My Daily Threads

Palm Reader

2012-03-06T09:55:00.002-08:00

I like to think I have a sixth sense when it comes to thrifting. A psychic knowing that guides me through the cramped aisles, pointing me in the direction of secret treasures...

Jean Jacket: CP Thrift in Napa
Top: CP Thrift in Napa
Shorts: American Apparel
Shoes: CP Thrift in Napa
Bag: Second hand from Sola Lucy
Belt: Some thrift store somewhere.
Necklaces: Thrifted from CP Thrift/random thrift store in Colorado
Earrings: Second hand from Mercy Vintage

Now all I need is a crystal ball that reveals winning lottery numbers, so I can afford those Chanel bags they keep behind the counter at Buffalo Exchange. (That's right, if I won the lottery I would still buy second hand. Thrift witch, through and through...)

Skin-y Pinny

2012-02-28T08:09:00.002-08:00

Best. Day. Ever.

Last weekend I got a call from my good friend Natasha at Bride Culture, asking if she and her friends could have a last minute photo shoot at my house because their location had fallen through.

"How last minute?"
"Tomorrow morning at 9."

Ha! I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Still in sweatpants and tousled bed hair, I answered my door the next morning to a beaming crew of stylists, make up artists, models, and photographers, and watched sleepily as my house was transformed into a bonafide photo shoot location, complete with (my favorite part) delicious craft service table. It was awesome. Best part of all was that Natasha-- one of my favorite partners in fashion crime-- played co-stylist as I took my turn in front of the camera...

Pin-stripe Top: American Apparel, from their CRAZY flea market sale. For more from that sale, click here, here, and here, and DO NOT MISS it next year.
Snakeskin Print Skirt: So, as Natasha and I were puzzling over what to pair this top with, we pulled this awesome snakeskin print straight skirt out of my closet (thrifted from Goodwill several years ago), and just started playing with it, kind of creating a relaxed ruching and tacking it down where it looked good. And Voila! New skirt. I love how the folds mimic the folds in the top. If I were still in grad school, I'd even go so far as to say that we created a "theme."
Bag: Second hand from Mercy Vintage.
Shoes: MIA via DSW
Silver Necklace: Urban. Couldn't decide between the gold and the silver, so I got both. Here and here are a couple other ways to wear them.
Black Necklace: Thrifted from some random thrift store near Vail, Colorado last month while I was on my ski adventure.
Ring: Funny story. I found these cuff links in my room when I was living in SF, and took them to my very talented jewelry-smith friend Ramsi to see if she could make a ring out of them. Check out her amazing Etsy site.

So what is the moral of the story? A: never say never; if snakeskin and pinstripes can come together in style harmony, pretty much anything is possible. And B: two is company (thank you Natasha!), but three is not a crowd-- a crowd is a photo shoot crew running around your house at the crack of 10 a.m. I'm a big fan of both.

Special thank you to Andres Razo for these pix!

Rudi Gernreich

2012-02-21T13:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, I interrupt this regularly scheduled programming to bring you a special broadcast. I was lucky enough to get an invite to the recent Rudi Gernreich show here in LA. Gernreich was a huge name in the ever subversive fashion of the 1960's, perhaps best known for his topless one piece swimsuits (love love love love, a thousand times LOVE), but also for being a proponent of unisex clothing and general fashion androgyny. Compared to trends today both on and off couture runways, echoes of this brazen love for the human form and an aesthetic that embraces gender neutrality can be heard at every turn. Look at hipsters; look at sheer everything, everywhere.

So anyway, the good news is that I got the invite. The bad news is that I relied on my phone for photos! Never again. The photos I did get are ok, but I couldn't get any pictures from the runway; by the time the photo actually took, the model was completely on the other side of the runway. Rude. Here are some photos from the exhibit...

I love this piece. The shape is such a contradiction between delicate and robust; it rides this exciting line between pointedly sexy, and totally unaware. And of course the print is just thoroughly unapologetic.

Similar idea applied to proportions-- lots of fullness in the drape of the sleeves and bodice, but so short your mother would choke on her own face if she caught you in it.

The next few pictures are of the work of the artists who were later approached to collaborate in creating the textile prints. It's so amazing to see how the dots connect...

Prepare to go a little cross eyed here. It's a combination of this psychedelic print and my stupid phone camera!

Anyway, I had an amazing time; it was two hours of eye splendor. If you're interested in his work, you can see some really great pictures from a previous exhibit at the ICA here-- truly brilliant.

And I promise next time to bring a decent camera so I can show the show. Sigh... live and learn.

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Poptart

2012-02-13T23:46:00.000-08:00

Mmmm... sugar. Having knocked the stuff (ish) several years ago, I find that in times of distress, it is beyond my ability to resist devouring dessert alternatives: dried mangoes from Trader Joe's, agave sweetened fudge bars from Whole Foods (So Delicious... no really, they're called So Delicious), and pint after pint of Coconut Bliss (the cappuccino flavor induces an ecstasy that far surpasses the legal limit in about 15 different states). And when, after gutting my local health food stores of all their sweets, I find that it's still not enough, I make some confections of my own...

Lace Top: Second hand from The Closet, Michael Kors; $18
Ruffle Tiered Skirt: Second hand from The Closet, Free People; $16
Tights: Forever
Booties: Second hand from Crossroads in SF; Here, here, and here are more style ideas for these delicious finds.
Purse: CP Thrift in Napa
Cheetah/Leopard (we're just not sure) Belt: Gift from my homegirl, Galit, who found it in a thrift store for fifty cents!!! Purrrr. Here's another way to say yes to animal (crackers) accessories.

So, needless to say, The Closet is my new favorite sweet spot for satiating this shopping sugar tooth. There's one in Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Barbara. If you're on this side of the Mississippi (mud pie), YOU MUST CHECK IT OUT. In addition to these delectables, I also (licorice) roped myself a (fruit) leather jacket with suede sun(/star)bursts coming off the neck for $45!!! Can't imagine it? Not to worry, I'll post some pictures before you can say: Were you gonna eat that entire tin of Danish cookies? Because if not...

Have a very sweet Valentine's day, everyone!

Kill Your Television

2012-02-06T00:11:00.000-08:00

Ugh. Love/hate relationship going on with Spotify, y'all. Hate the stupid commercials ALL THE TIME. Also-- have you noticed that you can't mute them? If you try it just puts them on pause. And if you turn your volume down past a certain point, it pauses them too. Sneaky! Hate it.

But LOVE my new amazing playlist of songs that I haven't heard since I could count my age on one hand. Ahem:

What I Am - Edie Brickell
Wishing Well - Terence Trent D'arby
Elevate My Mind - Stereo MC
A Love Bizarre - Sheila E
Higher Love - Steve Windwood
Human Nature - MJ
Lullaby - The Cure
I Wanna Be Your Lover - Prince
All Night Long - Mary Jane Girls (have you seen this video??? do yourself a favor...)
Erotic City - Prince
Oh Sheila - Ready for the World
Young Turks - Rod Stewart
Open Your Heart - Madonna
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division

Ok fine. The commercials are totally worth it. If you can think of other forgotten gems I must know about, send them this way! The kharma gods of music will shower you with blessed music fortune; just tell them I sent you. ;)

Jacket: Urban
Off-black top: H&M
Vintage pleated boyfriend jeans: Another sweet thrift find from CP Thrift in Napa, $3. Not kidding.
Wedges: Aldo. Need to miraculously grow a good 5 inches? These are the shoes for you. Afraid you wouldn't wear them? Nonsense. Here, here, here AND here are just some of the ways...
Bag: Second hand from Sola Lucy
Earrings: I found these (ginormous) beads at Baubles and Beads in Berkeley. Just slipped some hooks in there and voila! Earrings!
Glasses: Bambino Thrift in Oakland
Turquoise ring: Family heirloom. A little blue goes a long way. Here, here and here are more ways to flash a giant blue ring.
Lipstick: Heat Wave by Nars

Alright, back to digging through the archive of my brain for the 80's best. Obvious missing artists include Tina Turner, Salt n Pepa, and Journey... also have a love/hate relationship with Journey. It's complicated being me.

Special thank you to Matthew Aghajanian for answering the phone despite a hangover and a sour taste in his mouth. Hollywood'll do that to you. All the more reason to have your 80's playlist ever at the ready.

Spotty Past

2012-01-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry I didn't post last week, Daily Thread readers. I was busy sewing sewing sewing. And now I'm ready to unveil the fruits (or one of them, anyway), of my labor. I found this vintage Liz Claiborne dress at an amazing thrift store in Napa last time I was up there. It was $3, and about 3 sizes too big.

But I LOVED the fabric, and the adorable little buttons on the shoulder line. I wanted to take it in at the side seams a good 4 inches on each side, while keeping the pockets. That was the hardest part. After making MUCH use of my seam ripper, I finally had what I wanted, pockets and all.

Dress: CP Thrift in Napa.
Tights: Forever. I love polka dot tights! For more ways to wear em, click here, and here
Vintage Pumps: CP Thrift. Very 1940s, though they appear to be from the 80's. $4!!
Bag: Thrift Town in SF. $1 Couldn't pass it up. Here's another way to rock a bright blue clutch.
Earrings: Bambino Thrift in Oakland
Belt: Thrift Town in SF
Bracelets: Both of these are from some funky thrift store we wandered into in Avon, CO on my snow vacation a couple weeks ago. No idea what it was called, but my friend definitely found an old school Nintendo Mortal Kombat game and all of The Lord of the Rings on cassette. 10 cassettes, to be exact.
Vintage sunglasses: Bambino thrift in Oakland. I couldn't decide if I loved these with this outfit or not. Loved the shape, didn't love the color (definitely need to go sunglasses shopping again). Anyhoo, here and here are further evidence that I heart these olive beauties.

More reconstruction projects to come. Stay tuned. A huge thank you to Matthew Aghajanian for spinning me around the countryside of the Palos Verdes estates for these shots. Also want to send a shout out to my friend Gina, who's got her own thang going up in the Bay. Check out her site, super talented!

While I'm at it, I would also like to send a shout out to OJ Roundtree and Derek Piazza at the College of Alameda. Thank you thank you for teaching me to sew, drape, draft, and about a million other things.

Winter Dress

2012-01-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

In preparation for what has been, pretty much, my first time ever in the snow, I decided to use winter as a source of inspiration rather than a source of despair. (I have officially learned my lesson this last week in the snowy mountains of Vail, Colorado, and will never again bemoan 55 degree LA winter weather... JUST KIDDING! I totally will.)

Wool Sweater Dress: $15 from the sale rack at Urban, down from $115. Cheap Monday brand.
Tights: American Apparel flea market sale of joy-- $3!! For more from that AMAZING sale, click here, and here.
Shoes: Thrifted from Thrift Town in SF, Bandolino brand. For more ways to sport these grandma-chic pumps, click here and here.
Bag: Second hand Bulga from Sola Lucy.
Necklaces and rings: Vintage family heirlooms. I especially love the beaded stone necklace my aunt passed down to me. See its debut here.

So as I was saying, I have experienced the true meaning of winter up here in the rockies, visiting my boo. We skied, ate sausage by a roaring fire, and drank our morning tea as snow flurries floated down outside. Here we are in snowland doing snow-related activities, like "shredding" Beaver Creek and smooching in the cold.

I've loved my week here, it's truly been unbelievably beautiful. Every morning is a Norman Rockwell painting, every night is Christmas Eve by a crackling fire. That being said, I haven't worn a dress or a skirt in seven full days!! And I put on Uggs for the first time in YEARS-- not a fan. As fond as I've grown of wool and thermals, I will definitely breathe a sigh of relief once I'm back to skipping around the streets of LA in strapless dresses and open-toed shoes. You can take the girl out of Cali, but you can't take the love of strappy sandals in January out of the girl...

One last big thank you to Michael Aghy for these shots.

Devil/Wizard with a Blue Dress On

2012-01-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

As we all know, nothing makes me happier than a good thrift sweep. So just before Halloween, I descended upon what has been one of my favorite thrifting spots since I was 13, American Way in Burbank, and came across this wizard costume for $2. Think Mickey Mouse in Fantasia...

I LOVED this fabric right away, not to mention the amazing pleats on the shoulders, and knew there was a short dress somewhere in there begging to be released from this ridiculous robe of frump doom. I took the sleeves off, shortened the shoulder line, and made the arm hole smaller. Then I took the sleeves up (way up) and in (way in), took the side seams in (4 inches on each side!!), and shortened the hem. The shape of the garment was already bigger around the middle, narrowing closer toward the hips and knees, so to work with that bubble effect, I sewed in some elastic a few inches up from the hemline so the volume would spill over a little. When you see my zebra mug out, you know I ain't playin.

Anyway, all of that's to say that I took this G rated smock of dowdy booness to a much more suitable R rating, if I don't say so myself.

Dress: American Way Thrift Store. It might smell like pee and have no dressing rooms, but if it's not one of the best there is then I'm not in love with iridescent 80's triangle fabric.
Tights: Forever
Booties: Crossroads
Purse: CP Thrift in Napa
Necklace: Urban. This is the gold counterpart to this one. Cleopatra or bust.
Earrings: CP Thrift

One dress down, about three more to go... and a pair of palazzo pants. I'll keep you posted.

Special thank you to Michael Aghy for these glamour shots.

Scary Tyler Moore

2012-01-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

Pretty sure nothing says "season's greetings" like this jungle-meets-Donna-Reed-meets-closet-alcoholic look. Big time thank you to Michael Aghy for working through the brain aftermath of "New Years Apocalypse Manifests in the Three Minutes and Fifty Three Seconds that It Takes to Scream along to House of Jealous Lovers and It's Pretty Much a Blur from Then on Till About Five AM" extravaganza. Neither one of us were in the best shape after that, but our inner creepy prevailed, and voila: art.

Sweater: Thrift Town in SF. It was actually oversized until I accidentally stuck it in the dryer with all my other fuscias. Turns out wool shrinks. A happy mistake! For another way to wear this sweater, click here.
Skirt: Thrifted from Mercy Vintage, off the $10 rack
Shoes: Aldo. Here, here, and here are some other ways to wear these crazy shoes.
Earrings: Thrifted from CP Thrift in Napa.
Necklace: Urban. I got it in gold, too. Ain't messin around.
Tights: Walgreens.

Merry Jolly, y'all.

Walkin in a Winter Summerland

2011-12-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Los Angeles,

When you were not with me, I was a frozen grape that rolled away and was forgotten in the back of a freezer in Northern California. But not a new freezer. An old freezer that drips and therefore accumulates much frost and weird dirty booness including meat juice and other grosso liquids. My heart filled with icicles and I wore scarves every day. Sometimes two scarves. Ok fine, I never wore two scarves. But one time ice was frozen to my windshield and I had no idea what to do because I'd never seen such a thing and I'm pretty sure I cried that day. This year, howevs, we have been reunited. Two days before Christmas I sat on a bench in Chinatown and I turned a little pink on my chest. In December. And today, in the hills of Echo Park, I donned my gay apparel, and celebrated peace on earth, goodwill toward peeps (no gender discrimination here), and the correct behavior that is short sleeves and no jacket right at the winter solstice. Oh LA, I was a fool to leave you. Please forgive me, and let's make outfit babies every day...

These threads are almost 100% thrifted and I'm pretty proud
Blouse: CP Thrift in Napa
Skirt: Second hand from Sola Lucy in Berkeley
Tights: Forever 21 (Used tights? Rude.)
Heels-- excuse me-- pumps: Thrift Town in the mission
Necklace: CP Thrift in Napa
Belt: Thrift town in the mish
Gold chain trimmed clutch: HauteLook
Amazing half a globe of turquoise ring: Family heirloom. Thanks mom!

Anyway LA, what I was saying is that no one gets me like you do. You know what I mean? And I like you too, really love your peaches, wanna shake your herb. And I thusly dedicate this song to you. May we frolic joyfully in polyester three quarter length sleeves for the rest of our days...

Special love shout out to Bernadette Torres for stopping traffic with me today in the mean streets above Sunset (not in a hot, leather mini skirt way, more like a "how about a shot of you sitting in the middle of the road" way). Gurl, I know you and NY have a good thing going, but me and LA, we don't mind sharing, if you know what I mean...

Suburban Cowgirl

2011-12-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is not exactly my cowgirl outfit, howevs, today's threads were inspired by my Aunt Sara, who was in her 20's when I was a wee little thang visiting her and my grandparents on their farm in south Texas. Aunt Sara used to get all dressed up to go out to dances and whatever other S. Texas youth activities were going down in 1986 (I don't want to say barn dance in case that's offensive, but I'd be remiss to acknowledge the pervasive (and ridiculously fun) barn dance culture of my roots). Anyway, she'd spend about three hours in her room-- pink walls, pink canopy bed-- with one of those mirrors that makes your face huge (and terrifying), applying things and plucking things and using a hair pick on her curls. She loved tight jeans, big belts, and pink flowers. I guess the orange doesn't fall too far from the orange tree...

Here are Sara and me, and her then boyfriend Pablo, all of us looking pretty swanky if I don't say so myself.

Top: American Way in Burbank (ONE DOLLAR!!!) It was actually way too big, so I took in the side seams and the sleeves a little bit and just like magic, new pink 80's top.
Jeans: AG, just got these half off on HauteLook.
Purse: Goodwill in SF on Mission
Shoes: Thrift Town in SF, Bandolino Brand
Belt: Ditto

This is my sister's new 'hood. It comes complete with a Fresco's health food store, a "Cali Mex" with a ceiling lined in pinatas, and an orange tree from which to occasionally help ourselves, right up the street...

The Floral Varietal

2011-11-29T14:18:00.000-08:00

Ah Napa. So nice to see what fall actually looks like (not to be confused what what fall actually feels like-- special thanks to my mom for maintaining a steady 75 indoors.) This Thanksgiving was a pleasurable combo of home made pies, gravy boats, orange leaves, football (had UT lost that game to A&M this would be a blog about the many fashionable uses of mourning wear), and yes, a fair amount of delicious wine. Here's me relenting to the season...

Dress: Forever 21
Cardigan: Vintage Banana Republic hand me down-- nice and wool/warm.
Tights: Forever 21
Booties: Thrifted from Crossroads
Purse: A gem from my thrift extravaganza this weekend at Napa's own CP Thrift. Don't head back without tearing this place apart.
Necklace: Art fair in Austin all those years ago. I think I bought this out of spite for some ex boyfriend, or maybe that was just my excuse for a $50 jewelry splurge.

Best line in Sex and the City:

Carrie: You're moving to Napa???
Big: Carrie, I'm just tired of the city. I'm just tired.
Carrie: If you're tired you TAKE a napa, you don't MOVE to Napa!

---> <3 <-----

Rain Bow

2011-11-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, cold weather, you win. You are raining all over my life. How am I supposed to do anything in this 55 degree weather? The only answer, as far as I can tell, is wool. Wool and tights. And my sister's space heater pointed at my feet.

Wool sweater: Thrift Town-- This was a much bigger sweater, but I forgot the "don't ever put wool in the dryer" rule and voila! Mini sweater!
Skirt: Forevuh
Tights: Jeez. I don't know. Maybe Multi Kulti? They have everything.
Bag: Goodwill in SF on Mission
Shoes: Mia via DSW
Earrings: I made these out of a funny tassel necklace that I found in my roommate's jewelry stash. Special apology to Rebecca for forgetting to give these back. And special thank you to my friend Ramsi Metzger, who actually made these while I sat there changing my mind about how many beads I wanted on each strand. Check her Etsy site-- she makes some AWESOME stuff.

Sigh. Rain rain rain blah blah boo. But the Cowboys just made a 60 yard pass for the touch down!! Don't mess this up, Romo!!! Or I'll take these faux leather wedges and shove em up your nose!!

A-dressing the Issue

2011-11-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

A follow up to skirting the issue, today's post is an intimate view of what it's like for me to pick out an outfit... a laborious process of trials and tribulations. One dress, and a cavernous closet of options. Listen, just because I've had Kate Bush on repeat all day (damn you, Kelly McNerney!-- this mixed tape is breaking my little pink heart!), doesn't mean I can't sport a fierce jaguar belt (special thanks to Galit for sending me this thrifted gem of sassy beauty explosion all the way from the SPCA thrift store in Davis, CA), and gang necklaces (yes there is such a thing, and yes, I am in a gang). Oh run on sentences, oh how you nurture my need to tell it all...Anyway, here's what happened-- I used this hotasamutha dress to try on other clothes in front of people (no dressing rooms) at the American Apparel Flea Market of joy-- you know the trick: dress on, pants off, new pants on, new pants off while pulling dress down, new skirt on, anonanon. Yeah so, that worked great, and I fell in love with this tangerine beauty. $8. My defenses were defeated, as was my intention to spend no more than $50. Laughter, so much laughter. And then I came home and I played around and these are the things that happened. Well, these are some of the things that happened.

Dress of neon bliss: American Apparel
Black lace tights: Your mom.
Cable knit leggings: American Apparel
Triangle belt: Pretty Penny
Jaguar Belt: SPCA Thrift, Davis, CA
Southwestern Cardigan: Vintage Etsy
Fur Coat: Goodwill in LA
Gold Heels: Thrift Town, SF
Beige Heels: Pretty Penny
Blue Heels: Dolce Vita via Macy's. Can't really walk in them, but what does that have to do with anything...
Bling: Mercy and Bambino Thrift
Little Kidney-shaped purse: I bought this from Macy's when I was 17 years old for my senior prom. I wore a vintage dress of my mom's that she bought in Dallas in 1974. The purse was $100, the dress, obvs, was nothing. That's how I roll.

Uptown Girl

2011-10-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

This look I've been going for lately is kind of like... prep school meets jungle meets... chola...? meets flash dance. It's like representing one of every food group, but it's one of every city dweller. Very democratic. And anyway, "less is more" is a trick, y'all. A trick that misers have been playing on us for YEARS. MORE is more. More is more, girl.

Loose knit sweater: Banana Republic
Collared Tee: Thrifted from Thrift Town
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: Ditto
Shoes: Bandolino, Thrifted from Thrift Town
Bag: Thrifted from Thrift Town tambien
Earrings and AMAZING bling necklace: Thrifted from Bambino Thrift

So yeah. In other news-- what the ef is going on, Cowboys???? Last night was just a massacre of humiliating proportions. I know it's not cool to be a Cowboys fan these days, but you raise a girl in Texas and you pay the price of loyalty. Ugh. Luckily, the Longhorns beat Kansas 43 to NOTHING! YAY!!! So good. I may be a city girl, but I have a VERY soft spot for my cows and cowboys...

Start Spreadin' the New-s

2011-10-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

Extra extra, read all about it: American Apparel is having a RIDICULOUS sale at their factory in downtown LA till Halloween... ish. I hardly ever sport an outfit that's comprised mostly of brand new-s, but this sale was so legit that I think we can safely consider these finds thrifted gems...

Lace top with satin bias binding: American Apparel (I think this was $10)

Pleated wool trousers: American Apparel-- $20 marked down from $75. Really warm and great for fall. Totally worth trying them on sans dressing room in fully lit wide open space bustling with somewhere around 200 strangers.

Ice blue ankle socks: Who else? $3 in the enormous $3 sock bin-- don't miss it on your way out or you'll be sorry... though I may have single handedly scrounged every last amazing pair.

Strange yet awesome royal blue wire belt: AA for $5. It's a hanger! It's a headband!-- no, it's a wire structured belt that you twist around in the front...? or anyway that's how I'm usin' it.

Heels: Second hand from Pretty Penny in Oakland

Necklace: Urban

Bag: Thrifted from Bambino Thrift in Oakland.

So as you can see, this sale was amazing. I spent $200 on four pairs of pants, a skirt, three tops, a dress, about 10 pairs of socks, a belt, and a book. And probably something else I'm forgetting. AND there were dog clothes. Stop what you're doing. Get on a plane. Fly to LA. Take off your coat because you don't need it round these parts. Get in a cab/metro train/bus to downtown LA. Follow the crowd of skinny jeans congregating in a centralized locale. Shop to your hearts content. Get the #2 pechuga plate from the taco truck on your way out. Only in California do they serve your Mexican food with steamed broccoli and a post consumer recycled bag of $10 stone-washed, high-waisted jeggings.

Workin Woman

2011-10-16T17:53:00.003-07:00

So... turns out that when you work a real job, you have to dress like you work a real job... dilemma. The last two weeks of real-jobness have had me ransacking my closet looking for outfits that could pass as professional, while not making me feel like I just stepped out of the financial district. Luckily, I work in the fashion industry, and they do allow for a little pizazz...

Jacket: Forever 21
Top: Mercy
Jeans: Ambiance in SF, Just USA brand
Shoes: Marco Santi (I actually scored these for FREE at a photo shoot I was working a few weeks ago... fashion gods strike again!)
Necklace: No idea
Bracelet: H&M

So yes, lots of caffeine, long commutes, and power lunches.... in the lunch room pouring over fashion blogs and texting my sister. Oh well, we all gotta start somewhere. :)

Graphic Sweetheart

2011-10-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ah California, you are the best. Took a little road trip this weekend down to Carlsbad to hang out with my dear homie, Miss Emily Finn. A couple margaritas and several tattooed, leiderhosened mavens shouting in German later (California: where tequila and Oktoberfest commune as one; a true democracy), we took some pix of me in yellow tights. That's right, mustard yellow tights. Because it's fall, y'all. Not that you would know it San Diego...

Graphic print sweetheart dress: I got this at Ambiance in SF, but I later found it at Forever 21 for about $15 cheaper. They only had it in black though. Still, super cute.

Sweater: Dear readers, you all know the story about how I found this on the street at the corner of 22nd and Mission. Let me just say that I don't generally pick clothes up off the street, but A. Sweet sweater cardigan? Are you kidding me?? and B. It wasn't on the street, it was on the little lawn in front of the bank. Totally different.

Waffle Tights: H&M

Shoes (or Choos, as my grandma says): Also Ambiance.

Purse: Thrifted from Goodwill in Oakland

Belt: funny story. So, I totally have, somewhere, a thrifted braided leather belt (you've seen me sport it a million times), but for the life of me I can't find it anywhere!! So as we were chatting with the receptionist at our hotel, I noticed she had a braided leather belt! It was a gift from the universe! My blog was saved! So thank you, Nicole at Ocean Palms Beach Resort, you and your savvy style sense saved the day. (It's from Urban, btw.)

Ok, California, looks like we have one more heat push before the cold truly wraps us in its icy grip. I'm wearing a bikini to work on Wednesday. Ok, I'm not, but I'm wearing one as soon as I get home.

Special thank you to Emily Finn for being an amazing photographer/my partner in getaway weekend crime...

Skirting the Issue

2011-10-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a new skirt to put me in a good mood. Two new skirts? Best day ever. But wearing two new skirts at the same time? So good I almost can't take it.

Skirt: Thrifted from Crossroads. Forever 21 brand.
Top: Tube skirt I just picked up from Forever. Double Trouble.
Shoes: MIA via DSW
Necklace: Hmmm... Painted Bird maybe?
Bag: Thrifted from Goodwill.
Earrings: I made them!

Just got back from an AMAZING weekend in the redwoods. Oh California, you have my heart... well, you and the faux fur jacket I sported all weekend. Pix to come...

Neon Fall

2011-09-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Blah blah blah, fall is beautiful, blah blah blah, leaves are turning, blah blah blah, love this cool weather. Let's get something straight: winter is cold, rain, and cold rain for four months. Why anyone would welcome fall is beyond me. I therefore defy you, Fall 2011, by wearing hot pink and a mini skirt. Take that.

Hot pink sweater of summer love: Forever 21 (just picked this up the other day on a sweep that should have left me feeling guilty, but didn't.)
Collared green top: Second hand from Sola Lucy in Berkeley, Theory brand
Skirt: Thrifted from Goodwill
Tights: Forever 21
Shoes: Mia brand via DSW
Bag: Goodwill
Bling: Bambino Thrift, and Mercy

Special and huge thank you to Mark McGrath for standing in the way of oncoming traffic to snap these shots. Nothing like having to turn the heater on for the first time in months to make people want to jump in front of moving vehicles... KIDDING. I'm kidding. Kind of...

Roadside Romper

2011-09-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Only one thing I love more than blurring the line between forest and suburbia (forburbia, where fairies and central air come together), and that's a romper-- kind of like shorts, kind of like a dress, kind of like casting a magic spell in the comfort of your own wireless connection.

Romper of Joy: Hot off the sale rack at Urban Outfitters. $10. (Talk about a magic spell.)
Shoes: Aldo
Bag: Vintage, home made by my stepdad!
Belt: Thrifted from Pretty Penny
Glasses: Thrifted from Bambino Thrift
Bangles: A little bitta dis/dat H&M, Community Thrift, Mexico, anonanon

In other news, here is my letter to the UCLA football team:

Dear UCLA football team,
I know you feel bad because my team beat you by A LOT. But there's really no way you could compete with the Longhorns. So don't worry, because one day maybe you'll play Humboldt State or Santa Monica City College, and you will know what it feels like to win 49 to 20. I mean, probably not, but maybe.

Texas is awesome,
-r

Pleather Weather

2011-09-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone else is ecstatic about this cooling trend. If it were 100 degrees for the next 100 days it MIGHT be enough to thaw me out after three blustery San Francisco summers. Sigh. Well, fashion/heat enthusiasts, if you take nothing else away from this blog, let these words of wisdom stay with you ever more: when highs in the 70s are getting you down, make the world a better place and bust out the pleather.

Button down: Ha! Stole this from my brother in law's closet. What he doesn't notice immediately won't... get me in trouble immediately...
Pleather leggings: American Apparel
Booties: Thrifted from the Crossroads on Haight in SF
Necklace: Ok. I swear the only thing I brag about in this world is an amazing thrift sweep, so don't be mad: I got this at the SPCA thrift store in Davis for 50 cents. Yes gurl, 50 cents. Bad news-- you'll never be able to buy one just like it. Good news-- you can probably make one that looks pretty flippin similar with some wire and a ton of gromets.
Earrings: Thanks Angie!
Bag: Vintage garage sale gem.

So these pants are my favorite in about eight different ways. More pleather styles to come, since this high of 73 business appears to be here to stay.

Linger Tailleur

2011-09-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

Guess what, neighborhood watch sign...

I'm loitering in your neighborhood! I don't know how good of a job I'm doing, but make no mistake: suspicious loitering definitely went down.

Flannel: Another gem from my sister's high school grunge phase. She wore flannels and bandannas just about every day for just about 10 years.
Jeans: AG-- don't forget what I told you: maternity band, maternity band, maternity band.
Sweater: You remember this one, the one I found on the corner of 22nd and Mission in SF as I searched madly for my stolen wallet (later returned)? Oh fashion gods, oh how I appreciate your sense of humor.
Shoes: Chelsea Crew
Bag: Vintage

In other news-- what's red and red and red all over? My new solara. Every time I pass someone in a corvette or a porsche, I send them a knowing glance.

To the Gypsy that Remains...

2011-08-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Stevie Nicks,

Marry me! I love everything about you. I love your big hair, your sultry voice; I love that you skip around like a forest witch (unlike a cave, dungeon, or otherwise unsightly witch) in this video... in case you had forgotten...

Anyway Stevie, in addition to inspiring me in virtually all ways, you are also my source of inspiration for today's fall look. Not that LA is currently supporting layers, but I swear the nights were chilly not five days ago...

Dress: Second hand, Sola Lucy
Sweater: Ditto
Jean Jacket: Thrifted from Thrift Town in the Mission
Braided Belt: Same
Boots: Second hand, Painted Bird
Bag: Vintage
Wooden Bracelets: Thank you, Caitlin!
Earrings: from Angie, who got them from a mysterious Embarcadero street vendor

Big huge enormous thank you to my sister, Q, for snapping these shots. And big huge enormous thank you to Fleetwood Mac, for rocking my world for many many years.

Boxes, Beads, and Boots

2011-08-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

You know what I could do without for a good year? Moving. I would love to not move for a very. long. time. As it happens, I moved a couple months ago, then I moved again, then I helped my mom move, and I have one move left to go. The only nice thing about moving is that once all the boxes are out of the way, you have such nice stark walls...

Don't be fooled by that sullen face-- though I was sad to see my mom trade ends of California with me, and though I couldn't have been any more annoyed with this Mercury retrograde wearing its welcome, I was very pleased about the new wheels of my future. On that note-- how do you feel about the Toyota Solara? Because it looks like I'm getting one... in cherry red. Kind of really very excited.

Slip top: Second hand, Goodwill
Skirt: Second hand, Goodwill
Beaded Necklace: Garage sale in SF ($3... not to brag or anything)
Socks: DSW
Boots: Second hand, Sola Lucy
Bag: Vintage

Good(t)will

2011-08-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Goodwill on Beverly Blvd,

Why are you so good? Why you do you give me so many wonderful things? Why do you have so many nice people shopping in your store who all tried to help me find the other red shoe that was so amazing, and who gave me emotional support when it became apparent that alas, the other red shoe was gone... forever... ? Goodwill on Beverly Blvd (GOBB), how was it that in your magnanimity and generosity, you relinquished this really awesome Kasper jacket straight out of Cagney and Lacey? I love this jacket, GOBB, and I love you.

Jacket: Thrifted from my boyfriend in thrift store form, GOBB. It had some unsightly shoulder pads that were being rude, but I made quick work of my seam ripper, and peace was restored to the land.
AMAZING BLOUSE: Second hand from Mercy in Oakland. Ok, that's definitely one reason why I miss the bay.
Shorts: I mean, does anyone know where their jean shorts come from?
Belt: Vintage, from my mom!
Necklace: Same. So hot, mom.
Shoes: Second hand, Pretty Penny in Oakland.
Bag: Thrifted from Bambino Thrift in Oakland.
Bangles: You know it.

Thrift Witch

2011-08-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

best keep secret in LA? the goodwill on beverly blvd. i took a cruise to the blick over there, and pulled over to aprovechar (sorry, just got back from costa rica) a thrifting opp and check out the scene. WHUT??! best day ever. two purses, a pair of shoes, a faux fur jacket (you will be seeing this sooner than later), a skirt and a dress... the dress was in a sorry state of affairs. i LOVED the pattern, but wasn't feeling the cosby vibe. galit's pretty sure her mom wore it to her brother's bar mitzvah. behold...

not lookin good. but fear not, brave fashion soldiers! a little magic dust and some waving of my wand/sewing machine and voila! a new dress.

Dress: Thrifted and refashioned
Shoes: Thrifted from Goodwill on Beverly Blvd.
Purse: Ditto
Belt: It came with this jumpsuit I thrifted in SF.
Earrings: I made this! At a little soiree we were having at Angie's.

so anyway, one thrift store down, about 300 more to go. oh LA, oh how you keep a good witch happy.

Garden Party

2011-08-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

ok yes, there are a couple things i miss about san francisco... but only because i count philz as two in one... actually, more like five... but it was a sacrifice i was more than willing to make, because there are SO many things i love about living in LA: zuma beach, millie's, matinees at the los feliz three with my sister (stupid crazy love is stupid crazy GOOD). but nothing puts my soul at ease more than afternoons in the 90s and evenings in the 70s. that's what summer's for, y'all: watermelons, picnics, and romps around the garden...

today's threads were inspired by my friend, diane, who's coordinating an art/fashion show in the bay called "Make/Do"-- all about using whatcha got to create beauty. check it out if you're in the bay, it sounds like it's gonna be an awesome show.

Gray Tee: I have no idea where this came from.
Skirt: I made this skirt with some scrap fabric i had leftover from my first attempt at pants years ago. NOT CUTE PANTS. skirt's a little funky, but i make it work. i love wearing it with gray tops-- gray + mustard = <3
Purse: Vintage gift from Daniella
Necklace: Painted Bird in SF
Belt: Second hand from Pretty Penny in Oakland
Bracelets: That cuff is from Whole Foods (random), the rest?... hmm...
Shoes: Second hand from Crossroads in Berkeley

and yes, that is an abandoned nest we found on the ground. guess i'm not the only one moving on to bigger and better things...

Bad Girl's Tea Party: Chapter Three

2011-07-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Dress three in my spring collection. Princess Bad Girl wears silk, sheer, and not much else...

I found the very last of this fabric at Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley, and the waistband jacquard at Fabric Depot in the city. It's actually the wrong side that I used. The center front panel is a sheer polyester chiffon that I also got at FD.

This was the last dress I made, and I basically had a week to get it completely finished for the show. I want to send a shout out to my mom, who cut the pattern pieces for me from muslin, which she had never done before-- saving me a LOT of time/my ass. The three days leading up to the final garments being due looked like this: Remy gets up at 6 am, Remy drinks a pint of green tea from Philz, Remy goes to school and sews for 8 hours, Remy drives back to the city and buys another pint of green tea, Remy gets home and pees for a solid 5 minutes from said green tea, Remy locates Beastie Boys in her ipod, Remy maxes out volume, Remy sews till 3 in the morning, Remy does it again the next day. So worth it.

HUGE, gigantic, monster-sized shout out to Dijon, who took these pictures, and who never fails to bring out my inner Vogue Italia. Thank you thank you thank you.

Dress: I made this!
Bag: Vintage Etsy find
Jade-ish necklace: Family heirloom (thank you Tia Traci!!)
Other necklace: Family heirloom, belonged to my Grandma Grandy
Pumps: Second hand, Pretty Penny in Oakland

The Bad Girl's Tea Party: Chapter Two

2011-07-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

This last year I was also inspired by Grandma-chic-- doilies, vintage buttons, tea cakes, china saucers. The latter was also partially a result of my internship at Erica Tanov. Rather than mugs for our tea and coffee, she had a cupboard full of mismatched china tea cups that I LOVED. This dress was Princess Margaret meets Erica's cupboard...

In other news, I'm sending this post from Costa Rica. AMAZING how technology works. I'll update you soon on my trip, but let it be said that I <3 the tropics. Hard.

Dress: I made it... WHUT??
Earrings: I refashioned these from a necklace that had tassles on it into these assymetrical earrings. I had my friend Ramsi (the one who made me the rings from cuff links) do the dirty work for me, while I sat back and said: mmmm, i think this side needs to be a little longer...
Bag: Thrifted from Thrift Town
Shoes: Thrifted from Crossroads

The Bad Girl's Tea Party: Chapter One

2011-07-19T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is the first of three dresses I designed, drafted/draped, and sewed for my spring collection. This season's group was inspired (mostly) by Princess Margaret: British royalty, alleged adulterer (with the likes of Mick Jagger and Peter Sellars), and thrower of some seriously outrageous parties. She was Queen Elizabeth's naughty younger sister; she smoked, drank (understatement), and took pictures in the bathtub. Part spoiled brat, part feminist, part bleeding heart-- this woman was friggin tremendous.

This was the dress I had the most trouble with-- in fact, this was the dress that brought me to tears. Truly heartfelt tears. Sewing the roundness of the contrast fabric detail on the back almost KILLED ME. I can't tell you how many times I had to take my seam ripper to it. What these pictures don't show is that the dress is lined with a lime green silk fabric. Pain. But it was all worth it just to prance it around the Castro to the accolades of several outspoken Castro residents. Thanks, boys. You made it all worthwhile.

One last thing: Let the record state that my photographer, Dijon, is ridiculously amazing. Not only a dope photographer, but also a crazy talented designer. On FIYUH, y'all.

Dress: Remy Ramirez original
Necklace: Thrifted belt from Thrift Town
Earrings: Thrifted from Bambino Thrift in Oakland
Bag: Thrifted from Thrift Town
Sunglasses: Thrifted from Bambino Thrift
Socks: DSW
Shoes: MIA, via DSW

Accidental Tourist

2011-07-13T23:54:00.000-07:00

today was my first day back in LA (YAY!!!), and i was surprised to find that i got up and dressed myself just like a tourist, complete with bermuda shorts. i'll give myself another week of feeling like an outsider looking in, and then i'm back in the game, y'all... except that in a week i'll be off to costa rica where i'll actually be a tourist! ha! oh well...

In other news, my sister's wedding is Saturday, so we've been running around organizing, planning, buying, and spray tanning. I've thrown myself full throttle into all but the latter... there's still a little San Francisco in me after all.

Shorts: Second hand, Mercy
Cardigan: Hand me down from my mom, Banana Republic brand
Top: I have no idea where this came from
Shoes: Second hand, Pretty Penny
Necklace: Second hand, Mercy
Bracelets: Gift from Caitlin
Glasses: H&M
Bag: My mom let me borrow this Fendi knockoff she bought on Santee Alley... ah LA...

Alter for the Altar

2011-07-10T23:18:00.001-07:00

after inviting my new beau to my sister's wedding last minute, we were faced with today's fashion challenge: swanky summer wedding make over on a very tight budget.

"i mean, i have some dress shoes at my aunt's house," he offered-- but no. nothing makes me wince like a good lookin' dude in terrible dress shoes (and almost all dress shoes are terrible).

luckily for us, a little savings can go a long way in this town, and i was able to fashion his whole outfit-- top to bottom-- for just over $50.

cardigan: second hand, crossroads in berkeley $11.50
button down: second hand, crossroads in berkeley, calvin klein brand $4.50
tie: ross, $8.50
shorts: second hand, crossroads in berkeley, h&m brand, $12.50
shoes: h&m, $19.00

special thanks to rob for being such a good sport and sporting these threads!

Retro Metro

2011-07-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

Let's take a train to 1974! Big glasses, big bags, big shoes, big bell bottoms, and a little red dairy queen for all your M&M Blizzard guzzling needs...

Threads:

Top: My friend Shaye designed this top from a textile her mom designed. Check their shop!
Bottoms: Second hand, Mars Mercantile, Berkeley
Bag: Second hand, Sola Lucy
Necklace: Street Vendor, Austin, Tx
Glasses: H&M
Shoes: Aldo (get em while they last!!)

Special thank you to Galit for snapping these shots! <3!!!

Wham, Glam, Thank you Ma'am

2011-06-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Let's glam it up, y'all! Nothing gets me more excited than a little shimmer and a lot of heel in broad daylight. Or any time, for that matter. Glamorous is as glamorous defies. A little skirt and a lot of lamé.

Top: Second hand, Mercy
Skirt: Second hand, Salvation Army, Berkeley
Pumps: Second hand, Thrift Town, Mission St. in SF
Clutch: Second hand, Mercy. 1940's vintage.
Bracelet: Second hand, Alameda Flea Market
Earrings: Second hand, Mercy
Glasses: H&M
Rings: I had my friend Ramsi make these from some cuff links I found around the house. See this blog for more info on her skillz.

City Walk

2011-06-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Oakland,

Just because I witnessed a knife fight in your Greyhound parking lot, a man repeatedly walking into the wall of one of your banks while mumbling and crying, and a woman with no pants on on the lawn of your city council building, does not mean I don't want to walk around you and sport my new threads. If you think you scare me, then think again. These shoes weigh about as much as that kid who tried to run off with some lady's purse and I will not hesitate to take someone out with them. That's the mark of quality footwear, y'all: good for the outfit, great for the ego, and excellent when being mugged. A city girl's best secret weapon, all the way around.

PS THANK YOU for housing my new favorite second hand store, Mercy, on Piedmont! SO GOOD!

Top: Second hand, Mercy
Skirt: Second hand, Salvation Army, Berkeley. I refashioned this skirt from an A-line to a mini pencil silhouette back when I first got a sewing machine and had pretty much no idea how to use it. Note the burgundy thread (why??) and the less-than-straight edge stitching.
Necklace: Second hand, Mercy.
Bracelets: Gift from Caitlin. I gasped when I saw them hanging out around her stick shift on the way back from Bay to Breakers a few years ago. A couple minutes of doe eyeing and those pretty thangs were mine all mine.
Black ring/white ring: I had my friend Ramsi make these out of cuff links I found in my room.
Ring: Second hand, Sola Lucy.
Glasses: H&M
Shoes: Brand spankin' new. Aldo. I tried y'all. I tried to resist these. But $90 for wearable art/gaining a good 4 inches/Lethal Weapon 5: Remy Takes the Streets of Oakland?-- a bargain at twice the price.

Apples and Oranges

2011-06-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ah, Piedmont Grocery. What you lack in bargains you make up for in very very expensive cheeses. Cheeses for refined palettes. Today's threads were inspired by what always inspires me: contrast. Day and night, boys and girls, stripes and polka dots, apples and oranges. Nothing says: "I'm a complicated woman" like a plaid button down and a leather skirt circa 1984.

Top: Hand me down from my sister's high school grunge phase.
Skirt: Second hand, Sola Lucy.
Pumps: Second hand, Pretty Penny.
Bag: Second hand, Buffalo Exchange on Valencia
Bracelets: H&M, Mexico street vendor... Puerta Vallarta?
Belt:Second Hand, Thrift Town, Mission St.
Necklaces: Vintage, Alameda Flea Market

Special thanks to Rob Nelson for photography love.

Parade Apparel

2011-05-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

Not sure why, but Carnaval comes a little bit late to San Francisco every year. Like, 3 months late. Great timing for me because it marks the end of the school year, and though I wouldn't show my boobs to strangers for such an occassion, I would definitely take a day off to wander the streets of the Mission enjoying the parade of feathers, drums, and drag queens in thongs as it sambas by...

Floral top: Second hand, Pretty Penny, Oakland

Shorts: Second hand, Goodwill on Valencia, the Mission

Sweater: Street find, 22nd and Mission

Shoes: Ambiance on Haight, Chelsea Crew brand

Belt: Second hand, Pretty Penny

Necklace: I have no idea. Painted Bird maybe?

Bag: Vintage, Gift from Daniella

Special thanks to Rob Nelson for being my impromptu photographer. Check his art on Facebook.

Criss Cross Applesauce

2011-05-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

YAY for Davis. I spent the weekend with Galit learning to hoola hoop, slurping down grilled oysters, dancing to amazing 90's jams, and hanging out at Delta. It was warm warm warm, despite what this sweater might lead you to believe. Now it's back to city life: scarves, booties, and Ethiopian food.

Sweater: Second hand, Goodwill.

Collared shirt: Forever 21. I've had it about 10 years, no joke.

Skirt: Second hand, Goodwill.

Earrings: Second hand, SPCA in Davis.

Necklace: Friendship necklace that Galit gave me. That's it, y'all. We are officially love friends.

Shoes: Second hand, Crossroads.

Cafeteria Capering

2011-05-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

you can't get in trouble when no one's around to get you in trouble...

special thanks to Dijon, once again, for being my partner in crime. i love how you can make me look like a bad girl, even in this outfit!

speaking of this outfit, this past semester i've been inspired by grandma chic. like, the thrift version of yves saint laurent... meets american apparel. mix matching textures and prints, solid heels with square toes, button earrings, bob haircut, and crotch shots.

Sleeveless turtleneck sweater: gift from Daniella (that girl hooked it up), Forever 21 brand
Blouse: Second hand, Painted Bird, SF
Jeans: Ambiance, Just USA brand
Belt: Second hand, Pretty Penny
Shoes: Thrift Town, Bandolino brand. Italian shoes. $4. that's what i'm talkin about.
Purse: Second hand, Sola Lucy, Berkeley. Bulga brand.
Earrings: Hand me down from Grandma Grandy! Thanks Grandy!
Ring: my amazing and talented friend Ramsi made this ring for me! I found these little cuff link thingies in my room (no idea), and I brought them to her and voila!! Awesome new ring! If you have a facebook account, and maybe even if you don't, you can see her jewelry here, here, here, and here. Look for her as the featured artist at Rare Bird in Oakland!

The Streats

2011-05-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Being a lady on the streets of SF isn't always easy. You must be constantly vigilant to avoid stepping in various sorts of unpleasantries, men with mystery beverages buried inside small paper bags running after you yelling "I like your bangs!," and-- as my friend Jennine related last night after Jenny's birthday party, women on meth who pop up out of nowhere and punch you square in the face. Ah yes, the Mission. But I will say this-- it's no Diamond Heights, but I can still wear a pair of 3" pumps to Limon Rotisserie because everything in the Mission is about 2 blocks away.

Blouse (love! these balloon sleeves): Pretty Penny

Skirt: Forever 21

Jacket: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Thrift Town on Mission

Belt: Thrift Town on Mission

Pin: Grandma! Thanks Grandma!

Potty Mouth

2011-05-08T14:31:00.001-07:00

Bathroom antics ensue.

Leggings: H&M

Gray V-Neck: No idea

Scarf: Second hand, Buffalo Exchange

Sweater Cardigan: Found it on the corner of 22nd and Mission

Sweater: Goodwill on Mission

Shoes: Second hand, Crossroads on Market (i swear they were new when i bought them)

Bag: Second hand, Sola Lucy, Berkeley

Lips: Heatwave by Nars

Ring: BEGGED my mom for this ring for years before she relented. Story: It was her engagement ring from her first husband, circa 1970.

Props to Dijon-- you are the sleekest, the hottest. Thank you for taking these pictures girl; you inspire.

JUMP(suit)!! For My Love!

2011-05-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

before we go any further, i want to begin with a serenade. because i love you that much.

that's right, y'all. if you want more, if you want more, More, MORE... then JUMPSUIT! for my love!!

one thing i want to say about this amazing 80's jumpsuit: it gives you (me) mom butt. but you know what? though i do not endorse mom butt pretty much at all, this jumpsuit is so amazing on so many levels (ie acid washed rayon?? are you kidding me???) that not only will i make an exception, i would even go so far as to say that i think it adds to the appeal. that's the power of the jumpsuit, y'all.

uhmazing teal acid washed rayon jumpsuit (with pockets!!!): second hand, thrift town on mission, THREE DOLLARS. best day of my life (also worst day, as this particular thrift town spree was meant to kill time while Twin Brothers Auto Glass dudes were repairing my car window that had been smashed in the night. Q: remy, if you had it to do over, would you have strategically parked your car elsewhere thereby avoiding the break-in, if it meant not discovering this uhmazing jumpsuit? A: hell no. totally worth it.)

pink bally's wedges: second hand, crossroads in berkeley.

bag: second hand, goodwill on mission.

belt: second hand, pretty penny

necklace: street vendor, SF.

earrings: i stole them from angie!! i mean, i didn't really steal them. but i did BEG her for them. if you'd like a pair, swing by the embarcadero some weekend. she got them from a jewelry dude with a cart down that way.

in other news, my garments have to be COMPLETELY finished for the show by tuesday, which would've been fine if it hadn't taken me FIVE HOURS to put in a friggin zipper today. oh sleep, oh how i miss you...

Summer for a Day

2011-05-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Hawaii,

I've never seen you! I've heard you're very beautiful and tropical, and that you have warm weather all year long. I can kind of relate having lived in San Francisco for the past few years, because San Francisco has very cold weather all year long. It's that consistency thing. Although today deviated from that track, and it was actually hot! Not hot enough not to bring a sweater along though-- that would just be TOTAL. INSANITY. in this town. But definitely hot enough to walk across the street to Lolo and eat some wasabi encrusted salmon... and shoot some photos in the bathroom that, incidentally, was created in your likeness and that suits me (and my dress) just fine.

here's an electric outlet! we tried unplugging this white thing--but turns out the white thing being plugged in is what allows the tropical bird singing and wave crashing sounds. well, whatever works!

so the look i was going for today was like, scandalous carribbean wear meets modcloth. i had to go a little modcloth because i recently cut my bangs! as in, last night. super into it.

dress: second hand, sola lucy.

sweater: 22nd and mission. found it on the street, y'all.

bag: second hand, goodwill on mission in the mission.

shoes: second hand, goodwill in berkeley (san pablo).

special thanks to adam marca for being my photographer before he jets off to the yucatan to experience actual beaches and actual tropical ave chirping. the rest of us can just sit in the bathroom at lolo to get our fix...

My Daily Th/reads

2011-05-04T01:06:00.000-07:00

so how does a girl whose idea of heaven is roasting naked in mexico survive the daily grind in san francisco? a mini skirt and a puffy jacket. and how does a girl with a coffee intolerance who stays up till 2:30 to finish the yellow dress survive getting up at 6:30 for eight straight hours of fashion school fun (ah cad system, how your "rotate line" function eludes me in the cruel hours of the a.m.)? the green tea with cream from philz on 24th... oh phil, only you can make me forget the burning passion that coffee and i once shared...

anyway, as a former lover of books, and a current fond rememberer of the years in my life when i had time to read them, i chose my school's library as the beloved site to don today's threads.

nothing says: "i'm going to sell you drugs" like a mini and a puffy in the central american history section.

action shot... wait for it...

i mean, not that my sweater isn't super dope, but i really wish i had a sweater that looked like this carpeting! here's a better view...

amazing canary yellow puffy jacket with amazing collar and "R" embroidered on the wrist (no joke): thrift town on mission. $5. don't believe me? you obviously haven't been to thrift town.

rad cosby sweater: painted bird. (there's one in la now, y'all-- holla.)

skirt that's too short to be wearing when you haven't had enough sleep: actually, this is a spaghetti strap dress that was cut (a lot)-- goodwill i think? i actually have no idea.

shoes: amazing bally wedges that i picked up at crossroads in berkeley (you know the story...)

purse that doubles as a clutch with removable strap: goodwill on mission in the mission.

bling: hm. white bling is from painted bird i think. gold bling is from my mom! thanks mom!

anyway, as you can see, i got my hair cut. what's that? you totally can't tell? well, that explains my urge to give myself some serious bangs about an hour ago. updates to follow.

Cute Girl/Thanks Mom

2011-04-27T23:08:00.001-07:00

why's this girl so cute? we were both waiting for the bathroom at gracias madre tonight, and i had to snap a shot of her outfit.

she told me she got the skirt from a play she was in back in the day. and the belt she thrifted for a dollar. hold up!

i love this feminine pleated high waisted skirt with these dude boots! contrast is delicious! and it looks like she cut the tops off of them... ? amazing.

gracias madre is this vegan mexican restaurant on mission. get the kale-- best kale ever. and get the frijoles. here's a picture of their wall and floor.

g.m. is a branch of cafe gratitude-- it was created in honor of the Great Mother. here are some pictures of Her.

holy crap! i just googled my mom, and she's on imdb! WOA! i just had a memory of being on set with her and there being fake blood everywhere (she told me it was sugar and you could eat it-- no thanks!) and them filming a scene of some dude stabbing a lady with a plastic knife. confessions of a serial killer... it's all coming back now. ah childhood...

ha! i also just noticed she played the role of "hooker" in that movie. oh well. she also played the role of mom, and did a really great job.

Urban Cowgurl

2011-04-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

ugh. couldn't decide what to wear this morning for the life of me. i've been reading this book: care of the soul (amazing amazing amazingness) and one thing i've realized in the process is that dressing up is my therapy and it makes me happy and even when i'm just going to a dilapidated building and working on a cranky juki all day or cooing cuss words at motherfucking photoshop, (eg fuuuuuuck youuuuuuu, photoshop... oh yeahhhhh...), i still want to love what i'm wearing, dammit.

anyway, in the wild wild west, we urban cowgurls have free reign to swear, spit, smoke, drink whiskey, get old, rope a wild pig (so many i've lost count), sweat, grow our nose hairs, and piss standing up. that's the kind of steel will it takes just to get an outfit together at 6:45 in the morning, y'all. and that ain't no jive.

hey remy, how do you feel about 8 am classes?...

i see. and working the CAD system before noon?

hm. what sacred amulet have the great spirits bequeathed upon you to guide and protect your treacherous journey through adobe illustrator desert?

and what trusty satchel do you carry to keep safe your pistol, blade, and lipstick?

right. so what does an urban cowgurl wear to shield her feet from cruel 55 degree weather and the urine of strange drunk people?

and remy, when a u.c. such as your yourself must survive the wilderness of a whole slew of full length pictures that came out really really bad, does she admit defeat? does she surrender to the enemy? or does she take matters into her own hands?

that's right, y'all. yippy ki yay. emphasis on the yay.

top: second hand, sola lucy (berkeley), neiman marcus brand

skirty thing: gift from nina, american apparel tube dress

jeans: ambiance, just usa brand

jacket: second hand, thrift town, INC brand

boots: second hand, painted bird, SF mission district

necklace: (and magical spirit guide): garage sale, SF

satchel: second hand vintage, gift from daniella

bracelet: second hand, community thrift, SF mission district

ring: second hand, sola lucy

Bows 'n Dots

2011-04-24T02:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

If you didn't already know, here's a little tidbit about me: I cannot eat sugar. Not no kind, not no how. No cake, no cherries, no apple pie. Maybe one day this defect of body character will alleviate itself, but so far: no luck. So here, my friends, is how you make Remy-friendly cocoa.

Remy Friendly Cocoa

-a couple heaping teaspoons unsweetened carob powder

-almond milk

-a tiny bit of stevia because too much stevia is the devil

Heat it up yum. Isn't that how the little tea pot song goes? Something like that... anyway, here are some pictures of me dreaming about that kona mud pie thing from Islands... sigh...

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Second hand, Crossroads (on Market), Forever 21 brand Note about the skirt: I designed it. No really, I designed a skirt exactly like this, with a big bow on the front and everything, and then two months later I walked into Crossroads and there was my skirt... with a Forever 21 label on it. Rude.

Tights: LOVE these waffly mustard tights from H&M

Shoes: Second hand, Goodwill (Berkeley)

Bag: Second Hand, Goodwill (Berkeley... or is it Oakland? You know, the one on San Pablo...)

Necklace: Street vendor, Austin, Tx

Lipstick: Ever wonder what the greatest lipstick in the world is? of all time? ever?? Well, good thing you came across this post because I'm about to tell you: Heat Wave by Nars. I wear it every. single. day.

Alright y'all, gotta hit the hay/sack/sack of hay. Tomorrow is another day of sewing sewing sewing. Dear Jesus, Allah, Gaia, Yahweh, Buddha, and Ester-- the Pagan goddess of springtime, fertility and bunny rabbits: please let me finish all three dresses by May 14th, and please let me taste Coldstone's one last time...

Valentine's Day is Every Day

2011-04-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

rushing around doing errands is no fun without a splash of color... or two. on my way to rainbow grocery to grab some cafe gratitude kim chi and keifer... mmm... probiotic delectibles... but i digress. anyhoo, here are some shots of me being a very professional looking model, as i'm sure you can tell.

sweater: second hand, goodwill (on valencia)
amazing violet jeans: second hand, thrift town (on mission)
shoes (that i have beat to death): second hand, crossroads (berkeley) note about the shoes: when i found these i couldn't believe my luck-- how had no one bought these gorgeous things?? and then i promptly went about the business of being super rough on them. then one day i noticed the brand: bally. hm, that's interesting, i thought. what's bally? (ah the tender years of innocence.) i found out (as i'm sure many of you already know), that bally is a SUPER expensive high fashion line, and those $13 shoes that i picked up at crossroads and wore to parties and had to scrub vodka stickiness off of, and threw into the dank hellish jungle of my closet, and one time trudged through mud in (wtf was i thinking??) probably retailed at about $400. check your labels, girls, check your labels.
bag: second hand, buffalo exchange (on valencia)
ring: charlotte russe
earrings: forever 21

in other news, i won at spider solitaire last night!! I WON!!!! oh man, that ish took me about an hour. but i play to win, y'all, i play to win.

Jenny POW!

2011-04-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

there's nothing i love more than playing dress up. so when my dear friend (and owner of her own line of organic aromatherapy products) jenny pao asked me to help style her, i was all about it.

jenny has a great eye for picking out individual pieces-- and has a pretty good advantage, since she jet sets to asia and has pieces custom tailored-- but told me that she really struggles when it comes to putting the pieces together. don't worry, mama, i got you...

i've said it once, and i'll say it again: get a high waisted skirt. it is EXTREMELY flattering if you have hips (and we all have hips), because it accentuates the waist and highlights sexy curves. another thing: don't be afraid to go two-toned on a color. jenny's top here is a peachy/pink color, and it echoes the bright coral of her skirt.

these shoes are so awesome. i matched them with this outfit because i love the contrast of the snakeskin with the abstract print of her top. ah contrast, i love you so.

speaking of, i went for a little extra umph with these earrings-- subtle contrast again, but the earrings are big enough not to get lost in this outfit.

similar idea, different bottom half. i LOVE this bright pink belt contrasting with the light pink top, and it works so nicely with this forest green corduroy skirt (vintage!!). you get a lot of bang (or pow in this case) for your buck when you combine muted colors (dark green here) with neon colors.

i also like mixing textures-- the corduroy against this top is kinda wild.

running your own business also requires some business attire, so i put this look together to give jenny a professional option.

LOVE her vintage belt and skirt-- i'll give SF that: it's full of awesome thrifting. this navy blue, scarlet and taupe combo has just enough color but not too much-- it's fun and put together without being too flashy.

these yellow earrings are nice with the navy blue top-- even in professional wear, don't be afraid of color!! a little goes a long way, but none goes straight to nowhere.

ok, couldn't help myself. these shoes are AMAZING! and with this belt-- sleek, sassy, fun. same outfit, different accessories. see how much work a belt and a pair of shoes can do? you get so much mileage out of a small switcharoo.

whoever said that green velvet pumps weren't sensible? nonsense.

hold the phone y'all-- what the whut? head turning, jaw dropping, fashion magazine worthy hotness going on here. jenny picked up this amazing jacket from an independent designer in tokyo, but didn't know what to pair it with...

this jacket is begging for a bright color underneath it-- really you could do almost any bright color, green, yellow-- but pink is by far my favorite, and it just so happens that she had a fabulous pink silk top stuffed to the back of her closet. throw on some skinny jeans and some pumps and get ready to wow, miss pao.

one reason i love going to jenny's house is because she feeds me medicinal teas and anoints me with flower sprays and burns magical incense. here's some wild sage she gathered, drying in her bathroom. ah, to be a good witch, and have good witch friends. i think we both made some magic here today. <3

Birds of a Feather

2011-04-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

oh sf, you cloudy, frowning curmudgeon. why do you forbid me from wearing short sleeves in the spring?? rude rude rude. not to worry, i have maneuvered a way around you and your pet freezer of doom: short skirt, tights, two sweaters, and a jacket. it's a compromise and it will have to do.

i'm really into contrasting fabrics lately (as in, the last 8 years). floral with plaid is a good one, but it's not just the visual contrast, it's the conceptual contrast of delicate flowers with the jacket's masculine tweed feel. i say "feel" because, after taking textiles from ms. binder, i have come to realize that the world of fabric is so infinite and complicated that i may very well have no idea what tweed even is.

i have another cardigan on under this. because you just never know when a fat cloud is going to pop up out of nowhere in this town, and take a big ole poo on your sun party. additionally, turns out posing for fashion pictures makes me nervous... hence the awkward hand arrangement...

i switched purses at the last minute this morning because i really heart this vintage purse. it doesn't really fit all my stuff, but what purse does...

jacket: second hand, sola lucy

floral top: second hand, pretty penny

sweater cardigan: street find! i was frantically searching through garbage cans for my wallet which i thought had been stolen (it was later returned) and this gem (which i, needless to say, washed in extremely hot water) was sitting on the corner of 22nd and mission! just goes to show-- even in moments of seeming despair, keep your eyes open for potential thrifting opportunities. thanks sweater gods!

skirt: second hand, sola lucy; note: this vintage suede skirt was knee length, and i cut it (quite a bit) but graded it to make it a good 2 inches longer in the back-- us ample bottomed ladies have to think of these things. suede/leather is a great material for hem adjusting because you don't have to worry about it fraying. easy peasy.

bag: vintage, gift from daniella

shoes: second hand, goodwill, Hushpuppies brand (super comf!)

so here's what my typical day looks like. this is a dress i'm doing for the fashion show. it's (FINALLY) done, two more to go!

AND, here we have the most amazing thing EVER. a mothereffing hawk just decided to come hang out with us at school today for, like, 10 minutes! ummm... this is a sign, y'all. according to the internetz, the hawk as a spirit animal represents "the ability to see meaning in ordinary experiences and helps you to become more observant." that ain't no jive.

for example, after a hard day of sewing and resewing and ironing and pricking my finger on pins, em and i headed to the food carts-- seemingly an ordinary experience, right? wrong! brass knuckles food truck, serving Notorious P.I.G. and some other funny ish, is for sure (or FRO sure as rachel would say), symbolic evidence from on high of our hardness and ability to bring it. and also to tear it up.

special thanks to danielle dobeck for taking pix and for being an awesome corset maker! if you need a corset, you know who to call.

Stones and Thangs

2011-04-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

just got back from a WONDERFUL weekend in portland-- not a lot of sun (no sun at all) but what we lacked in UVB we made up for with some serious friend luvin and some SERIOUS crafting. next time you're in portland, make a trip to ed's house of gems-- not only do they have BEAUTIFUL beauty for near nothing, they have everything you need to make jewelry out of it. below is some brazilian agate i picked up for under $3!!!

ok ok, don't make fun, but i'm also super into jean on jean lately. when i lived in spain we talked some serious ish about all the jean on jean action-- and yes, it can be done (very) wrong, especially if the denim is cheap looking (not to be confused with cheap). but if the denims don't look too much alike, i think it can be a good, equestrian look. throw in some stones and chunky chunks and pay homage to stevie nicks, my spirit guru and totem animal.

bag: second hand, sola lucy

boots: second hand, painted bird

jeans: AG, Beverly Hills store (with the maternity band--once you go maternity band, you never go back)

shirt: no idea, some ripped up old gray shirt

jacket: second hand from thrift town on mission, I.N.C. brand

necklace: MOI! via ed

chunky wooden bracelet: second hand, community thrift

big ole rock ring: ambiance

for the record, here's how i feel about bras pokin out: if you got on long sleeves and pants, it's no hold bar/bra.

here's my hot friend and today's photographer, d'jon! i love her chunky necklaces and her do. she's always stylie, and she has a fucking dope blog.

in other news, i'm sewing a dress in a manner that my teacher compared to the assembly of frankenstein. when he saw the seam on the back detailing, he said: this just looks cheap. sigh. he was right. he continued: the way this dress is put together on the inside is just not going to look as lovely as it does on the outside. what was that?? was that an indirect compliment? i'll take it!

hot for teacher

2011-04-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

this is a test

write your name and date at the top of the paper

question 1: why is my sister (Miss Q to her students) so hot?

question 2: why does she hide behind uggs and sweatshirts?

question 3: was tupac writing about her when he confessed "your body is bangin' baby i love the way you flaunt it"?

answer key

1. dna

2. lord help me, i wish i knew

3. yes, and that's not all. ton loc, nkotb, nwa-- they all had something to say about my sister.

extra credit

she had a ton of stuff in her closet-- a lot of oversized flowy shirts and weird empire waist baby doll dresses. :( in other words, pieces that just didn't flatter her shape. so i went through and tossed the things that weren't working (note pile o crap on the bed in picture 3), and put these looks together with what i decided to keep. here are some tips: get a high waisted skirt, wear one bright color with black/white/gray, belts belts belts.