A friend of mine had a fancy birthday party at Harry Denton's starlight room.  Everyone was looking dapper.  I decided to go with a 40's look inspired by the notebook.  I love that movie, it's so romantic. I cry every time.  I must have been looking good because every gross guy in the place was groping me on the dance floor, why do guys think that is o.k?  It was a fun night, groping aside!  How about that guy behind me, he is serious!

I am wearing

Dress-Stop Staring

Necklace/earrings/bracelet-Vintage from Josephine's estate

Shoes-BCBG (thrifted, new)

Purse-Vintage (thrifted)

Rings-DIY (Pretty Pirate Designs)

Retro Summer

I have been feeling really amazing the last few days.  After all the changes in my life,  I am finally settling back into my own reality, nicely.  I love my new apartment, it already feels like home which is of utter importance to me.  It's so bright and cheery so every day when I wake up I feel bright and cheery too.

Yesterday, I walked over to the farmers market to get some fresh produce, it was a lovely day for a stroll.  I ended up getting all kinds of goodies including some beautiful roses.  Today, I was going to wear shorts and a tee and have a casual day,  but instead, I decided on this vintage blouse.  I just love the light pastel color and the sheerness. The way I usually go about choosing my outfits is with one certain piece in mind, as in the shorts earlier and then the blouse.  I build the rest of the outfit based on the starting piece.  Most times it evolves by the time I leave the house.  How do you choose your outfits?  I always wonder how others do it.  Let me know!

 This outfit is much more my "Seattle" style.  When I lived in Seattle I wore mostly vintage dresses, I still love to, but I like to experiment with more modern looks now as well.  This outfit was so inexpensive too.


Here is all the yummy treats I got at the farmers market

I'm wearing-

Blouse-vintgage

Skirt-from a clothing swap

Shoes-Etsy

Necklace-Vintage 

Close up of the shoes! ;)

Black and White

Here I am back to shooting my own outfit shots.  At least my apartment is really cute and clean now. I had to purchase some new pants since I lost about 10 pounds in the last few months, I was lucky to find these and another pair, both Levis one pair was 5$ and these were 10$.  The good thing about living in the shopping district is that I have patience and like to go search for deals.  I am 2 blocks from HnM, 3 from F21 and 4 from Marshall's and Ross.  It's dangerous, I need to start working more.  In my old neighborhood, I was 3 blocks from all the thrift stores and it was much more my style but luckilly I am still fairly close to some thrifts and others are a short train ride away.  

Outfit Details

Shirt-Ross

Pants-Levis/Ross

Sandals-Loemanns (broken, I added the ribbon around the ankles)

Earrings-Burlington

Bracelet-F21

Looking up at you!

What a pleasant surprise to run into someone I admire.  Last night I went to a happy hour with a friend and afterwards we stepped into a local dive bar to have a drink and wallah.....Amy Sarabi!  For those who are unaware, she was on the most recent Project Runway, yes the one that Seth Aaron won.  Seth Aaron lives in my home town and I adore him.  I was rooting for him to win.  First because of the home town connection and then because of his talent.  Amy had nothing but great things to say about Seth Aaron and told me that she agreed his win was well deserved.  She joked that he would have completed a whole suit by the time she had finished a half of a pair of leggings.  The show was apparently even more stressful than it looks on T.V, she mentioned they usually only got about 10 hours to complete the garments.  Amy was a absolute doll, I was nervous about talking to her because I didn't want to act all star struck but she was just a normal gal albeit a very talented one.   She also said she loved my outfit which was such a complement coming from her!  Luckily I took some photos of my outfit before I left home. 

Here I am with Amy and her friend Sage (they attended design school together)  Sage now works in L.A designing jeans. 

The outfit

Vintage Jacket- Jones New York/ Thrifted

Vintage 60's Wool Dress-Altered/Thrifted

Vintage Neckalces-Thrifted

Vintage Silk Pajamas/Leggings-60's? thrifted

Vintage 80's Boots-Etsy

Feathered/Braided Headband-My Design, Pretty Pirate Designs

Moving on up!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, I am going through a breakup (after 5 years) and trying to figure out where to live, ect.  I did find a place and am very happy with the location and the studio.  I will have 2 huge walk in closets which is a dream come true!  In addition to the large closets I will have lots of natural light which is something I am lacking now too.  The apartment is a studio in a old 1020's building so it's not huge but the closet space will make up for it and everything will be really organized.

In the mean time I have a couple random outfit shots that didn't make it on the blog, they are a little silly so bare with me.  Things should be getting back to normal in a couple weeks.  Thanks for your support!

This is my friend Emily and I at ShowNUFF which is a weekly, Friday night- happy hour at 111 Minna.   It includes free live music and drink specials.   My friend Conrad started it and does all the booking. 

I am wearing

Vintage/altered fleur de lis dress (cut off the sleeves and made it shorter)

Vintage crochet vest

F21 earrings

This is before going to another Friday night at ShowNuff.

I am wearing

Vintage kimono

Black tunic from Anthropology

Belt from a vintage dress I have

Lace leggings by Hue

Vintage boots by Zodiak

These are my current favorite rings that are attached to my hands. 

Vintage Turquoise ring

Pyramid ring from TJ Maxx

Native American Chief ring from X generation on Haight

Large silver ring from Multi Culti on Valencia

Vertigo!

One of my favorite old movies is Vertigo, (hence the black and white photos for today).  Vertigo is a great, Hitchcock movie filmed in San Francisco.  Crissy field which can be seen in a scene in the movie is where I hung out with friends on Sunday.   For the movie, they built some stairs that were temporary and can be seen when the leading lady walks down to the water and then is saved by her leading man.  In the shot you can see the Golden Gate bridge in the background.   This was my first time hanging out here for more than a drive through.  Some of my friends and I had a BBQ to which I owe all the credit to my friend Sanjay who got to the park at 8:00 am to get the best spot he could find.  I showed up much later to find a sweet spot with lots of great people, food an beverages.  Luckily, I met some great new friends and had a blast hanging out in the sun.  Photos of me by Sanjay, except close up which is a self portrait.  All scenic photos by me.

I am wearing-

Hat-Bought at the Garlic festival in Gilroy when I was overheating (scarf is from a import store)

Dress-Vintage

Belt-Vintage

Necklace-Self made (Pretty Pirate Designs)

Sunnies-HnM

Professional photos

A new friend of mine is a professional photographer.  Aubrie Pick  is so sweet and adorable, she looks just like Anna Paquin who I adore as well.   She found this great spot while walking her dog and asked me to be the model in which I happily obliged.  We shot the photos at dusk, the lighting was so amazing.  This shot is just the first of many that she has edited so there is way more to come.  This shot was actually one of the last shots, we had not planned on shooting in front of this door, it was a after thought.  The other shots were on stairs, balconies and the driveway at this old apartment building.  I had so much fun modeling, I wish I had someone to do my outfit photos all the time!   I styled the outfit, makeup and hair.  Sorry the picture is so small, thats how it came to me via Facebook.

I'm wearing

 Vintage Hat-Thrifted

Vintage Harley Davidson Tee-Thrifted

Vintage Leather Skirt-Thrifted

Vintage Leather Jacket-Yard Sale in Oregon

My Favorite Vintage Belt-Etsy

Tights-Slashed by me (old)

Vintage Goth boots-Thrifted Years ago in Seattle

Spring Fling

The rain has subsided long enough to finally wear my new spring dresses.  This is the one that I altered from a longer silhouette with crazy poofy sleeves.  These old blue tights I've had for years were a perfect addition to the outfit.  The carpet bag is a new find from last week in unbelievably great condition.  I had been wanting one but they are few and far between in thrift shops, especially ones in perfect vintage condition, yea!!

Outfit details-

Jean Jacket-thrifted/vintage and super soft

Dress-thrifted/vintage/altered

Purse-thrifted/vintage

Tights-old?

Boots-Bluefly/Ash

Necklace-Pretty Pirate Designs, DIY

Sunnies-HnM

I lightened up my hair in a few spots. In the fringe and a few streaks around the front.

holding on

After putting this jacket on today I started thinking about some pieces in my closet that are timeless.  Things that you can have forever that go in and out of style but will always come back.  Military style is one of those among others that you can count on coming back eventually.  I have a habit of holding onto things I love for a long time.  I have had this jacket for about 10 years, yes again I am old.  Even after attempting to give it away to a co-worker years ago who then gave it back because he never wore it.   I am so glad to have it in my wardrobe and happy he gave it back to me.  I decided to mix it up a bit today with some romance and toughness. 

Outfit Details

Dress-Self Made (Pretty Pirate Designs)

Necklace-Self Made (Pretty Pirate Designs)

Braided/feathered headband-Self Made (Pretty Pirate Designs)

Belt-Vintage from flea market 15 years ago

Under slip-Self dyed dark brown

Tights-Marshals

Green Sweater-Anthropology

Army Jacket-Thrifted 10 years ago

Boots-Bluefly by ASH

A day in the life, found my coat and grabbed my hat.

I shared a great day with some friends on Wednesday.  The weather was absolutely perfect which has now turned back to rain.  We started out in the park across from my house and had a picnic and some nice white wine.  As we drank the beautiful nectar we chatted about life, work and men.  We ended the night with music from my favorite local band, Gaucho who plays amazing gypsy jazz.  Gaucho makes me feel like I live in a bygone era, like I am in a fancy parlor with all kinds of interesting people.  I highly suggest you check them out if you life in SF.  They play every Wednesday at Amnesia.  These pictures are as the day progressed.  I changed my outfit 3 times, ha!  I love wearing different outfits throughout the day. 

My friends Emily with her dog Quaila and Kristy (notice the ladies in the background wearing their bikni's, yes it was that warm.) 

The token self portrait!

I love my Chanel knock off's

Mid day outfit-

Scarf-Vintage from Josephine 

Jacket-Thrifted with gift certificate from SFStyle. 

Jeans-Earl Jeans

Purse-Marshals

Shoes-Steve Madden

Nighttime outfit-

Hat-Vintage and thrifted

Dress-Vintage and thrited

Velvet Jacket-Vintage, thrifted I added new (vintage)  button
Tights-Marshals

Shoes-Vintage, thrifted and re-soled

Belt-from random blouse

Necklace-DIY Pretty Pirate Designs

love with me

Having your significant other leave town early on Valentines day morning is not the ideal way to spend the holiday.  I managed to have a great time anyway with a nice picnic in the park and a short but very successful thrifting excursion.   The weather was absolutely stunning today, I barely wore this jacket when I was walking around or sitting in the park.  I feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place (you can see my house in this photo).  This dress has managed to become one of my most recent go-to pieces.  I am in love with it!  

Outfit Details-

Jacket-Thrifted

Dress-Thrifted and chopped off about a foot

Belt-Grandpa's old

Shoes-Thrifted/Vintage 

Necklace-Birthday gift, Betsy Johnson (thanks ladies)

Be my valentine!

I celebrated a day of love with my partner on the day before Valentines day.  We had a lovely day, brunch in the morning, a nice lunch with some friends and then a fantastic Italian dinner.  I ordered the butterfish which I have only had raw at sushi places.  It is just as tasty cooked, especially paired with a perfect white wine from Cinque Terre.   What did you do to celebrate love?

Outfit Details-

Vintage shirt-Thrifted/Vintage worn backwards for more cleavage (lol)

Dress (worn as skirt)-Thrifted/Vintage

Belt-Thrifted/Vintage

Shoes-Marshals by Franco Sarto

Coat-Vintage/Thrifted 40s and so gorgeous!

Forecasting the future

Another work outfit, funny thing is I wore a long skirt and then watched all the shows from the first day of fashion week and saw tons of long skirts.  I must be a psychic.

Outfit Details-

Lace and jersey blouse-Self made (Pretty Pirate Designs)

Necklace-F21

Hat-Burlington coat factory

Belt-Vintage and thrifted

Bracelets-Thrifted all over

Skirt-Thrifted dress I altered into a skirt

Shoes-Thrifted Banana Republic and then hand studded

Velvet coat-Vintage/ thrifted and changed button

Fur collar-From a 70's coat I've had since the 90's, it was in bad shape so I cut all the fur off and am planning to make some purses out of it.

double the pleasure

Can you tell I needed a pick me up today, dressing pretty and feminine always helps.   I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.  I have been thinking a lot about life lately and wanting to find a new path, one in which I feel like I am making a difference in the world.  I love my job as a hair designer but I think I need something more in my life.  Maybe this is what we all go through from time to time.  Being in my 30's now,  I feel it more than ever.   Wanting to travel, be married, have kids.  I need some more fulfillment.  I did start making a dress today inspired by The Boudoir Queen, who I love.  I am not happy with it so far so I will have to alter it some more and then I'll show it off here.

Outfit Details-

Lace blouse-Thrifted (my new favorite layering piece)

Dress-Vintage 

Tights-Vintage danskin (new in package from thrift store in Oregon)

Shoes-Vintage, Thrifted in my home town (mens I think)

Necklace-Self made, Pretty Pirate Designs

Flower pin-Self made 

This is what I wore to work yesterday, I was getting some seriously crazy stares on the street.  I find it really amusing when people stare at my outfits.  It makes me feel good, knowing that I look different and am not a clone.

Btw, these new boots are from Bluefly.  It was my first purchase on that site, they were a gift from my BF for my birthday.  I had many problems with them and eventually got a damage refund from them.  These boots are the most expensive shoes I have ever owned and I wanted them to be perfect.  I have been searching from some simple riding boots for a while and these were exactly what I wanted.  They came to me with some smudges on them and creases on the toes, it looked as if they had been tried on a bunch and returned.  They were the last pair available and not in perfect condition but they were sold as new and perfect.  They said they would give me a damage refund for $21.80 and then refunded me $17.80 (after this I could never return them).  I had to email them to tell them they messed up (again).  The whole experience was terrible and I'm not sure I will ever use the site again.  I do love the boots though and am happy with the quality besides the damage (which is not too noticeable).  I got a great deal on them but the hassle was dreadful.

Outfit Details-

Earrings-Burlington coat factory

Beaded Jacket-Vintage, Thrifted in my home town

Cardigan-Nordstrom

Dress-Old basic, cant't remember

Wooden Belt-Thrifted

Tights-Marshals

Boots-Ash, Bluefly

Working for the weekend

Cream and black lace have got to be my most favorite things.  I have about a foot of my closet dedicated to these colors and textures.  I'm off to work for a few hours today, someone's gotta make people's hair look lovely. I would love to go hiking after work but with all this crazy weather I'm not sure it will happen.  Can you tell I cut way more off my bangs?   I'm so happy with them like this.

Details-

Necklace-Goodwill bins in Seattle

Dress-Ross

Lace Cardigan-Vintage NWT Jessicas Gunnies, thrifted

Belt-Betsy Johnson

Lace Leggings-HnM

Boots-Etsy

Random thrifted bracelets