Cool Vintage Finds - Pumpin' 80s

Most people remember the eighties for some of the horrendous fashion trends that arose during the period. However, it wasn't a complete disaster of an era as there were some interesting trends that managed to actually still look rather cool.

One such trend in my opinion is geometric colour block pumps. I'm all about unique, interesting and funky accessories and these shoes easily fit the bill. What's also great is that I found these ones on Etsy all for US$30 and under!

Now I know these aren't for everyone, so for those of you out there like me, hope you like these shoes as much as I do!

Vintage 80s Multicolour Pumps
Price: US$23.00

Seller Description:

So 80s many hued pumps! Embodiment of the decade. In great condition, soles slightly worn.

Brand: Jasmin
Size: 7 1/2

Get these pumps here.

Vintage Pastel 80s Pumps
Price: US$15.00

Seller Description:

Vintage 80s new wave pumps in adorable pastel colors! White and periwinkle pumps with pink stripes over the toes and 2 1/2" seafoam green heels. The insoles are lightly padded and seafoam green. There is mild discoloration on the inside of the shoes and a scuff mark on the right heel's toe. The right shoe's heel has a small cut in the vinyl next to the heel stop. Otherwise the shoes are is good condition.

Size: 7.5M
Man made sole
Made in Brazil
Brand: Village

Get these pumps here.


Vintage 80s Navy/White Chevron Spectator Pumps
Price: US$30.00

Seller Description:

vintage 80s evan-piccone leather pumps. navy blue with white chevron stripe across vamp. tapered heel. french pointed toe.

label: evan-picone
material: leather
size: US 6 1/2 (EUR 37)
length: 9 3/4"
width: 2 4/5"
heel: 3"
made in spain

clean interior. minor wear on back. VERY GOOD vintage condition.

Get these pumps here.

Vintage 80s Green and White Leather Pumps
Price: US$25.00

Seller Description:

Lovely vintage 80s white and green leather pumps, from the company 'Apart Apart'. Worn only a couple of times.

Size is a 7.5 US, 5.5 EUROPE

Get these pumps here.

Vintage 80s Neon Snakeskin Pumps
Price: US$28.00

Seller Description:

Wow! This is a pair of HOT 80s neon snakeskin pumps! Sassy! Sexy! Bright orange, yellow and magenta with a shiny silver edge. 100% real leather with the appearance of being snakeskin. Based on the condition of the soles, these shoes appear to have never been worn! In excellent vintage condition!

Details:
Brand: Jasmin
Size: US 6, Euro 26
100% leather upper
Length: 9.5”
Width (at widest, measured outside): 2 ¾”
Heel height: 2 3/4”

Get these pumps here.

Fatal Attraction 2 - White Handbags

What's not to love about a bag that's always fashionable, fresh, and fun?

photo courtesy picasaweb.google.com

White handbags are a great wardrobe staple because they look fabulous in every season, especially summer! With their ability to reflect the sunlight, they are perfect accessory for setting off the colours and prints of your favourite summer outfits. They will make you look so radiant and chic without overpowering your whole look.

Just like the basic black bag, the white handbag is also versatile for an array of outfit styles, so you can just throw it on and go!

I found some great white handbags that will make wonderful long term additions to your collection!




#1: Faux Leather Handbag - US$27.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=handbags&product%5Fid=1048446863&Page=all#

#2: Julia Tote - US$22.99
http://www.payless.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?&TLC=Accessories&SLC=AccessoriesHandbags&BLC=AccessoriesHandbagsWomens&Width=&ItemCode=60468&LotNumber=063220&Type=Adult&Popularity=29&DescriptiveColor=White

#3: Criss Cross Doctor Bag - US$39.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=14952188&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=10

#4: Sag Harbor Portofino Shoulder Bag - US$33.60
http://www.ebags.com/sag_harbor/portofino_shoulder_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=112004

#5: Mossimo Side Drawstring Satchel - US$24.99
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-3327897-6759000?ASIN=B000Y1JEFC&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000Y1JEFC|Mossimo_Side_Drawstring_Satchel_White&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000Y1JEFC&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

#6: Classic Padlock Detail Bag - UK £22.00 (US$$47.98)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Asos/Classic-Padlock-Detail-Bag/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=268484&clr=White&SearchQuery=white+bag&sh=0

Rock those stars!

During Christmas break last year, I got bored of a lot of the clothes in my wardrobe and went on a mad reconstruction spree. While many of the clothes were carefully nipped and tucked, some just received some surface enhancement, like the skirt below.



I bought this skirt a long time ago but I hardly ever wore it. I was going to give it away at first but then i changed my mind in favour of revamping it a little. I've always loved stars, so I wanted to find a way of putting some kind of star motif on it.

At first I was going to print it but I decided to be a little more creative and embellish it with washers. I had used washers a few times before to make jewelry but never anything like this. So I began working on it and a few hours and sore fingers later, I had a new pimped out skirt with washer stars!

(Shame on me, I still haven't worn the thing.)

I'm not the only one that's really into stars these days as they were prominent motifs on the Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel Spring/Summer 2008 runways.

If you're into stars like Karl and I(haha!) have a look at these cute, fun items below.

Sketchy Stars Boy Tank
Price:US$16.50 (2 or more - US$14 each)
http://store.delias.com/item.do?categoryID=&itemID=49579&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

Star Print Mini Ra-Ra Skirt
Price:UK£22.00 (US$48.42)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Asos/Star-Print-Mini-Ra-Ra-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=276442&clr=Black&SearchQuery=star&sh=0

Multicolor Star Swim Top and Bottoms (sold separately)
Price: US$20 each
Get the top here
Get the bottoms here

Multi Color Star Necklace
Price: US$7.50
http://shop.pacsun.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=82454&parentCategoryId=10003&categoryId=10932&sortBy=0

Star Ring
Price: US$4.50
http://www.agacistore.com/product/junior+fashion+accessories+jewelry/rings/star+ring.do?search=basic&keyword=star&sortby=newArrivals&page=1

Cool Vintage Finds - Feeling blue?

The theme for today's Cool Vintage Finds is one of my favourite colours, blue. I remember when I was a lot younger, much like Picasso, I went through a Blue Period; I was practically obsessed with blue. Around the age of four, I loved to play with my colouring books and box of crayons and the first colour that I always reached for was Cerulean.

When I was seven, I had this cute little blue striped shirt that I would always want to wear with everything, and I mean everything. My mother and I often had little arguments with her trying to convince me that blue did not go well with every colour. Luckily, I grew out of that phase but I still have a soft spot for this colour.

Here are three great vintage items that'll have you singing the blues in no time.

Vintage Blue Turbo Aviator Sunglasses
Starting Bid: US$9.99
BUY-IT-NOW Price: US$12.99
Auction End: May-03-08 19:46:49 PDT (6 days 11 hours)

These 80s aviator ski racer sunglasses have a unique hand polished frame with a T inlay over the bridge and "TURBO" printed on the arms. The lens are 100% UV protected. These sunglasses are in excellent condition, never worn.

Check out these cool sunglasses here.

Vintage Blue Czech Glass Bracelet
Starting Bid: US$4.99
Auction End: May-04-08 07:50:07 PDT (6 days 23 hours)

This Art Nouveau style Czech bracelet has beautiful cut steel connectors between each of the dazzling oval blue glass stones. Each stone is faceted and sits in a steel bezel and is held in place with prongs. It is in good condition except for a few flea bites, a small chip in a stone and a broken loop.

Get this beautiful bracelet here.



Vintage Royal Blue Leather Cinch Belt
Starting Bid: US$9.99
Auction End: Apr-29-08 09:35:16 PDT (2 days 1 hour)

This is a fantastic vintage 80s buttery soft unlined leather belt in royal blue. It is 1 7/8" wide with a 2 1/8" wide buckle. The buckle features silver toned metal tips. It is in excellent condition.

If you like this great belt, get it here.

Indie Designer Spotlight - The Domestic Feminist

Finding that perfect combination of beauty and charm is not always easy. Luckily, I have come across some great items that effortlessly fulfill both qualities.

Independent designer The Domestic Feminist creates one of a kind accessories which she sells on Etsy. Some items include hand knit scarves and scarflets, adorable feathered and lace fascinators as well as eye catching handmade purses.

It won't hurt at all to get something for yourself or as a gift for someone else because her products are also very affordable. Currently, the prices for items range from US$8.00 to US$35.

The Domestic Feminist says:

"My work is really a result of my short attention span and love of all things functional and beautiful--or this is how I see it.

I have a bit of an affinity for things kitchsy, things glamorous, and things practical. And I hope that as I mature in my crafts of knitting, sewing, and accessory design, that I can somehow make those things shine separately but in unison."


Like what you see? Go to The Domestic Feminist's Etsy store to purchase one or some of these unique and stylish accessories.

Sweet Spring Scarves Part 2

I'm a girl who believes you can never have too many scarves, and since scarves are very popular this spring, I decided to do another installment of "Sweet Spring Scarves". This time, I found a great selection at Forever21 in all different colours, textures and patterns. Also, the prices are barely pocket change (less than $10!!) so you can stock up on plenty if you want.

My favourite is the Faded Art Scarf because the blurred pattern and the colours are just great. If you're rushing in the morning and your outfit is a little drab, wrap that around your neck and you're set.

Check this scarf and some more really cute ones below.

Faded Art Scarf
Price: US$8.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1046812562&Page=all

Tribal Scarf
Price:US$4.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1043690633&Page=all

Colorful Striped Scarf
Price:US$7.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1047227813&Page=all

Spring Design Scarf
Price:US$5.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1047616361&Page=all

H81 Woven Scarf
Price:US$9.90
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1047850496&Page=all#

Paisley Scarf
Price:US$5.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1049214284&Page=all#

If you wanna see what other options are available, go to the Forever21 main accessories page.

Ebay Spring Trend - Flower with love

Floral print for spring is as cliche as it gets but this season, it's still as hot as ever. The ubiquitous print was seen at various runways including (from left) Marc Jacobs, Oscar De La Renta, Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren.

photos courtesy style.com

Florals can get a bit tricky as too much can get a bit overwhelming, but if kept at a reasonable level, they can be pretty and fun. They can also be a great mix of sexy and playful on dresses that show a little skin. This print is very versatile as it can be done in many ways, on many different types of clothing so you're bound to find something for yourself.

Below are some great floral print items I came across.


#1 Vintage Lorac Originals Pretty Floral Tent Dress
Item no. 380016819148
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-Lorac-Originals-PRETTY-FLORAL-TENT-DRESS_W0QQitemZ380016819148QQihZ025QQcategoryZ48870QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Pretty floral tent dress. Print is bold and polyester fabric is lightweight, almost sheer. Missing top button but looks better unbuttoned. Unfinished hem. Belt not included.

Measurements:
Shoulder - 15"
Arms - 11"
Bust(double) - 23"
Waist(double) - 26"
Hips (double) - 27"

Condition - Very good.

STARTING BID: US$9.99

AUCTION END: Apr-18-08 11:23:12 PDT(4 days 20 hours)

__________________________________________________________________

#2 Bell Sleeve Vintage Folk Floral Boho Cotton Top
Item no. 160229013351
http://cgi.ebay.com/BELL-SLEEVE-vintage-FOLK-FLORAL-boho-cotton-top-12-M_W0QQitemZ160229013351QQihZ006QQcategoryZ103327QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Vintage 70s boho cotton smock blouse. Oatmeal with tiny folk floral print trim. Cutest mandarin collar and button front. Mid-length bell sleeves. Wear loose or belted. Accessories in photo not included.

Size:
Approx modern size medium M/Australian 12

Measurements (double):
Underarm to underarm - 51 cm
Shoulder to shoulder - 38 cm
Length - 64 cm
(N.B 1 inch - 2.5 cm)

STARTING BID: AU 12.50 (US$11.61)

AUCTION END: Apr-23-08 04:08:00 PDT (9 days 13 hours)

__________________________________________________________________


#3 Vtg. 60s Mod Floral Kisslock Clutch Purse
Item no. 120245491135
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vtg-60s-MOD-floral-KISSLOCK-CLUTCH-frame-purse-bag_W0QQitemZ120245491135QQihZ002QQcategoryZ74966QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This adorable Apple-green pleated clutch is sprinkled with cheerful flowers and topped with a kiss-lock closure. Inside is pink cotton with a little pocket, no flaws anywhere except for the slightly dingy inside. Measures 10" long by 5.5" tall.

STARTING BID: US$7.99

AUCTION END: Apr-20-08 17:58:56 PDT (7 days 3 hours)

__________________________________________________________________


#4 Vtg. Made in Hawaii Geometric Floral Sundress
Item no. 380016837148
http://cgi.ebay.com/VTG-80s-MADE-IN-HAWAII-GEOMETRIC-FLORAL-SUNDRESS-XS_W0QQitemZ380016837148QQihZ025QQcategoryZ48870QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Lovely cotton multi-coloured geometric floral print sun dress.

Measurements:
Bust - 30"
Waist - 32"
Hips - 34"
Full length - 42"

STARTING BID: US$0.99

AUCTION END: Apr-14-08 15:00:00 PDT (1 day)

__________________________________________________________________


#5 Go Max Red Gold Floral Fabric Womens Shoes
Item no. 350048135486
http://cgi.ebay.com/GO-MAX-Red-Gold-florals-fabric-Womens-Shoes-6-5-NEW_W0QQitemZ350048135486QQihZ022QQcategoryZ63889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Ladies, misses Go Max low heeled shoes size 6.5. They have a red and gold floral pattern ; top of the toe has a brass buckle. Heel is 3/4". These are brand new, you will love them!!

STARTING BID: US$6.50

BUY-IT-NOW PRICE: US$9.95

AUCTION END: Apr-19-08 13:35:36 PDT (5 days 23 hours)

Sale Alert - Aldoshoes.com

Aldo Shoes is having an online sale of up to 70% off selected shoes, sandals, boots and merchandise. The prices for ladies footwear range from US$17.98 to US$99.98 and there are many different, fabulous styles available.

There is also a great selection of ladies bags that will fit well within your budget.

The ones highlighted below are a few that stood out to me.

'Irrionda' Ruffled Handbag
Sale Price: US$19.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67093504&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=86

'Vendeen' Animal Print Clutch
Sale Price: US$19.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=63933609&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=90

'Montescaglioso' Embellished Handbag
Sale Price: US$34.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67889908&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=35

'Verdello' Mustard Handbag
Sale Price: US$29.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67182099&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=69

'Galollaw' Red Quilted Handbag
Sale Price: US$34.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=68266235&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=62

Go to the main sale page to see what other items you might like.

What I got - Moroccan Necklace

So I haven't got my owl pendant as yet but I have another great one which I may like even more. I finally received my most recent Ebay purchase yesterday and boy am I happy with it. I'm very intrigued by other cultures and the unique items to be found there. This Toureg Moroccan necklace truly is gorgeous and unlike anything I've ever seen.




These necklaces are handmade and even the little imperfections add a little character to it because it means that no two are exactly the same. Even though the necklace is large (approx. 15 inches but it looks smaller in person), the intricate detail adds a delicacy to the piece that prevents it from looking gaudy. *Sigh* I'm in love!

A necklace like mine costs US$26 from this ebay store but if you're looking for something with a similar style but less expensive, there is one available here for US$10.

Fatal Attraction 2 - Tweed

Tweed is a classic style item introduced to the fashion world by Coco Chanel in 1926. Since then, tweed has seen many shapes and forms and is still popular today. Until recently, however, tweed has been associated with a much older, high society crowd but now the younger generation is mixing it up to give it a younger, fresher look.

I've always been a fan of tweed and I bought an amazing blue-green mix tweed blazer a while ago from ebay and I love it so much. In order to make tweed look more modern, it should be worn one tweed item at a time and play with brighter colours and contrasting textures such as silk. Also, when wearing tweed clothing, try to wear form fitting shapes so not to look matronly.

Here are a few tweed items you can be creative with.




#1: Women's Regular Long Sleeve Twill Tweed Cardigan - US$59.99
http://www.landsend.com/pp/LongSleeveTwillTweedCardigan~182052_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::XEH&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008__0000000086&origin=index

#2: Soundgirl The Josette Dress - US$80.00
http://www.amazon.com/Soundgirl-Josette-Dresses-Medium-Metallic/dp/B000YCTLVS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207484656&sr=1-9

#3: Lux High Waisted Tweed Pencil Skirt - US$19.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=13705371&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=20

#4: Rosetti Tweed Satchel - US$19.60
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/handbagswallets/satchelstotes/PRD~325197/Rosetti+Tweed+Satchel.jsp#

#5: Newport News Tweed Pump - US$20.00
http://www.amazon.com/Newport-News-Tweed-pump-BLACK-MULTI/dp/B000WP05E4/ref=sr_1_74?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207483487&sr=1-74

Indie Designer Spotlight - Xlique

It's not often that I get really dressed up to go out to someplace fancy, but on the occasion that I do, I like to look fabulous. Even though I love large jewelry, there are some smaller pieces that speak just as loudly but in a totally different way.

Xlique (pronounced sleek) is a Singapore-based independent label that features women's accessories, mainly earrings, necklaces and bracelets. All the items are 'lovingly handmade by two best friends with a penchant for all things pretty and unique'.

The beautiful designs of Xlique include wire pendants/necklaces with Swarovski crystals, precious stones, and some cute charms which are used to give each piece character. They believe in individuality, and that every one of their creations is not only elegant and gorgeous, but also tells a story.

The prices for their one of a kind pieces range from US$2 to US$50 and they ship internationally.

Click here to go to the Xlique store to see what gorgeous, funky pieces they have in stock.

Top it off!

I have admired the bizarre yet awe inspiring work of British milliner Philip Treacy for a long time. His immense creativity seems to flow directly into the hats he makes, each one dramatic and stylish in its own unique way.




His creations are not for the faint of heart (nor broke of pocket) but even simply looking at them, you have to appreciate the amount of thought and skill that goes into his pieces.


If you're looking for some less expensive yet dramatic and quirky toppers for your hat collection, I've found a few that might tickle your fancy. (hehe I don't think I've ever used that expression before...and probably never will again.)

Brown Cocktail Feather Fascinator
Price:US$15.99
http://www.nyfashionhats.com/servlet/the-571/brown%2C-hat%2C-hats%2C-cocktail%2C/Detail


Victorian Mini Top Hat
Price: US$44.00
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10136458


Poker Face Fascinator
Price: US$10.00
http://humblebumbleb.com/10.html


'Paris Match' Mini Top Hat
Price: US$33.00
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6276729


Michel Rene Peacock Fascinator
Price: AU 30 (US$27.42)
http://www.madaboochoo.com.au/boutique/michel-ren-peacock-fascinator-brown.html


Autumn Leaves Fascinator with Bumble Bee
Price:US$45.00
http://www.fynehats.com/facinators1.htm