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5.09.2013

From Work to Play

Wearing a repurposed vintage item, I decided this time to dress the floral romper with a more sophisticated approach...hopefully.  With my linen pointy toe wedges and my all-season tweed blazer,  my romper, while always worn for play, was this time ready for a casual work day.



We spent yesterday evening on the roof sighing over the view.  It never gets old.  And on days when I'm tired and spent, the downtown L.A. skyline is an instant peace bringer.  
Thought I would share some of the view with you... again :)


By itself, this once frumpy midi dress, turned elegant romper is perfect for brunch, casual dates, personal days and even a work meeting here and there.

 wedges: Castaner / earrings: Frencesca's Closet / belt: Zara Man / all other other items were thrifted 


This romper was actually very easy to make from the dress it was.  (You can get a better view here).   As L.A. slides deeper into Summer weather, I plan to find some more vintage dresses to remake as a my daily easy breezy staple!  More on that later :)
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4.17.2013

Summer In a Flash

Wednesday was super sunny...as per usual.  I love that I can say that now.  Ahhh.  
Anyway though, yesterday was hottt, actually and I wasn't really prepared for that type of warmth.

Preparing to meet Theo in the Arts District, I rummaged through a bag of clothing I've been putting together to donate to Goodwill and pulled out this old polka dotted silk crepe skirt.

Decided to wear it as a halter dress.

In 10 mins, I had sewn a grosgrain ribbon to each end of the skirt opening, threw on my ultra comfy, casual lace bustier and stowed my booties away in my bag for later.

I was ready to go out!



So, yesterday was a reality check for me.  I realize I am definitely not as prepared as I thought for the upcoming Summer months... Looks like I'm finally going to have to go... 

shopping!!!


And y'all know I don't shop a lot.  I actually don't even remember the last time I went shopping for new clothes... I definitely like to play out the longevity and see the potential in the clothing I already have - hence the Tiny Closet.  But don't get me wrong, I love to shop.  In fact, I love it way more than I should, it's an absolutely delicious past time.  So... with this new climate and all...  I think it's time.

Don't you agree?


 dress: thrifted / bra top: Free People / booties: thrifted / sunnies: Rayban

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12.06.2012

Buffalo Exchange In 'Tiny Closet' Style

Meet Krysta Youngs!


As soon as I had the pleasure of meeting this colorful, spirited, ultra-pink sensation, her infectious pink accessories and zebra prints won me over instantly!  Since then, she's managed to win over audiences all around, singing and performing her music in bands, acoustic shows and even a few full length albums!

Settling down in Los Angeles, she now spends her time in writing meetings, recording sessions and collaborative licensing projects.

Busy girl, huh?

With all the people to meet and places to be, what's a girl to wear without wearing out her wallet??  In her line of business, no one likes to see repeats.  As a singer/songwriter/business woman in the music industry, a consistently fresh and signature style is key in separating herself.  
And since Krysta is not normally one to bum around in jeans and a tee, this industry requirement fits her perfectly!  

Sooooo I was very flattered when Krysta asked me and my Tiny Closet for some style direction.  While in California for the holiday,
I was more than happy to shine a new light on her crazy wardrobe.

Talk about fun!

The objective for Krysta was to find some cohesive, modern and feminine outfits for her to run around town in all day.  But before going straight to the shopping,  I took a look inside her closet to make sure it was being fully utilized.  

And surprise, surprise - it wasn't!

After going through her amazing closet, I picked out some wonderful pieces she never before looked twice at.  
Then we went out to fill the gaps in her wardrobe and make her some complete outfits.

As I have grown to love thifting, Krysta chose to do her shopping at 
Buffalo Exchange in Sherman Oaks

 The first outfit, I put to use a chartreuse dress and floral bolero.  Both were items I found in her closet that had never been worn together but nevertheless a beautiful match:

I picked out a pair of simple plum, leather heels to play with the various purple and blue florals in her bolero.  The heels will also go with her leggings, denim and other skirts she has in her closet.



I saw so many options with the bolero.  I added it to a more casual, eclectic ensemble - once again, the top and skirt she already owned.
I picked out the necessary accessories and another pair of heels!



The bird pendant, I styled more as a rosary instead of a necklace.  The stone and design was just so flippin cool, and added a real je ne sais quoi to the overall look.  Just so you know, I never use that saying but for this - for this, it worked!

The glasses?  Totally signature Krysta style and a must!


The bird skull necklace was edgy and a great juxtaposition to the floral brocade.  We even found a beaded belt to put her jersey over-the-shoulder tee and retro skirt.


Krysta loved these snake print platforms and their retro design went beautifully with the midi skirt.  Very femme - and groovy without being dated.  
Again, these heels will go with everything she owns.

The last outfit, was out of left field.  Out of her closet, I found an elegant icey brocade coat with crystal buttons.  Such a charming coat!  So I totally vamped it up with a leopard dress and leopard sandals.  I love mixing patterns and genres but what was most important was, Krysta loved it.  We even found some vogue-like sunnies to compliment the mixture.


A look to wear out for drinks, movies or a show, this is definitely a riskier evening outfit.  But I couldn't think of any other girl whose personal style could, and would, pull it off.




The sandals had a great resort look to them and I especially liked the flawless gold hardware!
I tied them once in the back (instead of lacing them up the ankle) to give them a more romantic, sultry feel.


While we went through Buffalo Exchange, I got some detail shots of the store.  To clarify, I've always been aware of Buffalo Exchange's existence, even since the 90s but I never gave it much thought.  Now I know why they've been a success for so long!  While styling Krysta and really taking advantage of everything around us as viable wardrobe options, I was so impressed with the selection!  And then shocked that I had missed out on such a gold mine all this time!  It only seems obvious to me now to visit my own local BE in Seattle.

After the first visit, I am now a FAN! 


Everyone was incredibly friendly (and super stylish) as we took our time walking though the store.  I had to keep focus as I saw so many items for myself!  But it actually says a lot, because Krysta and I definitely have contrasting tastes and we were both literally cooing all over the place.  

So if you're late to the party like me, check it out for yourself!!  They're mainly all around the coast with a few in the Midwest, so if you're in these areas - go there as soon as you can!

A BIG thank you to everyone at Buffalo Exchange for hosting our shoot!  And another big thank you to Krysta, 
from my lil closet to yours!

and I hope you all enjoyed this styling feature

Thanks for visiting!
oh, and big news tomorrow so y'all come back now :) 
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8.02.2012

In to Navy

I never thought I'd buy into the whole "jeggings" epidemic that's happened over the last few years... But with the growing options and styles of this quasi-maternity wear, I gotta say, the moment I slipped on a pair, the heavily accommodating waste band and  forgiving thigh area sold me instantly.  Plus it made me feel better about myself on my thicker days.

Anyway, the reason I'm even bringing up this dying breed of pants is because I've always worn mine with long tunics, ya know, to cover them up but still show a hint of a denim look.  And I wear them on laundry days or grocery shopping  and whatnot.  But after finding yet another gem (a sharp little sailor top) at Driftwood consignment in Madrona, these jeggings all of a sudden look suitable enough to not need to be hidden!  And because I felt a bit 40s that day, I popped on my tap shoes and my M.A.C. Red lipstick a la "I love Paris In The Springtime" :)  Ya know, to finish the look.
Sailor necklines are the cutest.  Add navy stripes and cute just got cheeky.  I look like a black Annie - hilarious!  And awesome.  This silk knit Ralph Lauren polo makes the bottom part of my ensemble perfect sense.  And with the tap shoes, well, where's a parlor or a wash deck to dance around on when you need one??  I'm totally mixing metaphors here but as you've probably already noticed, this outfit covers a couple campy themes.

 Jeggings: Asos.com - all other clothing including accessories are vintage.
 And of course, that's not all I can do with this sailor top.  You'll definitely be seeing it pop up through Fall and Winter as that is the Tiny Closet way but I wanted to debut this item in a more carefree light to remind myself to have fun with fashion and play with styles.  

So have FUN in your clothes this weekend!
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6.07.2012

A Day of Sweets

Over the last few days, I've had an overwhelming craving for dessert.  Having gone twice in one week to have the "chocolate pot"at B&O, my favorite dessert joint, I was still craving more, more, more by the weekend!  So while shopping for gifts in the area in a new simple ensemble I'd pieced together, I finally just decided to let go and let my cravings flow...and look stylish doing it!

First order of business: gelato
Strawberry and chocolate.  One scoop for me and one scoop for Theo.  This gelato cafe is incredible.  Gelato, espresso and fashion magazines.  Amazing!

My dress is actually a skirt made for indeed, a taller woman.  Found this wonderful thrift item at Value Village - and I did in fact wear it as a high-waist skirt here.  But then like true Tiny Closet style, I changed it up of course and wore it as a dress.  Versatility is in the fine print of The Tiny Closet way. 
nail polish: OPI - Uh Oh Roll Down The Window

Next: marshmallows, m&m's 
and more chocolate 


pedi nail polish: OPI - Ski Teal We Drop

final mission: Truffles
I chose Fran's Chocolatier.  I've been going here for a few years now and I love her super tiny truffles.  So exquisite!  Plus, this downtown boutique is so glossy and posh that I can't help feeling elegant and even reverent almost while counting down the days 'til I reach Diabetes Type I.  
heels: Jimmy Choo for H&M / dress: Value Village thrift / belt: Zara / earrings: Nordstrom / bracelet: Forever21 / bag: Rebecca Minkoff 

Oh happy day.  A day of sweets and treats!  One of most indulgent things I can do is get all dressed up to go eat chocolate :)
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12.13.2011

A Thrifting I Will Go!

I've been inspired lately from Fashion Steel NYC and A Pair and A Spare.  Fashion Steele NYC is a fun vintage shopping blog and A Spare and A Pair is full of fabulous DIY projects.  Fashion Steele's Monroe Steele is all about vintage finds.  Well, my favorite fashion era is actually right now - I am on the post-apocalyptic, drapey, oversize styling kick so I've never been inclined to wear vintage clothing.  However, Steele's spectacular vintage/thrift fashion finds are so superbly priced that I couldn't help doing a little hunting of my own.  A Pair and A Spare's Geneva, her eye for style and fashion art is so amazing, her DIY tutorials are the best I've seen.  So these ladies sparked an idea :)

My style is very modern so I knew I wouldn't be wearing any vintage pieces I found as is.  But since the clothing I like is in my opinion terribly overpriced (jersey, oversize, zero tailoring and you're charging $500 for harem pants?  Forget about it.)  I decided to cut, sew and basically craft the vintage pieces I find into my signature modern style.

While there are some spectacular vintage and antique clothing stores in Seattle, I decided to go the less expensive route.  Who's interested in cutting up a $70 fur?  Not I.  So I lowered the bar and went to Value Village.  Not sure if this thrift chain made it to the east coast but its pretty amazing in there.  It's a crafty girl's dream and the clothing is mainly from the 70s and 80s - you won't find anything older than that.  Since clothing is between $2-$10 (yes all of it and this place is huge!), I was in alteration heaven.

Part I of my thrifting adventure:

I am very petite but my signature styling is drape, drape, drape!!  I love oversize clothing so when I found this size 10 dress with shoulder pads and batwing arms, I didn't bat an eye.

I knew it would be the perfect fit. I had planned to shorten this dress but when I later put it on at home, 
it was too epic and fun to alter in any way.  
Then I found this lambswool rabbit fur blend skirt, size 16 and decided it would make a 
wonderful snood.
 I never wear sunglasses but this particular accessory has always been a necessity for the 
women in my family.  Its time I joined. 



So I am sold.  Vintage shopping + fabulous DIY = more precious signature pieces for my Tiny Closet.


Visit again soon for Part II of my thrifting adventure!  And if you ever find yourself feeling uncreative or plain bored with your Tiny Closet, check out Monroe and Geneva's blogs.  These girls will kickstart your creative fashion butt!

earrings: AllSaints / snood: vintage / dress: vintage / 
fishnet hosiery: Agent Provacateur / boots: Jessica Simpson

If you like what you see, leave a comment!



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