Now Wearing...

When I first spotted this dress in a vintage shop in Portland last year, I was really excited to have found not only an adorable dress with apples and stars galore, but the perfect Fourth of July Dress. So this year, I pulled it out of the closet with glee to get my red, white and blue look just right to celebrate the day. With a homemade blueberry pie in tote, I made my way to a friend's BBQ.

Apple Print Dress - Vintage
Strappy Flat Sandals - Delman
Watch - Smile Q&Q (gifted)
Houndstooth Nails - NCLA nail wraps

Bringing in the New Year with Vintage Sequins

With New Year's Eve right around the corner, I've got sequins on the brain.  For the holiday season I love sequins dresses from the 80s.  I'm not a girly girl, so I love balancing what otherwise might be super feminine with power shoulders.  And to avoid looking like a member of The Golden Girls or ironic hipster, I like to wear 80s dresses with modern pumps and booties.

If you're looking for the typical sexy New Year's Eve dress, you can stop reading this post now.  If you're open to trying something fun and funky, I hope you'll enjoy some of the vintage dresses I found on Etsy and the new shoes I've paired them with.

Vintage Adrianna Papell silk sequins dress, $88

Dolce Vita Kemp, $179.99 on sale (retail $189)

Vintage Laurence Kazar silk sequins dress with collar, $65

Eric Rothberg Rolv, $260

Rebecca Taylor Skylar, $149 on sale (retail $295)

Now Riding...

Photos by James Rand

Yes, I ride a moped or what some call a "mini motorcycle with pedals".  A few months ago, with the help of my good friend Mikey I bought a moped!  It's a vintage 1970s Pinto, manufactured by Puch and sold at JCPenney.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to mechanics.  I'm constantly asking Mikey questions and searching forums for answers, and it's quite fun and rewarding.  The moped community in Chicago is really friendly, and a shop opened up on Western this past summer - MOPED!

You can see my moped in action in this sweet video by Leo Burnett featuring my friend Roberto.  Right around 2:49, you'll see my friends flying by and a nice long shot of the city... then a quick appearance by yours truly.

Recycled Fashion: Vintage Finds

I love vintage shopping. Correction, I'm obsessed with vintage shopping.
1. Fashion recycles itself. Many runway trends borrow from previous decades.
2. It's fun. It's like a treasure hunt, and you can end up with something that feels one-of-a-kind.
3. It can be affordable. With some dedication and good luck, you can score some great deals.
In my last shopping post, I wrote a bit about the shopping in Chicago. The vintage shopping here is pretty great. It's less picked over than New York and full of gems. There are plenty of curated boutiques to browse and thrift stores to scour.
Here are a couple of my recent finds, inspired by items from my wishlist.

Whistles Hilda Leopard Collar Cardi, $170.72

I've become a bit obsessed with Peter Pan collars, specifically leopard, so I decide to buy a detachable collar that I could wear with a variety of cardigans and sweaters.

1940s collar from Etsy.com, $30
You can plenty of faux fur leopard collars on Etsy, both vintage and newly handmade for $20-$50. ModCloth has one that's a bit bigger than I would like, but priced under $20, it's an affordable option.

Collar of the Wild, $17.99
The other item on my wishlist was a pair of finely studded flats. Knowing that wearing heels daily isn't healthy, I find myself wearing heels more often than I'd like, so I've been on the hunt for a pair of classy flats.

Pour La Victoire Radley, $125.95 sale (retail $229.00)

Loeffler Randall Blaise, $325.00
Last weekend while I was helping my coworker search for jewelry to wear to a wedding, I came across these adorable vintage Anne Klein flats at Buffalo Exchange. They fit perfectly, so they were definitely meant to be!

1980s flats found at Buffalo Exchange Wicker Park, $14.00
For more vintage shopping tips, check out this old video from me and Erin entitled "How to Shop Vintage". It was one of our first videos, so it's a bit dated and sound quality isn't the best but the tips are still relevant!

Now Wearing…

The other week there was a 70s challenge from Lucky Magazine to dress in your most 70s work appropriate gear. I thought it couldn’t hurt to enter because at the very worst I’d be dressing slightly 70s for a day and I would do that on a whim anyways. And although the dress is authentically from the 70s (it was my mother’s) everything else is from a more recent time.

Printed Maxi Dress - Vintage (courtesy of my mom's closet!)
Jacquard Blazer - Bebe from 7 years ago! I dyed it blue myself
Gold Flask Necklace - Vintage
Tiger Eye Bracelet - J.Crew
Gold & Pearl Pin - Via Clothing Swap
Snake/Metallic Platform Strappy Sandals - Rafe New York
Brown Leather Tote - Lulu Small Tote, Courtesy of Katherine Kwei

Colorblock Belt - Miss Sixty, I tied it as an Obi, but it's actually a hip belt

Toes - Ginger & Liz - Goin' Back to Cali

Now Wearing...

Last weekend, a couple of my friends put on a 90s party at a bar in Williamsburg just off Bedford Avenue. The funny thing about that is a 90s party in Williamsburg is really no different from a regular party in Williamsburg.
Both my shirt and jacket are legitimately 90s. I got both of them secondhand from friends cleaning out their closets - haha.
Jacket - 90s Liz Claiborne
Top - 90s XOXO
Bag - Madewell
Jeans - Uniqlo
Shoes - Michael Kors sample

A Couple More Sales This Week

Who: Bing Bang Sample Sale
What: Deep discounts on her mixed-metal rings, necklaces, earrings, and more.
When: January 19-21, 2011. Wed-Fri noon-7pm
Where: 153 Lafayette St (at Grand St), 212-925-7010

Who: Resurrection Vintage Sample Sale
What: 30-70% off on designer vintage clothing and accessories
When: Now through January 31, 2011. Mon-Sat 11-7pm, Sun noon-7pm
Where: 217 Mott St (nr Prince St) 212-625-1374

More Sample Sales This Week!

Here's a couple more sample sales going on this week.

Who: Vintage Super Sale
What: Up to 75% off on vintage pieces $5, $10, $20, $40, $100, $200. DVF, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gucci, Diesel, Monolo Blahniks, CHANEL, Etc. Clothing. ). Shoes, hats, gloves, aprons, and other rarities!
When: January 6-7, 2010. Thurs 6pm-9pm. Fri 9am-6pm
Where: Lolli Popitt Showroom, 551 West 21st St (at 11th Ave)

Who: Unis Sample SaleWhat: Up to 50% off on men’s Fall'10 merch including a selection of outerwear, shirting, and their popular Gio pants
When: January 8-10, 2011. Sat 11am-7:30pm, Sun-Mon noon-6pm
Where: Smith + Butler, 225 Smith St (at Butler St), Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. 718-855-4295

If you're hesitant about the weather for this upcoming weekend and the possibiliy of more snow - there's lots of great deals going on online - here's a few that I've already hit up:

• Oak is having their infamous 40/50/60 sale
• Allsaints is up to 70% off
• Urban has a bajillion things on sale

On a side note, January is one of the best times to grab merch from retailers (both online and in stores) as everyone is trying to clear their shelves and inventory to make way for Spring collections.

Happy shopping!

Shopping for Woven Oxford Flats

Many of you have asked me where you can find my brown woven flats. Mine were a limited edition run from Jeffrey Campbell & Shoe Market. The vintage inspired style was called Driggs named after a street just a block away from Shoe Market. Unfortunately this pair was from last summer and no longer available, so your best bet would be to search for a vintage pair. If you find them at a boutique or on etsy/eBay, they will range from $50-$100.

I've been searching for a replacement pair for myself since I get so much wear of these. I've had no luck for myself, but I've found quite a few pairs for friends who wear different sizes.

This pair is exactly, and I mean exactly the same as the Jeffrey Campbell pair that I have. I really wish these were a 7, but hey, now my friend Ashleigh can have a pair too! So keywords to find similar pairs - "woven (and your shoe size)" or "woven oxford" have been the most successful for me.

I've come across a blue and black pair, but no brown. If find a size 7 brown, please email me!

Not the same shoe, but I came across a very cute pair of pixie booties that I wanted to share in case anyone who wears a 7.5 would be interested. If the heel didn't have a zipper, I would have maybe considered purchasing them myself and using some inserts in the front and back.

Gold Rush in Marrakesh

Our lovely friend Yinka Ajakaiye snapped these photos for us a few months back and I've been meaning to post them for the longest time but it kept slipping off my radar.

Still incorporating metallic for our Heavy Metal shoot we created a more ethnic inspired story that relied heavily on gold and some draped vintage finds. The gold paired with neutrals and jewel tones is reminiscent of the colors you might find at the Souks (Markets) of Marrakesh!

Now Wearing...

I have a weakness for vintage and an impractical affinity with one pieces. I've been telling myself I can't buy anything for awhile, and of course I come across this wonderfully fun floral romper!

Thanks to my friend Veronica for convincing me to buy it! I'm really glad I broke my temporary no-shopping rule because I love wearing it and get compliments all the time.
Floral romper & brown boots - vintage
Metallic mini crossbody bag - Madewell
Sunglasses & rings - Forever 21

Weekend Sales to Hit Up

Who: Buffalo Exchange
What: In honor of Earth Day, this recycled clothing shop has $1 racks to benefit the Humane Society’s Don’t Trash Wildlife campaign, will go to the Don’t Trash Wildlife campaign of The HSUS, and three HSUS wildlife centers that rescue and rehabilitate wild animals.
When: April 24, 2010. Sat 11am–8pm.
Where: All Locations! See online for a store near you or if you're in NYC: 504 Driggs Ave at North 9th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-6901) • 332 E 11th St (b/n First and Second Aves) 212-260-9340

Who: Sally Tseng and Cammie Hill sample sale, Plum store closing
What: Deep discounts on apparel and handbags
When: Saturday, April 24th 1-6pm
Where: Plum 124 Ludlow between Delancey and Rivington. 212-529-1030

Who: Frette Sample Sale
What: Save up to 80% off fine Italian linens. Save up to 80% off on bed sets, duvet covers, light quilts and bedcovers. Save up to 60% off robes and tabletop. All sales final. No strollers please.
When: April 25-29, 2010. Sun 1pm-5pm Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 4 West 58 Street(b/n 5th-6th Ave) 9th Floor. 212.920.1211

Who: Hickey-Freeman/ Bobby Jones
What: Hickey-Freeman: A huge selection of classic and sophisticated suits, sport coats, top coats, trousers, dress shirts and ties. Knit and woven shirts, sweaters, trousers and outerwear. Suits start at $499.99 (was $1,395 -$3,295), sport coats $299.99 - $699.99 (wasl $995 - $2,495) dress trousers $139.99 (was $225 - $295), and dress shirts start at $69.99 (was $150 - $225). Bobby Jones: Signature knit and woven sport shirts $59.99 (was $150 - $195), sweaters start at $59.99 (was $175) and trousers $49.99 - $149.99 (was $135 - $375). Assorted sizes from all seasons. All sales final. No exchanges or returns. Strollers not allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted. Credit cards only.
When: April 25-29, 2010. Sun 9am-6pm, Mon-Wed 9am-6:30pm, Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: 317 West 33 Street (b/n 8th-9th Ave) 718.747.1656

Still Ongoing:
Who: Kooba Sample Sale
What: Great prices on handbags
When: April 20-23, 2010. 10am-8pm daily (closed b/n 2pm-3pm for lunch)
Where: 141 West 36th Street, 10th Floor (b/n 7th Ave & Broadway)

Who: eDressMe
What: One day prom sale up to 90% off designers like Mori Lee, Jessica McClintock, Betsey Johnson
When: April 24, 2010. Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 325 West 38th St (nr 8th Ave)

Who: It USA
What: Gianfranco Ferré gowns for $200 (was $2,000), Just Cavalli jeans for $75 (was $250), Malo cashmere sweaters for $70–$90 (was $790–$900) and C’N’C Costume National denim jackets for $165 (was $550).
When: April 19-25, 2010. Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm.
Where: 17 Battery Place South (b/n Washington and West St) 5th floor (212-413-4421, itsamplesale.com)

Who: Blumarine
What: Up to 80% off feminine frocks! Lace minidresses was $1100, now $200, multicolored leopard gowns now $395 (was $2,100) and bright satin lingerie was $1400 now $290
When: Now through April 29, 2010. Daily 10am-6pm
Where: 37 W 57th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, ninth floor (212-920-1211, blumarine.com)

Who: Hayden-Harnett's Cheap Thrills pop-up
What: 20-80 percent offpieces from such indie designers as Yegang Yoo, Sarah Yu and Hayden-Harnett. Eskell checkered cotton rompers are trimmed from $200 to $100, and flowing Hayden-Harnett silk dresses are $82 (were $325).
Where: Manhattan, 253 Elizabeth St between Houston and Prince Sts (212-334-2247) Mon–Sat noon–8pm, Sun noon–6pm
Brooklyn, 211 Franklin St at Freeman St (718-349-2247). Tue–Sat noon–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.
When: April 1–26, 2010. Hours as listed above

Who: Zachary's Smile Attic Sale
What: Vintage merch for great prices. Dresses (now $5-30), tops and skirts (now $10), coats (now $10), boots (now $20), and accessories (now $2).
When: Sale extended through Friday, April 30
Where: Zachary's Smile Attic Sale, 317 Lafayette Street (enter at 303 Mulberry Street); 212-965-8248.

Veda Holiday Sale

Who: Veda
What: Perfect leather jackets from Fall 2009 and plenty of reworked vintage at 30-50% off of the original price.
When: Starting this Friday, December 18th, until the end of they year.
Where: 132 Ludlow St, Nyc. 646.524.5137

Oh, Look It's Ras Trent

Nasty Gal is one of my favorite online boutiques, but this sweater, really? Did someone really think this drug rug could pass off as a vintage gem?
All I see when I look at that sweater is the Ras Trent skit from SNL.

Now Wearing...

Cream shaggy sweater - vintage
Blue dress - Mieko Mettucci, from Akira in Chicago
Lace tights - Xhilration, layered over sheer Calvin Klein tights for warmth
Black & white cutout flats - Jeffrey Campbell
Necklaces - Alex & Chloe and vintage
Rings & bangle - Forever 21 and H&M
I wore this outfit to a dinner party over the weekend, where this sweater was a total hit! It's one of my latest vintage finds, and I couldn't be more in love with it! I've been looking for a textured sweater for what feels like ages, but probably a year and half in reality. Anyhow, this sweater is such a dream. It's exactly what I've been searching for - warm, voluminous and shaggy.
It wasn't completely intentional, but when I was putting together this outfit for a dinner party over the weekend, Rodarte's fall 2008 show came to mind. They're obviously different looks, but I think I felt inspired by Rodarte's use of yarn and color patterns.
And lastly, a note about the accessories. I could have gone without any jewelry because there was enough happening with the sweater, but I wanted to balance out the black on bottom so I added the black Bonjour necklace and bangle. Then to break up the giant block of white on top, I added a long silver necklace which I knotted on the bottom to make it the right length.

Now Wearing...

I've been dreaming of these tights! Ever since I first saw them I was sort of obsessed...so after much contemplation they are my biggest tight indulgence to date ;) The best price I could find came all the way from the UK on mytights.com...while I was ordering I got myself some Henry Holland Pretty Polly tights as well ;) What do you think?

Scallop Crochet Cape - Vintage (I had to air it out for a month it was so stinky!)
Floral Print Dress - Primark
Wings Metal Bracelet - Forever 21
2 Tone Ring - Topshop
Nails - OPI No Spain No Gain w/ Kiss Nail Decals
Tights - Emilio Cavallini Holes Tights
Velvet & Jacquard Peep Toe Heels - Nine West