"Vintage = Used = Pit Stains = No Thanks!"

Dear reader(s) -  pluralized on the off chance anyone but my sister is reading this.

I have a couple of confessions:

1. It has been at least 6 months since I last posted, which I suppose is more of a fact than a confession; let the confession be that I am lazy.

2. I went to Value Village the other day, and it was not to Halloween shop.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the latter is more important. 

Now, if any of you are like my mother, you might think the concept of thrift store shopping is scarier then the costumes they are presently selling. As she would say- while simultaneously thrusting Purell at me- "EWWW...used clothing?" 

Judge all you want, but I will be completely and 100% honest: I love val vill. Not only did I spend a mere $39 (and 94 cents), and come away with a coat, belt and boots, but I also got the opportunity to try on a lot of gaudy clothing. And by 'gaudy clothing', I mean stuff that may or may not have been inherited from Michael Jackson's last will and testament. Now was that too soon for a jab at MJ? Forgive me. RIP.

Hopefully we can get past that un-PC comment, and focus on the important things here, like how amazing the boots I bought were. For some background info, I have been wanting lace up boots for a good six months here, and while they were not exactly what I had in mind, the cashier lady gave them to me for $19. I couldn't say no. 

The point that I am trying to make in this passage, is not that I have forgotten how to write a coherent string of sentences in the six months, but rather, to promote thrift shopping. 

You can get that one-of-a-kind piece, that every girl on campus won't already own - because it is not from Aritzia- without the heavy mark up of vintage shopping. Sure it requires some hard work, and some hand sanitizer, but with these kind of savings, it is well worth it. 

A Girl's Guide to Thrifting:

- Get to your local Sally- Anne, and be prepared to dig, just not as far as the 80's. 

- Avoid shoulder pads all together. I do not care if Lady Gaga can pull them off.

- Take a friend. You may just need the moral support, or someone to talk you out of the blazer with the shoulder pads.

- Bi-pass everything in between, and head straight to the belt section. In my personal experience, they always seem to have original (and cheap) belts that will complete any outfit. 

-Be sure to bi-pass the underwear section all together. That's just gross.

- 100% polyester is not as appealing by the light of day. Read what it the garment is made from first to prevent buyers remorse. This is one tip I learned from my mother. That, and never buy anything that looks like you are headed to the Zion Ranch.

- Remember, tailors exist for a reason. People always seem to think of this as an unnecessary expense, but let me tell you this much,  a simple alteration could make that $7.99 skirt look like $79.99. 

- Everything, and I mean everything, spans from $5.99 to $19.99. You won't have to mortgage your home, or live of Ramen noodles for a week, to afford something. Buy both dresses.

- Last but not least,  you won't contract any fatal diseases from the clothing. There is nothing to be afraid of; leave your rubber gloves at home. 

5 Things I Beg you Never to Wear

Courtesy of: Guest blogger- Hilary Macmillan

Hello Ladies and Gents,

I warn you to read with caution. In no way will I sugar coat this and no, I am not self-declaring myself “fashion guru” but I BEG you please stop wearing these things because maybe if the world is lucky, people will stop buying these items and then eventually companies will stop making them and we could hold a bonfire and burn all these excess items. Is it terribly off-putting that this is my dream? 

I understand the notion of personal style and how important it is to express yourself through your clothing but please, please, when waking up in the morning, or afternoon I beg you, pretty please with a cherry on top, forgo any of these items. Please just put them in the trash, or recycling now.

This item is my pet peeve - this horrific trend needs to cease to exist: plastic, holey shoes. Yes my dears, CROCS. PLEASE REFRAIN. This trend is out of control! Did you know there are even such things as croc charms? Those are 2 words I wish I never had to utter. 

Mom Jeans. Enough said. These horrendous jeans do not flatter anyone. If all else fails ladies please just opt for nice dark denim, it does not have to be low rise it can be a simple boot cut.

Now this one, you would think, is strictly for the guys but unfortunately I have experienced this “trend” (can I even call it that?) on women. Super low rise jeans. The kind that are so terrifyingly low that on ladies you can see, dare I say it, their unsightly regions. Now for you men out there, if your jeans are hanging off of you that means your jeans are too big. Do not just go and buy a belt, sacrifice them for the greater good. 

This isn’t so much an article of clothing as much as it is just a general faux-pas. Bra straps, clear or not, should not be shown. I know you ladies think you are being clever by wearing clear bra straps but in no way are they invisible. They look the same as fabric ones. Please just buy a strapless bra, or sacrifice that fabulous halter dress or top. There is nothing worse that a woman who is wearing a halter top with her bra straps showing, it is simply unsightly. We have all made this mistake but if you want a really great strapless bra even for ladies who have bigger chests buy the Wacoal Silver halo lace convertible strapless bra. Make sure you buy the right size!!! I cannot stress how important it is to get a bra fitting. It might seem a little awkward but suck it up and go.  

Finally, fleece. If you aren’t camping or a lumberjack lets just not wear fleece of any kind: pants, jackets, or sweaters, ok? Thanks! 

A Lack of Colour

The tried and true contents of our wardrobe.

Spoiler alert: There's lots of black.

Trapped in the Past, I Just Can't Seem to Move On

I know I'm not alone:

That shirt that you bought because it was on sale...
That skirt that hasn't fit you since first year...
The dress you argued you'd find an occasion to wear...
The jacket you paid far too much for to just throw out...

Maybe it was a gift, maybe it never fit you to begin with, or maybe, just maybe, it was an additional 50% off; either way, if you've never worn it, you probably never will. 

Whatever the item may be, I don't need to remind you: it's collecting dust in your wardrobe.

So in lieu of downsizing: throw it out, gift it to a friend, donate it to a shelter; it's taking up valuable space in your wardrobe, and you and I both know, there is someone out there who would appreciate it. Family friends of mine have a rule in their house: for every clothing item they purchase, they have to get rid of one item in their existing wardrobe. Easier said than done, I know, but I challenge you to try it. 

Whatever you choose to do, let me leave you with this catch-phrase of my mum's:

"would you pay full price for it?"

9 times out of 10 I'm willing to bet the answer is 'no'. So do yourself the favour, and walk away.

Now stop living through 'what-if's' and go throw out your pre-college jeans that you've been holding on to for "when you lose the weight", and come to terms with the fact that you will likely never be a size 25 again. 

My Life Would Suck Without You- and My Jimmy Choo's.

The point we are trying to make, we like shoes.

That is all.

This is Real, This is Me.

For two people who share so many things in common, we sure do dress differently....

P.S. In retrospect, I wish I brushed my hair.

....

...last but not least

Inventory

Item 3

What: L.A.M.B. Black Suede Booties

First and foremost, I have big feet. I'm aware.

Now that we've established that...

Where: Purchased at Off Saks (The Saks 5th outlet store) from the Premium Outlets in Palm Desert, for roughly $150. 

Note: If you're ever in the area, the Premium Outlets there are the best outlets I've ever been too (and believe you me, I've been to my fair share). There's Gucci, Tods, Dior, Prada, the list goes on and on; just to put things in perspective, while I was there, Gucci had an additional 75% of sale prices on all clothing merchandise. I kid you not.

Why: The four inch heel makes me instantly feel a million miles long, and better still, they are surprisingly comfortable; I'd wear them with my PJ's if I could. 

...

Inventory:

Item 2

What: Snake Skin Clutch

Where: Two years ago I did a five-week summer course in Paris studying Trend Forecasting, and Fashion Styling. Anyways, to make a long story short, our Trend Forecasting teacher took us on a field trip to this amazing vintage store, which, as I'm sure you can already guess, is where I found this bag. Having already blown most of my money on wine and che

ese, I was hesitant to buy this clutch at 40 euro; but my teacher talked me into it, and I figured that thereby was a legitimate excuse enough for my parents ( "but mum, my teacher said...")

Why: As in the case of last post, for me clothes have the ability to house memories. This bag, in its essence reminds me of that summer in Paris - I can practically smell the croissants just thinking about it. 

These are a few of my favourite things...

Inventory:

Item 1

What: Brown Eyed Girl Belt

First and foremost, before I cover the where and why, this is quite possibly my favourite possession of all time. So now for the nitty-gritty:

Where: On a family trip to the San Juan Islands a few summers 

back my parents and I stumbled across this small store a little off 

the beaten track, where low and behold this belt was. Forgive me 

for saying this- as it is a belt we are talking about- but it was love

 at first site; it was also two hundred dollars. Needless to say, I put it down, only to my complete surprise, to  find it wrapped up at the breakfast table for me the next morning. 

Why: Every time I wear the belt it seems I have someone compliment me on it. It's unique, and yet completely and utterly me- were I to let myself be defined by a belt of course.

Fun Fact: Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl is also the ringtone on my cell phone. In case you I didn't make it glaringly obvious, I'm a bit of a fan.)

The Jail House Rock

In lieu of keeping this brief, I am using this space and the next 150 odd words to push this seasons' one-piece jumpsuit. 

Now before you can express your concern, this 'one-piece' is not an extension of the childhood counterpart you likely wore to bed as a kid; you don't need to accessorize it with a shovel and a hoe, nor do you have to be behind bars- or look good in orange- to wear it. Instead, the only thing you need to tout this look, is confidence (and maybe long legs).

Brave it in a black satin for a night out on the town, or couple it with flats an a bomber jacket to hit the stores. Regardless, however you choose to wear it, don't feel compelled to pick up a can of paint. 

Above Look: Urban Outfitters

Kimchi Blue Lynda Onesie

$78

The Age Old Battle: Fashion vs. Practicality

So all you shopaholics:

Q: What is the best outfit to wear shopping?

As far as preference goes, I personally suppose it depends on the application of said shopping endeavor. Let me explain. 

Situation 1. 

Forgive me in advance for how snobby as this sounds, BUT if I am going shopping and want good service, generally speaking, I will try to wear something nice. This gives me a rather convenient excuse to try on designer loot (with no intent of buying), without having the sales associates whisper behind my back.

Situation 2.

This situation is a straight sneakers, and denim affair. We're talking a back-to-school type shopping trip; the one you loath, but have to do. It's monotonous, tiring, and almost impossible to get through without a large coffee. Fact of the matter, no one actually enjoys this type of shopping trip, but either way, comfy shoes are a must.

Situation 3.

This pertains to the last post. Having experience sample sales in New York at their finest (or worst, depending on how you look at it), I can conclude that the best feasible option for such shopping would be: leggings, flip flops, and a tank top and a sweater- or a comparable combination. The important thing about dressing for this occasion is easy access- now don't let your minds wander. What I mean is, being able to take your shoes on, and off (...and on, and off) without dealing with the fuss of zippers, or laces. This ensemble is practical in the respect that you can throw a shirt or skirt on without having to deal with the hassle of a change room. 

NB: In sample-sale lingo, "change room" is quite literally defined as a curtained off section, with few mirrors, lots of girls, and piles of clothes. 

So anyways, if you're reading, let me know what you think the best possible shopping outfit might be- just so I can put my sisters argument to rest that practicality is the end all be all.

...I Paid Full Price. FML.

Truth be told, I almost have issue paying full price for anything. As many might agree, it is my personal belief that nothing trumps an outlet mall, a sample sale, or anything involving the words 50% off. Let's face it, there's something about the satisfaction that you, and you alone, will know how much you paid (especially if your friends think it set you back an arm and a leg).

While I consider myself - for the most part- to be a well-mannered, courteous person, I almost become almost another person when in 'sale mode'. I am a force to be reckoned with, and I'm willing to admit, it's almost scary, and totally out of character. 

For those of you not familiar with discount shopping, I can only describe it as a total and utter adrenaline rush. Picture this: [insert favourite designer] boots....last pair....your size.....75% off- almost too good to be true. There is no room for manners. The only thing standing between you and those boots, is the other hundred size-nine girls heading for said boots. It's a competitive sport, and if only it were recognized by the Olympics, I'd be a sure contestant for the gold.

Some of the best items in my closet have come from the depths of some clearance bin, or been tagged with that tell-a-tale red sticker, and nine times out of ten, I got them, not as the result of luck, but rather, of hard work (ie. pushing those other hundred girls out of the way).

So my advise: take some time, peruse that sale rack, research sales in your home town, and above and beyond all else, wear comfortable shoes.

I Had a Dream....of Dresses

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine had a bunch of out-of-season dresses donated to her; in an effort to raise money for the Special Olympics, she decided to get them reworked by young Vancouver designers, auctioning off the resulting designs. 

So that, in a nutshell, is how "Dresses for Dreams" was born. Put on last night at a nightclub downtown, there was wine, there was food, and above and beyond all, there was fashion- in other words, a few of my favourite things.

I spent the evening working the Silent Auction, and thereby, in some twisted rational, took it upon myself to buy one of these custom creations - charitable of me I know. Needless to say, I got a very cute pink tiered dress for only $55; and no, for all you concerned citizens, I did not rig it. 

Call me biased, but I would say the event was a huge success; not only did it raise money for a charitable cause, and showcase local talent, but -for serious bonus points- served the most delicious mango, shrimp salad. Speaking of, after the platter I consumed, I should probably go put my sneakers on and go for a much needed run, or next thing you know, I won't even be able to fit this dress.

P.S. Math may not be my forte, but looks like that it now $61 out of my savings account (note below). Expect more damage this weekend.

Insufficient Funds

Starbucks Soy Latte: $3.49

Chocolate chip cookie: $1.99 

Having your debit denied: Embarrassing

For all of you who have had the cashier ask you "ma'am, that didn't go through, can I try another card?", you know what I am talking about. 

It's embarrassing. Especially when the line behind you is long, and the grand total is barely over the five dollar mark. You struggle to find some witty line, or  hope they'll believe "...guess my cheque hasn't gone through yet...", as you either collect your things (and your dignity) and leave, or hand over your Visa. 

Since I don't have a Visa, it was impossible for me to go with the latter, so, there's another $6.00 out of my savings account, and another reason not to go to Starbucks. Either way, this does not bode well for that vintage dress I was hoping to buy- one on left- looks like I'll have to hope it is still there once my cheque goes through... 

Bottom line: I will either have to kick my daily cup 'a joe, and/or resort to making coffee at home.

Ps. bear in mind, the dress is not to be couple with jeans, but rather, a little makeup.

that's not my name

I can't tell you how many New Years' have past where I resolve to gain some will-power. Without doing the math, I would say it is about equal to the number of years I have had my own debit card. Bottom line, I am kind of a 'yes (wo)man'; I am an easy sale, whether that means buying that lipgloss the sales associate is pushing on me, going to lunch when I have already eaten, or hitting the town when I know I shouldn't.

So character flaws aside, now for a little background info:

Name: Emily Damara Jones

Age: 20.5 years of age

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia 

Occupation: Perpetual Spender

I've been interested in fashion since, let's see, since I was probably four, and first got my hands on a sketchbook- needless to say, drawing is not a skill set of my. Regardless, I've always instinctively known that I wanted some career path involving fashion, just the application for doing so has been a little blurry. In the meantime, I'm buying myself some time- or stalling, depending on how you look at it- either way, I'm getting an Arts Undergrad degree.

Speaking of which, that just reminded me that I need to get crackin' on my English homework,

All for now,