Shop N' Swap

Yes. This is my closet, but I'm not ready to talk about it yet.

                                 

A lot of bloggers have been doing some downsizing of their closets lately and I find myself wishing, I could just get my hands on some of that fabulousness they're tossing out! Do you find yourself wishing the same? So all you downsizers out there, stop! Put your hands up, and step away from the clothes and nobody gets hurt. Let's have a clothing swap before you throw out another scrap.

Here's what I'm proposing: Choose as many or as few items as you want. Anything. Accessories, shoes, scarves, sweaters, jeans, or even partially used fragrances (the spray kind), unopened items like cosmetics or tights and create a post. A brief description of the items and why they no longer work for you would be helpful.  It'll be a link up style party in a format like Patti's Visible Monday  OR send me a photo of one of the items with your blog name and email and I'll link back to you. I know it takes time to get stuff together take pictures, so how about we plan on Saturday, September 22.  Arrangements for shipping can be made between individuals. So who's interested?
I have all sizes of things, because I always have plans to alter or modify.  Sometimes I get around to it and sometimes not. Please don't be discouraged and think anyone wouldn't be interested in what you have. You'd be surprised! Someone just might be looking for a purple polka dot raincoat.
Oh...and you might want to create a wish list so, others can know what you've got an eye out for.  My list is at the bottom...but it's just a partial list. Chances are, you've got something I'd love to have and I just don't know it yet :)
Styleagent909@gmail.com

Here's a preview of just a few of the things I have to swap...

Betu Sport skinny python pants. Size 8.
 Waist 29", hips 43", total length 40". Zip front. No pockets. 97% cotton, 3% spandex.
I seriously want a pair of python pants so bad, I was going to sew an insert into the sides of these to make them larger, but decided it would wreck the look.
Wouldn't these look fabulous with some boots?

9/1/12 update: I was in Macy's yesterday and found a pair of python print jeans. I'm just over the moon about them!

a.n.a faux leather jacket. XL.
Underarm to underarm 44", Neck to bottom 22", shoulder to cuff, 25.5".
In general, I'm not a fan of faux leather. But I really liked this jacket. The photo doesn't do it justice. I has a "broken in" look. Because it's an XL there lots of room for layering thicker clothes underneath. Drawback, no pockets. I recently replaced it with a nearly identical one that does have pockets.

Levi's denim shirt. Medium.
Bust 40", Waist 35", neck to hem 29", shoulder to cuff 24".

The southwest look is going to be big this fall. This shirt is a must have. Soft, 100% cotton. It's slightly fitted and just doesn't have the looseness I'm looking for plus I have at least 3 other denim shirts.

Gap linen biased cut skirt. Size 8.
Waist 32", length 28", hips are very generous.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this at the thrift store. It's the exact same one I'm wearing here. The only difference is that this one has dark stripes where mine are light and visa versa. This could work in any season. I was going to cut this one up and use it as a pattern, but I decided one skirt like this is enough.
I really should have ironed it, but I'll leave that to the new owner.

Express faux fur jacket. Size Large
42" bust, 25" shoulder to cuff, 22" neck to bottom. I know there's somebody out there who can really rock this like it deserves to be. I think it's sooo cute. The only problem is, it makes me look like Sasquatch. If you have a small frame there's lots of room for layering. If you have a larger frame like me, try wearing it with a light weight garment underneath.





Here's my wish list:
1. Python print jeans.  
1. Big rings
2. Scarves (can't get enough of 'em)
3. Anything made of colored suede or leather
4. Small to medium cross body type purse (I have red, black, and white ones already).
5. Vests
6. Patterned tights
7. Chunky necklace
8. Boots! I love boots!
9. Basic black blazer (I know, I can't believe I don't have one either.)
10. Long cardigan (really long, like this one). I have a brown one and a gray one already.
The specs:
shoe: Sometimes and 8 or 9, but usually 8 1/2.
dresses, pants, jeans: 12 to 14
Blouses, sweaters, jackets: 12 to 14,  medium to XL.

Sizing also depends on the fabric of certain items. If you have something you think I'd like, but it's not my size, give me a holler anyway, maybe I can make it work!

Y'all let me know if a swap party interest you. I've never done one online, so I'm open to suggestions to make it fun and easy for everybody.

I'll Have The Liebster Please, With a Baked Potato.

 Folks, I feel pretty darn special right now, because the ever stylish and creative Melanie of Bag and Beret nominated me for the Liebster Award. Thanks Melanie. Now I have no idea what "Liebster" means, but it sounds like 'lobster' in German; and I like lobster...a lot.
If you haven't been to Melanie's blog, then don't log off your computer today without doing so. Her style is like nothing you've ever seen, it's highly individualized and perfectly suited to her personality. Whether you're 22 or 92, you'll enjoy her humor, art and style.
This award couldn't have come at a better time, because I've discovered some blogs over the past few days/weeks that I think are just great. They're listed below, so please check them out.

Before accepting the award I must do the following:

 Answer Melanie's 11 questions:

 1. On a desert island, which would you choose, a pocket knife or a solar-powered e-reader?

I'm going with the solar powered e-reader. Hopefully I can get a wireless signal and still check up on my fave blogs. 

 2. As one of 27 island castaways, what would be your job: hut-builder, chef, caregiver, tailor, banker, other?
Banker. That would be a really easy job. Money would mean nothing in that situation!

3. Would you like some fries with that?

Yes...or onion rings if you have them.

4. What's the meaning of life (in ten words or less)?

Thrifting, thrifting, thrifting.

 5. Zip-lining in a rain forest, deep sea fishing in the Bahamas, or spelunking in Brunei?

I don't know the meaning of the last one...I'll take it!

6. What's the scariest movie you've ever seen?

"The Exorcist". I can't even watch it in the day time.

7. One night of guilt-free lust, who with: Prince Charles, Steve Buscemi, Mister Ed (a talking palomino horse from a 1960s American sitcom by the same name), Portia de Rossi?

Can I get back to you on that one? The choices are too overwhelming. 

8. What's your favourite flower?

Calla Lillies. 

9. Do you ever dream that your teeth are falling out?

Oh man! I thought that only happend to me. I have that dream at least 6 times a year!

10. Which is your favourite: mice, spiders or snakes?

Mice. They're so cute.

11. Which way is north?

Up. *points toward Canada*

 List 11 facts about myself:
1. Sometimes I forget how to spell simple words.

2. Autumn is my favorite season.

3. I like watching reruns of  "Painting With Bob Ross". His voice is so soothing.

4. I don't know what "Liebster" means.

5. I don't like drinking out of colored glass.

6. I love line dried laundry.

7. I still think about my second grade teacher, Miss Erving. She was so nice.

8. Sometimes I buy a Happy Meal just for the toy.
9. I still own a VCR.
10. I think panties and a t-shirt is the sexiest lingerie.
11. I think Progresso clam chowder is pretty darn good.

Name 11 new awardees (and notify them of the award).  

Simply Chic....I just love her style!

Newly Loved ... She's so cute!
Satin and Salt... She's quite a dresser and decorator.
My Peace of Jewelry....She's a jewelry designer and a sculptor.
Material Fixations... I really like how she brings attention to things I might otherwise miss.
The Other Side...She questions "fashion".
Science of Styling... This girl knows how to thrift!
H&K Style Journey... A mother/daughter blog; how awesome is that?
Style That Moves...I wish I'd dressed like this in my 20's
One Sister's Rant...She just so real and I love her dog Roxy!
Thrifted or Scripted...I love her easy going style, and she's a thrifter, yay!

Ask 11 new questions of the next awardees:

 1. You just found $20 in the pocket of your winter coat you forgot was there. What will you do with it?

2. What’s the best thing to make with lemons?

3. I can’t eat a hamburger without _________?

4. What item do you most want for your wardrobe this fall?

5.  What was your most memorable Halloween costume…?

6.  What colors if any, do you never wear together?

7. You’re given 1000 popsicle sticks (craft sticks) what can you make with them?

8. What book or movie would you like to change the ending of?

9. What’s for dinner tonight?

10. If you could have one piece of famous art work for your home, what would it be?

11. Which Would you rather have, a cabin in the woods, a beach house or a loft in New York?

Here are the terms for accepting the award:
  1. The new nominee must post 11 things about him/herself.

2. Answer the 11 questions from the person who gave you the award.

3. Choose 11 new nominees and link them in your post.

4. Create 11 questions for the bloggers you've nominated.

5. Go and tell them that they've been nominated.

6. No tag back! (I don't really know what this means...so I ignored it.)

That Is One Uuugly Dress!

Ladies, can we all agree from the get go, that this is one uuugly dress! It's a vintage Leslie Fay, multicolored hounds tooth print, with 3/4 length sleeves and an elastic waistband. It just doesn't get any worse than that. Oh, wait a minute, it does. It has a matching fabric belt and shoulder pads, which I promptly removed.
Have you ever encountered something so astoundingly hideous, that the feeling of repulsiveness actually turns to fascination? After circling the thrift store three times I finally allowed myself to touch this thing. Holding it between my thumb and forefinger, I inspected it and came to the conclusion the previous owner(s) probably realized their mistake in purchasing it and never wore it, because it looks new. I figured I'd do the same. I plunked down two whole dollars for this beauty monstrosity and took her home. Here's what followed.....

This is how I look when I don't smile.

I topped it all with a vintage wool fedora (Charles Knox, thrifted). I know, I know, I'm going out of order. The hat should be last, but with a dress this ugly who cares. The length is awkard, so I already knew leggins were part of the equation. And the bacelet...I didn't intend to wear it with this outfit, I just forgot to take it off for these photos.

Do you need a barf bag yet?

Next, I slipped on a French Cuff olive green jacket (thrifted) to pick up the olive green in the dress. By the way, the dress colors are: blue, olive green, forest green, black and red...horrid!

How's this for a man repeller?

 I pulled on some black a.n.a mid calf booties (thrifted).

...added a wide belt for definition.

...wrapped a coordinating scarf (via Bakers shoes, clearance)... grabbed a vintage Ettiene Aigner clutch (thrifted) and/or controversial art book by Joel Peter Witkin (estate sale).

I'm now ready to head to my locally owned coffee shop, sip on a chai tea and pretend to have intelligent conversation. My husband said it looks 'very European'. I think that's his way of saying he likes it ??

You're probably thinking, "Sheila, all you did was cover up the dress. Why not just make a skirt out of it?" I admit it's kind of like just putting a bag over it's head, but if I convert it into a skirt... well, all I'd end up with is one uuugly skirt.
Linking up with Patti and the ladies at Monday Mingle.

So what do you think?
	It's still one uuugly dress!
	Needs improvement
	The ugly duckling has turned into a swan. (it's cute now)
	It looks European
pollcode.com free polls

Update: I'm submitting this dress to Sheila of Ephemera's Dress Week of Horrors. Check it out!

Junior High School Reunion

Photos via Google Images.

I recently ran into two old friends at thrift stores. They both evoked memories of junior high school. One’s name is Gloria Vanderbilt and the other is simply known as Gitano (now that's a name you don't hear everyday).

Over the years I’ve wondered what became of them. Gitano practically disappeared and GV was rarely seen in public. I think she was cast to the back the stores where she would hang out with lesser names.

I liked GV and Gitano because the others, Sergio Valente, Calvin Klein, Vidal Sasson and Jordache (*side note* It's pretty special to be known by one name, kind of like Rihanna or Cher) were mostly beyond my socioeconomic reach. I only got to mingle with them a few times, but boy, did I feel special when I did. You couldn’t touch me with a ten foot pole!

There was one other friend too, Chic. Yes, another one namer, but not quite up there with Jordache, more on the level of Gitano. Chic was on the fringes of the acceptable; just enough not to get laughed off the bus. Sadly, I thought Chic had been killed when a bunch of corporate stuffed shirts voted unanimously that Chic was no longer useful. Although, there’ve been rumored sightings in developing countries, K-mart and rural thrift stores.

I must say GV looked fabulous when I bumped into her, all tall, dark washed and skinny. I think she got a facelift and somewhat reinvented herself. Personally, I always thought she made my butt look good. We'll definitely be getting reacquainted. Gitano, on the other hand, lives quietly, but looked as good as ever. I took both GV and Gitano home when I saw them. They’re thriving happily in my closet.

Levi's is the only one I've really kept in touch with over the years. Levi's was always true to self, well liked by everyone and could move easily in and out of all groups.

Calvin Klein is still going strong; still a little on the snooty side, but more friendly than before. I can afford to hobnob with Calvin these days if I really wanted to.  Jordache, got knocked down a peg or two and can even be spotted at Walmart. Imagine that! Sergio Valente was an impostor all along. I though Sergio was special. I thought Sergio was an Italian playboy of sorts. My 13 year old self was under the impression that if I had Sergio clinging to the bottom half of my body, it meant he loved me. Come to find out, there was never a person by that name it was all a façade! Sergio hangs out at Macy’s on occasion tryin’ to be all that, but he’s a fake; Wikipedia said so. Vidal Sasson can only be found on ebay and sticks to doing hair and Levi's is still as popular as ever. The older Levi's gets, the better Levi's looks.

Who (of the denim persuasion) did you hang out with in school? Are they still popular? Would you be seen with them today?

Update: I'm probably really showing my age in this post. If you haven't already guessed, I've been talking about brand names of jeans and not real people...hehe. Hope your week is going well.

Yellow Jacket

London Fog Towne yellow jacket: thrifted

Izod navy/white striped sweater: thrifted

Merona boot cut jeans: thrifted

Born clogs via Dillard's

Scarf: thirfted

So Long Liz

Folks, this is a bittersweet post for me. I have to bid farewell to my good friend Liz. Liz works at one of my favorite thrift shops, Fauquier Community Thrift (the word "action" is no longer part of the name). It’s also a food bank and helps out many people in the community.

Let me tell you about Liz. She’s one of the most welcoming people you could ever meet. When you shop in her store, you'll feel like you’re shopping at Nordstrom. Liz points out things that she thinks I’d like such as this super red cape I’m wearing here ($2) and these awesome brand new Franco Sarto Metallic gold sandals worn here ($7). I also got a beautiful Noritake china set here. What I paid for at 40 pieces, is less than what one setting would cost! Oh, and did I mention that on most days, there’s cookies at the front door to greet customers and a back room, where you can fill up a big paper bag full of stuff for $5? It's dangerous to go back there. I've got a bag full of t-shirts waiting to be made in to a braided rug because I ventured there!

Back to Liz, she’s more than a sales person, she’s a friend. You, see I got a new job which I’m extremely excited about, however the new job will take me in the opposite direction of the thrift store. That means, not visiting Liz as often. Liz, if you’re reading this, know that I’ll miss seeing you on my lunch breaks and after work (and save me a jar of that yummy wild berry jam you make!)

If you’re ever in Warrenton, Virginia (about one hour from Washington D.C.) stop in at the Fauquier Community Thrift store; shop 'til you drop and meet Liz. You’ll be glad you did. 

So long Liz.

I See Dead People

Welcome EBEW.  I thought we might deviate from the usual cute dresses and shoes (but my monochromatic black dress is kind of cute isn't it? We'll talk about that later). Today, I'd like to show you something really interesting...a cemetery.  My name is Sheila and I'll be your tour guide.
Virginia is one of the oldest states in the union, and therefore, has some pretty old graveyards and I've come to have a real liking for them since moving here. Don't be afraid, come take a look.

 Before we begin, let me just say, we'll be keeping to the older part of the cemetery. The grave of a 32 year old who died in 2009 gives off a completely different vibe than that of a 32 year old that died in 1894.
Let's try to be as respectful as possible; no smoking, spitting or littering (it makes a mess when the lawn mower runs over it) and please turn off all cell phones.
Let's begin, shall we? Follow me...

What I really like about this old cemetery and all old cemeteries in general, is the way time and the elements have weathered the tombstones, making them lean this way and that. Look at this fleur de lis fencing. Isn't it great?

All right now, let's move on. Try to stick together.

Who can find the oldest grave or the oldest person? I know I'm contradicting myself, because earlier I said  I don't like recent graves, but Ms. Roberta Fletcher here is really a person to ponder. She lived through all the major wars, saw a horse and buggy evolve into a sleek automobile, the invention of the computer, cell phone and microwave, watched hem lines rise and fall, experienced segregation in one way or another and the election of an African American president. I suspect that Ms. Fletcher was thinking ahead and bought her plot quite some time ago and chose a spot in this part of the cemetery while there was still space available. 

While Ms. Fletcher was one month short of 106 years, little George Lawrence was one month short of a year...

Hark! Hooe goes there? he he. It's also amusing to look for quirky sir names. These are the most unusual I've found here.

Surprisingly, I think more about the lives of those resting here as opposed to their deaths. I wonder if they were happy? What they would think of the world today? What did they do for a living? If I'd known them, would I have liked them? Would they have liked me? What would the ladies have thought of my maxi I got on clearance at Sears? They might have approved of the length, but the neckline would be positively shocking!

Well, folks, this is where the tour ends. I'm off to another graveyard. You're welcome to stay and explore  some more. I suggest you not wonder off alone and don't stay too late. The gates are closed and locked at dark...

See ya back here on Monday at

Patti's and  Monday Mingle .

Kudos to JCP, Banana Republic and a Question For Tommy Hilfiger

Today I just have a few quick words. Three retailers have caught my eye with their ads over the summer. I rarely comment on such things but I couldn't let these fade into obscurity without putting in my two cents. I sure hope the folks that manage the social media departments for  JC Penny, Banana Republic and Tommy Hilfiger are paying attention, cause they're about to get some free press!

First off I want to thank Banana Republic for again featuring an interracial couple, specifically a black woman and white male. It makes me think of Stephen and myself. It happens in real life, but is so rarely depicted in the media. This particular pair don't look quite as romantically involved as the couple in the Christmas/holiday ad a few years back, but I like to think that they are.

Secondly, I'd like to thank JC Penny for featuring a real woman in a bathing suit. Nuff said.















 Have you noticed the older couple has  mysteriously gone missing from the last  Tommy Hilfiger magazine ads? What happened? Did they kick the bucket, get kidnapped, shipped off to a nursing home? Well, at least the dog made the cut.
You've got some 'splaining to do Tommy! And I want answers.
BTW, love those fall looks...




What ads have caught your eye this summer?

A Shoulder to Cry On

Maggy London dress via Belk, Franco Sarto gold metallic heels - thrifted.

I've noticed something about bloggers. They're not really complainers. So today, ladies, I offer you my shoulder to cry on (see, I'm even dressed for it). It's time for a good old-fashioned, belly achin' moan and groan, b!tch and whine session. No complaint is too big or too small. Each complaint is just as valid as another. The fact that one person had a fender bender is just as good (or bad) as the fact that a dress another was eyeing is no longer available in her size. If everything is hunky dory in your life you can complain on behalf of someone else. I'll get the ball rolling for this... violins, please...

You'll note I'm not smiling in this photo, that's because not less than one hour before,  my husband told me I needed to lose 10 pounds! Mind you, I'm the same size as when we met. Geeze! Is there any better way to wreck a woman's day? The nerve of that man! I didn't even get a chance to ask that age old question, "Honey, does this dress make me look fat?"
Well, I feel better already just talking about it with you all, my blog friends. I still love my hubby of course and this picture kind of made me giggle. I'm so in love with the beachy/nautical lifestyle, I'll take it any way I can get it. That includes posing with fake sea creatures in the middle of rural Virginia!
O.k. ladies, now it's your turn. Ready, set, complain!
I'll be at Patti's and Monday Mingle.

Summertime Tex Mex Western

Nobody loves western like I love western (clothes that is). I should have lived on the Ponderosa and married a man named Hoss. As a matter of fact, I'm so enamored with it, it was one of the first looks I debuted on this blog and this post is merely an excuse to show off my summer version. All that's missing is the pistols!

This photo represents my three great western finds for the month. 

The scarf immediately said "Tex-Mex" to me:

 $1

The white jeans are boot cut Meronas and still had the tag: $6

And best of all, these Jessica Simpson cowboy "boot" slides/mules: $3.50

(check out the close up below)

 The Crow's Nest is where all my fantasy western gear is. I go there for inspiration. It's kind of pricey, but a girl can dream right?

Well I don't know about you, but I'm ready to ride off into the sunset and start my weekend. See y'all back here on Monday. Hi-yo Silver!