who wore it first?

if you know me at all, you know that i love me some vintage clothing. not only do i love the whole process of finding gems among racks of riff-raff and the concept of clothing as a travel souvenir, but the fact that every piece had a life (or two or three lives) before i found it is endlessly fascinating to me. i love speculating about the previous owner(s) of each piece , though i've never documented these speculations. until now, that is!

1. this ridiculous "don't worry, be happy" tee

where i got it: the fremont sunday market in seattle--a huge, weekly bazaar of all sorts of secondhand treasures

who wore it first: a cheerful nine year-old tomboy named scout. she begged her mom for it on a 1992 family vacation to key west.


2. this crazy, colorful 1960s coat

where i got it: the SoWa vintage market in boston's south end

who wore it first: a sassy, streetwise twenty-something boston department store employee named pamela.


3. this badass harley davidson vest

where i got it: to be honest, i've had this one for 10 years so i'm not completely certain. but definitely either the salvation army in nashua, nh or the goodwill in poughkeepsie, ny.

who wore it first: a san mateo biker babe named joan who wore it on her solo, post-divorce, soul-searching ride across the country. obviously.


4. this retro dress 

where i got it: 40 south vintage in my 'hood, jamaica plain

who wore it first: a vapid, adulterous secretary named vicki, who leaves a trail of broken boss' hearts wherever she goes.



5. this sunny sweater

where i got it: raspberry beret in porter square, cambridge

who wore it first: an manic pixie dream girl/art school freshman that paired it with flowing skirts and wore it to sketch in the park.

6. this dope day dress

where i got it: the now-shuttered odd showroom in portsmouth, nh, an awesome boutique owned by one of elliott smith's ex-girlfriends (who's basically the coolest person ever).

who wore it first: a demure elementary school teacher named susan--she wore it with a white cardigan and pantyhose, of course!


7. this rock 'n roll vest

where i got it: raspberry beret in porter square, cambridge (again)

who wore it first: a scrappy '90s music PR assistant in manhattan named nicole. as a bonus, she could also wear it after work to schmooze with A&R reps at shows.


8. this PNW-obsessed top

where i got it: animal traffic in portland, oregon

who wore it first: a sorta-crunchy portland native named zoe. her boyfriend oliver bought it for her earnestly as a 17th birthday gift.


9. this euro blouse

where i got it: a really cool shop in amsterdam that i'll never be able to remember the name of because it's probably dutch

who wore it first: an ambitious real estate agent named mila who has a side hustle selling handmade scarves and mittens on etsy.

a spring fashion wishlist

i'm currently on a shopping hiatus to conserve funds, so i've been spending much of my time drooling over cute spring apparel on various sites, adding 20 items to my cart, and closing the window. please indulge me and enjoy some of the best pieces i've found in my recent internet travels.

this adorably springy dress and also maybe that pup (modcloth)

a retro bomber jacket (anthropologie)

a sassy romper that i'd have absolutely nowhere to wear (urban outfitters)

this cheeky graphic tee (human)

"cropped linen overalls" even though i typically hate overalls, because you can't deny these (urban outfitters)

some casual espadrille tennis shoes for $158 (anthropologie)

this unique and sweet '90s top (it says "just take these flowers")(etsy)

5 things i love right now

1.  tights under ripped jeans

so, i bought a pair of ripped jeans at primark a few weeks ago, remembering the '90s trend of either sewing up the knee with a funky patch, or wearing tights under them. there are so many ways to mix up the look (colored tights, lace, other patterns), and they add a pop of intrigue and fun to any fall look.


2. this blog post about random turn-ons

when i came across this post the other day on one of my favorite blogs, a cup of jo, i found myself chuckling/smiling while reading the comments because it's comforting to know that we're basically all delightful weirdos. as jenna elfman (while dressed as an angel stripper) says in the teen classic can't hardly wait, "we all have our things." after considering the topic for a bit, i determined that my random turn-ons (besides men with long hair, because, duh) include:

• southern accents
• forearm and/or abdomen tattoos
• chiseled cheekbones a la nick valensi
• playing the electric guitar (not acoustic, though) or drums
• skater beanies
• salt-and-pepper hair

what are your random turn-ons?

3. this acoustic performance of "prey" by the neighbourhood



speaking of acoustic guitar ...
i don't know what's gotten into me in the past couple weeks, but i've basically become a neighbourhood fangirl. the fuzzy, soulful, slick new album, wiped out!, has mad atmospheric weeknd vibes and it's just really hitting the spot for me right now. however, the marketer in me is also a little fascinated with the group's carefully-cultivated image (all videos and photos of them must be black-and-white...whaaa?) and fervent tween fanbase, known as "hoodlums." anyways, this stripped-down rendition of one of my favorites is pretty addictive. jesse rutherford's voice is, to quote a commenter, "not of this world," and his funny facial twists and tics are quite amusing to watch.


4. this sage advice

buzzfeed, of all places, published this piece on relationship advice and it was GREAT. aside from this quote, the final paragraph was poignant and so, so true:

Don’t end up in a situation where someone else’s needs and desires come before your own. Don’t allow someone to control your emotions. And don’t put your heart in the hands of anyone who doesn’t treat you the way you deserve. If you’re ever doubting the way a situation is panning out, or how someone is treating you – whether you’re dating, in a relationship, or completely single – just imagine what you would tell a friend in the same position. Because while it can be easy to lose sight of things, and relationships can become complicated, one simple, indisputable fact remains: You deserve the best.

5. this video of a guy and his cat vibing to drake's "hotline bling"



YES, i know he's moving the cat's head, but lololol. may or may not have snorted the first time i watched this. it's almost as good as the kittens dancing to "turn down for what."

5 things i love right now

1. female-fronted garage bands

i'm usually iffy on "chick rock," but there are a couple of groups out there that have recently sparked my interest in the genre. both of these tunes seem perfect for chillin' on a stoop with an ice cream cone and pining over cute boys with your BFFs. the twin river track also has one of the most strangely clever videos i've seen in a while.

bully - "brainfreeze"



twin river - "bend to break"



2. this tank top

whenever i find myself in macy's, i instinctively gravitate towards anything that's part of madonna's clothing line, material girl, without even realizing it (because i'm actually 16 years old). so naturally, upon seeing this incredible spray paint-patterned top, i fell in love and had visions of all of the amazing spring and summer adventures i could have in it. aw yeah.

3. the trailer for montage of heck, the kurt cobain documentary



y'all know i love anything grunge/nirvana/kurt, so clearly this documentary will be a must-see.

4.  ben & jerry's cherry garcia ice cream

can we like, make this a thing again? i've always been partial to phish food and half-baked, but i was in a fruity mood the other night and decided to branch out to another classic. cherries, chocolate, and a nod to a rock legend? all about it.

5.  brandy melville

i made my first visit to this store in rome a few years ago. while i was immediately confused by its one-size-fits-all approach, i was also infatuated with its california cool apparel. now that there's one in boston, i get to spend way too much money on impractical crop tops, tees that say "RADICAL," and big plaid flannel shirts. yes!

my spring fashion wishlist

every year, around early march, i tend to get overzealous when it comes to spring shopping. i go on a quest to buy ALL THE COLORS and it usually results in me wearing things that are bright pink or yellow or teal when there's still a foot of snow on the ground. i've been a little better this year, and have (mostly) reserved my excitement for my pinterest boards. here are some things i'd love to rock if money weren't an issue and/or it were a lil' warmer and sunnier out.

floral turtleneck crop top (forever 21)

i'm pretty happy the crop top is making a comeback. i already bought this '90s-lovin' one, but you can never have too many.

camp director tote (modcloth) 

i don't know about "camp director," but i feel like this tote would be perfect to take with you on a cross-country train trip filled with strange places and exciting strangers. and stuff.

"gumdrop gems" necklace (kate spade new york)

the best thing about this is that i am pretty sure i owned a similar necklace at age 5.

pop boutique playsuit (ASOS)

i always called them rompers, but ASOS calls them "playsuits." how friggin' fun are playsuits?!

lydia cutout loafers (anthropologie)

classy but quirky. i dig.

what's on your must-have list for spring?

delusions of anthropologie

I pull the fluffy, multicolored patchwork duvet cover off of the moss green pillows, and imagine how much sweeter my dreams would be if I were snuggled comfortably in that that antique brass display bed, clad in a whimsical cream-and-pink striped nightgown. Before I drift off to sleep, I page through Barbara Ireland’s 36 Hours: 125 Weekends in Europe, and plan an overseas getaway with my adoring, slightly scruffy boyfriend.

I wake in the morning and sip my French pressed coffee from a monogrammed ceramic mug, as I gaze out of my brownstone window at the bustling city block below. After a shower, where I try out my new cedar wood-scented goat’s milk soap, I slide open the bedroom closet to reveal a collection of dresses, sweaters, a-line skirts, and flowing blouses -- all in jewel tones and organized by color. It’s pretty brisk today, so I select a plum shift dress and goldenrod cardigan, accessorizing with a gray scarf, silver charm bracelet, and feather drop earrings. I lace up my ankle boots and take one last glance in the mirror, slathering some rosebud salve on my lips and throwing a soft chestnut leather satchel over one shoulder. 

The farmers market is abuzz this morning, and the delicious smells of fresh fruit and flowers mingle in the air with just-popped kettle corn and hazelnut lattes. I pull a piece of stationery -- replete with printed pastel birds -- out of my bag, and survey the list for tonight’s dinner party. A baguette to slice and spread thick with truffle butter, organic mushrooms for the ragout that will accompany the beef tenderloin, and five Granny Smiths for apple crisp a la mode. Once all of the ingredients are purchased, they go straight into the basket of my vintage bike, and along for the ride to a nearby park. I nestle under a shady oak, and spend the next few hours journaling in my Moleskine.

Upon my return home, I discover that my boyfriend has already started preparing dinner, and he gets up from the tufted teal settee to greet me. I inhale deeply, trying to identify each savory spice. While the beef is roasting, I uncork a bottle of pinot noir and pour two glasses. We slice apples into a copper pot as I pore over the crisp recipe, dog-eared in my gluten-free dessert cookbook. We share a brief, impromptu slow dance in the kitchen when Paolo Nutini’s “Loving You” begins playing from my laptop, before we’re interrupted by the familiar beep of the timer. 

The crisp is in the oven, the candles are lit, and our farmhouse table is set with hand-painted dishes, antique flatware, and paisley cloth napkins. It’s just about time to change into my lace cocktail dress, break in my slingback heels, and apply some lipstick. I’m in a muted mauve mood tonight. 

I slide off the sweater and dress, pull on my t-shirt, and button up my jeans. “Thanks,” I say, handing the garments back to the fitting room attendant, “but I need a little more time to think about this.”

best & worst dressed: golden globes 2013

last night was a mixed bag, in my opinion. i was pretty much either IN LOVE with the look or absolutely hated it. here are a few of the standouts for me! what did you guys think?!

BEST:

eva longoria

sultry, sexy, but classy. love the sleek hair, too!hayden panettiere

i'm usually not a huge fan of hayden, but her dress and makeup last night were simple and elegant. she looked stunning!jennifer lawrence

love the color, love the neckline, love the contrast of the belt.WORST:emily mortimer 

YIKES. just yikes. is that aluminum foil?olivia munn

livs, honey, did you confuse the golden globes with that tacky bar on the sunset strip?

lucy liu

maybe in a different color. with a different pattern. but this just isn't working for me.

emmys fashion 2012: the good...& the ugly

oh hey, guys! haven't updated in a while - blame it on my no-good gallbladder, which led to 2 surgeries, 2 days in a row. it's been almost 2 weeks now, the GB is gone, and i'm pretty much back to my old self. all is well!

anyways, did y'all watch the emmys? i was overall sort of unimpressed with the fashion statements, though i was happy that aside from the sea foam green and oranges, there wasn't one dominating color like usual. after some careful consideration, i've picked out my favorite & least favorite red carpet looks.


BEST-DRESSED:

padma lakshmi

you know that phrase, "there's always someone prettier than you"? i think padma is that person. for like, everyone.

amy poehler





















simple, gorgeous, elegant. love it!

heidi klum

a little split from seal did her good, i guess!


WORST-DRESSED:

lena dunham

















don't get me wrong. i love, love, love lena and "girls." but this frock is just not a good look.

elisabeth moss

this one reminded me of a brat pack movie prom dress. vintage in the worst sense.

portia de rossi

no words. girl looks like she's going to try and hide in the desert.

what were your picks and pans?!

site i love: i want to be her!

to the outsider, i may seem to just say a lot of random crap that makes me look like i'm directionless/all over the place. but to my family and close friends, they know that i just tend to think out loud/make exaggerated statements for effect on a daily basis. all in good fun!

one of these oft-used phrases is "i want to be her"...now, depending on my mood, i could be admiring some random chick's faux-fur jacket, or musing while looking at a friend's african safari photos on facebook. this isn't a statement made out of jealousy or envy (er, usually), just a fleeting moment of "that's awesome!". and the founder of this new site, i want to be her!, apparently shares my feelings (at least about the faux-fur jacket.) a new take on the lookbook, the site includes photos (or drawings in some cases) of stylish gals on the street, with each piece of their outfits broken down for us adorers to check out. dig it!

emmy fashion recap: what is this, a funeral?!

for (almost) every awards show, i eagerly watch from the countdown to the red carpet, to live from the red carpet...to the actual show, mostly to see what gorgeous and/or hideous gowns will be discussed at the water cooler the next day. not that anyone at my office discusses emmy fashion around a water cooler, but...you get the point. anyways, i don't know what y'all thought about the emmy ensembles this year, but i was BORED as haaale and felt like i was at someone's wake with all of the black floating around! an awards show, in the summer, in sunny los angeles just didn't seem right full of somber dark tones. yeah, i get that it's a classy gig, but it doesn't mean you have to look like you're in mourning. my god! anyways, i took the liberty of choosing my 3 least favorite and 3 best-dressed at the awards last night. agree? disagree? speak up!

WORST-DRESSED:

christina hendricks

i don't know if a "mad men" time warp threw her off, but i was SO not a fan of christina hendricks' boobalicious, MILFy frock. it looked like a colonial housewife turned into a lady of the evening. combine that with the bright red hair and it looks like she could be turning tricks at a renaissance fair.

tina fey

everyone was raving about tina fey's oscar de la renta gown, but i felt more like it was something you'd find in a tacky cape cod gift shop for a cougar's "night on the town". the pattern is absolutely cringeworthy and the cap sleeves just make it look even more frumpy. no thx!

january jones

oh, girrrrl, i don't even know where to begin. what is with you mad men chicks?! now we've gone wonder woman with this nasty electric blue, and it looks like you're dragging a comforter and/or insulation behind you. blech.

BEST-DRESSED

anna paquin

take notes, chickies, this is how you do it! yeah, sookie's rockin' some black, but she's also got some FIERCE gold patterned shoulder action going on. with the sleek updo, she's totally flawless and fabulous, amirite?

claire danes

i don't even like claire danes that much (except of course, on my so-called life), but i LOVED her dress. it was classic glam - lots of sparkles and a pretty, subtle color. a bunch of gals wore white this year, but i much prefer something like this that has a little twist. bravo, angela...er, claire!

nina dobrev

i have a soft spot for the vampire diaries star nina dobrev because she was on my favorite canadian teen melodrama, degrassi, but i thought she looked particularly stunning in this one-shoulder grecian-lookin' gown. and she's sooooooooo tan.