Thrifty

Friday I work at Hammerpress for free. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my only days that I get paid, however, Fridays I usually print, which is odd, but somehow understandable. Currently I am printing the many layers that go into the flying dirigible calender - which is a surprising amount. I've got three down and I think three more to go - which will be finished some time next week.

Before lunch I finished packing the remaining orders needed for the next two weeks and then post lunch/nap I printed the silver layer of the calender.

At the end of the day Brady and I talked about a poster he has in mind for the Land of Nod - something based off my wood type piece - that I'll get to work on maybe the week after next. Finally some typesetting. I've been itching to get my hands back in those drawers.

Even though there was a show going on at the Pistol, I can't say I was too interested and instead Halliday, Terry (an awesome girl Halliday introduced me to), and I went thrifting.

We hit up the best spots up north in Gladstone. First was the DAV which I always score excellent finds, and this time was no different. I came away with an intricate belt, sequin gold top and vintage dress, which I later found I couldn't fit in (no fitting rooms at DAVs') but will resell for more than i bought it I'm sure.

Second was this slightly more expensive shop called Plato's Closet. There were a number of cute items, but a bit more pricey than I was anticipating so in the end all I found to buy was a gold belt, but since the limit for debit cars was five dollars, I left empty handed.

Third we went to Salvation army and I was more successful there, which isn't usual. I found a navy blue pencil skirt that fits beautifully and a jean high waisted 90's skirt that I'll have to hem, but fit well enough it had to come home with me.

Finally, I went shopping in Terry's give away clothing bags and found a cute jersey dress, mexican peasant top to go with my pencil skirts, and tan bulky sweater that will be nice as it gets cooler.

The things that I was looking for - pencil skirts and wedges - were difficult to find and I think I'll end up ordering my wedges online, after all it isn't the season for them, but I need them for working at the Gap.

I didn't get to Forever 21, and I might go on Sunday since that is where I really wanted to shop. The zipper on the pencil skirt I bought from there a little bit ago (January maybe?) has gotten stuck and I am in need of a casual black pencil skirt, so I'm thinking I should just go back.

Oh, I also want a leopard print cardigan. I saw one at Urban Outfitter's - perfect - a bit grungy, but still chic, although the price tag was too high. A silver sweater. I want that too, all of the one's I saw at thrift stores were too large for taking in properly, but I'm going to get one with my next paycheck, not many worries there.

I'm thinking of making Tuesdays a "tips" day and maybe having Fridays a "I'm obsessed with..." day. We shall see...

Fall Fashions

It is that time of the year, fall. Granted the weather is still summery, but the best part of the wardrobe season is upon us.

Pumps are the shoe of the season (as opposed to flats in spring, boots in winter, sandals in summer) and the weather tolerates - possibly my most favorite article of clothing ever - sweaters. Nothing says fall like a pencil skirt, light sweater and cardigan.

The other benefit to fall is the weather can tolerate all of the layers that vintage dressing requires. Winter is too cold to worry about vintage trimmings - who can wear skirts when their legs are freezing? Summer is too hot and spring, well for whatever reason I just don't have the hankering, probably because most of my retro inspired clothing is for fall.

But back to fall fashions.

I love tights. Last season it was the trend to layer a solid color (say plum or burgundy) under a patterned black or brown. I loved this since it makes the wearer seem as though they are wearing fancy patterned tights, but in reality are playing a trick. Personally, the patterned tights are to delicate to wear alone anyway, so the second layer is not only insulating, but prevents easy tears in the decorative pair.

I'm not sure what the trend will be this year, and I doubt I actually find out anytime soon, since I don't watch the runways, am too poor to buy magazines, and don't have a Nordstrom near me (which is where I usually take my cues from).

I'm told plum is going to be in again, but you know - it seems like a remnant from last year that the consumer is enjoying more than a product out of the fashion scene. I have my bets on Mustard, Burnt Sienna, Navy Blue, Burgundy, and Cranberry. Mad Men has been a big fashion inspiration and so I think many of the colors will be drawn from the corporate palette of the sixties (which I believe is why we're seeing Burnt Sienna and Mustard). However, this year's earthy colors seem more subdued than last year's jewel tones - maybe a reflection of the economy?

I have much of my wardrobe now, although some items have been falling apart and are in need of replacement - my black wedges, flats, belt, etc - things I wear the most. Eventually I'll need tights because I'm bound to rip the pair I have, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I really want a pair of jedi/riding boots, but I don't have the calves to support them or maybe better said, I have too much calves to support them. Ah well.

p.s. I love those teal heels. I can't find them in teal in my size, however Zappos has them in black. Paycheck? Hmm, maybe savings....