Roseate Spoonbill

Tumblr

2011-07-30T06:29:00.006-04:00

Come and find me on tumblr. I prefer posting over there these days, so I will no longer update over here. I finally got the right card reader from Amazon! Going to Philadelphia today for some (vintage) shopping.

http://vintagekatze.tumblr.com/

Ouch!

2011-07-18T18:28:00.006-04:00

I ordered a card reader from Amazon, so I could finally upload all my photos to my MacBook, because for some reason it doesn't work with the cable, and of course I got the wrong one. I'm so happy! Not.

I guess I'm going to have to wait until I'm less broke and try to order another one, so that I can maybe someday use my camera and upload photos again. If any of you guys know anything about this stuff, feel free to comment and help me out. I'm lost when it comes to PC and camera stuff. (I have a basic MacBook and a Canon Rebel XT with a Kingston 2GB Compact Flash card.)

But until that glorious day arrives, I will just have to continue to bother you guys with strange web cam photos.

Its been forever

2011-07-13T21:32:00.005-04:00

I'm posting this because I just kind of stumbled across my own blog again and I saw some really lovely comments about how I should start blogging again.
Sorry I was gone for so long. I cant really talk about the reasons, as they are rather personal.
So much has changed since I left. I don't even know where to start. The best and biggest change is definitely being back in Brooklyn! I missed New York so much and its just the place for me.
Besides that, I dyed my hair black again (YAY) and I'm still thrifting away as usual. I'm finding all the little thrift stores and yard sales this time too. So my move has been very successful. I live in a wonderful room/studio in an old Italian Victorian house. Its the most amazing house I've ever lived in. I just bought a new macbook, one of my reasons for being able to blog again! My old one died (RIP) and I did everything on my ipod touch for months! Including banking, booking flights, finding my studio on CL, etc. I can also finally use my camera again and upload photos to a real computer! Woo! I'm gonna try to post more often again, I'm excited!

P.S.

Most random way of returning to your blog = Posting a picture of yourself eating (vegetarian) sushi.

Adios

2010-11-08T10:13:00.002-05:00

I'm off to Germany! I will return on the 18th, with loads of photos, clothes and candy!

This photo is from my last visit about 1 1/2 years ago. Too bad I wont get weather like this.

I think

2010-11-02T11:25:00.002-04:00

I want my dark hair back.

I miss this..

Ruffles

2010-10-28T16:17:00.002-04:00

Some more shots from the other day. The vintage ruffle shirt is my new favorite. The ruffles can be unbuttoned under the collar of the shirt. So it can be worn as a polo shirt or more dressy with the ruffles.

I wish I could keep changing, never be the same. Revealing the things that are locked up deep inside of me. Nobody would ever know me.

Marilyn

2010-10-26T23:09:00.002-04:00

Here is todays Marilyn Monroe hair attempt.Got asked in Goodwill if I was Lady Gaga for Halloween...
New 60's coat! From a vintage shop in Bloomington, IN
More soon. Work is keeping me busy these days. Gotta make that shopping money for Germany!

Men's Store

2010-10-21T18:34:00.003-04:00

Coat: Thrifted for $1.50!
Men's Sweater: Thrifted
Shades: Thrifted
Pants: Target
Shoes: Target

I found this amazing fake fur coat at the thrift shop today. Its from the 70's and still has all the tags! Old stock, I guess. It only cost me $1.50.
Thrifting didn't disappoint today. I also found a 25in (I think)Wenger suitcase for only $5. It will be perfect for my trip to Germany next month.

Lavender

2010-10-19T20:10:00.004-04:00

Hat: gift
Scarf: Thrifted
Coat: H&M
Pants: Target
Boots: Target

It started out as some outfit photos to show my new winter coat and ended in me doing impressions of some woman I heard yelling outside. Her daughter was playing in the dirt, I couldnt help but act this out with a plastic chair. Also some random photos of me pulling the chair in the middle of the road. Yes people were staring at me..

Home is where velvet pants are worn

2010-10-18T22:21:00.002-04:00

Of course I also encourage you to wear them in public!
I will post my better outfit tomorrow. Until then I will continue enjoying my night in this. I feel like a 16yr old wearing a big hoodie with a band shirt. I think after working an almost 50hr week I have reached the point were anything not perfectly cozy doesn't even get considered. Sleep well my loves.

Hoodie: Thrifted
Shirt: Gift
Velvet Leggins: H&M

Thrifty Finds

2010-10-15T21:05:00.003-04:00

I haven't really updated my blog with much interesting stuff lately. I guess between the whole "hair" thing and working too much I really haven't been good to my blog. I did however find lots of goodies over the past few weeks, that I never got around to post. Here are two of them.

I adore this button vest, I don't see myself ever wearing it, but alone for the massive amount of buttons, this was well worth a dollar. Not that I would ever have the heart to remove them.

I also found my perfect winter hat!

There is a scarves, hats, gloves, etc for $0.50 sale at my local thrift store, so I stocked up on all of the above. This is just what I was looking for,I brushed the (faux) fur out a little and it looks so nice. Its vintage too.

As I don't have a tripod anymore I end up taking more mirror photos than I can take. I'm saving my money for shopping in Germany atm, but its next on my list!

Hair

2010-10-12T22:11:00.000-04:00

Its finally done. As you can see I had to get quite a bit cut off, but I love being blond again!

Last day

2010-10-11T20:08:00.002-04:00

Wool Blazer: Thrifted
Blouse: Thrifted
Belt: Thrifted
Skirt: Goodwill
Tights: Target
Boots: Kohls

The last day before dying my hair. I love the change. Its looking crappy these days.
It doesn't fit. Nothing fits. Things don't have the same flow. I'm searching.
I'm on a never ending journey, running out of time.

The outfit I'm wearing describes my current feeling, It looked much better when I laid it out. It doesn't feel right. I do love the new blazer though. No matter what you wear, put it on and you will feel so put together.

Pumpkin Blue

2010-10-09T20:42:00.003-04:00

Shirt: Goodwill
Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: Target
Shoes: Target

The days are so pure, I'm in love with their emptiness. I tend to be the happiest when I look forward to something. Waiting excites me even more than the event itself ever could. It keeps me going. Now more than ever.These days are fulfilling like a good cup of coffee on a sleepy afternoon.

I thrifted this leather skirt last week. It was more of a joke than anything, I also have a matching vest. I'm sure it will make an apperance soon. Leather, one thing I will only buy "used". Part of me feels guilty, part of me tries to justify it somehow. Its wrong, yes. Wrong like eating meat, wrong like diary, eggs, etc. I stay away from all of the above. Yet sometimes I need that piece of chocolate. Same issue.
Enough about that, though.

These are my last days of being a redhead. At least for now. I will be blond like my little sister. We will match. It will be lovely.

Blond

2010-10-08T14:44:00.002-04:00

Blazer:Thrifted
Lace shirt: Thrifted
Tank top: Goodwill
Shorts: Thrifted
Tights: Target
Shoes: Khols
I know I'm way behind on posting outfits, but I tried! Here is proof. I tried this outfit and until I saw these shots I had no idea how crappy the tank top looked under my white lace shirt. I usually wear it tucked into a skirt and it gives me no trouble, but I really didn't like the outcome with the shorts.
There will probably be a second outfit post today. I have so many good thrift store finds that I'm a little overwhelmed. haha

I booked my flight to Germany for next month! Very exciting. I haven't been home in about 2 years. I also scheduled an appointment at my salon, so after Tuesday, I will be blond! Watch out for all the changes that are about to happen.

Dry Hands, Cold Nights

2010-10-04T19:37:00.002-04:00

I'm happy these days, happy in a different way. I love being alone. Not dating. I'm at a point where I don't miss it a bit. I wish I could wear a big sign that reads "Currently not dating- fuck off" I'm free, nobody can have my freedom now.
I'm doing much better financially and my mind is more creative than ever. Sure now I might sound like every other single girl. But I mean it.
I haven't been able to get any photos taken in a few days. I'm counting on tomorrow for that. I did plenty of thrifting and I also returned a jacket at H&M which allowed me to buy more clothes there as well. I have some good stuff up my sleeve for this weeks outfits. They are far from planned but I have plenty to work with.

My room now resembles a booth at an antique store. Its lovely though. I adore my little collection. Most of it has moved all over the country with me. I consume decorating books from the 60's and 70's. Each page amazes me. I read the stories of these rooms, homes. I wonder if people kept them that way, all these years. Their famous "Better homes and gardens" living room. Furnished in fine danish antiques. I want to believe some still exist. I gather all things from a time, forgotten by most. I dig through piles of what is considered useless, looking for treasures. Looking for adventure. The kind a small town has to offer.
I know the time will come again and I will have to let things go. Hard to live the life of a runner and a collector. I will run soon. I can feel it in my bones, the urge is haunting me again.

I thought I'd share some photos of this sweet hat I scored the other day. $1.50 at the thrift shop. I adore hats.

I could claim that it all would go great, but the reason I came is to say that it won’t

2010-09-29T19:14:00.004-04:00

I have discovered my love to all things 80's this year. Somewhat shockingly, since I used to ignore it for years. I have always had a rule in my head that a shirt of any kind has to be perfectly fitting and can't be "loose". I'm actually unsure where this came from, but I guess we all have little things like that. This year especially, I've been trying to keep an open mind- with great success. I've been finding some wonderful pieces from eras besides the 50's-70's. These two shirts are examples of that. I bought a dress with matching jacket (that I will never wear together-another rule) at the thrift shop for $1 yesterday. I cant wait to post some photos, especially the jacket owns my heart right now. The pink shirt was purchased at Goodwill, I don't know if its really visible in the photo, but it has the most adorable anchor and star pattern. The other one was also purchased at Goodwill in a tiny town about 1hr from here. Its crazy and so over the top. I love it for that reason. Do you guys have any fashion rules that you won't break or have recently overcome?

Jacket: H&M
Shirt: Goodwill
Pants: H&M
Boots: Target

Shirt: Goodwill
Pants: H&M
Boots: Target

you were usually found forgetting the wild wind off the sea

2010-09-28T20:57:00.006-04:00

I'm wearing my Scottish skirt. I can't say I'm drawn to plaid skirts often, but this one is different, it was made in Scottland, how cool is that?
It keeps me warm, a quality most of my skirts don't have.

Cardigan: H&M
Shirt: Goodwill
Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: H&M
Shoes: Target

One more thing, my friend Berit suggested I should wear my hair up more often, so guess what inspired my hairdo! You should check out her blog, she is from my hometown and I can honestly say she is the most beautiful girl I know!
http://like-a-good-old-fashion-nightmare.blogspot.com/

Dreams

2010-09-26T21:00:00.003-04:00

I just walked into the bathroom to remove my make up, when I spotted a pencil eyeliner on the counter. The rest is history, since we live in such a well documented time.

This is gonna be my shot for my line of make up, once I make it as a make up artist. I think I showed enough talent with this eyeliner look. haha

Also, I know fur is a big thing this fall, obviously I'm prepared.

After this silly and sarcastic post I promise I will post another outfit really soon. There is also a good chance I will be going blond this week.

Warm evenings, pale mornings, bottle of blues

2010-09-24T19:42:00.002-04:00

As you can see by the title of this post, I am obsessing over Gram Parson again these days. Its something about fall that makes me want to play old country records all day long. Now I have 2 record players and a million old country records, but the record players don't work. Until I find my perfect one, the Ipod will have to do.
I did a major closet overhaul that took me a few days, I finally started using my 50's dresser/vanity that I scored for $25 shortly after I moved back from NYC. I wanted to use the additional closet I have in my room as well but it connects to the basement and I saw a SPIDER in there. So never mind that idea. Long story short, I found some dresses skirts etc I haven't seen in quite some time. One of them is this lovely 50s dress. I bought it for a dollar at the thrift store and never wore it, since I tried to avoid black with black hair.

I actually broke a piece of the back porch off when these were taken. Well...

This is the coat I bought a while back at Goodwill. It was half price!

Dots

2010-09-21T20:53:00.002-04:00

I love dots! I feel like I can wear them much better, now that my hair is lighter. Its so much easier to come up with outfits these days. I can't wait to go even lighter. I need to work on that soon.
I bought this dress a few days ago at Goodwill. It was half off so I think I paid a little over $2. I love the cut. Its very 50's inspired, yet it was made in the 70's.

Life is strange these days. I feel rather uninspired and unmotivated in every aspect aside from fashion. Its been so hot again here in Indiana, It will stay that way all week. I need a vacation. Long walks, rain and spending time with my family in Germany sounds fantastic right now. I need a shopping break so I can buy a ticket soon. Speaking of Germany... I'm finding some wonderful blogs from some fellow German bloggers. It makes me less homesick and even more happy to be bilingual!
I will share some favorites with y'all soon!

Vintage Dress: Thrifted
Tights: H&M
Heels: Target

Minus degrees and late summer nights

2010-09-20T21:49:00.001-04:00

Today I got to spent many wonderful hours in about -10 or -20 degrees. I'm starting to hate my job, it really gets the best of me these days. But it also finances my many thrifting and shopping trips. I never was the spoiled kind and having and ocean between me and my family I don't really have a choice. I certainly miss having opportunities as far as jobs go. Oh and have I mentioned I don't drive? I don't. That doesn't exactly make things easier. Enough rambling though, I had the best time at H&M yesterday! I made a list of things I want this winter and I pretty much covered it all in one trip. I also got to buy some MAC cosmetics which I have been wanting to buy for quite some time now.

Here is what I wore today

I finally found a leather jacket! It was about time, I never had any luck last year and honestly this one was a size bigger than what I wanted but it was the last one and I adore it!

Faux leather jacket: H&M
Shirt: H&M
Belt: Thrifted
Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: H&M
Shoes: Target

I also think I will stop listing how much I spent on each item from now on. It seems somewhat unimportant. What do you guys think?

Kite

2010-09-17T19:43:00.002-04:00

My room mates got this kite from the thrift store. It didn't fly. Please appreciate my duck tape engineering. Who ever said Germans are good at this? Myth Busted!

This is not so much an outfit post, my friend just snapped some photos. But I will list the details anyways.

Scarf: Gift
Shirt: Target $5
Belt: free
Skirt: Thrifted $2
Tights: Target $3
Flats: Payless $15

Cut Off

2010-09-15T21:45:00.003-04:00

I bought this skirt at the thrift store the other day. It has a nice pattern but it seemed rather hopeless since it was really long. I simply cut about 5 or 6 inches off. I didn't sew anything or try really hard, but yet I love the results.

Scarf: Gift
Black shirt: Target $5
Belt: Thrifted $1
Skirt: Thrifted $1
Flats: Payless $15
Bag: Target $15

Roller Derby's

2010-09-14T20:02:00.003-04:00

I think I finally figured out my hair disaster! I already had an apointment scheudeled to get my hair dyed dark brown. I washed my hair shortly after and to my suprise the colors blended pretty well. I'm so happy! Still not perfect, but I think over the next few months you will probably see me turning into a blonde. Its my natural color and I need something fresh. My hair has been black since 16 and I'm really enjoying lighter hair these days.

I had amazing luck at the thrift store this afternoon. I found the most badass pair of Roller Derby skates! They are from the 80's I think and they fit like a glove. I havent had any like this since I was about 8 years old! For only $2 there was no way I could pass them up.

Cardigan: Target $20
Dress: Thrifted $1
Tights: Target $5
Roller skates: Thrifted $2

Sorry for the wrinkeled dress, I literally just picked it up at the thrift store.

What is not but could have been

2010-09-12T19:11:00.004-04:00

Its been a few days since I last posted, I guess I'm feeling rather uninspired with my new hair.
It looked great the first day, the next day the color washed out kinda spotty and I went back to my salon and had them put more red on it. Its darker than I wanted and I just cant seem to like it. Mostly everyone agrees the black hair looked better. I'm really confused of what to do now. I'm considering going to like a chocolate brown, it seems reasonable at this point. There is always that thought of going blond again. What do you guys think?

Here is a photo from a couple days ago.

Dress: Thrifted $1
Flats: Payless $15

On a better note, I found some great stuff at Goodwill today! They opened a new store in the area, and I had to check it out! It left me satisfied and smiling!

1 picture, 3 shirts a skirt and a coat. I'm excited to take some outfit photos with these.

I wonder the age of this, its so beautiful, all the white paint came right off.

Detail of the jacket, was 50% off

I have red hair!

2010-09-08T20:16:00.003-04:00

There will be real photos tomorrow but I don't have anyone to take any right now and its already dark. Took 2x bleach and one time dying red to get it to this from black. I'm so happy, I have the best hair stylists ever! Who would expect that in rural Indiana.

Dont call my name

2010-09-07T15:00:00.002-04:00

First off, is it wrong to still be in underwear listening to Lady Gaga at 3pm? Okay, I know it is.
Here is the post I promised yesterday. I enjoyed my evening with Miles and went to the graveyard here in town. It was magical! My roommates both have family there and we deiced to take a walk and see some graves/take photos.

Shirt: Thrifted $1
Dress: Thrifted $1
Belt: Thrifted $1
Tights: Target $5
Shoes: Payless $15

I had so much fun with Jeremy & Maggie. I forgot to ask her outfit details. I know its mostly thrifted though. She is my partner in crime when it comes to thrift store hunting. We are all heading to Goodwill later on today, its in a tiny little town and has brought me the joy of many 50's dresses in the past. I'm excited to go!

On me
80's shirt: Goodwill $2
Purse: Target clearance $15
50's skirt: Thrifted $1
Shoes: Payless $15

This picture was on a gravestone. She looks so lovely. The fact that her husband must have kept this all his life has to be the sweetest thing.

Tomorrow

2010-09-06T22:40:00.002-04:00

Here is a little preview for tomorrow. There will be cat and graveyard fun!
I took a photo of this little guy at the graveyard. How fitting!

It was a dream much too real

2010-09-04T17:26:00.005-04:00

I've been listening to Gram Parsons nonstop this weekend. It makes me want to take a long road trip out west. Wyoming, Utah, Colorado you name it! I guess its only fitting I've been finding 70's clothes at the thrift shops. The temperatures dropped quite a bit today. Of course I had to get a big comfy sweater! It has the best big sleeves, I think its hand knitted and shockingly non-scratchy for a 70's sweater. This is a pretty boring outfit, but I just had to show you guys the sweater.

Shades: Thrifted $0.50

Sweater: Thrifted $1

Pants: Target $25

Purse: Target $15

Shoes: Dolce Vita $27

I also found this blouse, it has the best collar! Very busy pattern, even for me, but somehow it works.

Shirt: Thrifted $1

Belt: Thrifted $1

Skirt: Thrifted $1

Tights: Target $5

Shoes: Target $20

Siamese

2010-08-30T21:54:00.003-04:00

This is Miles. He gets up with me at 2am for work and we have super early breakfasts together. He walks on a leash and we have sophisticated conversations in the kitchen (such as: "Who's cute?!" "Who's a baby?") He is messy and I don't mind. He lets me call him Miley. He's my love.

Any fellow feline lovers out there?

Kenya Leopards and Dolce Vita Boots

2010-08-29T17:50:00.003-04:00

Today's outfit is the lovely Leopard dress I scored earlier this week.
Its perfect for this heat! I'm pretty sure its from the 70 and silk screened by hand.
I wore it with my Lion belt to add another animal to the look.

Dress: Thrifted, $1
Belt: Thrifted $0.50
Flats: $20

After work I bought these lovely Dolce Vita for Target Boots! If you haven't seen this line, check them out. They are on sale right now. I love working at Target and seeing this stuff early. I wanted these for months, ever since I saw their photo in Targets magazine. I cant wait to wear these! Too bad the temperature climbed back up to 95 degrees today. Soon..

Last but not least, I made some vegan chocolate chip cookies and tortillas (sorta) from scratch yesterday! I love baking, even in the summertime. I never really keep any sweets in the house, so whenever I get cravings I bake some cookies. Random, I know. If you have any good vegan recipes, share them with me!

Changing Room #3

2010-08-28T17:00:00.003-04:00

Here are some shots from yesterdays thrifting trip including the 70's Snuggie photo! Yes!

This was yesterdays thrifting outfit. I try to always wear a skirt and flats for thrift store trips. Saves time in the dressing room. Time that I spent taking these photos. haha

Here is one I didn't buy. It was the cutest 60's shift dress in navy with awesome detail on the neck part. But it was way too short. I couldn't pull it off. Goofing around with the sunglasses I bought.

And.... here it is! Its crazy. I was laughing pretty loud in the dressing room. In case you wondered, yes I did buy it and yes, I totally wear it around the house!

Fall, I'm ready if you are!

2010-08-27T19:10:00.004-04:00

Today was wonderful! I found great things at the thrift store. My goal for this week was to find a white lace shirt, and sure enough I found one in my size! Its featured in today's outfit posts. Besides that I also got some sunglasses, a silk screened 70's dress a black shirt and something that resembles something like a Snuggie from the 70's. This will need its own post someday, but for now you can at least catch a glimpse at the crazy neon colors. Oh yeah, I paid less than $7 for everything. I can't wait for an outfit post in this dress. I adore it!

And now today's outfit:

Shirt, thrifted $1

Belt thrifted $1

Skirt Goodwill $3

Necklace & sunglasses thrifted $1 ea

Shoes: Idk $20

I can't wait for it to cool down some more, I'm not a fan of summer. I miss my scarves and cardigans etc so much! I've started digging some of them up already. Too bad we will have about 90 degrees here again this weekend.

Also, here is a (dumb) question. How do I post larger photos? I feel like these never do justice.

Until then there is always more on my flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/meezer/

Changing Room #2

2010-08-26T16:30:00.003-04:00

This is what I like to call "High water circa 1964". Please excuse the weird face, my eyes kinda shrunk when I rotated this picture. Haha.
At 5'9 I realize that I will never fit into any 50's or 60's pants. Yet I can't stop trying them on!

Home alone dreaming of ginger hair

2010-08-25T13:11:00.005-04:00

Its one of those rare days of being home alone. So obviously I did what everyone does when they are alone, I put on my addidas shorts and I am currently eating a whole bag of root beer candy!
It took me quite a while to wear these pants. I got them at Goodwill for 50% off which is mainly why I bought them. I'm always unsure about this style of pants but I thought they work well with this shirt.

Shades, scarf: Thrift store $0.50 each

Shirt, pants: Goodwill $2 each

Shoes, bag: Target $15 each

One more, since I have some catching up to do!

Shades: Thrift store $0.50

Shirt: Goodwill $2

Necklace: Thrift store $2

Belt: Thrift store $1

Skirt Thrift store $1

Shoes: Idk $20

I apologize for the over-use of sunglasses.

Also, I'm strongly considering dying my hair a red/ginger shade next month. Any thoughts? I've done it before, about 3 years ago and it turned out pretty nice. Lets hear some opinions!

Changing Room #1

2010-08-24T13:54:00.003-04:00

Every once in a while I try on some awful stuff. Does anyone else do this? I see something at the store so terrible it hurts my eyes, yet I have to hold on to it and try it on. Just to see. Most likely I have no intentions of buying the item, but I NEED to see what it looks like. I thought why not share the ugly or odd and weird things I see around the thrift stores.

Okay these overalls (?) don't look as bad in the photo as they actually did in person. Not only did they make my hips look incredibly wide but the side I'm holding with my hand is not even finished. I think this is a case of home sewing gone bad. The Idea is really cute, I love the buttons, but the misshaping powers of this garment were beyond anything I had ever seen. Too bad its not really visible in the picture due to the way I'm standing.

Goodwill finds and old favorites

2010-08-23T20:48:00.004-04:00

I've been finding some great stuff at the local Goodwill stores lately. I bet I missed out on some great stuff while I was gone. But lets not think about it that way. I saw tons of wonderfully dressed girls (and guys) while living in Brooklyn and now I benefit from all the ideas I took home with me.

I got really lucky with the western shirt. Its vintage, probably 70s and in mint condition. It made my day! Fits perfectly too.

Western shirt: Goodwill $3

Belt: Thrift Store $0.50

Skirt: Thrift Store $1

Shoes: Idk? $20

Shades: Thrift Store $0.25

Purse: Target clearance $15

Shades: Thrift Store $0.25

Shirt: Goodwill $2

Belt: Thrift Store $0.50

Necklace: Thrift Store $2

Skirt: Thrift Store $1

Shoes: Idk $20

Got the mustard colored shirt at Goodwill as well, I've wanted one for quite some time but it seemed they were never my size. The Necklace is my favorite piece of jewelry ever. It looks handmade. I wish I knew more about it. I will be back with some more tomorrow!

Hello friends, I'm back!

2010-08-23T15:48:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone!

Wow, its been almost a year! So much happened. I was living in NYC most of the year, but I'm back in good old Indiana. Living in New York was great (for the most part), I made some wonderful friends via apartment hunting and working at Target in Brooklyn. But I couldn't go thrifting. Now anyone that knows me knows that I cant live without it. That's mainly my reason for not posting. It was very uninspiring. But its good to be back.
I also went Vegan! Its been super easy for me and I'm sure you will see some posts about vegan food etc as well! I have lots of new outfits to post and lots of stories to tell. I'm thrilled!
Miles my Siamese is on board as well so watch out for him! I will be back with photos this evening. So adios for now.

Check it out!

2009-09-10T11:05:00.002-04:00

I send my friend Amy a dress a while back, she finally got it and wrote a lovely little story about it, go check it out :)

http://ponderandstitch.blogspot.com/2009/09/while-back-i-was-browsing-lovely.html

I wanted to post some new photos of an amazing little black and white dress I found at Goodwill too, but since my closet is about to die it was crazy wrinkled when I wanted to put it on. Grrr!!
Once I get it looking good again I'll post some photos, though.

Sailor Shirts & Belts

2009-07-28T16:30:00.002-04:00

I had decided not to go thrifting for a while, but today I got really bored. So I went to Goodwill, to look for a new book to read...yeah right! I did actually get a book, but I also looked at the clothes. I found this adorable sailor shirt at half price.

Shirt: Goodwill $2

Jeans: Goodwill $3

Shoes: Target $20

Button detail. They look just like the anchor from my tattoo :)

I also bought another belt. Something I really needed.. haha

I had to re-organize my belts a little and while I had most of them out I thought, I might as well take a picture. I actually go online to look at my clothes, because its so hard to find stuff in my closet! so I consider this a reference. The leather belt with the flowers right in the middle is the new one.

eBay!

2009-07-24T20:00:00.002-04:00

I decided to sell a couple more dresses on eBay to help Jeremy buy a guitar!

50's/60's Dress

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170363484804&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

60's Shirtwaist Dress

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170363484096&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

This Weeks Finds Part 2

2009-07-19T18:53:00.007-04:00

Here is part 2. I thought it was too much for one post. I need to post more often, but I didn't find any time until now. Anyway.. we took a little trip to a record store this weekend. It was supposed to be really cool and have lots of vinyl. We found some great records. But the thing that was most exciting for me was, that we stopped at every Goodwill on the way up there! I got super lucky. I never have any luck fining anything that's not from the 60's or newer and my size. But this time I found 2 wonderful dresses from the 50s. They fit perfectly. The first one I found was this one. It looks like it's never even been worn.

50's Dress: Goodwill $5

Hats: Free

Shoes: Target $20

A few minutes later I found this beauty. Its my new favorite dress :)

It doesn't have a tag, only a little name tag that reads Janice Phelps. Maybe she made it herself.

I'm so tempted to go back and look if they put out more 50's dresses, but its quite a long drive.

50's Dress: Goodwill $5

Belt: Goodwill $1

Shoes: Thrifted $1.50

My last find of the week was this belt. Its leather and I think, its handpainted. I'm in love!

Goodwill: $1

I hope everyone had a great weekend :)

This Weeks Finds Part 1

2009-07-19T18:06:00.007-04:00

I've been thrifting like crazy this week. It was so much fun!
But I have to start this one off with something amazing I got from Jeremy this week.
I've been looking for this Porter Wagoner record forever, and I never ever had any luck finding it at any record or thrift stores. this guy on eBay who knew Porter and bought me the record I've wanted forever. Plus its signed!! I framed it and hung it in the living room. Okay, enough of me being a nerd...

(It matches the walls)

A couple days later we went to Goodwill to see if they still had a shift dress I saw there a couple weeks before. I was lucky enough to still get it! Me and my dog match!

Jacket: thrifted $1

Dress: Goodwill $4

Shoes: thrifted $1.50

I've always had a big problem with the record player in the living room. It was standing on a side table that matched nothing. I found this little record cabinet at the antique mall for less than $20 a few days ago. Now we just need a small turntable, because it still looks somewhat weird.

Excuse the bad picture/ dog toys.

More Goodwill finds:

70's hat: Goodwill $1

shoes : Goodwill $2

I'll post part 2 soon.

I'll go down thrifting

2009-07-12T17:17:00.007-04:00

We drove to a Goodwill about 1 1/2h from where we live, and hit almost every one on the way home. It was so fun, other than the fact that out car doesn't have a working A/C and it was at least 90 degrees.

The first one we stopped at had some really cool vintage dresses, but they were all way too big, and I've decided not to buy anything that's too big unless its life threatening to pass it up.

So we went to the next Goodwill, it was crazy busy. I was a little worried this would mean that there wouldn't be anything good. But after a few minutes I found this really cute dress and I was full of hope again.

Dress: Goodwill $4

Vintage belt: Free

Sandals: Thrifted $1.50

Soon after this I found this dress. Its perfect. It fits like a glove and its handmade vintage.

I think its early 60's. whoever made it messed up the zipper a little, because its higher on one side. But its nothing "noticeable". These kinda flaws are what makes handmade clothes and vintage so special to me.

Hat: Thrifted $1

60's Dress: Goodwill $4

60"s Shoes: Thrifted $1.50

It took quite a while to get to the next one, but it was worth it!

I found this beautiful dress from Target. I had no idea they used to sell them there, but the girl at the register told me about it.

Dress: Goodwill $4

Belt: Thrifted $1

60's Shoes: Thrifted $1.50

Besides that I also found this little 80's shirt with the cutest anchor detail ever.

This picture doesn't do any justice, and if I wasn't so lazy today I would have included a detail shot, but forgive me for not doing so ;)

80's Shirt: Goodwill $2

Belt: Thrifted $1

Skirt: Thrifted $1

60's Shoes Thrifted $1.50

The same Goodwill also a had a 50's dress that I wanted. But it looked somewhat odd on me and was really big. I made myself leave it behind, but you can imagine I wish I hadn't now.

The last Goodwill of the day didn't have any clothes worth buying but a wonderful Porter Wagoner record that looks like someone took a bite out of it. I still got it, because I know at least 6 of the songs will still play.

eBay & Thrifting Fun

2009-07-08T20:09:00.005-04:00

Okay, I got all my dresses listed. I had a couple couldn't do just yet, for sentimental reasons ;)

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/walnuttele_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_ipgZ

They are all around $20 Buy It Now and I ship worldwide.

So go check them out!

Here is one of them, I thrifted the belt today. It my new favorite and it worked well with the dress. The hat is also thrifted!

Here is my find of the day. I thrifted this little beauty at Goodwill for only $4!

The belt is also from Goodwill $0.50 and the sandals are thrifted for $1.50.

Selling Dresses!

2009-07-07T20:05:00.007-04:00

You heard right. I will be selling some dresses on eBay soon. It wasn't until I came to realize that things are piling up so high in my closet, that even I cant reach them anymore. I want to hang up some skirts, because as of right now, they all have to lay on a shelf I built in the closet (and I'm afraid it will not hold many more)
So I decided to sell a few. Here is a little preview of some I will put up for sale I have some more that don't have a picture yet. They should be between $15-$20 with maybe one exception.

60's dress

60's shift dress

60's/70's sailor dress

handmade 60's polka dot dress

And here is my latest obsession! Nudie suits. I've always loved these on country singers and today I read a really neat article about them in a book at my friends house.

I found a 60's embroidered jacket, its nowhere near this awesome, just a couple flowers and whatnot, but I'm super excited about it. Its too big (of course) so I will have to wait a while for it to be tailored. Now, obviously none but these guys can pull one of these suits off, but I'm working on an outfit with a "touch" of this style.

Gram Parsons Nudie Suit

And of course Porter Wagoner in his wagon wheel Nudie Suit

The Cold Hard Facts Of Life

2009-07-05T18:56:00.004-04:00

The cold hard facts of life, I got that from a Porter Wagoner record.

Its a funny story, I think of this sentence all the time in dressing rooms at thrift stores.

So my cold hard facts of thrift stores(as of right now) are:

1. Shirts/dresses/blouses etc with ruffles or anything that makes my shoulders look broad does not work for me. Why cant I leave them alone at the thrift store? I'm not exactly short (5'8 or 5'9) and broad shoulders on top of that is not a good look.

2. Good luck finding vintage shoes in size 9/10.

3. There is no need to even pick up 80's jeans pencil skirts. Don't ask me why I even bother trying these on.

4. A 50's jumpsuit is probably never going to fit me.

5. The perfect pair of vintage boots for $2 will always be a size 7, the same goes for all those wonderful sandals, but they will be 6 1/2.

6. If someone picks something up just before you have the chance to get to it and get it first, they will not put it back down. Quit creeping around them already and move on!
7. If you start looking at dresses on one end of the rack, someone will always start on the opposite end with a huge cart and its always a real good time when you meet in the middle and try to get around them. (Yeah right!)

So here are some of my latest skirt finds.

I got the yellow/gold skirt from Goodwill a couple of days ago. Its from the 60's, silk, and handmade. It doesn't get much better than that! Its already one of my favorites. It makes the simplest shirts and shoes look awesome. And it fits too.

Shirt: Goodwill $2

Skirt: Goodwill $2

Shoes: Target $20

Shirt: Target $8

Necklace: Thrifted $2

Skirt: Goodwill $2

Purse: Thrifted $1.50

Shoes: Target $20

After a while I found this skirt. It's from the 70's and the tags are Asian, I'm guessing its Korean. Its so cute and really comfortable.

Shirt: Target $8

Skirt: Goodwill $2

Shoes: Target $20

Record Cover Inspiration & Baby Birds!

2009-06-30T18:07:00.008-04:00

After reading a book about country music record covers from 1947-1989 I had this really cheesy idea of putting together my versions of the girls outfits. I choose really simple stuff, just to see how it goes and because I already had all the clothes for these outfits.

The Willis Brothers, Road Stop - Juke Box Hits (1965)

And here is my version of it, I bought those yellow 70's shorts at the thrift store today, they are too cute. My colors are reversed, but that's the closest I could get to this outfit

Hat: Auction, free

Shirt Goodwill $2

Shorts Thrifted $1

Flats Target $20

The next one I did was this one

Jean Shepard -Got You On My Mind (1961)

I wish I had a belt like hers. This was super easy but I was surprised how neat it actually looked in the end, at first I thought it would be too plain, especially since my skirt isn't striped but the bow really made it pop.

Shirt Thrifted $1

Belt Thrifted $1

Skirt Goodwill $3

Flats Target $20

And the last one, for now until I find more record covers with cute outfits.

Merle Haggard - The Legend Of Bonnie & Clyde (1968)

I love the way the blonde girl looks. I have to laugh when I see my picture next to that, especially since I wanted to at least sit on a car too. The good ol' Honda 91 wagon doesn't look quite as fancy as their car, but I tried! haha

Hat thrifted $1

Shirt thrifted $1

Jacket Goodwill $2

Shorts H&M $15

Shoes thrifted $1

Now I wanted to share something really adorable. I spotted these little guys in our tree yesterday. I've watched their parents for quite some time now, and these two finally decided to take a look at the big world outside their nest :)

And Yes, I Couldn't Say No

2009-06-24T16:53:00.010-04:00

I always see so many interesting stories about what inspires peoples outfit choices. I get inspired by the most random things. I have some obvious ones, like decades, which for me would be the 50's/60's. But lately one of my fashion inspirations has been Dwight Yoakam. Besides his music, I also love those jeans he always wears. I always swore, I'd never wear tight jeans. I gave up on that last Sunday, when I found the most awesome and perfect fitting pair at a Goodwill. It was 50% off and yes, I couldn't say no.

Now trust me, you wont see me in a cowboy hat or jeans jacket, but I really love those pants!

And it got better when I found this adorable belt at the thrift store.

So here is the whole outfit

Shirt Goodwill$4
Belt thrifted $2

Jeans Goodwill $3

Shoes thrifted $1.50

My other inspiration, as I already said, are the 60's. In my opinion one of the most fun decades as far as clothes. When I found this awesome dress from the 60's at Goodwill today I was in heaven!

It fits perfect! I feel so lucky when that happens but if something doesn't fit me, I can't buy it, because I can't sew or work on clothes worth a damn. So I was rather sad to pass up about 10 awesome vintage dresses that were too big.

Today I didn't take any pictures on the front porch, for mainly because its too sunny, not to mention ugly and I have had this strange chair sitting in the back of the yard/alley for quite some time now. So might as well get some use out of it!

One more thing.. I really admire the girls who actually wore these outfits in the summer. Its way over 90 degrees here right now and I could only manage about 10 min in this dress.

Now I cant wait for it to cool off a little!

Dress Goodwill $4

Shoes Target $20

Skirt Twins & No Curls

2009-06-23T18:27:00.005-04:00

So, its been a while since I last posted. I found beautiful sky blue shirtwaist dress at the thrift store about a week ago,and ever since, I've had nothing but bad luck as far as taking pictures etc.

As soon as I got it, I had its all figures out, what to wear with it, and I also wanted to get the picture for it taken out in the country, because a shabby front porch picture really wasn't it for this one.

I waited til my day off and I dared to try curling my hair. Just the thought of it drives me crazy, because no matter what I try, its almost impossible. And as I was working on it, looking out the window every once in a while, it started pouring down rain! I almost gave up, but I thought it was probably going to clear up in a few minutes. Next thing I know, my hair makes it pretty clear that curls are not gonna happen today.

I decided to give up on it for today, since it was obvious enough it wasn't meant to be.

So when the sun came out about 30 min later, and continued to shine all day, making Indiana the most humid place you can imagine, my day was perfect!

This whole scenario (minus the rain but plus a little more hair trouble and humid Indiana) happened again this weekend and now I'm so discouraged with the dress that I still haven't gotten my picture.

But something much better happened yesterday, I thought my bad luck was still going strong, and as I was about to leave the thrift store I found the most adorable little skirt! I was so excited about it that I almost overlooked the exact same skirt in a darker shade of blue, but it caught my eye in the last moment. wish me luck that someday I will have a picture of the dress too. Maybe it will be on the porch after all, at least the rain wont be a problem that way.

Info for both outfits. (Just minus the hat on #2)

Hat, Auction $0

Shirt Target $5

Belt thrifted $1

Skirt thrifted $1

Shoes thrifted $1.50

Questions!

2009-06-14T17:48:00.004-04:00

Here are some things my flickr buddy Angie aka skyless_blue http://www.flickr.com/photos/85363880@N00/
asked me and I thought it would be really fun to post these on here! Thanks again, Angie for the interest, that's just too cool!

How did you get into thrifting? Did you have an experience where you just went "oh man, this is totally awesome, I have to do this more often"?
Well, when I still lived in Germany, I never went to thrift stores, just because we don't have any over there. But I've always had a great passion for flea markets and second hand stores.
When I moved to Indiana I started to discover actual "thrift stores" and ever since I've been hooked.

How often do you go thrifting? You post a lot on your flickr but I'm sure you don't go thrifting everyday... or do you??
No, I don't go every day, I got around 3 times a week though. Sometimes more, sometimes less, it really depends.

What do you do for a living?
I work at Target. I have to go in at 4am every day. It was really something to get used to, but I love getting off early. Its a shitty pay, but I love my job.

How long do you typically spend in the store? Are you lucky and can find something within half an hour, or have you spent up to two hours searching for something?
I spend between 30min and 1h usually. Sometimes when the thrift stores don't have much new stuff, I just briefly check stuff out, but if its really good, it can take quite a while.

What's your favorite thrifted object/item of clothing?
I'll have to say its my set of two Herman Miller chairs that I bought from a thrift store last summer. I love everything Mid Century Modern related anyway, but the reason I picked these is, because I bought them for $3 each and sold them on eBay for over $1000, enough to visit my family in Germany. I hated to see them go, but it was so worth seeing my family.

Do you have any general tips for thrifting? (Are there days to go where there are less people, etc.?)
Try to go to little odd thrift stores in small towns. Places with low prices seem to sell more, and also get more new stuff in pretty quickly. Also, talk to the people that work there and see if they know of more thrift stores in the area.
And especially for Goodwill, go to small towns for sure, you'll find more vintage stuff that way.
My favorite day to go to Goodwill is Sunday, that's when they change the 50% off color , which means there are more chances to get stuff super cheap.
If you want more than just clothing, try some real estate auctions too, that's usually a good place to get jewelry and accessories.

Auction Awesomeness

2009-06-13T22:31:00.018-04:00

Yesterday I went to my very first auction. It was so much fun! My friend had told me about it and since I didn't have to work this weekend (for once) I just had to go.
First I got a big box of costume jewelry for $2! Its a bunch of little odd pieces from probably the 30s-60s. And as if that wasn't awesome enough, one of the guys that worked there gave me the blue case for free. Its perfect! I'm 100% serious when I'm telling you that I spent at least 5h looking through it today.

After a while this radio came up. I've had my eye on it for a while and I was super excited when I got it for only $3. I don't know much about these, but just from looking at the knobs and shape I'm guessing it might be from the 40's. If anyone knows more, tell me!

When I got home, I plugged it in and i works! The speakers sound decent and it lights up.

I'm so proud:)

Lets get right to the best part.

As I was checking things out, I came across these wonderful hats.

I've been rather obsessed with hats lately, and on the other hand cant afford to buy a bunch from the antique store for $20 each, and you never see these at the thrift store!

So when these finally came up (thanks to my husband who asked if they couldn't auction these already) I got 16 hats for $20.

This gets way better after we leave and I looked at the receipt. Because they didn't charge me for the hats at all!

And now some outfits

hat auction free

dress thrifted $1.50

shoes thrifted $1.50

hat auction free

shirt target $6

belt thrifted $1

skirt goodwill $4

shoes thrifted $1.50

hat auction free

shirt target $6

belt thrifted $1

skirt goodwill $4

shoes thrifted $1.50

hat & necklace auction free

blazer goodwill $4

skirt goodwill $4

shoes thrifted $1.50

Forever And Ever

2009-06-12T14:57:00.007-04:00

Here are some of my latest thrifting finds.

Shirt thrifted $1
Belt thrifted $1
Skirt Goodwill $3
Shoes thrifted $1.50
The shirt is from a lovely little church thrift store in a tiny town, about 10 minutes from where I live. It has a bunch of vintage clothing for next to nothing. This shirt is from the 70's but combined with the skirt is looks more like a 50's blouse. The skirt has already become my favorite skirt.

Dress Goodwill $5
Belt thrifted $1
Shoes thrifted $1.50
It has the identical cut like one of my 50's dresses but the tag makes me think its from the 70's. I think 70's clothing is probably the easiest to find. Even easier than 80's stuff. Maybe everyone burned their 80's clothing once they realized how ridiculous they looked. Even though I have to admit that they had some really great dresses and hey, the movies were the best!

Dress goodwill $2.50
Necklace antique mall $4
Boots thrifted $1.50
Another shift dress! Yes, its from the same Goodwill and it was half off!
It was the last one of the load of shift dresses they had. Now they are all in my closet :)
I thought this color would be a disaster on me, but I bought it anyways, because $2.50 for this baby couldn't be passed up! So I tried some stuff and now I finally have an outfit for those boots.

Pink!

2009-06-05T17:53:00.005-04:00

Today I went back to Goodwill and picked up the other 2 dresses I should have gotten yesterday.

The only reason I didn't get them right away, was because they are pink. For several years I would not wear anything pink or even consider it. I also don't have anything pink in my entire house. These two dresses changed that. I'm such a shift dress addict, I couldn't say no.

Dress $2, Shoes $1.50

Dress $4, Shoes $1.50

I also thrifted some dishes. I felt pretty lucky when I ran into those beautiful tiny 50's bowls and plates. I wish they would have had the whole set. I've always had a thing for vintage dishes. If my kitchen wasn't so tiny, I'd display some more of them. It amazes me how long people own these wonderful little treasures and I guess its also a little sad to think that they just get donated.
I cant wait for tomorrow, I will be visiting a bunch of flea markets with some friends!

Thanks to everyone for the nice feedback, I'm so glad I got this blog going, I forgot how much fun it was :)

Today's finds

Some other thrifted dishes, etc

Lets get this started!

2009-06-04T08:55:00.002-04:00

I know its about time I get this blog back to life!

Today I went to our local Goodwill. Its pretty rare for me to go there, since I hardly ever find good stuff there anymore. Today I "had to". It started yesterday, when I was washing out the coffee pot and as I set it up to dry. It just fell out of my hand and shattered into so many pieces, it was all over the place! But anyways, Goodwill seems to sometimes have some replacements.
So I thought, I'd give it a try. Of course they didn't have any this time. Since I was already there, I figured it wouldn't hurt to take a look at the skirts, as soon as I walked that way I spotted this wonderful skirt I had just seen a few days before at Target (they didn't have my size though).
This one was my size and on top of that it was 50% off. I still get super excited when I find something at any thrift store, I couldn't wait to get home and put it on.
When I finally did, and all I had left to do was zip it up (yes you probably guessed it by now) the damn zipper is broken! It doesn't help that I'm the farthest thing from crafty and sewing machines consider me their worst enemy.
Now I have to wait to get it fixed. But I will try to be as patient as I can possibly be.