Urban Revisions

Urban Revisions tee (thanks Arlie!), Forever 21 skirt and shoes, Vintage
and thrifted necklaces and bracelets, Forever 21 cross ring

Random fact: the downstairs of my boyfriends house is covered with giant mirrors. Sometimes it can get to be a little much, having to stare at yourself while eating dinner perhaps, but for getting ready to go out it's actually pretty fabulous! I decided to take advantage of the giant mirror in his dining room for outfit pictures this weekend, and aside from the horrible quality of my camera, I think they came out kind of nice! Speaking of my camera, I desperately need a new one, preferably one that has a high ISO and is easy to use/understand - any suggestions?

This tee was gifted to me by the far-too-kind Arlie of Urban Revisions. I tried a while back to make one of these shredded tees of my own, and quit halfway through - it's sooo time consuming and painful on your fingers! So, priced at $38, these pre-shredded tees by Arlie are worth every penny! They come in black, white, gray, and lilac, and are completely reversible - you can wear the shredded part in the front or back! Arlie also makes other shredded tops, scarves, and jewelry, all at amazingly affordable prices. Be sure to check out Urban Revisions on Etsy! And keep checking back here - Arlie and I just *might* be working together to have a little giveaway on Breakfast at Saks in the next month or so! :)

For whom the bell tolls

Hollister tank, Onceovertwice crochet bell bottoms custom-made by the lovely Jane
(thanks!), Minnetonka moccasins, Vintage Chanel backpack, Vintage necklace and ring

I wore this to the second show the BF and I went to during Jazz Fest this past week, where we saw the amazingly talented Stanley Jordan. Stanley Jordan quite literally played the guitar and the piano simultaneously - I wish I had taken some video to show you all! It was ridiculous, definitely not like anything I'd ever seen before! But I was able to sneak a picture of Mr. Jordan, which I have posted below - a nice break from looking at pics of me all the time, right? :)

And I can't go without waxing poetic about my new crochet bell bottoms!! When I saw these bad boys featured on Bleach Black, I knew my life wouldn't be complete without a pair (spoken like a true shopping addict!). Jane Oh of Onceovertwice hand crochets each pair of bell bottoms to the measurements you provide, so they truly fit like a dream. And coming soon, Jane will be adding bikinis, fringed dresses, and even more bell bottoms to her Etsy store, so be sure to keep checking back!

Birthdays and Beaches

Erin Wasson x RVCA tank, Abercrombie & Fitch shorts, Vintage belt, earrings & bracelet,
Feather Creations by Carmen headband, Havaianas flip flops, Balenciaga bag

This weekend was my 24th birthday - I'm getting old! The celebration lasted for 3 days, and included Mexican, Italian, and Indian food, mango margaritas, and wayyyyy too much cookie cake. Why is it that all celebrations revolve around food? Not that I'm complaining!

The BF and I went to the beach yesterday, and he gave me this beautiful feather headband. I think I fell in love with him even more after finding out he bought it on Etsy! I love that he also loves supporting independent designers. You all should check out Feather Creations by Carmen, because she makes some beautiful stuff! Next on my list of must-haves are her Tribal Feather, Stone, and Leather earrings - gorgeous!

I hope you've all been enjoying this long weekend! Happy Memorial Day to all my American readers! And don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate to Shopbop - ends this Saturday!

Currently Craving: Chav-tastic

*The perfect turban (both @ Babooshka Boutique)
*Blatant, gaudy name-brands (J'adore Dior tank @ Ebay)
*A neck full of chains (Bolera Body Chain @ Armor Jewelry, Chain fringe necklace @ Urban Outfitters)

I'm not craving particular things at the moment, but more ideas of perfect things, that likely don't exist in the real world. For example, the perfect turban. In my head, I envision it to be somewhat like Carrie Bradshaw's turban in SATC2, but less sparkly and vacation-y and more everyday wear. I have no idea what that would look like in front of me - still figuring that part out. But I do love all of the Babooshka Boutique turbans over at Etsy!

I'm also craving the perfect in-your-face, gaudy designer item. Like a J'adore Dior tank (also inspired from SATC2), or those Chanel CC sandals that came out a few years ago (as seen on Nitrolicious). Anything sort of chavvy like that, I'm loving right now! I've got to try to dig up my old Burberry hat from high school... I wish I was kidding!

And chains, an old classic - the more, the better! If I had $275 laying around, you better believe that I'd be wearing that Armor Bolera chain around - and probably building up some impressive back muscles by doing so! How heavy do you think that would be? Well, however heavy, it'd be worth it for sure!


PS: There is a winner for the SATC2 On Location Tours tickets! Congrats to Dee of All That Lace! Enjoy!!

Currently Craving: Oh wouldn't it be lovely?

1. De*nada Eternal Knit Scarf
2. Kimchi Blue Mesh Dot Ruffle Top
3. Babooshka Boutique Lace Asymmetrical Draped Cardigan
4. Acne Belville Ankle Boot
5. Stolen Girlfriends Club Ground Floor Dress

Craving soft, delicate, lacy things, with a kick. Like the Babooshka lace cardigan - feminine yet rock and roll. Perfection. And I already have one de*nada eternal knit scarf, but this one in grey from Nasty Gal is calling my name... you can never have too many scarves!

Also, my obsession with floor length skirts and dresses continues... but hopefully I'll be able to control myself over this Stolen Girlfriends Club dress, because it's just a little bit out of my price range. But Christmas is coming... *hint hint* :)

***There's another amazing giveaway coming up in the next few days! I won't give it away, but it involves a gift certificate to one of my very favorite online stores! Get excited!***

Deconstruct and Reconstruct: Patricia Ayres's ArtLab

T Strap Reconstructed Tee

I mentioned ArtLab in a post on Etsy designers back in April, but I definitely think this line deserves a post all of its own. Patricia Ayres of ArtLab is a NYC-based artist involved in photography, sculpting, and installations in addition to designing beautiful deconstructed/reconstructed clothes. Patricia studied Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parson's School of Design and got her BFA at Brooklyn College. She lists dreams, memories, the urban landscape, and film as just a few of the sources of inspiration for her designs.

Many of Patricia's pieces are one-of-a-kind, featuring unique cuts and prints. The pieces play with proportions and shapes, challenging what a basic tee, tank, or dress should be. Draping, cutouts, and ruffles abound in this collection, and you're guaranteed to find at least one piece you'll be drooling over at the ArtLab Etsy store. Check out just a few of my favorites below!

Disjointed Series No. 8 Tee

Leather Leg Covers

Andromache's Deconstruction Blanc

Deconstruct Reconstruct The Silent Treatment Tee

Currently Craving: Etsy

1. Babooshka Boutique: Jodphurs in spring mint- SOLD OUT :(
2. Hello Sweet Marie: Lulu gloves
3. Art Lab: Andromache's Deconstruction dress
4. I Heart Norwegian Wood: Zip It Up vest
5. Hold My Gold Vintage: Leather Chain bra

My love for Etsy has been firmly cemented after perusing through the site this evening. Quite literally you can find absolutely anything your heart desires on Etsy. A bra consisting entirely of leather and chains? Got it. Fingerless gloves in a million different shapes and styles? Got it, and more than you could ever get through in a night. Add to that the fact that the sellers will bend over backwards to make you happy, with many asking for your measurements in order to create custom-made pieces specifically tailored for you, you've got to agree that this is the best shopping site out there.

My absolute favorite out of the bunch I picked out above has to be the mint green jodphurs, I have never seen a pair of pants in this color and I can't understand why not. I also love the white deconstructed dress, you just have to check out Art Lab's shop, there are a ton more incredible pieces there, including some fantastic leather legwarmers. And I know a few of you probably saw the Zip It Up vest on Rumi a few months ago, but I can't help but feature it... I really do love it, even if it's old news!

Do any of you own Etsy shops, or do you have any favorite Etsy shops that I should check out? I'm still learning my way around Etsy, so I'd love some advice!