***Even more of a SALE***

So girls, I've rounded down ALL the prices on ALL my items in my Treasured Re-finds shop, just because I can. If you missed the memo, this is where I list unworn Etsy purchases of mine that deserve a better home, featuring gorgeous clothing and the occasional accessory.

Remember, the sale goes only until Saturday, July 4th. The sale prices are in red at the bottom of each listing. Comment or email me to claim an item as your own. I will also list the item on ebay for you as a Buy It Now if you feel safer purchasing an item that way. And yes, like I said on the original posting, I will take another $5 for each additional item you buy.

Happy re-finding!

Liza Rietz

Well, today is turning out to be quite lovely, from a to g:

a) I got to sleep in to prepare for working the evening shift this week.

b) It rained this morning. I love love love rain and it's too dusty here lately.

c) I got off my bottom for a Wii Fit session.

d) I received my long-dreamed of Liza Rietz tunic (more about that below).

e) I discovered that my fabulous new hair cut takes all of 5 minutes to style.

f) The sun came out so I could go on a lovely stroll for some iced coffee and to send in my claim for my eye exam (yay money!).

g) I picked up a cheap used book which promises to be a lovely Irish read. Why I haven't read Roddy Doyle before escapes me, but that shall be remedied by tonight/tomorrow.

So, the Liza Rietz Waffle Tucked Tunic. Okay girls, if you're looking for that one piece for your wardrobe to splurge on that is versatile for every season, is comfy, AND has that couture quality and look, this may very well be the piece for you. I'm seriously so happy with this tunic. Somehow Liza has figured out how to compliment the body with strategic placement of tucks while creating a gorgeous voluminous shape that instantly draws attention from every passerby. And the best part is that this can be worn in any season, as it can be paired with some beautiful vintage lingerie or a sporty bandeau bra underneath in the warmer seasons, or with a short or long sleeved t-shirt (or even turtle neck) in the colder seasons. If you're a bit more adventurous, you may even want to go for Liza's Half Circle Tunic (below), which is quite similar but with a more exaggerated shape at the bottom, and a lovely stand-up/Peter Pan type collar. And the herringbone fabric (if Liza has any left!) is a great choice for either of these pieces - I got my tunic made with it and it just gives it such great texture. I really wish I could own both these pieces, but I'm quite content with my tunic for now.

A(r)mor

I'm not a fan of metal necklaces (only textile ones, really). But I absolutely adore these gorgeous pieces by A(r)mor. Perhaps in part because of my love affair of sorts with my Norwegian Wood harness. And with my Bonzie boleros. These are simply daintier versions. And oh how lovely my favorite, the 'Lupa' (below), would look against my tattoo...Sigh.

SALE!!! SALE!!! SALE!!! (Yes, 3 times is necessary.)

Hey gals. Yesterday at work we were talking about age. And since I'm feeling like I'm getting too old and would rather stay 25 forever (well, really I'd rather be 24, but it's too late for that), I think a sale is in order. So ALL my listings in my shop are 25% off until July 4th (next Saturday). Comment or email me about the piece(s) you'd like and I'll send you an invoice via Paypal. Remember, all prices are in USD and include shipping to anywhere in the world. Oh, and I'll take another $5 off for each additional piece you buy. If you're wary about buying off of a blog, let me know and I'll list the item on ebay as a Buy It Now for you (click here for my ebay page to see my feedback, etc.).

Perhaps if I sell something I can afford one of these lovely lovely Louise Black cuffs. But probably not. I do have that Alexandra Groover hoody to pay for...Oh yeah, and my rent increases July 1st...Sigh.

Today

This is how I feel, à la Queen Michelle: "Fashion aficionados realise that at the core of their passion is the understanding of how clothes can alter and express an emotion without having to say anything. Good clothes can do that. Good clothes are an experience and I think the people who argue that fashion is merely wrapped up in vanity haven't actually experienced good clothes. "

And this is where I want to be sitting with my macchiato and biscotti:

Presenting...

1) Gorgeous colour in the shape of a vest (just what I want!), by the fabulous Lindsay Weatherread. What? You don't know about her? Well, now you do. And in fact, you already did if you saw my previous blog about my gorgeous ruched raw cotton shirt/jacket (yes, that's just cotton).

2) Lilian Asterfield's upcycled necktie ascot with mess (sic) and beads. And what a lovely mess it is.

3) And (sorry to break the black-haired model trend), this must-have jersey dress by mydearthing. I'm pretty sure jersey will remain my most trusted friend throughout all my years. Especially if it's draped.

One of each please! (My birthday is coming up...)

The comforts of Vivienne

With all sorts of disappointments arising, mainly in the form of disappointing people, it's nice to have an impartial comfort in fashion. And what could be more comforting than Vivienne Westwood's AW09 Square Paffa Coat. Sure, the weather is a tad too sunny to wear it out right now, but I can feel its warm embrace just by looking at it.

Okay, so this type of fashion is partial to those with the money to buy it. But window shopping is still thankfully free. And speaking of, there has got to be a good reason to buy this gorgeous one-off VW child's dress. It would at least look lovely on a miniature dressform. Or my Kid Sister doll from when I was a little girl. I believe it's still at my parents' house somewhere...

Eco-friendly tree

Well, for today's post, I'm too exhausted to scour the 'internets' for something new. But that is in no way a bad thing when there are such good 'oldies' as this. I've had this beauty in my Etsy favorites since the beginning. This is exactly what I want to be wearing right now, and possibly at least for the rest of the week. Sans boots and wool socks because of the weather, although I quite like that look. I just adore the cape detailing. I'm sure I would feel like an eco superhero wearing this dress, fighting to keep the Earth beautiful (and not only by looking beautiful). Oh how I wish Tiina would list some more clothing! Her pieces are so earthy and ethereal and beyond exceptional...Which reminds me, I must finish my Mustikka dress...

A funny thing (or two, or three) happened on the way to the coffee shop...

1) I was checked out by, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful locals my city has to offer. Since I can't read minds, I have no way of knowing whether she liked my look or thought it to be hideous. But her eyes followed me all around the magazine racks, and I took it as a compliment just the same. Her eyes may have been offended by my uber bright vintage frock, since she usually sticks to a muted palette for her wardrobe. But I can dream and be flattered just the same...

2) Since blogging about the once familiar looking regular at my Starbucks that has now simply become 'her', this girl has somehow become somewhat of a celebrity to me. I've sat by her before at Starbucks, since we've both been there hundreds of times and seating is limited. But now I take extra notice of her and her outfit. Like today. She was making this black ruffled skirt look fabulous. I'm a tad biased though anyway since it reminded me of my ArtLab Bustle of Lysistrata, with its industrial elastic waistband.

3) On my way out, I remembered that there was a Neil Gaiman children's book that I had not yet read. So I found it and quickly read through. And, I must say, it's one of the most delightful children's books I have read! I'm not really surprised, since Gaiman is my favorite author in every genre that he has set his pen to. Now I must go pick up a copy of Crazy Hair for myself...

Healing grey

Thanks again to Fashion156, I just became aware of Heal. And this little romper or 'short suit' is too adorable for words. I definitely want to be wearing the Dress Brain right now, on my afternoon off. I can just feel how soft that cashmere jersey is from here. Sigh.

Not my tank top

Oh Bonzie, why do you do this to me? You know I love all things black and tattered, especially from you. And I live in tank tops. But I have reached the end of my spending, so all I can do is stare and lament...

Perhaps I shall curl up in the corner with a chai latte and my UK Vogue. Sigh.

You know you're addicted to Etsy when...

My sister pulled this black dress out of her drawer while we were over for Father's Day brunch. As soon as it was unfolded, I knew exactly what dress it was, who its designer is, and how much it cost. And my dad said my face just lit up like a little girl when I saw it. Turns out she got the last Cowl Neck Pocket Tunic of Emily Ryan's fall/winter collection. I've been eying this dress (and everything else in her Etsy shop) since I found Emily's shop. Guess I've been a good influence on my sister's shopping habits, as she's been purchasing more and more from Etsy since she started becoming jealous of my closet. I'm hoping she'll forget about this one and give it to me for my birthday since it fits me just perfect. And the stretch jersey is of the highest quality and oh so comfy...Sigh.

Drapery

I'm still reeling from my discovery of Alexandra Groover (and I'm thinking of selling my beloved cruiser bike to buy the hooded hoody). But I suppose that my blogging must go on...

And really, it's not too difficult at all to gush about another find via Queen Michelle>Fashion156, this one by the name of Lauren Kovin. These pieces instantly attracted me, in part because of my love of ArtLab's Andromache's Deconstruction dress and its similar beautifully draped jersey detailing.

So breath-takingly gorgeous. And those shots! I'd definitely wear these pieces all the time just to recreate these fluid and ethereal shots. Sigh.

Alexandra Groover

I just found my fashion-soul mate. I'm still not a leggings girl, but I love everything about this outfit. So imagine how drastically my world changed when I found out that this girl isn't just a pretty face with a keen sense of style. She is Alexandra Groover, the designer goddess of all things perfectly black. I'm so happy to have found Queen Michelle, as her Kingdom led me to Fashion156, which in turn led me to my dream closet. I indeed want every piece from Alexandra's Grey and Black Labels.

But this. This is my dream piece right now. As you may or may not recall, I have been on an unending quest for a simple yet unique black hoodie to replace the one that I got married in. Sure, this one is slightly more than the $40 that the original hoodie cost. But seriously. A hoodie with 5 hoods. That's pure genius. Oh Alexandra...

Sphere lamps and inside/out pants and tie vests, oh my.

If I could figure out a way to wear this piece by De Beaux Souvenirs, I would. I just love twinkle lights. Any ideas, anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

And these are perhaps the most intriguing leg wear I have seen recently. Celapiu's description is perfect: "This amazing conceptual piece is based on an idea of using shapes that clothes take while being put on/taken off as designs themselves." Makes me think what other clothing would look like on in mid-dressing-frame...For some reason though, all my tired mind can think of is knee high socks around my ankles and my bra around my waist and backwards...Sigh. Perhaps I should leave this one to celapiu.

Lastly, I just love this piece by Lilian Asterfield. I think it's almost too adorable for words. I would wear this basically every day I was too lazy to wear anything other than a plain ribbed racer-back tank and my wonderful new Joe's Jeans. Which has been everyday this week...I definitely have a bolero/vest/harness thing (and of course a ruffle thing) going on lately.

Branch out

This is exactly how I feel today. With darker hair and more clothes. If I were a designer with a collection on the runway, this would be my theme.

New listings!

Hmm, can you guess what my reaction was when I saw this? If you can't guess, I'll never tell. But I will tell you that I'd have a strong urge to wear it as a headpiece/garland as soon as I laid my hands on it. Can't tell you why really. Oh Patricia...

Perhaps if some of you lovely girls check out my new listings in my shop, all my ArtLab neckpiece/headpiece dreams can come true.

4 years too late...

Oh goodness, I need to get some motivation and some fabric, statim. I do believe this Vivienne Westwood Gold Label dress is one of the most perfect pieces of clothing I have ever laid my eyes on, even on a soiled dress form. Somehow I didn't discover Vivienne's work until the acclaimed dress in the SATC movie; I have unavoidably been addicted since. I am surprised this is a Gold Label piece though, since I usually go for the Anglomania line. It is a 2005/06 piece, so I have no way of owning it. But I am indeed inspired...

Couture armour against the sun

I have been conquered by the sun. I must go to my go-to for sustenance. Such being in the form of a strapless dress for relief of my burnt shoulders and neck, and a giant hood, fit for Athena herself, so I can go out for a chai frappucino. Or to conquer a planet not bullied by the sun. Perhaps I need to work out a next-hour delivery plan with ArtLab...

Cycle Chic

On a hot cloudy day filled with non-stellar hair, too tight jeans, and unkind people, all I felt like doing this afternoon was finding a roomy paper bag to crawl into. That is until I found this. In preparation for my other half's super big deal mountain bike race tomorrow, a little Googling made me fall in love with this reversible cycling cape fit for the runway. As it's created by a student at The London College of Fashion (Claire Smith - take note!), it's unlikely that I'll get it in time for 10am tomorrow morning. I spose it's for the best, as it's supposed to be hot hot hot tomorrow. And I won't be biking myself. Now where's my cowbell...

If only I were made of foam and paper...

Yes, I know this is a doll, thus rendering the dress quite too small. But this is my desired look for the day. It somehow just represents how I'm feeling this sluggish afternoon. And of course I was reeled in by the doll's title ('Persephone Ascending', for the Classics geek in me). And also by the location of the artist, Black-eyed Suzie (Montreal, where I would love to live). I do think I could find a similar look in my new haunt (ArtLab's shop, of course!). Hmm...

Actually, in the 5 minutes it took me to write this, and whilst perusing the lovely listings of ArtLab (I somehow always find something I didn't notice before!), I found another look I wouldn't mind for my mood right now. I'm quite positive that this is the only way to get me into a jumper/romper/harem pant that seems to be the craze (at least in the blogosphere). Yes, I balk against that fad, although I can't say I've actually tried it. But if it's an ArtLab creation, I am more than willing to try my hand at being 'the girl who leapt through time...'. Especially with that sculptural shoulder detailing! Somehow it looks so comforting to me, like the sumptuous quality of the piece is embracing its wearer.

A shameless bib plug

Okay girls, either no one is listening to me because no one is reading this (besides my 3 lovely followers, Bonzie, Tiina, and Lindsay), or because no one believes me. But I implore you, you must take this advice if at all possible: Buy yourself some ArtLab Industrial Couture, a.k.a. a Charlie Chaplin Couture Bib as quickly as humanly possible!!!

I just received mine today in a gigantic box and I couldn't be happier if I tried. I already knew from my ArtLab tee and bustle that Patricia's work is inspired and impeccable. But this piece. This piece looks just as good on me as on the gorgeous model. As I said in the feedback I left, "I don't believe you have to be a certain type of girl to wear this couture bib - with one piece of elastic and one metal snap, it instantly transforms you into the girl who can and will pull it off." Personally, I feel like I'm channeling Björk when I have this on.

I honestly bought this piece assuming that I may likely never wear it. Because, in truth, I am a beauty collector, if you will. I love to splurge every once in a while on items that I might not necessarily use as intended. I'm happy just to own said piece and be able to look at it in person whenever I'd like. Hence my collection of unworn clothes. Having said that, I will definitely wear my couture bib as soon as the opportunity arises. If I had not already had two weddings, I would wear this as part of an avant garde 2-piece wedding dress, not dissimilar to Patricia's pairing of the bib with her new hoop skirt, as seen above. Sigh. If only I could have another one of these in black...