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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Comment problem solved!

I do believe I have found the answer to the commenting issue I mentioned in my last post. I stumbled upon a website called Intense Debate! Basically it offers a widget that allows for a system of commenting that includes threading (aw yeeuhh)! I guess you can say this is a test post to see if it works. Feel free to leave a comment so that we can check it out, yeah??

By the way, I plan to have a new outfit post up this weekend, so stay tuned for that! :)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

A bit of an update!

Dearest Blogger, you're very user-friendly and there are a lot of things I like about you, but I'm somewhat peeved that there's no reply option for comments! I would really love to communicate with my readers, but you make it so difficult to do so!

Anyway, to try and remedy this problem, I found a tutorial here on how to make a little "reply" button in the comments. It uses the "@ usernamehere" system and at least includes a link back to the original post you're replying to, though I'm not sure if your reply post notifies the person you're replying to. I'm not sure that it does. I'm not sure that I'm making much sense right now, haha. If you want you can have a looksee at one of the previous blog posts where I've replied to comments to see what I mean. At least it's something, right?

Does this aspect of Blogger bother any of you guys too? What have you found that works for you as far as keeping in touch with your readers? Suggestions are welcome, and very much appreciated!

Monday, April 25, 2011

A season to be sky-high

A beautiful perk about having a friend/mentor like Christina? Style advice. The style part is still, to me, the most daunting thing about this style blogging business. To put it bluntly, I am a serious n00b. There is so much to learn about clothing and the way it changes with the seasons. One of the last times I was helping out Christina at her house, I brought out a green, polka-dotted tea dress that I bought on one of our thrifting outings. For the life of me, I could not figure out what the heck to do with it. The piece itself is wonderful, but I just couldn't help thinking that it is years older than me. I didn't know how to modernize it. Taking my problem to Christina, she spoke the word I had a feeling was coming.

Platforms.

Oh, high-heeled shoes. It's true. You really do know how to put the sexy, the classy, the modern in any ensemble. I keep seeing them in almost every blog I follow. Strappy, sandal wedges and platforms. Not only are they really really hot this season, but they work with pretty much anything! Plus, I think I would feel much safer walking around with a blocky, reinforced heel rather than stilettos. I can't help feeling that tiny sticks are hardly enough support for a 100+ pound human.

So, that's my next mission! (Once I save up some bank.) In the meantime, here are some of my favorites I've found so far! I'm a huge fan of creamy, earthy neutrals in the shoe department, but hopefully they're not too redundant.













Respectively: Aldo (3), Lucky Brand (2), UO (3), DSW (1), Famous Footwear (4)

ALSO: Browsing for shoes is a decent distraction from my inability to breathe.
ALSO pt. deux: I just dropped my last tissue down the crack between my wall and my bed.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

It's Easter! And wedding stuff!

Happy Zombie Jesus Day! ;)
If only this lovely day didn't have to be tainted by this obnoxious cold that has come upon me within the last couple days. All I feel like I can muster up the strength to do is sleep and sleep some more. Though thankfully writing this blog post isn't taking too much more out of me. Reading the Canterbury Tales for CH is a whole other story, however, haha.

Finally got to sit down with the WHOLE family (mums and pops) today and really crack out the details of the invitation list and the wedding format. We're limited to a tight budget, and really, most of the money is spent on the dinner (food, tables, settings, etc), which is heavily dependent upon the number of guests. Though we set out to have a strict 100 people limit, it really bothered me that we couldn't have as many loved ones join us just because we can't pay for their dinner. (It seems as though NOT serving food is out of the question at a wedding?) Gare and I had decided from the get-go that we're down for a more non-traditional format, so I suggested that instead of a formal dinner, we just have finger-foody hors d'ouvres instead! That way, we can cut some costs on eating so as to allow for more people to come and share in our wedding day with us! I do believe I am much much happier with that!

Anyway, I've been checking out this blog, ruffledblog.com, for some indie, non-traditional wedding inspiration, and there sure is a lot! I'm so excited to be able to design the aesthetics of the wedding :) Vintage, DIY, eco-friendly, outdoors. That's what it's all about!

Some of my favorites...

I reaaaaally like the mixing&matching going on here!
all photos via ruffledblog

Monday, April 18, 2011

Endings and beginnings

Helloooo! So, I had all these big plans for this week--that I was going to shoot a few more outfits and put up some pictures of some magazine clippings of French fashions that I found in a really cool 1949 magazine this weekend, but, of course, I left my camera at Gare's house so it'll have to wait!

In other news, I wanted to talk a little bit about Christina's sale, because it was wonderful! All of her clothes were organized and color-coordinated so beautifully; I really think it should have had an even bigger turn-out than it did, but it was nonetheless a success. How incredible it was to see the culmination of, what was it, 2+ years of vintage collecting, blogging, and selling, all with such zeal and dedication! It pained me a bit at first to think that it was going to come to an end, but so do all things, and why should that be bad? With the closing of this chapter, even more opportunities are now open to her, ripe for the picking. I'm glad I was able to catch her right before her grand finale, so now I can follow her in her next adventure, this time, in the real world, more likely over a cup of tea rather than through a computer screen :)!

Stealing some pictures to share (hope that's cool with you, C!)...

This might look like chocolates... but oh no, they're actually the most amazing cake bites in the world. I probably had too many. But I don't regret it. Nope.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Riveter

Ahah, it's funny because my last name is Rose... yeah. I picked Miss Rosie the Riveter for the name of this outfit because that's the comment I received most often about this ensemble. It seems pretty fitting: the high-waisted trousers, the collared button-ups, the spirit of women in the workforce during WWII. Admittedly, the turban is like a rooster in a henhouse, but I wanted that little pop of spring to pull everything together. Hope you like it!






photo credz: Brian Wong
Shirt: thrifted Banana Republic
Pants: thrifted Ralph Lauren
Shoes: thrifted
Watch: thrifted vintage
Bag: vintage Coach bag
Turban/scarf: thrifted
Belt: thrifted

ALSO: This look is very much inspired by Zoe (aka Haiku Ambulance)! Don't mean to be a copycat, but I was reading and soaking up her incredible style and I noticed that I had just the right pieces to pull together a very similar look. We learn by imitation, right?
ALSO pt. deux: If you're interested in wearing a sweet turban like the one above, you can learn here! Beautiful Starr (aka A Thought Is The Blossom) made a tutorial for the rest of us, it's super easy!

Monday, April 11, 2011

First real daily outfit!

You guys, you guys, you guys. Welcome to my first actual style post as a vintage style blogger! This is an awesome moment. Today was so lovely, I just knew it had to be the day to do my first shoot. Dragged my dear friend and fellow photographer, Brian, along to take the pictures for me. Had to do a bit of driving to find the perfect spot but... man, I already can't wait to go back and do more. I just love this part of town, so beautiful. Anyway, enough blabbing, here are the pictures!





 photo credz: Brian Wong

Tried for a bit of a 70s look! I know I've already mentioned it, but I'm in love with those darn pants. And I'm going to dearly miss those shoes, they're already falling apart :(

Tank: thrifted vintage
Belt: thrifted
Stovepipe jeans: thrifted vintage <3
Shades: thrifted
Bag: thrifted
Scarf: thrifted
Shoes: thrifted

Friday, April 8, 2011

To think, to write, to be

Another Friday to smile back on... today, Christina and I prepared her vintage storeroom for the cafe sale next Thursday. One of my favorite things about Christina's place? I always leave with my mind chugging on thought food. As we were talking about blogging life and all that comes with it, I realized that I should really evaluate what I aim to accomplish with this project... and why. As this blog will grow and change over time, I know that I will too. I just want to make sure that I grow in a positive way, a way that I can take this wonderful hobby and do good with it. Real good. If I'm using this blog to showcase something, the last thing I want it to be is me. This isn't to say that I want to downplay my worth and what I could possibly have to offer people, I just don't want this blog to become centered on narcissism (which, you have to admit, can tend to happen through this kind of medium when you're talking about yourself more often than not).

I'm not sure what my exact focus will be yet, but I do know this: it will be others-oriented. I want what I create of my hobby to be a gift, for you who read this. I'm not looking for fame or fortune in the vintage style world... just the knowledge that I have, even in some small way, been of service.

Thanks for sticking with me <3

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Put a ring on it. Or two. Or ten.

I really love jewelry. I'm not sure how, but rings and necklaces and the like just accent ensembles so well. A lot of the time it seems like outfits aren't complete without them!

Unfortunately, I'm really lacking in this department. I hunt for bling in thrift stores, but I feel as though the pickings aren't that great because people are more likely to keep or sell their jewelry than give it away freely. I think I might just end up having to rely on retail and vintage shops. Anyone have any recommendations on where to look? Favorite dealers?

I believe some eye candy is in order.


photos via weheartit

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

All kinds of blah

Ahh, another beautiful day. I can't but think that it would have been the perfect day to shoot one of my outfits! I couldn't find anyone to go hunting for the perfect location with me, but Jenni said she'd come with me tomorrow :) I think I'll do that 70's outfit with the awesome pants. Yeah.

Man, I thought I had some balls wearing that fluffy helmet hat but I'm REALLY going to need some if I want to do more shoots... cause I know I won't be able to drag someone with me to make it look semi-theatrical every time!

I had more to say, but I just came back to this post and it's late now... and I forgot! And I'm so sleepy! I'll remember tomorrow, probably? G'night <3

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Never let me go

I want to take this opportunity to rave about a movie that Gare and I watched the other night. It was released on DVD just recently I believe and is called Never Let Me Go. Based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, the film features Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley. It is a brilliant, heartwrenching love story. Hm, I've been trying to figure out how to spark an intrigue without ruining the story for people because the concept behind the plot is so unusual and extraordinary that I feel that a lot of the fun comes from the initial shock and then from trying to wrap one's mind around it.

I think I'll just stick the trailer here...


I get goosebumps from watching the trailer again. It's an immensely beautiful movie. If any one who reads this watches it or has already watched it, let me know! I love talking about movies, especially hard-hitting ones. Ask Gare how long I was crying after the credits rolled, haha. I think my next step is to get my smiling, tear-soaked fingers on the book. (Unfortunately it was after watching the movie that I discovered its book counterpart, which I probably would have liked to read first... ah well, at least you guys still have the option!)

Just as a side note, the clothes in the film all looked so simple and comfortable.

Makes me want to don some warm knits and tights and take a walk down a grassy beachside. Wonderful.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Lady luck smiles on the thrifty

Rah! I didn't even make it to two weeks and I already missed yesterday's post! But you know what, it's cool. Life happens, y'know? I think this week was one of the most stressful (school stuff-wise) that I've had in a long while. Anyway, it's finally Friday, a very lovely Friday! Met up with Christina at her favorite local Salvation Army I've never been. It's a really, really cool store. Had only a few dollars to my name to spend this time and I didn't plan on finding anything too exciting... hah! To plan that you won't get lucky in a thrift store is akin to planning that something unexpected won't happen in your life. Ridiculous, right? Was just browsing among the $2 purses when I came across this... this beautiful work of purse craftsmanship:

It's a genuine leather Coach sling bag, vintage I believe! And I had exactly the two dollars to pay for it! I brought it over to show Christina, and while we were speculating about its authenticity, to our dismay, one of the checkout ladies overheard and remarked that it should have been placed in the boutique section! My heart
dropped, knowing boutique status would bump its price up quite a bit and that I would have to give up this fanfreakintastic find. But it was fate... the checkout lady was so sweet and kind as to let me take it home for regular price. I absolutely adore it. It has a few spots of what look like oil stains on the front, but Christina said that her saddle soap should spiff it right up. I just can't believe my good fortune!

This is just one of the many reasons why secondhand shopping is fantastic. Everything is donated. You never know what one person regards as trash, old, used, outdated... you might just find it super cool, unique, and even trendy! I think one of my next posts will have to go in-depth about all the things I love about thrift stores. I just don't have a single regret spending my time in them. If you've never thought to check one out yourself, I can't recommend it enough!

Well, I'm off to catch a flick with the fiance. Till tomorrow!