Yesterday, I stopped by the Dress for Success Cincinnati headquarters to learn more about what they do and how I could get involved. Because I think about myself way too much–it seems like such a waste not to do more for other people.

The DFS Associate Director, Kelly–who was fabulous and obviously dedicated to helping the women in the program–gave me a personal tour of the operation and explained the suiting process (when clients come and pick the clothing items they need for job interviews and their work wardrobes), as well as the other services and connections they provide. It was a busy day, but the process was clearly very well organized. I love that!

Shopping. For a cause, of course…

The good news is that DFS receives so many clothing donations they can’t use everything to suit their clients, so after the tour, I stopped by the DFS 4th Street Boutique to shop/support the cause.

I initially planned to just buy a vintage belt I spotted in the back of the shop. Purple suede + an oversized buckle? Yes, please!

But, on my way to the cash register, I passed a display that caught my eye…and on that display hung a Tucker blouse that just happened to be my size that just happened to go with the belt that just happened to cost only 7 bucks. Who am I to deny fate?

Then, when I was about to check out, one of the volunteers mentioned that I’d receive a 30% discount if I bought three items, so I picked up this colorful silk scarf.  I’m still trying to figure out how to wrap it into a turban headband…

I’m also trying to figure out a way to put my somewhat limited talents to use to help Dress For Success. Obviously, the clothing/boutique aspect is appealing, but I’m not sure… Any ideas?

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I planned on doing a video blog last year. The problem was, I was scared of looking silly on camera (inevitable, trust me) and hated that I didn’t have the ability to create a television-ready broadcast complete with studio lighting and zippy Flash intro. I was daunted by the fact that I had no clue how to get professional results using an amateur video editing program.

Really, how ridiculous is that? But because I was putting all this pressure on myself to create something perfect the first time around (I do this often, and it is often the source of my frustration), I was so afraid to tackle the project that it never got done.

Do you know how good you get or how much you learn from doing nothing? Mmm-hmm, you guessed it. Zero equals zero. Even I know that, and I got C’s in math. Except in geometry, which is the biz. Anyway.

I had to give myself permission to mess up. Not only did I give myself permission to mess up (because why do things halfway?), I made it mandatory.

I said to myself,

Self. You must make a big honkin’ mess of this whole thing. When you’re finished, it should be blatantly obvious to anyone who watches that you are a goofball and a complete amateur. The results should be so horrifically bad that you never want to show anyone for fear of public shaming by a mob of angry villagers wielding torches.

And then you’ll post it for all to see.

When I changed my mindset, screwing up became my goal. And guess how much I learned? A lot more than I did waiting to magically achieve newscaster-esque perfection on the first go-round using a program I’ve only used a few times.

Swap haul video

Note to self: face powder is a must. Sigh.

So, I’m passing on the assignment. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself and find something to really f*ck up. Create a really ugly website using tables(!); take blurry, grainy pictures of the weeds in your garden; make an ice cream and fried chicken casserole; wear white patent leather sandals with fishnets. DO IT. Own it. F*ck-ups lead to freedom.

Look, everybody messes up. Sometimes you have to just do it. It’s not a mistake if you learn from it, and if you learn something, you’re already moving forward.

You have my permission, so…what will you f*ck up?

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On Saturday, I hit u.swap, a clothing swap put on by U-Turn Art Space and vintage shop Chicken Lays an Egg (check out co-owner Jessy’s blog, Mascara or Motoroil).

Surprisingly (to me), I found ten items I was ready to part with–I have a hard time letting go of clothes–and managed to bring home a few new things in support of what I’ve decided to deem “sustainable shopping.” What? It’s a real movement.

Clothes kept coming in as people arrived, so there was plenty to choose from.

The place was packed with swapper-shoppers and filled with sweltering heat. No air conditioning + 90 degrees + lots of people = sweat dripping down my face. I tried not to sweat on the clothes up for grabs, but I’m not making any promises. Launder your stuff, ladies.

Rosie from The Brush Factory doing some on-the-spot alterations. Brilliant.

I have a habit of buying stuff that doesn’t fit from thrift stores and convincing myself that I’ll get it altered, or even less likely, promising to alter it myself using my handy DIY skills. Needless to say, none of this ambition leads to any actual productivity.

Whirly Girl + Kitchenette macaroons

However, I am productive when it comes to procuring anything even remotely dessert-y, so after I’d bagged my goodies from the swap, I marched straight over to the Whirly Girl truck and indulged in a macaroon. Which I insist on over-pronouncing in French as macarON. ‘Cause I’m pretentious like that.

UPDATE: I did a haul video about my finds! Watch it here.

Have you ever been to a clothing swap? Did you come home with anything good?

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Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a style rut? You know, skirt + blouse, pants + cardigan, jeans + tee, blahblahblah boring. I hate that.

When I do feel that way, I look elsewhere for style inspiration–usually to my fellow bloggers or recent designer collections. I was procrastinating doing research and checking out some of my favorite blogs, when I came across a photo from Dries Van Noten‘s Spring 2010 collection.

I immediately remembered a sarong I received as a souvenir from a friend’s trip to Thailand and thought, “I can do (something similar to) that!”

I just added my trusty gray sweatshirt and some “exotic” accessories:

Elaborate earrings purchased as a direct result of my ongoing obsession with Indian bridal jewelry.

A combination of beaded African bracelets and a few wooden bracelets I picked up at the hair store. No, the hair store–the place where they sell weaves and wigs. Don’t underestimate the selection in those glass cases in the front of the shop, okay?

A beaded bag and nude shoes (Attention apparel manufacturers: light beige doesn’t equal “nude” for everyone.) I love the little gold elephants marching across the sarong.

Sunglasses I got on sale years ago. I’m surprised I still have them–I usually lose sunglasses within, like, a month of purchasing them.

It’s not a difficult look to replicate. The idea is to take a bunch of varying cultural influences, toss them together, and see what happens. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit!

1. J. Crew sweatshirt  2. Bracelets, Ainamoja.com 3. Skirt, Milliana.com 4. Chloe sunglasses, Aloha Rag 5. Earrings, Kaneesha.com 6. Rosegold heels, Shopbop.com

Sweatshirt, American Apparel; skirt, souvenir; earrings, Bombay Jewelry; shoes, Steve Madden; bracelets, random; purse, Miss Selfridge; sunglasses, Gucci.

By the way, bellydancing costume boutiques are my new favorite places to shop online.

Where do you find inspiration when you’re in a style rut?

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Have you ever seen something you put off buying, only to have it disappear/sell out before you had a chance at it? I’ve kicked myself more than once for letting the perfect whatever get away, until I realized how easy it is to stalk merchandise* online. Here’s my technique:

I saw a pair of sturdy-yet-cute sandals on the Urban Outfitters site a few weeks ago. I’ve been on the lookout for a pair of walkable heels since the Ugly Shoes proved to be pretty darn comfy for up to 12 blocks, but I held off on buying the sandals since I’m trying to sensible purchasing decisions and whatnot.

PS: The secret to walkable heels = A shock-absorbing platform, ankle support (in the form of a strap or similar), and a sturdy (not spindly) heel. Trust me, stiletto heels and sidewalk grates to do not mix.

When I went back to the site weeks later, they were gone! Or, they’d disappeared from the shoe section. They were still visible in some of the outfit shots. Hmm…

Step 1:Figure out the manufacturer

If you can locate the brand, you can find the style name/number. This is the key, and the part that takes the most effort. There are a few ways to go about it:

1. Look at the brands available on the original site.

Online shops usually carry a few select brands, so there’s a good chance the item you’re looking for is made by one of them. Most shops will also list the different brands they carry–check it out and see if anything rings a bell. I noticed that there were a few different styles of Seychelles sandals available on UO.com, and it sounded familiar…
2. Look at other shopping and personal style sites

Sites like Kaboodle, Polyvore, and ShopStyle, and even personal style sites like Lookbook and Chictopia let users bookmark items and note the brands they’re wearing. I noticed the shoes I was looking for had been bookmarked 5 times on Polyvore!

3. Do a search on mainstream retail sites

Retailers like Zappos, Endless, and Piperlime may carry the style. Include standard characteristics (platform, heel height, material) in your search to see if the desired style (or something similar) comes up.

Step 2: Search for the brand and style

Once you know the brand, Google it if the style name/number hasn’t already popped up in your search. Most brands are online and list the season’s available styles even if they don’t sell directly.
I went to the Seychelles site and browsed until I found the shoe I was looking for (and happened upon their neat blog) and discovered it was called “Gypsy”. After a quick Google search, “Seychelles Gypsy” popped up all over the place!

Step 3: Compare availability and prices

I wanted the black, which seemed to be sold out on Zappos, Lori’s Shoes, and Endless. They were available on the manufacturer’s site, though, so I took action!

Step 4: Make your purchase

You’ve hit the home stretch! Now all there is to do is wait for your purchase to arrive. UPS/USPS tracking will be your new best friend for a few days.

Step 5: Get ‘em!

Once your order finally arrives (try not to hug the delivery person), take them out and try ‘em on! Walk around a bit and see how they feel. I usually wait a day or two before throwing out the shipping box, and I always hang on the the bill of lading and return label.

Now all that’s left is to look cute and enjoy the compliments!

*Note that this is an exercise in using the net for research, and can be applied to more than apparel and accessories–think job openings, information for a project, or people you want to stalk meet. Um, yeah…meet.

Have you ever stalked anything online? Is the feeling of triumph a huge rush for anyone other than me?

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The wonderful sunshine-and-rainbows almost-spring weather of the past few days means one thing–okay, two things:

1. I need to get back on the workout train and get rid of at least one of my chins.

2. It’s time for a new spring wardrobe!

These are my current obsessions:

Queen’s Wardrobe Lovely Burbery [sic] 2 trench

I was actually drooling over what must have been the original Lovely Burbery trench, but apparently it sold out while I was wiping my mouth. No matter. This one is close enough and, yes, just as lovely.

P90X Extreme Home Fitness Training System

This would take care of issue #1, and I can tell it works because the typeface looks like GLEAMING METAL. ‘Cause it’s a serious workout and stuff. Plus, TV infomercials only show products that really work, right? Right?

My So-Called Life

Hulu has the full first (and only) season of one of my old favorites, including the heartbreakingly relatable Self Esteem. The scene at the end with Angela and foine *ss Jordan Catalano is, like, one of the best. Ever.

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I didn’t mean to go thrifting again, but see, what had happened was, I had some more stuff to drop off at Goodwill. That’s a good thing, because it means I’m purging items that I no longer need and supporting a good cause, right?

I’d never been to this particular location before, so I figured I’d better check it out to make sure my donated goods were going to be put to good use. Plus, I needed some more gray pants and I figured thrift store prices are better than even the best sales.

I definitely found some good loot:

I’m still waaayyy into old lady pants and oversized blazers. The sweaterdress is a size 3x (I never pay attention to sizes when thrifting, it’s almost never accurate due to vanity sizing, etc.) but I figure I can make it work with a belt, and the embroidery seems kind of Marni-ish to me. What do you think?

See how I’m (pretty much) sticking to my color palette? I’m telling you, knowing which specific shades and prints could be easily incorporated into my wardrobe made things so much easier when going through the seemingly endless racks at Goodwill. Definitely a good idea. Plus, I think I may have found my new favorite store.

Do you have any thrift shopping techniques? Share with the class!

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Potential lottery winnings notwithstanding (come on, Powerball!), a combination of factors (vet bills, car issues, travel expenses, etc.) have severely affected my shopping budget. However…the urges are still there, and when the craving hits me I need my shopping fix stat! Yes, there are more important things than clothes/shoes/accessories*, but y’all know a girl’s gotta shop sometimes.

In an attempt to stop the shaking and itching and twitching (that’s an eye tick Mr. Wino-on-the-corner, I was not winking at you…but thanks for the Wild Irish Rose) I hit my favorite Goodwill and antique mall. I collected quite a bounty for a very small amount of cash–gotta love half-price day!
Either due to nostalgia or my advanced age, I’ve really been into grandma-style clothes: prim blouses, high-waisted tapered pants, anything reminiscent of the Golden Girls…

After scooping up my octogenarian gear at Goodwill, I hit the Antique Mall, where I found no less than three vintage fur jackets I wanted. Really feeling the fur right now. I showed some restraint and settled on the vintage mongoose/squirrel/Monchichi fur vest (I prefer faux, though I’ll make an exception for vintage), which I’ve been rocking nonstop whenever the temperature drops below 60. According to fellow shopper Ray, a slightly creepy guy clutching an old Thriller album, it was the most versatile choice. Thanks, Ray.

A quick trip to the dry cleaner and the rest of these babies are ready to go into rotation! Anyone else have luck thrifting lately?

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Shopping: Virtual Vintage

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Thrifting is Fun

*Yeah, this was news to me, too. I know. I know.

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You know that “closet full of clothes but nothing to wear” feeling? I hate that. I’ve tried many times over the years to do something about it–I’ve tried reorganizing my wardrobe, picking outfits in advance, separating clothing and accessories by style–all to no avail. Some days I stand staring into my closet with no idea where to start.

So now, I’m trying something different: I’m limiting my wardrobe and any future purchases to a defined color palette. The palette consists of my favorites as well as the usual standbys, so hopefully I won’t feel as if I’m missing out on anything. The idea is to develop a wardrobe in which at least 80% of the items can be worn together in some combination and amass a substantial collection of pieces that work with anything.
Top to bottom, left to right: Black, blush, gray (my favorite!), cream, greige (gray/beige), chocolate, mustard (can’t just call it yellow), loden (can’t just call it green), animal print (not just leopard, baby!), red, purple (my favorite actual color), & stripes

Right now my goal is to have all of the basic pieces (tops, trousers, skirts, sweaters, etc.) in black, white/cream, and gray, then add from there. I’m currently on the lookout for interesting/funky/detailed blouses, so if you see anything Margiela-ish or Westwood-y that I might be able to actually afford, let me know.

Tops from one of my Top 10 online shops, Farfetch.com

Surprisingly enough, I don’t feel limited as I thought I would. Conversely, I feel free–no more second-guessing whether this dress or that skirt will fit in with anything else in my closet. It makes shopping easier because there are some items that can immediately be eliminated–I don’t feel as if I’m prohibited from purchasing those things, I feel like it’s easier to determine when my money would be better spent on something else. I’m telling you, so far it’s been extremely liberating!

Of course, this could be an attempt to give myself a sense of control in a world otherwise filled with chaos, as the wise Dionne would say. WHAT-ever!

Have you ever tried to stick to certain colors or is your closet pretty much a free-for-all?

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I took a trip to New York City this past weekend to attend my good friend’s wedding. I hadn’t been to NY since–well, I don’t remember exactly, but it’s been at least 2 years. I love the city, but haven’t had the time or funds to make my regular pilgrimage, though I have been faithfully praying to the shopping gods on a regular basis.

After being “welcomed” by the rudest cab driver ever, I checked in with my friends and we got down to wedding business. I’ll spare you the details for the sake of privacy and interest, but my friend is a stylist and was surely the most all-out glamorous bride to hit NYC since Carrie Bradshaw at her non-wedding to Mr. Big. She was so beautiful I teared up a bit even though I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. I won’t show the whole look (though believe me, it was fabulous), but here are the Patricia Von Musulin lucite bracelets she wore. They looked like miniature ice sculptures–very heavy, very editorial, and all-out amazing!

It was chilly that morning, so I was glad I packed appropriately. I wound up wearing an H&M dress I purchased a few years ago (I actually wore it as a dress this time) with brown tights, boots, and my vintage Ewok vest. The forests of Endor* get cold, you know.

*Props if you’re enough of a sci-fi geek to understand that reference.

I also had waaaayyy too much fun eating at the reception brunch that followed the ceremony. Pain au chocolate and flaky french croissants? Count me in! Lovely pastel-colored cakes and cupcakes in different flavors, including pear almond, caramel opera cream, and red velvet? I’ll try ‘em all!

Man, I need to hit the gym-bo.

Yes, but did you go shopping?
Um, have we met? Is this your first time here? The answer, of course, is of course! I didn’t have much time, but my mission was clear: Hit Century 21, H&M, and Topshop.

Century 21 was a madhouse–there was an actual line to get to the women’s shoe department– and I know I threw my share of elbows once I got down to the Designer area. I found the most gorgeous pair of purple patent leather Miu Miu booties that just happened to be one size too small. I tried so hard to squeeeeze my feet into those bad boys, but it just didn’t work. I was extremely disappointed. I mean really, do you know what I could do with purple patent leather booties?

A lot, I tell you. A lot.

I intended to stop in at least one of the H&Ms in Soho, but got sidetracked by Zara, Mango, D&G, et. al. By that time, I was in one-track mind radar mode and determined to make it to Topshop, if for no other reason than to see if the NY outpost lived up to the extreme hype generated by its opening and the glorious piece of heaven that is the Oxford Street store in London.
The verdict? Meh. There was plenty to love, but the atmosphere of cameraderie and discovery that exists at the flagship location was lacking at the Broadway store.

Still, being the resourceful gal that I am, I made my way to the top-level shoe section, where I had plenty of fun reacquainting myself with much-missed brands like Office and Faith. I also managed to pick up a pair of red shoeties I had my eye on:

I consider red a neutral, so I’ll get plenty of wear out of them. Did you buy anything last weekend?

Thanks so much everyone who took the time to express sympathy about my cat. It sounds corny, but your comments really make a difference.

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