Alumni gear on zulily

So these are pretty specific, and shockingly, there is no Bryn Mawr merch there (I know!), but if you want to display some team spirit you can get it at a discount.
Also, a lot of it is really ugly.



$14.99 Gray UCLA tank
This is VERY specific. I hope the woman who wears this is already dating 1 or more Bruins, otherwise it is incredibly limiting and I think she is going to have a hard time finding relationship success.



$17.99 Kansas clogs
Have you ever admired the clompy childish ugliness of crocs and thought, "Self, I should get a pair of those because I have no dignity and like people to see my feet through tiny holes. If only I could somehow make them look splotchy and dirty, too! Then that would seal the deal."?
Because if so, and if you are also a Kansas alum, have I got the crocs for you....

Let's not even start on the orange Miami ones.




$34.99 Clemson khaki capri
Can we all agree that khaki is the worst color to put on your bottom half?
And that capris are the most universally unflattering length for pants?
And that baggy capris are an abomination against god?
Well, let's just add some paw prints. That oughtta fix it.


$9.99 Missouri color daizie earrings
You know what really shows team spirit?
And what really says "I donate to my alumni fund?"
$10 ugly rhinestone flower earrings.
Ask anyone, it's true.

What I ended up wearing to that 1920s party

Here we are!

BTW, E's mustache is real.
He had a bunch of scruff and then shaved it all down except for the stache.
Then he kept trying to kiss me but I was good at running away.
He said he was going to keep it until I came back from my next business trip, but in the morning he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and it was gone.

Anyway, I ended up finding this tiered lace shift at H&M for under $40.

I bought it in the biggest size they had so it would be a loose, short dress on me.
If I had gotten it in my size, it would have been scandalously too short to be a dress. But I guess they classify it as a dress on their site.
When I was at H&M I also saw an awesome drop waist green maxi dress on it with a digital photo print of an archway. It would have been great too.

I paired it with a fascinator I made out of feathers a few years ago when they were first popular, and white lace tights.
I had 3 long necklaces: pearls, green beads, and clear beads, and I wore all of them to add to the flapper look.
I also wore a loose fringed green paisley open cardigan that I got at the LN sale 2 years ago and haven't worn much.

You can't see my shoes, but I googled what women were wearing in the 1920s and it looked like high heeled mary janes and lace up ankle boots with heels and heeled spectators. I had heels that came close to looking like mary janes so I wore those.

I think the best part is the makeup, which I spent some time on.
I followed this youtube tutorial and put eyeliner and eyeshadow up to the insides of my eyebrows, and did the bow lip too.

Cord Holder Taco

$29.99 for 5 cord tacos

My computer bag has a front pocket. If you dare open that front pocket, you will be greeted with a tangle of a zillion cords from my laptop charger to phone charger, headphones, wifi charger, ipad charger etc.
I have tried different wrapping techniques, but it hasn't really worked.
I also tried using little cosmetic pouches to keep cords separate but then I kept taking the packages out and forgetting to put them back in, so that didn't work either.

Will cord tacos work?
Not sure.

But possibly worth a try?
They look easy enough to use, you just wrap up your cord and snap the leather taco over it.

The pack of 5 comes with 2 large and 3 small cord tacos.
You can get them in black or tan or mixed colors.

How do you keep your cords in line?

3 Art Deco tops from Forever 21

Still on the hunt you ask?
Why yes I am!
Sigh.

These tops from F21 might fit the bill, and plus they are cute and versatile enough for wearing after a theme party too.

But what to wear on the bottom? A long black skirt maybe?



$17.80 Cutout 3/4 sleeve top
I like the blousy fit and the cool cut out neckline on this.
The cinched waist might not be the most flattering, but worth a try



$17.80 Rhinestone shoulder georgette top
This top has pretty studded lines of rhinestones going down over the shoulders and is a loose, boxy fit. Also comes in white.


$22.80 Sequined zigzag top
Bronze zig zags cross this shirt horizontally, obscuring most of your shape underneath, which is great if you are pretending to be a flapper who hides her shape.

Frida Kahlo's Style

Frida Kahlo's clothing is now being exhibited at her home/now museum.
It looks really cool! I wish I was able to go to Mexico City to see it.
The clothes shown will be changed every 5 months to preserve them better and to rotate the collection, so you could go many times and see new things.

Check out this video:


The idea of showing what Kahlo wore to both showcase her nationality and hide her disabilities is really interesting.

Plus the clothes are just cool.


This is Kahlo painting her body cast.

From the linked article:

The intimate exhibition will feature 300 different items of clothing, headpieces, jewellery and corsetry. Many of the clothes which were locked up in trunks and wardrobes for so long still carry the scent of the late artist’s perfume and cigarette smoke or stains from painting. Entitled “Appearances can be Deceiving”, the exhibition importantly highlights the sadder, truer side to Kahlo’s flamboyant style.

1920s party outfit from Asos

So I already looked and found some stuff on Etsy, but of course I forgot to actually order anything, and now I still need an outfit.
Maybe Asos will save me?

DRESSES



$211.94 Frill and Frock deco Sequin shift dress
I love the scallops and the embellishments on this dress, but it's kind of pricey.





$69.52 TFNC sequin scallop dress
This price is a lot better!
But the shape is more modern and less drop-waist, and the skirt looks super short.
It's also available in turquoise or coral for more money.



$77.15 Warehouse Deco dress
This dress has the embellishments and the looseness but not quite the right shape or pattern. It's a good modern update though, and one I would wear again after this party.

$47.47 Pretty Vacant drop waist scallop collar dress
This one has the drop waist thing going on but looks a little too modern I think





$214.46 Ted Baker flapper dress
The scallops and length are good, but I can't tell if it would look better or worse on me than the model, who I don't think looks very good in it.


$124.63 Lydia Bright Shift Deco dress
This dress has great scalloped design done in small faux pearls and has a great scoop neck and good length. I wish it were under $100 and I would snap it up!


$64.01 Deco embellished black dress
For the plus sized woman who likes the deco style dresses.


TOPS



$64.64 Warehouse deco top
I love the sheerness of this, and the lines and glitz are perfectly deco.



$58.19 Art deco sequin top
Sleeveless and drapey with silver beads that look like long liquid panels




$66.50 Lipsy sequin deco top
Light pink chiffon with embroidered and sequined deco lines



$45.56 Lipsy sheer deco top
This one is a little slutty as shown, but I bet it would be nice with a plain black scoop tank under it.



$74.81 Lipsy embellished tee top
Some more arm coverage for non-shoulder baring ladies.


ACCESSORIES




$24.95 Flapper headband
How awesome is this? Love it! Looks great with bangs, which I don't have.
There is also one with a flower shape in the middle.



$9.95 crown disc headband
Very Nicole Richie, no?



$24.94 Swinging chandelier earrings
These are actually huge in real life, but the chain and starburst look Deco-y to me



$16.63 Lion stone cocktail ring
A perfect giant cocktail ring to top off the outfit.

4 Platform Wedge Sandals for Spring on sale at Target

Target has a bunch of cute shoes on sale right now, some appropriate for spring and summer.

Here are my 4 favorites:

 
$17.48 Tallulah Blue Madison sandal (was $34.99)
The alternating colors on the espadrille wedge are cute, and a good match with the orange color of the toe. They also come with a yellow toe but I like this better.



$12.48 Merona Elpida Cross strap sandal (was $24.99)
These are great neutral shoes with a wearable wedge heel.


$18.48 Tallulah Blue Saville open toe sandal (was $37.99)
The rivets and python print and striped wedge are a lot of detail, but the whole shoe doesn't come off as too busy. These look HIGH.




$14.98 Mossimo Phyla wedge sandal (was $29.99)
You can't quite tell in this picture, but that darker blue part of the wedge isn't a decoration, it's a hole that goes all the way through!
As I've mentioned before, I love that.
These are pretty great, and come in a bunch of colors like blue, cognac, orange, and white. I like the blue and white best.

Word to the Wise: Upcoming sample sales in NYC

  (nicole miller allison gown)
Nicole Miller’s first-ever sample sale.  Bargains of up to 80% off retail can be had on production pieces – sportswear, evening wear, cocktail dresses, bridal and accessories. Plus, find one-of-a-kind samples.  Where/When:  260 Fifth Avenue (b/w 28/29 Streets), NY, NY; March 26-30; Tues (10am-7pm), Wed-Thurs (10am-8pm), Fri (11am-7pm), Sat (10am-5pm).

i-ella sample sale
Where/Where:  401 Broadway, Suite 700 (b/w Walker and Lispendard), NY, NY; March 28-30; RSVP required:  samplesale@i-ella.com.  Entry into the sale is by appointment only.

Bettye Muller and Linda Richards
Wholesale prices and below for hundreds of shoes and accessories. Shoes originally $300-$500 now $50 and under! Also, snag Linda Richard’s famous infinity scarf for $138.  Where/When: 209 West 38^th St., Suite 505 (b/w 7^th and 8^th Aves), NY, NY; (212)-382-2257, April 3-12; Mon-Fri (8:30am-5:30pm). 

Hunter Dixon

Up to 80% off women's clothing from Fashion Star contestant Hunter Bell. When/Where: Wednesday, April 3 through Thursday, April 4. Daily 10am—8pm. 152 W. 36th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, suite 801 (no phone)

Only Hearts  50% to 80% off womenswear and lingerie at the store's Annual Tent Sale. When/Where: Ongoing but with limited stock. Starts Saturday, March 30. Mon—Sat 11:30am—7:30pm, Sun 11:30am—6:30pm. 230 Mott St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-431-3694)

1920s dresses on Etsy

My friend is hosting a fun 1920s murder mystery party, and lo and behold, I have nothing to wear!

The internet search for a cute dress begins. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a dress I probably won't re-wear, but I do want to look the part.

Let's start by listing some 1920s trends.
The look was a slim, boyish figure, and bobbed hair, sometimes with curls, and heavy eye makeup.

Of course, there is the flapper style. Fringes and short dresses that look good while dancing the jitterbug.
There was also a trend of drop-waist dresses which contribute to the "I'm a flat stick" impression by minimizing hips and bust and making the waist look straight.

It was not a great time to be an hourglass, which I am. But I'm going to try to find something flattering anyway.

I like the drop-waist sailor style dresses of the time.
Another trend I'd try is the Deco beading and intricate decorations with straight architectural lines.

For accessories, there are cute little caps, which I'm excited to try out. I have my grandmother's leopard fez which would be fun to incorporate.
Also, long strands of beads or pearls would be nice.
Pins and rings were Deco in style, with orderly rows of gems and lots of diamonds and emeralds.
Luckily, my engagement ring fits right in with this look.

Now, let's go shopping on Etsy!
When I shop for this style, I am going to err on the side of too big rather than too small. You want your clothes to look baggy and loose. No one likes a sausage-stuffed flapper.


DROP-WAIST DRESSES
 
$50 Flapper style silk beaded dress
 I love the beading on this one, but the sleeves are horrendous. I'd cut them off at the shoulders and have a sleeveless dress.

 
$35 Magenta drop waist dress
The pleats and length on this one are nice, and the color is fun. I would also cut the sleeves off and just have that square neck and sleeveless look. It would be a great canvas for beads.



 $36 Drop waist tan linen dress with pleated bottom
This one is a little worn, but I like the style.



$28 Pink lace flapper dress
The handkerchief hem on this is fun, and the light color reminds me of an Erte illustration.
Also a nice budget option.


SAILOR DRESSES


$45 Vintage drop waist sailor dress
The wide waist band and short skirt on this worry me a little, but the top is so cute.


 
$70 Vintage red strip sailor dress
Another sailor theme dress, this time in red and with a longer pleated skirt.


 
$35 Blue sailor dress with drop waist and red bow
This is the one I am most leaning towards in the sailor category, because I like the colors and the length of the skirt.

Word to the Wise: Upcoming Sample Sales in NYC

Here are the good sales I'm planning on attending soon!

(Twinkle by Wenlan dress originally $389)
What:  Twinkle by Wenlan is hosting a warehouse sale featuring merchandise from the archives, including some fun and classic pieces. Many pieces will range in price from $40 to $60.  Examples include a wool hand knit coat for $60 (orig. $430), a lace insert silk dress for $60 (orig. $312), princess dress for $60 (orig. $360) and an eyelet blouse for $60 (orig. $360).  Where/When:  545 8^th Avenue (b/w 37^th and 38^th Streets), NY, NY; Mar 20-23; Wed-Sat (9:30am-7:30pm).  Cash and Credit Cards Accepted.

(Sferra King Miami sheet set originally $610)
What:  SFERRA sample sale will feature down comforters & pillows, blankets, sheets, duvet covers, matelasse, throws, decorative pillows, table linens and more.  Where/When:  Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave (b/w 15^th & 16^th Sts), NY, NY; Mar 27-Mar 31; Wed-Sat (10am-7pm), Sun (10am-6pm).

(Hickey Freeman Mahogany Blue Flannel suit originally $1,695)
 What:  Stock up on men’s suits at the Hickey Freeman sample sale.  Up to 80 percent off retail. Where/When:  317 West 33rd Street (between 8th-9th Aves), NY, NY;  March 17-21; Sun (9am-6pm), Mon-Wed (9am-6:30pm), Thurs (9am-5pm).

 
(Heike Jarick Suzette dress from 2013 )
What:  Get the new Spring/Summer 2013 collection at prices up to 85% off retail at the Heike Jarick sample sale.  Where/When:  307 West 38th St, Suite 811 (b/w 8^th & 9^th Aves), NY, NY; March 20-April 3; Mon-Sat (9am-6pm).

Wall dock on Zulily

Attention rabbit owners and others who want to avoid cords:

This wall dock is a good thing.


$9.99 Zulily iphone/ipad wall dock (was $30)

You plug this in to the outlet on the wall and there are NO CORDS to chew on or get tangled or collect dust. And it has a little shelf to keep your device on.

Note that this works with any 30 pin i-device, like iphones, ipad 2, but NOT the ones with the new new charger thing like the ipad mini.

Word to the Wise: Wedding dress sample sales

There are two NYC wedding dress sales coming up.
I think I'm the only engaged person in my friend group right now, but maybe you know someone you want to pass the info to?

What: Wedding gowns up to 80 percent off at Mark Ingram Atelier sample sale.  By appointment only – call 212-319-6778.   Where/When:  110 East 55th Street (between Park and  Lex), 8th Floor, NY, NY;  March 19; (10am-8pm).

What:  Marked down wedding dresses and evening gowns and separates at the Reem Acra sample sale.  Where/When:  240 West 35th Street (b/w 7th and 8th Aves), 7th Floor, NY, NY; March 22-23; Fri (12pm-3pm), Sat (10am-5pm).

Here is a pretty Reem Acra dress from the Fall 2013 collection (no idea if it will be on sale):

Marula Oil facial moisturizer

In one of the Birchbox shipments a while ago, I got a tiny vial of Marula oil.
I really liked it and have been using it every night before bed. It's light an goes on easily, sinks in pretty quickly, and feels very healthy and moisturizing without being too slick.
I find it lighter and less oily feeling than jojoba oil.

Marula oil comes from South Africa and is made from the nuts of the marula tree.
Pretty, right?
Don't you want it on your face?

The kind in the Birchbox shipment was the Leakey brand and it costs $79 for 1 oz.

$79 Leakey Collection Marula Oil 1oz=53ml

That is more than yours truly likes to spend on products, so I looked online to see if I could find a better deal.

The good news is that Amazon has a veritable ton of it for much cheaper.
I just ordered this:
 
$28 Marula Oil from AAA Shea Butter 100ml
Not a bad deal! That is almost twice as much product for about 1/3 of the price.


Now lets learn a little about why this stuff is so great:

With higher level of antioxidants & omega 9 acid than argan or grape seed oil, Marula assists in providing more advanced protection against environmental stressors & free radicals, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines & other signs of premature aging. Light & powerful, this highly prized oil leaves skin soft & supple with increased elasticity & firmness for healthy, beautiful & age defying radiance. Suitable for all skin types.

Omega-rich with exceptional moisturizing benefits for a radiant finish

Fast absorbing, light, non-greasy texture

Provides long-lasting hydration

Naturally healing to reduce inflammation and redness

Leaves skin soft, supple and glowing

Can lead to noticeable improvement in skin's elasticity and firmness with consistent use

Anti-microbial properties make it appropriate for all skin types

That's from the Leakey site.

From wikipedia I learned that people also cook with it and treat leather with it. So, go wild!

Wallet with foldable umbrella

$9.96 each for 50 custom folding umbrella wallets

I wish these came in smaller quantities!
Aren't they cool?

It's a little wallet that comes with a tiny folding umbrella in it so you always have one on hand.

Anyone (*or any 49) want to go in on it with me?

iPad mini envelope sleeves

E. recently got an ipad mini which he is completely in love with.
While accompanying me bag shopping, he saw an envelope purse which I guess he had never heard of before, but he thought it was the coolest thing. I suggested he get it for his mini but it wasn't the right size.

I promised that there were a bunch like it online though, and that we would find him one.

So here are some options!


$43 (33 Euro) Striiiipes suede ipad envelope case
This envelope looks like one of the manila interoffice ones. I like it in yellow for that effect.


$19.99 wool felt envelope protective sleeve for ipad mini
Similar to the Striiiipes one but cheaper and felt instead of suede.

$14.99 Vintage design envelope for ipad mini
This is fake suede and made to look like a mailed package. Cute!


$29 Fabric envelope ipad case
You can have this customized with your name and address and stamps from different countries



$ Brown fabric ipad mini envelope cover
If you aren't into leather or fake suede etc, this option might be nice.



$60 Leather ipad envelope with clasp
I like the old look of this clasp and the leather seems to be good quality from what I can tell.


$51 Leather envelope style ipad mini case
The crumpled leather makes this one look like a package as well.



$45 Wrap tie leather envelope ipad mini case
This one is still an envelope style but the closure is a horizontal flap with a wrap around lace.



$49 Leather ipad mini envelope case
With the decorated silver button and leather lace, this one looks medieval Spanish to me.


$44 Leather foldover envelope case for ipad mini
 This one offers to stamp your initials on a tab inside. It's clean and spare.


$83 Leather ipad mini envelope
This one is very minimalist.


$23 Felt gray envelope case for ipad mini
Similar to the previous one above but in felt


$76 Buffalo leather ipad mini envelope
This cool texture is from washed buffalo leather.
It has a folded over flap but nothing to secure it down, just fyi.

I like all of them!