Do Fries Go With That Milkshake?

When I was at one of the Thread shows months ago, I came across this t-shirt brand that I just love - Detroit Sprinkles. The shirts are screen printed in a garage in LA. And since they are individually screened by hand, no two t-shirts are alike. We can thank three Detroit natives who grew up on the same street for coming up with the super cute designs. Here's the milkshake t-shirt I nabbed at Thread and I'm oh-so-glad the weather's getting warmer...I'm so ready to take this t-shirt out for a spin. By the way, my t-shirt came in a can. LOVE it!

Clothes That Stand the Test of Time

Reaching a "milestone" birthday recently has made me take a second look at my closet. There are several things in there that I "can" still wear (read: the clothes fit) but that I probably shouldn't wear (read: I'm a little too old for things like mini skirts). Let's face it - at my age, I already know what looks good on me, as far as shapes, colors, styles, etc. I'm just too old and tired to fight it so I've finally decided to just stick to what I know.

This is not to say that I've decided never to touch anything trendy or super hot at the moment. That's what Forever 21 is for. :) I'm saying, there are certain styles of clothes that will always stand the test of time. Clothes that look good no matter what age you are. Clothes that you can leave in your closet, not wear for 10 years - and then take them out and wear them and still look good. (Well, usually still look good.)

In other words, what's classic is always new again.

So a vintage shopping we go...

Lately I've been uber-fascinated with vintage clothes from almost every era. It's so true that fashion comes back around over and over again. If I were a fashion designer, I would just go back to different eras and do a different take on trends that worked in the past. But since I can't design or sew, I'll just take vintage clothes and put my own twist on them with my own personal styling.

Starting this year, I'm on a mission to only wear vintage or vintage-inspired clothes. The classic lines and shapes are going to do this aging body wonders (I hope!). You'll hopefully be seeing my latest vintage finds this year. Until then, here are a few photos that are inspiring me...

vintageous.com

shopramonawest.com

weardrobe.com

Le Sac Dress: How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways...

Labor Day weekend, I happened to be in Camarillo, which so happens to be the home of the Camarillo Premium Outlets.  I'm not one to let an outlet center shopping opportunity pass me by.  Especially during a holiday weekend.  So I found myself in an American Apparel outlet store where I met the dress of my dreams (at least for now): American Apparel's "Le Sac Dress."  It doesn't look like much on a hanger. It's a basic drape dress.  The cool factor: long, versatile straps that you can wrap around in at least a dozen ways to create at least a dozen different looks.  I am amazed at how easy it is to change the look of the dress simply by changing the way the straps are wrapped around.  Even better - the dress was 30% off due to the Labor Day sale. Major score!  It regularly retails for $38 which may seem a lot to some people for a basic cotton dress.  But just think if you had to buy 12 different dresses instead of buying 12-in-1! Two days later I purchased a different color strap to further increase my look options.  The other bonus: the drape aspect of the dress pleasantly hides any "trouble spots" one might have.  Hope my hubby doesn't get sick of the Le Sac Dress. I may be wearing it more than a dozen times the next few weeks. 

Fav Boutiques - I Can't Keep Secrets

I must admit - I myself am often drawn to chain stores. I visit my fair share of Forever 21s, Bananas, Gaps, Anthropologies, Urban Outfitters, Zaras, Mangos, etc. However, I love when I stumble across a cute litte one-of-a-kind boutique - the type of boutique you'll only tell your closest friends about because you really don't want everyone to know about your "secret" shop. The problem is that most people go to the chains and it takes loyal customers to keep these cute little boutiques afloat. I've seen some of my favorite stores shut down, perhaps because they weren't getting the support they deserve. So I'm dedicating this blog post to a couple of my favorite boutique stores - and I promise to continue to write about boutiques and support them (read: buy things from them) as often as I can!


Doppochic
Neighborhood: Belmont Shore
4913 E 2nd St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 438-4303

Every time I wear something I've purchased from here, I get compliments. They only sell women's clothing and accessories and some are on the pricier side, but they often have sale racks with items as low as $15. If you're hungry, you can shop here while waiting for a table at the next-door creperie.


The Circle Outlet
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
2395 Glendale Blvd, A2
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 665-5336

Local Indie designers at outlet prices. 'Nuff said. Now you won't always find the same designers or a variety of sizes and you'll have to buy what you like when you see it because it won't be there again. But if you're a serious shopper like I am, you know these rules.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, baby. More to come on this subject. Trust me.

Passport to Twelve by Twelve

I checked out the new Forever 21 store at Lakewood Center housed in a former Mervyn's. The cuteness is deafening, so much so I'm dizzy just thinking about it. They have my absolute favorite line at the moment -- Twelve by Twelve. Part of the growing F21 family of brands, it's vintagey, classy and of higher quality. A little pricier but definitely worth the extra cash. I even love the hang tag -- in the shape of a Passport and says, "This shows that you have style, good taste, and that you know fashion." Yes, yes and yes. Twelve by Twelve...I love you!