tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10489500201040609202024-03-14T06:14:40.824-07:00Couturgatory<center>/ko͞oˈto͝orgəˌtôrē/ <i>noun</i>: non-standard figure. small budget. forever.</center>Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-65006924881875812962015-10-14T23:24:00.000-07:002015-10-14T23:33:44.993-07:00September Thrift Round-upIt's only halfway through October! I've only experienced 8 train delays this month so far*! Time for a round-up of my thrift purchases last month.<br />
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<b>Stop 1: the flea market at De Anza College</b></div>
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Indonesian wide leather belt $5</div>
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I don't think this cool flower belt had ever been worn. There were black threads still on it that appear to have been from a tag, and the leather isn't bent or broken in. I am looking for a plain saturated dress in a nice deep green or blue, as I think this would look killer over one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIzs4eHz8fuvZF0mC2LoOMACLw6fJpIF7c1wgnraIWl8TBsnQafctHDsEwMWDEpRHLd_VJm3vk54sMtnTAntq-IKtzsAR7oyyjesLSAe4Uy65xk0Uror4rhYDrVWV3iod-IaBSR5n2o0/s1600/dana+ashkenazi+sweatshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIzs4eHz8fuvZF0mC2LoOMACLw6fJpIF7c1wgnraIWl8TBsnQafctHDsEwMWDEpRHLd_VJm3vk54sMtnTAntq-IKtzsAR7oyyjesLSAe4Uy65xk0Uror4rhYDrVWV3iod-IaBSR5n2o0/s400/dana+ashkenazi+sweatshirt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Dana Ashkenazi sweatshirt $1</div>
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I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with the sweatshirt. I got it because I like the reverse exposed seams, and quartering on the front like a shield.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmWxX8qbz4KyQm-_DtXl7Q_kjj8GPkpXpxxJUFyo4bEhsfeGzkR5Rpuvl8-iELmv1ut3JGwB4WmFjY7fWmyjLHvKHUFleQs0egonNc16LWITs6MLjgbqDb0VA8YZx5C9xi5AudaCb8WI/s1600/el+cherlie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmWxX8qbz4KyQm-_DtXl7Q_kjj8GPkpXpxxJUFyo4bEhsfeGzkR5Rpuvl8-iELmv1ut3JGwB4WmFjY7fWmyjLHvKHUFleQs0egonNc16LWITs6MLjgbqDb0VA8YZx5C9xi5AudaCb8WI/s400/el+cherlie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am not gonna sport Che Guevara on my left boob, though. Time for some sort of patch. And I don't know what's up with the Charlie Chaplin graphic on there either, but all signs point to me not being young-hip-urban-blonde-trustfund enough to wear this brand:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi7dh2QnsMFR3UIRx0cf3KyA9TXf-FvmcYJR55g9TAIGIrB98tfpKplGvpJF7fdjbBZQAgqu02MvbnLZ3r-0nXCCQIcQluWTV7fOHNTaxBZ2Ker1T93C_bTKOy5ZeNS_epmY33A2CDrE/s1600/Screen+Shot+10-13-15+at+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi7dh2QnsMFR3UIRx0cf3KyA9TXf-FvmcYJR55g9TAIGIrB98tfpKplGvpJF7fdjbBZQAgqu02MvbnLZ3r-0nXCCQIcQluWTV7fOHNTaxBZ2Ker1T93C_bTKOy5ZeNS_epmY33A2CDrE/s400/Screen+Shot+10-13-15+at+09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go on and Google image it yourself. It goes on. Haha!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1vhD1kC_oUHRlPHpYPt8ZMQUYHEXigjzB2_CpX7234gqfdhEiqoFywcIGlBHv9FyVL-NsokBy3j6sU4xx45fTQ8Px_3DG6_jKMynWhdtkybz0cgZTvVDvFsvMYsQNv1bePW2UWkwP7I/s1600/Screen+Shot+09-05-15+at+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1vhD1kC_oUHRlPHpYPt8ZMQUYHEXigjzB2_CpX7234gqfdhEiqoFywcIGlBHv9FyVL-NsokBy3j6sU4xx45fTQ8Px_3DG6_jKMynWhdtkybz0cgZTvVDvFsvMYsQNv1bePW2UWkwP7I/s400/Screen+Shot+09-05-15+at+06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dear gawd it's so comfortable, though. I've always wanted an <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=idgaf" target="_blank">IDGaF</a> shirt to pull on over broken-in IDGaF jeans, that would make me look good while clearly still not GaF. I've tried a few (in my head they must be grey, a traditionally underwear and therefore IDGaF color) and it's never worked out. I think this may be the one.</div>
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Not pictured is a sheer green top I bought from the same lady that sold me the sweatshirt, also for $1. It took me 20 minutes to untangle, so it was worth the money for the entertainment, but for all the promise that the different panels and wrappy bits and pointy hem promised, it was disappointingly symmetrical and makes me look like a squat tube.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_aN51ATnWqKHGzjD4kw9-KmGaLWDZFANpeJ5xq0xsK3PrkahMR5J1Ropmy7__ZhbMBOaYNohx-ae44lNWsr3JQAeLMJEiniUtmkk9FKaYO2OnaLLNfJb7nSzgCjH7Q8GE4NnblRlWeM/s1600/munro+american.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_aN51ATnWqKHGzjD4kw9-KmGaLWDZFANpeJ5xq0xsK3PrkahMR5J1Ropmy7__ZhbMBOaYNohx-ae44lNWsr3JQAeLMJEiniUtmkk9FKaYO2OnaLLNfJb7nSzgCjH7Q8GE4NnblRlWeM/s400/munro+american.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Munro American navy and brown flats $10 </div>
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More work shoes! The color scheme of these reminded me of my beloved <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/search/label/Naya%20Lightning" target="_blank">Naya Lightning boots</a>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8gpYoAJVN_FXfrZSsozRI1JamMb_rAYuZ-N25F_dvOKHZjUJbtuaLgwMoaMa6QD4C93CoFoGZghjHMZXmGYF5g8aBJFpGDt8l22NY3ZFrePMwr9ulisP6YULFEnHY8FjjS7tM0q3dqk/s1600/naya+lightning+boot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8gpYoAJVN_FXfrZSsozRI1JamMb_rAYuZ-N25F_dvOKHZjUJbtuaLgwMoaMa6QD4C93CoFoGZghjHMZXmGYF5g8aBJFpGDt8l22NY3ZFrePMwr9ulisP6YULFEnHY8FjjS7tM0q3dqk/s400/naya+lightning+boot.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
...whose heels are not suitable for scootering to and fro and standing all day at a desk.<br />
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<b>Stop 2: ARF (pet benefit thrift shop)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfBlICtGBF-vwOD3PNv8-GojT9NJZeFt-gl9v5y542S_IQBG9j3vOMQOd_heVOb3cWtqWu5Azmqmkcwg1pVVIzxxEmgZAGQ1qAWk_ohHU_JNfU-GLtr0hCJ81RtDsyY3zvU92Go5o-kc/s1600/tahari+crop+cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfBlICtGBF-vwOD3PNv8-GojT9NJZeFt-gl9v5y542S_IQBG9j3vOMQOd_heVOb3cWtqWu5Azmqmkcwg1pVVIzxxEmgZAGQ1qAWk_ohHU_JNfU-GLtr0hCJ81RtDsyY3zvU92Go5o-kc/s400/tahari+crop+cardigan.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Tahari silk and cotton cropped cardigan $2.50</div>
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I call the color Dusty Burga-roon. Pictured here with my <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2013/05/call-me-ishmael.html" target="_blank">skunkfunk skirt</a> I can never get to go with anything for love or money. I'm playing with color triads now. (No, not Triads.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK67Xye9FtUlfjjVy8zlSAExfUzsnjkI8uboLdeV1J5-sYm_PwNswW7dJta0sA2v-oIGozmdgcPoQ7PPM0ZScNOmYjOst00NXsH4n6rD6P09VZi55UF2aOGrtpXYqTWVRkVWL0IgGEByo/s1600/NYDJ+straight+leg+jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK67Xye9FtUlfjjVy8zlSAExfUzsnjkI8uboLdeV1J5-sYm_PwNswW7dJta0sA2v-oIGozmdgcPoQ7PPM0ZScNOmYjOst00NXsH4n6rD6P09VZi55UF2aOGrtpXYqTWVRkVWL0IgGEByo/s400/NYDJ+straight+leg+jeans.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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NYDJ straight leg cut, $2.50 each</div>
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I'm trying more straight leg jeans to see if they don't make me look unhappy sausage-like in the way that skinny jeans do. I don't know what to call the color of the pair on the left other than Lake Bottom. Not romantic-sounding, but a cool slightly unusual dark neutral to try with things. I want a set of Pantone color chips like Anne of <a href="http://spygirl-amb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Spy Girl</a> has so I can know the names of all of these new colors I'm adding to the wardrobe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbMDRefEU172YOPznSQH-eswp2cllB5AL8GlP_ZTDUcLZUKPFQrBC1HnBKpnvswa9vALHxCtyS02VaKXwPn4JzyC_iPDBUHNM3nmNdC8lt24cUsE9cY17oTJ3jVb2GCGirVvACZi2yzM/s1600/akdmcs+capris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbMDRefEU172YOPznSQH-eswp2cllB5AL8GlP_ZTDUcLZUKPFQrBC1HnBKpnvswa9vALHxCtyS02VaKXwPn4JzyC_iPDBUHNM3nmNdC8lt24cUsE9cY17oTJ3jVb2GCGirVvACZi2yzM/s400/akdmcs+capris.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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akdmcs capris $1.50</div>
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Never thought I'd buy capris, but herringbone denim, embroidery, and cool snaps and zippers are enough to sell me on anything, apparently! I also live in an environment in which I would not freeze the lower half of my calves off wearing them, so now's the time to experiment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhyR7Jm6aAjcep_YKQa4FJ-9R-Z3YdSPP_iMFOrCqDfWkECw1biBMUBKgPePUJ7L-oVMeqO7-KAbo2tiScz6w74F0Qk9i6b4NxgmhL82tNu3CZxO9YD9fFyA8uqw5mwpwmb1pR4sWwTE/s1600/motherhood+maternity+shrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhyR7Jm6aAjcep_YKQa4FJ-9R-Z3YdSPP_iMFOrCqDfWkECw1biBMUBKgPePUJ7L-oVMeqO7-KAbo2tiScz6w74F0Qk9i6b4NxgmhL82tNu3CZxO9YD9fFyA8uqw5mwpwmb1pR4sWwTE/s400/motherhood+maternity+shrug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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motherhood maternity navy shrug $2.50</div>
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I was just talking about looking for one of these in my last post, and I found one not long after! It's not my first piece of maternity clothing, though I don't know what's maternity about a shrug. I guess it's like a plus size brand making scarves. Why not make it a one-stop shop for your demographic?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0T0btQL0so_rY1y85QChyphenhypheneqw06-VEzD19N8h2vlfxuiPRwG3NGjStUKha5CiucZxBcR7R9MN7cAtwV-npFlXwBspWwj8dSZjf7Cu-_cSy5damHddU3pYXrX0xg5qhjCx_7rJYnFAtbE/s1600/mododoc+tee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0T0btQL0so_rY1y85QChyphenhypheneqw06-VEzD19N8h2vlfxuiPRwG3NGjStUKha5CiucZxBcR7R9MN7cAtwV-npFlXwBspWwj8dSZjf7Cu-_cSy5damHddU3pYXrX0xg5qhjCx_7rJYnFAtbE/s400/mododoc+tee.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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mod-o-doc striped v-neck $2.50</div>
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Way out of my comfort zone. Stripes?! Bright colors? No blue? I want this to go with something deep green. The same deep green that I've been looking for in thrift stores for months.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjmJuNQ5IZ-bn1_L2iBvWQRE6iHG9yoed7u8PjefpIS7ImiE3KY-mBNaOdqlqp1xWXNlf8bgAK9uvWfkDzw-cu8HGspyaCRmTnGkDiJwKX7I56fg2FEkj-6mphZXK7ToNn6a4h9GexQs/s1600/IMG_4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjmJuNQ5IZ-bn1_L2iBvWQRE6iHG9yoed7u8PjefpIS7ImiE3KY-mBNaOdqlqp1xWXNlf8bgAK9uvWfkDzw-cu8HGspyaCRmTnGkDiJwKX7I56fg2FEkj-6mphZXK7ToNn6a4h9GexQs/s400/IMG_4459.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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White silk hair clip $1</div>
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This bow is half the size of my face. I love that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzEs8l2qHJZbxHL8_zXSvoD0P-7jU74dSviRwU5KEiteXA7IEiNOTAhyOoQ2lqO02QPOR0vvb8ooleFIL40qqwOmqeBwOeK7Nw1oqzM1wU3oKAEcyrtuW88SgaxHLT2TEomcMKkiBo3U/s1600/IMG_4462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzEs8l2qHJZbxHL8_zXSvoD0P-7jU74dSviRwU5KEiteXA7IEiNOTAhyOoQ2lqO02QPOR0vvb8ooleFIL40qqwOmqeBwOeK7Nw1oqzM1wU3oKAEcyrtuW88SgaxHLT2TEomcMKkiBo3U/s400/IMG_4462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Trinkets for my front windowsill $2 each</div>
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These two actually came from the Goodwill and Salvation Army. Favourite Joe says the textured glass globe on the left is Pluto. My apartment has a large window looking out on the porch and courtyard, so I've put some pretty things on it to catch the afternoon light.</div>
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COUPC3rUsAAOORf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COUPC3rUsAAOORf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Total spent on clothes in September comes to a little over $30! Hooray for making budget!</div>
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Man, this post got long. I thrift a lot. I think I will break my round-ups into two from now on.</div>
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* This isn't enthusiasm. This is inner screaming.Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-73031331545203114422015-10-11T21:30:00.001-07:002015-10-11T22:29:23.023-07:00Coming Up Long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Go go gadget A-line! More summer dresses from the land of photos past! This is another of those rare good fits through chest and waist that means I'll be holding onto this forever. The secret is to be a quarter spandex and elastic around the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWkc199fSHf9y6nNEN0LMsiJzhOeG9NquRkCzosOOTelDZBRWfTRKpgdh7gLxHVR-CF-PvCsR8ZPfqwGseZVPTv3kngnDoK0ne9I80ZC9C0EBJopUhZmyKR6VvkfSh41LMBILsuNoyDU/s1600/charlotte+russe+a-line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWkc199fSHf9y6nNEN0LMsiJzhOeG9NquRkCzosOOTelDZBRWfTRKpgdh7gLxHVR-CF-PvCsR8ZPfqwGseZVPTv3kngnDoK0ne9I80ZC9C0EBJopUhZmyKR6VvkfSh41LMBILsuNoyDU/s400/charlotte+russe+a-line.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I eschew white everywhere but socks and <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2013/05/style-imitating-art-illumination.html" target="_blank">cool summer things</a>, evidently.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vnGnFCBdEx-BHV2g6ajJpwRZqgx0j6muUkWoeMZlq4FnTmMF88bbP7B-ffryrX0Mnaw7xsEuh6JmObCT3Co9NGNl8j6zcv-mpJ5w2b6I-EktYmpVZVw9_x2HVyo7YxGPXlEW7hl4B_w/s1600/flowered+summer+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vnGnFCBdEx-BHV2g6ajJpwRZqgx0j6muUkWoeMZlq4FnTmMF88bbP7B-ffryrX0Mnaw7xsEuh6JmObCT3Co9NGNl8j6zcv-mpJ5w2b6I-EktYmpVZVw9_x2HVyo7YxGPXlEW7hl4B_w/s400/flowered+summer+dress.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Dress: RŨBY (thrifted)</div>
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Cropped cardigan: bp (thrifted)</div>
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Shoes: Rieker anti-stress (thrifted)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4esIo7B2X8gm6ptMneash1a9No3Q8p34A5BTJ76RZRwbqrGRGeY_86THWIaNuPKZ05vGIOIBuaJMyvkhYR8wnRY0MBZcj-Of1CyFyDmUFVKDKAUDeIUzPOJLkQ1D4_XcgV0cv-ioPDsw/s1600/rose+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4esIo7B2X8gm6ptMneash1a9No3Q8p34A5BTJ76RZRwbqrGRGeY_86THWIaNuPKZ05vGIOIBuaJMyvkhYR8wnRY0MBZcj-Of1CyFyDmUFVKDKAUDeIUzPOJLkQ1D4_XcgV0cv-ioPDsw/s400/rose+dress.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
The tag says RŨBY, but I think it is Charlotte Russe because the care tag has the number 101331 on it, and that's the RN for that retailer. Also: made in USA! Double cool points!<br />
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My summer dresses flare out at my natural waist, while my trousers are mid to low rise, so that means my massive jacket collection is of no use because they are all too long. Argh! Maybe I should start <a href="http://bagandaberet.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-celebration-of-consumption.html" target="_blank">chopping the bottoms off of them</a> like Mel of Bag and a Beret.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U43qlq9eKcwBCsEQ74PY6Qqj5GWcXO5Zn2tUHPfOvyZl_vckSiM6kAdXMaIkRXcWn3tELLobrURdSLaMilAIvco7WVZL7EVgwb4WkQux3Glb6oThsn_UJYhLQwGq_TwxAPuX-E6G5_c/s1600/ruby+dress+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U43qlq9eKcwBCsEQ74PY6Qqj5GWcXO5Zn2tUHPfOvyZl_vckSiM6kAdXMaIkRXcWn3tELLobrURdSLaMilAIvco7WVZL7EVgwb4WkQux3Glb6oThsn_UJYhLQwGq_TwxAPuX-E6G5_c/s320/ruby+dress+pattern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This dress wants a cropped sweater or jacket and some shoes in a deep saturated color to set off the flowers and white fabric, I think. I've been looking for deep green, red, and blue things for some time and they're so hard to find!<br />
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Have jewel tones been on the outs for several years? Do people who wear jewel tones choose their items carefully and never donate them? Are there a bunch of mid-30s Asian women out there snatching them all up in the thrift stores before I get there? If so, can I hang out with them and swap clothes?<br />
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It doesn't help that a lot of shrugs I see sold online are so short they look like a pair of sleeves sewn together in the back so you don't lose one. Anybody have any suggestions on where to look? (Update: I found a navy one while thrifting! September thrifting round-up possibly next post. Suggestions still welcomed.)Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-75238715680520138222015-10-06T22:41:00.002-07:002015-10-11T22:29:37.157-07:00Cheat Codes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Old post! Had these pics for a while, then entered a period of four weeks in which I hadn't enough energy to cook, clean, or even eat regularly. I must be feeling better because now I'm overwhelmingly pissed off at the shambles my life is. Dr. appt. on Thursday. Onward!</div>
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The recent months of warm weather plus scooting to and from the train station have left me looking for things that are office friendly, cool, don't show wet patches, and are machine washable.</div>
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Enter dresses: the cheat code of the lady wardrobe!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2AWWgbVPZSMAUn8mp7cVH2euAoz5woOx3TEJj1E8UyRrcrAzZZ_uD86kVafpQV4iKmNnlCLDUw6URYwwzze-T_i4tx8SN2dyw-raEkgsb5lmWfbICJl5na6VRdrpavArHz2T6_OTuiI/s1600/long+cloak+hoodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2AWWgbVPZSMAUn8mp7cVH2euAoz5woOx3TEJj1E8UyRrcrAzZZ_uD86kVafpQV4iKmNnlCLDUw6URYwwzze-T_i4tx8SN2dyw-raEkgsb5lmWfbICJl5na6VRdrpavArHz2T6_OTuiI/s400/long+cloak+hoodie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Long cloak hoodie: Prairie Underground (online)</div>
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Dayflower lace dress: Maeve (thrifted)</div>
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Necklace: Betsey Johnson (TJ Maxx)</div>
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Shoes: Rieker Anti-stress (thrifted)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHGarS4jZSqSB4JJnSzfBvQNnlgC-taePj631SDJqKobnDPUhKKtQ1oKM7fQZSwo3phzkx5TS0uTsep2dzyW93zXnzZ85KTCUWpuFCoDEMy6_nLNfm4GgbuxJ3KzYR3v_E6d-16OBN8g/s1600/maeve+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHGarS4jZSqSB4JJnSzfBvQNnlgC-taePj631SDJqKobnDPUhKKtQ1oKM7fQZSwo3phzkx5TS0uTsep2dzyW93zXnzZ85KTCUWpuFCoDEMy6_nLNfm4GgbuxJ3KzYR3v_E6d-16OBN8g/s400/maeve+dress.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I've been 10 years in the Bay Area, and it's the first time I've lived someplace warm enough to deploy these. As for why I owned sundresses while living in the land of Never-Summer, I have as much clue as you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINhpbGlOGAaAMVB32vpG5_7d1gzZMOKeimtSiVkzS3opqdEtcbS0v-WWf3mOZWr3i_xLaVI1GICvLz0VuaRRpruTlGZH5FzIeksGEKTXiq5Yq9Vpx_7IWLQpaj4izN_WRQV1AWOL4E3c/s1600/betsey+johnson+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINhpbGlOGAaAMVB32vpG5_7d1gzZMOKeimtSiVkzS3opqdEtcbS0v-WWf3mOZWr3i_xLaVI1GICvLz0VuaRRpruTlGZH5FzIeksGEKTXiq5Yq9Vpx_7IWLQpaj4izN_WRQV1AWOL4E3c/s320/betsey+johnson+necklace.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I discovered a thrift shop a few miles down the road that benefits the peninsula SPCA and Humane Society. It's packed and labyrinthine, with a middle-aged to elderly customer base, so they have interesting furniture, some vintage hats, and housewares.</div>
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I didn't expect to find much in clothing, but this pretty dress was hanging prominently on a wire rack just beyond the tight squeeze through the furniture and picture frames. The color is paler than I prefer, but its modern stretchy material means my shoulders and chest comfortably fit into the same garment as my waist. FTW!</div>
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I really like the look of lace over a solid color. I'm tempted to see if putting a layer of dark material under the lace cutout would look all right, because I want to show it off more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0Ub9BGj7qbFbWal2q9q8-1VY8g2xVDRkf_QsbCfyqJ5rXb2zHbUIOPALt_Px7-PVBGr1HqtDwv3C-zbpSyR83wTkCxGDAq-fYFeLfiEtnV9j-PIXOcAQ0QlS27oXt33had14Dlhsnvc/s1600/maeve+lace+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0Ub9BGj7qbFbWal2q9q8-1VY8g2xVDRkf_QsbCfyqJ5rXb2zHbUIOPALt_Px7-PVBGr1HqtDwv3C-zbpSyR83wTkCxGDAq-fYFeLfiEtnV9j-PIXOcAQ0QlS27oXt33had14Dlhsnvc/s320/maeve+lace+dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also found some True Religion jeans of a mysterious color there:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNa4LrgfGHGnueaTb_DHsuBxLP9w2C5OvKZak4uNrsnebknWHta_IWAKroJ0K6KHdONH1A7WbRgEelcDjmFq9SEHTf8gC6hkwJRXCWfzyPxq-NSuLDViqWq-KtXt8ZiuRG76EtDK-aB2M/s1600/true+religion+jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNa4LrgfGHGnueaTb_DHsuBxLP9w2C5OvKZak4uNrsnebknWHta_IWAKroJ0K6KHdONH1A7WbRgEelcDjmFq9SEHTf8gC6hkwJRXCWfzyPxq-NSuLDViqWq-KtXt8ZiuRG76EtDK-aB2M/s320/true+religion+jeans.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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You may notice in a string of seasonal pictures that my hair is sticking up a lot. I've given up on using product to tame it because by the time I get to the train, the exercise has made it all moot, anyway. Honestly it's been so warm this summer I'm tempted to bring a change of clothes and shower again when I get to the office (there is a gym in the office park.)</div>
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I've been wearing a lot of hats this week, and it turns out that some of the folks in the office *love* hats. I am going to try to recruit them into going to the next Goorin Bros. sample sale. That's about it from me. Tired all the damn time. Don't like how the photos are turning out on my porch.</div>
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Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-56346152983430028292015-09-07T08:00:00.000-07:002015-09-07T21:52:34.854-07:00Casual Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's Casual Friday! (Well, it was Casual Friday)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ihpM9kyDv1RlicfF7HTKRu3RZEtodc5tGB2KFxpZK_RcCZXLWdyZNPEtoIV2cDMvRwKxFxRf7SiwHDzUhDxHKgI9mp_L3r3fn8ojPhLUO5cmws0chqkLCDUOjZtLs52mj7Cbf1s2Ukk/s1600/elephant+polo+polo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ihpM9kyDv1RlicfF7HTKRu3RZEtodc5tGB2KFxpZK_RcCZXLWdyZNPEtoIV2cDMvRwKxFxRf7SiwHDzUhDxHKgI9mp_L3r3fn8ojPhLUO5cmws0chqkLCDUOjZtLs52mj7Cbf1s2Ukk/s400/elephant+polo+polo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Parham Elephant Polo shirt: Joules (thrifted)</div>
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Shorts: nicole by nicole miller (thrifted)</div>
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Socks: Ichiban-kan</div>
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Shoes: New Balance</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_412O4C0dqhxht6-zsSGUrURQA0VAcWumMGqik6mKNDvlN-iVTrCakETWQwy4FMBarWwD7YyVxwgPdYMQlbcaRvf7ImeQHcusrFsmXKOP_LNqeAZjQBXOWcvUPAlQzgX3Fn17pU2Bg8/s1600/elephant+polo+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_412O4C0dqhxht6-zsSGUrURQA0VAcWumMGqik6mKNDvlN-iVTrCakETWQwy4FMBarWwD7YyVxwgPdYMQlbcaRvf7ImeQHcusrFsmXKOP_LNqeAZjQBXOWcvUPAlQzgX3Fn17pU2Bg8/s400/elephant+polo+back.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
On Fridays, there is a noontime walk/jog around the office park. We get points for participating that we can redeem for company swag. It's one of the activities of the company culture I appreciate. I work with some cool people and I like that we're encouraged to socialize.<br />
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Most days I scoot to and from work carrying workout clothes and running shoes, and on alternate Fridays I carry more because I take the train straight to Favourite Joe's part of the Bay. I thought I'd try a Casual Friday outfit to cut down on luggage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuyUbMDTuBWNBgDO4GYEavZ65p2tF2DbCMOuNtpP-vXKpQhe2WB0PlPPN8m2n-IwzMXJlO_qKZvhtQ3I_PFI3YTFS8DYNEpaw3XHFDjsyOu8BMDHf44MUNZ2aXo-ut83vDQErTUeL-UY/s1600/joules+number.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuyUbMDTuBWNBgDO4GYEavZ65p2tF2DbCMOuNtpP-vXKpQhe2WB0PlPPN8m2n-IwzMXJlO_qKZvhtQ3I_PFI3YTFS8DYNEpaw3XHFDjsyOu8BMDHf44MUNZ2aXo-ut83vDQErTUeL-UY/s200/joules+number.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms4ZkPRlTw2VgmMqoiW8HgaEqokyGNIJEZtvgxPe5uPE3DdEIHddPhP-1j2mhMI1-OsHkvhnU38XHQeBU0GhBM3ferC-8dgbrkEsmeoFvxXL_Z7L98fRlJANTrEMzyxb-saVRAMW9rdA/s1600/joules+patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms4ZkPRlTw2VgmMqoiW8HgaEqokyGNIJEZtvgxPe5uPE3DdEIHddPhP-1j2mhMI1-OsHkvhnU38XHQeBU0GhBM3ferC-8dgbrkEsmeoFvxXL_Z7L98fRlJANTrEMzyxb-saVRAMW9rdA/s200/joules+patch.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
There are so many cool details to this shirt! It might not show up in photos, but the fabric is very heavy. All of the stripes and patches are also thick fabric sewn solidly on, giving the feeling that this shirt really would withstand a fall off a horse. I have always been drawn to patches, and while I hesitated to buy a polo shirt (I wore them all through high school and I've been biased against them ever since) I was sold.<br />
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This polo shirt came up in the mens' part of the store when I was thrift shopping with a friend for his new wardrobe. I'd really hoped it would be either his or Favourite Joe's size, but it's clearly a lady shirt. I found a picture on the Internet:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREjCh_O1geKHcekSGAw0r_Prp1BuhRgn10T4N5tCnOQXAawKgQPbHrFSyDhyphenhyphennuaQ-BB5fLoIzPclkx6NJsv_AQqIWkSTdMpEw4croXFvwSSiHLEA0De6ms2vX5oSoSS9ZQxlj-tX4jWw/s1600/joulesparham1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREjCh_O1geKHcekSGAw0r_Prp1BuhRgn10T4N5tCnOQXAawKgQPbHrFSyDhyphenhyphennuaQ-BB5fLoIzPclkx6NJsv_AQqIWkSTdMpEw4croXFvwSSiHLEA0De6ms2vX5oSoSS9ZQxlj-tX4jWw/s320/joulesparham1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shirt is clearly pinned in the back on the model. Blah.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7om79jBRr4B15oOVoK-s70wrQv38Xp2EmIEx_cHrBedSYeg5wGtCHqL7-OFBPLBmrGk5-rxaXERyhj71TcIuhvs4HxavaG2tk4a2yoirdUGHaYfoW-UszmmTCFta-17D-mneT9mr62c/s1600/shorts+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7om79jBRr4B15oOVoK-s70wrQv38Xp2EmIEx_cHrBedSYeg5wGtCHqL7-OFBPLBmrGk5-rxaXERyhj71TcIuhvs4HxavaG2tk4a2yoirdUGHaYfoW-UszmmTCFta-17D-mneT9mr62c/s320/shorts+detail.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I dig the psuedo-laces on the sides of these shorts. They were a great find after a long exasperated attempt to find shorts that weren't either of these two styles:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_1kPhhqjOM7Ial7IReb9mNzQCM3qqAHJhdC93Kd5iU1PWz3isdmxqBZxMLvaZ4eCU27HhjNU8aN7cHAXvJCw5_cQyhm93oG3QA5fYAWtqrAB5hjMf6iaHP4z93bG3lrqTUX_PiHrAX8/s1600/Screen+Shot+09-04-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_1kPhhqjOM7Ial7IReb9mNzQCM3qqAHJhdC93Kd5iU1PWz3isdmxqBZxMLvaZ4eCU27HhjNU8aN7cHAXvJCw5_cQyhm93oG3QA5fYAWtqrAB5hjMf6iaHP4z93bG3lrqTUX_PiHrAX8/s200/Screen+Shot+09-04-15.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV2tT5mIAkDmF7XMPNJSw_QUgE7JhMDBQBx04NRLhtMEJs7-ULtZbGHk03LbvApEYIr6uJ5LB-Y3gDOMun0VKtDq40eZtNXgMkhZyzMMasOyjwkmFzf36uNXCF-NoEkTCRIvDWrIviy0/s1600/Screen+Shot+09-04-15+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV2tT5mIAkDmF7XMPNJSw_QUgE7JhMDBQBx04NRLhtMEJs7-ULtZbGHk03LbvApEYIr6uJ5LB-Y3gDOMun0VKtDq40eZtNXgMkhZyzMMasOyjwkmFzf36uNXCF-NoEkTCRIvDWrIviy0/s200/Screen+Shot+09-04-15+a.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
Srsly, I have a great relationship with my legs, but I <i>am</i> interested in garments that cover part of them. Just not to the degree that those denim theatre curtains are offering to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-mT8Zlki-axd6VG2yyvAYcuGShRHutU96pVGrgHftVtyIvDTA-A-aW1pmq32Wo51nIKbJXZUokWnuiaQWzT8Cqz2NowEeCGiDQFJsJYFfQvkrCK-xjgAo4cAGeYhwWVptfyliaiKyaQ/s1600/argyle+ankle+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-mT8Zlki-axd6VG2yyvAYcuGShRHutU96pVGrgHftVtyIvDTA-A-aW1pmq32Wo51nIKbJXZUokWnuiaQWzT8Cqz2NowEeCGiDQFJsJYFfQvkrCK-xjgAo4cAGeYhwWVptfyliaiKyaQ/s320/argyle+ankle+socks.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret extra preppy with argyle ankle socks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I enjoy branching out and trying different styles, but at the heart of it, shorts, running shoes, and a tank top or t-shirt is the most natural state of the human Aya. If I didn't love playing in my big closet, it would definitely be those things every day for the rest of my life.<br />
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Lastly! Thanks so much for your comments (or not commenting, whichever. thanks for checking out the blog) about my stuff that doesn't work. I buy things that I think look cool, and that feel good when I'm wearing them, but my photos give me a pulled-back look that I don't get even in a full length mirror. I put up outfits made out of borderline items because I need another perspective to decide.<br />
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The personal style blogger community is a great positive community, but positive doesn't mean you need to avoid being honest. I really appreciate the feedback (and consigned both shirts in the last post to the donation bin.) Cheers!Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-14229979575852088352015-08-18T22:16:00.001-07:002015-08-18T22:24:01.641-07:00Waist Not, Want Not?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Trying a layered look with this altered crop top and Diesel tunic to see if they can work before I send 'em to the donation bin:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_SVgaDwSLATkoG8orjCDvi3eRLqGMysLWeRUsvG2xzDiMGRkrb8Q94ulfOODjT3mjK0JJiKg8gZlH4O9TXaG39HoRpNRyewGhINUb8J8B0_-jWzvAb7FNdweHvRcxtk7dQA-R41bWMA/s1600/layered+punk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_SVgaDwSLATkoG8orjCDvi3eRLqGMysLWeRUsvG2xzDiMGRkrb8Q94ulfOODjT3mjK0JJiKg8gZlH4O9TXaG39HoRpNRyewGhINUb8J8B0_-jWzvAb7FNdweHvRcxtk7dQA-R41bWMA/s400/layered+punk.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blue crop top: Treasure Rock (formerly tank top)</div>
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Grey tunic: Diesel (thrifted)</div>
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Skirt: Express (thrifted)</div>
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Boots: ALDO (thrifted)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaS9APMBWwkmtw8ZfBa5P3G1t8lFSzUA9bSOhyMWrAB3HrWJ-zfTeqzs1Z16PG-et-oyubXdWwn3ZkPLDvB9RZGIF9-D-8sQl2BaUSlaGE_yf4iILSNMOOmCqdCv2ydGP8mHBc5pODhk/s1600/layered+crop+top+over+tunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaS9APMBWwkmtw8ZfBa5P3G1t8lFSzUA9bSOhyMWrAB3HrWJ-zfTeqzs1Z16PG-et-oyubXdWwn3ZkPLDvB9RZGIF9-D-8sQl2BaUSlaGE_yf4iILSNMOOmCqdCv2ydGP8mHBc5pODhk/s400/layered+crop+top+over+tunic.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Some background: both tops are on the chopping block as I persevere in my Sisyphean task of pruning my closet.</div>
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The blue crop top was originally a Treasure Rock tank top. I wore it <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2013/06/treasure-rock-of-ages.html">one of my early blog posts</a>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xlmouT6b2S36v0v7x5h6ZfJrLoGI2W-XpvbaiQJD63NuSGc7W58IU0071TMtk8MfhDRxQOTMZF-4WNkeYsABAh2P_E9HzQUvCgfK2Fe7AQsUHbCuyxKSSDD49z2xDSZc2kZF5pQFxgY/s1600/treasure+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xlmouT6b2S36v0v7x5h6ZfJrLoGI2W-XpvbaiQJD63NuSGc7W58IU0071TMtk8MfhDRxQOTMZF-4WNkeYsABAh2P_E9HzQUvCgfK2Fe7AQsUHbCuyxKSSDD49z2xDSZc2kZF5pQFxgY/s1600/treasure+rock.jpg" /></a></div>
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I wasn't feeling it any more, but I really liked the embroidery, so I tried cutting the bottom off and using the fabric for sleeves. The sleeves worked great, but I cut off too much. I would have liked it if I'd kept the sleeves t-shirt length and left a few more inches on the shirt:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvJwihYJQeOXrDACdTtpu9hYQVhkuV0YXdiyXt5b3FzKYxDzGo0GK-WXrOHAMhsnhr2DVz0iY_Y1oXJnpMPSyXXeHD83fsshXlWqZAbwm1ZWwZi6dq-VMeaWS9AON_tvPJ-uyAW9OSeo/s1600/treasure+rock+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvJwihYJQeOXrDACdTtpu9hYQVhkuV0YXdiyXt5b3FzKYxDzGo0GK-WXrOHAMhsnhr2DVz0iY_Y1oXJnpMPSyXXeHD83fsshXlWqZAbwm1ZWwZi6dq-VMeaWS9AON_tvPJ-uyAW9OSeo/s320/treasure+rock+dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE0P0px98stq9WpsKKWMHc7N7SFMdOo8nAMFVEh_um08Cli_VkshRkYaXl93jRh1eOsdZSmSSSTZExiyLxBSjw4MPDogNvBCc1dHQPPdcQSPOPRiYI7h9SiN1ZwOltJ9BxqHs-hhkzek/s1600/treasure+rock+tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE0P0px98stq9WpsKKWMHc7N7SFMdOo8nAMFVEh_um08Cli_VkshRkYaXl93jRh1eOsdZSmSSSTZExiyLxBSjw4MPDogNvBCc1dHQPPdcQSPOPRiYI7h9SiN1ZwOltJ9BxqHs-hhkzek/s320/treasure+rock+tank.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Diesel tunic, thrifted because it has a sweet asymmetrical collar and these cute fabric buttons running down one strap, defies any attempts at comfortable wear. Its straps sit at different spots on the shoulders, meaning one bra strap is always showing. I have to pin it in place, seen here:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd12KdQMTyg9eWzSislYR-u_tsCbF9oYppVD7F0mowiG7S7C9QvsOVf4ArGGAWByjbqkGuOfy_lNYMp5ZuoO2MAM6slcV66on-PK8A8Mlk9vZrYGO7Pwa2LCj1EGg2ZpUDrxR_NNft2w/s1600/pin+bra+strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd12KdQMTyg9eWzSislYR-u_tsCbF9oYppVD7F0mowiG7S7C9QvsOVf4ArGGAWByjbqkGuOfy_lNYMp5ZuoO2MAM6slcV66on-PK8A8Mlk9vZrYGO7Pwa2LCj1EGg2ZpUDrxR_NNft2w/s320/pin+bra+strap.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The other problem is the cut, as with so many Diesel things, is for a mutant people who have no chest span, so it garrotes me under the arms. It fits at the waist, but the chest is so badly draped that it makes me look blocky, flat chested, and wide waisted:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQIHwa5ozE9h20M_AOqCY6PH6r5JZJ50rhaPUCwbrGBvAZa4piMJZEdqtMxr5cs_m03tow1HX4RhnunoZJ3rR5iagDJsTtVmulh6X4O2Xsq2R1ZTm7K21kKIZvF5KowbSMwYNWr5oNEI/s1600/grey+diesel+tunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQIHwa5ozE9h20M_AOqCY6PH6r5JZJ50rhaPUCwbrGBvAZa4piMJZEdqtMxr5cs_m03tow1HX4RhnunoZJ3rR5iagDJsTtVmulh6X4O2Xsq2R1ZTm7K21kKIZvF5KowbSMwYNWr5oNEI/s320/grey+diesel+tunic.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't help that I thought tunic meant skinny jeans, creating the look Underwear Over Sausages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Strategy: cover the problem Diesel neckline/underarm issue with the crop top and add a third block with the black skirt to anchor a long grey waist with blue above and black below. I think the crop top doesn't look too short this time.<br />
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Thoughts on the triple layer? Should I keep 'em or donate? Also I just noticed I'm wearing the same black skirt with the blue Treasure Rock shirt two years ago. Man, I gotta up my game. </div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-64651805553844976992015-08-11T23:16:00.000-07:002015-08-12T00:36:34.785-07:00Ruthful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been so warm! I haven't lived someplace warm in the Bay Area for 10 years. Also megadrought be messing with everything. Trying to adapt my style.</div>
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I got this taupe corduroy Ruth skirt taken in, and I'm trying to work out a top for it. The 6 buttons in front are a dusty violet. Hopefully it's cute without being too schoolgirl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONP-Lqca3nFyaieUxnm8bYEuO2ThAK22p5IBfxz5mSZx6nq-TpnAuZ93tEx3HKhpvGYYTxRdXQ5cRGV201ATQXqTFjoAH6CoAsFGzdzyutn0UMR8GtfQbTr3cWpy80zISwCnDGMzHFt8/s1600/ruth+button+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONP-Lqca3nFyaieUxnm8bYEuO2ThAK22p5IBfxz5mSZx6nq-TpnAuZ93tEx3HKhpvGYYTxRdXQ5cRGV201ATQXqTFjoAH6CoAsFGzdzyutn0UMR8GtfQbTr3cWpy80zISwCnDGMzHFt8/s400/ruth+button+skirt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top: Cop Copine (thrifted)</div>
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Skirt: Ruth (thrifted)</div>
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Shoes: Rieker Anti-Stress (thrifted)</div>
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Hat: Jeanne Simmons (Distractions on Haight)</div>
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Bib necklace: Betsey Johnson (TJ Maxx)<br />
Coat: Live a Little (thrifted)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXjPgeuTrHtY_gctwVHH1WvTrAQ1Vw6ee5I5Lcwj1GhCmjFSA4li5XuEfYprnvNpaK4zsS8vTXr_V3uXjjF7eeK-KTWoyGc7QZ63bcDMqje3500tHmIQdADg61z5_304lF4oEy5GJYtA/s1600/live+a+little+coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXjPgeuTrHtY_gctwVHH1WvTrAQ1Vw6ee5I5Lcwj1GhCmjFSA4li5XuEfYprnvNpaK4zsS8vTXr_V3uXjjF7eeK-KTWoyGc7QZ63bcDMqje3500tHmIQdADg61z5_304lF4oEy5GJYtA/s400/live+a+little+coat.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One thing that has expanded my wardrobe options is my sweet new ride. I lost my car in a flash flood last November; I moved my bicycle up here with my stuff in January, then it got stolen within a week.</div>
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No more wheels I cannot physically pick up and carry everywhere with me! This little scooter cuts my morning trip to the station in half and more importantly, lets me wear shoes I couldn't walk over a mile in.</div>
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People stop and watch me as I go past. Maybe they're wondering at a grown woman scooting by on a child's toy, but they are probably admiring my style. I am quite possibly the most fashionably hatted individual in all Millbrae.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSL7-m_-s8907hEuOJfw8c_UKQ7XjPwZHk0b7VpjqkIyD3KMlJWFcHo71vLnrEIG-eWVEbDXOLajdv5g14ElNg9z7gBm8WBqUwdq2_oekE8ioayKCz7cE3Ah3tm13CQOy3C_7QqtZz_w/s1600/betsey+johnson+bib+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSL7-m_-s8907hEuOJfw8c_UKQ7XjPwZHk0b7VpjqkIyD3KMlJWFcHo71vLnrEIG-eWVEbDXOLajdv5g14ElNg9z7gBm8WBqUwdq2_oekE8ioayKCz7cE3Ah3tm13CQOy3C_7QqtZz_w/s400/betsey+johnson+bib+necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This necklace is so bling. It dances right up to the edge of garish for me, and then stops and demands I love it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayuAfbBaZbgkG07_4I3TJ4pR5LwfA65Ba9z1AwnXk4EKj_Gtu3wXh_fXqMrv0gW2aZz327PQKa9xTe2NtxKdwhpkH01ZEvjnfoH9F3IK2tszLvtNHxmeO50Rczc5xuCJbp2deW_nWCqY/s1600/Screen+Shot+08-11-15+at+09.32+PM.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayuAfbBaZbgkG07_4I3TJ4pR5LwfA65Ba9z1AwnXk4EKj_Gtu3wXh_fXqMrv0gW2aZz327PQKa9xTe2NtxKdwhpkH01ZEvjnfoH9F3IK2tszLvtNHxmeO50Rczc5xuCJbp2deW_nWCqY/s320/Screen+Shot+08-11-15+at+09.32+PM.PNG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq5CPg1VOnXPS7Fr7EQuPASZ5RJv-19-QNzLls8cj54gJPCJUZ1qrN9pnjTQmyaJYqaMGjfzs4S2Slm4VQz1ZYCKhMGWtqnnHtPxlASemzExMFZpiHANl3hvncIC5igYM264KuSwsWDk/s1600/rieker+mirjam+57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq5CPg1VOnXPS7Fr7EQuPASZ5RJv-19-QNzLls8cj54gJPCJUZ1qrN9pnjTQmyaJYqaMGjfzs4S2Slm4VQz1ZYCKhMGWtqnnHtPxlASemzExMFZpiHANl3hvncIC5igYM264KuSwsWDk/s320/rieker+mirjam+57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-30564208978254563222015-08-10T22:59:00.000-07:002015-10-11T22:30:47.294-07:00Out for Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do I look unusually florid here? I'm either tanning during my morning scoots to the train station or I need to learn color balance in PS. Or paint that wall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWNrC2ewVieDdGia3-IDbwRE2OI6b-2wH9V230lmi54_m5MtB8mhZ1gGZHvC2DuD1YOlHbs93cMSUl7gCffeSYVjWzCzXbHwj7aSl6Nae6qXDRHnrMX5xvhQcghG4vNaalRvD2DVqIGI/s1600/forever+21+kimono+shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWNrC2ewVieDdGia3-IDbwRE2OI6b-2wH9V230lmi54_m5MtB8mhZ1gGZHvC2DuD1YOlHbs93cMSUl7gCffeSYVjWzCzXbHwj7aSl6Nae6qXDRHnrMX5xvhQcghG4vNaalRvD2DVqIGI/s400/forever+21+kimono+shell.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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wait, I figured it out:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7esJOnnCnOBzUAb-hkoj0S5tncG9G8hNYW5lq0AAS9_SHRUd85eFNZBBsPmhUK0bRc73NTp5jJAPEgHfAaZWH33Wu94BHv88vCwQ5RKkN2PeMByFXizilQ4H9lmxf-zaNrV6w8EZXY8/s1600/forever+21+kimono+shell+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7esJOnnCnOBzUAb-hkoj0S5tncG9G8hNYW5lq0AAS9_SHRUd85eFNZBBsPmhUK0bRc73NTp5jJAPEgHfAaZWH33Wu94BHv88vCwQ5RKkN2PeMByFXizilQ4H9lmxf-zaNrV6w8EZXY8/s400/forever+21+kimono+shell+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pro!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kimono shirt shell: Forever 21 (thrifted)</div>
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Jeans: 7 for all Mankind (gift from brother)</div>
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Platforms: Candie's (thrifted)</div>
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Necklace: family crest (inherited)</div>
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Damascene bracelet: eBay<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn0Ev80XFOqYRoZ0EUVxma6DJ2chPzKv1BO-kRIAOSVL4eY5YJff07N-Wcg8GQS28oLBIblB6f8nGkNfQENffVNtj9KNnWC-p6DyzpF2zQLTIMjIdGmEX8hvvrqXU-1Vc_OMl2PHySdw/s1600/japanese+inspired+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn0Ev80XFOqYRoZ0EUVxma6DJ2chPzKv1BO-kRIAOSVL4eY5YJff07N-Wcg8GQS28oLBIblB6f8nGkNfQENffVNtj9KNnWC-p6DyzpF2zQLTIMjIdGmEX8hvvrqXU-1Vc_OMl2PHySdw/s400/japanese+inspired+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Stepped out for dinner with a dear friend I hadn't seen since I moved back up. Finally wore the shirt shell I <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-weekend-of-san-franthriftco.html" target="_blank">thrifted last year</a> when I was visiting for one of Favourite Joe's shows. There's a lot of yellow and bright teal in it, so I was unable to figure out an underlayer until I bought this goldenrod tank top I posted about last month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDwtJak_FhHWFWEj2ISObj-mybpqvTHhf1CLhspW391mUqkH_p6VsXdp5e0XqRUV7QuNg5T47onJ8_bNtIzckLM3eNwIxE1vjXR2iXbgQHX5ad2D16FMdp7JnTECQ9cYK84nnlmGRMqk/s1600/japanese+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDwtJak_FhHWFWEj2ISObj-mybpqvTHhf1CLhspW391mUqkH_p6VsXdp5e0XqRUV7QuNg5T47onJ8_bNtIzckLM3eNwIxE1vjXR2iXbgQHX5ad2D16FMdp7JnTECQ9cYK84nnlmGRMqk/s320/japanese+jewelry.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This whole 'color' thing is opening up all sorts of new frontiers!<br />
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Good to see this outfit looks nice and not over-the-top "HI DID I MENTION MY ANCESTORS CAME FROM JAPAN"Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-40630854251018163532015-07-29T20:21:00.001-07:002015-07-30T21:16:53.166-07:00Professional Steampunk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think this outfit turned out well!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzw8oqO8Mo8spve7bbGXYv3wNZsa7O34xu-0BiDejcQZSsqVhrYsEn_ELQ40GIY4ZMo5gERuMFTnpyHo9_kTOD2oyt4iNBJAvApijIZ4_nRduUgTYL1VzAUieF9jTH6RgUZkCBkZEDyM/s1600/Charlotte+Russe+crop+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzw8oqO8Mo8spve7bbGXYv3wNZsa7O34xu-0BiDejcQZSsqVhrYsEn_ELQ40GIY4ZMo5gERuMFTnpyHo9_kTOD2oyt4iNBJAvApijIZ4_nRduUgTYL1VzAUieF9jTH6RgUZkCBkZEDyM/s400/Charlotte+Russe+crop+jacket.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5kRfgkbV6fTXorbYVaQ30iuz41NPUpfw694Id97QTo8DxohPs4hdwWFT8-Ns8ey5GmZqzQ6-LTokuFoABA2wapkdN0R_LOpMd06vK1LoN9OOnlMzcCng9i4a2b6tg8RwHsPNYqj6jio/s1600/prairie+hoodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5kRfgkbV6fTXorbYVaQ30iuz41NPUpfw694Id97QTo8DxohPs4hdwWFT8-Ns8ey5GmZqzQ6-LTokuFoABA2wapkdN0R_LOpMd06vK1LoN9OOnlMzcCng9i4a2b6tg8RwHsPNYqj6jio/s400/prairie+hoodie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Folk Hoodie: Prairie Underground (eBay)</div>
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Necklace: family crest (family reunion)</div>
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Tank top: Theory (thrifted)</div>
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Crop blazer: Charlotte Russe (thrifted)</div>
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Pinstripe pants: Banana Republic (thrifted)</div>
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Shoes: Aravon (zappos)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR4uSKqHV04_cW4I0CMqbzZn2Hrq1pLANOrldN-2hWTTeoAr8BTA2EH1YVgTmFwXs5cgBdyCs8LjoMWEXPlbdC7aajFUCQKJImPHMOpjv9vj69H81boZ6kTtgkCvCwHU5rKLg3B5LimE/s1600/blazer+and+pinstripes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR4uSKqHV04_cW4I0CMqbzZn2Hrq1pLANOrldN-2hWTTeoAr8BTA2EH1YVgTmFwXs5cgBdyCs8LjoMWEXPlbdC7aajFUCQKJImPHMOpjv9vj69H81boZ6kTtgkCvCwHU5rKLg3B5LimE/s400/blazer+and+pinstripes.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I've been trying to thrift colors I find too bright or unflattering on their own, so I can mix them. I've internalized that a color that doesn't look good against my face can be balanced and complemented.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv3JpkGpuzaRcQxyfKkWLAJCEth4g2ncwzAZcKgr2m0rq7AMX2FOpFZERv9zs09OOAuKVktTs9EmiEH0_LVXP-w59RA1ZWnt1EA-IwhUlXCQ6cDWOBi2EQ1VxL6vtGP0Qaa41ybNqKhU/s1600/taketa+family+crest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv3JpkGpuzaRcQxyfKkWLAJCEth4g2ncwzAZcKgr2m0rq7AMX2FOpFZERv9zs09OOAuKVktTs9EmiEH0_LVXP-w59RA1ZWnt1EA-IwhUlXCQ6cDWOBi2EQ1VxL6vtGP0Qaa41ybNqKhU/s320/taketa+family+crest.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My friend asked me to take him thrift shopping for a new color palette "because [I] am the goddess of that" (hee!) and told me about color theory. We found <a href="http://www.sessions.edu/color-calculator" target="_blank">this website</a> and after watching him mix colors for an afternoon, I was raring to give it a go.</div>
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I think this fuchsia breathes warmth into the navy blue and grey. I found this Charlotte Russe cropped grey blazer recently, and it has charming tiny buttons all down the front and on the sleeves. I combined it with pinstripes and a brass-colored necklace with rivets for a hint of Steampunk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqWB2h3hgqODd6Q5vRxhmXSjy09iSYLiER8ylgm14Gbr0-JMklYkp6bE3CvSlOtz5WxM-BETgqNbAvLWuDx10PUIC4zvymoYvnbt1A3VhfpzOAA_l0aVud9nqd0HjvnlgSBqN3_334ck/s1600/charlotte+russe+blazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqWB2h3hgqODd6Q5vRxhmXSjy09iSYLiER8ylgm14Gbr0-JMklYkp6bE3CvSlOtz5WxM-BETgqNbAvLWuDx10PUIC4zvymoYvnbt1A3VhfpzOAA_l0aVud9nqd0HjvnlgSBqN3_334ck/s400/charlotte+russe+blazer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not sure what to call the pattern; it's very fine herringbone, but with black yarn sewn through it in rows so regular little black dots are all over it. Either way, it's a keeper!</div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-86268388714006969412015-07-23T07:00:00.000-07:002015-07-23T07:00:01.182-07:00Workish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another of my attempts to look workish:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmTZRfzJMSNZmBXGXXZXQLQDJHv6DdhiKsYCXZqokOenNv1mpnA2fds_ff_eRJcjlwqMLLpgl_dOxHg99RavvtzSut5X47y7XQidc5oyFG3EloMSR_xlOkfhOqgQVSyn8TSc6IuihSvY/s1600/mother+jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmTZRfzJMSNZmBXGXXZXQLQDJHv6DdhiKsYCXZqokOenNv1mpnA2fds_ff_eRJcjlwqMLLpgl_dOxHg99RavvtzSut5X47y7XQidc5oyFG3EloMSR_xlOkfhOqgQVSyn8TSc6IuihSvY/s400/mother+jeans.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Shirt shell: CAN CAN (thrifted)</div>
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Belt: evenement (thrifted in Japan)</div>
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Jeans: Mother jeans (retail)</div>
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Boots: ALDO (thrifted)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnkWNsyMVggNiLW_erMtVjUZES6S7eW6qYHY8aS311-n1LEWz_1NJZtsVfETKPqWIg8i20lFY0pQy7crvGPmxJ0yqOn_6LbBXnj3HJk3J2iEsHZihxY5usZucdEz8OL3Tz8FbMg3-VEU/s1600/grey+cowl+neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnkWNsyMVggNiLW_erMtVjUZES6S7eW6qYHY8aS311-n1LEWz_1NJZtsVfETKPqWIg8i20lFY0pQy7crvGPmxJ0yqOn_6LbBXnj3HJk3J2iEsHZihxY5usZucdEz8OL3Tz8FbMg3-VEU/s400/grey+cowl+neck.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favourite Joe has to work on holding the camera at me level.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim_Of3UiBLBHnTyow90IPvzawvELNMf8YnEqeazUm2SNc4qWumgL27TvfZ996T83rZ4ORnLRpmlzsZ3X2mK36jL4yVPTem-VRx_-1jTa5SkTLOg8SqFCVWP2nbU-67UtHBBGYuYJpG4s/s1600/mother+jeans+japanese+print.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim_Of3UiBLBHnTyow90IPvzawvELNMf8YnEqeazUm2SNc4qWumgL27TvfZ996T83rZ4ORnLRpmlzsZ3X2mK36jL4yVPTem-VRx_-1jTa5SkTLOg8SqFCVWP2nbU-67UtHBBGYuYJpG4s/s1600/mother+jeans+japanese+print.png" /></a></div>
The lower half of these jeans have traditional Japanese patterns on them! There are cherry blossoms, waves, pine, and fields. I don't know why this is, but I thought it was about the coolest thing I'd ever seen. Acquired on super sale at a little stand in Southern CA.<br />
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Thought I'd let them shine with a plain grey shirt and black boots, but the cut of the top is too distinct, I think. I wear all statement pieces and no basics. :D<br />
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The more I look at photos of what I wear to work, the more I realize I fall outside the norm even when I'm dressing conservatively. It's not a bad thing, but the stakes have changed.</div>
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In school, I had no respect for the administration and the unofficial uniform of the campus was cheap black leggings-as-pants, a shapeless underwear-grey sweatshirt, and camel UGG boots. Gawd it was awful, watching crowds of girls shuffle by in that. Dressing up helped prepare me for daily stress and frustration and I told myself that I was lending a little color to the scenery.</div>
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Now I work for a company I respect, with people I like. There's no official dress code, and people are laid back, but I would like to dress tastefully and perhaps look like someone who knows what she is doing.</div>
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In short, I'm aiming for 'original style' and not 'colorblind bohemian street urchin' because I now give a shit. That means less wild experimentation Monday-Friday.<br />
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In work doings, I have opened a tea salon in my work cube so I can give away all of the tea I don't drink:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_66O5ctkTqg/VbB-uFmb10I/AAAAAAAACpI/vO5PdG16LiE/s1600/IMG_20150714_101649348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_66O5ctkTqg/VbB-uFmb10I/AAAAAAAACpI/vO5PdG16LiE/s400/IMG_20150714_101649348.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's my coworker's action figure of Rodin's The Thinker holding a jelly bean. The robot is holding an origami box with more jelly beans.</td></tr>
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...just in case I dressed so well I was in danger of looking like a serious person who deserves a career.</div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-7084335405618579152015-07-17T07:00:00.000-07:002015-07-17T07:43:08.398-07:00Pinky Dinky Do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Friday, everyone. MOAR PINK. Here are Favourite Joe (thanks for the title, Curtise!) and I after the Fillmore Jazz Festival:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaQtLr1cYXXVWLPxCRmt-JIpaJCiLRpHA7N-gZth06q1IqmNPiiv_SmYGY7emwsMjRw7bWvxAxtoRLRplqN3V36DP4wllerri409WfEzGTVr6DvSPZJA_Ae9WEkCqVvVmXdUQ-ZYFTJ0/s1600/mr+bump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaQtLr1cYXXVWLPxCRmt-JIpaJCiLRpHA7N-gZth06q1IqmNPiiv_SmYGY7emwsMjRw7bWvxAxtoRLRplqN3V36DP4wllerri409WfEzGTVr6DvSPZJA_Ae9WEkCqVvVmXdUQ-ZYFTJ0/s400/mr+bump.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Aya: </div>
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Hoodie tank top: Skinny Minnie (defunct online shop)</div>
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Skirt: KOMMOTiON NY (eBay)</div>
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Blazer: Heart Moon Star (thrifted)</div>
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Joe:</div>
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Flatcap: Goorin Bros. (sample sale)</div>
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Mr. Bump t-shirt: UNIQLO (retail)</div>
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Green skinny jeans: UNIQLO (retail)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXmpPQTR85k51ejvETWGklRYro1W5a_DVSUbwGUN86va49EhMuW0JNJGTbuM_21CqDUZtoLeGnztXGsdzFwFnGXERdzw0rEVm9iqBHPZuwX6jzRjcE_nwfeqft9MBnrnG7M8-P8dvcpw/s1600/heart+moon+star+blazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXmpPQTR85k51ejvETWGklRYro1W5a_DVSUbwGUN86va49EhMuW0JNJGTbuM_21CqDUZtoLeGnztXGsdzFwFnGXERdzw0rEVm9iqBHPZuwX6jzRjcE_nwfeqft9MBnrnG7M8-P8dvcpw/s400/heart+moon+star+blazer.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
It was above 80F in Millbrae that day with full sunshine, so when we prepared to go to the jazz festival in San Francisco, I foolishly assumed it would be okay to wear light summer clothing.<br />
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Tee hee, I'm dumb. It was windy, overcast, and after a few hours it started raining. I guiltily announced I knew of a nearby thrift store and shuffled in there to buy another jacket. (It's gotten a little out of control. The closet is full, so I have a double jacket rack in my bedroom, now. And I love them aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllll)<br />
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I found this lovely pink velour blazer by Heart Moon Star, the same brand that makes my <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2014/04/sundress-success-unless.html" target="_blank">beloved sundress</a>! I really like it. It has a little princess sleeve puffing on the shoulders, it fits beautifully (might move the top button over a quarter inch) and somehow, <i>the sleeves are the correct length</i>.<br />
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This brand's fit model is <i>my build</i>. I am definitely keeping an eye out for it, now.<br />
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FJ found this t-shirt during a UNIQLO trip to find green jeans. (He live calls soccer games, and the school's colors are green and white.) They only had the shirt in Large, so I finally plugged in my sewing machine and took it in. I was grateful for the impetus! I've also taken to calling him Dr. Bump.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ2V90TiX4368jiuVtHMf4hxG-AdBzBS8V1dxq7Hh-SHjuqfhIvORGGVz1mAi-aw4jyQg1KBEbZRqqfjT2h6Yc_MvUO919uQl5V4eupi-QKEJ-v82RPAFr0eLg_KYApBACpEs3XWd0w0/s1600/fillmore+jazz+festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ2V90TiX4368jiuVtHMf4hxG-AdBzBS8V1dxq7Hh-SHjuqfhIvORGGVz1mAi-aw4jyQg1KBEbZRqqfjT2h6Yc_MvUO919uQl5V4eupi-QKEJ-v82RPAFr0eLg_KYApBACpEs3XWd0w0/s400/fillmore+jazz+festival.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We had a great time at the jazz festival. There were 3 stages set up with various musicians going on all day. They taped sheets of astroturf to the street for picnic style seating. :D<br />
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We watched the most awesome elderly frontwoman singing and interacting with the crowd.With a fraction of her confidence and powerful attitude, I feel I could get so far in life. Maybe I can grow up to be like her.<br />
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The ethnic breakdown of the attendees interested me. Black folks there looked to be in their 60s-70s, Asian Americans in the 40s and 50s, and white folks of 20s-30s. I wondered if it reflected the changing demographic of the Fillmore neighborhood, because 1) there was a changeover of the Japantown area when the Japanese Americans were interned during WWII, and again when they got out, 2) the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake prompted demolition of a section of freeway that used to divide the Hayes Valley neighborhood from the Van Ness/Civic Center neighborhood, and 3) the large numbers of people moving into the city who are young and in tech. SF is changing so fast.<br />
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My brother thinks the attendance reflects the demographics of who listens to jazz music in each age group. Maybe we're both right.<br />
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Thank you for your lovely comments after the last post. I thought this place would be empty after I'd been gone for so long. Instead I got welcoming comments and helpful commentary! (I really do appreciate it, by the way. No worries about being rude; we're all friends here and if you think something doesn't work, I love hearing about it.)Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-51269323438779656192015-07-15T07:00:00.000-07:002015-07-15T07:00:04.418-07:00In the PinkRusty and dusty! Let's start off with a picture of why I need this blog to see my outfits with a fresh eye.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxZbrpSOuqIrFMwwIRY02AFgsHC8ZvJcBAh01202Rm4L7y5dHs2eqoaGJyoxLBZNJL1Z14gITg6ZghOq0zGwcAnMpu0tXi9k_2xpfAl94_y9aD3n6xvoxBKDYVHPlfo3OcFeUeXIrW0I/s1600/american+rag+cie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxZbrpSOuqIrFMwwIRY02AFgsHC8ZvJcBAh01202Rm4L7y5dHs2eqoaGJyoxLBZNJL1Z14gITg6ZghOq0zGwcAnMpu0tXi9k_2xpfAl94_y9aD3n6xvoxBKDYVHPlfo3OcFeUeXIrW0I/s400/american+rag+cie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Sweater tunic: American Rag Cie (thrifted)</div>
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Belt: Pelle Melle (thrifted)</div>
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Houndstooth Cabbie cap: San Diego Hat Company</div>
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Shoes: Naturalizer Defoe (Zappos, <a href="http://www.zappos.com/naturalizer-defoe-black-leather-mesh" target="_blank">still available</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpWu5uoHQHYkiN6ypXZUeLuYrBFaZ-2DMTEJ7OKkTDvpg3w6-1PD5UQxJVUGyiR5ahrXtkPLVYvssmcADEzUvDIhUoBySEfzJddRRxMydDFXA8F-FG4iv9gVrEqylqBBYPo-hNmYtkEg/s1600/san+diego+hat+company+women%2527s+houdstooth+cabbie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpWu5uoHQHYkiN6ypXZUeLuYrBFaZ-2DMTEJ7OKkTDvpg3w6-1PD5UQxJVUGyiR5ahrXtkPLVYvssmcADEzUvDIhUoBySEfzJddRRxMydDFXA8F-FG4iv9gVrEqylqBBYPo-hNmYtkEg/s200/san+diego+hat+company+women%2527s+houdstooth+cabbie.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rXmBN1qcDkJFXWmwoVYCBzJwhJO6vK2AUzSzCCVgVv0dqgjfzJl8D8fuImFphvEjxva-dPa6JAOGMDf9bb5Ts5DnfXdzNNpzsGsiKOv7furBpi97lkNeo-2kwST3Vq4hyphenhyphenTx2QfCVL_0/s1600/naturalizer+defoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rXmBN1qcDkJFXWmwoVYCBzJwhJO6vK2AUzSzCCVgVv0dqgjfzJl8D8fuImFphvEjxva-dPa6JAOGMDf9bb5Ts5DnfXdzNNpzsGsiKOv7furBpi97lkNeo-2kwST3Vq4hyphenhyphenTx2QfCVL_0/s200/naturalizer+defoe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I really liked the pink shade of this sweater and the 3/4 length sleeves, but the shape just looks awful on me. Thought I could fix it with a wide belt, but it still isn't working. Time to let some other lucky young lady enjoy it.</div>
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If you can tell me why it doesn't look right on me, please do. Always seeking more information to make informed decisions.</div>
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Outfits are decided by constraints, so here are the ones I'm dealing with in my new job in Northern CA:</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">I walk 1.25 mi to the train station and back each day to commute, and I have a standing desk. Comfortable shoes are not negotiable.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Work is a relaxed dress code, but I'm trying not to wear my quirkiest stuff right out the gate.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Evening winds in Millbrae are 15-25 mph, so my clothing needs to protect me from that.</li>
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I will probably show mostly weekend outfits, since the constraints above mean my weekday wear (black flats, slacks, a warm jacket, and a hat) is an endless string of Old Chinese Lady Couture. I'm trying to shop for unique pieces that double as work clothes, because I don't want to give into that just yet.</div>
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What I <i>am</i> doing is consciously trying to add more color and some prints into my wardrobe! I even bought something YELLOW. (This is huge, for me.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Eti1TubeIxbjU1MjJfCfuGGFriUA7UiTCidO6p2ASqaf_6pp4DAOGkMola2gXMS2QMGaDUk9YjldPr70rilLg1vJQAiG7HQ01zGy0lv-OIxSlWhSQuuBQJTFLQTxOQWbIJt7JAYViOI/s1600/colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Eti1TubeIxbjU1MjJfCfuGGFriUA7UiTCidO6p2ASqaf_6pp4DAOGkMola2gXMS2QMGaDUk9YjldPr70rilLg1vJQAiG7HQ01zGy0lv-OIxSlWhSQuuBQJTFLQTxOQWbIJt7JAYViOI/s400/colors.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am glad to be back in the part of the state I've always felt like home, and I have a solid job at a really good company and I'm doing well, just tired each day. With the commute, I'm gone 10.5-11 hours a day, so quite often I get home, eat a little, shower, then crawl into bed. I don't know how people work crazy work weeks. I am pushed to my limit just doing 40.</div>
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I've missed my blogging friends! I would like to work in a little blog entry here and there. Hope we can catch up. <3</div>
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Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-11210207825920116662014-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-17T07:00:01.594-08:00The Unexpected HoodieTrying the sideways glance again, and looking mighty pleased with myself. I call this shirt by Three Stones the Unexpected Hoodie:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6v7LG-MrNCc8F1bKvnPp9Wim5fOBMZYIYNguyPkqW3ckigLWJkNnkf3prB2P_-suSC0rrKUPifVT4VrV2C2ZCnmMlyP6wCagJCj0XkwBFg0AUjx-jLBbWQ8_QrDt_SLukt3usVzCUm8/s1600/3+stones+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6v7LG-MrNCc8F1bKvnPp9Wim5fOBMZYIYNguyPkqW3ckigLWJkNnkf3prB2P_-suSC0rrKUPifVT4VrV2C2ZCnmMlyP6wCagJCj0XkwBFg0AUjx-jLBbWQ8_QrDt_SLukt3usVzCUm8/s1600/3+stones+shirt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKwwgRRmpXtHkzj0-BBBQQqAx6Ryvd7Sm90EYdopbpATwFFrCqXMjggM6Dv4_KLw6Zz20dpkkpyTYaZ7lnN1kkpNgKAhO-MDjPpaOPQIE0oeo5kAbVt9HXKAD-oOO-Pd0MUKssqxPino/s1600/long+top+and+belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKwwgRRmpXtHkzj0-BBBQQqAx6Ryvd7Sm90EYdopbpATwFFrCqXMjggM6Dv4_KLw6Zz20dpkkpyTYaZ7lnN1kkpNgKAhO-MDjPpaOPQIE0oeo5kAbVt9HXKAD-oOO-Pd0MUKssqxPino/s1600/long+top+and+belt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I feel a little like Link from the Legend of Zelda games. The top is loose, so I did what I saw Carrie of <a href="http://petalbypetal11.blogspot.com/2014/10/fly-butterfly.html" target="_blank">Petal by Petal</a> do recently: I added a skinny belt near my natural waist to look more streamlined. Woo hoo! What works for one Asian American martial artist evidently works for another. :D</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWCMJm31YdIfogY_q5bfalbkuip1ZbBeY42Q33USBDUFlOc-dfIDAlgUwFvLZN8gI1WY13MWEfel3W0iH7EigJPM_fa-VdWwHrgpStg484q7jG29_nuwvdq337mQqSBZZBFQlxiJZAg4/s1600/hoodie+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWCMJm31YdIfogY_q5bfalbkuip1ZbBeY42Q33USBDUFlOc-dfIDAlgUwFvLZN8gI1WY13MWEfel3W0iH7EigJPM_fa-VdWwHrgpStg484q7jG29_nuwvdq337mQqSBZZBFQlxiJZAg4/s1600/hoodie+shirt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dig the little keyhole in the back. If the hood is down, it hides it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Hoodie top: Three Stones (thrifted)</div>
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Overlapping waves skirt: Forever 21 (thrifted)</div>
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Sandals: Eastland</div>
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Belt: unknown (thrifted)<br />
Necklace: Old Navy</div>
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Sage wrap bracelet: Foxy Originals</div>
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Earrings: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KellsCreations" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a></div>
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Purse: handmade (Sawdust Festival, birthday gift)<br />
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It was all about the accessories that day:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQeBVLhlRMwo5robejjwP_6hcWint63k2UEfcTM0DjMutvq_no2S7dLMx_zGidc70tAxRszM8c3X63-MjdvLVIYWCx44s0BTH-a9Haa0G8_DDlhgxTrvMKNLi7hyphenhyphenD9Uz4AXn4jWTwLlE/s1600/old+navy+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQeBVLhlRMwo5robejjwP_6hcWint63k2UEfcTM0DjMutvq_no2S7dLMx_zGidc70tAxRszM8c3X63-MjdvLVIYWCx44s0BTH-a9Haa0G8_DDlhgxTrvMKNLi7hyphenhyphenD9Uz4AXn4jWTwLlE/s1600/old+navy+necklace.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7azTOrtYu_YI480utwCEUnaxaoIEmTM2MRw6aGVzBtwgdMQoB7-iXXcP45MeM6OozvVAFCH6BbNyXY2QGiCQcAS8nvFS7ji4ZukI6JotPAARh6xpOdWdKtPDdMRD7RFYtgnO8sQzi9QY/s1600/leaf+wrap+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7azTOrtYu_YI480utwCEUnaxaoIEmTM2MRw6aGVzBtwgdMQoB7-iXXcP45MeM6OozvVAFCH6BbNyXY2QGiCQcAS8nvFS7ji4ZukI6JotPAARh6xpOdWdKtPDdMRD7RFYtgnO8sQzi9QY/s1600/leaf+wrap+bracelet.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOnrZCQ98JdTervJOT2GYYFThlK1Av_y1AaI7exTX8D2xzgP27xDzER2SMJgSAHBymmqO-qovYzSvSh2zftIXWya05swVe_G0rHGKWA0u1u2N9y6y-HY5UlfkWK_Rdz-wGzWeMDzfcPM/s1600/handmade+purse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOnrZCQ98JdTervJOT2GYYFThlK1Av_y1AaI7exTX8D2xzgP27xDzER2SMJgSAHBymmqO-qovYzSvSh2zftIXWya05swVe_G0rHGKWA0u1u2N9y6y-HY5UlfkWK_Rdz-wGzWeMDzfcPM/s1600/handmade+purse.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh, and the belt! I'm a huge fan of the comedy sitcom Community, and I cracked up when I saw that the belt tag reads "Streets Ahead"! I don't think it's a reference to the show, just an awesome coincidence:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBYiSruzdJ6aTvGoPwxIPNgsBmXqiMG2HN5wXvFOEN2cmBYhj8Xf7JWC-iG7_K1AVRNCwCt823ItaMM_jx_l9XiotUSAkptsG6fpR7gp7pSlgnoVYA4aEtctnos7iw5tLXgnwq0elMJ8/s1600/streets+ahead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBYiSruzdJ6aTvGoPwxIPNgsBmXqiMG2HN5wXvFOEN2cmBYhj8Xf7JWC-iG7_K1AVRNCwCt823ItaMM_jx_l9XiotUSAkptsG6fpR7gp7pSlgnoVYA4aEtctnos7iw5tLXgnwq0elMJ8/s1600/streets+ahead.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blown out shot of the skirt to show the cool overlapping layers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswG5pffajhhAM_KNCN10zSkGnK2Y3_jTIQeHVe1XpizaK9XakYvcgT9DwHe2So1W99131ADHWKIGL32GypGi6OEiN_onCwrNbHBp-K-ETMMQ1jmCecq8fM1t9fnuFeXfRpySIHcgPRqY/s1600/waves+bandage+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswG5pffajhhAM_KNCN10zSkGnK2Y3_jTIQeHVe1XpizaK9XakYvcgT9DwHe2So1W99131ADHWKIGL32GypGi6OEiN_onCwrNbHBp-K-ETMMQ1jmCecq8fM1t9fnuFeXfRpySIHcgPRqY/s1600/waves+bandage+skirt.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'll let you guys in on a secret: I'm not actually in Southern CA! I moved for a job and am back in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I took these outfit photos before I left so I could queue up some posts, predicting (rightfully) that I'd be overwhelmed and too burnt my first week or two here to do them.<br />
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I'm also living out of a suitcase and half of what I brought is conservative business casual because who starts a new job wearing outfits that shriek, "Hi! You know nothing about me except that I'm an outlier!"? I'm definitely waiting until at least my third day.<br />
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Not sure what I'm going to do for next week's posts yet. Here's hoping I get settled enough to get some thrifting in. I'm certainly in the location for it! :D<br />
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<br />Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-43755111041810739642014-11-12T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-12T07:00:08.907-08:00Riders of RohandmadeThis dress looks like something a shieldmaiden would wear:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5_ua5ouEKl3ef11HwhVPdxb2iGcF65OJyZ1bdMFISHdBnX0KqsQ0QDDmrF6IVamxwBPETvT36yb-stN1WhPyNXihhmoFbvWNUg2Y2sGuZr477zx7TAHKpAbn73_ystftD40tRRReKVA/s1600/shield+maiden+dress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5_ua5ouEKl3ef11HwhVPdxb2iGcF65OJyZ1bdMFISHdBnX0KqsQ0QDDmrF6IVamxwBPETvT36yb-stN1WhPyNXihhmoFbvWNUg2Y2sGuZr477zx7TAHKpAbn73_ystftD40tRRReKVA/s1600/shield+maiden+dress+2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDVBW9r6iZK7N_EXAqVJl1ZuPHtcppiSEF48nOaHbsgjrDAsMrnJvKuEQVlGK5U1UUm9k4SMYo2Uz2BqeBI1v5eZaKyk6DqAVo_x_HZrBrnUArrSqrgBzj0nKFAcOYNt8wSDrawf7UaA/s1600/handmade+brown+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDVBW9r6iZK7N_EXAqVJl1ZuPHtcppiSEF48nOaHbsgjrDAsMrnJvKuEQVlGK5U1UUm9k4SMYo2Uz2BqeBI1v5eZaKyk6DqAVo_x_HZrBrnUArrSqrgBzj0nKFAcOYNt8wSDrawf7UaA/s1600/handmade+brown+dress.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dress: handmade (thrifted)</div>
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Sandals: Eastland Shoe</div>
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Necklace: gift</div>
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Bracelet: Paris</div>
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Ring: defunct Etsy shop</div>
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I overexposed myself (ha) to show the panels and the stitching on the dress that gave me this impression :</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiun0hwEKI6TYjPXTXtaJhSA9aJ9Xz5GI78hqAn_GYjPNJXJib0LchwXn2-QcJMACbZpTd2on8q7jsrE9BEdISJ-3Y_SV91hCvQvk6uLbch-4NQNmp8xFUuF6QGyoFIFgMehxYiTsFMs/s1600/shield+maiden+dress+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiun0hwEKI6TYjPXTXtaJhSA9aJ9Xz5GI78hqAn_GYjPNJXJib0LchwXn2-QcJMACbZpTd2on8q7jsrE9BEdISJ-3Y_SV91hCvQvk6uLbch-4NQNmp8xFUuF6QGyoFIFgMehxYiTsFMs/s1600/shield+maiden+dress+detail.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It appears to be handmade, fully lined, and made for someone <i>almost</i> my size, save the chest is too small so I feel like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA41DUoHWz7TtYKyk7hvshmJUTggsTDGsX1_r6jswvuuJ0vr_nZGYKZP5SDCywYOJ0iWzQKtogm2dUVdaTbrLmiU_5ej6xjdqSqdXdxXE9fIhFepuViVELoIWlQbdmRcIUQMQ7EIr6pGw/s1600/balloon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA41DUoHWz7TtYKyk7hvshmJUTggsTDGsX1_r6jswvuuJ0vr_nZGYKZP5SDCywYOJ0iWzQKtogm2dUVdaTbrLmiU_5ej6xjdqSqdXdxXE9fIhFepuViVELoIWlQbdmRcIUQMQ7EIr6pGw/s1600/balloon1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I can't wait to have my own place where I'll have room to set up my sewing machine to let this out. There appears to be more than enough seam allowance.</div>
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How does one accessorize when preoccupied by thoughts of leaving Rohan and winning glory (and mebbe the heart of Aragorn) in battle?<br />
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A Celtic knot necklace, which was a gift from a friend for my 16th birthday:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRXoGK2-T9hYiCjiLLKL41JGEnHLIUvshWNFGV6Npu2ocrUt_g9jbokDVB6mWGORpeUyoVp2nBbN8C7R8jBS7HiE0C8zFryxXK1eUTXePtFk0YRM2vIU_SvuX-gHqx5_xMHN3nuFlL0w/s1600/celtic+knot+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRXoGK2-T9hYiCjiLLKL41JGEnHLIUvshWNFGV6Npu2ocrUt_g9jbokDVB6mWGORpeUyoVp2nBbN8C7R8jBS7HiE0C8zFryxXK1eUTXePtFk0YRM2vIU_SvuX-gHqx5_xMHN3nuFlL0w/s1600/celtic+knot+necklace.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A brass bangle that has a metal BB inside, so the chiming strikes fear into the heart of mine enemies:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_eMXLIbNNzjp46c8mgK3MT7zb0znh4sT5DZB5up1HVwsd1SWCLV35fWZ9oo-jsnajxBtkdqgaMBJUyS0PRHHI635neKtZTRttUrJCm1QeBO1MrTjNldg10Cypf7l1Lln4Y-bs11oA8U/s1600/hollow+bangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_eMXLIbNNzjp46c8mgK3MT7zb0znh4sT5DZB5up1HVwsd1SWCLV35fWZ9oo-jsnajxBtkdqgaMBJUyS0PRHHI635neKtZTRttUrJCm1QeBO1MrTjNldg10Cypf7l1Lln4Y-bs11oA8U/s1600/hollow+bangle.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And a silver ring of leaves! Looked very Tolkien-appropriate. Pardon the funky knuckles; we've been doing bagwork on Fridays and I'm not great at wrapping with my off hand yet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oD848OCXYKCR4kOGgu4HIA360hET9KGaXqmsNYOE21xuE60pCqSwIjNB8Nfp4W7WDvTI1zFDmRc-B78O1H1SjeMyFfBAITiB9tk2SN7vNPICwLnyBJNSdKxM5gxDOSw7Sr-uRDbEF_0/s1600/silver+leaves+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oD848OCXYKCR4kOGgu4HIA360hET9KGaXqmsNYOE21xuE60pCqSwIjNB8Nfp4W7WDvTI1zFDmRc-B78O1H1SjeMyFfBAITiB9tk2SN7vNPICwLnyBJNSdKxM5gxDOSw7Sr-uRDbEF_0/s1600/silver+leaves+ring.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Certain cuts of clothing, prints, or details can be really evocative. This is an extreme example. I know when I pulled this from the thrift rack in SF, I exclaimed the first line of this post aloud. <span style="color: blue;">Do you have any clothes that evoke a certain time period, genre, or character for you?</span></div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-64872767471912926962014-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-11T20:19:06.597-08:00Shades of GravenderI backed the camera up in an attempt to avoid the lens flare and backlighting. MISSION FAIL.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Erqk4lJV47tJmaE8Sugbu7ZrCfK8bA0tDZvOJt_ScYKqCTIrEDeXmPu2c778WFKm8kx2BPm9bxTkXcmJPUiaRHgIRCi2CVuWCzZAuhzJBm8nRERw2JIvuseUv4aFWyzVN0Cls7B7I8/s1600/layered+vests.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Erqk4lJV47tJmaE8Sugbu7ZrCfK8bA0tDZvOJt_ScYKqCTIrEDeXmPu2c778WFKm8kx2BPm9bxTkXcmJPUiaRHgIRCi2CVuWCzZAuhzJBm8nRERw2JIvuseUv4aFWyzVN0Cls7B7I8/s1600/layered+vests.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I made this outfit for <a href="http://spygirl-amb.blogspot.com/2014/11/52-pick-me-up-layers.html" target="_blank">Spygirl's 52 Pick-Me-Up challenge: layers</a>. Also because it is freezing in my room. Man, I look so proportional when sleeves are the correct length. Japanese clothing all the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwTokFjbTYAFVXkxL73pw0KnkkMv37kay9DM43Jh80NvWDW32SkPy2oI2ZzuVpq_9HHcyonjL-b8A4ESij3amShSCrVb2cH8SJdahXZUfzVpX4ty7nG69IWn42zGWMcZGdEx6yC-MRx8/s1600/pellemelle+belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwTokFjbTYAFVXkxL73pw0KnkkMv37kay9DM43Jh80NvWDW32SkPy2oI2ZzuVpq_9HHcyonjL-b8A4ESij3amShSCrVb2cH8SJdahXZUfzVpX4ty7nG69IWn42zGWMcZGdEx6yC-MRx8/s1600/pellemelle+belt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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All the dangly pointy bits of cloth made me feel like curtsying.<br />
<span style="text-align: left;">I hope I did patron saint of masterful layering </span><a href="http://thedirectorofawesome.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Shawna</a><span style="text-align: left;"> proud.</span></div>
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Where to begin?<br />
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Purple heattech undershirt: UNIQLO (gift from Mom, Japan)</div>
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Grey bamboo dress: Natural Life (Purre at The CAMP)</div>
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Double layer vest: MOUTH valley (thrifted, Japan)</div>
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Outermost long vest: LUX (clothing swap)</div>
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Wide belt: pellemelle (thrifted)</div>
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Jodhpurs as leggings: Ariat (thrifted)</div>
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Boots: ALDO (thrifted)</div>
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Cloisonne necklace and enamel earrings: unknown (thrifted)</div>
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If you haven't seen these before, that's right, jodhpurs! (Thanks, Excelsior Goodwill!) They are by the company Ariat and <i>so</i> comfortable and warm. They also have deep front pockets. Rich people really know how to live!</div>
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The wide leather belt is one I thrifted <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-weekend-of-san-franthriftco.html">a few weeks ago</a> in SF, by pellemelle. The end has a tendency to start slipping out of the buckle, but otherwise I am really happy with it. It's comfortable, the right size, and the soft leather has enough stretch that I don't garrote myself in the midsection when I sit down.</div>
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The outfit was so neutral that I tried to add a little color with the cloisonne jewelry, but overall I think it's still pretty "Look, ma! I'm greyscale!" That isn't to say I don't like it; purple and grey is one of my favorite combinations*! I'm just obsessed with trying to up my color game recently and I don't want to feel like I was backsliding.<br />
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* In fact, know what I'm gonna call it? Gravender. Shut up. Clever! <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; text-align: center;">ᕦ(</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; text-align: center;">ಠ</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; text-align: center;">_</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; text-align: center;">ಠ</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; text-align: center;">)ᕤ</span></div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-80899166276368889632014-11-05T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-05T11:11:41.861-08:00A weekend of San FranthriftcoI recently visited the Bay Area for the weekend. Thrifting was involved, so I'll report back on what I did there. :D<br />
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Here is my first successful capsule wardrobe:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLF04ZmEIGs0b0MgJkSYgrUjrhRxQ_jBLp8ZD4EnBZDY29gyjHWB7IZe2fgKpwfd3c76LJJRMl8yPfvV8SvIX4y8AZCgSQVN_byMHkDD6jHfpY5Rg5raP-0f-fidYnciHW9MZQxUfgoxQ/s1600/weekend+wardrobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLF04ZmEIGs0b0MgJkSYgrUjrhRxQ_jBLp8ZD4EnBZDY29gyjHWB7IZe2fgKpwfd3c76LJJRMl8yPfvV8SvIX4y8AZCgSQVN_byMHkDD6jHfpY5Rg5raP-0f-fidYnciHW9MZQxUfgoxQ/s1600/weekend+wardrobe.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QRL7KCKgks7f6CPuuqOHR3GzhMDlnxZX4_2o-rH_Fuh7ia4cT9iEmO5_HFmqN-5NOm1bIXutu5WEL8bXJPnSxJq3VaxQZhrUJYdZL9GZxBUL960gfy4dumzUIlFY8F9BB4kuutroR2E/s1600/fitzwell+laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QRL7KCKgks7f6CPuuqOHR3GzhMDlnxZX4_2o-rH_Fuh7ia4cT9iEmO5_HFmqN-5NOm1bIXutu5WEL8bXJPnSxJq3VaxQZhrUJYdZL9GZxBUL960gfy4dumzUIlFY8F9BB4kuutroR2E/s1600/fitzwell+laura.jpg" height="163" width="200" /></a></div>
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Citizens of Humanity sweatshirt (thrifted)</div>
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7 for all Mankind jeans (gift from brother)</div>
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ANAC mesh top (eBay)</div>
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OCCO Paris teal top (free)</div>
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Nancy Giallombardo denim skirt (thrifted)</div>
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Fitzwell Laura sandals (6pm.com)</div>
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I also had my trusty New Balance sneakers. Everything went with everything else! First time I've been able to do that. (My usual method of outfit selection is 'waaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh I wanna wear thisandthisandthisandthis') I also figured since I'd be thrifting during my time up there, that I could add stuff if I wanted.<br />
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I actually went up to visit my favorite Joe (srsly. I have met no other Joes I like better.) for his band's show and EP launch. The band is called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/HangoverBrigade" target="_blank">The Hangover Brigade</a>, they have a folk rock sound, and they are immensely talented and fantastic. (Which is good, because it'd be really awkward if I thought they sounded terrible.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tawneekendallandthehango">You can listen to the entire EP on CDbaby</a> (they are also sold on iTunes, Amazon, and other large vendors) and you really should. I had the first track stuck in my head for 48 hours after the show, and that's an endorsement.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1TMqdnVhEmin0xYwiwz-EtJdfITpjhKY7j1jLbovLezsack9jgHt7fOE0cRRDToiy9ODxn5EFcPaAshGuWRm_S7lN28DdwQzj5eYWy7mjIeYOOUS8rAFqyZOCIA6jCn-CzQ7jFIEtls/s1600/the+hangover+brigade+last+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1TMqdnVhEmin0xYwiwz-EtJdfITpjhKY7j1jLbovLezsack9jgHt7fOE0cRRDToiy9ODxn5EFcPaAshGuWRm_S7lN28DdwQzj5eYWy7mjIeYOOUS8rAFqyZOCIA6jCn-CzQ7jFIEtls/s1600/the+hangover+brigade+last+show.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hangover Brigade's last show!</td></tr>
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Here's their cover of No Diggity, that they played as an encore:<br />
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Before the show, we drove into the city and walked up and down Haight St. looking for gig-type clothes and accessories for Joe. The only thing more fun than thrift shopping for me is thrift shopping for someone else. Even competing with the pre-Halloween crowd, we had great luck!<br />
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Here's what we found:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVearH-Bd6ZsSgFpzTwcMSo7J4V0K5ydEQ3Io-xsqQcy_eBOecDVaJDA_kuSvFkngCo0k7xJqqicQiAsGnz2jSlbOWAEZal0XQ9u5wWP2076ZfoVUchXgp8mRCSu0t-jKUmxf5RhZE4s/s1600/Goodwill+vest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVearH-Bd6ZsSgFpzTwcMSo7J4V0K5ydEQ3Io-xsqQcy_eBOecDVaJDA_kuSvFkngCo0k7xJqqicQiAsGnz2jSlbOWAEZal0XQ9u5wWP2076ZfoVUchXgp8mRCSu0t-jKUmxf5RhZE4s/s1600/Goodwill+vest.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Exhibit A: grey 5 button vest from Goodwill</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rdcHrP3iwIb6580blsbb7CUY5RmS_OVn2fFloe_4Q86a5v9EAcg4aCgsi9Eo5PFYxHQAsqfRh8csMHTKZi1C1zMWK1NI0oRqAzomp-FQYADATgqXtqorsAPnNEp1on6cfiwrWYPhNSU/s1600/J's%2Bawake%2Bvelour%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rdcHrP3iwIb6580blsbb7CUY5RmS_OVn2fFloe_4Q86a5v9EAcg4aCgsi9Eo5PFYxHQAsqfRh8csMHTKZi1C1zMWK1NI0oRqAzomp-FQYADATgqXtqorsAPnNEp1on6cfiwrWYPhNSU/s1600/J's%2Bawake%2Bvelour%2Bshoes.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Exhibit B: Fuzzy black J's Awake shoes from Wasteland. The soles are red!</div>
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Exhibit C: Marshall Collins flatcap from Goorin Bros. Not thrifted, just awesome. I'm pretty sure flatcaps were put on this earth for men with van dyke beards.</div>
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We also found these low grey Alfani boots and the following day Joe found the sweet Olympique Marseille track jacket at one of my favorite thrift shops. Soccer's his favorite sport, so extra win. It was in great condition, with a plastic tag loop still inside. I think it was new! I found another picture of it online:</div>
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Happily, Joe dug my style suggestions, and the things I thought he could rock he totally rocked. I thought he looked great, he thought he looked great, happy shopping vibes all around.<br />
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The items are all multipurpose and can be used for music gigs, work, or everyday. There was a coat with tails briefly tried on at a Steampunk shop because when it comes down to it, I think everybody should wear Regency style clothes, but maybe for another time.</div>
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And because I had a few hours to kill during soundcheck before the show started, I tootled back to the Goodwill down the street and went shopping for myself this time. >.></div>
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Whee! My haul from two thrift shops that weekend:</div>
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I've been looking for mustard skinny jeans or jeggings for a long time to wear with sweater dresses & boots in the winter. I'm slowly taking steps into the world of color. Thanks to style blogs, I know colors I'd never wear near my face because of my complexion can be worn on my lower half.<br />
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These jeans are by Margaret M, and still had the tag attached. I found out it's a Canadian brand that makes their products domestically. <span style="color: blue;">Any northerners heard of the brand?</span><br />
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The wide leather belt is by Pellemelle, and thanks to alert readers, I know 'pelle' is Italian for leather. :D Italian leather, it says on the inside, and made in the US.<br />
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The grey and black checked vest is from TRF, which I think is a collection within Zara. It's size L, but it has criss-crossing straps in the back that let me cinch it in to the correct width.<br />
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The Forever 21 Japanese print <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/search/label/shirt%20shells" target="_blank">shirt shell</a> was a go back behind the counter that I pointed to excitedly as we were checking out. Instant sell! I'm not sure how I feel about the red lace, but the print and the long square <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/search/label/fire%20hazard" target="_blank">fire hazard sleeves</a> absolutely do it for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb68P4LMbJYmyKn02haPOyOUxOuwamdj1sFh7cNIeeg2Jx2OaRnz7e5vQCUH3KCHbrRKRlJj6S0Ajif-yGz1ijVIBB5XlO2eeZe_w0r8UNQMsKVLi_jtu2GaF5qh8xZNl3MUSbhPfjiL0/s1600/thrifted+fake+pearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb68P4LMbJYmyKn02haPOyOUxOuwamdj1sFh7cNIeeg2Jx2OaRnz7e5vQCUH3KCHbrRKRlJj6S0Ajif-yGz1ijVIBB5XlO2eeZe_w0r8UNQMsKVLi_jtu2GaF5qh8xZNl3MUSbhPfjiL0/s1600/thrifted+fake+pearls.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Check out the luster on these fake pearls! I don't often have luck thrifting jewelry, but I thought I hit it big with these. I want to wear the blue pearls with the lace-feather-ribbons flower pin with my <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2014/09/all-dress-weather-all-time.html" target="_blank">dark blue OzzOn dress</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG230mRWNNXRb3ai30Qf8qyH22MFMspjXAFJijCi_tnl5kLh13yXB0UdKHLtTtJRNm3ftPXcBJaYCP8u335jz9AmaSM-mJlJ39k0qAKm0mP2xcAOGIgjmTxtmC_32pFZZwfkpjJnDLE_g/s1600/candie's%2Bbrown%2Bgreen%2Bboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG230mRWNNXRb3ai30Qf8qyH22MFMspjXAFJijCi_tnl5kLh13yXB0UdKHLtTtJRNm3ftPXcBJaYCP8u335jz9AmaSM-mJlJ39k0qAKm0mP2xcAOGIgjmTxtmC_32pFZZwfkpjJnDLE_g/s1600/candie's%2Bbrown%2Bgreen%2Bboots.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Lastly, these Candie's green and brown platform boots fill another hole in my wardrobe- casual sturdy boots in the brown color palette. My thrifted Doc Martens chafe my Achilles tendon something fierce, so onto eBay they go.<br />
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I put so many holes through my October budget that it's curled up in a corner somewhere licking its wounds, but I regret nothing. Sometimes I've thrifted things and gone 'aww crap, that wasn't a good idea' but this time, all items feel like practical fits within my existing wardrobe. Vest, wide belt, shirt shell, boots, jeans... this is basically Couturgatory right here in one thrifted heap. <span style="color: blue;">What's your latest treasure or your latest 'aww crap' purchase?</span></div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-40585777504208472042014-11-03T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-03T07:00:22.425-08:0020 ButtonsAll these style blogs I see gals looking to the side instead of at the camera. I'ma try that shit, too:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOUGslz9gYfZp82br7dJD9NDU_lDvZVEIwDMkS-QTfUZJokd1ikLu6wm4c5Noq3AI9p_UqvWY9k8DwAFAmJ1KEd9Wo2ddB1lnkxBAXsIj9hgVkRFqxfIzwZD9L1bQ38__nTx8WqYdeJA/s1600/bica+cheia+blazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOUGslz9gYfZp82br7dJD9NDU_lDvZVEIwDMkS-QTfUZJokd1ikLu6wm4c5Noq3AI9p_UqvWY9k8DwAFAmJ1KEd9Wo2ddB1lnkxBAXsIj9hgVkRFqxfIzwZD9L1bQ38__nTx8WqYdeJA/s1600/bica+cheia+blazer.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydDRlgF2bRP1xv79xRhry-muATtCxV7SBJu1TlVNrasqdQjm6SgYYMecT9zz_lFggkxEK7qXHEObTk_yNPPuEMdeJt7Et1Vu-b2MnwzLuMOhVPqE5ahyXASmiItcSRnXs38HXSZVxJT8/s1600/sailor+buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydDRlgF2bRP1xv79xRhry-muATtCxV7SBJu1TlVNrasqdQjm6SgYYMecT9zz_lFggkxEK7qXHEObTk_yNPPuEMdeJt7Et1Vu-b2MnwzLuMOhVPqE5ahyXASmiItcSRnXs38HXSZVxJT8/s1600/sailor+buttons.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailor buttons!</td></tr>
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Military blazer: Bica Cheia (thrifted)</div>
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Camisole: Express</div>
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Sailor pants: Elevenses (thrifted)</div>
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Shoes: unlisted a Kenneth Cole production (thrifted)</div>
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Locket: Express (v. old)</div>
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Rings: Claire's, Brasil (v. old)</div>
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I've been wanting a pair of sailor-style trousers since I saw <a href="http://www.meganmaedaily.com/">Megan Mae</a> rocking them on her blog. I cackled when I found this like-new pair on the thrift rack in Daly City, and even though they were the wrong size, I factored in the tailoring cost as what I'd be willing to pay for a pair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7w5OBWsjpi3zMyy4eKRTk6X49fM1tjx9ssjiDMz0Mwr2SX6nA_-jbRHUTV4jdKUkOKPBNY93Jro5Z2d1TkpW7JzslCKDka1uTS1GK7Qo-6DXQJZ-LDzjljQJDVytngabAfYbw-zha1o/s1600/bica+cheia+corduroy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7w5OBWsjpi3zMyy4eKRTk6X49fM1tjx9ssjiDMz0Mwr2SX6nA_-jbRHUTV4jdKUkOKPBNY93Jro5Z2d1TkpW7JzslCKDka1uTS1GK7Qo-6DXQJZ-LDzjljQJDVytngabAfYbw-zha1o/s1600/bica+cheia+corduroy.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNhfLPmtnxChN4v_1G2-5wx35cOxQhv44SKiQTqXVyQLAX49dnM2kLu0YpZFlzfcv17ygl5zmng8hBQVYdJjszjHSC-TiYrcoMjYf0P4cnSoSjn0DJqAUVUEaZTsprNHthyp-FvfhNVE/s1600/gold+brasil+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNhfLPmtnxChN4v_1G2-5wx35cOxQhv44SKiQTqXVyQLAX49dnM2kLu0YpZFlzfcv17ygl5zmng8hBQVYdJjszjHSC-TiYrcoMjYf0P4cnSoSjn0DJqAUVUEaZTsprNHthyp-FvfhNVE/s1600/gold+brasil+ring.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglnGhOlLEczABllwjebxmn64VwZoB_pQJYjHLbIMJWOvuladsfhTqbjOuz4W7WUuyATdMiu8UPK4-XEvDXK7l-17WYqlBY2rQgLyjmBEoRA3Jm7Hab8arqU6tb4i4ZSVp4-xKfzUD18g/s1600/unlisted+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglnGhOlLEczABllwjebxmn64VwZoB_pQJYjHLbIMJWOvuladsfhTqbjOuz4W7WUuyATdMiu8UPK4-XEvDXK7l-17WYqlBY2rQgLyjmBEoRA3Jm7Hab8arqU6tb4i4ZSVp4-xKfzUD18g/s1600/unlisted+shoes.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Goodness knows what to wear with them, though. They're higher waisted than I'm used to, and finally I hit on the idea of wearing them with this blazer, which also stops close to the natural waist. After all, what goes with 8 buttons better than <i>12 more buttons</i>, amirite?<br />
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I always think this blazer has a hint of lavender in its grey. Am I crazy? Do you see it? I wore things to bring it out in case I was correct.<br />
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It's cooled off in a damn hurry here, and we even had a few seconds of rain! I feel kind of like a boor, always talking about the weather, but it really affects my outfit choices, just as much as my mood. I wondered if I'd just lost my passion for dressing for a few months there, but it's just because none of my SF clothes were made to be worn when it's more than 65F outside. :D</div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-68691281705471378002014-11-01T12:31:00.003-07:002014-11-01T12:31:20.557-07:00A Slip of a Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wore a vintage slip as a tea dress to brunch with friends!:D</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX1jt8hfEq1XMjrC89PHdYJbbbmRbqRPKeiEArTLhbYHy2qIXfSo9aD4CRWAn1CiuTfM9GuMw4YZsa-QfRbxoXxfHViX38nS4cZ6yT3h2nrShr7yYuXJFl-ySCAyXWPiCFKWAhhOCX-o/s1600/vintage+slip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX1jt8hfEq1XMjrC89PHdYJbbbmRbqRPKeiEArTLhbYHy2qIXfSo9aD4CRWAn1CiuTfM9GuMw4YZsa-QfRbxoXxfHViX38nS4cZ6yT3h2nrShr7yYuXJFl-ySCAyXWPiCFKWAhhOCX-o/s1600/vintage+slip.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzwmbNppTSqGx5AYLFm0QRvX0ZkOfhqS5nMq9gJI5b1XIENP1u1pgsU-l_N5B-cDL-w8LyTiEaJWmivpdTnZL8nTvzYe6PkkWGYKHCdrG820WpNLhXeLKxAs8hVlq4BVAvx-QSzgCigI/s1600/vintage+hat+and+slip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzwmbNppTSqGx5AYLFm0QRvX0ZkOfhqS5nMq9gJI5b1XIENP1u1pgsU-l_N5B-cDL-w8LyTiEaJWmivpdTnZL8nTvzYe6PkkWGYKHCdrG820WpNLhXeLKxAs8hVlq4BVAvx-QSzgCigI/s1600/vintage+hat+and+slip.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Slip as dress: Vanity Fair (thrifted)</div>
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Cardigan: Alternative Apparel (thrifted)</div>
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Hat: unlabeled (thrifted)</div>
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Locket: Express</div>
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Sandals: Born (gift from Cathy)</div>
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I had a lovely time and I felt very feminine until my mother pointed out that the slip is somewhat sheer and that you can see my underwear. Sigh. Back to the drawing board.</div>
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I have a cropped wool sweater I wanted to use, but it's a) in storage with most of my things, and b) too warm for SoCal weather yet, so Alternative Apparel thin cardigan thingy it was!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22ZQxZ5JLIOqaf4NdT2AlXBl37JBcTuv4BEgLSEGu1T6djHLlwqkrp7Kc-anqPXRP2ucndvdbR5Lmir8oPtNic4jo0z5ZYfYKc3b0Cy7axhqxcpZTQqdLD5_QS6hcJOkURPVHoHQ8CtM/s1600/vintage+cream+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22ZQxZ5JLIOqaf4NdT2AlXBl37JBcTuv4BEgLSEGu1T6djHLlwqkrp7Kc-anqPXRP2ucndvdbR5Lmir8oPtNic4jo0z5ZYfYKc3b0Cy7axhqxcpZTQqdLD5_QS6hcJOkURPVHoHQ8CtM/s1600/vintage+cream+hat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cannot help but notice no one else down here wears hats. I was pleased with my choice because the veil shaded my eyes while we were chatting outside the restaurant, but I stand out quite a bit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIBYiDW8hC4aXyGuvOVWiMc_qng0n0q6z4uZGo17gXZ_eE010LaHjUJyjtXOE8dYbCtspDpQUdnwtV7Gn4C6Wrhz5CZqQLN-uQU55dhBSWBm8v6qvDrv2m69Wmw9FZp1s1sNbt-a6OMA/s1600/vanity+fair+lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIBYiDW8hC4aXyGuvOVWiMc_qng0n0q6z4uZGo17gXZ_eE010LaHjUJyjtXOE8dYbCtspDpQUdnwtV7Gn4C6Wrhz5CZqQLN-uQU55dhBSWBm8v6qvDrv2m69Wmw9FZp1s1sNbt-a6OMA/s1600/vanity+fair+lace.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny designs on the bodice and near the hem!</td></tr>
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I really like brunch because <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2013/11/repurposed.html" target="_blank">I hate mornings</a> and it's a chance for night owls like me to eat breakfast foods at a reasonable hour, and wash it all down with cocktails in a socially acceptable context.</div>
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Lately, I've heard a backlash against brunch (specifically in dense urban areas like NY and SF) from folks who think it's part of the eternally childish and irresponsible privileged culture of today's middle class youth. I didn't realize it was an issue. Of course, if you asked my family to describe me, "eternally childish and irresponsible" would sum it up very nicely, hah. <span style="color: blue;">How do you feel about brunch?</span></div>
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This outfit may not have turned out as I wished, but I'm linking up with the lovely Judith of <a href="http://stylecrone.com/2014/11/01/hat-attack-16/" target="_blank">Style Crone's Hat Attack</a>! I've missed participating. :D</div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-19126424406816512482014-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:002014-10-27T07:00:00.409-07:00Dusty Autumn Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
♫ Boooooooots weatherrrrrrrr ♪ I love the color dusty rose. I'm finally in a climate that this Pure + Good hoodie can be worn as outerwear:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9t8TLA74bae4u_OOmyxHgYAC03vUU33AlqbjOYLdPh-243Zh_0ST52ryR7p37xrgW1aTc5oO8s6dP4JDUp6DGFdgsyQBkDY0EZTK9t9GkYfpu61iqUFw2ZCSwjRvKuqpRRgMq2SCKsk/s1600/pure+good+hoodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9t8TLA74bae4u_OOmyxHgYAC03vUU33AlqbjOYLdPh-243Zh_0ST52ryR7p37xrgW1aTc5oO8s6dP4JDUp6DGFdgsyQBkDY0EZTK9t9GkYfpu61iqUFw2ZCSwjRvKuqpRRgMq2SCKsk/s1600/pure+good+hoodie.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMi-HgktmhBawf9jo2EfvILqY6E3ySkCR1W9xsbOKFN29t-slX3l_PuVG3k6C4Tj5f44WNMR7TCT-1tGgHB7ImwyMjuUE7v-nmDRMi1JH-W7Y8eZ6PK7ZmSyIPpQaPnbmTSesjAfJpHI/s1600/deletta+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMi-HgktmhBawf9jo2EfvILqY6E3ySkCR1W9xsbOKFN29t-slX3l_PuVG3k6C4Tj5f44WNMR7TCT-1tGgHB7ImwyMjuUE7v-nmDRMi1JH-W7Y8eZ6PK7ZmSyIPpQaPnbmTSesjAfJpHI/s1600/deletta+top.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Morning mist hoodie: Pure + Good (Anthropologie)</div>
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Unveiled tank: Deletta (thrifted)</div>
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Fold-down riding boots: Ros Hommerson (6pm.com)</div>
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La Guardia cloche: Goorin Bros. (sample sale)</div>
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Locket: Express<br />
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Either the outfit all works together minus the top, or the top/jeans/boots work but I need to lose the hoodie & hat. I thought since the hoodie and tank top originally came from the same place, they might play nicely together, but oh well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfBRJhTrZGlkzuX9E_-N_4O-jN2wv113wpbhkR5zWGAqccxYMJaAA_8ujkblXX9M55yfXgS4hzdV8nddJMLs4uV9FwoZtBE6fhoaokKibEe2Ywzg2pe9W5HWAXYaoLB2awKiMBnsB47k/s1600/laguardia+cloche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfBRJhTrZGlkzuX9E_-N_4O-jN2wv113wpbhkR5zWGAqccxYMJaAA_8ujkblXX9M55yfXgS4hzdV8nddJMLs4uV9FwoZtBE6fhoaokKibEe2Ywzg2pe9W5HWAXYaoLB2awKiMBnsB47k/s1600/laguardia+cloche.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The decoration on the Deletta tank top reminds me of Victorian theatre curtains:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03nIRMru1WOWgqZVu9iThupwLruREF0jY5LuhXdWztd8dnHvE2EMjLY6vCDNOznb_HuJyHuAoWCw-zKrww_PMoEC-KzPtOUbeqH-0ujqDl2GAO8r9IpW885TEYiEMi7YjvYJN9J4w7IY/s1600/deletta+unveiled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03nIRMru1WOWgqZVu9iThupwLruREF0jY5LuhXdWztd8dnHvE2EMjLY6vCDNOznb_HuJyHuAoWCw-zKrww_PMoEC-KzPtOUbeqH-0ujqDl2GAO8r9IpW885TEYiEMi7YjvYJN9J4w7IY/s1600/deletta+unveiled.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkahf_HGFpKDvBrbStswTt4Utdgu5BRUO5b54B9TIsEm54Yd-3mZHmOJ3Mcv2RaNea3VexTFl93p2dI8xK7QqC-aJW6qv0oaPwTjZZsazqpxNtiIX4RsrDXClZa3FroDR1yUMt0FVSMxs/s1600/victorian+curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkahf_HGFpKDvBrbStswTt4Utdgu5BRUO5b54B9TIsEm54Yd-3mZHmOJ3Mcv2RaNea3VexTFl93p2dI8xK7QqC-aJW6qv0oaPwTjZZsazqpxNtiIX4RsrDXClZa3FroDR1yUMt0FVSMxs/s1600/victorian+curtain.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a></div>
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... though I guess that means it's a show starring my boobs, which is kind of disturbing, so let's forget that for now.</div>
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In random life news, I have a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kogepan">Kogepan</a> mug now! This is my favorite character of all time.<br />
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I've had a saved search on eBay for years, and finally got one shipped my way from Italy. Now Kogepan can peer into the reflective waters of whatever I am drinking and ponder the futility of existence with me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbbkB-hJiOQb5Lr_a9GJJ3Ikko_pc9YYnVBnLjaHKUBk5TSCKJo0puDqs3CrJEIcMwS91uaNzmtlxVKSSQ28Cg0AV5Rx3nOj04OAb2QtCmtrHBZYKDEmiqerRSw-W7wPTPokFAECQlS4/s1600/kogepan+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbbkB-hJiOQb5Lr_a9GJJ3Ikko_pc9YYnVBnLjaHKUBk5TSCKJo0puDqs3CrJEIcMwS91uaNzmtlxVKSSQ28Cg0AV5Rx3nOj04OAb2QtCmtrHBZYKDEmiqerRSw-W7wPTPokFAECQlS4/s1600/kogepan+cup.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HUREW9AIkADS8NBMwcWn-GDH4xe4nRyLLDKJOoAX3iPJA9CMmKODpzYUIv5LAqvLfVu8O7n4uqKg6j59mdawPHZeWXOF7hoRQ3caJVAQ7n8mbAgEblJXteSrxAwNRMRj16DmPEzKsBQ/s1600/kogepan+mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HUREW9AIkADS8NBMwcWn-GDH4xe4nRyLLDKJOoAX3iPJA9CMmKODpzYUIv5LAqvLfVu8O7n4uqKg6j59mdawPHZeWXOF7hoRQ3caJVAQ7n8mbAgEblJXteSrxAwNRMRj16DmPEzKsBQ/s1600/kogepan+mug.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-6540629341195578112014-10-22T07:00:00.000-07:002014-10-22T20:37:54.267-07:00They see me rollin', they bustiertin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's cool enough to wear pants again! (Trousers for our UK reader. Hi, Curtise!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI9DdeRO_YETmsIhYZdXNBvhvozj5DslLAKXCBglPGUoZk6tYxsSZlCEKjpP3UhyU7J-VMV_bObKRxGJDv5By4r4-1_Dniv6amrHAAVVIWdiPK9ufcZE0RIqvkEygjztJNgYhCyb8Fwc/s1600/1st+level+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI9DdeRO_YETmsIhYZdXNBvhvozj5DslLAKXCBglPGUoZk6tYxsSZlCEKjpP3UhyU7J-VMV_bObKRxGJDv5By4r4-1_Dniv6amrHAAVVIWdiPK9ufcZE0RIqvkEygjztJNgYhCyb8Fwc/s1600/1st+level+shirt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I feel this outfit could use a brown bowler hat. It feels subtly everyday Steampunk to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1C6A-EHmHUQY9mIJK5iqB5eLa6NJudlrBZ-hvpffyCK0d5S9lqCAmwPf9rPpAEMkW65xiBsoS_08KMHXURslD5yznY5Q6kI_p6S9d9qYGJx5aDMDay_jXFLCo5vF6rJA9yay780oE2E/s1600/steampunk+button+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1C6A-EHmHUQY9mIJK5iqB5eLa6NJudlrBZ-hvpffyCK0d5S9lqCAmwPf9rPpAEMkW65xiBsoS_08KMHXURslD5yznY5Q6kI_p6S9d9qYGJx5aDMDay_jXFLCo5vF6rJA9yay780oE2E/s1600/steampunk+button+down.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Denim bustier: Guess (thrifted)</div>
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Buttondown: Salsa Jeans, 1st Level collection (thrifted)</div>
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Trousers: Citizens of Humanity (thrifted)</div>
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Bracelet-as-choker: Foxy Originals</div>
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Boots: Two Lips (thrifted)</div>
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The layering is because the denim bustier is short and leaves a good inch of midriff bare. The laces are also let out all the way in the back, so by itself this is more skin than I'd like to show, even in sun-worshipping Southern CA.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_yrOmDla2XcTwUUsj8bfR1tcahMqSPPAzVtaM2Ex1s0XLM1LAmUZx3sVAdscI9PPag0X9CyOyV7AZgiajKyS-zyMG8GGAfoIlRgvXR2FGCO3GmmnITwwAdObheW3G5drseWC02lo9uQ/s1600/guess+denim+bustier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_yrOmDla2XcTwUUsj8bfR1tcahMqSPPAzVtaM2Ex1s0XLM1LAmUZx3sVAdscI9PPag0X9CyOyV7AZgiajKyS-zyMG8GGAfoIlRgvXR2FGCO3GmmnITwwAdObheW3G5drseWC02lo9uQ/s1600/guess+denim+bustier.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2qy9mhZccR9RS3YiC7ae1zHZSApLHEq8UOhVsAmUs8VHc9XnAwGwzO7qXmdDkyfSjmQsyyI40B9GKP3m2W9VzOrPPzmGpIyfh5t76F9py8KXhFEN0OgYOUENu7H3-Dq_Hv11SYs32So/s1600/guess+denim+bustier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2qy9mhZccR9RS3YiC7ae1zHZSApLHEq8UOhVsAmUs8VHc9XnAwGwzO7qXmdDkyfSjmQsyyI40B9GKP3m2W9VzOrPPzmGpIyfh5t76F9py8KXhFEN0OgYOUENu7H3-Dq_Hv11SYs32So/s1600/guess+denim+bustier.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3onixFyDBr9XXBRboNS_GNr-UV2-SRh4BizadPMXmHBvVeZWECI5GOElPUtpxNiK6Jon9lJzzHFmJNX82uIPDn1OHw4x01ZIsipYwaX9ICrIeo9Gcf58LZS1zJi4iK1yEsgODMd7epA/s1600/foxy+originals+sage+bracelet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3onixFyDBr9XXBRboNS_GNr-UV2-SRh4BizadPMXmHBvVeZWECI5GOElPUtpxNiK6Jon9lJzzHFmJNX82uIPDn1OHw4x01ZIsipYwaX9ICrIeo9Gcf58LZS1zJi4iK1yEsgODMd7epA/s1600/foxy+originals+sage+bracelet.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
The material is stretchy, the detailing is fun, and it's quite comfortable though, so I'm glad I figured out a way to wear denim on top. :D<br />
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This outfit's actually a twofer: I also dig the trousers but don't know what to wear with green pants, so I stapled the two elements together with the brown shirt as a connecting piece.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri2k7OqbZanphf5FTCzZ7in7JgcSC8mdeo5YO7lc_r9ZfEOWLGERdzbeLPeizwMZ9ujG4UQqMR2NGxP0mAX3ZqbXsRqLx7IRgtp0L6VOezeNu1sOU_Lwq_n7DYjZFT_G6-_FmwkHFz0g/s1600/salsa+jeans+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri2k7OqbZanphf5FTCzZ7in7JgcSC8mdeo5YO7lc_r9ZfEOWLGERdzbeLPeizwMZ9ujG4UQqMR2NGxP0mAX3ZqbXsRqLx7IRgtp0L6VOezeNu1sOU_Lwq_n7DYjZFT_G6-_FmwkHFz0g/s1600/salsa+jeans+shirt.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ5OaaFiQphVb27FZuE8ysO_7aVJvNASG86ZadIlK5qxwYpB-zEFaTfhViEJNPaw2RezNfknx7J4a06gryiAp7q946oKfBByN-D2Ug8FDwPOKH9NTfNc_ppfZXLKyMnPWM7A2qcciUOI/s1600/salsa+jeans+leather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ5OaaFiQphVb27FZuE8ysO_7aVJvNASG86ZadIlK5qxwYpB-zEFaTfhViEJNPaw2RezNfknx7J4a06gryiAp7q946oKfBByN-D2Ug8FDwPOKH9NTfNc_ppfZXLKyMnPWM7A2qcciUOI/s1600/salsa+jeans+leather.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Love the contrasting stitching and the leather side cinchers and buttons on this shirt! It has a Western/Steampunk feel to me, though the brand, Salsa jeans, is Portuguese. :D It's another one of those brands I'm sure I'd never have come across if not for thrift shops.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYWa_T_4MCwJ1MqzflCeqMJX2Z5FFsO68sNkcSYihyrZlMeISDhyphenhyphenMfbT9Fxdhdo5JS5lsBm2qE0Vd7wTegdBay22aawt7UIi8G6FyE3Y3XMKzuqiyBVKwIrnVN7VrSWrJsMGW9OrwCYA/s1600/citizens+of+humanity+green+pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYWa_T_4MCwJ1MqzflCeqMJX2Z5FFsO68sNkcSYihyrZlMeISDhyphenhyphenMfbT9Fxdhdo5JS5lsBm2qE0Vd7wTegdBay22aawt7UIi8G6FyE3Y3XMKzuqiyBVKwIrnVN7VrSWrJsMGW9OrwCYA/s1600/citizens+of+humanity+green+pants.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The decorative buttons on the side of my green trousers. Hooray useless buttons and zippers!</div>
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I think I like lots of decorative elements on my clothes to have something to fiddle with or stare at. It started because I was a terminally bored child in school, and even though those days are long behind me, having jewelry to touch or interesting shiny bits on my clothes brings me comfort.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">What elements draw you to your favorite clothes? Texture, details, visual appearance?</span></div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-36878414076432413092014-10-20T07:00:00.000-07:002014-10-21T03:00:59.801-07:00Sweating Bullets with Butterfly WingsKnow what they call lace-up boots with a skirt in Orange County?<br />
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... a rookie mistake.<br />
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I tried to change up the shorts-tank-sandals routine a little and feel more dressed-up. Result: profuse calf sweat. NO ES BUENO.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KrSyxz-R2y099gly1_6_ZXKPan-E3vLhjw_Zv23KnI1l2_b3PyALeVuTM0minN90e2UZPV5F_2uWn-FM0xfSoQn-71mYbRm7qTglCHyRUhYv1x9wN9WmDBXdr_75dShqv_ywjzfRQ9E/s1600/report+lace-up+boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KrSyxz-R2y099gly1_6_ZXKPan-E3vLhjw_Zv23KnI1l2_b3PyALeVuTM0minN90e2UZPV5F_2uWn-FM0xfSoQn-71mYbRm7qTglCHyRUhYv1x9wN9WmDBXdr_75dShqv_ywjzfRQ9E/s1600/report+lace-up+boots.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs5E7nicHNH3CxgdC1ebhUyoG7bmsF_rCP4BLm0_rQTLUPQ5TazhqXPFQFVAKjDJYm598ZAA5lmdvUCj8rXXQXiBJluukstitkFDTtrQojHht5QkMv25JEGh2-Fn1kEVp4l8PUisWhXs/s1600/diesel+butterfly+tank+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs5E7nicHNH3CxgdC1ebhUyoG7bmsF_rCP4BLm0_rQTLUPQ5TazhqXPFQFVAKjDJYm598ZAA5lmdvUCj8rXXQXiBJluukstitkFDTtrQojHht5QkMv25JEGh2-Fn1kEVp4l8PUisWhXs/s1600/diesel+butterfly+tank+top.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Tank top: Diesel (Las Vegas outlet)</div>
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Pleated denim skirt: London Jean (thrifted)</div>
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Lace-up boots: Report (thrifted)<br />
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The Diesel tank top is thick material and double-layered too, so it was also not an ideal garment in the heat. Even my summer clothes are summer-in-San-Francisco clothes. <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2014/01/denim-slacker.html" target="_blank">I last wore this tank top with denim too</a>, looking back on it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbA3jUS6zqrFZBh8aYdCOfsAO6aqXE6k-J6oCnJ-1PAErWeEU-tZTNIT1dogbuJUurXlr3n3o894EzpgmCdGu0qbL80hMA0kYjxbGHhBcMNHxMSqTt0Puhf826wrA1u12yDFFcNFtjDew/s1600/diesel+silver+speckles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbA3jUS6zqrFZBh8aYdCOfsAO6aqXE6k-J6oCnJ-1PAErWeEU-tZTNIT1dogbuJUurXlr3n3o894EzpgmCdGu0qbL80hMA0kYjxbGHhBcMNHxMSqTt0Puhf826wrA1u12yDFFcNFtjDew/s1600/diesel+silver+speckles.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the purple flowers & butterfly or feathers design on this shirt. I got a close-up of the silver speckles that cover it, but it wasn't easy. All clothes on the floor now exist for lounging. Ahem:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6i6XZbv2IlCO0RXbR5dIw0OgjexN9OADygLE1QpetveDh9J0vNOK_adROrY__6sfRQI83jblQp3QP_Y2KpK2bxlvH-9cgNUph-7ViC6i2dbhyphenhyphenynbsB8FnrWu8uvx85N3wejhiPVrhao/s1600/diesel+butterfly+tank+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6i6XZbv2IlCO0RXbR5dIw0OgjexN9OADygLE1QpetveDh9J0vNOK_adROrY__6sfRQI83jblQp3QP_Y2KpK2bxlvH-9cgNUph-7ViC6i2dbhyphenhyphenynbsB8FnrWu8uvx85N3wejhiPVrhao/s1600/diesel+butterfly+tank+2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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AHEM:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgsvVsTgKHGnlMoRzMowpSiBiAGtwfGhv_0rdWYHXB8MfYO0pRu9EhTbbsjekBgUBsPYXwcfBFZtfzgFbSwZS3430C5t0Ui1QB2EyTrUY_1QywXt49_6HI2qDtix5zNVuH9SineTshYM/s1600/shirt+hidee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgsvVsTgKHGnlMoRzMowpSiBiAGtwfGhv_0rdWYHXB8MfYO0pRu9EhTbbsjekBgUBsPYXwcfBFZtfzgFbSwZS3430C5t0Ui1QB2EyTrUY_1QywXt49_6HI2qDtix5zNVuH9SineTshYM/s1600/shirt+hidee.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your blog is now about me.<br />
Australian terrier mutts are a greater market share blah blah shareholder value maximization.<br />
... what, you didn't get the memo?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My transformation into one of those people that anthropomorphizes and shares endlessly about their pets is complete. How did this happen? I remember being cool-headed and reasonable about this in the beginning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-oxzWj8eNhzzjSRW92i8dmxTa1lu-9K343P5NM_EvGSVOh8FGv-tpI_U2T16-JlOLnaPsdEEmhj3iBmN4VJOlCwNHqTkVSg4O4XAPXNvlBa1_e-IqTCBLEIthYn2vejwG4cxh1tORn0/s1600/report+lace+up+boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-oxzWj8eNhzzjSRW92i8dmxTa1lu-9K343P5NM_EvGSVOh8FGv-tpI_U2T16-JlOLnaPsdEEmhj3iBmN4VJOlCwNHqTkVSg4O4XAPXNvlBa1_e-IqTCBLEIthYn2vejwG4cxh1tORn0/s1600/report+lace+up+boots.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I used to wear boots with skirts and dresses all the time without thinking about it. Well, I wear <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/search/label/boots" target="_blank">boots with everything</a>. Something about a good solid pair of chunky boots fills me with comfort and outfit confidence.<br />
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It wasn't until moving away for several months and visiting the SF Bay Area that I realized it's totally A Thing there. Every gal does it! Sometimes we need to get some distance from ourselves in order to see more clearly. (:</div>
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Down here, not so much of a thing. And now, as I swab out the shafts of my Report boots, I know why.</div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-5054705495646424982014-10-16T07:00:00.000-07:002014-10-17T17:57:23.429-07:00Street Food Cinema's Labyrinth<div>
One of the things I did this summer was attend <a href="http://www.streetfoodcinema.com/event/labyrinth/" target="_blank">Street Food Cinema</a>'s showing of Jim Henson's Labyrinth with my friend Cathy!</div>
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Labyrinth is my favorite film, and getting the chance to see it on a large screen is always a treat. I've seen it in a theatre once before, in the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. Brian Henson and a few cast members did a pre-show for that one. It was fantastic. (:<br />
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In case you haven't seen it, Labyrinth features Jennifer Connelly as a teenaged heroine who sets out to save her baby brother wearing jeans, a vest over a foofy shirt, and sensible shoes:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VipfFcZdqUqI3VUcq7fPBfkJekgBfH5NHPh5ytIIGLQLWssSkRMoTi0-8U2rDLSNo4R_N-HLaVFZh3qDCJmT-l3dvZ9U96MXGIsjtwqKpicsOlyGgjWY1YAELNfMjmSlysGOyh-Flnw/s1600/sarah+in+labyrinth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VipfFcZdqUqI3VUcq7fPBfkJekgBfH5NHPh5ytIIGLQLWssSkRMoTi0-8U2rDLSNo4R_N-HLaVFZh3qDCJmT-l3dvZ9U96MXGIsjtwqKpicsOlyGgjWY1YAELNfMjmSlysGOyh-Flnw/s1600/sarah+in+labyrinth.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
So I wore my take on the ensemble:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJP76owUyyU8AXaf6AIa9QVoPha7C_IuqXVD4SVv5GB6hZTK7a1hqN1LHp7EZIIRMkegfr9HMeyqdrshDsECTfMdJtJp2gQFVouKuVQABRgpLZA96eLjfk0PTx-dwSasCObZLwm1Ea5U/s1600/theatre+de+la+labyrinth+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJP76owUyyU8AXaf6AIa9QVoPha7C_IuqXVD4SVv5GB6hZTK7a1hqN1LHp7EZIIRMkegfr9HMeyqdrshDsECTfMdJtJp2gQFVouKuVQABRgpLZA96eLjfk0PTx-dwSasCObZLwm1Ea5U/s1600/theatre+de+la+labyrinth+shirt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aQPAVR2nBX7ZrSImPApNsXfwHselmXshr35qN544oN5Tul-vsMH6ch4DpbxCoQNk-LajoSHSJu9OmTk3rVgQVc3cKu_fcqwF8kylFTKeElpKTdo51kY4_NhLFGP23k5yTv-hp-frc80/s1600/dressed+for+labyrinth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aQPAVR2nBX7ZrSImPApNsXfwHselmXshr35qN544oN5Tul-vsMH6ch4DpbxCoQNk-LajoSHSJu9OmTk3rVgQVc3cKu_fcqwF8kylFTKeElpKTdo51kY4_NhLFGP23k5yTv-hp-frc80/s1600/dressed+for+labyrinth.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Would have liked more contrast between the vest and the shirt, but it's the only one of that cut I've got. Wouldn't mind another layer-y vest like this, but I'll take it slow, since this one already makes my mother sad.</div>
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At least the undershirt is no longer white! I overdyed it to bring out the blue and purple in the t-shirt.</div>
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Theatre de la Labyrinth shirt: available on <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/khallion/works/7417560-theatre-de-la-labyrinth-shirt-v2?p=t-shirt" target="_blank">Redbubble</a>, prints on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/khallion/search?search_query=labyrinth&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">etsy</a></div>
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Undershirt (overdyed): Anxiety Cafe (thrifted)</div>
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Vest: Zara basic (thrifted)</div>
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Necklace-as-bracelet: Printemps dept store in Japan</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1L1eNm_K7gmU5V81v0XSRHAb7q-QdanDq4aPAB__5pbtClrenUu3LH-VZhSLbqfFpX5BEV0wpdNvX_OUr_zY_1x1IrLiLhb5n2HssbH3rIC1hiIa-1CfROdT9qi9aZae4ThBYMVKze8/s1600/japan+printemps+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1L1eNm_K7gmU5V81v0XSRHAb7q-QdanDq4aPAB__5pbtClrenUu3LH-VZhSLbqfFpX5BEV0wpdNvX_OUr_zY_1x1IrLiLhb5n2HssbH3rIC1hiIa-1CfROdT9qi9aZae4ThBYMVKze8/s1600/japan+printemps+necklace.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course one needs a bracelet of plastic beads for barter</td></tr>
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Here is a picture of the shirt art from the artist's etsy store:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivooj8DIQ08e_GfblRQ6jlGpIiBgk-ThpKHLiFjHosjFMT2-xtngPksNevkKiZFag1UlRRNEiNjzTzo6rSxF3Emuz7EMYDpr6PWTKxnED4UGi5radHl4wHEJ60Ul_wjZ9fEdOSABe34pY/s1600/theatre+de+la+labyrinth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivooj8DIQ08e_GfblRQ6jlGpIiBgk-ThpKHLiFjHosjFMT2-xtngPksNevkKiZFag1UlRRNEiNjzTzo6rSxF3Emuz7EMYDpr6PWTKxnED4UGi5radHl4wHEJ60Ul_wjZ9fEdOSABe34pY/s1600/theatre+de+la+labyrinth.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></div>
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Seriously, I love this film so much. I love everything David Bowie wears in it, I love the Escher-inspired set pieces, I love that <a href="http://www.michaelmoschen.com/" target="_blank">Michael Moschen</a> does Jareth's contact juggling, I love that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gates_McFadden" target="_blank">Gates McFadden</a> of Star Trek: the Next Generation fame choreographed the ballroom scene.</div>
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Most of all, you can clearly see the passion and creativity in the detail that went into this film. The sets and puppets are bursting with personality and the world has that distinct wacky, gentle, and thoroughly creative Jim Henson feel.</div>
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<a href="http://www.henson.com/jimsredbook/2014/09/9-1970/">Fran Brill said of Jim Henson</a>, "He was gentle, empathetic, worked with praise and encouraged you to the best of your ability. He created an atmosphere of fun and foolishness intuiting that in order to create and feel free one had to feel 'safe.'"</div>
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It also features the only possible example of leggings-as-pants that doesn't meet with my disapproval:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGK_ZSYqQ6MN0BwwCYgtUVsdJhmkpLHeSncpDI4q1RMa6TznyJf4fPppUQ78413bB0V9HM1-_DCvlksvT2VOZS4XQ6pN1rY18nKxIgUexKc4SntGNlHT6GCkZYoKyrVhyphenhyphen-p3gnOmAdpo4/s1600/jareth+in+tights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGK_ZSYqQ6MN0BwwCYgtUVsdJhmkpLHeSncpDI4q1RMa6TznyJf4fPppUQ78413bB0V9HM1-_DCvlksvT2VOZS4XQ6pN1rY18nKxIgUexKc4SntGNlHT6GCkZYoKyrVhyphenhyphen-p3gnOmAdpo4/s1600/jareth+in+tights.jpg" height="320" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">woo hoo! David Bowie is borderline NSFW in this film.</td></tr>
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The event itself had several food trucks and a big grassy lawn on which to spread picnic blankets. Cathy said it was a prime example of the sun worshipping Los Angeles culture. I'm starting to like the city, at least the parts I travel to within its vast bounds. It's too large to wrap my head around as yet.<br />
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When I get out of the monochrome suburb where my mother lives, Southern CA has some pretty neat events, creative people, and a lot of wonderful places to eat. I'm working on getting that activation energy to get in the car and drive for an hour to experience some of it. It's harder than just riding the train or bus for the same length of time!<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Did you go to any outdoor events this summer? Are there showings of old or cult favorite films in your area?</span>Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-89466818213089682502014-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:002014-10-10T07:00:06.033-07:00Sheer for Sear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Someone left Southern CA on 'parboil' again. This is the second thrift piece I picked up for simmer-I mean, summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN8AETExEgCDazsEL7K83Oj4c5Bj45FZXPN26PJxxapBZ_lSqoCWuYvYU6kxVZ-5IJ5s6P9aWtxUIFgddPsP3KLGa1g3-h4QVPvN-UYaqgDnz7kop9ErY8mKp9KbkvOor2r4KVFgyRIQ/s1600/salvage+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN8AETExEgCDazsEL7K83Oj4c5Bj45FZXPN26PJxxapBZ_lSqoCWuYvYU6kxVZ-5IJ5s6P9aWtxUIFgddPsP3KLGa1g3-h4QVPvN-UYaqgDnz7kop9ErY8mKp9KbkvOor2r4KVFgyRIQ/s1600/salvage+dress.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Amboy Aces dress/tunic: Salvage (thrifted)</div>
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Long vest/cardigan: LUX (clothing swap)</div>
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Sandals: Clark's (gift from Cathy)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtPvW9gzlym3ZNWqE3W2WTPoafk-Q8Cf6SNI88creJ7aAHygopwVbJhlqvzHw799by-KibZA4smAr9IrcwCItQYz923lEQHppVzxizTrE0zrEd5Tt-YdSU3SWDvHKm-FpKpRiX3ehyphenhyphenM4/s1600/long+vest+over+tunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtPvW9gzlym3ZNWqE3W2WTPoafk-Q8Cf6SNI88creJ7aAHygopwVbJhlqvzHw799by-KibZA4smAr9IrcwCItQYz923lEQHppVzxizTrE0zrEd5Tt-YdSU3SWDvHKm-FpKpRiX3ehyphenhyphenM4/s1600/long+vest+over+tunic.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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My friend noted with approval that <i>this</i> is summer clothing. I kind of felt like I was wearing underwear all day. It might be the light colors, it might be the thinness of the material, or, as I now realize looking at the photos, it might be because I'm clearly wearing a <i>tunic</i>, not a dress. Dangit. Blog and learn.</div>
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On the plus, it's a size up from what I normally wear, and I found out when I went to brunch that I can eat a pound of food and it is not evident. Hooray loose!</div>
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The thrifted tunic's brand is Salvage, and it reminds me of the brand <a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/search/label/Treasure%20Rock" target="_blank">Treasure Rock</a> that I also have some pieces from. I looked it up online, and man, this brand is pricey. I like all of the cool details and grommets, but <a href="http://www.rock-rebel.com/p-4476-salvage-amboy-aces-caduceus-lace-up-womens-long-v-neck-tank-top-in-light-blue.aspx" target="_blank">$139 for this thing</a> new? Half the damn thing isn't even opaque!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCRGtPdC06M8ZO8rU_M0R4A_0tbhZSON-Pnddcqoz59FZhzjIBUJA0YCnjJbNY36g1Th-d3ictRH8qjkU5th5KxQ2uveeyI2uhlY_FtaLO14eK1h9H8jSh3OdmPAGydfUToAQDezmWCw/s1600/LUX+long+vest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCRGtPdC06M8ZO8rU_M0R4A_0tbhZSON-Pnddcqoz59FZhzjIBUJA0YCnjJbNY36g1Th-d3ictRH8qjkU5th5KxQ2uveeyI2uhlY_FtaLO14eK1h9H8jSh3OdmPAGydfUToAQDezmWCw/s1600/LUX+long+vest.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Speaking of, this light lavender long vest or cardigan or thing by LUX proved its usefulness, even as it continues to defy categorization. The back of the Salvage tunic is actually sheer, leading me to wonder who exactly this garment is meant for. Is this a misguided attempt to be sexy?</div>
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If a question is going to form in the mind of the folks I pass on the street, I'd like it to be along the lines of, "Where did she get those clothes?" rather than, "Dear god, are those her <i>underpants</i> visible through the back of that thing?"</div>
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Then again, when temperatures are regularly nearing 100F, my brain shorts out and all bets are off. Small wonder I forgot to wear pants.</div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-13394286655282167182014-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:002014-09-29T07:00:01.622-07:00Stripped Up for Hot Weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This top is one of my new desert pieces. I managed to snag it for $3 at a thrift shop. Fully lined and 100% silk! It has subtle ruching down the sides and a drapey almost cowl neckline that flatters the figure.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGbz7Z6OhvYnM_zJnMx9qVCayKDlhFkXf0cUQMtH-AMHZVGR9VKgrN4bdcZOaUiZzYI5laalehlcUO7QJpmHjuiS9l1qdtyXrZ0XFbqzmIiVH25CIWS5dNpcMtA746EqO59zeo81glCA/s1600/tank+top+over+mermaid+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGbz7Z6OhvYnM_zJnMx9qVCayKDlhFkXf0cUQMtH-AMHZVGR9VKgrN4bdcZOaUiZzYI5laalehlcUO7QJpmHjuiS9l1qdtyXrZ0XFbqzmIiVH25CIWS5dNpcMtA746EqO59zeo81glCA/s1600/tank+top+over+mermaid+skirt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Oh, and the tattered strips of silk: Instant love. Any occasion to bust out the </span><a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/search/label/fire%20hazard" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">fire hazard</a><span style="text-align: left;"> label! </span><span style="text-align: left;">I feel they hang around my shoulders</span> like the fluttering ribbons of fantasy wings. Or ribbons of homelessness, according to my mom. Agree to disagree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwpm51m8XA0ucNGlD7AzwTYMmELXLpu5hBKY212FLu0YcKOTxfeOA10CyLIjuHTwBBMoBKbD2UI41n3BtpY-kI2x4D_kMBMeXzOj7EyyNVFD2RK55HKwVYFuiy7KSVnDxVD9Al5haX2s/s1600/shredded+silk+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwpm51m8XA0ucNGlD7AzwTYMmELXLpu5hBKY212FLu0YcKOTxfeOA10CyLIjuHTwBBMoBKbD2UI41n3BtpY-kI2x4D_kMBMeXzOj7EyyNVFD2RK55HKwVYFuiy7KSVnDxVD9Al5haX2s/s1600/shredded+silk+shirt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Shredded silk shirt: unknown (thrifted)</div>
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Denim mermaid skirt: Bebe (thrifted)</div>
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Sandals: Clark's (gift from Cathy)</div>
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Necklace: Old Navy</div>
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Bangles: gifted x2, DIY, thrifted, and Paris</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZihyS7s8rQaanjDHs5NMobcV55iI4rTMt131YhnQhaAKPuzKtgZ4Nyt6NzicyultGVCe7Atx_5qqFCecCKb-lQtP9CC4uKR_P6OnbXzM8k2_cbBfevKKCymGjSqa25l8pggx3WSJqpb8/s1600/torn+silk+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZihyS7s8rQaanjDHs5NMobcV55iI4rTMt131YhnQhaAKPuzKtgZ4Nyt6NzicyultGVCe7Atx_5qqFCecCKb-lQtP9CC4uKR_P6OnbXzM8k2_cbBfevKKCymGjSqa25l8pggx3WSJqpb8/s1600/torn+silk+shirt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I feel kind of slouchy and feminine and classy-sexy all at once in it. Which is great, because I've also been totally slacking about cutting and styling my hair. And makeup. Meh. It's 90 degrees.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIPwtxCyomGRTr6PobVyAyCQ_nBQHWhkJBpw0oc23f6OPUviTM-whI7MJplW0-HuWPJ_BcWI7248w0EGjqFEdZlvhBYLeruU5gM4ckomeH1m6oVtZ-v1koq5sXeqTyomyJg-udlN_4yM/s1600/silver+bangles+and+beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIPwtxCyomGRTr6PobVyAyCQ_nBQHWhkJBpw0oc23f6OPUviTM-whI7MJplW0-HuWPJ_BcWI7248w0EGjqFEdZlvhBYLeruU5gM4ckomeH1m6oVtZ-v1koq5sXeqTyomyJg-udlN_4yM/s1600/silver+bangles+and+beads.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8sY0ufus2w3EHlQU07qogLZvOleHmCZunmIMjauk2vDQ45f6ql0832wF8FMsq5Eficx3mYiqU_Z1r6mCTRcKompIrkg07mN8xdi7gk10YUxa3xbTi-h3VuInt4VKBevZ9iCEpavDg8U/s1600/old+navy+rings+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8sY0ufus2w3EHlQU07qogLZvOleHmCZunmIMjauk2vDQ45f6ql0832wF8FMsq5Eficx3mYiqU_Z1r6mCTRcKompIrkg07mN8xdi7gk10YUxa3xbTi-h3VuInt4VKBevZ9iCEpavDg8U/s1600/old+navy+rings+necklace.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATqYNPu-_F1G-TMvMrhHt-SMWty6XEus3wCI5ytymEpLI5aZK5ek8HWdokHNXzjIMcGIa39BU7A-n9YGiqKd4Bk7miOHYQeJp2jEYeNH_3wSs6u2RUM9qwSIWkRkS8IKUkr5IPLI8J-M/s1600/clark's%2Bblack%2Bleather%2Bsandals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATqYNPu-_F1G-TMvMrhHt-SMWty6XEus3wCI5ytymEpLI5aZK5ek8HWdokHNXzjIMcGIa39BU7A-n9YGiqKd4Bk7miOHYQeJp2jEYeNH_3wSs6u2RUM9qwSIWkRkS8IKUkr5IPLI8J-M/s1600/clark's%2Bblack%2Bleather%2Bsandals.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Thrifting is such an equalizer. I'd be too intimidated to wear an <i>expensive</i> silk shirt with denim and roll around on the floor in it playing with the dog, but since all price tags are the same, I feel like my clothes are cheerfully all-purpose.<br />
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Am I the only one who carries a mental price tag with items and lets that influence their use? I shouldn't, but high prices for things intimidate me. How much more freeing a $3 price tag can be. :DAyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-55615396808965984122014-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:002014-09-24T07:00:02.442-07:00All Dress Weather, All the Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good news: when I picked out clothes for my limited closet space, I brought a bunch of warm weather dresses!</div>
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Bad news: a dress is an entire outfit, so once worn, I feel like I can't wear it on the blog again for a while. I haven't featured this dress on the blog since-holy crap-<a href="http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2013/09/get-thee-to-haberdashery.html" target="_blank">almost exactly a year ago</a> though, so I guess it is okay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL5nwgFN6OyLIdV32QgmQPnutxdSRKDJCPrG_ZYWFgX6nhqKAIrIyBq6iAeUhBtkvrxRqfyhHey9MUOw8841lCUuPwnRHhHB4c_oZDMB-lUIncKQN3Fd5zeIH-hlYERukO5AbZsEXxLg/s1600/blue+ozz+on+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL5nwgFN6OyLIdV32QgmQPnutxdSRKDJCPrG_ZYWFgX6nhqKAIrIyBq6iAeUhBtkvrxRqfyhHey9MUOw8841lCUuPwnRHhHB4c_oZDMB-lUIncKQN3Fd5zeIH-hlYERukO5AbZsEXxLg/s1600/blue+ozz+on+dress.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XsxgHwJZ7_54uMhlM82ZF3ukQDsd9rFzUuNowhHbOlvR4NbMWwoigJBbqPKqEqYCqlG6ySbjF3EWIjAIX1NzvvuNv2kP_UEn7PDolELsrPGG2yZJKtaz2VyHob0C71lsi_YHiTCaTUY/s1600/chinese+punk+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XsxgHwJZ7_54uMhlM82ZF3ukQDsd9rFzUuNowhHbOlvR4NbMWwoigJBbqPKqEqYCqlG6ySbjF3EWIjAIX1NzvvuNv2kP_UEn7PDolELsrPGG2yZJKtaz2VyHob0C71lsi_YHiTCaTUY/s1600/chinese+punk+dress.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Dress: OzzOn Japan (secondhand, Japan)</div>
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Cropped blazer: Isaac Mizrahi for Target (thrifted)</div>
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Tensha bead earrings: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thethornandrose?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">The Thorn & Rose</a> (etsy)</div>
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Bracelet: Foreign Exchange (old)</div>
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Sandals: Fitzwell (6pm.com)</div>
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It's not showing much, but I'm also wearing a perfectly-sized racerback underdress that's the same shade and that conveniently covers any gaps in the hem that might flash too much thigh.</div>
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It also enabled me, while attending my friend Athena's wedding, to take the dress off in the parking lot and offer it to a near-stranger who was admiring it so she could try it on. Alcohol was definitely involved.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5v_yDzcIqlfULRPU8FpbSTyJa5SStQS3UZTe6AEeMq67sJdwM-Xu5UIVKwbJg8cWM6q6ZrrpX98eFPa8lMzZbS9-Aupzwbc6AU1OSzcDyXEuuBwRvZeRNqdeo9phyphenhyphen70JUAR5Ta3nI_k/s1600/tensha+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5v_yDzcIqlfULRPU8FpbSTyJa5SStQS3UZTe6AEeMq67sJdwM-Xu5UIVKwbJg8cWM6q6ZrrpX98eFPa8lMzZbS9-Aupzwbc6AU1OSzcDyXEuuBwRvZeRNqdeo9phyphenhyphen70JUAR5Ta3nI_k/s1600/tensha+earrings.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3lD3p6nNvEkWPieGLTTrFEfjciF02x18sRagMV6QSuPD2arkARd01y7dLilhrvOOSMj_GQu7Nla2QC3zUMNU5Qvy4uC__WNGtsuRxtXiyNxZQvNHn5BAwPnkjBX4YIK6jO6O9OCCdDI/s1600/punk+stud+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3lD3p6nNvEkWPieGLTTrFEfjciF02x18sRagMV6QSuPD2arkARd01y7dLilhrvOOSMj_GQu7Nla2QC3zUMNU5Qvy4uC__WNGtsuRxtXiyNxZQvNHn5BAwPnkjBX4YIK6jO6O9OCCdDI/s1600/punk+stud+bracelet.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Athena, incidentally, was the very one who introduced me to this brand! The day we met, I noticed two things about her: first, she was intelligent and outspoken (three things?), specifically on the topic of an awful textbook that had been required reading for one of our introductory courses, and second, that she was wearing a jacket that was sweeeeet beyond all recognition.</div>
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I complimented her jacket and introduced myself in the ladies room. And the rest, as they say, is history. :D</div>
Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048950020104060920.post-57260425853573032422014-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:002014-10-16T16:05:11.034-07:00Fedora Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI29j4vx7FO4gNR5G-Y9SsXa_rYiMijzb6bbiDDpXNlbkKf9mpyMwr0M-gzDNa15CsdgkrW0UN0OZKOIECUluWR2dg1eZsB6VXfLow55Lq59WY2DR3KF5rqsGie-WBcGW-HmZNRC8rYg/s1600/edme+esyllte+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI29j4vx7FO4gNR5G-Y9SsXa_rYiMijzb6bbiDDpXNlbkKf9mpyMwr0M-gzDNa15CsdgkrW0UN0OZKOIECUluWR2dg1eZsB6VXfLow55Lq59WY2DR3KF5rqsGie-WBcGW-HmZNRC8rYg/s1600/edme+esyllte+top.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Fedora: Stacy Adams (<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=stacy+adams+navy+fedora&rlz=1C1TSNF_enUS454US454&oq=stacy+adams+navy+fedora&aqs=chrome..69i57.3345j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=stacy+adams+navy+fedora&tbm=shop" target="_blank">available online</a>)</div>
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Top: Edme Esyllte (eBay)</div>
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Locket: Express (v. old)</div>
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Boots: ALDO (thrifted)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLd-BOSsi5DxakZRvUwYOhu6C4qdNJNhOc8TGSE7aJCKSO-0E7Gj323GdztjPTi7vvVjTlb7TBdY1W9pzPEHou7gi94zTO264_yK7zhoJd1k0YSGfAFJrhvahLgVNKrOQ9YmFTBaU-qk/s1600/stacy+adams+navy+fedora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLd-BOSsi5DxakZRvUwYOhu6C4qdNJNhOc8TGSE7aJCKSO-0E7Gj323GdztjPTi7vvVjTlb7TBdY1W9pzPEHou7gi94zTO264_yK7zhoJd1k0YSGfAFJrhvahLgVNKrOQ9YmFTBaU-qk/s1600/stacy+adams+navy+fedora.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I still don't know how to style this fedora, but I've had it for several years now, so I'm trying it with anything, so long as it doesn't clash. I originally bought it because my boss at the time had one from this brand and I thought it looked snazzy.<br />
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I think some of the difficulty is that the fedora is a warm saturated navy, while most of my clothes are cool and low brightness/saturation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_TZFq10udCoqItWwjj5Hu4rgApNBvlZY4lkgsLCqW6OfD291s1uTGp3Kwb8J0gyKNuL9KY-h_XhR6ZzFezl0wpZykVQcXpS3MUgYVR6W27uVAARX9RsDy7ahCl5QJPg8DQX6S4p-kFY/s1600/edme+esyllte+steampunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_TZFq10udCoqItWwjj5Hu4rgApNBvlZY4lkgsLCqW6OfD291s1uTGp3Kwb8J0gyKNuL9KY-h_XhR6ZzFezl0wpZykVQcXpS3MUgYVR6W27uVAARX9RsDy7ahCl5QJPg8DQX6S4p-kFY/s1600/edme+esyllte+steampunk.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJbzccTv6FkVWm9d4L4hffeEQKQhOkBprPjPhBC0g0I1sFnBNBuIXpGnv1YEZhWgMSGRSP71ECJz7rkKvTf-_MtoODSonojCaXM2OMNJE5liny6-oP3UTObo1lxUPARlpUZc6nehTw4Q/s1600/victorian+jeweled+locket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJbzccTv6FkVWm9d4L4hffeEQKQhOkBprPjPhBC0g0I1sFnBNBuIXpGnv1YEZhWgMSGRSP71ECJz7rkKvTf-_MtoODSonojCaXM2OMNJE5liny6-oP3UTObo1lxUPARlpUZc6nehTw4Q/s1600/victorian+jeweled+locket.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaLoYV5ST5t8tKcPXy5DlMjq3DRujV7274e8MfW_-0wVp7amZ63bZdY0CoF8uwnabrbXERoemg1T6v7gDE9GOktTyzSkhWTyNpxDxvCyX7LuMl2ot1Gq4VdZOuX8SJD4YvG_dX8rTfLs/s1600/navy+fedora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaLoYV5ST5t8tKcPXy5DlMjq3DRujV7274e8MfW_-0wVp7amZ63bZdY0CoF8uwnabrbXERoemg1T6v7gDE9GOktTyzSkhWTyNpxDxvCyX7LuMl2ot1Gq4VdZOuX8SJD4YvG_dX8rTfLs/s1600/navy+fedora.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Tried this purple Edme Esyllte top, since it also doesn't go with anything. I thought it looked kind of military/Steampunky, so I purchased it, only to have it languish in my closet because I can't find something to wear on the bottom. (Skirts don't work because of the empire waist.)<br />
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When in doubt, put a bunch of random crap you like together and show Southern OC that there are other things than workout clothes to wear! As my friend says, "You know that feeling you're having? It's called dissonance. It means learning is taking place!"<br />
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It's been 95F/35C all summer, and while there's nothing wrong with a tank top and shorts, they don't feel very dressy to me, and I haven't put together anything creative. Most of my clothes are still in storage, and blocked off by a literal ton of 80s television equipment. Sigh. Lately I've been turning on the AC for the dog and escaping to a quiet café to work during the day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv9tXKhs-ptqepjKA-BQ0pv-agLGWOQ-gPaKYr-0iBTQQSThBqpd238SFd0wgffO-M4eJkUtrgFVqvRZxazgWb48qYue0EpfizfKhKcylcc3io7Zk3FUBQpZ3cm3WwgHFuPhJ72ihGBk/s1600/heidi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv9tXKhs-ptqepjKA-BQ0pv-agLGWOQ-gPaKYr-0iBTQQSThBqpd238SFd0wgffO-M4eJkUtrgFVqvRZxazgWb48qYue0EpfizfKhKcylcc3io7Zk3FUBQpZ3cm3WwgHFuPhJ72ihGBk/s1600/heidi+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I miss my wardrobe, but I've invested a little money thrifting some things to wear in my new desert climate, to be featured soon. And while my life has been in a slump sartorially, other things are fine to dandy. :D Here's a picture of me at the 626 Night Market with the world's largest cup of boba:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyAF0Vt0p9jiR3H18BICoOIXpd56rHWvrFK8E9lMx6iLVQ6zP5ojv_9p-WfgnQCyny31gUGcXuSaRDkXRGz9UByQYYYVqI4XdA0TdC094Oz-vdqREj68H0iDVDul62bRzPwon7NSe1Xk/s1600/aya+with+boba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyAF0Vt0p9jiR3H18BICoOIXpd56rHWvrFK8E9lMx6iLVQ6zP5ojv_9p-WfgnQCyny31gUGcXuSaRDkXRGz9UByQYYYVqI4XdA0TdC094Oz-vdqREj68H0iDVDul62bRzPwon7NSe1Xk/s1600/aya+with+boba.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suddenly my own drink did not seem to measure up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjtv3bp3zUg02QI9MBdt8v_bVwvQrhEs8B3_wydHVV681s0V2TeS8xSPG8t75Ut4oyKxWzLkPqLVY2cD0neoST4TDl8FP5DR5yCLGAmMJAjWjD0VTfZeOBJR8OvYsZb8rVWmq19AUpfs/s1600/IMAG0387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjtv3bp3zUg02QI9MBdt8v_bVwvQrhEs8B3_wydHVV681s0V2TeS8xSPG8t75Ut4oyKxWzLkPqLVY2cD0neoST4TDl8FP5DR5yCLGAmMJAjWjD0VTfZeOBJR8OvYsZb8rVWmq19AUpfs/s1600/IMAG0387.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh lavender lemonade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNJGLJ0bCmJa0bnoFffFwc93ipRUpRnkFieS8uo6wg29xMYpap06Xp0xaH9QBjtpXfoOcOErfLjwAb1GgJmJyTAlQJ9Tfpnk8OqAh0xPAEjfR3MvVylRz8zBFfTF5nJ-gBznVMGn2E_Y/s1600/IMAG0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNJGLJ0bCmJa0bnoFffFwc93ipRUpRnkFieS8uo6wg29xMYpap06Xp0xaH9QBjtpXfoOcOErfLjwAb1GgJmJyTAlQJ9Tfpnk8OqAh0xPAEjfR3MvVylRz8zBFfTF5nJ-gBznVMGn2E_Y/s1600/IMAG0392.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two really nice ladies sporting outfits from Japan</td></tr>
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<br />Ayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066652005631038278noreply@blogger.com8