georgia on my mind

Georgia Avenue Thrift Store is my old faithful in the world of hand to hand fashion.

In the 10 years that I have shopped at the upper-northwest second hand sanctuary, the greatest change has been the colorful, hand-written price tags cum "mall prices" sucking the good souls from original thrift -mavens. In a time where the country is struggling economically, we still find joy in being distinctive. Retailers know that WE know that the thrift store is the only place to go where imitation is nearly impossible, therefore-in the words on Jason Campbell...hikehikehike! Even still, the neighborhood store is always flooded with light and keeps the good music pumping. There are 14 rows of dresses, lingerie, tops and coats from every decade, cool concert t-shirts and walls lined with amazing finds that make the hunt positively addictive! I always get great pants and sweaters at Georgia, as well as funky vintage chairs and printed throws (you can never have too many!) The best time to go is on a Tuesday morning. Beat the crowds and get dibs on the stuff they were to busy to price the previous weekend.

BEST BUYS:

an MCM tote bag for $29

a pair of ox-blood red Dolce and Gabbana leather pants for $10






WHAT I BOUGHT THERE LATELY...

Cobalt Blue Leather Skirt $6.98
Multicolor Striped Blazer (Dress) $4.98


I guess we frugalistas have some soul to keep after all....


Georgia Avenue Thrift Store
6101 Georgia Avenue NW @ Quackenbos Street
Washington DC, 20011
Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM
Sun- 11AM-7PM

annie creamcheese, sweet vintage spread

A swanky Georgetown lair where aspiring fashionistas and celebrities alike go for the tried and true, coolest of the cool vintage.  Annie Creamcheese has the names you know (Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Hanae Mori, Missoni) some you may not, but the bet as that you haven't seen it before, and won't see it anywhere else in DC.  Believe me, the owners capitalize on this fact.  The  basement boutique is full of personality; makeshift "suites" separate the moderately priced from the big ticket designer collections.  The place is decorated with a unique hodgepodge of vintage knick- knacks- old glass cabinets stocked full of colorful lucite bangles, excessively layered chains and pearls, or big brass heart shaped CHANEL earrings! (real, but it's going to cost you).  I love the place (though I can't afford most of it).  Perk:  You can sell your vintage or contemporary designer duds by appointment, getting 35% in cash or 50% in store credit (no split though).  Great place to go to get outfitted for theme parties, costume shopping, or for authentic quality vintage pieces.

The store in Vegas is gorgeous! Even more of an experience!  That's where Annie takes her best stuff from all the estate sales and private auctions that she goes to get the her merchandise.

CELEB SIGHTINGS:

Victoria Beckham, Nanette Lepore, Nicole Ritchie and Beaux, 

WHAT I BOUGHT THERE:

Annie Creamcheese Georgetown

3279 M Street N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20007

(202) 298-5555

http://www.anniecreamcheese.com

big girls go treasure hunting too!

So I was watching the Today Show, and they were featuring this GODSEND called 
"yard sale treasure map.com"  Can I just say (deep breath)- AMAZING!  I just thought--all those times I was idly driving on Saturday mornings, I'd see yard and estate sale signs randomly scattered on trees and light posts and I'd fly right by,  falsely "committing" the location to a memory that I truly don't have!  Of course I didn't make it to those sales.  Here's the kicker- yardsaletreasuremap.com works WHEREVER YOU ARE!  Just type in your zipcode-even get specific about the types of things you are looking for, and the search will respond with ALL of the yard sales/estate sales withinin a 2-50 mile radius.  Seriously, is this not the most fab thing since  "Where to Wear?!" With this, there is always somewhere to go and something to buy, and it'll probably be dirt cheap. Can't beat it with a bat.

Yard Sale Treasure Map

http://www.yardsaletreasuremap.com 

TREND SPY: a gentleman's affair, for ladies only

For the coming fashion season, lady like goes male -flare full throttle!   Rachel Roy, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Hussein Chalayan and Alexander McQueen turned it with their Spring 2010 Collections, showcasing inventive ways to do business dressing.  Let's think neo urban professional... Grecian influences meet Annie Hall.  Grace Jones strong architectural aesthetic meets interesting ease.  The thing is exaggeration-shoulders, draping, texture and unconventional layers.  Thank you, Armani and the power suit...the revolution is swinging!

                                      

I know from being a "fashion person" I've often pondered ways to be apart of a streamlined society without sacrificing my own definitive element  (Samantha Jones from Sex and the City is a perfect example of how to do fashion -business).  I think I've arrived.
The color focus is bold vibrant color (blocking is important) or subdued pastels or neutrals with minimalist detail.  Pair sultry printed silk or chiffon with raw, less polished fabrics like tweed, osnaburg or a gabardine woolens.  Try to be a bit atypical, following the mood of the trend.

muse and abuse: homage to amber rose

 For those of you who don't know, Kanye West's latest, physically greatest stripper cum style stallion girlfriend exemplifies the cool of emboldened sexuality and uninhibited dreaming. Hot! Amber Rose, the Cape Verdean/Italian American socialite with the bleach blond buzz cut has morphed into a great inspiration in variety- becoming a Ford Model in July of 2009, she returned to the stage via runway, working the Celestino Spring 2010 Show, was featured in a spread in ELLE Magazine in September 2009, then posed nude in her beaux's print advertorial for his new line of Louis Vuitton tennis shoes. Between personal media profiles, the ever going party circuit, and the harsh judgement of the public, Amber has managed to retain her individuality; letting her iconic indifference take the spotlight.  She discusses topics ranging from the development of a sunglasses line to the fact that the only hair on her body is that on the top of her head.  Some spew venom at the woman-blaming her for Kanye's questionable behavior and erratic sensibilities, but I think she is unashamed, unabashed, and her spirit is exactly what this tepid industry needs.  Welcome fellow non-conformist.  Long Live!

the no makeup makeup: campaign to erase eye shadow and other facial ills

Personally, it took me a long time to start wearing makeup (the right way lol!).  So when I find products that give me a polished look without being too heavy or too obvious, I just gush-I can't help it!  I'm making the official introduction of "the no makeup makeup" look:


#1 Clarins Beauty Flash Balm


A multipurpose savior for the visage. The creamy peach colored balm instantly refreshes, tightens the skin and eliminates signs of fatigue, giving the complexion a boost of intense radiance.  Can be worn on bare skin for a healthy, dewy glow, before makeup as a softening primer, or may be used as a 10 minute mask for a high dose of moisture.  Primarily made to improve the skin's texture and appearance, this formula is truly a beauty comfort.




#2 Smashbox Photo- Op Under Eye Brightener


This stuff is a dream.  I know I have done more than enough concealer child's play-trying to find "the" perfect shade that makes me look awake, alert and unmistakably bright- Never found it in a concealer, but I did start to use the Photo-Op Under Eye Brightener by Smashbox.  A shadow diffuser of sorts-the light reflecting properties in the cream distract from shadows cast by broken capillaries and blood-pooling (also known as dark circles).  The effect: Eyes that are noticeably more open and bright.  Perfect for those rushed mornings when you didn't have time to make yourself look alive , or those who hate wearing "real makeup" and just want to look a little bit better without all that other junk.




#3 Too Faced Candlelight Powder


Finally, makeup that is actually good for and good to your skin.
An antioxidant packed light setting powder meant to achieve subtle radiance. Contains pomegranate extract to encourage smooth skin, aloe vera extract to help retain skin's moisture levels, Chamomile to soothe and calm sensitive or irritated skin,  Vitamin C sustains collagen and acts as  a natural brightener, and lastly, a content of pure gold (yes, like earrings) is proven to not only tighten skin, but to refine imperfections.  Amen.  Dust onto the highest point of the cheekbones, the chin, and the bridge of your nose for the right look.

it glitters gold

Benefit, the uber feminine cosmetics line best known for their BadGAl Lash Mascara and Benetint/Posie Tint Liquid Lip Stains now have a winner with their luxe "kitten" powder.  At first I thought the product was defective because I didn't see even a hint of powder in the container...turns out it's all in the fluffy pink puff (yes no mess!) Resembling a mini vintage hat box, the golden champagne powder has a light floral scent and a gorgeous luminous quality that gives sun-kissed a refined, minimalist meaning.  Tap it anywhere for a fresh effect, or on the part of you that needs time to  shine.  Great for a Gift or cute treat to self.


Benefit Cosmetics
http://www.sephora.com 

http://www.macys.com

secondi, first in my heart

Secondi Consignment is absolutely one of my most prized when it comes to boutique shopping.  The light filled second story loft in the heart of Dupont Circle is host to a fabulous collection of (gently) used designer pieces and quality clothing from a diverse profile of consigners, styles ranging from urban conservative to harajuku avant gard with prices that will make you melt on the way to the motif-budoir fitting rooms.  The conversation is always interesting and the sales representatives know your name AND your favorite designers.  Great Perk: Set up an account to recycle your closet cast-offs. Get 50% of the selling price of your garments in the form of a check OR leave the money in your account for times when you want to spend, but your pockets are slim.  I love going on Wednesday's.  It's open one hour later and  the crowd is perfect-inspirational but not overwhelming.  Enjoy the view, fall in love and conquer-one of a kind is never there for long, never there twice.



Secondi Consignment Clothing
1700 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington DC
(202)667-1122
http://www.secondi.com