Mission: Wedding Accessories: Accomplished

Yesterday I finally got around to enjoying some of the secondhand and vintage offerings in Toronto, and it turned out to be a smashing success! I have a wedding to go to next weekend, and wanted a clutch to complete my outfit. Since I have to fly to get to the wedding venue, and even with my long history of traveling and moving, I somehow haven't managed to keep a carry-on in my possession, I was also on the hunt for an inexpensive tote or satchel to act as a carry-on for the things I can't do without on a long weekend away.

At 69 Vintage Collective (new website coming soon, apparently), I managed to find both a unique clutch and a very suitable satchel! The clutch, which wasn't what I originally planned on looking for, is embroidered with flowers, has a small, old chain, and was made in W. Germany. The satchel has no provenance, but it's almost exactly what I've been looking for, in terms of caramel leather (faux or real), cavernous capacity, and sturdiness. I'm in love with both, and they're both perfect, no matter what I thought I wanted originally.

Both were much less than I had expected to spend if I found what I wanted, which is always a bonus. Another bonus? Buying secondhand, which I have missed. Knowing that I'm giving an item a second chance, and not adding to the endless consumer-driven cycle of creation and trashing of material objects, always gives me a pleasant little rush.

Here's an image of the clutch, at least (with the rest of what I'll be wearing to the wedding):

 photo credit: Sam

if I Only Had a Bicycle... A Tale of Tweed

Good day to you!

An event occurred last weekend in DC that I wish I'd joined. They call it a "tweed ride", a phenomenon that began in London and has since been seen in cities across the US, including San Francisco, Boston, Chicago and even Washington (DC, that is). Notably, excluded is the fashion capital, New York City. The essence of the "tweed ride"? Dandies (often) in tweed, cycling through city streets. The fashion evokes a jumble of eras, with riding boots, suspenders, tweed skirts, bowties and tie clips, and hats of all styles.

Read all about it! In Monday's WaPo article.

For those of you, like me, who missed the inaugural ride, and would love the opportunity to join in, there may be a next time! Look for news on the blogosphere before next spring and you may catch it. If I'm lucky, and remember, I'll put something up here before it happens.

Fashion For Everyone and Sandwich Bags for All Time

I finally started going through my old emails, most of which are the subscription type (newspapers, fashion deals, etc) and I found two fascinating articles.

The first article, about the show What Not To Wear, which I occasionally enjoy watching, describes the tactics used by the hosts of the show, and defines the goal of the show. One of the reasons I enjoy watching it is how harsh they can be about their subjects' pre-makeover wardrobes. The other reason is the more obvious - they point out really great tips for looking good (not just stylish) whatever one's size or shape, or style preference. The article interviews one of the hosts, Stacy London, who, among other things, believes that style is confidence-boosting.

The second article contains no advice at all - it simply describes a new product that I Must-Have. Seriously. The idea is so genius that it's waiting for a patent, according to the article. Really, it says it all. All I'll write here is that the product is an innovation on packing lunches. I'll say it again. Genius.

On a final, unrelated note, the Washington Capitals forced Game 7 against the New York Rangers!! I'll be skipping Krav class on Tuesday to watch it, most likely.... Here's hoping Henrik The King falters again, and the Caps defense keeps up the pressure. Also, good luck Varly.

January Sales

Yesterday I got cabin fever in my apartment, which called for an emergency outing... to Georgetown, a trendy shopping neighborhood in DC. The January sales treated me too well, and I got an amazing winter coat for $35!!! (I wasn't going to mention it, but couldn't help myself.)

I suppose by using some very twisted logic one could posit that shopping in the sales also helps save the environment... in that, at least the clothes I bought will be used (and used well) instead of going to a landfill... Where do leftover clothes end up, anyway? I know Target sends some of theirs to Goodwill (found tons there this weekend)... but what about other clothing companies? Food for thought.

In Search of Wool Slacks

After searching through three thrift and consignment shops for a nice pair of wool slacks that actually fit me, have resigned myself to the realisation that I need to buy them new. Have come woefully close to finding just the right pair, and have failed each time.

Shopped at the largest Goodwill I have ever been in, where I tried on several things and ended up with one... for a whopping $5. Gotta love thrift stores for economic wardrobe-updating. Unless one is looking for a nice pair of wool slacks.

Off to the January sales soon... no doubt to spend too much money on more new clothes...

...

Never claimed to perfectly adhere to the Ideals of Green.

A Tupperware Party With A Reusable Twist

Saturday my plans for a new kind of party came to successful fruition. I've always enjoyed planning and having parties, especially when they go off without a hitch. I'm not talking large raving, drunken parties - I never have enough energy for those, for hosting or for cleaning up after them. But small dinner parties and the like... much more fun.

So my latest plan, which came to me in a flash, like intuition or an epiphany, a lightning bolt sent from the heavens... you get the idea. Anyway, all of a sudden, I thought, what a great way to update and clear out my wardrobe, by throwing a party and exchanging them with other peoples' unwanted clothes! Voila'! The Thanksgiving Clothes Swap was born.

Ayah. Some people, not into the idea of reusing other peoples' clothes, might not appreciate how brilliant my idea was. Others might like to try it for themselves.

Five of my girlfriends came over, with bags of clothes they didn't wear anymore, and I put some wine on the stove to mull while we chatted and I created a hasty party soundtrack. We thought about some different strategies for the exchanges, and ended up with the easy, chaotic, and fun idea of just tossing the clothes out on the floor and just going for it. Then, we spent an hour trying on multiple pieces of clothing, and picking out what each of us liked best. One of the most useful things about trying on clothes with girlfriends is the way they'll tell you when things look good, and when they don't.

Some guidelines that we found useful, though not entirely necessary:

1. Everyone must have fun.
2. Everyone must bring something, and exhanges only are to be made. You must end up with exactly the number of things you brought, unless at the very end people still want to give items away and there aren't enough things left over to exchange.
2.5. Exchanges should be made at an even ratio, so everyone ends up with a similar number of items at the end
3. There will be no negative judging of clothing
3.5 Clothes must be tried on and viewed by others, who may comment on how well it fits (or doesn't). Honesty is strongly recommended.
4. There will be a contest at the end to see who can come up with the most outrageous outfit created out of the items that everyone has brought. I will work on a prize for this.
5. Leftovers that are not exchanged may be given away (see rule #2) but everything must go to charity, which is not exchanged or given away. No throwing away any items of clothing will be permitted!

6. There will be gossiping. We will require full disclosure.

The best perks? Free clothes that have been reused, giving clothes a second chance, seeing the delight on friends' faces when they try on a flattering piece, and the gossip and good times that accompany the swapping.

Oh yes, and the "craziest outfit" included a beret, a sparkly black top with a cut-out back, a teal knee-length skirt with a flower print, and cowboy boots. Unfortunately the words don't do the outfit justice, but I hope to get a picture up eventually.

Boston, Day 2: Various

So, the beach didn't happen. The skies threatened to rain, and the forecast was grey, so we didn't go. Turns out it was a pretty nice day throughout, and we probably would have been fine. There goes my last outdoor swim before Labor Day, I guess.

The highlights for Friday include the Nichols house, which was interesting but not fascinating. An average and slightly rambling tour that took us through a house built in 1808 (hence my interest) but was really about the last inhabitant, an eccentric old woman who lived in the 20th century. Which is definitely not as interesting as early 19th century history, IMO.

We first though, had brunch at Zaftig's, in Allston or thereabouts. Very good, worth a 20 minute wait, but definitely not worth an hour and a half wait. Try the challah french toast.

We walked around the beautiful Beacon Hill, and the Boston Common. Then we walked along Newbury St, where I managed to avoid emptying my bank account on merchandise I don't need and can't afford, and can't bring home either, due to limited suitcase space. Bravo me!

Later that night we went out, to the very touristy (it's on the Freedom Trail) Bell in Hand, where I watched Michigan Uni lose to Utah :( Followed by a unique party on a rooftop. I took pictures, but owing to my camera's automatic flash capabilities, can't be assured that any of them will come out. We left in time to take the T home, and that was that.

For Starters

Recently, I've done quite a few things a little bit differently, and a little bit greener. The most exciting one is probably shopping.

I enjoy fashion, so was initially hesitant for that reason about buying 'green' clothing. With so few companies that make them, and mainstream companies not necessarily buying into organic clothing, how fashionable and chic can they be? My first thoughts included hemp tunics and shapeless tie-dyed dresses. Not true, anymore. Although green clothing is becoming more popular, and more fashionable as a result, there's then the cost factor - my Green Guides magazine priced some beautiful pieces of organic cotton, etc - at about $100 a piece!! That may be affordable for some, but probably not many, and certainly not me.

So I needed an alternative. Remembering a few trips to thrift stores in my poor, unemployed childhood, I buy used, instead! This weekend I took a shopping trip to a consignment shop I'd never been to before, and spent a couple hours trying on designer jeans, dresses, tops and bags, which were very affordable at their 1/3 off original price. Thrift stores have cheaper items, but consignment stores are good for brand names and designer labels, with slightly more expensive price tags. I can look good knowing that the clothes I bought have been rescued from the landfills, and are being re-used at least once more. The other advantage is I would still pay more to buy new clothes at the mall.

The other side of that coin is donating used clothing, which is something on my List of Things To Do. I have piles of acceptable, clean clothing at home that can be sold at a yard sale (initiative permitting) or donated to the local Goodwill.

To find thrift stores and consignment shops in your area, google 'best thrift store' with your zip code.