Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category
Barraged by cross-body bags
What’s still Cracking Good — Cross body bags
You know, last year I searched far and wide for a decent cross-body bag…and while I found a few, they were pretty elusive.
This season, however, I’m not looking, and they are EVERYWHERE.
Isn’t that always the way?
1.) Deena & Ozzy Leather Cage Bag, $68
2.) Tano Thin Lizzy, $190
3.) Nine West Crossbody (more colors), $49.99
4.) Back in the Saddle Bag, $59.99
5.) Cantina Mini Bag, $99
Summer style for the boys
My husband is one of the most stylish people I know.
He’s always been that way. Even in high school, he pegged his slightly baggy jeans, untucked his shirt just so, and had an easy way of carrying his backpack that made his whole look seem effortless and cool. You never get the idea that he stood in his closet for hours wondering what he should wear — or whether his jeans make his bum look big (for the record, he’s never done either of those things).
When my guy friends ask me about men’s fashion, I often point to him as a model of what I think a boy should wear: equal parts rumpled prep school student and street kid, with a dash of nerd.
Here are a few things that are in his summer rotation:
Tops:
- Polo shirts, $8
- Button-down shirt (in blue and white striped, white or blue), $59.50
- Madras shirts, $95
Bottoms:
- A not-so-baggy khaki, $54
- A not-so-baggy jean, $54
- A thin-legged short, $41.99
Shoes:
- Sneakers, $30
- Saddle Shoes, varies
- Oxford Laceup, $245
- Flip- flops, $22
Accessories:
- A giant watch, $135
- A preppy tie, $45
- Belt, $18
Favorite men’s stores:
If money is no object:
Kate Moss for Topshop’s summer line
I’ve been a fan of Kate Moss’s line of clothing for Topshop since it first came out. The line is consistently pretty and inspirational without being overly trendy. Her summer line launched today.
In it, you’ll find diaphanous pieces as light and airy and we wish our summers were in Phoenix. There are a few items fit more for a foggy London summer, but would be well-suited for a southwestern fall: Suede Cutwork Shorts or a Sequin Embroidered Cape.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Circle Lace Blouse, $80
- Open Back Playsuit, $160
- Embroidered Dress, $145
Scottsdale vintage: Fashion by Robert Black
A friend sent me a Tweet today alerting me to the existence of Fashion by Robert Black. I’d heard of it but don’t often to get to Scottsdale, so I’d never been.
As luck would have it, I was at my parents’ house very near Scottsdale when aforementioned Tweet arrived, so I stopped in on my way home.
The large space is filled with rack after rack of carefully preserved vintage pieces ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s.
There are no sizes here. Due to the sizing discrepancies (I’m a modern 4/vintage 14), not to mention the sturdy foundation garments worn back in the day, sizing is difficult, so they don’t even bother. If you want to know if an item fits, you’ll have to try it on.
You’ll want to try stuff on.
Sundresses, cocktail dresses, ball gowns, jackets…they’ve got it all. I even saw a little white shift with a detachable tulle/bow skirt that made me want to renew my vows.
There’s also shoes, gloves, hats and jewelry…which is both vintage, or recreated from vintage pieces.
Each of the 2 dressing rooms is situated next to a 3-way mirror and equipped with a 1940s bathrobe (which I hear are difficult to find) so you can meander the store between try-ons.
Don’t expect thrift store prices. Dresses I saw today ranged from a $75 cotton dress to a $450 1920s gown, but the prices seem reasonable for such pristine pieces.
Fashion by Robert Black
7144 E. 1st Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85281
(480) 664-7770
Happy meetings and thrift-love
A couple of weeks ago, I had my first blogger-et-blogger meet up.
During a family trip to Phoenix, DiDenizen (aka Cara Jean Means) ditched the kids for a spell and we lunched and perused some vintage shops. (See her account).
She bought earrings — I bought a warming bean pot.
On our excursion, I learned that, while she likes vintage, she really, REALLY likes thrifting. Her blog is full of “look at what I made from this old thing” items.
Her ingenuity is inspiring me to do more altering of thrift-store goods.
The operative word there is “inspiring.” I haven’t yet worked wonders with a $2 top…but I can feel the ideas percolating.
Maybe I could do something with this dress?
Vintage splurges
If you have a few extra hundred dollars and are looking for a vintage showpiece, here are a few I’m loving at Shrimpton Couture:
- 1960s Gold Malcolm Starr Dress, $375
- 1970s Maxi Dress, $175
- 1940s Silk Swing Dress, $275
Good Egg Award: Best Fancy vintage
Best Fancy vintage: Vintage Fashion, Inc.
“This store is going to be dangerous for you,” my husband said after I dragged him into Vintage Fashion, Inc.
Truer words have never been spoken.
We had visited the store a few months back when it was filled with $1200 dresses and visitors weren’t allowed to touch. Someone must have forgotten to tell the owner he opened a store in Phoenix.
I guess he got the memo, because the new and improved store has done away with the couture (it’s in the back for those of you who can afford it ). The store is now filled with designer vintage from the 1950s – 1990s at the upper-end-of-reasonable price points. A 1950s black dress from Bullock’s is tagged at $145. A vintage DVF wrap dress is in the $200s.
The staff is friendly and helpful. While trying on aforementioned black dress, the sales woman came by with a drop-waisted lace number from the ’60s she thought I might like.
I did. It’s now in my closet.
As I said, dangerous.
Vintage Fashion, Inc.
4700 N Central Ave #121
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(480) 280-6838
A day in Phoenix: Indie Shopper
10 a.m. Get up and throw something on. Wear something easy to get in and out of (a dress and flip-flops?) , you’re going to be trying on clothes.
11 a.m. Head to Central and Camelback to Frances Vintage for a great accessories and gift selections. Some things you’ll find: Cool, arty dresses and tops, vintage picks, handmade accessories, and eclectic home items.
Next door, stop into Stinkweeds, one of the best local music stores in town. Listen to the newest indie albums or peruse their flyers for upcoming shows and events.
One door down: Red Hot Robot. Get inspired by their collection of vinyl toys, books and other Japanese-inspired accessories.
Next up, get a mid-morning pick-me-up at Smeeks, the cute candy shop at the end of the row.
12:30 p.m. Head a mile or so down Central to Pane Bianco, of Bianco’s Pizzaria fame, for a delicious sandwich and a Bubble Up.
If you’re a sweetie person (like me), stop next door at Lux for a baked treat. My suggestion: Anything with chocolate and/or peanut butter.
1:30 p.m. A block or so down the road, check out Vintage Fashion, Inc. for an amazing mix of designer vintage ranging from barely-affordable to not-so-much. Walk a few steps to Central Consignment next door for a brand names at discount prices.
2:00 p.m. More vintage. Head a few miles west to Hollywood Regency and peruse their selection of retro classic clothing for men and women.
Across the street: Retro Ranch for a funky collection of well-priced vintage fashions, furniture and home decor.
3:30 p.m. Stop off at Grand Ave. – home of vintage shop, Butter Toast.
Grab an iced tea next door at Paisley Violin and sit on the patio (October-May) or inside (June-Sept) and think about your purchases.
4:30 p.m. Downtown is a little sparse, but you can still check out some locally made items at
Bunky Boutique and Made.
Happy hour – You’ve been living la vida retro all day, stay in that mood with a martini from Durant’s. All it takes is one.
6:30 p.m. Take the 20-minute trip to Scottsdale. Work up an appetite trolling Scottsdale Fashion Square, home of some great high and low-end shopping.
For big spenders: Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, and Kate Spade.
For the spend-thrifts: Forever21, Charolette Russe and coming soon — H&M.
8 p.m. Depending on the damage you’ve incurred throughout your day, you might choose a less expensive dining option, like the home-style fare at Orange Table, or splurge a little at new (and much talked about) FnB for some gourmet fare.
Nordstrom shoe sale
Clearance. Shoes. Nordstrom. Need I say more? Here are some of my faves:
1.) Miz Mooz Sunset Pump, was $109.95, now $72.90
2.) Steve Madden Kookiee Flat, was $59.95, now $39.90
3.) Paul Green Eldorado Bootie, was $379, now $252.90
4.) Nike Eclipse Sneaker, was $65, now $42.90
The Love Me Not style
According to New Times, local band The Love Me Nots are auctioning some of their go-go boots, swingin’ shifts and even equipment on eBay.
Get a retro-relic with bonafide rock ‘n roll cred starting at $.99.
My fave, this color block dress and matching go-go boots.
