Designer of Note: Joodito

As you are by now well aware, I enjoy shopping through Etsy. I have multiple favorite designers (account DolletteMarie) and one I'd like to bring to your attention today is Joodito. Her garments are beautifully constructed with technique I one day wish to emulate. Plus she creates hoodies, which, to  a humble skirt maker, seems like the most difficult thing in the world. Here are a few of my favorites.

I love the diagonal zippers, lopsided pockets, stiff collars and clever seams. Hope you enjoy these pieces!

Wednesday Wonders

Helping you get over the hump, here's some link love for you.

• 14 ways to super-charge your brain: Helping you maintain interest and keep your brain active. I found these tips both interesting and helpful. I'm glad I like almonds!
• Prada People: A lovely fashion blog with this season's runway highlights. 
• The Secret World of Haute Couture: I saw this on PBS (I know, I'm quite cool) and I found it terribly interesting. I'm never going to take part in that world, but I love learning about it!
• Think Simple Now: Great tips for breaking through writer's block! Or any creativity block.

Designer of Note: Supayana

I figured it was time for another one of my designer of note articles. Todays designer is the lovely Yana of Supayana. She does a lot of reconstruction as well as sewing from scratch. Her store is run through Etsy, which makes it extra cool in my book. Her garments always look neat and easy to wear. Here are a few examples!

I would have added more but I figured you might as well see for yourself. I'm very big into reconstruction lately, probably because I do mostly vintage shopping, and have to "tailor" my clothes anyway. I got started sewing because jeans were always too long for me. Haven't improved too much since, but practice is supposed to make perfect! 

An Ode to Knee-High Socks

Recently I have become enamoured with knee high socks. They look perfect under skirts. True, these from Banana Republic don't go past your knee so you can't pretend they're tights, but I still think they look adorable! They're only $12.50 a piece. I always feel extra dressed up wearing tights, but they can be a pain due to riding up and down.  Knee high stockings remind me of the 1940s and 50s and Casablanca. I love wearing them with heels, even if it's just around my room. Makes everything just that more romantic.

Rice and Beans Vintage

Just because I don't have any money or need for shoes doesn't mean I can't look.  So when I stumbled upon Rice and Beans Vintage, my eyes almost fell out from ogling at all the pretty shoes. Here are a few that I had a hard time looking away from:

I always get excited finding vintage designer items. While I doubt I'll ever splurge, it's still fun to look at these old shoes and seeing how classic they are and how so classic a style never seems to change. One item I am keeping an eye out for is an old Missoni sweater. But I doubt I'll ever find one I can afford. Still hope you enjoy shopping!

Book Tags

Thanks to Couture Carrie for tagging me. Here are the guidelines:

1. Pick up nearest book

2. Open to page 123

3. Find the 5th sentence

4. Post the next 3 sentences

5. Tag 5 people, and acknowledge who tagged you.

The book on my bedside table is Villette by Charlotte Bronte. The three sentences to post are as follows in my copy:

"Under these circumstances, a ring--even a sharp ring-- was a matter of course: yet this particular peal had an accent of its own, which chased my dream, and startled my book from my knee. I was stooping to pick up this last, when--firm, fast, straight--right on through vestibule, along corridor, across carre, through first division, second division, grand salle--strode a step, quick, regular, intent. The closed door of the first classe--my sanctuary--offered no obstacle; it burst open, and a paletot and a bonnet grec filled the void; also two eyes first vaguely struck upon, and then hungrily dived into me."

Phew! Can Charlotte write a run-along sentence or what? Anyway, I tag:

• Pink Rock
• The Snail and the Cyclops
• Gilda
• Alice
• Fashion Fillers

Can't wait to see what these gals are reading!

Follow Up: The perfect pumps

It's a humid, stormy day in Minneapolis and I'm coping the  best way I know: remaining stationary and slurping a cherry popsicle. However the latter makes it difficult to type. Anyway about a week ago I realized I needed a new pair of heels. Thus began a long search to find the cheapest, cutest heels around. I got loads of great recommendations. Finally I found what I'd been looking for at Black Raven Vintage. 

The transaction went beautifully. The shoes arrived today in beautiful condition with a friendly letter. The shoes fit as though they were made for my feet. So I'm happy to report a successful purchase from a newly discovered, excellent store!

Oh, and from my popsicle stick: What kind of fruit do trees like? Pineapple.

Dolce & Gabbana

Have you seen the new Dolce & Gabbana ads? I stumbled upon these because they feature my favorite model Alice Burdeu! To me they are always an article of beauty and mystery, there always seems to be a big story behind them to which I know nothing of. Frightfully inspiring though. And these ads seem to have laid out some popular looks for fall. The vagabond gypsy look is absolutely delightful!

Designer of Note

Stephanie Syjuco of Anti-Factory! 

According to her site, she uses 100% recycled fabrics, whether it's vintage fabric from stores or extra fabric from factories. A perfectionist, all of her products look beautifully made. Sure, they're somewhat pricey, but they'll last for ages. Here are some examples of her work:

Enjoy these beautiful tanks and have a great summer day! I'm sure you can think of all sorts of lovely ways to style these tanks! Feel free to submit polyvore sets of the tanks if you want!

WANTED

A pair of good heels. 

I realize I have been wearing my poor Steve Maddens to the ground at work. Could any of you dears please recommend your favorite shoes websites? When I shop, I like to explore every option!

PS. Terribly sorry about the poor quality of the photo. I'm too poor to afford my own camera!

How to: Steampunk

By now you've probably heard of the steam-punk movement. It's one that I've always aspired to emanate. However it can be daunting to stroll down the street in full victorian garb. The successful way to merge any new style into your wardrobe is to introduce individual pieces. Here are some promising ones I dug up on Etsy:

Bustle Mini Skirt by  Bunny

This skirt is adorable. I don't know why but I love bustles and this design incorporates in the classic vintage look in a modern way. Not to mention the blue tulle work wondrously with the plaid. 

Pendant Brooch

Joodito's "Doppo" Jacket

This jacket is gorgeous! The color and the detailing! The high collar and long, slim sleeves recall the style of Victorian dresses with an inspired modern twist. 

Victorian Watch Brooch

This brooch has been peeled right off the pages of a Jules Verne novel. While no one can properly define the look, I adore anything that harkens back to the romantic ages and consider it "steam punk" or just plain awesome. Steam punk can be any modern technology modified to look Verne-ian. Tips for how to modify your own electronics can be found at the Steampunk Workshop. Cheers!

Transition season already???

One thing you have to love about fashion, is how ahead of the seasons it is. For instance, the store where I work at has already put the majority of it's summer pieces on sale to make room for fall stuff. And it's only June 21st! And as a poor little pauper like me never buys things full price it is quite handy indeed. I'm sure you all "stalk" certain items, well here are things I know will be perfect for fall that I'm drooling over right now.

Cotton Sweater Dress at Banana Republic

To me, this dress screams Audrey Hepburn. So comfortable and professional. Almost any accessory would go with it!

Pin-Up Dress from Modcloth

This would be perfect for parties! It would go especially well with my red heels. I love this dress because it's unique but oozes sex. My favorite part is that these are full price now (June) so who knows what they'll be come August/September? The only issue is hoping they don't all get snatched up!

This Weekend I will be:

• re-working my jersey dress.
• sewing pop tabs to old tank top
• losing my wisdom teeth (AH!)
• finishing Villette
• fixing my bike (I fell on my morning ride and the bike's somewhat broken)

DIY Feathered Headbands

Recently I dug out an Urban Outfitters giftcard from the depths of my purse.  It had about $30 on it and while I have stopped shopping there, I would hate for them to earn any money from me so I figured I'd best spend it. I picked out this lovely feathered headband at the exorbitant price of $18, I also snagged a pack of 5 headbands. Now don't get me wrong, I love the look, but it seems pretty easy to replicate. You can pick up some authentic looking feathers at any craft store. Hot glue gun or tape can be used to secure the stems then wrap thread around the base of the feathers to cover up the tape/glue. 

Penny-pinching: How eat cheap and healthy

I try hard to eat vegan. If I do eat dairy or eggs, I make sure the animals are raised free range. I also peruse online newspapers daily, and CNN seems to be making a fuss about food prices going to way of gas prices. As a poor college student, I am used to scrounging for money to buy food. So if any of you are also trying to eat vegan, veggie or just plain healthy and eco-friendly here are a few recommendations:

Farmer's Markets:

These are easy to find in almost any city. Living in the midwest, one of the first things I do when I move to a new city is check out where the farmer's market meets. In Madison, WI it's easy because the farmer's market is in the middle of the city. Fresh produce is available here at inexpensive prices and since it comes from smaller farms the animal products are almost guaranteed free range. 

Here's my strategy for shopping there: either go really early or really late. The pro of going early is that you get to pick the best and freshest of the produce. The con is that the prices are steeper and haggling is more difficult. Not to mention that you have to wake up at 5 am. If you go late, farmers are very persuadable haggle-wise because they just want to pack up and drive home. (I presume to sleep since they must get up at 2, 3 am to start the drive down.)

Co-ops:

To find a co-op near you, listen to word of mouth and do some research online. I find being a member has quite a few benefits if you plan to shop there often, not the least of which includes lower prices. 

Trader Joe's:

These aren't everywhere in the US, but if you live on the coasts or the central midwest you may be in luck. Not only do they feature many ethnic foods, but it's also quite inexpensive. Another bonus is that you don't have to join some store club or coupon hunt, it's the lowest price they'll make it. One of my favorite features is the three dollar bottles of wine, known as 3 buck Chuck. 

I hope you find this article helpful!

Pillboxes

When I was about 5 or 6 and visiting my then-alive great grandmother (dubbed G.G.), I would always love to play with her collection of pillboxes. They were all beautifully detailed and the perfect size for my minute hands. Now that I'm finally taking my own medication (birth control, allergies, etc), I figure rather than have cumbersome (ugly) plastic pharmacy bottles around, I should dig up some of GG's old pillboxes. I find them wondrously classy and stylish. Any thoughts?

Vintage Find!

The weather was divine saturday, the perfect day to hit uptown and window shop. Unfortunately, though my budget can ill afford it, I was seduced by a pair of red leather pumps. These saucy vixens were made in Paris by Charles Jourdan. They carried me all over Uptown and into the discount movie theater later that night. Possibly my favorite feature is the 3.5 inch heels which push me to a solid 5'5"!

Current Covet

Modcloth's Banana Split Heels

These delicious heels make my mouth water. I'm always nervous about buying shoes online because my feet are so picky, going from size 5 to size 8 depending on the style. Still these shoes are tempting me to take the plunge. Perfect for dress and casual, I am worried I won't be able to save all of my Banana Republic paycheck.

Party planning

Marie Antoinette knew how to have a good time.

Happy Friday to one and all! I hope you have lots of fun planned, but if not, here are a few last minute ideas:

• Croquet party: Put on your favorite sundress and sandals and get outside to enjoy this posh english past-time. To feel authentic, you may as well serve tea along with mini pastries. (I've done this multiple times, to great success. Sure it sounds lame, but if your friends are good sports, they're sure to have fun!) Rules for playing croquet can be found here.
• Foreign movie night: Can't travel this summer? Do the next best thing, immerse yourself in another culture for a night. Feeling french? Make crepes with friends and watch a french movie ( I would suggest L'amour, c'est la folie with Audrey Tatou). Do you and your friends speak spanish? Serve tortillas de patatas while you watch Volver or L'auberge espanol. Germany? Watch the Edukators. Japan? Serve sushi and enjoy Wasabi. If you have ideas for other countries/recipes/movies, please tell me!
• Mystery: This one is fairly simple, and especially fun when the weather isn't treating you well. Start off with a mystery movie or tv series, I would suggest anything with David Suchet playing Hercule Poirot, though for a more comedic mood, Clue is always a classic. Play mafia to continue the theme as guests try to guess who among them has been dealt a murderous card. 
• Casino: Dress up (or don't) serve mixed drinks (or non-alcoholic versions if you're underaged) and play a slew of fun card games! 

Do you have any other great ideas? Please share! I hope you all have a glorious weekend!

Energizing Yourself

This afternoon, after I had finished watching Australia's Next Top Model on Youtube, I felt like rolling onto my stomach and falling asleep. I nearly did, but I remembered I have work in an hour. With Minneapolis weather so dismal and depressing lately, finding energy to do all the things I want to do has become increasingly difficult, so I did a bit of research and figured I'd share my finds with you.

• Turn on the light! I always keep lights off during the day because I hate wasting energy, but a surefire way to wake yourself up is to turn on a few lights, this alerts your brain that it's day and starts your circadian rhythm. 
• Eat a big breakfast. Naturally grown foods are best for energizing you. Carbohydrates such as bread and pasta contain a lot of energy. Also, try these foods:

-berries

-beans

-melon

-soy products (yippee! for vegans!)

-nuts

-tea

-citrus fruits/juices

-spinach

-low fat dairy products 

• Exercise. Getting your body stretched out and moving helps wake you up and prepare you for the days activities. Here's a yoga routine I found in The Yoga Deck by Olivia Miller. As with all yoga, hold the position however long you want and repeat as often as you desire. (Usually I get through one repetition in 10 minutes.)

1. Knee Hug: Hug your knees to your chest, or as close as they will get.
2. Chair: Stand up straight, making sure your posture is good. Then slowly sink down as though you are about to sit in a chair. Go as low as you can and hold.



3. Mudra: Lace your fingers behind your back and push away from you. Bend over so that your head is between your knees with you arms still outstretched.




4. Boat: Lie flat on the floor. Raise your legs and torso as far off the ground as you can, arms outstretched in front of your head. Then, keeping yourself up, pull your arms behind you.