZDWSmAP6IWf_2Cpwyx83-_Mm_Mvg-0YcNPh1W7f2YtFroATxaaneocNANSyulsWSTM52r9qYAhJeKHFt9WYlG-09iY2twFgezcwsPdrHaCbMIk4disSdJyMEZ2Wxey/s320/51wAKhdPpXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639820882962807586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px; " /></span><div>Not quite a piece of clothing, but a useful guide to both my thrifting and my actual job (please forgive the generic online photographic evidence, I brought the book to work to share with everyone and left it there, thinking I had already documented it.). Thanks to Lars for grabbing this for me. I've since been reading the book and am convinced that Terry McCormick was the 1987 predecessor for Operation Sparkle. Though her focus is entirely on vintage, she describes what we have termed "thrifting freak out" perfectly: "sky rocking blood pressure, increased pulse, and inability to touch the ground with my feet." She goes on to insist that "if the powers that be ever found out how much fun we are having, they will either make it illegal, tax it, or decide it's carcinogenic" (p. 4). <i>So true.</i></div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkxm8cuEyMJOwxKPcTOytAp2zZFZfwdzxVEOj-_yGdl-J-k71GQwsshcPl93uxhRnjbCe7YTQIHX8BWobGgQnHysjnRkilC9Bb5Dwp9xAog0So5QckC_qm0HYQElHZ7NEpemx06uopiE2/s320/DSC05141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639820886411804530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>A vintage lace print dress. Simply beautiful.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2_JWdRVtuSmaO5fG36QQIdSie70-D6MDrXYp44zd8wnppbWrOpu4v2bHf8vQZOIYf1IA0kTX_MI21WXxxHtKjAApDvHK9_GTZ7kJOVf2H2IqeYcL8jXHOsrIgE4cHtBjyFh80BIABAqG/s320/DSC05136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639820896315486194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKY6eWcZ_W1_ep7UpzVGZBKK83egv9O44s-2IaiaUPF9vCtfIIQLElE6u0tj7sFaLBldGEoVd-2-O-wbwbtTvDmM8pzv5VO2GJTiSe0mxay3vI4PWpgXND7I6uDYnjRhyphenhyphenmZaPqEioanL3/s320/DSC05137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639820903335667362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>A classy, expensive silk shrug. While Laurie apparently went through a major "shrug phase" with our friend Cortney*** back in college, I have always operated on the pretense that shirts that go over other shirts and aren't crop tops are ass. I was willing to open my mind for this one, however, mostly because of the color, but also because of the ridiculous tag. Rich people are <i>so </i>enlightened.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aILXSfHP-YfJPhyphenhyphenkqTf-_gzcIuvYIMdjo7fvsV8v6RWOHNrsVf0UYXjA4PCCnixeFxpYV_96uQnCv2EiPtrAmZVwseei42TuRRDJi5ufeKmNx5eosfK1epa-I_jveaMN680IsGOMRe0e/s320/DSC05143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639820911071157522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Then we have what may be my most questionable piece—a short sleeved, Chanel-inspired, vintage, white and yellow boxy jacket. Originally part of a set (I, in an attempt to save room, donated the skirt back because it was nothing worth posting about), this jacket might be impractical (oh the conundrum of short sleeved cold weather clothing!), the fabric is kind of starchy and the whole deal too grandma-y, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it is classy art chic. For the eccentric Upper East side grandmother in you.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>*<i>See? </i>You know something is off balance when moi hasn't been able to thrift for a couple of months. Clearly, not all is right in the world. </div><div>**Though as it turns out, she found the perfect sweatsuit outfit during this trip, which I think all of you should harass her about until she posts something about it. Because it is that awesome. It has toggles on it. Just saying.</div><div>***A big Op Sparkle shout out goes to Cortney and Andy, who just got married this past weekend! It was fabulous and even more thrifting came from it, so look forward to that! </div>Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-38950206750544044672011-08-03T15:47:00.000-07:002011-08-03T18:35:39.758-07:00Big Thriftin': Holly Does NYCIt would be an understatement to say that I was nervous about hosting Holly Hilgenberg--my dear friend and the undisputed Goddess and Champion of Northern Midwestern thrifting--on a thrifting adventure in New York City. I make no secret of the challenges I face as a deal-seeker in what may very well be the most deal-starved metropolis in this country. I was sure that Holly, coming from the Land of Plenty, could only be disappointed, let down, and possibly disgusted by my fancy pants city's meager offerings. Could I deliver? Would the thrifting gods smile on us, or scoff at the futility of our designs? Would Holly tell me to F off and get on the next plane back to Minneapolis? All of these thoughts, and more, raced through my head. It seemed as though the very survival of our entire friendship teetered precariously on fickle fortune, and the one, and only, card a had in my hand: my secret thrift store in Queens.<br /><br />Feeling like the shady drug dealer who had promised a junkie drugs with the possibility of their being no drugs to give, I took Holly to my, as of late, unreliable, but still favorite Queens thrift store, which will continue now and forever to remain anonymous. I could continue to build the suspense--did we or didn't we-- forever, which is very fun for me to do, but instead, I will show you this picture:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9L5L8yaX7Vzp3PPSTcFlmS6YStbEVbaeshDIDOpI725NQ7bKcl88HI23LN_0XmHBkniI-GxhAzjpaRliruPdJ9tChNjNvxYgywdE9V-3BgHEFs0QYjHOQ-z5mti-PobK4Poe7hgDHsU/s1600/hollys+gameface.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9L5L8yaX7Vzp3PPSTcFlmS6YStbEVbaeshDIDOpI725NQ7bKcl88HI23LN_0XmHBkniI-GxhAzjpaRliruPdJ9tChNjNvxYgywdE9V-3BgHEFs0QYjHOQ-z5mti-PobK4Poe7hgDHsU/s320/hollys+gameface.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802911280625058" border="0" /></a><br />Have you ever seen someone overwhelmed with such joy, at the sight of a pink polo sweatsuit? I challenge you to find me that woman. <br /><br />Holly will say more, in coming posts, about her experiences that magical day, but until then, a few of my favorite finds from our trip will have to suffice. <br /><br />First up, earning the top spot on my list for the day, is this floral printed Marimekko-esque maxi skirt:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ_bZv6MjRzeK4HoQkpv7pz_Y559REW_YK9Gz7-n8_-UjE93aNE7kYFU1in9IASpwY9Jb5nWt7yIpO37NnFLSQZ5MRqmt2crlsanWJdC5rdtW5kPiGlgQku7qTEzy2s3yLrxMyxze_eo/s1600/Giant+Floral+Poly+Skirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ_bZv6MjRzeK4HoQkpv7pz_Y559REW_YK9Gz7-n8_-UjE93aNE7kYFU1in9IASpwY9Jb5nWt7yIpO37NnFLSQZ5MRqmt2crlsanWJdC5rdtW5kPiGlgQku7qTEzy2s3yLrxMyxze_eo/s320/Giant+Floral+Poly+Skirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802905073051458" border="0" /></a><br />It is a fantastic-ing skirt, the print is completely incredible. So much so that I broke my unbreakable no-polyester rule for this skirt. Sometimes, gigantic abstract floral prints trump gross synthetic fibers. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNH96o3L1H5zQ7_5YXD8d-Ggr0rmaSKXH06kB7XKV71nvzH4c80KiDCeNhvk4UzlvJ7_WxsmGZNBJZRMThkRNjO4EEGL3YJpCtL_HDFL0Tl1GXbeN0FKPGx5ibw9Hk2HKJieTTzNZTrw/s1600/Giant+FLoral+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNH96o3L1H5zQ7_5YXD8d-Ggr0rmaSKXH06kB7XKV71nvzH4c80KiDCeNhvk4UzlvJ7_WxsmGZNBJZRMThkRNjO4EEGL3YJpCtL_HDFL0Tl1GXbeN0FKPGx5ibw9Hk2HKJieTTzNZTrw/s320/Giant+FLoral+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802704484674962" border="0" /></a><br />Looking forward to fall, is this awesomely weird over-sized white blouse with open lace-work insets:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt4USVZb8JTB_RX-kQV3Vp-kmqvQlrp5J8PLEZE0rAN44GUh7Vf0iMNDBZgY8mzOdk9YaeRZjU7Xs2z2Vua1NDHYc_9RHimR30sJRWHtCZt6-ZgZQG43JamIrhyQnsL5uRjKfkuc7qgQ/s1600/lace+insert+shirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt4USVZb8JTB_RX-kQV3Vp-kmqvQlrp5J8PLEZE0rAN44GUh7Vf0iMNDBZgY8mzOdk9YaeRZjU7Xs2z2Vua1NDHYc_9RHimR30sJRWHtCZt6-ZgZQG43JamIrhyQnsL5uRjKfkuc7qgQ/s320/lace+insert+shirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802695319287042" border="0" /></a><br />I marvel at the fact that not a one of these giant bits of openwork was snagged, a feat of the previous owner's, because those are some seriously big holes. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwGrN3-5N1sG0al3e7M24QQujSXlgDEaBnvQ5llkOvVfAxF9H66vf3BpkyTDq39T9rcZqUIBeMaSR_rHLsQkaSRigsKmUuf2UtylNDqZYglze74vqWX5xsJH17oAtXSuSvH-WYrT-yRM/s1600/lace+insert+detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwGrN3-5N1sG0al3e7M24QQujSXlgDEaBnvQ5llkOvVfAxF9H66vf3BpkyTDq39T9rcZqUIBeMaSR_rHLsQkaSRigsKmUuf2UtylNDqZYglze74vqWX5xsJH17oAtXSuSvH-WYrT-yRM/s320/lace+insert+detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802691802361378" border="0" /></a><br />These printed denim elastic waist pants may not look like much in this picture, but they earned me a highly coveted "you BITCH" response from Holly, upon my showing them to her.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmJr2kuOX4EK4fMcWjb4SgWnYcyD5gnGUzCUHao9ehGRaVyAOXQRvrGcAPjgOlTXrUz3MAFq-ioiXaoBDmYQCBhGY2iLwU_z7rGPe8oedz2-2GerqCzXzj41phIXT3S_iGu_cWq6KHL0/s1600/Printed+Denim+Pants.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmJr2kuOX4EK4fMcWjb4SgWnYcyD5gnGUzCUHao9ehGRaVyAOXQRvrGcAPjgOlTXrUz3MAFq-ioiXaoBDmYQCBhGY2iLwU_z7rGPe8oedz2-2GerqCzXzj41phIXT3S_iGu_cWq6KHL0/s320/Printed+Denim+Pants.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802438927187074" border="0" /></a><br />There is a lot of potential here, especially due to this great yellow ditsy geometric print:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDwYto8xF42hGI0LUhYxJWbj9AQqcfQtcxtDV3-7fZFJASxpDZYJDrFTlImOFTLLwjJcgsSBQad05AbnjDpEXTyrEcGf7y7jvesDs8WkBHU10aDiHhTze7ABwVGpsz0eskJ1yU2NYu4E/s1600/Printed+Denim+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDwYto8xF42hGI0LUhYxJWbj9AQqcfQtcxtDV3-7fZFJASxpDZYJDrFTlImOFTLLwjJcgsSBQad05AbnjDpEXTyrEcGf7y7jvesDs8WkBHU10aDiHhTze7ABwVGpsz0eskJ1yU2NYu4E/s320/Printed+Denim+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802437224024642" border="0" /></a><br />I haven't quite decided yet if I want to keep them as pants, or cut them off in to shorts. We will see.<br /><br />Then there is this fab golden-beige-y-tan-ish silk drape front skirt:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMC3YZXPV9OdC0kI-OiggKYbRsNIEL1-a94YTd3eT_fuZQHRO7TOAwnlGS9cn9X7XPvUmlSlJGj18kF5gYEjOQa7z8Lt3c86HFXkyw0jfl54TnCc9BNH95kiL0baKC5_PRSiMwCGUMyc/s1600/Tan+Silk+Skirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMC3YZXPV9OdC0kI-OiggKYbRsNIEL1-a94YTd3eT_fuZQHRO7TOAwnlGS9cn9X7XPvUmlSlJGj18kF5gYEjOQa7z8Lt3c86HFXkyw0jfl54TnCc9BNH95kiL0baKC5_PRSiMwCGUMyc/s320/Tan+Silk+Skirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802432860971138" border="0" /></a><br />I could not figure out for the life of me how this was supposed to be worn, given a strange slit in the waistband. But after recovering from an epic blood sugar crash that afflicted me during the editing process, I realized that you can loop the tail of the drape through the slit and over the waistband. I enjoy both looks very much.<br /><br />And last but not least, to wind up the first installment of my and Holly's New York Thrifting adventure recap, is this lovely little black and white plaid printed tank top, with scalloped neckline:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpq4RXKBB8vuTjRipxdbsCn4mA9sMYh3Aq_HwyjlUx9SM8CTkrvDodZ7atN04WrwAV7MbIf-HbYVwx5E7BSWkcgn9dAngXWTLVQg6os8i1WQyD6t4K03fn5dVfS60VAXHkEHVGLjwHKI/s1600/Printed+Plaid+Tank.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpq4RXKBB8vuTjRipxdbsCn4mA9sMYh3Aq_HwyjlUx9SM8CTkrvDodZ7atN04WrwAV7MbIf-HbYVwx5E7BSWkcgn9dAngXWTLVQg6os8i1WQyD6t4K03fn5dVfS60VAXHkEHVGLjwHKI/s320/Printed+Plaid+Tank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802428609335074" border="0" /></a><br />It is very cute in and of itself, but, textile nerd time, check out how this plaid is printed to mimic various woven fabric effects:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTJrG-KYLXB4ieg97dMKaXdghtMXlvtx5INtBpPGXBonEI2lvUlNDldx4Pgolb1IiAah7odVtPzfzOKOfe-UU5KwHKI9jPKo-xAfl5pVBnMBN9Mz9jww0Y0ldBcYxahitNVqCIUqPanw/s1600/Printed+Plaid+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTJrG-KYLXB4ieg97dMKaXdghtMXlvtx5INtBpPGXBonEI2lvUlNDldx4Pgolb1IiAah7odVtPzfzOKOfe-UU5KwHKI9jPKo-xAfl5pVBnMBN9Mz9jww0Y0ldBcYxahitNVqCIUqPanw/s320/Printed+Plaid+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636802425531096434" border="0" /></a>It is very meta.Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-83298752854351216192011-07-24T06:14:00.000-07:002011-07-24T10:18:38.426-07:00Express Yourself, with Lil PursesOne exciting fashion development that has come along with the blazing hot days of summer has been the revelation of little patterned purses. Over years of thrifting, I have accumulated about a million little novelty purses that have done little else but monopolize an entire dresser drawer's worth of valuable storage space. It is safe to say that it is a big purse world that we live in, and being a little, loud, albeit totally adorable purse can leave you left in the dust.<br /><br />But Summer has proven the perfect opportunity to bust these guys out. Unfettered by bulky outerwear, fearlessly exploring a variety of color palettes, and making an earnest attempt at regaining a natural slope to my right shoulder, I am switching to the tiny purse team.<br /><br />Here are some of my favorites; some are new acquisitions, and some have been around forever and are finally seeing the light of day. This first lil purse is one such, and has been my go to statement accessory of the summer:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gx7ZcZfpBoxUQ2OxB-QoX5B9aumPrQ6fEVMksH9iX_CaMO3FgC1A4ycLwKslqOFXy3yh7EtoKmLEroAiAZzcHhaugn7k6-BzeGf4ZI9VuP8R3VRqJ2SabL4AG8vo2FKI6riAq-ur5zA/s1600/Thai+Stripe+and+Tooled+Leather+Satchel+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gx7ZcZfpBoxUQ2OxB-QoX5B9aumPrQ6fEVMksH9iX_CaMO3FgC1A4ycLwKslqOFXy3yh7EtoKmLEroAiAZzcHhaugn7k6-BzeGf4ZI9VuP8R3VRqJ2SabL4AG8vo2FKI6riAq-ur5zA/s320/Thai+Stripe+and+Tooled+Leather+Satchel+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632961437331836722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love the bright woven stripe and the tooled leather. I am venturing to guess that this purse originate from Southeast Asia, Thailand maybe, from the style and colors of the weaving. The satchel shape of this actually proves to very spacious as well, and I can fit quite a bit of stuff in it.<br /><br />Another one with it's stylistic origins in the same part of the world is this ikat stripe purse with chain strap:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhh2uXqc7RA7CM-576dlzdMeCHQukZvla1dmXwQBKpc5IaQkiMsCNdRko80rrpXYcBM2UYlhZAhU6RxnW9AvLNRZBi2CvRNUJU7Uf76GqvA2_DUB4H3NsAqnS2nUEP4YMwAOmcmaNYvY/s1600/Ikat+Chain+Strap+Purse+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhh2uXqc7RA7CM-576dlzdMeCHQukZvla1dmXwQBKpc5IaQkiMsCNdRko80rrpXYcBM2UYlhZAhU6RxnW9AvLNRZBi2CvRNUJU7Uf76GqvA2_DUB4H3NsAqnS2nUEP4YMwAOmcmaNYvY/s320/Ikat+Chain+Strap+Purse+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632961440230385250" border="0" /></a><br />Although in this case it is certainly not authentic, ikat is an Indonesian weaving technique where the warp of the fabric is printed before it is woven, creating a vertically blurred effect. It is very cool. And it is also very IN right now, and I love to be IN. I also love the chain strap, which seems to be a really mismatched element.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFkw7pcRviLOqt8vDdwJrxUPQyCNzzkqC0zbf9twH-1zhqgOpH5WkGz4TIEIJn5g_XeDrnIYDuULnYhfVYBBa4SIq9IeNUcFzBHX94Q0MWD8N57pqGhbQ8ZPrrv5Ujo0cROJGhfYnHhw/s1600/Ikat+Detail+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFkw7pcRviLOqt8vDdwJrxUPQyCNzzkqC0zbf9twH-1zhqgOpH5WkGz4TIEIJn5g_XeDrnIYDuULnYhfVYBBa4SIq9IeNUcFzBHX94Q0MWD8N57pqGhbQ8ZPrrv5Ujo0cROJGhfYnHhw/s320/Ikat+Detail+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632961433209894034" border="0" /></a><br />Then there is this tour de force:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-TpaT-reHXhNNGFGWEQ7ENPYhBk048mKJ5P95vQBXmO8ux03xbPggKUDrhSFTrVRNOSKPJDwA277ytxU_80R498QybrqAoyaOyucgQErNBZiOIYzF34TdXFYw3Vmjea7mp4Cb_v7tqY/s1600/Tooled+Leather+Purse+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-TpaT-reHXhNNGFGWEQ7ENPYhBk048mKJ5P95vQBXmO8ux03xbPggKUDrhSFTrVRNOSKPJDwA277ytxU_80R498QybrqAoyaOyucgQErNBZiOIYzF34TdXFYw3Vmjea7mp4Cb_v7tqY/s320/Tooled+Leather+Purse+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632961230092205986" border="0" /></a><br />A two-toned floral tooled leather purse! This thing is just BEAUTIFUL if you ask me, and set me back a whole $4 in Milwaukee this past May. Add it to the list of <a href="http://http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/03/lindstrom-new-swedish-mexico.html">epic tooled leather bags</a> that OpSparkle has brought you over these past few months.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hAuEQMr-LFZRiO66ybxKsZShieYcPQ7dp33G6gFSZ2YHhZMa9OFDTMWc88x3ZLs5b4FQD697IazFjAxiE9Ku9XSv7YUTRIDOuZ2C0gDI4X_qXCdmyKcWMj1yltfhkkfc7gRQoDP_QkQ/s1600/Tooled+LEather+Purse+Detail+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hAuEQMr-LFZRiO66ybxKsZShieYcPQ7dp33G6gFSZ2YHhZMa9OFDTMWc88x3ZLs5b4FQD697IazFjAxiE9Ku9XSv7YUTRIDOuZ2C0gDI4X_qXCdmyKcWMj1yltfhkkfc7gRQoDP_QkQ/s320/Tooled+LEather+Purse+Detail+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632961222360622322" border="0" /></a><br />Then there have been a few carpet bags that have struck my fancy, like this sweet little pastel flame stitch bag:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CDw_pPboUiKHbfY9uvHBGkUHRT9tmCxr6MMFhjU9XwQCjcWTUzrc3Ji3kr2GogzL-T5Fm-ix9thyphenhyphenuzlWxMnfUse9aYlgAlRLk3lDqas9JID0epPOiNI2_31vYckEtTuq4B0ewkZpiiY/s1600/Pastel+Flame+Stitch+Purse+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CDw_pPboUiKHbfY9uvHBGkUHRT9tmCxr6MMFhjU9XwQCjcWTUzrc3Ji3kr2GogzL-T5Fm-ix9thyphenhyphenuzlWxMnfUse9aYlgAlRLk3lDqas9JID0epPOiNI2_31vYckEtTuq4B0ewkZpiiY/s320/Pastel+Flame+Stitch+Purse+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632961225401974946" border="0" /></a><br />I got this thrifting in Buffalo about a year ago, and every now and then it is the perfect compliment to an outfit.<br /><br />And last but not least is the carpet bag that I found on the same Milwaukee trip as the tooled leather bag, for $2:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9MiENDAgHfV6B6Fk4fb2fH8_H9brmR-gY83161PQ225CRJM2moUJBJHzgxhr0csZLO8LQ7MN7Ch6zlU72dptu3qHohCMYC8ZYQFE3vL1Is5CcOwnj5UnZPTzpEvasJO5Gi4QI3wxvWA/s1600/Carpet+Bag+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9MiENDAgHfV6B6Fk4fb2fH8_H9brmR-gY83161PQ225CRJM2moUJBJHzgxhr0csZLO8LQ7MN7Ch6zlU72dptu3qHohCMYC8ZYQFE3vL1Is5CcOwnj5UnZPTzpEvasJO5Gi4QI3wxvWA/s320/Carpet+Bag+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632961220028326226" border="0" /></a><br />I love the red-browns and the quality of the weaving. I bet this thing is from the 70's, and it looks like it was never used. LOVE it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCB9JuWxVe4VXU2fxem-CbDlYt3kCJNBGFYmuECOX34isjeE69RRCIqhwvqmwGgn50khERiBhihJ6cROfeAj7dHocKrL9LsRsEZ_cbDSuXoh3jdS9MCgzyXMCyatYpB83NPBLj4T5sqQ4/s1600/Carpet+Bag+Detail+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCB9JuWxVe4VXU2fxem-CbDlYt3kCJNBGFYmuECOX34isjeE69RRCIqhwvqmwGgn50khERiBhihJ6cROfeAj7dHocKrL9LsRsEZ_cbDSuXoh3jdS9MCgzyXMCyatYpB83NPBLj4T5sqQ4/s320/Carpet+Bag+Detail+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632961221514602258" border="0" /></a><br />It looks like something straight out of my favorite book, <a href="http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/06/gift-of-thrifting-pt-2.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Woven Fashion</span></a>!Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-54834207269814641152011-07-10T18:38:00.000-07:002011-07-10T20:09:04.560-07:00I Will Punch You with ColorSome key moments of summer thrifting have thus far involved choice uses of bright-ass color in the most unexpected of places. Bright, punchy colors are very much a trend throughout all of fashion right now, but never to be one to thoughtlessly succumb to the magnetism of a trend, I have found some pieces that transcend their apparent trendiness. There is no better possible way to illustrate this point than to show you this picture....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesK3ZZAJZ0WlLOuhyphenhyphenB3g-N0d_tfg32wfAAKt39i66Oxfknbw2FSJnTlHXXQLxBKU4XquBczrvGZT97o4rRtOvZ-IoL6dpDzukGeHs1rxZc5YX5kqZhgEQaM7u6J_0g44om85HfMkVyRQ/s1600/Green+Suede+Boustier+Front.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesK3ZZAJZ0WlLOuhyphenhyphenB3g-N0d_tfg32wfAAKt39i66Oxfknbw2FSJnTlHXXQLxBKU4XquBczrvGZT97o4rRtOvZ-IoL6dpDzukGeHs1rxZc5YX5kqZhgEQaM7u6J_0g44om85HfMkVyRQ/s320/Green+Suede+Boustier+Front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627906631185715170" border="0" /></a><br />...of a seafoam green suede bustier. The combination of the descriptors "seamfoam", "green", and "bustier", have perhaps never before been linked in any human language until now. And what a joyless world it has been until now. I found this during mine and Holly's Green Bay Memorial Day thrifting blow out and I almost peed myself when I pulled it off the rack. Pretty sure Holly was jealous, an experience I am not often gifted with having. Check out the ruched back and snap up closure. I know enough about garment construction to know that ruching suede is not an easy thing to do, this is some real deal engineering.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvp6AWB_6CNzkG-F4y8CEf-3QcHCk5_Y1_N8FnA5VJtph_5qH4hQLRXRzW-YW_GfWKtKuT65sN5PxV3UP1c_ISgU-OnAzOujEJoLbaZL4spMQQCG5cNHrmXeSRjvw4YGsdzrCjPvdLr8/s1600/Green+Suede+Boustier+Back.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvp6AWB_6CNzkG-F4y8CEf-3QcHCk5_Y1_N8FnA5VJtph_5qH4hQLRXRzW-YW_GfWKtKuT65sN5PxV3UP1c_ISgU-OnAzOujEJoLbaZL4spMQQCG5cNHrmXeSRjvw4YGsdzrCjPvdLr8/s320/Green+Suede+Boustier+Back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627906525717549714" border="0" /></a><br />And then there are these sweet (and chic!) fluorescent pink plush slip ons. I love the fleur des lis embroidery, and the gingham checked footbed. All around impressive detailing for shoes that probably sold for $8 at Kmart at some point. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV-IoDEgY-AGyETH3zZPLc-6RKmSZzZR2koxHPJ2hLCIgqhKMOwJpmoLGr7U7XeAqsNKng8P8bQzhc-nCwsREukeh-MB51XXAPmUIxDyMf2BR-a_Wp44HZ38uoIZDqN1zzlwKOnJ0lwU/s1600/Pink+Plush+Slipons.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV-IoDEgY-AGyETH3zZPLc-6RKmSZzZR2koxHPJ2hLCIgqhKMOwJpmoLGr7U7XeAqsNKng8P8bQzhc-nCwsREukeh-MB51XXAPmUIxDyMf2BR-a_Wp44HZ38uoIZDqN1zzlwKOnJ0lwU/s320/Pink+Plush+Slipons.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627906511440475170" border="0" /></a><br />Then there is this crazy homemade fluorescent floral printed tank top that I found in Milwaukee a few weeks back. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VijzufebUuzr5hgKM4e9Q87d_5Q9otwGgyEv6efC81HFqbpcXB8cwc7Loa-gqjxTBF7HIXth7-yGPIJHwu4lmT6OFa8NyziXsHUv2eVOQYlH6-gnT5Rc4txM4Ey6Htz7Z6vDeyT6rjk/s1600/Bright+Floral+Tank.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VijzufebUuzr5hgKM4e9Q87d_5Q9otwGgyEv6efC81HFqbpcXB8cwc7Loa-gqjxTBF7HIXth7-yGPIJHwu4lmT6OFa8NyziXsHUv2eVOQYlH6-gnT5Rc4txM4Ey6Htz7Z6vDeyT6rjk/s320/Bright+Floral+Tank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627906505397628098" border="0" /></a><br />The bright color/print combo seems like something from an 80's little girl's swim suit, rather than an adult bell-shaped tank top. That is the beauty of finding such home sewing projects while thrifting is that there is always something charmingly not quite right about them. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtz4KtDMxvTI_yOVXlvuo13z5glL_hXSz9QR80DXp2KBmZtpvZmIy5O59LSWHTVlMcNnLJvpKdKYsMWnNeogJ9h5FgvKMAIpNmHa_2JsJevkuruKlHL5FpysmowPmWgcPc-mCz2X4Cms8/s1600/Flourescent+Floral.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtz4KtDMxvTI_yOVXlvuo13z5glL_hXSz9QR80DXp2KBmZtpvZmIy5O59LSWHTVlMcNnLJvpKdKYsMWnNeogJ9h5FgvKMAIpNmHa_2JsJevkuruKlHL5FpysmowPmWgcPc-mCz2X4Cms8/s320/Flourescent+Floral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627906495540223874" border="0" /></a><br />And rounding things off, is this fluorescent pink washed silk oversized blazer from Express. It is a size XS and I am still swimming in it, even by oversized standards, making me skeptical about how it is designed to fit. If only I could be a fly on the wall of an Express store in '93 to see how they styled it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYGlYkd0PErTxi-3zPcEA-n5uEj0cB9pWmqGTKrkmKtbMuimu1QgsRuumED9MMniCniKXn1_eVg3KbxiDOjSRHrwP388QtDX6Wc6OMr3vAfbyuUU8v1aWTtIkNQYdM2EKmd6vU-4v3VE/s1600/Pink+Silk+Blazer.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYGlYkd0PErTxi-3zPcEA-n5uEj0cB9pWmqGTKrkmKtbMuimu1QgsRuumED9MMniCniKXn1_eVg3KbxiDOjSRHrwP388QtDX6Wc6OMr3vAfbyuUU8v1aWTtIkNQYdM2EKmd6vU-4v3VE/s320/Pink+Silk+Blazer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627906495634181538" border="0" /></a><br />It still definitely has potential.Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-46038245753433923892011-07-08T21:17:00.001-07:002011-07-08T21:56:23.947-07:00Flowy poly tops you can actually wear in the summer!*<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG</span>! GUESS WHO IS GOING TO NEW YORK CITY IN FOUR DAYS!?!?!<br />That would be ME!**<br />There are so many exciting things happening right now! True Blood just started a fourth season (<span style="font-style: italic;">and it is going to include the Eric amnesia storyline***)</span>! The last Harry Potter movie comes out on June 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>! Jake and I will be at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Caffetto</span> Craft Fair July 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>! IT IS SUMMER!****<br /><br />I know I have been dangling my "special trip" to Chicago in your faces for like three months, but as I noticed a major trend in several of the items I pounced upon, I am sharing them here on their own: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">flowy</span> polyester tops that you can actually wear in the summer!<br /><br />As it turns out, my new favorite thing to wear is old women/80's and 90's tops. These numbers definitely fit into this category, courtesy of Family Thrift, a store which just happened to be having a 50% off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">storewide</span> sale the day we were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">thirfting</span> in Chicago.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5700461646/" title="DSC04731 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2018/5700461646_3ea06442d3.jpg" alt="DSC04731" height="375" width="500" /></a><br />F yes.<br /><br />First, the three tops I found at above sale:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5917186029/" title="PJ top by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5917186029_336bda1df3.jpg" alt="PJ top " height="500" width="375" /></a><br />Weird silky <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">asian</span>-inspired pajama top with multicolored buttons!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5917185235/" title="Leopard top by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5917185235_a6e2f6ee79.jpg" alt="Leopard top" height="500" width="375" /></a><br />High gathered neck (not a turtleneck, but not quite a mock turtle neck) leopard print number! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Grrrrrrr</span>! This is the kind of top that prompts your friends to exclaim "OH! Leopard print!" when you show up on their doorsteps wearing it. Trust me, I know from experience.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5917745698/" title="Floral Top by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5917745698_3650e7c3b1.jpg" alt="Floral Top" height="500" width="375" /></a><br />Floral button down with the most flattering <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cinched</span> waist I have ever seen on an otherwise boxy poly top!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5917746596/" title="Golden Top by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5917746596_ae4f5db6e1.jpg" alt="Golden Top" height="500" width="375" /></a><br />Then the golden number I almost turned down at the Savers out in the burbs, until Jackie and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Steph</span> convinced me to get it. The color of this piece didn't translate well in the photo, but the golden rod color of this top is so amazing, and the cut so cute that I am very glad I was listening to my friends and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">thrifting</span> partners that day!<br /><br />The best part? This is just the tip of the iceberg of my finds from the trip! But you will have to wait to see the rest because now I need to get back to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">internet</span> television watching! It's been real!<br /><br />*Full disclosure: since cutting back on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">thrifting</span> and thrift blogging (because I am so busy watching television shows and reading the smutty novels that inspire them), I had a momentary lapse in what I had/hadn't blogged about and almost did a repeat of my summer dresses post. Whoops.<br />**Considering the fact that the only other person posting on this blog has living in NYC for over six years, this is not a difficult question to answer.<br />**<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD</span><br />***I also may or may not have had a few drinks while watching the most recent episodes of True Blood on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">internet</span>.Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-74328619343377148462011-07-01T16:50:00.000-07:002011-07-01T17:56:51.899-07:00What is Summer for if Not for Dresses?There is no thrifting prize greater than a fantastic dress. It is as simple as that. Many a thrifting strategy claims "dresses first" (second only perhaps, to "shoes first") as its primary tenant. On any given thrifting adventure, making it to the dress section first can mean the difference between edging out one of your best friends/competitors/total, and surely undeserving, stranger, for one of the more epic finds in the store, and attempting to concentrate all of your inner darkness into the look that you will direct at She Who Got There First. And who wants to deal with that?<br /><br />As someone who has mentally punched many friends/competitors/total undeserving strangers/Holly in the face for getting there first, I can adamantly say, not I.<br /><br />I can also adamantly say that this summer I have been doing a pretty damn fine job of getting there first when it comes to dresses, and have quite a few beauties to show for it. Most of these I collected over the course of an extremely fruitful three hours of power thrifing in Green Bay with Holly over this past Memorial Day weekend. The fruits of which were so grandiose, it will take me the whole summer to encompass them all here. So DO stay tuned.<br /><br />Here are some of my fave dress finds, which, on a totally unrelated note, serve as a veritable Who's Who of 90's mall brands.<br /><br />In the lead off position I have a dress that I described to Holly as "the All That Jazz dress to end All That Jazz dresses":<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NFO1aDbxpFRm5a87R5AKdlWnIRC5ij1_B62WtCXQoplkVxrC9v9LgolPsIHO2399DJc3p2TvjNU5ZLhSJ59QuqcBsTIW_y-b4DnALp9P0Rf8XcCSwfh_veeS_M89vkM4f0t-qzCmcGM/s1600/Blue+Floral+Denim+Dress.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NFO1aDbxpFRm5a87R5AKdlWnIRC5ij1_B62WtCXQoplkVxrC9v9LgolPsIHO2399DJc3p2TvjNU5ZLhSJ59QuqcBsTIW_y-b4DnALp9P0Rf8XcCSwfh_veeS_M89vkM4f0t-qzCmcGM/s320/Blue+Floral+Denim+Dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624545934692180242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBDghPYR8DNoVd6LiCtGhwxhyphenhyphenLZWoDZuPDKnrh5cE3D18TND5U0qaMUg87BmHHeZXOk13ZRUfWOT2inp3rD-Oqf3tuRPCAuHf1j_L-P0ljA4oIReTTK0jZk9r-O3NIDkcoRk5hcovt-8/s1600/Blue+Floral+Denim+Dress.jpg"><br /></a>There are so many factors that make this dress epic, even for All That Jazz. Firstly is the blue floral denim print, which defines an era. It so defines an era in fact, that some bitch down by the river at the Flea Market That Will Not be Named sells denim skirts with such prints for 50 bucks a pop. All I can say is, if you are that desperate for floral denim, then please, be my guest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCayBQ5B4CCkgTPCV5ZW3NgkpgYM55_olD9i3BiMWECZqA71_QPp2BEvEXwLNyhMPxetyzsNwlzN91HFIjhks-uh2jpboyYx14ALymvYg7s4o5jvIvezrHRFgYKW2-47JKMsWZMiv344w/s1600/Blue+Floral+Denim+Front+Detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCayBQ5B4CCkgTPCV5ZW3NgkpgYM55_olD9i3BiMWECZqA71_QPp2BEvEXwLNyhMPxetyzsNwlzN91HFIjhks-uh2jpboyYx14ALymvYg7s4o5jvIvezrHRFgYKW2-47JKMsWZMiv344w/s320/Blue+Floral+Denim+Front+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624545364787696034" border="0" /></a><br />Then there is the sweetheart neckline, which is flattering on absolutely everyone, and the mirrored dome buttons for the cherry on top. And it wouldn't be an All That Jazz dress without some cutout back detail:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNmDghuKqSEgHtPvOlIB0pifFQlQxAPl-W-QVP3JCBFHUco60N6VO4oqKno1sY2FW-a7C3xwcaRl8324M6mTPLLWJPl3abLiwPzpH4xSg35GvXxhCDwCM4Zmu-PaDqYSQSI4F6Zk0PGs/s1600/Blue+Floral+Denim+Dress+Back+Detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNmDghuKqSEgHtPvOlIB0pifFQlQxAPl-W-QVP3JCBFHUco60N6VO4oqKno1sY2FW-a7C3xwcaRl8324M6mTPLLWJPl3abLiwPzpH4xSg35GvXxhCDwCM4Zmu-PaDqYSQSI4F6Zk0PGs/s320/Blue+Floral+Denim+Dress+Back+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624545210351173586" border="0" /></a><br />Next is another staple 90's mall brand, Paris Sport Club. Paris Sport Club was the coveted store brand of such mall retailers as Maurices (which is still actually around, I believe? I don't get to malls much) and Vanity. But more importantly, who doesn't want to run around this summer in this precious little floral baby doll dress:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsSHdOLIqB1Ksk4yJpjnxB8fOyTFNeKiAyWmhkRXTEYNKJHbEnIz6VfvJmCV3QMRmRzU33DPTgRpR0GKU32aLK_6-NbNa2Z6TRjW7RJ8lhroGk7yqZhCwodS-S44rPz4YNkeP6j6IMU0/s1600/Floral+Baby+Doll+Dress.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsSHdOLIqB1Ksk4yJpjnxB8fOyTFNeKiAyWmhkRXTEYNKJHbEnIz6VfvJmCV3QMRmRzU33DPTgRpR0GKU32aLK_6-NbNa2Z6TRjW7RJ8lhroGk7yqZhCwodS-S44rPz4YNkeP6j6IMU0/s320/Floral+Baby+Doll+Dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624545200849805378" border="0" /></a><br />The double front and back scoop neck lends a little sexy to the little girl silhouette, and the print is oh so pretty:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47Jhv1T7RYP3voiU2MqOEZuEwcFQATO-_6Gk3zdEMV-v-tYhjCXKUTQaseum6CPEgVs7Ec27KO5k3VWsv9xBeUJ6zVFrvgrF12X3aNqSJtzZF6p30WEM4WG88_G0GoTwHx1pagP9GxL8/s1600/Floral+Baby+Doll+Print+Detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47Jhv1T7RYP3voiU2MqOEZuEwcFQATO-_6Gk3zdEMV-v-tYhjCXKUTQaseum6CPEgVs7Ec27KO5k3VWsv9xBeUJ6zVFrvgrF12X3aNqSJtzZF6p30WEM4WG88_G0GoTwHx1pagP9GxL8/s320/Floral+Baby+Doll+Print+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624545198870379090" border="0" /></a><br />And this one I REALLY love. It is from Casual Corner, which is maybe why I feel so grown up when I wear it:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0_Mkq_QAbZFL4B0pSBv5313RZiplN0kJon7G4SWw7gO41Q9gOudoAnRFF2g6Q2TAI3vrKFeO-CoZn2cz_7kmi0NWaDc-Dl0A0P0lKG0ARNCvnywsAcgq-5PpHfhfENVnQA5n9K6ja7c/s1600/Polka+Dot+Dress+Full.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0_Mkq_QAbZFL4B0pSBv5313RZiplN0kJon7G4SWw7gO41Q9gOudoAnRFF2g6Q2TAI3vrKFeO-CoZn2cz_7kmi0NWaDc-Dl0A0P0lKG0ARNCvnywsAcgq-5PpHfhfENVnQA5n9K6ja7c/s320/Polka+Dot+Dress+Full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624545191408797730" border="0" /></a><br />I was totally jacked beyond belief when Holly passed this up over Memorial Day weekend and handed it off to me. Those brief moments that she held it in her hands, contemplating it, passed like an eternity in my mind. As she gestured towards returning it back to the rack, I blurted out that I'd take it if she was passing. And the rest is history.<br /><br />It is hard to see the better details of this piece because of the optical affect of the polka dot print, but there are lots of good features: the wrap front top, short dolman sleeves, button detail waist, and if you couldn't tell, it's actually PANTS. Yes, it's a jumper. PSYCH. The most elegant jumper, ever.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7-vQYtj1485kWri9vh4ezlx8S8Y8dCBfu2G4_-sZSdmtWxgqrZyfQgYEQxitX9Rl2KnbsJQV-2EJDanpMvBG-3c-Ac-ovRBpF6SOMjNl-vBy0hss1QHksm_ON_9cYgZXXqvphlh9Muw/s1600/Polka+Dot+Dress+Detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7-vQYtj1485kWri9vh4ezlx8S8Y8dCBfu2G4_-sZSdmtWxgqrZyfQgYEQxitX9Rl2KnbsJQV-2EJDanpMvBG-3c-Ac-ovRBpF6SOMjNl-vBy0hss1QHksm_ON_9cYgZXXqvphlh9Muw/s320/Polka+Dot+Dress+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624545175872372738" border="0" /></a><br />And it's even work appropriate. The only thing better than an awesome thrifted dress is an awesome thrifted biz-casual jumper.Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-37279006539420264782011-06-28T11:59:00.000-07:002011-06-28T13:04:58.628-07:00Treats! Thrifting with the one, and only, Jackie Katers!Over the past few months, I have made a concerted effort to cut back on my thrifting. WHY?!?!, you may ask, your mind screaming with confusion. Trust me, the initial shock and disappointment when I first admitted that this cut back would be wise was not easy to deal with. As time has gone on, however, the pain has subsided and I've found myself with healthier thrifting habits. There are a variety of reasons for this move—finances (you know you have a problem when you can't afford your <span style="font-style: italic;">thrifting </span>habit), time, space, and the general unease you start feeling when you need to wade through clothing to get to your bed. I am pleased, however, to announce that my thrifting addiction, though not completely quelled, is at least, momentarily, under control.<br /><br />One great thing about my new healthier thrifting lifestyle is that I have limited thrifting trips almost exclusively to special occasions—major sales, an actual need for an item, when friends are in town, or when I am on vacation. Though limits can sometimes be ass, doing this has made thrifting all that more special. Case in point: my last major thrifting haul in the Twin Cities, when my friends Jackie and Steph were in town at the end of April.<br /><br />Of course, I was game when Jackie told me she wanted to thrifting while she was in town. Though Steph had to miss out on the fun due to her work (they were in town for her business), I picked up Jackie early one day from their fancy hotel without a pool or coffee in the room (why!?) and we mapped out a plan. In then end, we hit up two Value Villages, one Unique, one Savers and a Chinese food buffet. Needless to say, we had deals exploding all over the place.<br /><br />Witness, if you will, the most kick ass jacket I have ever laid my hands on.*<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5619988869/" title="Vintage Denim Jacket with Leather Detail by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5619988869_b1a8525d1a.jpg" alt="Vintage Denim Jacket with Leather Detail " height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />A 1970's denim jacket with suede detail that includes a <span style="font-style: italic;">tri-color </span>collar and weird geometric design, which, by the way....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620578962/" title="Vintage Denim Jacket with Leather Detail (back) by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5620578962_3db7f6122e.jpg" alt="Vintage Denim Jacket with Leather Detail (back)" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />IS REPEATED ON THE BACK!<br /><br />Obviously, these details in themselves are enough to declare this jacket amazing. I am, however, not done! This jacket actually has a perfect fit on me and avoids the nasty boxiness that so many denim jackets have. Plus...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620612604/" title="Vintage Denim Bellbottoms by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5620612604_a9027a6e96.jpg" alt="Vintage Denim Bellbottoms" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620025429/" title="Vintage Denim Bellbottoms (detail) by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5620025429_e815b5a05c.jpg" alt="Vintage Denim Bellbottoms (detail)" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br />IT CAME WITH A PAIR OF MATCHING BELL BOTTOMS! Unfortunately, the bell bottoms are about a size 24 waist, so they are among the items for sale at the upcoming <a href="http://www.artsandcraftsinitiative.org/?page_id=70">Caffetto Craft Fair </a>on Sunday, July 24th, which Jake Thompson of <a href="http://www.fashionastyjake.com">Fashionasty</a> and I will be at. I am okay with passing them on, however, as wearing the jacket with the pants would be a bit matchy-matchy by my standards.<br /><br />In a further turn of awesomeness, the other day I was wearing this jacket at my friend's record shop Yeti Records, when a girl they knew told me that <span style="font-style: italic;">the jacket (and pants) used to be her's! </span>If that didn't just blow your mind, I label your mind as un-blowable.<br /><br />Obviously, the jacket in itself is enough to declare my shopping trip with Jackie a success, but there is more!<br /><br />Witness, if you will, my new collection of Compagnie Internationale Express items!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620606478/" title="Express Tags by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5620606478_3e96190718.jpg" alt="Express Tags" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620017205/" title="DSC04632 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5620017205_32ac5b932e.jpg" alt="DSC04632" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620016167/" title="Polka Dot Skorts by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5620016167_413fb68af7.jpg" alt="Polka Dot Skorts" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620016769/" title="Polka Dot Skorts (detail) by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5620016769_5b5bc3fdc5.jpg" alt="Polka Dot Skorts (detail)" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />Baggy, sheer 90's floral pattern pants and polka dot shorts with front button flaps!<br /><br />It keeps going!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620014305/" title="Jordache Denim Shorts by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5620014305_89e1aaf962.jpg" alt="Jordache Denim Shorts " height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620603334/" title="Jordache Denim Shorts (back) by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5620603334_b6846a7ac5.jpg" alt="Jordache Denim Shorts (back) " height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />High-waisted Jordache denim shorts! Initially, I was afraid these would ride up on me a bit too much. But as my co-worker Oakley insisted the other day, sometimes you have to embrace your cameltoe. I have and these are now my new favorite shorts.<br /><br />Other great day-to-day gems:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620578034/" title="Vintage Silly Striped Sweater by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5620578034_c0362c8402.jpg" alt="Vintage Silly Striped Sweater" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5619992429/" title="Vintage Silly Striped Sweater (detail) by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5619992429_e9a79563e3.jpg" alt="Vintage Silly Striped Sweater (detail) " height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />This adorable vintage striped sweater. The colors are amazing.**<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5619981505/" title="White Cutout Shoes by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5619981505_5dd70bec82.jpg" alt="White Cutout Shoes" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br />I know I recently posted about these cut-out white slip-ons, but I had to include them so you get an idea of the breadth of my shopping success.<br /><br />Then there are the wild cards!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620610044/" title="Best of the Midwest Leggings by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5620610044_8afc387a98.jpg" alt="Best of the Midwest Leggings" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />The "Best of the Midwest" leggings (that would be my legs, clad in these pants).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5619999157/" title="DSC04602 by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5619999157_3bd6ab91e6.jpg" alt="DSC04602" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />I could not pass up this poncho because the blue tassel balls on it are pretty much the most genius touch of amazing I have ever witnessed on a poncho.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5619994393/" title="Floral Asian-style Tunic by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5619994393_9d9e41606e.jpg" alt="Floral Asian-style Tunic" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5619996947/" title="Floral Asian-style Tunic (detail) by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5619996947_82507a5743.jpg" alt="Floral Asian-style Tunic (detail)" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />While this vintage, floral, kimono-dress/tunic didn't exactly fulfill my need for a sweet, embroidered jacket, it has quenched my thirst a tad bit. I couldn't turn down the pattern.<br /><br />And finally, the piece that was speaking to me so much that as Jackie and I were preparing to leave our last shop, I ran over to the nightgowns and started sorting furiously, until I grabbed this and exclaimed "I KNEW YOU WERE HERE!"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoinmomjeans/5620601608/" title="Weird Bedazzled Tunic by Yoko in Mom Jeans, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5620601608_72e3de6a1d.jpg" alt="Weird Bedazzled Tunic" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />Strangely enough, though this is now probably the most fucked-up piece of clothing in my wardrobe (really, how can you beat a floor-length, turquoise, cowl-neck sweatshirt tunic with a psuedo-southwestern bedazzled design on the smock (plus the nifty little white detailing around the arm)?), I have a feeling that this piece is at least a distant cousin to the <a href="http://www.operationsparkle.com/2011/03/special-trip-to-staten-island-its-thin.html">bedazzled sweatshirt </a>Laurie's friend Julie found when they went cult/commune thrifting in Staten island.<br /><br />Now, if that isn't worth some restraint, I don't know what is!<br /><br /><br />*Even with all the amazing jackets I have found thrifting (many which I have shared on here and have declared that they are actually the most amazing jacket I have ever had), I stand by this statement.<br />**I also need to point out that when I uploaded this photo ages ago, I named the piece "vintage silly striped sweater." How this sweater is humorous, I am not sure.Holly Hilgenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15950459027102651470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915590365022011233.post-87155737095627109502011-06-25T17:18:00.000-07:002011-06-26T07:50:58.135-07:00Special Trip! To Austin, TXI feel a bit neglectful that it has taken me this long to relay to the world my fantastic finds from my last trip to Austin, TX, that I took almost two months ago, especially since I am heading back in just a few days. But the flip side of my negligence is that I am able to relive my past glory, which, by this time, I have honestly nearly forgotten. But thanks to my excellent record keeping skills, these gems didn't slip through the cracks. And, aside from the unfailing promises of tacos, and new and exciting tequila experiences that Austin always holds, this belated recap serves as an excellent means of amping me up for next trip back next weekend. So, let's get AMPED together on these super sweet find from TAY-has.<br /><br />First up is my first find, this killer sequin vest:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGDJaEmFRscIuP63uFG-Zw6olgkRIs1LmTF3m8qJSIYuYkTQHW7UxC-TDn_itRqR-Y8HmwKXKYD38yBtuvvy9bz1MR3haqFdj14fMqe8GjVT17p92W183aulqA-J2XyEiNvRT83cdEg4/s1600/Sequin+Vest.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGDJaEmFRscIuP63uFG-Zw6olgkRIs1LmTF3m8qJSIYuYkTQHW7UxC-TDn_itRqR-Y8HmwKXKYD38yBtuvvy9bz1MR3haqFdj14fMqe8GjVT17p92W183aulqA-J2XyEiNvRT83cdEg4/s320/Sequin+Vest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622532400021491330" border="0" /></a><br />Come Fall, this piece will be my new best friend when I am in need of a quick and easy punch of glitz. Which is like every day, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj8tbOz5ymnybg5haYcbWhspPFGVJVYpAKL1qLKQTxD-ixnwoD5A6yf5mlP0lV_t8cC2VMETMgUX-0awMFV-6do6NsfKQ06I_vPp_yJucoUhyphenhyphenvW2NUNAPqq8MhfFZ3vl5P-t1Vxv7Qp4/s1600/Sequin+Detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj8tbOz5ymnybg5haYcbWhspPFGVJVYpAKL1qLKQTxD-ixnwoD5A6yf5mlP0lV_t8cC2VMETMgUX-0awMFV-6do6NsfKQ06I_vPp_yJucoUhyphenhyphenvW2NUNAPqq8MhfFZ3vl5P-t1Vxv7Qp4/s320/Sequin+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622532400190859634" border="0" /></a><br />Shorts were on the top of my wishlist when I headed to Austin, and these floral silk culottes filled that niche quite perfectly.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwszwDuJKfpPILVWHSzeba4z7dU4b7kqlqL_z_KlPaAVD2MSLAWP1a9n7PwjfqpGio8FrUT_oZW2-dsDjhNsNvLcFWO_yCcBrYigavgSsTNsRCKWYklc-R_ryYthnQneWgSovEZcVv9g/s1600/Floral+Silk+Shorts.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwszwDuJKfpPILVWHSzeba4z7dU4b7kqlqL_z_KlPaAVD2MSLAWP1a9n7PwjfqpGio8FrUT_oZW2-dsDjhNsNvLcFWO_yCcBrYigavgSsTNsRCKWYklc-R_ryYthnQneWgSovEZcVv9g/s320/Floral+Silk+Shorts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622532213601257170" border="0" /></a><br />Very pretty stained glass effect in the print:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOMmCqGMCnjYKwzBLbtvOLT3phHf7auZI44lXW8noqsh8fCzLQq3CNwXegTcE-AK_iPF8I3m59g06Gh7lVrRz_qyS6BOgx6AoB5zIDVyCP7sfuG_d12Jd3zXMxX539t3Mw2jBySez4_I/s1600/Silk+Shorts+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOMmCqGMCnjYKwzBLbtvOLT3phHf7auZI44lXW8noqsh8fCzLQq3CNwXegTcE-AK_iPF8I3m59g06Gh7lVrRz_qyS6BOgx6AoB5zIDVyCP7sfuG_d12Jd3zXMxX539t3Mw2jBySez4_I/s320/Silk+Shorts+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622532209404809394" border="0" /></a><br />A little $2 Farragamo silk tank, handed off to me by a friends whose boobs didn't quite fit in. can't beat that!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN97VQAsBawG9qAoFlMWdAa9fCrppt2VhlmVInKBy712UXDa6coAdlEjFc-QRgI0n7FxwuaxYicXn1UWrKRo_0ELEF52K35wT5nhER4L3uDwzojTX_jLHcPmEWcRs4yotN0X6nv4n5KVY/s1600/Farragamo+Tank.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN97VQAsBawG9qAoFlMWdAa9fCrppt2VhlmVInKBy712UXDa6coAdlEjFc-QRgI0n7FxwuaxYicXn1UWrKRo_0ELEF52K35wT5nhER4L3uDwzojTX_jLHcPmEWcRs4yotN0X6nv4n5KVY/s320/Farragamo+Tank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622532208700134578" border="0" /></a><br />The proof:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEGyJEpBPaS28ZYEchWCpezc-mKKDyNHaG4OQkDpa0fkFlbhvBt8T2y0t9A25ZfeApRpIbCs5mu-7qZewgroctwK2UAHzHHYKvWPDDYbA2uSmQ0XK44GMWSvtOw34eDzVF3WjZeaPxr8/s1600/Farragamo+Tag.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEGyJEpBPaS28ZYEchWCpezc-mKKDyNHaG4OQkDpa0fkFlbhvBt8T2y0t9A25ZfeApRpIbCs5mu-7qZewgroctwK2UAHzHHYKvWPDDYbA2uSmQ0XK44GMWSvtOw34eDzVF3WjZeaPxr8/s320/Farragamo+Tag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622531955468933842" border="0" /></a><br />On the way to our first thrift store, one of my posse of thrifters/wedding goers asked if anyone was on the look out for anything in particular. I called out that I was in much need of a black trench coat/raincoat to deal with the ridiculous rainy cold Spring that was dominating NYC weather at the time. Lo and behold, about three stores deep, I find this guy, with a half off purple tag. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGCE7ZVA2GzhZlQXYpBJTuMO7NyATmu2SKE94wXYbxxXr-pKV5iBArqcuU9C_qWidQtC2cwe8gtvoPMCATUwEf4XW_jQEbK_lAV2kBjTuSVa0lBeDoxitDmjxuPs07nicjt5KjgGBjQY/s1600/Black+Rain+Coat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGCE7ZVA2GzhZlQXYpBJTuMO7NyATmu2SKE94wXYbxxXr-pKV5iBArqcuU9C_qWidQtC2cwe8gtvoPMCATUwEf4XW_jQEbK_lAV2kBjTuSVa0lBeDoxitDmjxuPs07nicjt5KjgGBjQY/s320/Black+Rain+Coat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622531946867684498" border="0" /></a><br />$4 later, I have a sculpted shoulder shawl collar raincoat of my very very own. Check out this pleated puff shoulder detail:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32oRWA4eKpGFvqPAaSx7WXCbBLdKMYu2cShRKSMvezQ9ZTru-uhlhAzuKHoSyRES-9L8BFLL96f8z7ykCQcux5cWbrwh5VsFimXoq54U3y8CMpCMMp_x6YIwVOKMuOuRJ172H9VtAh3w/s1600/Raincoat+Shoulder+Detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32oRWA4eKpGFvqPAaSx7WXCbBLdKMYu2cShRKSMvezQ9ZTru-uhlhAzuKHoSyRES-9L8BFLL96f8z7ykCQcux5cWbrwh5VsFimXoq54U3y8CMpCMMp_x6YIwVOKMuOuRJ172H9VtAh3w/s320/Raincoat+Shoulder+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622531942874366322" border="0" /></a><br />It was a damn good thing I found this, because it rained for the following two weeks upon returning to NYC, and I pretty much lived in this thing.<br /><br />Next is a piece that is already on my "can't wait to wear" list for Fall, this pink metallic chunky ribbed wrap sweater:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6F9N6o_5QIMKhMS5Q8zg0JeAFfiNjsTwX1QtHTOgcFDExUSDciTq4nR0XjD2XRMeIuGZIK-7Ezg-cCnZo8oP04AWSosWxgdS-siso473q6KpzpAbYsHGQ63bgFks-cowWM24pvBkIzY/s1600/Pink+Metallic+Sweater.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6F9N6o_5QIMKhMS5Q8zg0JeAFfiNjsTwX1QtHTOgcFDExUSDciTq4nR0XjD2XRMeIuGZIK-7Ezg-cCnZo8oP04AWSosWxgdS-siso473q6KpzpAbYsHGQ63bgFks-cowWM24pvBkIzY/s320/Pink+Metallic+Sweater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622531941777485282" border="0" /></a><br />Then, in a pre-airport thrifting power hour the likes of which I have never seen before in my life (3 stores in 1 hour), I scored these puppies, brand new (!) heeled oxfords, for $7. This find was especially victorious considering 1) The exigent circumstances under which they were found, and 2) That I have long been coveting such a pair of shoes, but have held out on purchasing them because of my mystical belief that I will someday find them thrifting for a fraction of the price.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM0sI_2SvMx_JzLKuYIHhi3Ong-RCtpWq9-TiCyGpawSuPKRiLJf-l92B6IX1whOAHTBFiCjfPMlMcoNc1FFno05NAHbSjrmQ_3zJujaDs7yqdI60Y6Qo3ej1VP_ax72xeVzfcWUCRI8/s1600/Black+Oxfords.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM0sI_2SvMx_JzLKuYIHhi3Ong-RCtpWq9-TiCyGpawSuPKRiLJf-l92B6IX1whOAHTBFiCjfPMlMcoNc1FFno05NAHbSjrmQ_3zJujaDs7yqdI60Y6Qo3ej1VP_ax72xeVzfcWUCRI8/s320/Black+Oxfords.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622531938466252194" border="0" /></a><br />Can't. Beat. That.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgXsnUT7WGK7B9R8k8npAzoF0cdGcLUiNlkeWbjxvOtMJdCtC8xGtkdmQlJvs7z7Jpy7z4Ig_KwkadQIEOripNdnsw0IvoWVva0wS_zhrlEmpBm_tnPpB791O0nuTDssjTaZdah03R6k/s1600/Black+Rain+Coat.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcdRksqOpfbrdirpGtTKDfImEQ97W7ytq1YRkvnEcWxGTe7wLw9Kjk1gDERD7tK5lFSKXzOyUY06Mo9_RPzV04GUVq5nSmBryhBcbobekz7ltShd6tRqpUdUGf_PVSQjNGj9pXQp8XrE/s1600/Raincoat+Shoulder+Detail.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yyLELMoc3p8_rh2RSIttj8Co8DB5VBokxcj0gexcjH2u-Y-Yz8mkX16Wgar6NgBXFiwO0ew3Nb2f3H1PGTBnte4y-XSCeBGyTuBwJe_CqNgCF5eyM6zU_oj1O8pslAjXrCCDYpoEtYw/s1600/Pink+Metallic+Sweater.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbKMKXPCfRWyaJ3pSbZ5_KNk9ASQg1teizfakwyoQyApyBvj9JtAt2G_f9kwxUtz4XeotalqEKcPw06PMkAufjkKfl0QBgFoIDqn5RjLeK1Vn2texKBtTAxcHSeocVxolbfnBRsLMWLU/s1600/Black+Oxfords.jpg"><br /></a>Laurie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04085126041645678643noreply@blogger.com0