January 2012
12 posts
8 tags
line & dot black silk jacket / $94
Fair Park #4
The Cotton Bowl
Ohhhhhhh this jacket…
is outta control.
I picked it up at local boutique Milk+Honey.
A lot more than I generally spend, but was a necessity once on.
While taking these photos, I got a nice surprise!
It happens that my brother works in administration at Fair Park.
It happened that he was taking a breather and walking in a random direction.
In...
5 tags
2 tags
thrifted vintage red sweater
Seen before here.
7 tags
black cotton gap dress / $2.99
It was 70° and sunny yesterday in Dallas.
But technically we are still in winter.
This dress was a good weight and style for the non-winter weather day.
When I was “sent home to change” for wearing a scandalous outfit to work,
I headed to the thrift store near (my former) work and grabbed this Gap dress to throw over.
Ended up working out, since this is a great basic.
...
4 tags
joan vass top / $40ish
Another of my last purchases from Last Call.
Retail was $288, but had all kinds of markdowns and a store sale.
So cozy.
A favorite touch - hidden secret.
Bright orange, silky poly lines entire interior.
Caressing my skin at every move.
Remember this belt from this hideous dress I bought just for the belt?
My pal Toni thought she could rock the hideous dress, so I took it to her in...
5 tags
80s-style floral & lace top / free
Another freebie from Randi’s rejects.
“MollyringwaldprettyinpinkYesI’lltakeit!” was my thought at first glance.
Luckily, it fit.
Some interesting changes with minor drama happening in my household.
Tough, but stimulating.
What oh what will happen next?
Life getting lived.
Gotta love it.
8 tags
black skinny pants / free
Fair Park #2
Centennial Murals found in Halls surrounding the Esplanade Fountain. Jean-Michel Cazabat heels purchased at Last Call
Even better than a great buy is free stuff.
These pants came courtesy of my friend Randi’s closet cleaning.
I went away with a whole bag of goodies. Aces. Changes. On many levels. Tossing it up. The dice are rolling.
4 tags
urban outfitters split back top / $19.99
I went to Urban last week on a quest.
Now that I’m outta corporate…more casual (but still interesting) pieces are needed.
This top was half off.
40 bones would have been a “no,” but at $20, “okay!”
Secret slit in back turns me on.
Soft, textured cotton.
Comfy with a little sexy.
8 tags
payless lizard ring / $9.99
I fell in love with this guy on sight.
He’s so damn cute.
I call him : Virgil.
Virgil rocks the rhinestones.
Just chillin’.
On your finger.
Definitely adds zing to any simple outfit.
We have this really beautiful, gigantic art deco park in the middle of Dallas, right down the street from me.
This is my first of many sets at Fair Park.
Let’s explore the place...
2 tags
miss lonelyhearts love note scrap / deep ellum
Picked up this small scrap of ripped up love note during a dog walk.
With just these few words I found, you get the gist of the message.
Random slice of some stranger’s love life.
(front and back of scrap displayed)
Who HASN’T written one (or many) of these.
If you say, “not me!” You are lying.
heehee
Have a great weekend!
9 tags
thrifted black duramesh tongue purse / $4.99
If someone told me I had to pick a uniform, it would be a version of this.
Black skinny pants with a comfy, heather grey, worn-in tee.
But anyhoo blah blah blah, let’s focus in on this awesome purse I thrifted.
Duramesh is so…fun to caress. So…slinky. So…reptilian.
This thrifted purse goes the extra mile into cool city with a goddamn TONGUE clasp. ...
7 tags
matte black ray-bans / $48
Made one last trip to Last Call on Friday.
Picked up a handful of items including a new pair of shades for 2012.
“Made in Italy” RayBans for a little less than half off retail.
oohlala.
Happy New Year!
December 2011
10 posts
5 tags
5 tags
black on black on black
Heels+Gap sweater, thrifted
Tank, Buffalo Exchange PDX
A take on tuxedo Pants, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Last Call
2 more days, kids!!
5 tags
vintage leslie fay black velvet
Vintage Leslie Fay velvet dress.
Purchased long ago at Jet Rag for something like $15.
Inside was stuck a piece of garage sale masking tape: “$1.50”
Though I love the thrill of thrifting pieces at such insane prices, $15 was still a good deal for this one.
So, Christmas came and went.
I made some tasty stuff, like a goat cheese quiche with hashbrown crust (see my...
8 tags
thrifted vintage Liz Claiborne sweater dress /...
I’ve been watching Family Ties lately (I knock off easily with media lulling me to sleep).
The show’s style takes me back to junior high.
Jennifer was wearing a black sheep sweater the other day.
And most of Mallory’s wardrobe is pretty great.
This Liz Claiborne sweater dress style falls in that era for me.
My most memorable graphic sweater was hot pink, black and...
7 tags
thrifted old navy sweater / $5.99
This entire outfit is resale.
Old Navy sweater, Banana Republic linen slacks, scarf & belt are all thrift.
The heels, a favorite pair, I bought at the Long Beach Buffalo Exchange a few years ago.
I love how the high waisted pants elongate my body so.
As you probably already know, I also love a monochrome outfit.
The countdown to my last day of work is in full effect.
Just a few...
4 tags
marc by marc jacobs tee / $29
Say hello to my live animal collection featuring House the dog & Jack and Pedal the cats.
This shirt is a Last Call mark down + sale + discount kind of thing.
I’m generally not a purchaser of overpriced-because-of-the-designer-tag tees.
I mean - it’s a tee shirt.
Even throwing down $30 seems like a lot.
But this one got me.
Cotton so soft & thin, but not too thin....
3 tags
ashton's sweet j brand deal
Every winter, I look at my closet and think “What the heck did I WEAR last winter? I have no warm clothes.”
So I put on layers or, like this outfit, a simple sweater + pants combo.
But! Spiced this one up from totally boring with my Tom’s wrap boots.
I haven’t ended up wearing these as much a I thought I might, simply because they take a little time/effort to wrap....
5 tags
thrifted vintage Country Pacer faux mink fur coat...
I actually had a full punch card ($10 off) making this $15.
Beautiful condition.
At first, I thought it didn’t fit me.
This morning when it was 27°, I decided it did.
So warm.
Surprisingly warm.
I struggle with fur.
As I stand up there with leather boots on my feet.
Even though this is fake fur and recycled (vintage), I feel guilt wearing a pelt as fashion.
Yet here I am in...
3 tags
wide wale j crew cords / $3
I can’t remember if this pair of JCrew corduroy pants was $1.99 or $2.99.
Either way, a primo thrift deal.
Sort of a gray-ish blue wide wale.
Comfy on an overcast, chilly Saturday.
The place I take my car for maintenance and inspection sticker types of things has a huge empty lot next to it.
So I get to take my dog who is welcomed with treats and an outdoor sitting area.
But...
1 tag
earrings from dean
Pretty, huh?
I don’t wear much jewelry, but when I do it is simple and small scale.
Most of the time.
Have I shown you my lizard ring, yet?
His name is Virgil.
November 2011
7 posts
4 tags
vintage baracuta by van heusen flannel / $2
Grabbed this flannel at the Ft Worth Thrift Town for 2 bucks.
The story goes…Baracuta made/makes loved mens jackets in England. Such as this swish thing.
At some point the company licensed their name to Van Heusen to make merch for ‘merica.
This flannel is an example of that licensing.
The cotton is excellent quality, but cost corners were cut with fabric pattern layout,...
4 tags
textured tights
So how do we feel about textured tights?
I don’t mind them. But have had a couple bad experiences with looking cool in the package, then sort of like diseased skin once on leg(s).
These, I like.
tee from Buffalo Exchange vintage skirt thrifted
tights from F21 (i think) Thanksgiving already, eh?
My favorite holiday because of all the tasty food.
Big week of activity....
6 tags
vintage howard wolf suit / $6
Okay, the whole suit was $6.
But, in vintage teeny waist sizing, this vintage size 8 skirt is about a modern size 2-4.
And it even has pohh-hohhh-ckeeets (cry).
I wish I could wear the two pieces together, but that’s not happening.
So, instead, I only get to show off this beautiful tweed top.
Embroidered with a lovely flower.
How sweet.
I love how the vintage Howard Wolf label...
7 tags
thrifted moto style denim Gap jacket / $6
I’d been looking out for a denim jacket for a while when I found this one several months ago.
Motorcycle style.
Accompanied by the other pair of boots purchased at DSW during Boot Quest ‘11.
I like these a lot and have been wearing them frequently.
Because the leather is distressed, cosmetic damage blends in.
Handy for fall/winter.
And, of course, are my beloved color:...
3 tags
antonio melani silk dress / $2.99
Ft. Worth gave me this pretty thing over the weekend via a thrift store.
Silk, emeraldtealseagrass (let’s call it) Antonio Melani dress.
A Dillard’s brand, apparently.
This morning I went downtown for a morning meeting, instead of heading straight to the outskirts of town.
Man! My commute was about 6 minutes.
The building was ON MY STREET.
About 12 blocks into downtown.
If...
7 tags
pony express leggings / $20
Oh, #!!@#*%-ing Forever21 and your inexpensive yet sometimes extremely well-produced consumer fashion goods.
Yeah, these are lovable.
Nice weight waling for fall weather.
Pretty awesome leggings.
Shirt + belt/buffalo exchange
Boots/Guess/DSW
HR had a problem with this outfit. Oopsie!
4 tags
thrifted navy striped square sleeves / $3
As worn at Cane Rosso.
Forget what you know as pizza.
I mean, I don’t even really like pizza.
Cane Rosso changed me.
Everything handmade & fresh.
Thin crust, but still - crispy exterior, soft interior.
Just enough cheese to get it.
Fresh, fresh, fuh-resh veggies + meats.
No grease.
Tossed into the fire briefly.
Then into the belly.
Usually only open on weekends, this was...
October 2011
9 posts
5 tags
ROSS black retro dress / $17
Ross is kind of like a thrift store in the sense that there is a lot of junk with a few gems lying, buried, hiding in wait.
What a dress.
Classily nailing throwback-vintage design.
But check this out : It’s a comfy knit.
And WASHABLE.
There’s more.
Pockets too!
I also got these heels for $17.
Very very comfy in the store.
Unfortunately, they rubbed my feet today....
4 tags
saturday.
goddamn i love pawn stars
silk & linen JCrew rugby shirt thrifted for $2.99
2 tags
one two punch. then redemption.
Remember my sweet Michael Kors PPPs (perfect pair of pants)?
They were tested. ONE
When getting out of my car to go into work: coffee spill.
Now, I always think this may happen as I make coffee & sip on the way to work, then take in with me.
It hadn’t.
Until I was wearing BRIGHT WHITE PANTS.
Guess what?
That coffee just rollllled right off.
Then I dabbed with cold water in...
5 tags
4 tags
archives vintage dress [ chicago ]
And now for the Chicago weekend fall out.
This first dress is from Lisa’s Archives Vintage collection.
You know I like a garment which flutters in the wind.
This is one of those.
Feminine dressing makes me feel so lady like (natch).
This fabric is durable and machine washable, but still soft and delicate.
Practical wear from a different era.
Now it’s...
6 tags
chicago [ a visit. a trip. an adventure. ]
A getaway.
I love to explore.
Especially with natives.
Had a fun long weekend in Chicago with Lisa.
When I visit a place I have little to no interest in tourist activities, recommended zagat restaurants or the exhibit on rotation at the Met.
I want to go where the locals go, eat what the locals eat, and drink what the locals drink.
Dean sent me these iphone shots :
Petal was...
5 tags
black linen dress [with a secret] / $8
I thrifted this dress months ago.
My intention was to take it in a bit under the arms.
Never got around to that.
Took it out for a ride, anyway.
thick linen. simple. classic. a basic cut.
A dress’s dress.
But it has a secret just for the wearer.
Silky silk lining from shoulder to hem.
Private floral luxury.
Pour La Victoire heels
Thrifted belt
Cartoon sunglasses pilfered...
4 tags
bug wing skirt / $58
I’d have used the brand in the title, but it’s “2 b rych.”
Yep. Gag.
However, what a kick ass skirt!
There was no question I was getting this.
Like walking around with bug wings folded up behind me.
Awesome.
Tank thrifted, heels from Payless.
Skirt original retail = $225.
5 tags
victoria beckham rider pants / $35
Oh boy do I love these rider pants from Victoria Beckham’s line.
Crazy interesting material.
High waisted, gut busting.
Zipper vents at back ankle.
Thigh panels?!??!!
What’s not to love?
I got half-off the lowest price up there.
I’ll be wearing these a lot.
Almost 3 weeks on Weight Watchers.
Definitely making a difference and is pretty fun.
Life sending some...
September 2011
6 posts
2 tags
Those Tricks: A Retrospective
[ in chronological order]
Gosh, all bloggers should do this!
So cool to see my own waves of trends in style (wardrobe & blog art) and even color over the last two years.
Those Tricks focused in on resale style after I dove into the world of thrifting
while helping Marianne Newsom costume a low-budget theater play in Dallas.
Though I’d been an avid Buffalo Exchange customer...
ennnnd week.
Hey party people.
Will be a little light on posting for a bit.
Why?
Weeeelllllllll…a few things.
1.
Last Sunday the main shelf in my closet FELL DOWN.
Yep.
Crashed.
It just got fixed, as of today, but all our clothes have been piled up on chairs and tables all week.
2.
I started Weight Watchers.
They have a deal until Saturday to get a month free w. 3 months.
So, 4 months for...
3 tags
is that your pants or are you just happy to see me
When I put these pants on last Friday, Dean said : “ummm…[scared face] new pants?!”
hahahahaha
These thrifted Escada’s ($2.99!!) are as hideous as they are wonderful.
I ended up not wearing the belt, but I think it looks cuter with, looking at the pics.
#whatchagonnado
6 tags
molten metal
Remember when I mentioned the sick Michael Kors dress I got?
Sizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzle.
Such a hot dress.
60% off mark down + employee discount = about $230.
3 tags
block vs round
I haven’t really gotten into the whole color blocking business.
But I suppose this is it.
The hot pink skirt popping out is actually the bottom of a Cynthia Steffe dress from Buffalo Exchange/Long Beach.
Original tags still on for $220.
I paid $32.
Sweater and belt thrifted.
Worn to a 30-year Celebration at the White Rock Lake Bath House.
I’ve worn this dress twice now....
2 tags
memory issues
Did you immediately think computer memory?
I’m talking human brain memory.
This entire summer I’ve forgotten about these awesome madewell skinny cords.
Maybe because it’s been 110° for months straight and corduroy just didn’t appeal. “But, Steph - we are finely waled and very fine cotton!” -love, your pants
3-day weekend.
Yeeeeeehaaaaaw!
August 2011
15 posts
7 tags
bark park central
Sometimes a dog needs to run.
With other dogs.
But it’s up to each dog’s human to make that happen.
At my local dog park, a bunch of artists added some encouragement with a different mural on each post.
I love it.
Don’t think House notices the art, too busy sniffing butts and such.
Wearing thrifted vintage Herman Marcus dress, thrifted vintage...
6 tags
romance
I always sweep romantically through my day in this thrifted Robert Rodriquez skirt.
Pleated organza. Soft silk cummerbund waist. Even the lining is silk.
A beautiful garment.
♥
3 tags
the eyes of texas
In elementary school in Texas, they had us learn Texan songs like “Yellow Rose of Texas”, “The eyes of Texas are upon you” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”
And we studied the alamo and learned the cotton eyed joe.
I have nothing further to add.
Just ponder that this weekend. The eyes of Texas are upon you
All the live long days
The eyes of Texas...
4 tags
the mtv
It’s old news that MTV is no longer Music Television.
They even dropped it from their logo a year and a half ago.
1981.
In the beginning, they played long, full-length videos with minimal commentary.
During my 80s youth, there were more DJ, or VJ as it were, personalities.
By the time I was in high school, it was lots of grinding at spring breaks and other party situations.
Music...
4 tags
kate's boat skirt!
I’ve never really been on a sailboat or the like, but I think I’m more interested in the rum cocktails, nautical attire and by-the-sea aspect of boating than I am in the actuality of riding on a boat. However. Tooooootally down to float on a boat.
Another My Trick Your Trick trade.
I sent Kate a vintage blouse she chose.
Check it out today on her blog : With Little Lights...
5 tags
90s black and white knit dress
How’s that for a vague title?
Picked up this hottie last weekend in Long Beach at the Buff.
$9 vintage dress. STASH!
Reminds me of high school.
I’m probably older than you - class of 1994.
Style inspirations were Heathers, Pump Up the Volume, Reality Bites and Total Recall (just kidding, it was Twin Peaks. Though I did see Total Recall lots - I think one of my brothers was...