Let's Talk About Shoes!

Ugg boots via Saxon shoe store

     Can I just say; I love shoes? I do. Flip flops, boots, pumps, tennis shoes (not so much), wedges, you name it, I adore it. I may possibly even be addicted. I haven’t counted how many pairs I have because that would be too much like confronting the problem. My poor husband on the other hand, owns only six pairs of shoes, including his house slippers. How he can stand to live like that, I’ll never know.

     For me, the ideal pair of shoes would be made of high quality leather and preferably from Italy, Spain or Brazil. Some favorite brands of mine are: Franco Sarto, Ugg, Gianni Bini, Via Spiga, Kenneth Cole and Vince Camuto; curiously enough, none of those are made in the afore mentioned places. As far as I can tell they’re mostly made in China. Yes, even the Uggs. Shouldn’t they be from Austrailia? And Gianni Binni sure does have an Italian ring to it.

     The wonderful thing about shopping at thrift stores is, the money I save on clothing I can put toward shoes! Perfectly logical reasoning if you ask me. Don’t get me wrong; I find cute shoes at the thrift stores too, which brings me to my next thought. In the past I would bypass Payless and the shoe section at Target unless I needed some cheap flip flops or espadrilles – things I would expect to wear only for a short, single, season. Lately though, I’ve found some pretty cute shoes in thrift stores that I know to be a Payless or Target brand. And lo and behold! They’re actually cute and not too cheap looking either. In two of my posts I’m wearing shoes from such places, here, and here. Do you agree that Payless has stepped up its game? They’ve certainly stepped up their prices. I’m eyeing a pair of faux leather wedges with yellow accents. They’re  $24.99. A very affordable, typical Payless price, but there’s others that cost as much as $54.00. What’s up with that?

     While we’re on the subject of shoes, I’d like to mention the “Rock the Red Pump Project” that was brought to my attention by Tavia over at Nine to Fly. It concerns HIV awareness for women and young girls. As a medical professional and a lover of fashion this has double whammy appeal for me! Check it out. It’s really important stuff! Thanks Tavia.

     I’m just going to put some questions out there because I’m curious to hear from other shoe lovers. What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a pair of shoes? How many years have you had your oldest pair of shoes? Do you ever buy shoes from the thrift store or is that going a little too far? What are some of your favorite shoe sources?

     

Here’s a few “shoe” facts about me

My mom bought all my shoes from Stride Rite because she felt they had “good support”.

Shoe size: 8 ½

Tsubo and Fly London are my newest shoe interest

Fave shoes of the moment: Thrifted Franco Sarto metallic gold sandals.

Oldest pair of shoes- 12 years old, and I still haven’t worn em’!

I love flats

4 ½” heels are my limit!

Fave online sources: Zappos, Nordstrom and 6 pm .com

                                                         Until next post, happy dressing,

Sincerely,

Style Agent 909

OMG, Like Totally!

 Remember that phrase? (you young uns out there may not)  So 80’s/90’s and that’s exactly what I thought when I saw this sweater dress in the thrift store. I'm 100% sure it's vintage. Can’t you just picture Hilary from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air sporting this or even Blaire from The Facts of Life back in the 80’s? They weren't doing the platform pumps back then though, more like the pointy toe style. Let me just say right off the bat, I haven’t worn this dress in public. Sometimes I just buy a piece because it looks fun, then I sit on it for a while, pondering how I should wear it, when I should wear it and if I should even dare wear it at all. Not too often, but occasionally. Well, this is one of those pieces for me. It's pretty clingy. One thing's for sure. I won’t be wearing these shoes! They’re killing my feet! Hmmm… I'm going sit on this one a little more. But let me know what you think. Do you have any pieces you’re currently “sitting on”? And what about the fashion rule that states if you wore it the first time around, then you should probably skip it the second time around?

Felice Ltd. dress - thrifted. Platform pumps via Palyless. Bracelet H&M

      Hey, guess what? I just got the Versatile Blogger Award this past Monday, February 20th. Do I need to tell you that I was totally flabbergasted? That's why I've spent all week preparing my "speech". It's practically like winning the Oscars, especially for a newbie like myself. I seriously considered going out, buying a sequined gown and taking a photo in it!
     Tavia, Mrs. T. Mac, nominated me. I've said this before and I'm going to say it again; Tavia is full of positivity and one of the nicest bloggers around. And don't even get me started on her style. Let's just say, I live vicariously through her outfits. I think the magazines are secretly monitoring her blog to create new looks. Really. Her posts are something  I truly look forward to. Check out her blog Nine to Fly. I just know you're going to love it.

     Before accepting the award, here's what I need to do:
1. I must thank the blogger who nominated me for the award and provide a link back to them in my post.
2. I must share 7 random things about myself.
3. I must pass the award along to 15 recently discovered blogs I enjoy reading.
4. I must contact my chosen bloggers via Facebook, twitter, email etc, to let them know about the award.
5. I must add the versatile Blogger award picture on my blog post.

Before this award I had added a post titled "What I Like about YOU" to my blog where I mentioned some blogs that have really caught my eye. However, it was turning into a novel. LOL. So, now I get a chance to tell you about a few more and thus cheating a little bit on the number of blogs named below.


1) Fashionable Forty
2) Curvy Girl Chic
3) Sincerely Mally.
4) What I Wore 2 Day
5) Couture Allure
6) Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes Too
7) Fat Shopaholic
8) My Life in the Curvy Lane
9) Full Figured Diva
10) Chic Stay At Home Mom

 

Seven Random Facts About Me

I can’t tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi.

Rise and Shine! I’m a morning person.

I’ve secretly hoped Ophra Winfrey would someday interview me.

I haven’t had cable/satellite in years.

I’d love to restore an old car

I actually like bringing my husband his coffee in the morning.

I collect African Zulu Beer Baskets. They’re beautiful, no two are alike.

Double-take Tuesday: A Navy Blue Midi

Hola folks, I’m really excited about today’s post. Why? Because I’m debuting a little segment I’m calling Double-take Tuesdays.  Twice a month (on Tuesdays, of course) I’ll feature an item worn at least two different ways. This concept is by no means original. But what is new is that I’m going to give away an item similar to the one that’s being featured. FREE. PERIOD. For example, I may feature a racy, red blazer; the one that’s being given away will be a similar one I found on a recent thrifting expedition. It may be a size 2 or 32. Who knows? It’s a wild card. The luck of the draw! Call it what you want. So you’ll have to tune in and visit on Tuesdays (and hopefully other days too). Here’s how it works: The first person to email me and claim it, gets it. All I ask is that the item be for yourself and that you send me a pic of you wearing it, so I can later add it to the post and show off your style. Once the item is claimed, I’ll update the post stating so. So without further ado….

Double-take Tuesday: A Navy Blue Midi

I asked Facebook family and friends what words come to mind when they hear “navy blue.” Here’s what they said: military, sailor, red and white, child-like, formal, official, coordinates with any color, masquerades as black. True that to all those comments. No doubt about it, if you’ve got something “official” to do, e.g.,  a job interview, a court date to refute that traffic ticket, you can’t go wrong with this piece of clothing. But I know masquerading under that serious, “almost black” garment is a skirt that really just wants to have a little fun. Above all, I desperately wanted to avoid the obvious combo of red, white, and blue, although it’s one of my favorites. In the first look I tried to damp down the formality by adding this causal print blouse and tan, tie, front cardigan, and slip-on patent leather leopard wedgies. “Lady-like” was the second look with a feminine small-print blouse, wide belt, and leopard pumps. Surely the judge would dismiss the traffic ticket of any girl dressed like this, don’t you think?

Where to get your navy blue midi:

Free- right here: Size 3x. Email styleagent909@gmail.com to claim it!
$: thrift store
$: DIY- buy a white one and dye it!
$-$$: eBay

What I'm wearing:
Darjoni tie front cardigan: thrifted
Eddie Bauer floral blouse: thrifted
Talbots navy blue midi: thrifted
Steve Madden leopard wedgies: thrifted

Pic #2
Worthington blouse: thrifted
Merona (I think) belt: thrifted
Nine West calf hair leopard pumps via Dillard's.

Prints up close. Aren't they cute?


Until next post, happy dressing
Sincerely,
Styleagent909




   

Look Ma....No Matching!

     A few posts back I asked for thoughts on the subject of matching. Opinions varied. It seems most people think it’s ok as long as it’s not a regular occurrence. Well, Eboni, The Fashionista Next Door, dedicated a whole post to the subject, “Matching is Overrated.”  Magazines imply it’s for sissies, the unimaginative, and old ladies. Well, I don’t consider myself any of those, but I am 43, so you gotta cut me some slack!

     Last weekend I had a dental appointment and the usual Saturday morning errands to run. I figured this would be a perfect time to test-drive a pair of cute, green, T-strap heels I acquired on a recent thrip (thrifting trip). I also made a conscious effort not to match. And in case you can't tell by the pics, that's a blue and white striped shirt. I must say, the outfit worked out well. I even got a couple of compliments on it. The cute T-straps? Well, let’s just say they’re not for walking around big-box stores in. I’ll count this outfit as a success and file it away for future use. Hey, maybe matching really is overrated. I’m not sure if I’ll be out and about this weekend, but if I am, I might give it another try. If there’s inclement weather, I’ll stay in and work on Style Resolution #1: cleaning out my closet. Anybody interested in swapping some stuff?

    Now, I have to let you know, any weekend errands usually involves a trip to the thrift store. So, after my appointment that’s where I went, addict that I am. I found the cutest dress. Brown and white polka dot. I have just the shoes (also thrifted) to go with it. Check out the pic below. It takes matching to a whole new level, don’t you think? LOL.

    A while back, Jeannie at Gracefully 50 had a quote at the bottom of one of her posts. It read: “Don’t take yourself too seriously; nobody else does.” Words to live by!

L.L. Bean toggle cardigan: gift
Zebra scarf via eBay: only $2.99 w/ free shipping!
Mossimo striped button-down shirt: thrifted
Eddie Bauer-mended boyfriend jeans: in store
Newport News T-strap heels: thrifted
Earrings and Monet bracelet: thrifted

Thrift factor = 60%

The girls at the dental office seemed to like it!

            

How's this for matching? Some folks (me) just never learn! 

                               Happy dressing

                               Until next post,

                               Sheila, Style Agent 909

What I Like About YOU

     Prior to starting my blog, I was looking and watching other blogs. They’re so entertaining; much better than magazines. They feature real people with real clothes on real bodies. So today, I thought it was time to mention some of the ones I seem to keep returning to. This is by no means a complete list of all the blogs I’ve viewed and enjoyed. Nor are they in any order of importance. You’ll see a variety because they all interest me for different reasons and in different ways. Rush Our Fashion was the blog that first came up on my radar. I was googling something related to thrifting and fashion and there it was.  I love Prissy’s style and her blog roll lead me to numerous other blogs, namely Nine to Fly. Tavia’s, A.K.A,  Mrs. T. Mac's, style is definitely fearless and original. I only wish I could pull off some of the outfits she puts together. She’s also one of the nicest, most positive bloggers I’ve encountered. Eboni, The Fashionista Next Door, always has on a knockout ensemble and witty things to say (more on that in another post). Like I said, I was googling thrifting/fashion, because I’m all about a bargain. I ask you, who can’t appreciate a deal? A pair of Ralph Lauren pants for a $1.00, Steve Madden’s for $2.99. Sherri at Design to Shine and Lindsey at Thrift and Shout are pretty darn frugal, as well as most of the ladies mentioned here, but they look like a million bucks.  You should see the stuff they find! Of course one blog leads to another and so on  …   
       Tamera, the Menopausal Supermodel is super hilarious. This 21 year old, 110 pound woman has shared her weight loss/fashion journey with all on her blog. She also has a diva of a dog that makes regular appearances.  And let’s face it ladies, regardless of what we weigh or how fashionable we are, we’re all on a train headed for a town called Menopause---that is, if we’re not already there! But wouldn’t it be more fun as a supermodel? And while I’m on the subject of age, check out Jeannie at Gracefully 50. If this is what 50something looks like, then I can’t wait to get there. Jeannie absolutely radiates class and manages to look current and stylish without reverting to adolescence. But something tells me she’s not shopping the local thrift stores. In the meantime, I also keep up with the 40+ set, because, well, I am of the 40+ set, for this Fashionable 40 fits the bill. And because I’m also of the curvy persuasion, My life in the Curvy Lane  along with  Curves and Confidence, remind me that curves are hot!  
      Having a blog is great. You can pretty much say what you want, but what good is it if nobody’s listening? So a big thanks goes out to those who host weekly forums where we can all get together, be seen and heard. MomTrends, BonBon Rose Girls and Glamamom are all sweet enough to host “Monday Mingle.” Everybody Everywear, Visible Monday and Color Blind also offer similar forums. Thank you. What’s More Important Than Fashion? G’s got the answer to that. Now that’s somebody with her head on straight. Have you thought of running for office G? As I said earlier, this is not a complete list. I’m adding a “Blog Amore” page with others listed and I expect it will grow. So, if you haven’t already done so,  have a look see at these blogs. You’ll be glad you did.

Sincerely,

Style Agent 909

Love, Love, Love Pink and Red

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody, everywhere! Hope your day is everything you want it to be.

This “red and pink together” challenge, really was a challenge. I have red things in my closet and I have pink things in my closet, but I rarely, if ever wear them at the same time. What helped me bring it all together was this dress (worn as a shirt here, until the weather warms up). It’s got both colors plus some black to ground it all. Add black jeggins, boots, a fitted red trench and a fur scarf. Viola! That’s my V-Day outfit in a bag.

Enjoy your day

Love your lover

Love your family

Love yourself!

Jones New York fur scarf: thrifted

Gallery red trench: thrifted

Chris McLaughlin dress: thrifted

black jeggings via Walmart

Naturalizer black boots via Naturalizer 

Thrift factor = 60%

Until next post,

Sincerely, 

Style Agent 909

Sheila Sells Seafood by the Sea

5/9/12 update! Ahoy Mates! Time for another EBEW. I'm cheating a little. I did know this challenge was coming up until I happened upon the post of another blogger (Thanks Tavia). So I'm submitting a post I did back in my early days (4 months ago) LOL! I really do love the nautical look, so all the lovely submissions are a feast for my eyes. Hope you enjoy this one.

I love the ocean and have always had this fantasy of living by the sea. I suppose that's one of the reasons nautical, beachy themed clothing and colors appeal to me; along with the fact that it's virtually impossible to screw up red, white, blue, green and yellow. So naturally when I saw an old seafood truck parked just off the road with a for-sale sign on it, my brain kicked into high gear. Why not just throw caution to the wind, live by the sea and sell seafood?  It was a photo-op I couldn't resist, plus I need a little spring/summer in my life right now.

I'm happy to report this outfit is 100% thrifted! The pieces were all purchased at various times. You might remember the faded denim shirt from this post. The sweater and the purse are the most recent acquisitions (last week). I have so much thrifted clothing, it's boarding on criminal, so I'm trying to use what I have. Don't be surprised if you see these pieces in a later post! Anyway, thanks for stopping by and sharing in my craziness.

So what's your fantasy?

I wonder how much she cost?

She feels solid. Love the colored letters. I wouldn't change a thing!

Lot's of storage room for all the thrifted clothes seafood I'll be selling.

Sag Harbor skirt: thrifted, Liz Claiborne sweater:Thrifted

Will I have to bait my own hooks? cast my own nets? mmm...I don't think so, not in this get up!

Etienne Aigner purse: vintage, thrifted

Xhilaration wedges: thrifted

Selling seafood by the sea is a fantasy, but this outfit ain't! I think I'll wear it to my real job tomorrow.

My photographer, partner in crime. All I had to do was buy him a cup of coffee. Thanks baby, I love you. Now that's real!

Tribal; it's a wrap!

I’m always in a style crisis just about this time of year. My mind knows it’s winter, the calendar says it’s winter, but my body is craving spring. Mother Nature isn’t helping either; I’ve hardly seen a flake of snow and to top it all off, I’m bombarded with images of new spring trends in all the glossy mags. So, the dilemma this past weekend was: What spring trend can I wear, yet have a visual appearance of warmth? Tribal! This is a dress I picked up a few weeks back at the Goodwill. I was actually fortunate enough to find another dress that was exactly the same style, but a different pattern. I’ll share the other in a later post. I believe the pattern on this dress qualifies as “tribal” especially with the help of a few ethnic looking necklaces. What do you think?

     Thrifting tip- You may have heard this before. Check out all the size sections. Don’t pay attention to the number on the label, because that's all it is. If it looks like it’ll fit, give it a try. These dresses are labeled two sizes larger than what I normally wear. But who cares? They fit great. Then again there’s quite a bit of leeway in both directions when it comes to wrap dresses. 

London Times dress: thrifted
Lucky Brand boots via Dillard's (on clearance here)

Thrifted necklaces. I think the middle one may have come from Walmart.

Bracelets via New York and Company last year on clearance. 

Daffodil and Gray

When I’m out and about at thrift stores, I find all kinds of neat stuff besides clothing. Case in point; these cool catalogs from Spiegel, spring/summer 1952 and Montgomery Ward, fall/winter 1951. Both are still in business via the internet, by the way. I’ve had a ball looking through them, truly a blast from the past. These two catalogs prove one thing: The more things change the more things stay the same (kind of). Some of these styles and color combinations I’ve seen come around a couple of times throughout the years. And here they are again this spring. The retro fifties look is all the rage. I was especially thrilled to see the color combo they call “Daffodil and Gray”. So much more romantic sounding than “yellow and gray”, don’t you agree? And definitely one of my faves.  I just mentioned how much I love gray in one of my earlier posts and truthfully, I don’t think there’s a single color it can’t be paired with. Just a week or two ago I saw a display in New York and Company featuring the two together. So, here’s the 1950’s version and the 2012 version, daffodil and gray my way….

Daffodil and gray...my way

 

Byron Lars sequined hounds tooth skirt: thrifted

New York and Company pin striped vest: thrifted

Old Navy yellow vest: thrifted

Apostrophe basic white shirt via Sears

Nine and Company black strappy sandals: thrifted

Bracelets and earrings: thrifted and via ebay

Thrift factor= 83%

Daffodil and gray....the 1952 version

Spiegel  and Montgomery Ward catalogs

Mint Green Jeans

....well, mint green corduroys to be exact. Let me tell you about these pants. I purchased these at one of my favorite little thrift stores months ago, with the intention of wearing them this spring. I felt the color would be appropriate for the season and the fabric type would be suitable for spring weather, which can still be cool. Well, little did I know back then that mint green was going to be the "It" color for spring 2012. (Who thinks this stuff up anyway???) What I failed to do was get something to pair them with. What does one wear with mint green? Sure, I guess I could always resort to a white blouse or perhaps pink. I do have one other item of this color which is a mint green cardigan, but then I'd look like a shamrock shake. I settled on this peachy top that I discovered on a separate trip. It's perfect; it even has a hint of mint green. Yep, that's my matchy-matchiness at work. I think this faux leather jacket should toughen it up a bit though. Because I haven't actually worn this outfit yet, this post will serve as a "note to self" on how to wear to these pants. Anybody else out there plan on sporting mint green this spring? Let me know how you plan to wear it. I could use a few more ideas.
I'll be linking up at Monday Mingle and Visible Monday checking out all the cool posts. See you there.

Inked and Faded faux leather jacket: on clearance at Sears (possibly still available in store.)

Bandolino blouse: thrifted

Land's End corduroy jeans: thrifted

Candies sling back pumps: thrifted

Bracelet: H&M

Thrift factor = 60% . Not too bad heh?


Until next post, Happy Dressing,

Style Agent 909

Asian Leopard Dressing

     Can you read my shirt? I can’t. For all I know it says, “kick me” but when I spotted in one of my favorite thrift haunts, I couldn’t resist it. I love clothes with exotic logos and markings. It’s a tank top, something for summer, but I wanted to wear it now. I knew right away what I would pair it with so could. Leopard! A leopard turtleneck to be exact. Seriously, is there anything that an animal print won’t go with? I’m pretty proud of the thrift factor 57 %. The ring has a story behind it. I’ll share in another post.

     The scene:  A little old abandoned church. I pass it often on the way to work,  always intending to stop, but never really having the time. So, this particular weekend, while Stephen and I were out and about, not only did we stop, but took some pictures too. I think it’s quite charming even in its run down state, don’t you?  So, when you’re out this weekend I hope you get a chance to check out what’s behind those gates or on the other side of that tall wall or that curious little thrift store that’s been calling your name. Oh, and be sure to take pics, because I know you’re going to be looking fabulous when you do.

Pssst….The cargos I'm wearing, they’re actually slightly flared. I just folded them over a bit and then rolled them a couple of times to make a cuff. Not sure if you knew this trick or not. Try it. It works!

Classic Elements leopard turtleneck: thrifted

Faded Glory cargos via Walmart (clearance) circa 2009

Asian print tank: thrifted

Gianni Binni “My Way” clogs via Dillard’s (still available here in black)

Cato vest: thrifted

Coach purse: gift from Stephen

Shades: random, thrifted

Bracelets: thrifted