Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Fashion Lover & Bargain Hunter - Adela

While browsing through the numerous stylish outfits on Chictopia, I stumbled across Adela's blog and was instantly struck by her charming, eclectic style and envy-inducing thrift store finds.

I was so inspired by her style and knack for finding great bargains, that I decided to create this
Fashion Lover & Bargain Hunter feature with Adela being my very first interviewee.

Keep reading to find out more about
the personal style and shopping habits of this fearless fashionista!




1. How old are you and where do you live?

I am sixteen years old and hail from the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.



2. What themes best describe your style?

My style can best be described as a mix of romantic, artistic looks, mixed in with hard-core high fashion; Alice in Wonderland meets Coco Chanel. I’ll sport everything from studded gladiator sandals and black blazers to more fantasy-esque alternatives like full floral skirts with pearl and crystal necklaces.



3. What does personal style mean to you?

Personal style goes far beyond the way you dress; it’s a form of outward expression, not being afraid to show the world who you truly are. It’s a thing that can’t quite be pinned down; something that changes with your mood and emotions. It’s the way you think and the way you live. So many girls nowadays obsess more about a label being plastered across their chest, rather than actually caring whether or not their clothes symbolize who and what they are.



4. What or who has been the most influential on your style?

While I greatly admire the style of modern-day celebrities like Mary-Kate Olsen and Keira Knightley, I think that true classic glamour lies in the bygone era of silver-screen Hollywood. There’s something fascinating about Audrey Hepburn’s graceful swan-like elegance, a mysterious allure to Clara Bow’s eclectic 1920’s flapper ensembles.

Vintage clothing is something I’ve always loved and appreciated, and has played a great part in the way I dress. No matter the outfit, I’ll always be wearing something that has previously been in vogue.



5. What was the first item of clothing you bought that is distinctive of your style today?

My first purchase reminiscent of my current style is my brown felt fedora. It’s the perfect touch to up the look of a high-end outfit, or it can balance out the girly factor of a lacy summer dress.




6. Where are your favourite places to shop?

Though I’ll occasionally stop by Forever21 or Target for basics, my wardrobe is predominately made up of thrifted and vintage finds. Fairey Godmother’s Vintage Clothier in Mechanicsburg and Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb in Carlisle are the perfect places to find unique, one-of-a-kind items at relatively low prices.

I love to scout out thrift stores and rummage sales for quality vintage items; you can find some wonderful pieces for only a couple of dollars.



7. What clothing or accessory items do you mostly shop for?

I’ve had this recent obsession with vintage hats; they’re so unique and different, even amongst creative fashionistas. They’re also a great way to express your personality. If I’m feeling quiet and moody, I’ll throw on my trusty fedora; sunnier days call for a flower-bedecked headband with a veil, or a flirty Lolita-esque bow.

I also can’t stop myself from collecting pairs and pairs of tights; I have this entire drawer filled to the brim with hosiery. From sparkly purple tights, to patterned fishnets, I can always count on an eye-catching pair of hosiery to dress up an outfit.




8. What is the least amount you have ever spent on a great item of clothing?

Out of all my numeral bargain buys, the best deal I’ve ever got on an item was my two dollar 1950’s party dress. I found it at a rummage sale, hanging up on a rack of little girl’s dresses. That sure was a day to remember!



9. What is your favourite bargain purchase and why?

I love how, if you walk into a high-end thrift store or consignment shop, you can find quality designer items for only a fraction of the original price. It’s great to be able to find an inexpensive pair of shoes or a bag that will last forever, especially if it’s in a classic style. I still remember the time I found my Louis Vuitton Messenger Bag at a thrift store for just under fifty dollars.



10. Which is your favourite season to shop for and why?

Fall is by far my most favorite season to buy clothes. I can still hang on to the dainty florals and bright colors of spring and summer, but gradually work them into a darker palate with the use of tights, cardigans and even fur. I love how you can totally change the look of a dress by simply switching your espadrilles for some lace-up boots and dark tights. It’s nice to be able to wear an outfit without having to bundle up in a coat, or shed fashionable layering to cope with the summer heat.




To see more of Adela's incredibly chic and creative style, check out her Chictopia profile or visit her new blog, Pink Champagne.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Contest Finalists - Vote for your favourite!

Hey everyone!

The time has come to announce the finalists for the Win Rachel Leigh's Sex and the City-inspired Belt contest.

Participants were asked to come up with the most creative outfit using only the Rachel Leigh Inspired Studded Belt (valued at US$150) and other items from Chickdowntown.

Here the five finalists below:


1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Vote by leaving a comment below with the corresponding number of your favourite entry. Voting begins today, March 18, 2009 and ends on March 25, 2009. The entry with the most votes will be deemed the winner of this fabulous studded belt.

Chickdowntown
carries a vast selection of fantastic women's clothing and accessories including lovely dresses from Tibi, which come in a wide variety of styles and colours - all perfect for the summer! Go check them out now!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Guest Blogger Feature - '5 under $50 for Spring' by Couture Carrie

Since early 2008, ultra-fabulous fashion blogger, Couture Carrie has been thrilling us with her daily trend reports and abundant selections of inspirational photos from the runways as well as online retail stores. Now, here to help us get ready for Spring, CC has listed below her top five fashion picks under $50 for the season.



Thanks to Danz for being a blogging inspiration and inviting CC as the first Guest Star in this series of posts!

For Spring, darlings, CC suggests whimsy, color, retro glamour, and an adventurous spirit. Here are CC's five picks for fab fashions under $50:



1.


American Apparel Unisex Oversized See Thru T Shirt
Price: US$32.00


CC loves this versatile piece as a belted tunic, a swingy dress (just layer it over an AA tube dress, and be sure to roll up the sleeves to show off those shoulders), or as a chic beach cover-up. Get it in basic black or experiment with some of the 80s-throwback brights that designers are championing for Spring!


2.


Victoria's Secret Shadow Dot Bikini
Price: US$37.00


CC absolutely adores VS bikinis, and the price is right on this one; not to mention that polka dots are the ultimate in retro chic for Spring. Just witness all the fab dotted swimsuits at Michael Kors!


3.


Alexander McQueen for Target Tiger Print Shift Dress
Price: US$44.99


The pieces in McQueen's collection for Target are sure to be collector's items, and CC loves this one for its unique design - remember that patterned dresses are hot for Spring - and its flirty length. Accessorize with last year's gladiators or #5 below!


4.

Delia's Morgan Low-Rise Skinny Jean
Price: US$49.50


CC loves the acidwash and shredded denim trends, but how about something a little cheerier for the warmer weather? Coral and lemon yellow are big this season, and these skinnies are just so fun!

5.

Forever 21 Fringe Open Toe Boots
Price: US$34.80


Leave it to Forever 21 to knock off the season's hottest trends - the open toed bootie and the fringed sandal. This hybrid is the perfect transitional pair to take you from late winter through Spring. Show off those mile long legs by donning these booties with a micro mini or some of Spring's fabulous Alexander Wang-inspired rolled shorts!



Be sure to tune in to Couture Carrie beginning on Monday for CC's ABCs of Spring.

xoxox,

CC


Thanks CC for those stylish and budget-friendly tips for Spring!

Also, I'd like to remind U.S residents that there are five days left to enter to win a Rachel Leigh Sex and the City-inspired Studded Belt from Chickdowntown. Click here or on the banner in the sidebar to submit your entry or for more details!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Indie Designer Spotlight - Stitch & Swash

Leather so soft, it looks like it would melt with the slightest touch of your fingers.



This is what Seattle-based designer Angie Bowlds uses to create the beautiful, one-of-a-kind bags, coin purses and card holders for her line, Stitch & Swash. Angie sources this leather from dated, damaged and unwanted jackets that she finds in thrift stores.



She was taught how to sew at an early age by her mother and started specializing in bag-making a few years ago. A graphic designer by trade, Angie sees making her bags as the perfect way to combine the two things she loves - screenprinting and sewing.



Angie decided to make leather her material of choice because of it's strength, durability and ductility. She manipulates the creamy leather to create soft pleats, and the rich, neutral-toned leather makes an excellent background for Angie's brightly coloured, modern, screenprinted designs.



Angie runs Stitch & Swash from her basement studio in Seattle and has set up an Etsy store where she aims to offer products in a variety of colors and styles. Since Stitch &Swash does not offer wholesale items, she is able to keep the prices low so that her products are affordable for everyone. Currently, price of items range from US$6 to US$55.



Angie also has another store called The Crafty Devils which was started by her and friend Nicole, and it offers bags made out of new leather which she sells wholesale to a few shops. However, she finds it more rewarding to collect and recycle the soft, vintage jackets rather than use new leather because it gives them "new life as a bag that someone will love to have."

In the future, she plans to transition completely out of using new leather and also expand the Stitch & Swash line to include more tote and purse styles, men's wallets as well as new screenprint designs.




Click here to go to the Stitch & Swash Etsy store to see what other great items they have for sale!