thrift store | Frivolous Universe

Once upon a Story, Story Night

By: Bethany Walter

02-12-2011

There was a graphic designer who was hired for her first career job at a small, creative marketing firm. She got to dream up and create things such as filming a dog and pony show to showcase the company’s portfolio. Life was pretty good.

Then one day a copywriter in a light brown dress with shoulder length, curly hair and a bicycle helmet on entered the firm’s doors smiling. Her laughter was magnetic, warm and inviting. Her name was Jessica Holmes. The designer knew instantly she wanted Jessica and her to be good friends.

Four years later, after another successful evening of Story, Story Night, the designer is wearing ochre tights (Target: $5) and celebrating that friendship with Jessica, and the ones that have followed in her wake.

Jessica attracts talented, passionate and goodhearted people. Because of this, the designer has met many new friends. This dress is a Target hand-me-down from one of those generous and creative souls, Kelly Lynae, a woman with a mesmerizing singing and writing voice. Bottoming out this outfit are chocolate velvet, high heeled shoes from a thrift store, $5-6.

It is hard to tell what is going on in this photo, but you should know Kelly is wearing something epic and she might be sharing it with you on Monday.

The wooden necklace was a Christmas gift from last year. The green turquoise the designer may never take off is antique Navajo silver jewelry given to her by her mom.

This is the designer’s date, another gifted and talented friend of Jessica’s. He’s a conceptual artist whose paintings are inspired by introspection and social analysis. His name is Marcus Pierce and he is a keeper. Largely because he waited around for a long time while the designer shot photos of the FU ladies.

Thank you Jessica, for changing and enriching this designer’s life. I hope there is no end to this story.

Anna, I love these photos you took of me.
AND . . . Happy Birthday Kelly!!!

Comments

Olive for Autumn

By: Kelly Lynae Robinson

28-11-2011

Kelly, Nicole

Kelly: Olive is one of my favorite pseudo-neutrals. Pseudo-neutrals are colors that can stand in for neutrals in any outfit, adding more visual interest. Khaki, black, and white are expected and do no favors for the skin tone. It’s more interesting to use olive, burgundy, camel, nude, or rust.

Nicole: If this skirt were black it would be soo boring! This is a work outfit. On Wednesdays I host. I don’t get paid as much, but the fact that I can wear whatever I want makes up for it! This week I wore a vintage pleated skirt with sheer, flower printed blouse.

K: I shortened this skirt by 12 inches. While I love it, I wonder if I would love it more longer. Thoughts?

N: When I wear full skirts and knits to work, the other host calls them “Jane Eyre outfits.”

N: Ms. Friday Bethany gave me these gorgeous vintage earrings as a going away present! Thanks, Armor Bijoux! Also, look at the adorable embroidery on the collar of my cardi.

K: Vintage Middle-Eastern jewelry goes with EVERYTHING.

N: Vintage clothing has such great details. Pleats for days, buttons, and an interesting waist-line. Woven belt ties it all together.

N: Purple tights and purple boots to go with my purple cardigan. These boots are Born, and were a prezie from my lovely Mama a couple birthdays ago.

N: My skirt, sweater and belt were all purchased second hand. The shirt is an Urban Outfitters brand, but I actually found it in a free backpack…shh, don’t judge me.

K: A free backpack that someone left at the yoga studio. Okay, now judge her.

K: Same color skirt, totally different silhouette: vintage tie-waist jacket and olive pencil skirt.

K: Bethany Walter, our Friday contributor, found this union-made 70s polyester jacket at a thrift store for $4.00. I love the 70s. I swear clothes from that decade fit me better than any other. Runner up: 90s. I love the colors and pattern. It reminds me of linoleum.

N: Clothes from the 50’s definitely fit my figure best, with the 90’s being my second as well. Who doesn’t love a good crop top?

K: I almost gave these department store shoes away in September, because I didn’t wear them all summer. They just felt too heavy with all of my girly, hippie summer frocks. But then I discovered them with socks. Socks have the power to make or break an outfit, and these chunky platforms with chunky socks make the perfect fall-outfit anchor.

K: I wear this wool wrap my grandmother made almost everyday. It is as warm as a winter coat and can wrap three times around my head in case of freak blizzard.

All clothing was purchased second-hand or rescued from the yoga studio.

Comments

Why color?

By: Bethany Walter

18-11-2011

Bethany

Color combination is the simplest way to add interest to an outfit. “I love your color palette,” is my favorite complement to give.

Color can tie completely contrasting patterns together which equals more visual interest.

The more colorful you are usually means the more approachable you are. It gives people something to comment on and make conversation, such as, ” You are wearing turquoise tights.” To which I sometimes ignore or just smile. Conversation can get pretty deep.

Color is usually interpreted as meaning the person is happy. This day I am traveling home to visit my family. My mother likes to worry. Wearing lots of color is a way for me to reassure her that I am doing well.