Spooky Basket: Thrifted Retro-nista

For many of us, shopping thrift is a complete addiction. The heady smell of thrift shops entices the thrill of the hunt, and the ecstasy that consumes us when we find those really great pieces at dollars and cents is exhilarating to say the least...

Ah thrifting... an inexpensive, but fun way to spend the day shopping.

A couple of days ago I spent the day with my neighbor for dollar tacos and then following up with thrift stores. In my town, I didn't expect there to be a whole lot going on in the way of clothing in the thrift stores-- I have found several really great books that are now happily restored and sit in their places on my shelves.

Boy was I glad to be wrong.

That day I picked up some truly great pieces for a whooping total of $9.15. The highlight of my small but lucrative purchase equals the sum of $3.75!

The Polka Dot Dress

At a whopping $3.00, this little slice of retro awesome could not be overlooked-- the minute I walked into the shop it was staring me down from a wall display. I had to have it-- it gives me a huge reason to wear beyond my monochromatic wardrobe habits.
The label is from "Rare Editions"... a quick google yielded the website: www.rareeditions.com
It's apparently made for little girls, but it fit like a glove-- so I guess that means I have the figure of a young girl-- I guess having little breasts can be somewhat of a good thing *rimshot*

Anyway, it is flocked polka dot organza, and the trims and bow are also velvet. A cute studded buckle sits in the center, and none of the gems are missing. It is in such immaculate condition; I just adore it.


The Shoes

Probably the best, and most inexpensive of this haul are the shoes.

I have been coveting a pair like these for what feels like years... but in fact may have only been a couple of months, hehe. The brand is New Port News, and I was completely shocked at the pristine condition, but mostly for the fact that these beauties came in relatively my size. The company's sizes must run small, because they fit superb for a 6 1/2 when I normally wear a 5 to 6 narrow.

You ready to know how much these were?! ...

.75 cents!

omghowawesomeisthatiamsohappy

I have one other piece I was proud to haul in but not showing because when I bought it I had a plan to reconstruct it; that'll have to wait till a Creepy Craft Crusade!


P.S. the necklace is self-made, of course, not that it's really all that impressive! Just strung beads =P

Skeleton Closet: The Vintage Vest.

I always seem to have this issue of not feeling like I look goth during the summer months despite wearing black all over. So as often as I want to, I'll be posting up my outfits for the public to decide whether it's just black clothes or gothic summer time flair.

Last year while I was still living up North, I came upon a vintage shop downtown called USED-House of Vintage. My build is teetering on the larger side, so despite finding many beautiful things my thick ribs and small bust kept making fitting situations awkward and tight.... until I saw a little piece of awesome peeking out from a chest. When I uncovered it, it was one of the most beautiful vests I've ever laid eyes on and it fit!





It is from a company called DAM American Concept; I haven't done much research into it, and a quick google search yielded nothing of note.
It has a mesh front with a floral pattern sewn onto it with ribbon. The back is velvet with a lacing detail to cinch it. The buttons are tattered and I am not really fond of them-- but I haven't found buttons that I'm happy with to replace them.

 

 In this outfit, I incorporated the vest with a cotton black camisole I found at the thrift store by Urban Behavior, and another thrifted find being the black mesh and lace petticoat found at the same thrift store as the vest. I got the beautiful semi-flats at an outdoor fleamarket with my husband years ago, but I've seen the style bounce around in stiletto-pump form.

To top it all off I wore a hairbow and necklace I made.

Obvious steampunk influence

So... Goth or not?