5.03.2009

Thrifting Jackpot: The Others

The last 2 items I got from my big thrifting haul finally came back from the dry cleaner's. The first is going to be a good transitional staple. The second is definitely weekend-only material, and boy is it fun.

The oversized brocade coat looks handmade--it was not lined, and there were no labels. I'm a very tactile-oriented person, and the texture of the patterns is certainly interesting. I was initially hesitant about buying it because of the huge size, but once I tried it on, my doubts vanished. While it is many sizes bigger than me, it is oversized in the right way. The back drapes gracefully like a cape. It looks great belted as well, though I have yet to wear it out that way. I paired it with more modern grayscale pieces for a Friday work outfit.

[circle pendant necklace--gift, Forever 21 tunic with side twist (trust me, it looks way better than pictured), Helmut Lang slim-legged pants (still way too long, but looks great cuffed and works in lieu of leggings for a professional look), thrifted coat, Payless pumps]





The last item was something I literally picked up on my way to the cash register. I was browsing the racks on my way out with my roommate when I saw the skirt and said, "take a look at this!" A blue leather skirt. How ridiculous is that? Nonetheless, I couldn't help but try it on and found that it fits in more ways than one. It costs nearly 4 times the price of the skirt (which was $7) to get it cleaned, but I think it's well worth it because of how cool it is. Since this is obviously not office-wear, it's not something that will require that many trips to the dry cleaner's. If I can find a leather cleaner that I can work with myself, I'll save some money.

Wearing a leather skirt, especially a blue one, is tricky. Leather is very rocker-chic, so it's natural to turn to some rock-and-roll accessories, but wearing too many "tough" items at once would be overkill. Also, a blue leather skirt is such an unusual piece that it deserves to shine on its own. Since I needed to head to the hair salon for a quick trim, I couldn't wear anything fancy up top anyway, so I went with a simple black beater. I went with a couple of pieces of simple metallic jewelry, but decided to forego the boots in favor of more laid-back sandals and a straw fedora. It was a hot and sunny day, after all.

[Urban Outfitters fedora, dagger necklace made by me, Kenneth Cole cuff (bought from the Minneapolis Macy's for $5), Forever 21 beater ($1 from the FIDM store), vintage blue leather skirt ($7), Sigerson Morrison sandals]



On a programming note, I am getting increasingly busy with work (yes, on the weekends too), so if I don't reply to comments, please don't take it personal. I don't expect the frequency of posting to change that much, but if I'm gone for an extended period of time, now you know why.

5 comments:

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

That blue skirt is awesome. Actually I adore that whole outfit and I'm really jealous of your fedora--I need one!

The Queen of Fifty Cents said...

Fabbo skirt, but that coat really calls to me. I love that swing shape. Great finds!

Sales Rack Raider said...

Thank you both! One of these days I got to wear both pieces together...they just seem to match in my mind.

ambika said...

No kidding about the jackpot. That coat is to die for. Such a great 1950s look with that drapery.

discount handbags said...

Oh,nice look.Especial that blue leather skirt.I like it.