What I got - Retro Floral Dress, White Blazer and more

It's been quite a while since I've had a successful thrift hunt but I got lucky last weekend and scored a few great items.

First up is this 50s/60s style abstract floral print dress that I bought from a garage sale last weekend for BDS$6.


Note: US$1 = BDS$2




To be honest, it didn't look very impressive when I first picked it up but I liked the colours and the print so I decided I would buy it anyway. However, it soon began to grow on me on the ride home and when I finally tried it on, it was instant love! The style is so cute and retro - it reminds me of those gorgeous dresses worn on Mad Men.

I could never wear these gloves and tights during the day in Barbados but I'm not going anywhere today and I love dressing up so I thought "why not?"

I also got this awesome white blazer from the same sale for BDS$8. Unfortunately, it's a little tight when I button it but I love it so I'll probably just wear it open.




I went to another sale the same day and got the two bags below. The first one is a black oversized clutch that I bought for BDS$5. It has a really beautiful relief design on the flap that isn't obvious unless you look at it closely.
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The other bag I got is this cool denim fringed Miss Sixty bag that also cost BDS$5. I've wanted a fringed purse for a long time but another reason why is love this one is because of the brilliant woven detail on the flap.




This last item is not a garage sale purchase but a bargain buy nonetheless. I ordered these amazing pewter caged heels from the Urban Original Ebay Store for US$10.49. I don't usually wear shoes this high so it's going to take some practice walking in them, especially because of the thin heel, but I think I'll get the hang of it eventually. I don't think this shoe style is still in stock but if you're interested in checking out more of their stuff, they also have a website you can visit.

The Headdress Affair: A Floral Fantasy

Think the Philip Treacy hat Sarah Jessica Parker wore to the Sex and the City London premiere was over the top?

photo courtesy justjared.com

The ultimate in extravagant floral headwear was seen at the 7th annual Tulips and Pansies: The Headdress Affair on May 15. The purpose of the event was to raise money for Village Care of New York’s various support programs for the 1500 AIDS and HIV patients they care for daily.

Some of fashion’s top designers such as Betsey Johnson, Catherine Malandrino and Lela Rose teamed up with New York City’s most prestigious florists to create the most imaginative and outrageous toppers using fresh cut flowers and living foliage.

The headdresses were judged on the categories ‘Most Outrageous’, ‘Most Beautiful’, ‘Most Original’ and ‘Most Engaging’.

If you were a judge, which ones would be your winners?

photos courtesy fashionwiredaily.com

Ebay Spring Trend - Sheer cover

Show some skin! Sheer fabrics are another big trend this spring and were seen on many runways including (from left to right) Chanel, Jil Sander, Derek Lam and Fendi.

photos courtesy style.com

While it may seem like an intimidating look to adopt for some, the sheer trend is all about being subtly seductive but still keeping it classy. Choose an item that will hint at your best features such as a blouse with sheer sleeves to bring the focus to your arms or a skirt with a sheer hem to show off your great legs. Be careful not to reveal too much or your outfit may leave you looking like less of a fashionista and more like a lady of the night.

You can use sheer fabrics as a cover up over another garment, for example, wear a sheer patterned dress or skirt over a plain one for delicate but alluring look.

Tap into this trend with the items I found below.


#1 70s Liquid Satin Wine Colored Mini Dress
Item no. 300221217838
http://cgi.ebay.com/70s-SEXY-LIQUID-SATIN-Wine-Colored-Plunge-Vneck-Mini-M_W0QQitemZ300221217838QQihZ020QQcategoryZ48869QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This is a sexy semi sheer wine red dress with a plunging V-neckline. It is unlined and features sheer puff sleeves, a ruffled collar and a stretch waist.

Measurements
Bust - 36"
Waist - 26/30"
Hips - 32"

STARTING BID: US$0.99

AUCTION END: May-06-08 15:00:00 PDT(3 days 7 hours)

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#2 Vintage Floral Boho Sundress
Item no. 160235287569
http://cgi.ebay.com/Floral-DISCO-Indie-SUNDRESS-Boho-PARTY-Vintage-Dress-S_W0QQitemZ160235287569QQihZ006QQcategoryZ48870QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Sweet Ruth McCullouch vintage dress with gorgeous bold floral print. In good vintage condition. Size small.

STARTING BID: US$9.99

AUCTION END: May-05-08 18:01:40 PDT (2 days 10 hours)

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#3 Vintage Navy Blue Sheer Crepe Top with Lace Bib
Item no. 260235639796
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Top-Lace-Bib-Victorian-Collar-Puffed-Sleeves-Sm_W0QQitemZ260235639796QQihZ016QQcategoryZ48910QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Darling vintage navy blue sheer crepe top with sheer lace bib, Victorian collar, puffed sleeves, button cuffs, accordian knife pleat bodice and cabbage edged hem. Great vintage condition. Size small/XSmall.

Measurements (will stretch)
Bust - 32"
Waist - 32"

BUY-IT-NOW Price: US$34.95

AUCTION END: May-06-08 20:36:27 PDT (3 days 12 hours)

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#4 Vintage 60/70s Floral Maxi Dress
Item no. 110248367728
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-60-70s-Peach-Formal-Prom-Long-Floral-Dress-S-M_W0QQitemZ110248367728QQihZ001QQcategoryZ48869QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



This is a 60s/70s peach vintage dress with a sheer floral overlay. It has double spaghetti straps and a crossover V-neckline and a long pleated skirt. In very good vintage condition.

Measurements
Bust - 33/34"
Waist - 31" (max)
Hips - 40" (max)

STARTING BID: US$11.99

AUCTION END: May-06-08 17:52:12 PDT (3 days 10 hours)

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#5 Vintage Black Lace Victorian Dress
Item no. 250242494407
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vtg-Black-LACE-Victorian-Button-Neck-Empire-DRESS-S-M_W0QQitemZ250242494407QQihZ015QQcategoryZ48869QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



This gorgeous black lace dress features a Victorian neckline with pearl buttons. The waist and sleeve cuffs are elasticated for comfort. It also has two tiered ruffled hemline and a matching string belt sash.

Measurements
Bust - 36"
Waist - 24" but will stretch to 32"
Hips - 42"

STARTING BID: US$14.99

AUCTION END: May-05-08 14:13:26 PDT(2 days 6 hours)

Ebay Spring Trend - Flower with love

Floral print for spring is as cliche as it gets but this season, it's still as hot as ever. The ubiquitous print was seen at various runways including (from left) Marc Jacobs, Oscar De La Renta, Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren.

photos courtesy style.com

Florals can get a bit tricky as too much can get a bit overwhelming, but if kept at a reasonable level, they can be pretty and fun. They can also be a great mix of sexy and playful on dresses that show a little skin. This print is very versatile as it can be done in many ways, on many different types of clothing so you're bound to find something for yourself.

Below are some great floral print items I came across.


#1 Vintage Lorac Originals Pretty Floral Tent Dress
Item no. 380016819148
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-Lorac-Originals-PRETTY-FLORAL-TENT-DRESS_W0QQitemZ380016819148QQihZ025QQcategoryZ48870QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Pretty floral tent dress. Print is bold and polyester fabric is lightweight, almost sheer. Missing top button but looks better unbuttoned. Unfinished hem. Belt not included.

Measurements:
Shoulder - 15"
Arms - 11"
Bust(double) - 23"
Waist(double) - 26"
Hips (double) - 27"

Condition - Very good.

STARTING BID: US$9.99

AUCTION END: Apr-18-08 11:23:12 PDT(4 days 20 hours)

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#2 Bell Sleeve Vintage Folk Floral Boho Cotton Top
Item no. 160229013351
http://cgi.ebay.com/BELL-SLEEVE-vintage-FOLK-FLORAL-boho-cotton-top-12-M_W0QQitemZ160229013351QQihZ006QQcategoryZ103327QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Vintage 70s boho cotton smock blouse. Oatmeal with tiny folk floral print trim. Cutest mandarin collar and button front. Mid-length bell sleeves. Wear loose or belted. Accessories in photo not included.

Size:
Approx modern size medium M/Australian 12

Measurements (double):
Underarm to underarm - 51 cm
Shoulder to shoulder - 38 cm
Length - 64 cm
(N.B 1 inch - 2.5 cm)

STARTING BID: AU 12.50 (US$11.61)

AUCTION END: Apr-23-08 04:08:00 PDT (9 days 13 hours)

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#3 Vtg. 60s Mod Floral Kisslock Clutch Purse
Item no. 120245491135
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vtg-60s-MOD-floral-KISSLOCK-CLUTCH-frame-purse-bag_W0QQitemZ120245491135QQihZ002QQcategoryZ74966QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This adorable Apple-green pleated clutch is sprinkled with cheerful flowers and topped with a kiss-lock closure. Inside is pink cotton with a little pocket, no flaws anywhere except for the slightly dingy inside. Measures 10" long by 5.5" tall.

STARTING BID: US$7.99

AUCTION END: Apr-20-08 17:58:56 PDT (7 days 3 hours)

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#4 Vtg. Made in Hawaii Geometric Floral Sundress
Item no. 380016837148
http://cgi.ebay.com/VTG-80s-MADE-IN-HAWAII-GEOMETRIC-FLORAL-SUNDRESS-XS_W0QQitemZ380016837148QQihZ025QQcategoryZ48870QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Lovely cotton multi-coloured geometric floral print sun dress.

Measurements:
Bust - 30"
Waist - 32"
Hips - 34"
Full length - 42"

STARTING BID: US$0.99

AUCTION END: Apr-14-08 15:00:00 PDT (1 day)

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#5 Go Max Red Gold Floral Fabric Womens Shoes
Item no. 350048135486
http://cgi.ebay.com/GO-MAX-Red-Gold-florals-fabric-Womens-Shoes-6-5-NEW_W0QQitemZ350048135486QQihZ022QQcategoryZ63889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Ladies, misses Go Max low heeled shoes size 6.5. They have a red and gold floral pattern ; top of the toe has a brass buckle. Heel is 3/4". These are brand new, you will love them!!

STARTING BID: US$6.50

BUY-IT-NOW PRICE: US$9.95

AUCTION END: Apr-19-08 13:35:36 PDT (5 days 23 hours)

Sweet Spring Scarves

Ahh, Spring is in the air. Not in my air, just yours. We only have summer in Barbados so I have no idea what it's like, but I digress.

You see the signs of spring all around. A blossoming flower in a garden, a bird chirping in the tree, and now you can get it around your neck. Lulu's Fashion Lounge has some of the prettiest cotton scarves in stock. Bold patterns in gorgeous colours will surely brighten up any outfit and lift any sour mood and with prices of US$13 and US$16, you can't help but smile.

Circle Circle Dot Dot Scarf in Blue
Price: US$13.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Circle+Circle+Dot+Dot+Scarf+in+Blue/8150.html


Dandelion Scarf in Blue
US$13.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Dandelion+Scarf+in+Blue/8163.html


Off the Coast Scarf in Fuschia
US$16.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Off+The+Coast+Scarf+in+Fuchsia/8157.html

Click here to see more of these lovely scarves.

Shoe in Bloom

Isn't this just the most adorable shoe you've ever seen?


Well maybe not everyone would think so, but I think it's just the cutest. If this shoe doesn't scream spring, I don't know what does. With it's pretty pink floral pattern, it would be an uplifting addition to your shoe collection. What's even better is that they're only $21.99. No typo, you read correctly.

If you like these, you're going to want to click on the link. http://www.payless.com/Catalog/productdetail.aspx?ItemCode=59597&ProductColor=Multi&Width=Regular&TLC=Womens&SLC=WomensDress&BLC=WomensDressTrendy&cm_re=S08_p03a_20080304*Sale*061292-Multi(Hilt_Pump)