effortless spring/summer style: where to shop

i'm really into uniforms.  winter: it's a long black coat, or a faux fur one, jeans, a grey or black sweatshirt, and moto boots.  now that it's getting to be spring, i'm looking into transforming the look into spring... i felt like drawing today so here's my "fun-with-windows-paint" inspiration (i did this with my finger on the laptop's mouse pad ha ha)...and some ideas on where to get the look x

to make the winter uniform work for spring, i basically turn the long black coat into a summer dress...i'm working on studding the collar of a vintage blazer i found at the thrift store.  denim jackets or boyfriend blazers are pretty easy to find at the thrift shop, and they are perfect for the cooler days. i bought some studded belts at the thrift shop, and took the studs off of them, and now i'm putting them on the blazer's collar....

try looking for a maxi dress here:

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store/lifewear/women-slub-maxi-dress/076889-57

here:

http://www.nastygal.com/product/own-the-night-maxi-dress/_/searchString/night%20maxi

or here:

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/10848?article=10848-B

and check out these great flats (comfy!):

clockwise from top left: asos, zara, asos, H&M.

for the pendant and/or cuff, and bag, i'd head to etsy or ebay.  look at these gorgeous finds!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/121735055/70s-silver-lion-pendant-necklace-bright?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/117854716/woven-southwestern-silhouette-print-tote?ref=shop_home_active

i'm totally digging that southwestern bag...what a cool piece.  love etsy for the amazing vintage, it's always great when you get an idea of something you'd like to have but can't find in your local thrift/vintage shop.

there are also have amazing sunglasses on etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/119813864/70s-ted-lapidus-sunglasses-red-gold?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/112210420/vintage-1970s-sunglasses-oversized?ref=shop_home_active

but check these out too...they are all amazing.  i'm lucky to have my 70s vintage pair, but if i were going to make a "wardrobe investment" this spring/summer, it would have to be on one of these amazing pairs of sunglasses.  it's an instant statement piece you can wear with anything! (and you'll have it for years to come--this look never goes out of style, imho).

look for a floppy hat in a garden or outdoor store...also there are a ton of hats in department or discount stores..so shop around until you find one that suits you! happy spring, and thanks for reading 

xo

the (new) NECKLACE?!! + REALLY REALLY VINTAGE clothing!!!

the collar is a making a major statement--worn as necklace or part of a shirt, many of the collars are detachable (i see a d.i.y. in the future-maybe a deconstructed denim collar with studs!)...love the idea of wearing a contrasting black or white collar with a colorful shirt! Just having the collar also adds layers without adding bulk...i've seen them also as necklaces too, with studs, spikes, part of ombre-dipped pieces...such a great accessory, a little different and more subtle than wearing a big necklace!


photo from the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, Brown University

update: just got a text from my friend who told me about

 this beautiful wool and velvet icelandic collar

she saw recently.

the collar, which was made in AD 1600-1700 (can you believe it, looks so recent), has a "secret worn close to the heart", in the form of love letters that were folded into the garment while it was being made...i absolutely love this idea of making clothing personal and meaningful, a one-of-a-kind piece that has deep meaning for the one who wears it.  it's a whole different way of looking at clothes. our culture is so disposable today, and often i find myself caught in this same trap-getting excited about a style bargain on mass-produced, impersonal items at stores like h&m and F21!

if i ever get up the energy to start making my own accessories, and clothing, it's this kind of energy i want my garments to have--

futuristic western: DIY studded-jacket

This DIY looks cool and, it's very easy to do.  i finally got around to making a studded collar, something i have been wanting to do for a while now.  this is my first time working with studs, and it was fun, and (almost) painless ;) the whole thing start to finish, took maybe a half hour?

here's what you will need

1 a jean jacket or vest
(this one is from salvation army, and cost maybe $3-4 don't buy something expensive, there is absolutely no reason to)

2 studs. i picked mine up at m&j trimming in new york. (they have great products...SO easy to overspend here) but you can find 'em online too. try here.

3 a knife or nail file to bend the spikes down once they are pushed through the fabric

the materials. i used "colonial gold" pyramid studs, which i bought at m&j trimming in nyc. a nail file, or a knife, to push the studs down, and a vintage jean jacket

 i line the studs up before i push them in.  it's easier to make a pattern first before you go through all the trouble and then decide you don't like it.  also, i line up the two on the the end of the row first before placing the middle one.  much easier.

 i only bend one little arm of the studs down while i'm attaching them.  this holds them in place so i can check placement before pushing them all into position with the file/knife.  that way i can make sure they are where i want them before committing...again much easier if some need to be moved or adjusted slightly.

 

viola! the finished project! denim is a little tough to stud, especially with the pyramid pieces.  they start to hurt your fingers after a while. really easy though! just takes a little time and patience.