Epic Vintage/Thrift Directory

Jessica over at What I Wore (love her) has just announced the launch of an online directory for locating vintage and thrift stores, all over the country!  I have to say, this is a great idea.  I always seem to have trouble finding the good stuff in my area.  This is going to be huge, so please, pass it along!  It will only work if word is spread and contributions made.  Thanks, Jessica!

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Memorial Day Retail Therapy

So, of course, it being the long Memorial Day weekend, my friend dragged me to the Outlets to do a little shoppy shop tody. And, of course, I was more than willing. Been spending a bit more lately, but I'm in the safe zone financially right now, so I am justifying it. Of course. ;-) And I took quite a nice haul today, too. I'm venturing outside Anthro & JCrew! Shocker! Oh, and please excuse my crappy photos. I was trying to get these while there was still natural light, but that was fading fast.


First, we have the shoes (always with the shoes).

Bought at: Off Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet
Designer: BCBGMaxAzria

Price: 30% off - Paid $111.99

I LUV these. Didn't give them a first look, but then did a double-take when someone was trying them on. They fulfill my fashion-forward side and are so comfy! I'll probably add an insert to increase the comfort, and there's plenty of room to do so. I got my normal 9 1/2 but could have sized down a half size; however, there were none in that size. These also came in a dark brown color.

Bought at: Banana Republic Outlet
Price: 40% off - $41.99

LUV these, too! I eyed them pretty quickly as they remind me completely of a designer I love, Chie Mihara. I have several pairs of her shoes, but they do run pretty expensive. These are very much in the same vain, but a whole lot less money!! Win!! They did not have my size, but I got these in a 9 and they feel fine, especially since they're sandals. The strap is a little different, too, as it loops through and then to the back to notch.

Next, we have some accessories. I am an accessories slut.

Bought at: Banana Republic Outlet
Price: 40% off - from $7.79 to $11.99

Not much explanation necessary. I see baubles I like, I buy. Was looking for some turquise stuff to go with a necklace I got at Target, so these match great. Also, the earrings and fuschia bracelet may be worn with the dress I got today that is a definite contender for that wedding I have in August. See, I told you that first dress wasn't safe. I'm always looking for other options.

Now, on to the dresses! (Cuz I can never have enough, right? ;-) )

Bought at: Off Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet
Designer: Tart
Price: 20% off - Paid $63.99



Now, I've been on the fence about Maxi dresses since they became "in" a few seasons ago. I am tall, but I didn't think I could pull one off wihtout looking preggers. I was wrong. You just have to find the right style for you. Plus, I'm not exactly small on top so I needed adequate coverage, but still able to go sans bra if I needed to. This one fits all my criteria. Summer, jersey, comfy loveliness. All sorts of WIN. I wanted this dress where the pattern was more black near the top, but they didn't have it in my size. C'est la vie.


Bought at: Off Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet
Designer: 5|48
Price: 20% off - Paid $83.99

Now, this. This is a definite contender for the wedding. It's jersey, but a bit more fancy with the silk print detail going on. It's a halter, but the cups have light padding, so I'd be fine there. The back is completely open, but it being a Maxi dress, I wouldn't feel too exposed. I can get away with wearing flat sandals, too, because it's not super long. In short, WIN. And it's reeeally pweeetty. :-)

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Anthro Review

Wow! Two posts in just a few days! I'm awesome! :-P

I figured I'd at least get an Anthropologie review of the recent items I bought up for you to read. The eBay stuff, well, that's just getting pushed back. Again. Hey, I told you I was (see right) ----> lazy & a procrastinator. No lie. We had a house/name (bday) party yesterday so my day was taken up with cleaning and prepping and a Target run and then, the party! It was superfantastical. We campfired with Polish kielbasa (the real stuff, not the American grocery store kind) and made s'mores. Drinks were flowing. I could have sat out there until the sun came up. But I didn't. The stupid thundershowers that we thought we escaped finally shoved all the remaining party stragglers inside. Where some proceeded to have a Mario Kart tournement. Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!! Haha. I stayed up suuuuuuuuuuuuper duuuuuuuuuuuper laaaaaaaaaaaate. Go. Me. And then today was Mother's Day, but nothing went on around here. I'm just (see right) -------> lazy. Found some of my spring/summer boxes that are still hiding in the basement from the move, so I was semi-productive there. I was pulling stuff out and it was like presents to myself all over again: "Oh, hi! Anthro shirt that I totes forgot I have. Yay! I'm totes gonna wear you tomorrow!" And so on and so forth.

And so!! On with the reviews!!

Item #1: Afternoon At Ease Dress

nvghgebgjfgoeiwgoinbosdfhbirjhgie!!

I had a hell of a time finding a pic-y for this. I literally just bought these items last week, and the dress is already gone from the site! Poof! That's what happens when Anthro items go on sale, and that's why I snatched it up right away! I had to Google that sh*t just to find it so I could show you all! Anyway, I luvs this dress. It's by Splendid and all their stuff is comfy, jersey, modal, and fabulous-fitting. I got it in black (avail. in fuschia, too) because of the versatility. I was thinking I might wear this to a wedding I have this summer. It's a morning wedding in Maine, and I want to be comfy all day so I'm thinking of jazzing it up with some fun summery accessories, funky flat sandals or the silver not-so-high heeled sandals I got from JCrew a couple years ago (and have yet to wear!). Did a test run today and it just might work. Keeping my options open though. Of course. ;-)

Item #2: Bud-to-Bloom Dress

I bought this at full price, my darlings. Yes. I know. I'm trying to be good. But honestly, I've been doing very good with my shopping restrictions. My bank account is a little fuller every time I get paid compared to bare bones if I go on a mini spending spree. See! Really good! Srsly though, I had started to lust after this dress a few weeks ago when I tried it on in store. It may seem simple, but the details are super cute and just so Anthro. I'm into versatility in my pieces (who isn't with this economy?) so this is a perfect casual dress that can be businessed-up for work when I need to "dress up" for clients (which I totally did the day after I got this dress b/c, coincidentally, we had a client-type-person come in) or dolled-up for a night out. I likes it. Even against my paler than pale skin, I still look grrrrreat!

Item #3: Brewed Bean Shell

Me likey a lot. This top is by Fei, which I love. I bought a really pretty semi-sheery tank a couple seasons ago and realized later, like I am realizing with a lot of clothes of mine, that I was buying the wrong size in a lot of things. I love it! It makes me feel like I lost weight/shrunk, when I most likely haven't. Just hiding from the world before, I guess. No longer! Showing the curves! Anyway, so this was another try on in the store and it fit GREAT. I had some self-control so I didn't buy it. I did buy it with my online purchase last week along with the 2 dresses above. I think it's the same size I tried on, and yet, it feels a little snug. Weird. Going to head to the store to try on another in the same size, and if that fails me, try to get the next size up. I no likey doing that. Otherwise, I really luvs this blouse. It's super comfy and light. Great to dress up or down. Win!!

Now, on to the Wish List items, hehe.

Jacqueline Dress - $98
Going with my simple and versatile theme, this dress fits the bill.




Neo-Neapolitan Dress - $178
Simple and versatile theme, continued! With a cute detail to boot.




Walk-a-Ways Dress - $128
I LUVS this dress. It's, ahem, simple but cute. I love the orange bottom. So fun!
I kinda need this dress.

And the piece de la resistance! Behold!



Tracy Reese for Anthro Grass Blade Dress - $218
I'm holding out hope that this dress might go on sale so I can wear it to the wedding instead of my choice above.
I luvs Tracy Reese for Anthro pieces.
I need them in my closet.
I need this dress in my closet.

And, yes, I know I sound like Chloe. Whatevs. Can we help it if we're dress obsessed? I kinda feel like I have more of an occasion to wear my dress purchases. At least, that's what I tell myself when I'm buying them. "I am gonna wear this dress soooo much! I swear! Cost-per-wear is going to be, like, soooo low!" Yeah. Right.

I heart fashion. :-D

And I heart your faces! Thanks for reading my silliness!

{All images courtesy Anthropologie, of course}

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I Am Not Dead

Just wanted to pop onto, um, my own blog for once to let people know: I'm Not Dead. I've just been busy being involved in the Twi-sites of late. And I don't think you want me posting all about Twilight and the actors and the movies, etc. You can clicky on one of the Twi-links I have at right ---------> for all that shite.

Just want to say, I heart my followers. Some are from the fashiony blogs I visit, like JCrew Aficionada, that I've been neglecting of late. I sorry! I suggest you check out Twilight so you know what all the fuss is about and then join in on the fun. Then you can head on over to the LTT/LTR Forum. Forums are fun. The LTT/LTR Forum is the funnest! Join it! You'll lots of stuff, like this and this, over there. Ahem, yeah.

So I've made a few purchases of late. Anthropologie, of course! I'll be posting reviews of the items this weekend, I think. We are throwing a house party, and it is Mother's Day, but I'll squeeze in the time for you! And maybe, just maybe, I'll get some eBay items up. Been sorting through all my shtuff and realized I have some nice pieces from Anthro that just don't fit me anymore and were worn maybe a handful of times. You are so lucky!

Oh, and the little bro, aka Army Brat, is home on pre-deployment leave so I'm also spending some QT with him before he leaves, for a year. *cries* He has a lovely little blog that he's started as a way to keep all his peeps informed while he's away. It'll be updated when he can and has internet access over there. Check out The Many Musings of The Moshi. It'll add to your life. Srsly.

Marti signing off for now.

I heart your faces!

Here's a pic of my kitty to make you giggle. He's so EFing weird.

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Anthro Buy: Chicanery Cardi

So I ended up buying this cardi from Anthro a few weeks ago and never posted on it. It was included in their newsletter about items with interesting things going on in the back. I was so unsure of it until I saw it in person. A sort of slouchy cardi, so I downsized to a small. I totally dig it. It's business in the front, and a party in the back. I've worn it a couple different ways. Since I'm so fair, I keep the bottom half dark and do a statementy necklace to bring some more color to my face. What do you think of it?

Anthro Chicanery Cardi

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Anthro Wishlist & Fab Find at Target

So, I skipped over to Target on my lunch yesterday because, as most of us know, the Alexander McQueen line was supposed to hit stores. Yeah, you think it was there? Nope! Seriously. I'm getting the impression that my local store tends to not get things or put them out late. They never even had a display for Hayden-Harnett. Just some random bags scattered here and there. Very willy nilly. Disappointing!

Anyway, I went to CS to ask if they knew anything about it, and of course they have no idea which way is up. I will just have to stalk the store until something pops up, kinda like Jacqueline had to do with Orla Kiely. That was pretty funny ;-). I'm not going to go nuts though because I realized that I'm only really interested in a few pieces (harness dress, cropped jacket, zig-zag one-shoulder dress). I'd rather check them out in store because previous designer lines were junior sized, so I'd need to try the pieces on first. I could order them online through AAA because of a 10% discount, but I'd rather see the pieces before buying.

So I nearly made it out of Target without buying anything. Nearly. Of course, I made a pit stop at shoes to see if there was anything new since my last visit. There was. And I bought one of said new items. For only 20 bucks! I really like these shoes so far, but keeping the tags on just in case. My shopping budget has practically dropped to almost nothing these days, so I have to be super careful. No more shopping binges at JCrew and Anthro :-(. So sad. I am keeping my eye on a couple items at Anthro and might use some of my tax refund toward a purchase. I keep envisioning sooo many outfits with 2 of my wishlist items, making them super versatile, therefore justifying the purchase. Of course ;-). Already planning lots o' Polyvore outfits!

Anthropologie Alexa Tunic

Anthropologie Bojana Top

The Target shoes I nabbed are below. I think they are very much in the spirit of (check out Gigi's "in the spirit of" posts) a pair of Frye heels I spotted at ShopBop. Anthro also has them in navy. Granted, Frye is quality leather that will last a long time, but I just can't spend the funds at this point. And I tend toward lower heels and flats, so not sure how many times I'd actually wear the heels (already tall at 5'8").

Target by Mossimo Peep-toe Mary Janes

Frye - Kelsey Ankle Strap Peep-toe

The shoes are by Mossimo. The color is a lovely sagey green. The heel height is a bit higher than I'd like (4.25), but I've gotten used to ones this high and the front does have a small cushioned platform (1/2"), adding to the comfort level. I bought my normal size 9 1/2. I could have gotten a 9, but I will be wearing these mostly when the weather is warm, so hot/swollen feet, hence a bigger size = more comfort. The ankle strap buckles with 2 metal prongs. I'll have to puncture a few more holes to pull the strap tighter for safety. It slips down my heel at this point. These seem like something you could see sold at Anthro. Very vintage inspired. Luv!

Hello, my dears.
Welcome to my closet!
Come on in and meet all your new friends!

{images courtesy Anthropologie & ShopBop}

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eBay Update: Anthro & JCrew

Quick note to say couple items re-listed and a few new items up. Anthropologie tops and dress and a JCrew skirt. See the pics below (more pics at eBay). Click through at link on side bar. Good luck!

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eBay Update

Just a quick note to say I was only able to get a few things up on eBay this weekend. The army brat came home for an unexpected visit, so it was a lazy family-centric weekend. There are 4 pairs of shoes up now (Frye, All Black via Anthro, Aldo and Mossimo via Target). My seller name is aramisette11. I'm going to try to get a link up on the sidebar, if possible, when I post some other items in the next few days. Good luck!

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Shoe Fetish: Jeffrey Campbell Lattice Heels

A trend for Spring is the cage shoe. Now, I may not be able to afford the YSL version (doesn't look to comfy to wear anyway), but I think these from UO might just fit the bill. Thanks to eep! for pointing them out. Yoink!

YSL Spring09

Jeffrey Campbell Lattice Heels

{ photos courtesy of Style.com and UO)

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Target, Again

Yeah, I know. I'm a little obsessed with Target. Popped in there today for just a couple things and got distracted. Again. The shoes were calling my name, but luckily I only tried them on and am waiting to purchase sandals for the upcoming season. Some really cute stuff. I did spy a couple things in clothing, like the blouse below.

Mossimo Black - Georgette Top in Spice Print
$21.99

I think I like it because it reminds me of the line Tucker by Gaby Basora. Really easy pieces in a variety of fun prints. All of Tucker's line is made from silk. This Target top, however, is good 'ole polyester. I figured as much being it's at Target. But I still like it. I tried on the large because they didn't have my normal medium and, of course, it was too big. The medium might be fine. It has a nice drape that'll be a good closet addition for spring/summer. Still thinking about it. I did snag this cute bag last week though. And because I couldn't find it online, please enjoy my [mediocre] photography skills.

Merona - Foldover Cross-Body Bag
$ 24.99

I guess it reminded me of the Foley & Corinna City Tote. Also, the color is a light aqua/blue (trust me, very pretty) that I've started seeing for spring, especially at JCrew. Those pastel, light neutral colors tend to wash me out, so there won't be much for me this spring, at JCrew anyway (my wallet will thank me); but I can still update with accessories, like the bag.

Side note: Those who read this post might think I'm bag obsessed...because I am. However, I did come to my senses and returned two of the HH bags I talked about.

So as I was taking the photos of the bag, my cat, Sznurek (pron. sh-noo-rek; it means "little string"; long story), was hanging around. And then he started being cute, so I just had to take some photos.

I really need to take a video so you can see him in all his cuteness/psycho-ness and hear his annoying meowing. The boy has quite the personality. As it is, I was doing a photo session with him to which he gave me the dirtiest look.

Really? I'm in the middle of cleaning myself.
(Hence the leg in a weirdly flexible, yoga-like position.)

And then I just kept taking more and more as his annoyed meowing increased.

Seriously.



I just want to go outside!
(Pardon the door. As I said before, we are still remodeling so the molding is missing here.)

And now I am exhausted. So I shall drink my Sleepytime Extra tea and bid you all goodnight.

I hate Mondays.

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