MIXED MEDIA: mixing metals and mixing prints and textures for fall fashion

MIXED MEDIA: 
mixing metals and mixing prints and textures for fall fashion

I had fun mixing houndstooth, tweed, gold, silver, black and brown in a recent outfit (which was primarily thrifted with the exception of my shoes and necklace!).

A little bit of menswear, a little bit of silver and gold, and mixed fall fabrics!

You've seen the zebra bag here before. ;)

What do you have cooking for fall? Are you mixing anything up?

How to Style Your Kimono Into Fall: Thrifted Fashion

How to Style Your Kimono Into Fall: Thrifted Fashion

Confession: the piece I'm wearing above isn't a real "kimono"--in the sense that I thrifted it for $1 as a sheer seperate that was paired with a dress about five sizes too big for me! Basically, it was a perfect "kimono-inspired" piece, which was EXACTLY what I was looking for! In fact, that same day, I bought another floral "kimono" just like it at Use it Again Thrift Shop in Muskegon, Michigan.

Unfortunately, my dedication to finding a second-hand piece rather than rushing out to buy a brand new item came a little later than this spring/summer trend began, but that wasn't of much concern to me--I knew I could easily style it into fall!

For those of you who might have a kimono in your summer wardrobe, have no fear--you can transition this item in to your autumn rotation easily! Tips are bulleted below!

• Pair your kimono with a longer item with more coverage, such as a long maxi dress (as I did)
• Use a belt or other items to add extra layers (such as scarves, hats, etc.) to create texture and warmth
• Try pairing your kimono with jeans and boots rather than shorts and sandals
• Pair a kimono with a long sleeved shirt and a heavier bib necklace for an autumnal "boho" look
• If you want to keep the shorts with your kimono, add tights and boots or closed toed shoes like Oxfords or flats
• Add your kimono under a fur vest or another warm piece to add depth, length and warmth to your existing outfit

Looking for more tips on how to work your summer wardrobe in to fall? Check out this video from stylist Lindsey Albanese on EOnline.  Also, as this article from FashionMagazine.com states, it's really just about "adding on" to your staple pieces until you have a weather appropriate ensemble!

LIVING NAUTICAL: iPhone outfit post

LIVING NAUTICAL

iPhone Outfit Post

I'm addicted to nautical (year round, really) but I've kind of been LIVING it this summer. I live on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, Michigan, so it's pretty fitting. However, there were so many summer and spring trends I wanted to try--from Aztec to kimonos. No matter what is going on around me, I'm inherently attracted to the feeling of nautical ensembles in the summer. I do love classic--white, navy, crisp red. Camel or nude shoes. Gold jewelry. That's my basic recipe!

This entire outfit (Merona navy/white chevron inspired striped dress and Pendeleton red cotton blazer, as well as white and brown leather Guess handbag) was thrifted, with exception of the nude pumps.

I've also seen nautical done nicely with black and hot pink in the mix, or even lemon yellow. What's your favorite? Check out the montage below for a few inspiring ideas to try out before summer ends!

Click the image to go directly to the source pin on Pinterest!

  

Monchromopoly

MONCHROMOPOLY

It’s FINALLY summer!

So, WHY, when I’m supposed to be thinking of bright corals, rainbow popsicles and flirty summer dress patterns am I stuck in a cool and dark monochrome cave?

I’ve been there for a while…I mean, I’ve always loved black and white. 

However, I’ve been in a monochrome groove since at least spring, and it doesn’t look like anything will be changing soon. Although I love bright colors and patterns, I just can’t seem to stay away from the crisp, basic attraction of black and white, and I’m especially fond of pairing it with gold this season.

I’ve posted a few of my own outfits from this last year as well as some internet based monochrome eye candy for y’all—all pictures are linked to their original source.

Are you a big fan of basic black and white?

FROM THRIFT TRICK...

FROM THE INTERNET...

8 Last Minute Thrift Gifts plus SPECIAL printable tags!

For the fashionista: a vintage clutch and matching gloves won't miss. 
Add a current copy of Vogue, rolled and tied with a fancy velvet bow!

LAST MINUTE THRIFT GIFTS

AHHHHH!  There is only one more shopping day until Christmas. 
Are you in a pinch and out of ideas...or possibly, money?

Try these thrift gift ideas for a unique combo! Don't be afraid or embarrassed to tell the recipient of your gift about your statement in giving upcycled, vintage and thrifted gifts; not only is it eco-conscious, but it's also fun. Previously owned items have history and personality. Use that to your advantage and learn a little bit, if possible, about the item's history, or even more fun...make one up!

BONUS: I've included some gift tag printables for you below to make your gift even MORE special as a vintage or secondhand item! See this link and image below and click the pdf to print tags you can add to your packaging for that extra special touch. 

1. Give a sweater (or two). They are abundant at thrift stores everywhere, like this nice collection hanging at Lakeshore Rescue Mission thrift in Holland, MI on Riley street! Notice that several of the sweaters still have department store tags on them? If you like to mix and match new and old, pair a sweater with a coordinating necklace and earring set to complete your gift. If a PRETTY sweater isn't your thing, what about a HIDEOUS one? Everyone loves a good "ugly" sweater party...give your friend or family member a leg up on their ridiculous getup for a holiday soiree and gift them something goofy!

2. Give a nutcracker. I love vintage nutcrackers and pondering over their history; who owned them, where they were displayed, etc. It's especially fun when they are out of the ordinary, like this little golfing fellow above. Why not give a collection? At a dollar or two a piece (like these ones spotted at the Chicago drive location for LRMT), you can afford to toss a few extra into the box. Combine with some fresh holiday nut mix and it's a wrap!

3. Give some vintage glasses (and booze!) Find some interesting, one of a kind tumblers or any other kind of glass and pair with your gift recipient's favorite drink! 

4. Give holiday decor! I think anyone appreciates holiday decor as a gift but for those who are notorious displayers and decorators during the Christmas season, you really can't miss with secondhand additions to Christmas villages, interesting Santa Claus sculptures and vintage snow globes!

5. Give sentimentally! It's fun to take a trip down memory lane and try to find a secondhand gift associated with a loved one. For example: this Holly Hobbie plate reminds me so much of my grandmother. =) A dozen cookies on top with a note about a precious childhood reflection would have made this gift sweeter than any holiday treat! I regret not buying it while I was there...

6. Give a collection! I mentioned these pretty china dolls in my last blog about being proud to give thrifted gifts (see the article that Grand Haven Tribune posted about it here). Why not give a collection of vintage dolls for the price of one? If you have a friend who collects something special, such as red Avon glassware, it can be an exciting challenge to "hunt" for items to fit right in. Perhaps you even know a friend, or child, well enough to give them a head start on a collection they didn't even KNOW they wanted! (My son loves animals of all kinds, and I began to find him miniature vintage ceramic cats, which he was delighted with!)

7. Give goofy! I honestly think the "cheesy" ceramic above is an ashtray, and I'm not a smoker, but I'm drawn to this goofy item and I just love a bright bit of retro kitsch. "White elephant" items can really lighten someone's day, particularly if they double as something that is actually useful, despite its oddball appearance. If there is a back-story on an item and it becomes a conversation piece, that is even better!

8. Give it in a vintage suitcase! Make your treasure extra snazzy by packing it into a vintage suitcase! I've done this several times before and it is always a hit. If your intended giftee isn't the type for retro luggage, consider packing the gift in a special tin or a more contemporary purse, backpack or container that is also thrifted! (Yes, the collection above is my own, and I will be the first to admit that I'm a vintage suitcase hoarder!)

This last picture is just for fun... It would actually be a Christmas dream come true for me. This gorgeous antique stove was located at the Chicago Drive Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift. Besides the double ovens, the top left hand burner is actually a DOUBLE BOILER! So awesome. They just don't make 'em like that anymore. ;)

____________________________________________________________________

THRIFT GIFT TAGS!

I've created these one of a kind gift tags so that you can proudly label your vintage, secondhand and thrifted gifts with pride. Please feel free to share and print...click on the PDF below for a sheet of 9!

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PAGE (9 Tags) COLOR PDF

Wise Guy In A Dog Tie: I styled my vest 6 different ways!

WISE GUY IN A DOG TIE: I styled my vest five different ways!

Look at how serious I can be--in a dog tie, even!

I do love my men's wear. Some pieces are just timeless. This Gap suit vest (a gifted item that was proudly announced as a "clearance" item) has been a favorite in my closet for three or four years now! My dear friend Jenna bought it for me. (You know a girlfriend is great when she can pick out clothes for you). 

You can see it styled:

 Here, with another dress shirt and tie combo

 Here, with a striped shirt and Chuck Taylors at the railroad tracks

\

In this Merona dress combo

Over a black shirt dress with a vintage suitcase in an old entry labeled "Daytrippin'".   

I even wore it in my very first entry! 

Are you a fan of menswear? How do you like to style your vests if you wear them? Tell me all
about your favorite wardrobe pieces that seem to pop up in your ensembles over and over again...what makes them special?