Diary of a Budget Fashionista

Etsy Purchases

2010-05-28T17:13:00.006-04:00

I bought three pairs of earrings this morning! The first two will complement my NPS uniform, and I thought the third was awesome for daily wear in industrial Baltimore:

Desert River Delta earrings from lunedesigns = $21.00 (incl. shipping)

Hydrangea post earrings from sammi84 = $23.50 (incl. shipping)

Bell Tag earrings from industryabandon = $10.00 (incl. shipping)

I've updated budget totals on the right! --------->

Vogue June 2010 Inspiration

2010-05-28T16:11:00.006-04:00

Although it is nearly eclipsed by disturbing articles about surrogate motherhood (a bioethical nightmare that has no place whatsoever in a fashion magazine, in my opinion) and expensive vacation destinations (??) in the June 2010 issue of Vogue, the feature "Two If By the Sea" offers some summer inspiration in the form of a photoshoot of Glee's Matthew Morrison and model Raquel Zimmermann. Here is the photo that jumped out at me from the issue as a whole:

(Photo from Vogue via chungkit)

I love the use of a simple white blazer (this one from Tommy Hilfiger) as a swimsuit coverup - it is very different and adds a surprising contrast between work and play. Another photo in the shoot shows Raquel using a tiered skirt rather than a sarong to cover up. What do you think of the trend?

Head over to Vogue via the link above to see more pics from the shoot!

n.b. As an aside, I will say that I am unhappy with Vogue magazine and am not likely to renew my subscription once it runs out next year. It favors celebrities over models in the shoots (a definite turnoff for me) and features articles like those mentioned above that not only have nothing to do with fashion, but are also offensive.

Thank you for your patience!

2010-05-26T20:29:00.002-04:00

I know I have been horrid about posting lately, but I promise my inspiration is back and I will be posting soon! My new job started this week and I will be taking a break soon to give my blog a little TLC. Love you all!!!

Life Changes

2010-05-04T12:10:00.004-04:00

Psst...guess what? I have some awesome news: assuming everything goes smoothly, I am slated to begin work as a seasonal park guide for the National Park Service on May 23! I am more than a little nervous about the change from the lab to a park, so prayers are much appreciated during the switch. But how does this affect me as a budget fashionista? Well, I will be wearing a uniform in the colors of the great outdoors five out of seven days of the week. It is going to be an interesting challenge to express my own personal style while still paying respect to and not drawing attention from the uniform.

Searching etsy for subtle inspiration in green...

brown...

and gray...

May Budget Update

2010-05-04T12:08:00.003-04:00

Just updated my budget totals to add $10 to the book budget and reset the clothing budget!
($51 carries over from last month and now rests in my clothing account for a rainy day...)

-------------->

In other news, my oxfords shipped yesterday.

Creative Layers

2010-04-30T15:47:00.002-04:00

(From The Sartorialist)

I actually had a conversation the other night with Fr. Mark White (recall: the priest with the cufflinks) regarding where the best fashions are coming from these days. Although I have a great deal of affection for vintage and vintage-inspired clothing like that we are seeing on the runways, is it really new? I wonder. Anyway, after some thought we concluded that Asia is really producing some new and creative fashion these days.

To my delight, the Sartorialist has been in Japan recently (the above pic was taken in Toyko). Don't you love the layering that the girl has in the photograph? Layers of lace over cotton skirt, with colored stockings...my roomate is from China and she has the same sense for lovely layering that I wish I possessed. Even the dude in the photo has an awesome aesthetic, with the vest thrown on over the t-shirt (so effortlessly cool!) and the hat.

(p.s. ack! where did all my old pictures go?!? I will fool with that later...sorry!)

Blog Review: Young, Fat, & Fabulous

2010-04-28T15:25:00.004-04:00

Have you been thinking about the so-called "curvy" model controversy? With my sisters, myself and my mother, there are four girls in all living at my house, and the issue has definitely come up around the dinner table. The questions we've discussed involve whether catalogs should use "regular" women as models for their clothes, whether designers should use curvier models on the runway, and the definition of "plus-sized" and "curvy" in the fashion world today.

While I think I prefer to see designer clothes, and clothes in general, modeled on very thin models - giving me a blank canvas to help me appreciate the designer's art so to speak - I have at the same time a problem with the fact that the fashion world would call a normal body imperfect, a curvy woman fat, etc. What do these words mean? Would I be considered merely imperfect, curvy, plus-sized? The size of the vocabulary necessary to navigate the world of fashion makes the head spin.

Yesterday I discovered this fashion blog, Young, Fat, & Fabulous (via WORN). And let me tell you, Gabi has the right attitude and taught me volumes in the first few minutes of reading her posts. First of all, she throws the confusing body-image vocabulary out the window, replacing it with an acceptance with and love for the body one has been given in life. One thing in particular that she said really got me thinking and exemplifies her awesome attitude, so I thought I would share it here:

I still have friends who call themselves fat to get others to argue that they aren’t - something else I refuse to do. Be warned: if you call yourself fat, I’ll probably just agree with you, even if you’re a size 4. Because, what’s fat, anyway?

Too true.

Anyway, hop on over and take a look at her site. Add it to your Google Reader. Not only does this gal have a fabulous fashion philosophy, but the fashion sense I wish I had!

Oxford flats

2010-04-26T15:32:00.001-04:00

I did it - I bought myself a pair of black oxford flats from goldenponies (remember when I posted about them a couple weeks ago?). It will take a few weeks to make them before they are shipped, but I promise I'll post a picture when they arrive! :)

$35 for the shoes + $6 shipping to the U.S. = $41. Note the new budget totals -------->

Classic Gangster Style

2010-04-26T14:10:00.006-04:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending two performances of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (written by Bertolt Brecht and performed by CUA Drama). Aside from being a fabulous and thought-provoking production, the costuming was delicious and satisfied the so-called "greedy eyes" of this wannabe fashionista. The play made me cast my mind back to classic gangster style I'd seen in old movies like those starring Jimmy Cagney and Edward G. Robinson.

Very awesome. Since the first time I saw the play on Thursday night, I've been set on incorporating some classic gangster-style subtly into my wardrobe in case the mood hits me. Any ideas on how to do this? I did some Etsy browsing this morning and found a few pretty fabulous things:

Steel-grey spats from here.

Earrings made from bullet shells.

Finally, my personal favorite. Pinstripe cuffs. :)

Vogue Korea March 2010

2010-04-22T09:10:00.003-04:00

The March 2010 Vogue Korea has an absolutely gorgeous spread of Han Jin. All the photos have an ethereal, feminine quality that is a great inspiration for Spring. I love the ruffles, pleats, and delicate folds on her dresses. Makes me want to find something beautiful to wear, and put flowers in my hair. (Maybe like these from whichgoose?)

Photos from Vogue Korea via Asian Models. Head over to AM for the rest of the photos (and beautiful, full-size versions!).

Make a Spring Scarf

2010-04-22T08:47:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you, but I can never have too many scarves. They are one of the ultimate accessories, because you can wear them a million ways. Wrap them around your neck all by their lonesome, twist them up with pearls or another necklace for some extra fabulousness, tie them around your waist, or around your purse handles for panache. Scarves are the easiest way to remake an old outfit, and are warm for slightly chilly spring days.

Yesterday I came across this tutorial on making a trendy scarf out of your old tights that I am hoping to try this weekend. I have literally a drawerful of old tights with runs in them that I haven't had the heart to throw away as they were so expensive. Anyway, check out the tutorial!

(photo from Obstinate Pursuit)

Suit Yourself in a Men's Dress Shirt

2010-04-21T08:09:00.000-04:00

This morning I'd like to introduce you all to the creative and fashionable author behind the blog Cubic Dreams. As her "about me" says, she is currently living in London (is there a cooler place to live? I miss London almost as much as I miss Paris) studying Interior and Spatial Design. She also has some fabulous ideas about how to s-t-r-e-t-c-h one's clothing budget.

Suppose you come across a men's dress shirt at the thrift store that you simply love. You love the fabric, the buttons, the color...you wish it were a dress or a skirt and not a men's shirt. At this point, if the shopper were me, I would sigh wistfully, caress the fabric, and put it back on the rack. But not this gal! She makes the shirt into a dress or a skirt!

Here is a photo of the dress she made out of a shirt (too cute!) and the tutorial on her website.

And here is a skirt she made out of a shirt and another tutorial!

Now, make sure you add Cubic Dreams to your Google Reader for some daily inspiration!

(photos from Cubic Dreams and used with permission)

Latest Purchase

2010-04-20T12:17:00.001-04:00

Remember the gingham dress I bought a couple months back from allencompanyinc? The waist was a little big, so last night I bought a Banana Republic skinny patent leather belt to go with it. I got the belt on eBay for $10.00. I've always wanted a skinny black belt!!!

Check out the sidebar for new budget totals ------>

Welcome!

2010-04-20T09:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome (back) to my blog - unfortunately my previous hosting site had a problem with "regenerated content" so I was forced to find another host. No worries! Give me a little time to get back on my feet and the "new" DOBF will be just as awesome! I have a backlog of posts I've been working on that I will start posting later today.

Thanks for visiting!

Budget Fashion Tip: Use Shopping Blogs!

2010-04-12T09:32:00.000-04:00

I’ll admit it: I am totally addicted to shopping blogs. What exactly is a shopping blog? They are a cross between a fashion ebay and a consignment store, where people clean out their closets and sell their high-end items via a drawing system. When you surf the site and find an item you like, you post your paypal email address to enter the drawing to buy the item.

My favorite shopping blog is Laws of General Economy. It is very active; sellers post several items a day so you need to visit daily if you are serious about it (or addicted as in my case). Currently I have my name attached to two items, and am debating putting my name in for a third.

I’ve bought accessories and shoes on blogs in the past, and I must say I like it because there is such a huge range of items available – literally something to fit every wardrobe/style. The other plus is that you don’t have to get involved in a bidding war. Rather, everyone pays the same price if they win the drawing.

Here’s a sampling of things listed at the moment. Click the image to go to the listing itself:

Ted Baker skirt UK Sz. 2 - listing ends 4/17

Adam Lipps dress Sz. 2 - listing ends 4/17

Calypso dress Sz. XS - listing ends 4/17

Corso Como oxfords Sz. 6.5 - listing ends 4/16

Anthropologie sweater Sz. S - listing ends 4/15

Some other, less active (at least at the moment) shopping blogs are shoes and your mom, Shop it Right Now, and Shop the Stylish Wanderer’s Closet.

Happy Shopping!

(all photos from laws of general economy)

Inspiration India

2010-04-12T09:28:00.000-04:00

The Fashion Spot featured an article this morning on India’s Expanding Fashion Weeks and Middle Eastern/Indian inspired fashion. Am I a little excited that I had my finger on this fashion pulse? Yes. Do you want to know where to get some inspiration on how to incorporate the look into your own wardrobe? Of course.

To start you off, my favorite place to go is High Heel Confidential, a fabulous blog written by Payal and Priyanka about Indian celebrity fashion (both male and female). The commentary is fun, but I enjoy the roundup of awesome photographs. Indian fashion is gloriously colorful and forever interesting.

The featured fashions vary from traditionally-inspired…

..to modern...

(Images owned by High Heel Confidential)

the flat for Spring 2010

2010-04-12T09:25:00.000-04:00

I’ve had my eye on these handmade oxfords (in colors to suit anyone!) from goldenponies for awhile. Good thing, since Vogue is saying that the oxford flat isn’t “just for winter any longer”. As soon as the seller gets back, I will be sure to get a pair of my own.

As a side note, to wear these fashionably one must pair them with either blue jeans or a sufficiently short (above the knee) skirt to avoid frumpiness.

P.S. I’ve used some of my book budget $$ to subscribe to Vogue, and added a box on the side to keep track of where that money is going. In reality it is $10 of the $200 per month of my regular budget, but in the interest of full disclosure I will show it separately.

To Die For

2010-04-12T09:18:00.000-04:00

Is everyone else loving Danni Li in her gorgeous gown and floor-length pearls as much as I am? Photo from the April-May 2010 Issue #69 of the City Newspaper, via Asian Models.

Mixed Bag

2010-04-01T09:34:00.000-04:00

I’ve been awful about posting to my blogs lately – so sorry! Hopefully I can get back into it soon because I miss my favorite hobby. Life has been crazy lately with many exciting changes.

That said, I have a couple questions for my (scanty) readers:

1) What do you think of harnesses as fashion?

(from iheartnorwegianwood)

I am kind of digging it – seems like a nice way to define your waist.

2) My priest-fashion post was pretty popular: should I feature some more fashion-forward priests on my blog?

In budgetary news, I’ve used my book budget for the past two months to subscribe to Vogue for a year. Can’t wait for my first issue!

Vintage Sari

2010-03-29T09:35:00.000-04:00

Here is a headshot of me in my “new” vintage sari. Hopefully I can track down a full length picture soon!

(photo courtesy of the author's sister)

Lingerie on the Outside

2010-03-24T09:41:00.000-04:00

What do you think of the lingerie-on-the-outside trend for the ladies? I think it can be done tastefully, and with a little layering can make an outfit deliciously feminine. I’m not really into the over-corseted dominatrix look, but this slip dress from Topshop would be lovely over an onionskin tee and leggings.

It is warm outside and I am getting very excited for Spring. Today is the first day I wore a short-sleeved top.

As soon as I get my hands on a camera I will post photos of my Portland purchases!

New Budget Totals

2010-03-24T09:39:00.000-04:00

Check out the sidebar for updated post-Portland totals! —————->

Vintage silk sari (for whenever) = $55.00 + $6.00 s&h = $61.00

Corduroy dress (for Fall 2010) = $35.00

Faux-fur reversible vest (for Fall 2010) = $10.00

Multi-colored wool wristlet from Peru (for Fall 2010) = $7.00

Multi-chain necklace = 50% off $12.50 (dug out of sale bin) = $6.25

Totals: ($99.87 from March + 35.92 left from Feb.) – $119.25 (above) = $16.54 left for March

Good thing I saved some money for Portland!

Saris

2010-03-24T09:37:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed in my recent budget total update that I bought a vintage silk sari this week. I’d had my eye on it for awhile on Etsy from Badraboutique and hoped to wear it to my grandmother’s 80th birthday party. Well, the party snuck up on me and before I knew it I only had a week to get this sari. Thus the odd budget-gymnastics (using Feb. leftovers) in the aforementioned post.

That said, here is the lovely silk sari that I cannot wait to incorporate into my wardrobe. I think I will shorten the sleeves on the shirt:

(photo from badraboutique's etsy listing)

Back from Portland

2010-03-20T09:42:00.000-04:00

Hello all! I arrived home from the APS conference in Portland this morning at the jaunty (if hours could be jaunty) hour of 2AM. I apologize for my horrid lack of posts for the past couple weeks. With my debut conference presentation behind me, I can look forward to regularly updating my blogs once again.

Guy Friday: Cufflinks!

2010-03-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

We’ve talked about ties and belt buckles; what next?

For those of you who may not be aware, our Holy Father Pope Benedict declared the year of June 2009 – June 2010 The Year of the Priest. Throughout this year, we remember to support our priests in prayer and action. I thought it would be appropriate to feature one of the most stylish priests I know in honor of the Year of the Priest.

Meet Fr. Mark White, aka The Preacher:

Fr. Mark is a priest with style, with panache, with *BAM*. This “something” certainly has to do with his vocation as humble preacher, his smile,and his personality, but it also in a big way has to do with his cufflinks.

Fr. Mark is the King of Cufflinks and has the best cufflink collection I have seen. During the snowstorm of the century, the Preacher promised to wear the above sailboat cufflinks until the thermometer in Washington, DC hits 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

So take a tip from Fr. Mark, guys, and add that *BAM* to your suit-and-tie (or in this case, cassock) with an awesome pair of cufflinks.

Recycled Scrabble Tiles from SquishySushi

Steampunk Clockwork by nouveaumotley (my favs!!!!)

Vintage Maps by WhiteDoveJewellery

Ace of Spades by crimsonking

Single Nickel Bullets by awelldressedbullet

DC Transit Tokens by David Gieske

Socks? or no socks?

2010-03-05T09:44:00.000-05:00

From Alexander Wang

What do you think of the sock trend for Spring? I haven’t yet decided either way (I mean, I was a convert to the shorts-and-tights trend and I thought I hated it at first)…this post from Nasty Gal may convince me to give it a try.

At least it is an inexpensive trend!

Inspiration

2010-03-05T09:43:00.000-05:00

Head’s up: Nancy has a new post of her favorite outfits in her closet from April – December. Check it out!

Girls' Night

2010-03-04T09:46:00.000-05:00

Note the new budget totals on the side ——->

I went out last night for a lovely secondhand shopping trip with one of my best girlfriends, Monique. After some searching, I found two amazing pairs of shoes (one pair of red leather peep-toe pumps & the summer black sandals I wanted this month) and I finally bought the totally insane gold sequined pants I’d wanted since November. At last, the price had dropped AND I had a 10% off coupon.

I promise pictures this weekend when I get ahold of my sister’s camera!

Now I need to save the rest for my trip to Portland in two weeks, because I am sure to find something there.

Military Fashion

2010-03-03T09:47:00.000-05:00

From Vogue.com

I saw the military spread in the latest issue of Vogue…is anyone else drooling over the look as much as I am? I can see incorporating some girly florals to offset all the khaki…

(More pics from Mario Testino’s shoot here.)

Finds for Spring

2010-03-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

My roomate and I went secondhand shopping on Saturday to three stores: Goodwill, Value Village, and Village Thrift. She bought some lovely things for spring and summer, and I also dug up a few “finds” to change up my summer wardrobe.

From Goodwill…

Banana Republic Gray Tank Top (Gray is a big color for spring) – $5.23

From Value Village…

Banana Republic Gray Wool Sweater – $5.20

Ann Taylor Gray Tee – $5.20

From Village Thrift (having a 1/2 off sale on yellow tags)…

J.Crew Khaki Skirt (totally getting in on the khaki trend) – $4.15

Black Rayon Sweater (I never have enough of these) – $2.57

Vintage 1970s Peep-toe sandals – $9.05

Fairly productive day, if I do say so myself. New totals: $55.92 left out of $200 for the month of February.

March budget

2010-03-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

New budget totals for March on the sidebar!!!!! ——>

Possible investments this month: Black sandals or a bathing suit.

(blog it forward) what inspires me?

2010-02-26T10:39:00.000-05:00

Whether you have visited before or this is your first time, welcome to my musings on fashion and how to stick to a monthly fashion budget. I was SO excited to hear about the blog it forward mashup and had to join in on the fun. Each blogger is supposed to post about what inspires them, their creativity, their appreciation for beauty.

Yesterday, Design Fixation gave us an exciting roundup of very colorful images and on Monday we will be treated to the inspiration behind the awesome Diary of a Smart Chick.

What inspires me?

That is a difficult question to answer.

My Lord and My God, the King of Creation, from Whom all Beauty flows. We ultimately glorify Him in the way we dress our bodies that He so lovingly fashioned.

Silence is the best school at which to learn about ourselves, our hearts, and find God speaking to us in a quiet place.True beauty flows from peace within, and being comfortable in silence is a prerequisite to learning peace. (Photo from the globetrotting Henzlerworks)

Love. My family and friends love me and enable me to be able to pass that love onto others who need it. (Photo from my collection.)

Laughter. God is evident in every real joy, every smile, every laugh. And smiles are really so beautiful. (Photo from The Journey For Truth.)

Nature. One can only find peace and love in the midst of nature. (Photo of Yorkshire Dales from my collection.)

Travel. I love adventures, anywhere, with anyone. (Photo from my collection)

I love the dreamlike quality of polaroids. (This one from Arielle Fenton)

I love fabulous shoes. (These from Alexander McQueen)

I love the simplicity of Asian artwork. (Via Holly Goes)

I love the chic style of old Hollywood greats like Audrey Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, and Rita Hayworth. (Sorry – don’t know where I got the Audrey Hepburn photo!)

And, of course, all the lovely bloggers behind sfgirlbybay, Sweet Sassafras, lobster and swan, Black*Eiffel, Cup of Jo, Missed Connections and many more inspire me daily with their wonderful aesthetic!

Christopher Kane 2010

2010-02-26T09:49:00.000-05:00

While Cathy Horyn criticized Christopher Kane’s Fall 2010 line as “matronly” and “sickly sweet”, I actually find it quite pretty. For example, this one here intrigues me with all the lace and embroidery.

Girls' Night

2010-02-25T10:41:00.000-05:00

Last night, after spending a grand total of six hours sitting in front of my laptop tapping away at a presentation I am due to give this afternoon, I desperately needed a break. Good thing I had planned to go out on the town with some of my best girlfriends (and inspiring fashionistas)! So I threw on some out-and-about earrings, put on some perfume, tied on a scarf, and glided out the door.

First stop: Urban Outfitters

I’d never been inside an UO store before. They had a lot of pretty dresses there that I imagine would be adorable over leggings or tights, but the quality of the materials did not appear to match the very high price tags. Note to self: I would rather go shopping at Anthropologie with those prices, than shop at Urban Outfitters.

Next stop: Anthropologie

My favorite sale racks are at Anthropologie. This time, I did not try anything on, but I did have a decent amount of time to do some trendspotting. It appears (as all the magazines would also tell us) that African/tribal motifs are coming into vogue. Anyway, I was in the market for some new perfume (which isn’t included in the fashion budget) and at long last picked out a small bottle called “Song in D Minor”. It is *delicious*.

Final stop: Dinner at La Madaleine

A girls’ night out requires conversation around the dinner table.

I am doing a massive secondhand shopping trip on Saturday with my roomate, so stay tuned!

Vintage 1950s Gingham Dress

2010-02-22T10:45:00.000-05:00

This adorable dress is now all mine from allencompanyinc…I’m so excited!

Cost: $72 + $7 shipping = $79.00

New totals on the side —–>

Now I need some edgy shoes to ground my outfit and I’m set!

Guy Friday: Belt Buckles!

2010-02-19T10:50:00.000-05:00

Who is the tv king of belt-buckle fashion? Agent Seeley Booth of Bones, naturally!

His psychiatrist (played by Stephen Fry) says that Booth’s penchant for awesome belt buckles is a manifestation of his rebellious nature, but I really don’t care. Let’s face it: it is hard to “change up” the regular suit-and-tie. This, however, is what makes male fashion a fun challenge. For the gents, it is all about the POP. The ensemble can be uniform, but with one little surprise that says the wearer is amazing.

A word of warning before you try this out, though. Wear these snazzy belt buckles with a subdued suit, not with a t shirt and jeans.

So without further ado, some very nice belt buckles from around the internet…

(This last is definitely my personal favorite!)

Guy Fashion

2010-02-19T10:47:00.000-05:00

My bro Kenny has great guy-fashion sense.

He was really rocking the pink tie and stripes-in-different-directions (i.e. the suit and tie). Nice.

One of these days – hopefully soon – he is going to write a post about vests and how versatile they are. I am looking forward to it!

Oh my...

2010-02-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

ABSOLUTELY. DELICIOUS. (From the March 2010 Issue of Harper’s Bazaar, via Sally Jane Vintage)

Collars

2010-02-16T10:55:00.000-05:00

This post by Rachel at Lovely Clusters makes me want to focus on my shirt collars more…so pretty and feminine!

From darlingdexter on flickr

This one was actually my favorite of those in the cluster, and I LOVE the necklace. I tracked it down in Whitney Deal’s shop on Etsy, but the shop is closed while she moves. I hope she re-opens again soon! I want to buy some of her lovely looking pieces!

Wow...

2010-02-16T10:54:00.000-05:00

I went to this little factory in Suzhou—a small town of about two million people! The factory was like being in a dream, it was so unbelievably different. No heat. No bathrooms. But I saw incredible technique there—a totally different way of doing things. They had the same Japanese machines that we used, single needle and over-lock basically, and that’s really all we needed. But the precision in their shapes was totally new to me. It wasn’t really about a seam allowance. It was about the final shape. In America, you cut out your shape for a pocket; you had a quarter-inch seam allowance, you’d bend it over, press and sew it on. In China, you cut the final shape of your pocket on hard cardboard. Sometimes they actually took rice paste and water and painted it on to get the fabric stiff. Then they would hold the fabric over the edge of the cardboard and press it over these shapers. So if you wanted to make a collar it was all kind of pre-pressed for a precise shape. It was exactly right before it was sewn on and it gave a certain look to the clothes. It was very presentable but it was also a harsh look

….I still struggle in my dealings with Chinese factories to give more three-dimension to a garment and stop treating it like it’s a pancake. We don’t want an edge to be like a knife blade.

This from On the Runway. From now on I will certainly take a closer look at where my clothes are made, even secondhand pieces!

Fashion Show - DVF

2010-02-16T10:51:00.000-05:00

I was paging through photos of the Fall 2010 line from Diane von Furstenberg. I actually like the look -very dark with a dash of color or glitter here and there-and would have to say that photo #23 is my absolute favorite of this collection.

Apparently new talent Wes Gordon is a fellow to keep an eye on in upcoming months. We shall see what he has to bring to the table!

Building a Wardrobe Week 3: Making a Shopping List

2010-02-15T13:52:00.000-05:00

Now you have (1) discovered the colors that show you off to your best advantage and (2) gone through your clothes to find the gaps in the wardrobe that fits your lifestyle. This week it is time to take those gaps and make a concrete shopping list to work from over the coming months.

Be honest with yourself when you create this list. Maybe you need a lot of things to build a decent wardrobe; maybe you need very few. Maybe you are tired of items you have from last year and want to freshen up your wardrobe by giving away old pieces and buying new ones. It is okay if your list seems too long or too short. You have a budget and you will stick to it, so you don’t need to feel badly about your list.

Make a list of EVERYTHING you need based on the gaps in your wardrobe and your lifestyle. EVERYTHING means clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and even underwear. Don’t be too specific yet about style or color — you should do a little preliminary browsing first to decide what you like. I generally use Microsoft Excel for my wardrobe lists because I can add columns if I like to keep track of where I buy things, how much I paid, etc.

Now, divide your list into two: one of things you are willing to buy cheaply/secondhand/deeply discounted and one of the few things you are really picky about and on which you are willing to spend some extra $$$. This is the hard part. Only list a few things — maybe four or at most five.

For my part, I am in the market for two things that I am willing to spend extra money on: a new bathing suit and a new pair of amazing sandals. Everything else I am perfectly happy buying off the Goodwill or Value Village rack.

Happy listing!!!!!!

New Jewelry

2010-02-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

Remember I said I was going to make a planned jewelry purchase today? Well I did it….!

Music paperbird earrings from munieca. Cost: $8.50 (including shipping).

A gorgeous little peacock necklace from oh hello friend that I have been eyeing for WEEKS. Cost: $27.75.

The budget totals are updated on the side! ———>

(Psst….Laurrose is having a 20% off sale as she nears her 500th sale!!!! Check it out!)

My next planned purchase...

2010-02-11T13:54:00.000-05:00

Pssst….want to know a secret? I’m stalking several 1950s vintage dresses in the hopes of snagging one this month!

Budget tip: PLAN YOUR PURCHASES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH. What do you need? What are you looking for? Anticipate the next season, your next vacation, or (in my case) the next family wedding to which you are invited.

Building a Wardrobe Week 2: Seeing the Gaps in Your Closet

2010-02-08T13:55:00.000-05:00

Now that you’ve set yourself a budget and figured out your colors, it is time to start looking for the “holes” in your wardrobe. What basics are you missing?

For the past weekend, I have been performing an analysis of my summer wardrobe (I know, I know, there are 2-1/2 feet of snow outside) so I can get a start on warm-weather shopping before prices skyrocket. Thus I will set out some general questions and tips for working on your wardrobe, by using mine as a particular example. Obviously my preferences will be different from others’ likes/dislikes.

What do you like to wear? Do you feel more comfortable in pants, dresses, or skirts on a daily basis?

I love to wear dresses and (sometimes) skirts.

What do you dress for on a daily basis? Do you work outside? Do you work in a dusty library? Do you work in an office environment? Do you teach? Do you have a dress code?

In the mornings, I work in an office environment, and then I work in a lab with nasty chemicals and black lab benches every afternoon. Thus, my wardrobe needs to both be ready for foreign dignitaries, and conform to basic lab safety requirements (closed-toed shoes, skirts/dresses at least knee-length).

What is your daily environment like? Is it normally cold in your workspace? Hot? Dirty?

Both my lab and my office are freezing cold on a daily basis, so I need sweaters and scarves whether it be winter or summer.

A brief perusal of my current wardrobe from summer 2009 shows me that I have three dresses, four skirts, two pairs of cargo pants, and a pair of jeans. My collection of shirts to go with these (I find summer shirts wear out so much faster!) is scanty. I own three summer scarves, three sweaters in basic colors (cream, black, and brown) and two pairs of flat shoes (black and brown).

For a decent wardrobe, you should have enough outfits to wear for ten days without repeating.

While the pants are awesome for casual weekends, obviously I have some work to do when it comes to dresses and skirts. At this point I have seven outfits, and need three more. I will definitely need some more summer shirts and accessories (scarves!) to change things up. Time to do some eBay shopping and get to Goodwill when the snow melts!

What about you? If you prefer pants, how many pairs do you own? Some basic short-sleeved shirts in several colors and well-chosen accessories (statement necklaces, scarves) will take you a long way and save you $$$ on a bunch of fancy blouses that only match one outfit.

Now, make a list of what you need for summer!

thought-provoking

2010-02-05T13:56:00.000-05:00

…for a snowy Friday…

I am reminded at times of a young nun from the Sisters of Life that I met a couple years ago. When I asked her the hardest thing to give up to become a nun, she answered emphatically “fashion”. Being based in one of the fashion centers of the U.S., she said it took awhile to get used to walking by shop windows amongst fashionable strangers, knowing that she was “far from fashionable”. I beg to differ: I would say that these fine ladies are the some of the most fashion-forward out there.

Vanessa Bruno

2010-02-04T13:59:00.000-05:00

This morning I was paging through the outfits from Vanessa Bruno’s Spring-Summer 2010 collection. I can’t download a photo, but my favorite item is shoe #59 – platform sandals. I think the most intriguing part of it is the leather/cotton jersey contrast, which you could easily replicate with your leather sandals this spring (I hope I get a chance to try!). Just be sure your ankles aren’t too thick before you try this style: ankle straps already draw attention, and cotton jersey is only going to draw more.

Statement jewelry

2010-02-04T13:57:00.000-05:00

I am in the market for some new jewelry/statement pieces – February 15 is marked on my calendar as a deadline. I find giving myself dates to buy things helps keep me within my budget, because it saves me from impulse buys as (a) I fill my Etsy cart and then have to wait 1-2 weeks to buy anything, (b) I can think through my wardrobe and decide if that piece/accessory will go with more than two outfits, and (c) sometimes things sell in that time and I know then that I wasn’t meant to have it.

I love this glass pendant “walkways through europe” from photoglassworks (based in Durham, NC) and would work well with any late winter outfit.

These gold floral ovals from sweetmini (based in sunny California) would compliment any spring outfit.

I am obsessed with lengthy earrings, TEXTURE and lace/crochet and these octopussy earrings from This Ilk (based in Montreal) combine all three.

Inspiration: Vintage Photos

2010-02-03T13:59:00.001-05:00

I have many, many blogs on my Google Reader under the heading of “Fashion Inspiration”, and the list grows week-by-week. When I post about these blogs here, I am trying to cover various styles and aesthetics. Hopefully you will find something from which you can draw inspiration and ideas.

For today: Shorpy Historic Photo Archives. Not every photo posted here has people in it (and I love old photos even without people!) but the ones that do are absolutely golden.

How do you draw inspiration from such photos without going completely vintage? Pull elements from outfits. For example, men could imitate the three-piece suit or – even better! - the shirt collars that I adore. Ladies could easily adopt the fur above (faux fur, if you like) or the adorable little hat she wears so confidently. Just a few things to keep an eye out for when you go secondhand shopping: don’t simply pass over that “old fashioned” $3 blouse or pair of shoes will an eye-roll. Pick it up and imagine the possibilities.

Back in January, the Sartorialist discussed the charm of historic/old photographs too. (I know, I know, I am always talking about Scott’s blog…but it is amazing!!!!)

Inspiration: Xiaoxi Zhang

2010-02-02T14:01:00.000-05:00

This adorable gal, Xiaoxi Zhang, is a great inspiration for anyone trying to craft vintage-inspired outfits. Her sketches and fabulous outifts never cease to amaze me. Visit her at It Is Nancy’s New Blog.

Building a Wardrobe Week 1: Discovering Your Colors

2010-02-01T14:04:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Part 1 of a series of posts on how to build a versatile, fashionable wardrobe on a budget, because you really need the basics before you can start playing with anything quirky or trendy, or even set your own personal style.

What colors you wear are extremely important. You want to wear colors that are going to compliment your skin tone, your hair, and your eyes, not clash with them or (worse) overwhelm your lovely natural coloring.

The first thing you need to do is figure out what “season” you are, i.e. what colors suit you best. There are a couple ways to do this. You could use some of your monthly clothing budget to pay a consultant from Color Me Beautiful to do it for you (my mom took me to see a consultant for my sixteenth birthday) or you could do it yourself. Many websites have tutorials, step-by-step instructions, or even quizzes to help you figure it out.

Once you know your season, I strongly recommend you buy the corresponding swatch from Color Me Beautiful. For example, I am an Autumn, so I own this swatch. The color swatches are indispensable when you are starting to shop; after a time your eye will get used to picking out the colors you can wear and will no longer need to carry the swatch with you.

I was approached last week by a male friend who said he liked the new blog but wondered “what about the guys”? Colors are key to male wardrobe as well — you don’t want to wear a suit or tie that clashes with your natural skin tone and coloring (God’s gift to you!) either. Here is website with a flowchart to help figure out your season and recommendations for suit, shirt, tie, shoe, and even briefcase colors that will compliment you.

"Etsy Finds"

2010-02-01T14:04:00.000-05:00

For a great daily digest of color and quirkiness to help you define (and re-define) your personal style, sign up for the Etsy Finds newsletter here. Although the digests feature finds in housewares, bath & beauty, furniture, and just about anything else you can think of in addition to clothes, accessories, shoes, vintage, and jewelry, it is a great resource for new and interesting wardobe pieces. Just make sure you browse and resist the temptation to buy – stick to the budget!

Budget stats

2010-02-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

I’ve reset my budget stats to start afresh for the month of February. What do you do with the unspent $$$ for the month? Go on a shopping spree? NO! Bank the money and save for your next investment piece (e.g. that pair of amazing $150 boots at the secondhand store or that awesome suit jacket that probably won’t be there next time you go).

Also, I have decided to branch out a bit and save $10 of the monthly budget for books about fashion. We’ll see how that goes.

Gentlemen, take note.

2010-02-01T14:02:00.001-05:00

Scott is once again right on the ball…girls like a man (and a wardrobe ON a man) that can age gracefully. Please don’t be too trendy.

Anyway, read Scott’s lovely post, the nicest thing I’ve seen today.

High Fashion Temporary Tattoos?

2010-02-01T14:02:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, yes.

The models showcasing Chanel’s Spring 2010 collection wore chain-link temporary tattoos around their wrists and legs. I am quite taken by this look though I know for certain I would NEVER be able to pull it off myself.

If you also like the look and could wear it well, you could go the cheap “I want the same look for less” route or you could wait until mid-February and invest in the Chanel packet of 55 temporary tattoos selling for $75. It could be your new spring accessory!

Filippa on Backyard Bill

2010-01-29T14:05:00.000-05:00

An interview and lovely photoshoot with another fashionista with an amazing sense of style, Filippa, on one of my favorite fashion blogs called Backyard Bill. Backyard Bill photographs people in outfits pulled from their own closets. Enjoy!

Shopping Vintage Online

2010-01-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

Shopping vintage is one of my favorite ways to shop on a budget and buy something unique. And if I can do it online – even better because I don’t have to go out, have it in my hands, and be that much more tempted to buy it.

The tricky thing about shopping vintage online is measurements. ABIDE BY INCH MEASUREMENTS. DO NOT GO BY YOUR USUAL MODERN DRESS SIZE. Why? Dress size inflation. For example, the size 14 that Marilyn Monroe wore is a modern size 6.

I’ve mostly bought vintage shoes, boots and outwear, but Sally Jane Vintage has me thinking that I will have to make a foray into buying clothing too. I usually buy vintage from Etsy because I find the sellers tend to be very responsible about their item descriptions (which also drives prices up so beware), but you could be brave and try eBay too.

Other favorite vintage shops on Etsy:

Coming Up Roses Vintage

Timeless Vixen Vintage (pricier but so beautiful!)

Starlet Vintage (ON SALE NOW, from 20-30% off!)

inspiration - garance dore

2010-01-28T14:06:00.001-05:00

In case you’ve never heard of this incredibly inspiration French fashionista, you are about to become Garance’s biggest fan. Interview magazine has just published a feature on her! Check it out here.

VS Wrap - Price Stalker Worthy?

2010-01-28T14:06:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine alerted me to this lovely wrap from VS. It is $58, but with a coupon (and VS is usually generous with coupons) you could get it 20% off or so. Has anyone tried one on in the store? It comes in lots of colors and can be worn in “at least six ways” — I can’t wait to get to a store and try it on to see if it is price-stalker-worthy!

(Just a hint: if you like VS, google search “Pink Nation” and sign up. They will send you coupons for freebies via email…)

How do I make myself a fashion budget?

2010-01-27T14:08:00.000-05:00

Money has been on my mind a lot today. As I pulled my W-2 out of my mailbox at work this morning, as I wrote my monthly check for rent, and as I perused my bills due at school for the class I am taking this semester, I laughed quietly to myself at the idea that people on average pay $28,000 for a wedding and usually more. I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again: money is crazy.

I realized that I didn’t even mention how I came up with a $200 per month budget for clothing. That budget is certainly not one-size-fits-all. Last summer, I called my mom to complain about how guilty I felt about a recent purchase and she (in all her motherly wisdom) suggested I set a budget for myself so I didn’t have to feel guilty anymore about my clothes and simply enjoy them. This is what she had me do:

1. Carefully, with a fine-toothed-comb, go over my bank statements for the past 12 months and add up what I spent total on clothes, shoes, accessories, underwear, and jewelry.

2. Divide this number by 12.

3. Start by budgeting that much money for myself per month. Later, if it felt like too much, I could adjust accordingly.

My problem had been that every time I tried to start a budget before, I fell right off of it because I tried to stick to something unrealistic (for myself!) like $50 a month. It just isn’t going to work.

Noting trends like (a) I spend twice as much as usual in November on Black Friday and (b) I spend much less than usual (almost nothing) on clothing in December, I budgeted my $200 and have stuck to it very well ever since. Not a shadow of guilt!

UGG

2010-01-26T14:10:00.001-05:00

For those who are dying to wear UGG boots to work…voila! The UGG Gissella.

Of course, for the budget fashionistas, there are more budget-friendly ways to buy these boots on eBay.

And if you aren’t a big fan of UGG footwear but wish you could incorporate the label into your wardrobe, this adorable bag is another option.

Stripes and Dots

2010-01-26T14:10:00.000-05:00

Normally sensible about these kinds of things, Ann Taylor LOFT is telling us that stripes and dots are “two playful patterns that look pretty on their own – and surprisingly stylish together” and that “opposites attract”. More notable, however, is that none of their models on the flyer I received in the mail are wearing stripes *and* dots – only one or the other. For me, stripes and dots are too reminiscient of scrapbooking (great if you are a scrapbooker!) or the nursery, ALTHOUGH I am perfectly willing to be proven wrong if someone can find a nice combo of the two.

Another combo gnawing at my brain these days is the Fall-Winter ‘09 trend of shorts and tights. I resisted with all my might because I thought it too trendy, but now all the shorts are on the sale racks and I happened to try on a pair of Alpine-ish wool ones with tights a few weeks back. I actually really liked them and loved how I could have shown off my legs all winter long and remained modest at the same time. Oh well – could’ve, would’ve, should’ve. Too late to ride the trend now.

A rule when it comes to trends: you need to buy trends new (hopefully with coupons!). By the time they are on sale, they are usually ridiculously silly-looking.

Headpieces

2010-01-26T14:09:00.000-05:00

When I was browsing this morning, I came across this photo that completely knocked me flat. Look at the chains in her hair! Lovely. (Photo from Le blog de la mechante – pretty photos, but sometimes the language can be a tad vulgar so I normally keep it in French.)

I did a little browsing on Etsy, and here are a couple links to similar headpieces (obviously investments):

3 Strand Golden Pixie Chain

Daisy Fields Chain

And, if you are shy about headpieces and want to go for a headband:

Gold Double Chain Headband

MLK Day Shopping

2010-01-20T14:11:00.000-05:00

On Monday, I convinced my mother and sisters to do my favorite leisure activity: shopping! First, we went to Anthropologie.

Pros of the store:

1. Awesome place for fashion inspiration and the chance to try new trends. Raid the sale racks and try on a variety of things to see what you like on yourself.

2. Their clothes are very expensive full-price but they are fairly generous when it comes to sales.

Cons of the store:

1. The clothes are not structured, so they do not work on all body types.

2. Everything is displayed beautifully, to best influence you to buy *everything*. You must resist this urge.

Anyway, after trying on four or five things from the sale rack and taking note of brand names/sizes for future eBay reference (more on eBay shopping another time), I came upon this lovely belt…

I have been in the market for a wide belt for a couple years. A caution for short (& possibly squat) people: if you are going to wear a wide belt, make sure you are wearing a long tunic or dress to lengthen your frame and counteract the belt.

I bought the 100% leather belt for $10.49 including tax. Score!

Later, my mum and I swung by Value Village, a huge secondhand store. The store is dirty and the merchandise requires a discerning eye – if the employees even remotely recognize a label (e.g. Ann Taylor) they have the habit of WAY overpricing secondhand clothes – but shopping there is quite an adventure and I have found many treasures.

Today I found two handpainted 1-inch pinback brooches: one from Russia and the other from Poland (?) that would look lovely on a purse or lapel. I bought them: 2 ($3.45 ea.) + 50% off on federal holidays + tax = $4.15. Score!

[I will try to post a pic of the pins later.]

Current budget: $200 – 10.49 for the belt – 4.15 for the pins = $185.36

Diary of a Budget Fashionista

2010-01-19T14:14:00.000-05:00

I started this blog at the behest of many family members and friends who claim I have an eye for so-called “budget fashion”. In reality, I just have a tremendous love and admiration for clothing, shoes, accessories, fashion, style, panache, quirk, and pretty things.

I will not lie: shopping on a budget and staying fashionable at the same time eats up many an hour with cruising sales, picking through Goodwill racks, trying on outfits, and even paging through as many catalogs and fashion magazines (domestic and foreign) that one can obtain. “I really don’t have the time for that”, you say. That is where this blog comes in.

On this blog, I will try to verbalize shopping tips for other budget fashionistas (and I hope you will share yours with me as well), keep a running tally of my purchases so you can see my budget at work, recommend places to buy clothes on a budget, show you some of my fashion inspirations, and do a healthy bit of trendspotting.

To begin, I will share a handful of my rules and philosophies on fashion and shopping for clothes:

1. I am going out on a limb here. I am 5′2″ and 118 lbs on a good day, in other words, rather short and squat. Fashionwise, I can either (a) beat myself up because I will never EVER be a size 00, OR I can (b) keep myself physically fit and dress to suit my body type. I choose “b”.

2. My fashion goals are (not in any particular order) to: develop a fashionable yet timeless wardrobe, dress modestly so as to glorify God in my appearance, dress to suit my figure, and stick to my budget.

3. My budget is $200 per month. That includes everything having to do with appearance (clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, toiletries, cosmetics, and underwear) except for my haircuts.

4. I never buy clothing, shoes, accessories or underwear full price. NEVER.

5. I never buy jewelry unless it is handmade.

6. I rarely buy anything trendy unless it could also pass as vintage, e.g. a pair of granny boots are definitely trendy right now, but could also pass as 80s vintage.

Goodbye for now!!!!!

Diary of a Budget Fashionista

Etsy Purchases

Vogue June 2010 Inspiration

Thank you for your patience!

Life Changes

May Budget Update

Creative Layers

Blog Review: Young, Fat, & Fabulous

Oxford flats

Classic Gangster Style

Vogue Korea March 2010

Make a Spring Scarf

Suit Yourself in a Men's Dress Shirt

Latest Purchase

Welcome!

Budget Fashion Tip: Use Shopping Blogs!

Inspiration India

*the* flat for Spring 2010

To Die For

Mixed Bag

Vintage Sari

Lingerie on the Outside

New Budget Totals

Saris

Back from Portland

Guy Friday: Cufflinks!

Socks? or no socks?

Inspiration

Girls' Night

Military Fashion

Finds for Spring

March budget

(blog it forward) what inspires me?

Christopher Kane 2010

Girls' Night

Vintage 1950s Gingham Dress

Guy Friday: Belt Buckles!

Guy Fashion

Oh my...

Collars

Wow...

Fashion Show - DVF

Building a Wardrobe Week 3: Making a Shopping List

New Jewelry

My next planned purchase...

Building a Wardrobe Week 2: Seeing the Gaps in Your Closet

thought-provoking

Vanessa Bruno

Statement jewelry

Inspiration: Vintage Photos

Inspiration: Xiaoxi Zhang

Building a Wardrobe Week 1: Discovering Your Colors

"Etsy Finds"

Budget stats

Gentlemen, take note.

High Fashion Temporary Tattoos?

Filippa on Backyard Bill

Shopping Vintage Online

inspiration - garance dore

VS Wrap - Price Stalker Worthy?

How do I make myself a fashion budget?

UGG

Stripes and Dots

Headpieces

MLK Day Shopping

Diary of a Budget Fashionista

the flat for Spring 2010