More excuses to buy new shoes . . .

These Chie Mihara shoes came in the mail yesterday and I couldn't be happier with them, even if I do feel a little guilty for buying them. I fell in love with them when they were on the Anthropologie website, but at over $300.00 they were something that I couldn't afford. So when they ended up on sale for 50% off I had to get them. I reasoned with myself by thinking of all the summer events they'd get me through . . . . fun ones like concerts and parties, and not-so-great ones like weddings . . .

Have I ever complained about weddings before here? I'd be surprised if I haven't because I've been pretty bored by them since I was a kid. And I feel like it makes me a little unnatural, the fact that I'm not at all excited about eventually having a wedding of my own, and that I'm even less excited about having to go to other people's.

The only fun part about going is coming up with an outfit and being able to get away with something dressy and over-the-top. Weeks before I have to go I start scheming up outfits in my mind. I still don't know what I'll be wearing to the first one of the summer (it's this week, and to be perfectly fair it seems like it will be a fun one--the bride-to-be is cool and extra laid-back about it all). Maybe I'll go with my current inspiration and find something with ruffles:

Art deco looks are nice too:

Kate Moss for Topshop and Mayle dresses are nice, but I'm sure the dress I end up wearing will be a thrift store find from my own closet. Not nearly as glamorous, but at least the shoes will be!

Kumar on MTV!

Well it's not Kumar himself (for those who are still curious about his style and what his face looks like when he isn't 60 feet away from the camera--I know, I'm sorry!!), but a music video he made for the Norwegian band Ungdomskulen premiered last night on MTV2's Subterranean.

It is wonderful in a strange way, and when the big word loving kids at Pitchfork reviewed it they accused him of taking drugs, which isn't true but is the best kind of compliment. Congratulations, Kumar!

PS--I'm in the video for a second at 0:42--I'm wearing a polka dot dress and I have the head of a Shetland Sheepdog over my face!

Facehunter Inspiration: Ruffles

I haven't been posting as many images from The Facehunter lately but that doesn't mean that I haven't been as inspired by the outfits on it. I feel like I've stolen too many pictures from Yvan as it is and I don't want to rely on street style photos for posting material, because I so easily could . . . .

But when I saw this image I knew I had to post about it. Like all of my favorite street style outfits it's a strongly vintage-based one, but it has a pretty, romantic late '30s look that makes it even more interesting to me. Especially because I've been more into prettier looks lately and have kind of pushed my '30s obsession aside due to far too general pictures in my mind of hard, art deco looks and tailored neatness.

I forget about all of the Victorian inspired frills of the late '30s, and all of the tulle and bows and extravagant costumes that were popular in Hollywood while the Depression was ending and before WWII came along.

I love that this outfit is a slightly tone-down version of that kind of '30s romantic look, helped out by a shorter skirt length and nude fishnets.

Confession: I've been on the lookout for a pair of fishnets ever since I saw them on Gossip Girl. True story, xoxo!




Images: Loretta Young, Joan Crawford, a fashion photo by Dora Maar, Ginger Rogers (in the '40s, but still!)

Art Deco Blouse

'30s/'40s blouse: antique store in TN
Skirt and clutch: local thrift stores
Tights: Target
'30s watch: antique store
Shoes: Seychelles

I haven't been as much into 1930s styles as I usually am, but this blouse is so art deco with its beading and slim shape that I had to take it in a '30s direction. I think I was really inspired by a bunch of Robert Montgomery movies that were on TCM this week (yes, we got cable at the cabin, and having TCM made up for doing without high-speed internet). Especially one called "Another Language," with Helen Hayes wearing funny little '30s suits and hats.

Antique Stores!

I know I've been getting away from fashion in the last few days so I definitely wanted to fit this post in tonight. My sisters and I visited a lot of antique stores yesterday but only came across one that was really good. We walked in and got immediately sidetracked by lots of jewelry (bakelite, rhinestones, etc . . .), but we rushed upstairs when the owner came and told us about the vintage clothing on the second floor.

We probably spent an hour there, but I could have spent a lot more time just looking through piles of purses and baskets of vintage glasses (I tried on so many that I got a headache) and all of the jewelry on the first floor. I love vintage clothing stores, but antique stores that happen to have vintage clothing are the best places to find old dresses by far. They usually have the most interesting collections--different decades mixed together and treasures you have to dig for.

Found on the racks at this particular store: a '50s bikini, a '40s wedding dress ($33.00, in case you live near Pigeon Forge and are getting married soon), a '60s cheer leading uniform, a dress from the teens, and lots more.



Things I loved but didn't buy . . . . A vintage satchel (it was being sold as part of a set, and at $20 was cheap, but I didn't need an extra suitcase). The most perfect day dress from the '40s, but way too small in the waist for any person I know.



Things I took home: A 1940s silk beaded blouse that kind of reminds me of something by Vena Cava, and a silver heart pendant.

Back from Tennessee!

I just got back from Pigeon Forge, TN and had a lovely time. It's a tacky-in-a-funny-way kind of place, sort of geared towards young families and the elderly. Like most old people tourist traps, this one was filled with antique stores--I'll do a post on that later.

We didn't go to any of the local theater shows, although we were tempted. Instead we just took photos of strange places and of my brother-in-law (pictured) acting strangely. No Dollywood either. But look how pretty the view from our cabin was!



I'll do a post on my antique store finds a little later on. Right now it's back to work for me!

Vacation!

I'm on a quick vacation with my family in the lovely town of Pigeon Forge, TN, home of Dollywood! We're not going there, but my sister Lauren and I are trying to go to lots of funny tourist-y places, and tomorrow Lauren, Ashley, and I are going to local thrift stores and antique malls, and we're hoping for strange Southern junk stores.

Sadly this means that I won't be listing any new auctions this week. My camera's giving me problems, and the internet connection here is too slow for uploading photos anyway so all of the things I had for this week will have to wait 'till next. I'll try to post funny photos to make up for the absence.

Photo: my brother-in-law Sgt. Salt and his new pal, Dolly Parton.