An Approximation

I've had bag lust ever since seeing these Chloé crocodile bags on the runway and photographed by Tommy Ton outside the show way back when...So when I happened upon this little fella in a vintage shop in East London, despite the fact that I was there for a haircut and was supposed to be spending money on that, it reminded me too much of those beauts not to buy. And at 15 quid, it's not like I was breaking the bank. Course it's not croc, and it's not Chloé, but this little simulacrum is my new best friend.

like, whatever

Um, yes, so is it bad that I just purchased this vintage shirt from Nasty Gal? Probably. I've been pretty wary of the whole 90s revival thing, but, I am a bit of a child of the 90s (child, not adolescent, mind you) and watched Clueless on constant rerun despite the fact that I was 9 and didn't get most of jokes (Tai: "I could really use some herbal refreshment" - I really did think she meant tea). Anyway, 'whatever' was (and unfortunately still is, but without that intonation) a regular part of my vocabulary and though its more graphic-y and colorful than I am used to, the tee just called to me. Hello 90s bandwagon, do you mind if I jump on for a little bit?

yikes...

...has it really been 10 days since I last posted? Well, during my internet absence I finished my last two exams thus finishing my second year of law school whilst gorging on red velvet cake to get me through, cleaned my apartment, went to see Oliver! the musical as a belated gift, then hopped on a plane to Massachusetts, where I am currently lolling about in the shade trying to stay cool. 94 degree weather, cloudless skies, scorching sun, how I have missed you...mosquitos not so much.

Anyway, yesterday, while searching for maple syrup that was not in the kitchen pantry, I went into the basement where we have an extra pantry for all that good stuff that never expires, and while I did not find any maple syrup and so was left with very depressing Eggos (which I have to eat while home since London appears to be frozen waffle-less), I did find some clothes in the pantry (why, I don't know, my mother is slightly insane)...including something that's been on my spring wish list for forever, a chambray shirt.

I've been on the hunt for a good'un for a while with no avail, and normally I don't turn to my mother for clothing since she is the exact opposite of a pack-rat, but there amongst the ramen noodles and pasta sauces was my perfect shirt with just the right amount of fading to be that perfect chambray colour. With a little bit of begging, (and pointing out that it has a bleach stain, a no-no for her, more charm for me) it is now mine! As is this polka-dot number, that was also hidden in the pantry. So it just goes to show my two favorite things in this very big world, food and clothing, should always mix.




I am off to Maine for the long weekend, so I'm afraid the rate of posting won't be improving much but hopefully I'll have pretty pictures to share when I return. The weather reports right now seems to be confused between sunny and rainy, so please please, for the love of god, pray for sun everyone!

You down with OTT?

I found this vintage slip on eBay a while back when I was on a hunt for those '50s dressing gowns, a consequence of watching L.A. Confidential. This is nothing of the kind, but it had the perfect amount of sheerness so as not to offend propriety yet still seem delicate. Going out in something so light meant the need for some heavy-duty outerwear, enter this faux-fur delight from topshop. I topped it with my cloche, and felt a little bit like one of those eccentric old ladies you see on Advanced Style. A little over-the-top, but appropriately so.

The Penniless Loafer

So all the snow has melted, and it kind of looks like late fall outside...but turns out, outside is freezing - as I learned when I took a little walk down my street with very little on. I was taking my new (old) penny loafers out for their first jaunt, but didn't make it very far. Though, I do live in a cul-de-sac, so really I wouldn't have gone that far anyway.

I got my shoes off of etsy -- a lucky find, since most online vintage shoe purchases end in tears and depression , but these are practically perfect in every way...all they need is some pennies, which I am strangely bereft of. Penniless, in shoe and in life, is how it will have to be for now.

Another way to waste the day

As if I am not already far enough behind on my reading and don't have enough cyber distraction, I happened to happen upon a new find the other day, a live journal community called Vintage Photo. As it sounds, it is simply a collection of vintage photos that people post from all decades, and I find myself constantly scouring it for interesting pictures of the days of yore.

Here are a sampling of some of my favorites, more of which are on my tumblr.

Would you be mine?

If I had to choose one staple in my wardrobe, it would be a cardigan. Generally, an oversized grandpa cardigan with long sleeves for my arms to retreat in, and pockets to shove my hands in during awkward social situations...or when I'm cold. I have at least 6 of them, and 3 are grey (my other staple). They are my everything. I got this particular fellow from etsy, received it a week ago, and though it's pocketless, we've become fast friends.

Fashion trends may come and go...but an oversized cardigan is comfy and therefore eternal.

Rompin' 'round

To be honest, I never thought I'd see the day that I'd be wanderin' round town in a romper/play-suit/onesie (terms abound for such a simple thing). I noted the proliferation of them this summer on street style blogs, and also on the streets themselves, but didn't really think that I could, nor wanted to, pull that look off. But, I saw this lil vintage fellow and had to snap it up (purple fronds? how could I not?)... figured, what the hell, I'll give it a go. I actually really kind of love it. Supercomfy; cutesy and oh so PLAY-ful. if they had pockets, they would be perfect! tee-hee.

Treasures from the East

East London that is.

White blouse complete with ascot. And a dress...I think it was actually a nightgown. I have to shorten it, but it shall do just fine for the heat wave ahead...

Sweater-vest, practically perfect in every way. Especially the gold buttons.

I was on a hunt for some woven flats and a belt, but I find that whenever I go to vintage stores with an actual purpose, I never find what I am looking for. So it was, so it is but...I did find these goodies!