Tuesdays Thrifting: Lesson I

The lesson I'm going to share today has been a hard one for me to absorb. Just because the item is $4.99 and you vow that if you have it "taken in" or "taken out" know that there is a 99% chance this item will end up costing you quadruple what you paid. I've spent absurd amounts of money to have hems taken up, sleeves ripped off and arm holes reduced. Sometimes it pays off, other times it costs me a week's worth of lunch money. Moral of the story, think HARD about your purchase.  Yeah, that silk screen print moo moo is crazy cool, but are you willing to throw down a Benji for a piece you might wear once or twice? Just sayin.
Here is a case in point. Dress $7.99 from Saint Matthews Thrift on Santa Monica Main Street, cost of alterations $55.00.  Now if you're a handy Marthette and have a talent for sewing or you're one of those "I just taught myself to sew" braggarts, then good for you, consider yourself exempt from this lesson.

waking up to sunrise

This just makes my soul ache for NY and the resourcefulness and opportunity that abound if you know where to look.

Zip & Dash

Growing up in rural Upstate NY, I didn't have much fashion know-how. Lot's of LL Bean, JC Penny and Sears. Let's just say I believed ESPRIT was as good as it got. While I LOVED clothes and begged to have every trend imaginable, my scope was very limited. But like an angel from above, MTV sent me Cindy Crawford on House of Style. There I was in my pastel ESPRIT leggings and Mary Lou Retton style bowl cut sucked into her Glamourous (albeit monotone) world of super model friends and fashion designers. I had a front row seat and I was taking notes. But it wasn't unil her shopping trip to Sears with Duran Duran that my awaking happened. You can shop in the boys department! You can wear cut off mesh shirts! Ties are accessories not just for dads! THIS is style. It's what you make of the clothes and how you wear them that define you. Thank you Cindy.

Soldier On

The military trend.  It resurfaces every season or so and designers slap on cargo pockets and military emblems. Well, here's the secret kids: You're local Army Navy store is a mecca for military items - I know it's painfully obvious, but it's shocking how underutiziled these stores seem to be for ethe most amazing, CHEAP clothing and accessories. Like blow your mind inexpensive! For West LA locals, I'm partial to The Surplus Store in Culver City.

Ms. Yaeger's Words to Live By

"it’s the true lovers of fashion, cobbling together their fantastical fantasy looks and then venturing out to face the world, that really keep this business alive." 

On fashion week, seating charts, and where the real fashion is.

*photo by the sartorialist

I will never have enough

BLACK.

Proud to know her @OscarPRGirl

Erika Bearman, Director of Communications for Oscar de la Renta, is every bit the jealousy invoking style maven whose daily work includes hobnobbing with celebrity clientele and being privy to some of the world's most divine courtier pieces.  She is successful, smart and beautiful. Prepared to be movitated to take on Twitter if you haven't done so already.  You can read more about her on in the WSJ's feature! And of course, follow her words on Twitter @OscarPRGirl.

As Seen On

I DIE for Bravo TV. And of course, as a devoted fan of fashion, Rachel Zoe is my Tuesday night highlight. Last night's episode featured actress Beau Garrett.  Girl doesn't need much, since she's downright naturally stunning, but she certainly did shine in the Diane Von Furstenberg Tiny Dancer Dress! So far I see that only Saks.com and Shopbop.com carry it. Happy hunting!

I believe in LA

Heidi Merrick kills it with her Fall 2010 collection. The Rodney Pants send shivers down my spine.  Closet make room!

Hunting: Angel Skin Coral

I'm currently fixated on angel skin coral. Particularly the vintage gold rings with large stones and intricate filagree on the bands. As always, when in immediate need, eBay is there in a pinch. Some beauties.