In an attempt to gain clarity in my life after a psycho past 2 months I decided to take my spring break from school off from work as well so I could focus on building my Etsy Store and vintage business up to the best that can possibly be. So what goes in to that? Massive Chictopia updating, Tumblr starting, Etsy photo shoots, etc. Big changes are coming to the blog also. I have obviously reached a turning point. I was recently reading old blog posts and as I got into more recent posts it became obvious that I lost my purpose. So this is not the blog you to find about which is the Best hair straightener. I love fashion but I never write about shows, or the newest trends. I thrift everything and mix vintage with new stuff every single day. Now that I am 100% focused on my business I need to give at least 20% of that too my blog. So bear with me while I figure out what direction I will be taking it all.

So what’s next? Ordering clip in hair for my little sister who values hair extensions over money. (She’s my employee at the flea market) and doing math homework because tomorrow is the last day of my break. Stay tuned for the inevitability  of me getting my act together.

The weather has been crazy here in NYC for the past couple of weeks. Last week the usually cool month of March felt more like the end of June – and with people walking around in short shorts and flip flops I started to feel out of place in my jeans and the boots I refused to relinquish! It is not summer yet and for that reason I am writing about ladies coats. One thing I am obsessed with for the transitional seasons such as Spring and Fall is a good jacket.

Denim is an obvious first choice and one of my favorites. It is classic and a good vintage Levis will always have a nice weight to it. Other options are a vintage amy jacket, a lined wind breaker, or a khaki trench.

In other news: Meet Lydia! My new Etsy Model. This Jacket may or may not be in the shop soon as I am growing might attached to it’s Levi awesomeness. Stay tuned!

How to bring the Wow Factor to a wedding outfit.
 
Weddings are usually lavish affairs, and you want to look the part when you’re invited to a stunning wedding with all the trimmings.  While the bride and groom say their I Do’s, there are a couple of do’s and don’ts you should be considering yourself. We’ll tell you what’s good to go when attending a wedding and what just won’t make the cut when you’re picking your wedding guest couture.
 
When it comes to picking an outfit for a wedding, it’s key to keep the bride, and her wedding theme, in mind. A traditional wedding calls for a chic and stylish outfit, and more traditional colours like creams, pastels and whites will complement your classic dress. If the wedding invite looks romantic and dreamy it’s a sure invitation to pull on something a little more vintage. Go for soft chiffons, gorgeous lavish silks and satins and remember that elegance goes a long way to looking chic and sophisticated at a traditional wedding.
 
For a more contemporary wedding theme, add a little more glitz and colour to your outfit. The Yumi range for sale on Very features a collection of cut-to-curve dresses that are sleek and elegant, but packed with detail like sequins and beading. Make sure that you keep your look stylish, and don’t go overboard with bodycon styles or revealing necklines.  If you do decide on a sleeker dress, pair it with a draped satin tuxedo jacket or a pretty shrug or bolero.
 
A pencil dress is a stunning wedding option for the girl who wants to woo with a chic statement style. A pencil dress shows off your figure, keeping your style sleek and elegant. A pencil dress should always be finished with a pair of gorgeous heels, so opt for cute peep-toes or tall strappy sandals for a lighter look.
 
As a guest at a wedding, you’ll want to make a style splash that won’t give way to a fashion faux pas. Elegance is key, and anything too loud, glitzy or over-the-top is better kept for the hen-night. Wedding photos will be around for years to come, so make sure your outfit is classy, beautifully fitted and suited to the occasion.

When you wake up one morning and scream at your reflection in the mirror upon seeing those inflamed spots on your face, the first question that comes to mind is ‘how on earth do I get rid of them?’ The answer could be blue light treatment.

The purpose of blue light therapy for acne is to prevent papules and pustules, otherwise informally known as the unpopular “zits”. Smaller acne lesions such as non-inflamed blackheads and whiteheads, including severe acne lesions like cysts and nodules, tend to respond much poorly.

Usually controlled with at-home devices, light therapy is usually performed twice a day using blue or sometimes blue + red light. Known to be more efficient, the blue light is sharper when it comes to blue light treatment. When the blue light reaches the sebaceous (oil) glands under the outer skin layer, it can assist in exciting the porphyrins. These are the compounds inside acne bacteria. When they are activated by the blue light, these porphyrins convert to singlet oxygen and eliminate the bacteria from the inside.

Red light, and is less researched than blue light, can perhaps help reduce the inflammation and improve the process of healing. There are certain light spectrums that could also inhibit sebum (skin oil) production and diminish the inflammation.

Normally, tabletop light therapy devices require 10-15 minutes for the treatment to occur with the user sitting very close to the device.

There are handheld devices, which some experts are believed to have claimed help with light penetration, require a person to hold a device directly on many areas on his or her face. This requires about 30 minutes to one hour of twice a day for the treatment to be completed.

It is also important to remember that goggles are needed with both of the above devices since blue light is dangerous for the retina. Light therapy can be used in conjunction with other acne therapies, except isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane).

Regarding the efficiency of blue light therapy, studies have generally been small and results have varied on a wide scale. According to these studies, results have ranged from “statistically insignificant clearance” all the way up to 81% clearance of acne.

Like some processes and products, blue light at-home therapy and their machines are considered to have very few side effects. Some possible side effects could include slight irritation or redness for those individuals that tend to be quite sensitive. Luckily also, the level of UV light in the devices used is quite low and is kept within the range of safety.

Other than different spectrums and devices, two more things are required for effective results of blue light therapy – patience and determination.

Sitting close to a light device wearing opaque goggles for at least thirty minutes twice a day can sound like a chore and something you want to put off – but with determination and good planning, it shouldn’t affect your daily schedule and shouldn’t be too bothersome and the results will make it all worthwhile.

First of alI let me start by saying that I had this post written in its entirety and my phone deleted it before I could publish it. I am mentioning it only because it ties into the subject of patience and anger – which is one of the topics I this particular post.

Today is day 7 for me of Kris Carr’s crazy sexy diet. A 21 day cleanse the expels meat, dairy, eggs, processed foods, gluten, and sugar from my diet.
Okay now is the time when you can ask me what exactly what I am eating.
The answer: everything.
I am eating better then I have in my whole life – the result? I feel better then I have in my whole life.
I have been a vegan for about 3 years now, but that doesn’t mean I have always been a healthy vegan. French fries, Oreos, and crisco are all vegan after all. Without the meat in my diet any cause of stress could inflict on me the horrible domino effect of eating badly leading to: being horribly sick for at least a week.
So why not eat meat and dairy?
I  have been Allergic to dairy since 2003. The same year they started injecting dairy cows with a new hormone called:
When you inject animals with hormones it is of course going to effect their flesh and eggs so if my body  can’t handle the milk it most definitely can’t handle anything else coming from the animal.
This is a matter of my health and since Christmas I have had 3 flu like colds.
It was time to reset.
I found out about Crazy Sexy Diet from one of my class instructors at the gym and immediately picked it up. I am constantly on a quest to keep extra pounds off my short frame and weight watchers ( a program i lost 20 pounds on previously) difficult to do while sticking with my vegan diet.  ( fruits and vegetables can’t really be 0 points when they make up 75% of your diet) this seemed to be a way to get healthy and to maybe for the first time since I was 12 not feel guilty about every single piece of food I put in my mouth.

So here I am  7 days in. 3 pounds down from eating home cooked veggie filled meals 3 times a day with snacks in between. Still as I approach week 2 there are a few things I would like to do better on and here they are:

1. Even more vegetables! I have been having spinach smoothies every morning for breakfast, juicing as much as I can and fitting veggies into every meal but I need More! This week i will have a salad as my lunch or dinner everyday.

2. Not forgetting to take my vitamins! I am trying to create nightly habits but I suck at then. This week I will was my face, take my vitamins, then brush my teeth. All this healthiness has also encouraged me to take better care of my skin and teeth

3. The meditation. One of the parts of the cleanse is meditating. I admit I am downright failing at that. In the past 7 days I have meditated once for 5 minutes. I can do better even if I means waking up 5 minutes earlier. All though I might start doing this before bed to fend off some of the weirdo dreams I’ve been having.

4. Push myself. I spend so much money on my membership to Equinox so I will go and it being cold outside should not be stopping me as much as it has been. I will go 3 times a week at the least or double up on classes.

So this is me checking in with myself. My original plan was to post every day but between school and work it just hasn’t happened. So it will be once a week. Shoved into between what will hopefully be more outfit posts and store updates.

xoxo

My first outfit post in probably forever! Yesterday while putting clothes away I realized that I compleattly love everything in my closet right now- for probably the first time ever! I am being really smart and only buying transitional pieces that I can take from winter to spring without getting too ahead of myself and buying pieces I know I will hate come May and June.

The clog booties I am wearing are probably my favorite shoes right now. I traded for them on Monday at Crossroads Trading Company and I am obsessed with them. They give me a little height, are perfect to wear with Maxi Dresses and they have a wood sole so they are amazingly comfortable. The jeans are purple, the sweater is SEE by Chloe and the bag is vintage from a flea market in Rome. So excited to be fashion blogging again!

Starting off the school year with a bang! With a ton of new things in the Etsy shop. I am going to be doing weekly Etsy update (hopefully) and have been hoarding away tons of cute things for Spring. I am also working on a special line of merch that I am creating myself based on some of my favorite trends. All of that will be available online as well in my booth at the Artists an Fleas Market and of course in my studio space!

I am go grateful to have some beautiful 1940s pieces mixed in there with some more on the way!

We had our first snow of the winter this past Saturday and I am already over it.  Where is summer!? is it here yet? I long to be able to flounce out to the coffee shop with wet hair and my white Havaianas sandals. Now to venture outside I have to stack on layer after layer of clothing.

On top of everything I am completely uninspired. In order to get myself excited about Spring I took myself to Urban Outfitters to look around at what would be in style (lots of bare shoulders and fish tail hems) and have decided that one of this weeks DIY projects would be a mood board!

I must also mention that school starts next week and unlike last semester I will actually be attending class. This means putting extra effort into my outfits – which also means shopping! Or in my case hard core thrifting, trolling Etsy, and trading. Nothing is more inspiring then my fellow classmates.

I have decided to bring outfit post back full force on this blog and am treating myself to a new camera in a couple of weeks. Watch out.

P.S. Want to see more Haviana Sandals? Check out their collection of wedding flip flops

I am so bored with my hair. I have spent that last 3 years growing it to it’s current length and I couldn’t be more over it. Due to an accident involving a  pair of nail scissors and me with no glasses on I know have completely uneven bangs that I have to wait to grow out before I can even think about cutting it again – but until then I can dream. So what am I dreaming of? A short funky layered hair cut that just screams Williamsburg and smokey eyes and magenta lipstick. Since I am patiently waiting for my bangs to grow back I can spent the time in between thinking about what kind of fabulous hair products I want to buy. In particular flat irons . I am ready for a new one. The new GHD Scarlet collection styler is inspired by the hair styles of the 1920s – talk about iconic short hair!

If a straightening Iron can make my hair look like that then I am totally on board! Plus it comes in a cool Snow White inspired carrying case and is much more adult with its sleek black and red look then my current pink iron. In addition it is skinny enough to make sure my new awesome grown out heavy side bang  stays flat and in place. Stay tuned for updated hair photos!

]]> http://www.thriftyfashionista.com/blog/2012/01/19/new-year-new-hair/feed/ 0 http://www.thriftyfashionista.com/blog/2012/01/06/present-the-best-you/ http://www.thriftyfashionista.com/blog/2012/01/06/present-the-best-you/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:24:26 +0000 thriftyfashionista http://www.thriftyfashionista.com/?p=1495

Interviewing for a job can be a tedious task all in itself without having to worry about what you are going to wear. What to wear to a corporate interview versus  an interview for a more creative position can be a job within itself! But never fear  after being on many job interviews for a variety of fields I have managed to put together a few simple base rules to make getting ready for an interview as easy as getting ready to go grocery shopping.

The Corporate Interview

When interviewing for a job in the corporate world it is important to look and feel confident and powerful even if your heart is beating overtime and you are so nervous you are nauseous. Clean lines, classic colors, and a power pump are all definite musts. Strut into that office in your favorite power pumps paired with a gray pencil skirt and a fitted black blazer. What to add a bit of personality? go with a short sleeve silk polka dot blouse in a nice breathable silk so even if you are sweating bullets no one will know but you. The final touches? A large satchel bag to hold copies of your resume and other essentials and a chunky mens watch to show you mean business.

The Corporate Creative Interview

Going on an interview for a job in the fashion, music, or other creative field there is a lot more pressure to come off as a creative type of person – one of the best ways to do this is with your interview outfit. Not only does it make a good impression but a positive reaction to your outfit can give you just the confidence boost you need to nail your interview and get the job. Start with something classic yet comfortable like a black skinny pant and base your outfit around it. choose a shoe that pops, gives you some height and is also comfortable to walk in like these leopard platform wedges. A neutral top and a bad-ass motorcycle jacket will tie the outfit together without getting crazy with the prints. A nice big bangal and a bright colored hobo bag and you are ready to go!

The Start-Up Interview

When going to an interview at a start-up company you might have the luxury to dress a little more comfortably and like yourself – whatever that may be! I always take the opportunity to make sure I look put together. Wearing jeans and t-shirt is totally an option but paired with some motorcycle boots and a sleeveless vest you are still showing your possible future employer that you are put together and professional. Add a leather backpack and some jewelry to tie the whole together.

I did this post in affiliation with with Monster.com’s  “Present the best  you” contest I am so excited to be able to participate with my little guide to dressing for an interview. Monster.com also presented me with an affiliate gift of a makeup kit and business card holder to help me present the best of myself.

About BeKnown:

Monster.com recently launched BeKnown, a professional networking app for Facebook. BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates!

With BeKnown College Pages:

• Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free
• Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs

In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster’s database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.

“As soon-to-be college graduates start to think about their entry into the workforce, their first step should be building out their professional networks using the invaluable connections they have right in front of them,” said Tom Chevalier, Global Product Manager for Monster Worldwide. “Alumni networks are a key source for career opportunities for college graduates, so we wanted to make it as easy as possible for them to connect and engage right from BeKnown.”

Want to help me win? Click this link:  http://bit.ly/thkEKl !

While you’re at it download the Beknown Iphone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317

and you can also watch a video guided tour here: http://www.beknown.com/landing/GuidedTours