Vintage Pendleton Cape

For years, I have been irrationally obsessed with all things Pendleton. The Portland Collection's Penobscot Poncho (mine at long last) is to blame. Within the last few years, their collaborations with brands like Dr. Martens, Crosley, Ariat and Nike have only increased Pendleton's accessibility and mega cool factor. I'm all in. 

As a resident of the northeast (about to experience a second subarctic blast in temps in one week), my recent unstated mission has become wearable warmth. Aren't all clothes wearable warmth? Excellent question! The answer is no. Most major retailers have significantly cheapened their materials (sorry, Gap! I used to love you, but your cheap acrylic sweaters are pilly and don't keep anybody warm). So, I ventured to trusty eBay to find some vintage Pendleton at an affordable price. I scored big with this vintage cape from the 1960's. Shockingly warm and so cute. It's just like wearing a blanket, which is pretty much exactly what I'll be going for on Friday morning when it is -18 outside. 

Stay warm out there, and if you're in a warm climate, please refrain from sharing those details. Jealousy doesn't look good on anybody. 

The Cutest Wedding and a New Dress!

I love going to weddings. Celebrating friends and family and dressing up for a day? What's not to love? With a few weddings coming up this year, I was on the hunt for a few new dresses. A few weeks ago, I found another gorgeous Tracy Reese dress on eBay and after some more hemming and hawing, I bought it. Totally fell for the mixed media print, beading and pocket detail. I didn't realize it had tulle underneath for added fullness in the skirt, but that just made it an added bonus for me!

When my friends Scott and Kim got engaged and Kim started pinning her ideas online, I knew it was going to be a fun and beautiful wedding! Not only was the setting (an historic farm in central Pennsylvania) amazing, but the attention to detail was meticulous, right down to barrels with complimentary water and beer for the outdoor ceremony and the surprise arrival of a food truck for treats well into the reception. Their wedding was absolutely adorably perfect - and a true representation of them as a couple. I couldn't be happier for them! 

Tracy Reese Dress for Less

A few weeks ago, when I was invited to a wedding (as a plus one), I excitedly said yes. I have always loved to dress up. When I was in elementary school, I actually made my mom make my clothes (maybe "made" is a stretch) and picked out dress patterns with her. So I basically live for being invited to occasions that involve formalwear. Also, I love a challenge, especially when it comes to finding a great clothing item at a great price. Enter eBay!

Although I have a lot of dresses, many of them are older and have seen better days. Also, an April wedding is tricky. It could be a gorgeous day or it could snow. I began my eBay search by looking at a few different brands that have worked for me in the past. I couldn't find any dresses that I absolutely loved. While conducting random searches, I found the most perfect Tracy Reese wool dress for $44.99. Crazy for a Tracy Reese dress. Surely this was a mistake. I added it to my watch list and stalked the auction like it was my job. Finally, I placed a bid in the last 30 seconds and it was mine! Super excited that it fits so well, as I gambled on the size (and there is no size tag in the dress). Can't wait to wear it next weekend! 

Also, I'm at my mom and dad's house this weekend. My mom asked me what I wanted to do with all of my old perfume. What? Apparently, I have a problem tossing perfume bottles. All of these have only a few days worth of spritzes in them.  Does anybody else have that problem? 

eBay Leather Gap Jeans

For about a solid month, I've been obsessing over leather pants. I blame Johnny Weir (see post Johnny Weir is my spirit animal for reference). I have bought faux leather jeans from H&M and returned them (yes-the same pair from my Johnny post ended up being too faux for my liking), read countless reviews of vegan leather leggings and jeans (I'll save you the time, Blank NYC has the best reviewed and most affordable options) and searched online for sales. Then I had one of those moments where my own stupidity hurt - I hadn't checked eBay. Now, I had a pair of Gap leather pants ages ago. 2001 or 2002 ages ago. I knew what size would fit and ran a search. Immediately, a slew of options appeared. I decided against black. Everybody has black and brown is more my speed. I found a gorgeous deep brown/burgundy pair in my size (I sized up to a four on the hunch these wouldn't have any give and be a bit more snug) for only $18. My guess was right and the 4 fits perfectly.

They had a few noticeable scratches on them, but I used my trusty Doc Martens Wonder Balsam on them and voilà, no more scratches! 

For $18 (and free shipping), I am thrilled and can't wait to wear them! Another major eBay score!