Flea Market Finds

I think that it is pretty obvious how much I love to shop. For those of you who don’t find it that obvious, let me break it down for you:

 

  • I work in retail
  • I studied Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at FIDM
  • I don’t know how many pairs of shoes I own
  • I should be in sunglasses/coats addicts anonymous
  • I firmly believe that “retail therapy” is the most effective form of therapy

I hope that helps.

However, what most people don’t know about my shopping, is that I rarely enjoy feeding this (completely normal) obsession at the mall. Instead, I’m in love with searching for one-of-a-kinds from independent designers and local boutiques, thrift stores, and flea markets (I should also note that most of my basic wardrobe comes from the Gap, where I work).

Today I went to the local Flea Market here in San Diego at the Sports Arena and found some absolutely brilliant items:

Vintage, wooden 7-Up Crate: $10.00

The Complete Sherlock Holmes ©1930: $4.00 and Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Imagination ©1935: $2.00

Issues of Life Magazine from the years 1961, 1967, 1968, 1969: $5.00 per issue

Winston Cigarette ad on the back cover of Life 1961: Being a marketing student, I adore all of the old advertisements. Mad Men any one?

I didn’t realize my cat was such a big fan: Abbey Road on vinyl – The Beatles: $10.00

 This beaded necklace is probably my favorite find of the day. It cost me a whole ¢.50, and I think it was totally worth it.

Moral of the story: shop local. Look at all the fun things you’ll find.

xoxo

Rainbow Bright | Spring 2012 Trends

Rainbow Bright

 

Rainbow Bright by lizzy-e featuring neon jewelry


Chiffon top
$48 - nastygal.com

Rag & bone yellow pants
£125 - farfetch.com

Jil Sander small heels
$745 - lagarconne.com

Genuine leather handbag
$170 - modcloth.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs neon jewelry
$120 - net-a-porter.com

What Are You Wearing?

Tis the season for holiday parties, champagne, soft sugar cookies, favors, and  many different opportunities for fabulous fashion. And since my family hosts a ridiculous amount of those parties, that poses the question: what the heck am I wearing? I have searched and searched and here are some of my favorite, affordable options for this season.

Birch Allover Sequin Dress by Trina Turk – $388.00 – Piperlime

 

Tulle Dulcie Dress – $158.00 – Anthropologie

 

Wildcat Jules Dress by J.Crew – $188.00 – J.Crew

 

Tennyson Mini by Paper Crown – $386.00 – Revolve Clothing

 

Audrey Tulle Dress – $398.00 – Anthropologie

Bombs Away

It’s hard to imagine anything more cheerful than yarn-bombing. I’m obsessed. I admit that my new obsession may be due to the fact that I have been yarn-bombing daily at the Gap (it’s the theme for the holiday visuals), but I am obsessed nevertheless. For two weeks now I, along with an entire visual team have been wrapping boxes, hat stands, marketing, bikes and anything else we can get our hands on with brightly colored yarn. You’d think it would get monotonous, but I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t. In fact, it makes you a happier, better person all around. I’ll post pictures of the store when it is complete, but in the mean time:

I mean, come on. It is quite possible that I will bomb the heck out of our Christmas tree this year.

Ready. Set. Shop

Do you love to shop indie designers? Me too. Do you love to shop online? Check. Enter, StyleOutsideTheBox.com (SOTB).

SOTB is a brand new e-boutique specializing in indie design born from an idea in a series of New York City pop-up shops. Through assisting the planning of these individual shops in NY, creator Laura Adamson saw the need for a virtual platform where designers would be able to “maintain their own shops and personally fulfill each and every order” (SOTB). Here, shoppers are able to peruse apparel for women, men and children, jewelry, home decor, and gifts created by independent designers from all over the world. Currently SOTB is run by a group of fabulous, fashion savvy women and based in my old stomping grounds of Lancaster, PA.

Since A Style Section is based in San Diego, I took a particular liking to the designs of Wabisabi Green, a home decor line designed by Jolee Pink in Encinitas, CA (only about 45 minutes away). Number 1, I’m in love with Miss Pink’s name and number 2, Wabisabi Green creates the cutest throw-pillows made with all organic cotton. Bold prints and a touch of nature – see below and you’ll understand why I need all of these:


Perfect, right? Other California designers include: Kendra Renee Jewelry and Molly Alexandra of Lazy Jane Kids clothing - both based out of the bay area – but there are indie designers from as far away as London. Delightful! (See a full list of their designers here) **Special shout-out to the lovely THREAD Show veterans of COATT!

So it is easy to see why I am a little obsessed with this shopping site and since I also love lists, I felt it appropriate to put together a small one with some of my favorite items on SOTB.

1. Rosetta Cocoa Organic-cotton Throw Pillow by Wabisabi Green - I love bold pattern and the chocolate-brown color is perfect for the season.

2. Millefiore Vintage Cufflinks by Jodi Rae Designs – You can’t forget about the men in your life. Cufflinks are a perfect gift item for your favorite man (or male figure) since these small details are often over looked, but can pull an entire outfit together.

3. Satin Attilia Couture Dress by Vjera Vilicnik – I must admit, this is a gift for me. Isn’t it brilliant!? I will have to wear this for NYE ’12. Said and done.

4. Angela Four Tier Father Earring by Briwok – Okay okay, so the feather trend may be starting to die down, but I cannot help myself. I love this earring, the colors and the fact that it is sold as a single. Large earrings like this are best worn alone or with other, tiny earrings. 

5. Black Onyx Drop Earrings by Toosis – These are incredible. The black stones with the gold detailing…a must have for my new NYE dress.

6. Hoot Owl Shadowbox art by Colorstory Designs - Not only would this piece match everything in my home, but it is also eco-conscious! Each design created by Colorstory Designs is made of recycled paper and magazines.

What a fabulous site. I suggest that you all start shopping. Now.

THREAD SD

Just a little reminder to RSVP for THREAD Show’s premiere of their Fall/Winter tour in San Diego. Come out on Sunday October 9th for only 5 bucks ($10 at the door), to celebrate local and independent designers specializing in fashion, art, and accessories. I’ll be there. Will you?

Can’t make it this Sunday? No worries! THREAD will also be making its way to Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco so you can get down with your holiday shopping a little later in the season.

RSVP now to get into any of the upcoming shows for only 5 bucks here!

Gap S/S 2012 RTW

Who: The Gap

What: Chinos, Colored demin, and cheerful spring basics.

Why: The Gap will always hold a special place in my heart since I have been a Gap kid since…birth and worked there for many years while in school. I love this collection because it is fresh, light, and focused even though the role of head designer with this iconic brand is currently open. And the layering – look at the men’s styling!

All photos courtesy of Style.com

J. Crew S/S 2012

This week on The Style Section, each post will be lovingly devoted to New York Fashion Week. Since I’m currently cemented in San Diego I was unable to attend, so I have been paging through all of the shows via Style.com. Since I focus on affordable fashion, I was delighted to see that more contemporary, lower-pricepoint lines presented within those sacred tents this year.

Above:

Who: J. Crew

What: Mixed patterns and textiles with whimsical, fem colors.

Why: I love this line obviously, because it is styled by my favorite stylist, Executive Creative Director Jenna Lyons. However, it also reminds me of my days studying in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia and I can run out and buy it in February/March at Fashion Valley.

All photos courtesy of Style.com

Fall Favorites

We are well into September so it is time for the post about the things I am loving right now as we prepare for the Fall.

1. High-waisted flare denim: I’ll be bringing back the 70′s this season with denim from the Gap and 7 For All Mankind.

2. Chunky Sweaters: Keep warm with this delicious sweater from Urban Outfitters.

3. Eveoke Dance Theater: This one-room studio in North Park has strong community ties and consistently pumps out great performances and classes. Dancers, drop-in for a modern class ASAP.

4. Love Nail Tree: Upcycled jewelry with vintage elements and artistic printed T’s – currently the only jewelry I wear.

5. Platforms: How can we relive the 70′s without the sky-high footwear? Pictured is the CIRKUS style in black from Steve Madden.

6. Large Cross Body Bags: During the Fall, I fully admit my semi-hoarding issue. Cross Body Bags = hands free hoarding! I love a bag big enough for a book, scarf, chapstick, and all of my cold season essentials. Get yours at H&M for $30.00 or less.

7. Single Cup Coffee Makers: I prefer Keurig because of their partnership with Green Mountain Coffee (fair trade), but I love SCCM’s for their money saving genius. I only make exactly what I drink and with the Chai Tea Latte K-Cup, there is no need to run to Starbucks.

8. Good Music: AKA, Adele. I’m obsessed with this sultry songstress. She is a brilliant writer and has a range for days. Other music on my fall playlist: RHCP “I’m With You” album, Lady Gaga’s twangy single “Yoü and I”, and anything by Regina Spektor.

9. Full Skirts: Prefect for dressing up or down, day or night, work or play. Find yours at Anthropologie. Now.

What are your fall favorites?

Looking for a good time?

The San Diego born THREAD Show is gearing up to begin its 2011 Fall season on October 9th at the Horton Plaza Mall. THREAD Show is a large-scale shopping event that features designers, artists, and stylists that are always local, independent and always incredible. Don’t worry non-San Diegans, later this year THREAD will also stop by in Seattle Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Which one will you be at?

RSVP now to get into the San Diego show for only 5 bucks here!

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