Archive for the 'Shop' Category

A Consignment Paradise

Published on October 26, 2010 in Shop. 1 Comment

For months now, I have been regaling the world with stories of thrift stores, flea markets and vintage shops where I buy all of my great finds, but what about where to go to give away your oldies, but goodies?  I have been visiting consignment stores since high school and although the landscape has changed – shops have come and gone, I still stand by this practice as a great way to expand your wardrobe or just make a few bucks.

This past weekend, the little sister came with me on a consignment adventure dutifully helping schlep bags of clothes to and from the car. The first stop we made was at Tara’s Secret Closet located at 2013 South King Street.  Phone: 808.942.2442. This store is actually a shoot off from The Clothes Chick on Kapahulu (blogged about here), but I’d never been so I wanted to check it out. In all honesty, I probably should have been a little more selective in my choice of consignment store. Although nice and pretty basic, I wasn’t able to find a lot of pieces to swap for and Tara doesn’t give back cash so I am now stuck with a load of credit and the hope that someone out there brings in great giveaways. Not all hope was lost because I did depart with a gorgeous silk vintage skirt that reminds me of my wedding dress and maroon Italian leather boots. I’ll keep checking in to see what else I can find.

Another stop of the day was to Nini’s Boutique at 54 Koko Head Avenue. Phone: 808.739.2500. Nini’s is special because she only takes clothes with the tags still attached, which basically means you are buying new clothes. I never could conceive of people who didn’t wear the clothes that they purchased, but I’ve since accumulated a number of items while traveling that I just can’t bring myself to wear. Sadly, she was randomly closed on Saturday, so I’ll have to make another visit. On past trips, I’ve found J.Crew and Ann Taylor tops that would still be in the store for a fraction of the price. Beware though, in the past she only took cash so make sure to bring a bunch as you’ll surely find a ton of great stuff!

Our last stop (which I sadly couldn’t find a photo of) is the newly relocated Pzazz. It’s now on the top floor above the theatre of Kahala Mall in a shared space with Ceasars Cleaners at 3057 Waialae Ave # C.
Phone: 808.732.5900. This store is great! I found an array of items both new and consigned that I wanted, but exercised some self control and walked away with only 2 dresses. Their policy is to only take items that have been purchased recently so the styles are very current. They go through your items and put them on the floor for 90 days. If they sell, you get 40% in cash or store credit. If not, you just take back your items.

I didn’t have time to take photos of what I bought, but I will soon!

Shop til you pop(CLOTH that is)!

Published on September 14, 2010 in Shop. 0 Comments

Another popCLOTH shopping adventure with Trina!  Again, we found great pieces from the $10 rack, including T’s skirt that we think reminds us a little of Super Mario. So cute and so perfect over the striped dress she was already wearing. Remember, popCLOTH moved to the second Monday of every month at the Honolulu Design Center.

And I found a fun little vintage coat that reminded me of Where’s Waldo with the red and white striped tie. It looks rather comical when it’s all buttoned up because the tie is ridiculously large and goofy looking. But, as an opened coat, it’s rather school-girl charming. I think I will change out the buttons to something ceramic and gold with possible nautical influences. The sleeves also need to be shortened just a bit.

And as always, we found awesome dresses that were fun to try on, but eventually went back on the rack. Her island-inspired mini had too much essence-of-local-fight-attendant, while mine was just not right. I actually loved the lace sleeve detail though, so I am scheming a way to add it to another garment of mine.

And that’s it for our after work shopping. We threw in some cocktails to make for a perfect pau hana.

Micah, the owner of CLOTH said that next month will be major. She’s bringing in a bunch of new merchandise and costume items. She’s also taking special orders for costumes, so check out her website for contact information and have a happy day!

A tale of two soles

Published on September 8, 2010 in Shop. 1 Comment Tags: .

Ah shoes, a woman’s best friend. When I was younger and infatuated with Sex and the City, I wanted nothing more out of life than to skip across busy city streets in 4 inch stilettos all the while looking graceful and light-footed. Years later when confronted with the reality of blisters, throbbing arches and weakened ankles, I turn to flats as my all day, everyday shoes. And which legendary designer has been synonymous with beautiful, timeless flats for decades? Why, yes it’s Mr. Salvatore Ferragamo. So imagine my delight as I recently came into possession of a couple of pairs of vintage Ferragamos.

The first you already know about – my $5 thrifted Vara bow flats in matte black leather. But these next two are also very dear to me. One of my best friends offered me this brand spankin’ new pair of crocodile leather bow flats, still in the box. Her great-aunt was giving them away and she knew how much I would love them. (Thanks, Bri!). The only problem with both of my bow flats? They are size 5′s and I can barely get my feet into them, much less actually be able to walk around. Not one to give up on a great find, I researched the possibility of stretching the shoes and found out that it is indeed possible to go up a whole size! Perfecto, because I could never imagine parting with these babies.

On another thrifting adventure, I found these suede flats with a great wooden buckle design for $10. They were my size and fit like a dream. I was so excited about them, I wore them to work the very next day. Sadly, everywhere I went that day, I left behind crumbling black remnants. Eventually, I noticed that the rubber heel had completely disintegrated and I was left with this sad sight. I desperately needed to find a shoe repair store!

From an online search, I found very few shoe repair shops in Honolulu. The good news though is the ONE shop we do have downtown had very good reviews. It’s called Joe Pacific Shoe Repair (126 Queen Street) and it’s down a tiny alley connecting Merchant and Queen Streets. Last Saturday, I took in all three of my Ferragamo’s – two to stretch a size bigger ($8 each) and one to replace the heel ($14). My total came out to $30. Not bad at all if you are talking about 3 vintage designer shoes that I only paid $15 to begin with. I should be getting them back this weekend and will definitely give my own review. Fingers crossed that they come out exactly the way I want! I also picked up some Shoe Goo and will set off to fix other pairs that I have at home.

Inside Joe Pacific’s tiny little shop with shoes everywhere!

Momma’s got some brand new shoes

Published on August 27, 2010 in Ensemble and Shop. 0 Comments

Exactly one week ago I had an almost-transcendental thrifting experience at my go to second hand store. I posted earlier about finding the vintage Ferragamo bow flats, but I had even more exciting news than that. I also scored this pair of vintage Charles Jourdan oxfords that were in incredible condition for $5! I couldn’t believe it myself. I was actually scouring etsy for a couple months now looking for oxfords exactly like this: flats, with a low lace bed and a pointed toe. Amazing!

Also amazing were the other pieces I managed to find including a vintage Laura Ashley dress with a v-corset bodice (which will become another morphed ensemble). I picked up a couple of new fiction reads that struck my fancy. And finally, as I was about to walk out, I saw this crumpled garment misplaced among the men’s racks. I grabbed it and couldn’t believe that someone decided not to buy this crazy 80′s floral sweetheart strapless mini. I was crossing my fingers that it would fit, but I had low expectations as random body-concious dresses that fit my bottom never end up zipping to my top. I slid it on… the zipper went over the hips with no problem… waist was perfectly snug… and wait for it… the bust fit like a dream! I could even fit a strapless bra in too! Amazing squared!

So, that’s it for me. I have been shopping way too much recently. Yesterday and last night didn’t help. During the day, I volunteered for a Dress For Success benefit sale and ended up buying a bunch of stuff myself. Then, later in the evening was another awesome ART + FLEA, where I found even more great pieces. More of those to come later. I do have a whole pile of “projects” that I need to get to. Maybe this weekend…?  Ahh, Happy Friday!

oxfords – thrifted Charles Jourdan
top – vintage from hubby’s grandmother
jeans – 7ForAllMankind
necklace – MiSh mAsH vintage from ART + FLEA

Delightful Collectibles

Published on August 24, 2010 in Inspiration, Jewelry and Shop. 2 Comments

Just a rundown of my purchases from the Collectors Expo. All of the items (not including the vintage jewelry box which was a hand me down from hubby’s grandmother) came out only $14! The brooch above ($3), I believe, is destined to become a pendant for a long chain necklace. The pearl clip on earrings ($1) below will double as shoe clips to spruce up my plain pumps.

This divine little bow watch pin ($2) will transform into a cocktail ring. I think I can just glue it onto a ring base, or if I get lucky my sister could solder it onto a ring permanently at her school’s jewelry studio.

I love that the pin was originally priced at $65 somewhere in the world, then found it’s way into a $2 sale bin and finally home with me!

This whole collection of earrings below were in one little bag all jumbled together for $3! The studs are missing their anchoring, but I can easily use some from other earrings. Some of the pieces I will leave just the way they are, especially the gorgeous gold and pearl number. But others will be taken apart and and refitted with embellishments and parts to create whole new earrings.

Finally, a silk scarf for $5 rounded out the rest of my purchases. Incredible steals, no?

More shopping finds to come!