Metal Tipped Collar and Vertical Stripes

This metal tipped collar top from work and these vertical stripes pants gifted from Motel Rocks are my two favorite pieces of clothing as of late! Let's start with the top... you can never go wrong with a sheer chiffon top! Collar? Always a bonus. Collar with ornate metal tips? Even better! As for the pants, they remind me of Beetlejuice (one of the best film of all time) and not to mention vertical stripes will always be better than horizontal stripes. I love them! I paired cream with white because white on black and white stripes were simply too stark looking. Lastly, threw on some funky bracelets and rings and an awesome vintage purse to complete the look!

Metal tipped collar chiffon top by English Rose from my work Sway.
Vertical stripes pants c/o Motel Rocks.
Vintage Avant Garde tooled leather handbag from Buffalo Exchange.
Strappy patent leather pumps by Vince Camuto.

Groovy, Baby!

Awhile ago I came across the SS 2011 lookbook of ALL Knitwear, I was so intrigued by all the fun and colorful designs that I kept going back to stare at those images days after days. Think pattern on pattern of colors you never imagine would look so good together... but they all work so perfectly! I am in love and inspired! Then, about a week ago I received this vintage colorblock sweater as a gift from Bombshell Shocked, and I thought "oh my goodness, this is so ALL Knitwear!" Upon receiving this unique piece I was already feeling inspired but then I got REALLY inspired! With a giant donut bun on the side, over the knit socks, and some funky and chunky colorblock shoes, this may just be the grooviest outfit ever!

Vintage 80s colorblock sweater c/o Bombshell Shocked.
Denim shorts by Hammer from my work Sway.
Pointelle knit over the knee socks from F21.
Colorblock chunky oxfords by Bumper from UrbanOG.

A Haunted Birthday

Today is my 28th birthday. Wow I can't believe it, 28 sounds so old when you think of it as two more years until 30. Luckily, thanks to my asian genes, people often question whether I am even 21. Onto my photos... I don't mean to post such an eerie and melancholy shoot on my birthday but in a way it sort of goes with my mood. I came upon this abandoned house on an evening walk, actually I am not sure if it is abandoned. It is very rundown and looks haunted, with curtains and shades covering every windows. I thought it would create an interesting backdrop for my flowy bohemian look of crochet, chiffon, and lace.

Crochet lace chiffon fishtail skirt by Free People.
Dusty rose crochet top from F21.
Vintage pink woven t-strap leather flats by Footworks from Etsy.
Heart shaped sunglasses from Urban Outfitters.
Thrifted vintage leather handbag by Dooney & Bourke.

A Moment in Time

The contrast of my lady like vintage look in this rustic setting is quite interesting. On one hand, my outfit and I seemed out of place. On the other hand, it looks like I was there for a reason. Either way, this shoot was rather spontaneous and I really like how it turned out. I love the periwinkle color of this vintage dress, and with the white polkadots it looks great with all the dark brown accessories! On a different note, I should wear hats more often! I actually have lots of hats but I just never wear them. I ought to change that! Speaking of hat, I want to tell you about the hat I am wearing here. I bought it on Etsy last year for under $20. The label on it says Lilly Daché whom, at the time, I was not familiar with. Recently, I did some research and apparently Lilly Daché was a French milliner and fashion designer. She was kind of a big deal, designed for many Hollywood films, and had many famous clients. Designer Halston even worked for her before starting his own business! Today, her designs and hats are valued highly by collectors of vintage clothing. I had no idea this little hat of mine has such history and story! This is why I love vintage!

Thrifted vintage polkadots dress by Avocado.
Thrifted vintage white leather belt.
Vintage hat by Lilly Daché from Etsy.
Vintage two tone leather handbag by Dooney & Bourke from Etsy.
Two tone cut out oxfords by Dollhouse from UrbanOG.

Strolling Through a Different Era

There is a street about two blocks from where I live called Walnut Avenue. It is one of the National Register Historic Places in Santa Cruz and it is lined with Victorian homes dating all the way back to 1870. I love to stroll through this area and enjoy all the beautiful houses with their intricate decor and nicely shaped gardens. These photos were taken in front of one of these houses but this particular one isn't as spectacular. I am definitely going back to take more photos in front of other houses soon, there are so much to see and so much to show! My vintage look was quite appropriate in this setting. A vintage 1950s rosette wool cardigan over a peter pan collar lace dress, mint bag, and Dolly Mixture shoes gifted by Shellys London (thank you!!!). I absolutely adore these shoes! The soft mint and teal combo is so pretty, the bow is adorable, and oh my they are so comfortable too! Shellys London have so many cute shoes, I seriously want them all!

Vintage 1950s embroidered flowers wool cardigan by Cathay from Adelaide Homesewn.
Peter pan collar lace dress from F21.
Thrifted vintage pink leather belt.
Mint bag from Nila Anthony from my work Sway.
Dolly Mixture shoes c/o Shellys London.

Just Riding Along

Quite frankly, I love this outfit. Simple palette and solid pieces, yet well thought out. As you can see, I have finally hopped onto the American Apparel riding pants wagon. I couldn't decide between safari brown or henna, so I got both colors. Typical. Although they are a little long for me (considering the fact that I am only 5'2"), they are quite flattering. I love them! Here, I am wearing the henna ones with a darling sage peter pan collar top, a vintage cardigan of a similar sage color, and a pair of vintage navy leather flats. The best part, however, is the bag. This awesome vintage woven bag tied the entire outfit together by having all the colors in its southwestern print - rust brown, sage, and navy! Thanks to Therapy Vintage who gifted me this lovely bag. This shop is filled with amazing and affordable vintage goodies, go check it out!

Sage peter pan collar top from F21.
Thrifted vintage sage cardigan.
Riding pants in henna from American Apparel.
Vintage navy leather flats by from Etsy.
Vintage southwestern woven bag c/o Therapy Vintage.

PS. Congratulations to Severine of The Clothed Chameleon who won the cross double finger rings giveaway! I will contact you shortly! Thanks to everyone who entered!