New at Sally Jane Vintage

Fall fashions galore going into the store today. Be sure to stop in and check it out. Thanks as always!

Wardrobe Remix 9-28

shirt: vintage, borrowed from my boyfriend
sweater: H&M
jeans: Superfine
boots: vintage
scarf: H&M
on the iPod: The National "Boxer"

I awoke this morning to a lovely grey sky and cooler temperatures. Unfortunately my late night out with friends killed my desired to put on anything more than a t-shirt and jeans. Casual Friday it is.

Vintage Gloves

Ever since Agathe from StyleBytes posted this photo of sartorial perfection I've been jonesing for a pair of vintage driving gloves. The thing is, most all of these gloves are leather and I really try to stay away from purchasing leather (save the occasional moment of weakness for vintage shoes). I even saw a really beautiful new pair at H&M recently, but again - leather. I've been searching Ebay and the internet at large, but so far no luck. The closest thing I've found was a pair at Ballyhoo Vintage. In fact, they have quite a collection of cute vintage gloves if you're in the market.

Wardrobe Remix 9-27

dress: H&M
tights: H&M
sunglasses: H&M
scarf, locket, shoes: vintage

It seems that my wardrobe lately has consisted solely of H&M pieces mixed with vintage. It certainly makes me wonder what in the world I wore before H&M came to LA last year. Even when the store first opened here I was not impressed. If you had asked me to sum it up in one word I would have said "over-rated." Maybe it was because it was always so crowded and everything was so picked over. Now I really like it. Go figure.

Wardrobe Remix 9-26

dress: Forever 21
trench: H&M
tights: Urban Outfitters
scarf: H&M
shoes: vintage
beret: vintage

It's turned warm again here so all of my fall ensembles will just have to wait. I figured I could get away with the trench today since it's short sleeves. The shoes are pinching the toes a little, but I guess that's just suffering for fashion. They remind me of the ones in Marc by Marc Jacobs' spring show. I suppose if my toes are numb by the end of the day, I can always sell them on Ebay.

Wardrobe Remix 9-25

sweater: vintage
jeans: Superfine
tee: American Apparel
shoes and scarf: H&M

Not too much exciting going on with today's outfit. I had to leave home early to make it to the post office with all of my Ebay packages. The sweater I picked up at a vintage warehouse sale a couple of weekends ago. At first I thought I would wear it all snapped up, but it pulls at the front. I'm still not exactly sure how I'll be most happy wearing it. I'm just OK with this combo. I think I'll try wearing it over a dress next time.

Barney's Co-op

One of the (few) perks to my day job is getting every fashion magazine and catalogue under the sun as soon as it comes out. Yesterday I got the new Barney’s Co-op catalogue. I’ve been in the Barney’s Co-op at The Grove a few times to look through the store. I love browsing through and looking at all the beautiful clothes but I don’t even bother fishing out the price tags as I know it would mean instant sticker shock. I am loving the simple styling and the muted color palette in the catalogue. And don’t even get me started on Irina’s bangs.

Sneak Peek at Sally Jane Vintage

Here's a taste of what you'll be seeing in the store this week...

Be sure to check back on Thursday for a full update! See you then!

Wardrobe Remix 9-24

Over the weekend Los Angeles finally got a nice, much-needed, cleansing rain. What better to do on a rainy Saturday afternoon than give my closet a nice, much-needed cleansing? I filled a bag with shoes and clothes for Goodwill, put a few things aside that will end up in the store and found these vintage boots that had been banished to the top of the closet for some time.

Wardrobe Remix 9-21

sweater: Free People
skirt: vintage
over-the-knee socks: Sock Dreams
tank: American Apparel
scarf: H&M
sunglasses: H&M
shoes: vintage (again!)

I tend to put outfits together in my closet that never end up seeing the light of day. This is one of those outfits. I put the pieces together weeks ago in one of my "I can't wait for fall" moments but it was too hot to wear it at the time. I was feeling brave after scouring loads of street style photos yesterday so I decided to give it a go. It's a lot more color than I am used to wearing. I usually end up feeling very conspicuous when I wear bright colors, even though I love seeing them on other people. I have to admit, looking at the photos, I imagine that I look a bit like a carrot today. Oh well. I like carrots.

New At Sally Jane Vintage

Lots of new items are posting in the store today. Great little dresses, cute tops. Get ready for fall at Sally Jane Vintage! As always, thanks for stopping by!

Wardrobe Remix 9-20

dress: H&M
tights: Urban Outfitters
shoes: vintage
locket: vintage

I was just reading an article yesterday about how the tent dress is on its way out and volume is so last year. The Dior "New Look" is the new inspiration with waspy waists and slim silhouettes being right on the horizon. Fashion is fickle, indeed. To me, this is the greatest flaw of fashion - its need to fuel consumerism. I hate the way fashion magazines are designed to make women constantly feel one step behind. Why can't I have both? What if one day I want to wear a tent dress and the next I want to wear something form fitting and belted? I think fashion should be more about doing what you love, and not what a magazine editor tells you to do. What good is fashion if it's not used to express yourself? I must admit, I have found much more inspiration looking through the Wardrobe Remix photos than any fashion magazine lately. Wow, I had no idea that this post was going to turn into such a rant. Forgive me!

Wardrobe Remix 9-19

dress: vintage
tights: American Apparel
shoes: vintage (Ebay)
locket: vintage
bag: H&M

When I first traded in my car for a bus pass, I felt like my freedom and independence were being traded in as well. I’d been driving for nearly half my life by now and couldn’t imagine doing without. After a few weeks, I realized that rather than lose my freedom to go any and every where, I’d actually gained it. When I had my car, I hated driving on the freeways (actually I’ve only used them once since moving to LA) and I was always afraid to drive very far from home out of fear that my car would die.

Over the weekend, my bus pass and I traveled all the way out to Lincoln Heights to a vintage warehouse sale (I would have never dared drive that far from home). Two buses and a ride straight through the heart of Chinatown later, I arrived. As soon as I saw the “No Boys Allowed” sign on the door, I knew I was in heaven. There were racks and racks of the most beautiful dresses and coats spread throughout the space. There was a sale pile to be picked through as well with everything bearing a $3 price tag. There were couches and beds set up to lounge on with magazines and snacks if you wanted to just relax (who could with all the shopping to do?) Mirrors were propped against the walls and girls walked around in all stages of undress pulling dresses off racks and trying them on. It’s definitely not for the shy or self conscious, but I have to say it created a fun, sisterhood type atmosphere. At one point, I was trying on a dress and a girl across the room yelled out how cute it looked on me.

I’ve been to other vintage sales where the competition to get the best and the most creates a very unpleasant experience. The weekend before, I went to a parking lot sale where, in the frenzy to grab as much as possible, some one elbowed me in the face and snatched my own sweater out of my hand. I left feeling bruised, defeated and with out my sweater. I love vintage shopping, but that just took all the joy out of it.

I snagged this long sleeve vintage dress as well as several others that will be going up in the store in the coming weeks. I can’t wait to go back for more!

The Ultimate Vintage Accessory

All photos from The Sartorialist

All this fall weather and walking has me coveting the ultimate vintage accessory - a vintage bike! I think it's too dangerous to try biking around LA though. All these lovely girls are missing one important accessory - a helmet. Yes, they look good, but I just don't think I could go without one. Oh well!

Sneak Peek at Sally Jane Vintage

The weather has finally taken a slight turn towards fall here. At least as "fall" as it gets in LA. I'm so excited! Here are just a few of the new pieces that will be posting in the store on Thursday. Lots of cute tops and dresses, so make sure to check back! Thanks as always.

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony

Has any one else checked out Chloe Sevigny's line for Opening Ceremony? I have to say it really takes me back to my high school grunge days. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. I know Chloe's always ahead of her time, fashion wise. I guess this means grunge really is coming back.

I couldn't get the video to load into Blogger but if you click this link, it will pop up in a new window... Chloë Sevigny

Who Knew?!?

I ran across these photos earlier this year on The Sartorialist and made a mental bookmark that I would revisit them once the weather started to cool off. Well, it's still hot here but since fall weather is really just a mirage in LA, I decided to go ahead and look them up any way. I adore the military inspired coat and the way she's managed to wear the over-the-knee socks without looking too school girlish. When I read the comments on the photos I was surprised to see that several people attributed the coat to Victoria's Secret. Not exactly the first name to come to mind when one thinks of covering up. Out of curiosity, I decided to check out their selection. Well, lo and behold, there's the very coat in the picture. If it's not the exact same one, it's a stunningly good reproduction. I love the stand up collar and the brass buttons (better once they tarnish a bit). I looked around the site a bit more and found a few other really cute coats, all for under $200. Not bad, really, if you can just get past the cheesy, come-hither modeling. Here are my favorites.



First up we have the coat in question. It comes in black and bright red. Next I like this basic little grey double breasted peacoat.



I love the sunny color of this coat (even though yellow is certainly not my color) and the detail of the buttons down the back. I've been looking for a cape and this grey one looks warm and cozy.

New at Sally Jane Vintage

Here's the run down of all the great new items posting in the store today. Loads of cute summery dress for those last weeks few of hot weather as well as lots of goodies for the fall. Be sure to check it out. Thank you as always!

I Know it's Cliche to Love Marc, But...

There's a reason everyone loves Marc Jacobs. It's because he's good. Really, really good. This is what I've been waiting for from Spring Fashion Week. Something to swoon over. A dress that makes me weak in the knees. Just try to tell me you don't want those patent two tone shoes in every color. I dare you.

Things I Love Today...

• This adorable trompe l'oeil tank from Topshop inspired this 1920's-going-on-a-cruise collage.
• I love chunky bakelite bracelets - if only I could find some small enough to not slip right off my wrist.
• Still looking for the perfect vintage train case to use as a sewing box. I'm not exactly sure what the "perfect" one looks like but I figure I'll know it when I see it.
• I'm trying to convince myself to wear more heels - I'm such a flats kind of girl. But I always love the way heels look on other girls. These double strap mary janes look sturdy enough for me. I am also on the prowl for a pair of black and white spectators.
• I love hats for fall and winter and this one is on my must-do list.
  

Fashion Week

For whatever reason, I just haven't been that interested in what's going on at New York Fashion Week. Maybe it's because I'm too excited about fall fashion right now to think about spring fashion. But the Derek Lam collection certainly caught my eye. I love the color palette, the prints, , the silhouettes, the vintage feel to many of the pieces...

One Cat, Two Cat, Red Cat, Blue Cat

We spent part of our weekend cat/house sitting for some friends that are out of town. It was the perfect place to take this week’s photos and so much easier than taking them at our apartment. Plus, we had lots and lots of help.

Stanley helped pick out my shoes for every outfit. He also specializes in laundry basket guarding.





Echo wasn’t quite as hands on, but she did have load of ideas. She oversaw the whole shoot from her spot at the front door. Thanks kitties! The photos look great this week.

Sneak Peek of Things to Come...

Here are just a few of the fabulous pieces that will be going up in the store this week. Be sure to check back Thursday for a complete update...

Vintage Shopping

After brunch on Wednesday, I decided to top off the afternoon with a little vintage shopping exploration. Los Angeles is vast and wide and I am convinced that I have not yet discovered all of the best shopping spots. I decided to check out the closest Goodwill rather than hitting up another vintage shop with marked up prices. Unfortunately the Goodwill was populated with a lot of bad 90’s clothes and no real vintage to speak of. Not to be deterred, I walked a little further to see if there was anything else in the neighborhood worth checking out. A long time ago I had heard of a shop opening up in the area, but an internet search had turned up no information so I figured it had closed. I was just about to turn around and head back home when I happened upon this…

Tucked in to a tiny parking lot behind a donut shop in a decidedly unhip neighborhood is the cutest little vintage shop. Run by one girl, she has loads of vintage dress and a few new pieces. It’s all very makeshift with a couple of curtains hung up for a dressing room and the racks of clothes rolled out into the parking lot. There’s no real store, no telephone and she only takes cash (which is great because I was able to talk her down on her already affordable prices). I asked her if she got much business in this spot and she just shrugged her shoulders and said “not much”. Well, I’d love to help you out, honey, but I’m keeping this one a secret.

Today at Sally Jane Vintage

Here's the full update on all the items posting this week at Sally Jane Vintage. There are some really great fall pieces, so be sure to check it out. Thank you as always!

Style Bytes

I know I'm a bit late to catch on to this one, but I'm relatively new to the blogging world so you'll have to forgive me. Most of you have been watching and taking notes for month if not years, but I have only just discovered the wonderfulness that is Agathe from StyleBytes. I love that every one of her ensembles is completely obtainable, both style-wise and budget-wise. This isn't some spoiled rich girl that always looks fabulous because she's wearing the latest designs straight off the runway. She possesses a natural sense of style that can't be bought. Seriously, you've got to have some real style to look good gutting a fish. I also love that you can see the same dress or t-shirt pop up in different photos weeks or months apart, showing all the variations you can achieve with one favorite piece. So, for all of theses reasons, I've dubbed Agathe Sally Jane Vintage's "IT Girl of the Month". Thanks for all the inspiration, Agathe!

Wednesday Morning Brunch

I found this dress at the Fairfax Flea Market my first summer in LA. It was too big for me, but I couldn't resist buying it and was able to take it in enough to fit. It's made out of bandanas and trimmed in white ric-rac. I think it might be my favorite dress (if I had to pick one) even though I haven't found that many times to wear it. Today my aunt and uncle from Bellingham, Washington are in town on a layover to South America and we're having brunch so I finally have an excuse to wear it again. A few weeks ago, I ran across the pattern for it on EBay and again, couldn't resist. I took out all the pattern pieces in an ambitious moment and then put them right back in the envelope. Wow, that's a lot of pattern pieces. I'd love to attempt it someday.

Still Sewing

I knew I had sewing homework to complete over the weekend, even with the heat and lack of air conditioning making me feel completely lethargic. The bodice of the 50's dress was almost complete from my last class session. I just had to finish the darts and the sleeve cuffs and then install the sleeves. That was going to be the tricky part, as I have never put sleeves in anything before. It all went off without a hitch, thank goodness. Well, almost. I did scorch the cotton a bit in an over zealous attempt to iron the sleeve caps smooth. Ah, yes, ironing in 100 degree heat is always fun. Here are a few photos of the progress...

Here is the bodice of the dress before I put the darts in.

I pinned all the darts in place and then sewed them - six darts in all. A helpful tip I learned in class is to never back stitch at the point of a dart to finish it. Just switch to a smaller stitch length about a cm from the point and then sew right off the edge.

Last but not least I eased in the sleeves. There's a bit of a fit issue but I am making the smallest size the pattern comes in and it still seems too big for me. I'm just taking it all in as a learning exercise since the dress is not exactly my style anyway.

Here's a close up of the sleeve cap installed. This was my biggest accomplishment for the day. I feel like being able to sew sleeves opens up a whole realm of possibilities for me.

Sally Jane Vintage Sneak Peek

Here are a few of the fantastic finds that will be going up in the store this week. Be sure to check back on Thursday for a full update.

Adventures In Photos

I have to admit that the heat here is completely zapping all of my creative energy this weekend. With temperatures expected to reach at least 100 (112 in the valley!) again today and no air conditioning in our apartment my boyfriend and I plan on escaping to a mid-afternoon movie just to soak in some cool air. Yesterday we managed to get up really early to get a head start on taking photos for this week's auctions. We'd grown bored of taking photos around our building so we decided to drive to industrial East LA and shoot there. We turned the back seat of the car into a dressing room and Tom stood guard for homeless people while I changed (we were on their turf after all). It was quite an adventure and I'm really happy with the results.

N.E.E.T Magazine

Be sure to check out the new issue of N.E.E.T. magazine. It's definitely one of my favorites reads. Oh, and Sally Jane Vintage has a lovely ad in there somewhere.