Closing time

In my hunt for vintage clothing to stock my store, sometimes I come across something I cannot resist wearing myself. This cute Brady era dress was one of them. It has fun corset lacing in the center and would look great in the winter with boots though these patent platform Dr. Scholls are perfect for now

New favorite bar!! Living Room Lounge, downtown. My friend April turned me on to this place for it's cheap but excellent mixed drinks. The most eclectic mix of people you can get without a fight, pool tables and a beer batter fried tenderloin that will make you swell up for days, yet you eat it anyway

Complete with triplets!

.

I know, I have this plastered all over my facebook page as well as emailed to everyone I know but in case you missed it, this is totally my life. Like, where are my royalties???

Pockets rule

As I get older I struggle between flattering and interesting in my apparel choices. I am totally into the giant shoulder pads that are walking the runway for fall and lord knows I will put just about anything poofy on my head. It is a shame you cannot have both structurally fascinating and man candy in the same place.
H&M dress, Bebe tank

Peppys is redeemed!

I am not a snob when it comes to dives. City Club in Detroit. The Alley Cat. The old Alley Cat.

Fountain Tavern. You get the picture, I am sure. There was one place that was always too gross even for me and I never understood the allure. Well, I was there at 4 am last weekend, and Peppy Grill in Fountain Square has changed for the better. Oh, the staff is still kind of, um, local but perhaps because the smoking ban is in effect, it just seems cleaner and brighter. Food is good, I never had a qualm about that, there is a juke and the 24 hour thing seem like it may come in handy sometime.

Speaking of retro, look at my thrifty find! So fab coat with orange and teal stripes. I'm listing it tomorrow all you wanna be Mary Richards

How low can you go

Coming down the high/low pike is Jimmy Choo for H&M. I am really excited to see this and am super curious about the price points. How do you go from a $5oo and up shoes to, what? Twenty bucks? I guess I can see $125 working for both of them. But what, exactly, is going to get compromised? Maybe they will be dialing down the design and of course do not expect the exotic leather family to surface. And dang nabbit, don't even THINK you will be getting these in Indy. You really can't win this one. I was in Chicago for the launch of Madonna's collection for H&M and it was a ridiculous zoo. For a shiny trench coat no less!

Party at the Disco

I am always inspired by the drag queens at Legends Showclub in Talbott Street. I mean, where do they come up with these outfits? Amazing what a hot glue gun, glitter and the picnic aisle at Marsh can do for a girl.

Been attracted to a lot of fringy stuff lately. It is a embellishment that has evolved from hippy dippy to a little more sophisticate, adding some movement and texture to an otherwise staid ensamb

FeliCity gold dress, Sam Edelman stud heels

The name is Dumas

Oh yes, I am guilty of dressing up many a pet. I mean, it is just funny. The BestDogInTheWorld, RIP Gus, was particularly know for it in my neighborhood and was quite anticipated at parties. Cats are obviously not immune. Thomas looks especially dapper, though his cousin Emma, when attempting this, just looks like she works at Applebees. So says Christina

Shout out to Dave for giving me this dress

Why would I pay cover to get into a bar that has no bands? Don't give me: it's to keep the riff-raff out. I think it is more like, keep the stupid people in, Micky Waynes

Hey, big pile of 97 cent underware at JC Penneys. I unearthed only one XS at the Metropolis one, but lots of M and L still left

Vintage maxi dress, EXCELLENT bra

Don't you need spiked shoes for golf?

I only pick up a club if there is a windmill or pirate ship involved. I don't care how much fun driving those carts are.
Free People dress, Twilltwentytwo belt, Mossimo shoes, Versace glasses

Aren't snakes usually skinny?

Zoo inspired outfit though I couldn't find a way to work in those Komodo Dragons. Does anyone hate that dolphin show as much as I do? Busted out the feathers, need to do that more often because they are slightly weird but so fun
Leather Hugo Buscatti dress, Mossimo T, Top Shop fascinater

More fun then I thought it would be

Striped red pants can either go clownish, nautical or retro. I chose the latter. Since I spent my afternoon at a bowling alley, it just seemed appropro
Banana Republic pointelle sweater, Theory pants, favorite cherry shoes

Screw the BBQ

With consumer sales down, I suspect this holiday weekend there will be some serious sales. That Edinburgh outlet place always has some good deals and expect Coach to do at least additional 50% off clearance, though you probably won't find the new Tattoo or Poppy line, you may be able to snag some basics. I can smell some serious markdowns at Saks and J Crew brewing and if that is too rich for you, the Salvation Army thrift will probably have 1/2 off on Saturday. I love shopping in July!

LOTS of parentheses

Most people, when they go through a major life change, do something drastic. I myself have contemplated a tattoo (got nothing to say, forever at least), a boob job (superfluous) moving (too much work) and had just about settled on a wacky hair color job (blue streak or red underside only) but it's been decided cancer is the way to go. Now, I know there are about 3 people who are thrilled to hear about this unfortunate turn of events, but for the other 470 of you, never fear, or as my Doctor said in her most clinical of terms "Don't be freakin' out". I am extremely hard to kill, obviously blase about scar tissue and also have super insurance so Bring. It. On.

That extra effort from El Ro

I had these pins in pink, white and purple that I wore on my Guess jeans jacket in the 8th grade.

Now it is back! And on my drink!

Not as boring as you might think

This seems like it needs some kind of jaunty fedora, does it not? Tank beaded detail shown. Speaking of trends, I saw a girl wearing suede heeled ankle boots with shorts at Marsh and it looked good, probably because she was extremely tall, but still, an interesting look to try maybe later

J Crew tank, Go shorts, Two Lips wedges

Sometimes there is a reason

dresses get sent to the Goodwill.
Monteau crooked racing stripe dress

Why, yes, it IS in an alley

Skull Alley logo shirt. I love it, it is steampunk scary and yet arty at the same time which is sort of like most of the bands that play there. Got into a rousing debate about what is music and what is performance art. I think when the guitarist rubs his bass against the edge of the amp and then pulls off the strings one by one rather noisily, that would qualify as the latter but my friend with the best taste in the world in music, Christina, disagrees so I must concur. This shirt equals instant street cred, we have been stopped by some really cool people who would probably not have talked to us otherwise, big posers that we are.

hothumidhothumid

I fired this up as part of my daily morning routine today and they just stared at me and refused to get hot. I heard them muttering something about "wasting their time" and "just wear a banana clip" which I will forgive them for since I did purchase these in the 80's and said hair accoutrement was probably their neighbor on the shelf at Ayers

Long Day Large Fireplace

OK so this dress is cute but I think after today it is getting reclassified and going into the beach suitcase for cover up duty. Just a leeetle too short

Salt & Pepper dress, J Crew tank, Mossimo flats

Tea party today

I'll bring the tablecloth and doilys.
Soulmates scarf top, One Star satin shorts, Madden shoes

It's like a mini Austin

You want some cute boys, y'all, you need to head south the Louisville. Sure, they look they the just fell off the Goodwill truck and/or are Amish, can I talk for a minute here about beards? Haaaaate. Anyhoo, I saw some seriously great outfits, tons of vintage on everyone which should not surprise me since there were many many amazing places to buy it. The famous Dot Fox offered some well edited selections, for dudes even, as well as some new trendy garb, a good way to mix it up, not everyone gets the whole used clothing thing. Speaking of used, there was not just one, but two Unique thrifts, oh how I miss the Indy one. And while I completely on purpose avoided the Slugger and Mohammad Ali museum, I did hang out at 21C, the most amazing hotel/bar/sullen bride viewing/ contemporary art museum ever. I am totally staying there next time, eating olive cured tuna, drinking house made tonic water and buying wooden eyeglasses at the gift shop.

J crew ruffle tank. Coach bubble flip flops, vintage bear skirt

Spock beats Kirk

Dayum, this is a crappy picture of the coolest $299 dog crate ever. Will your dog like it? Probably not, but you can buy a $179 cover for it to make it all cave-ey and your snotty Modernism subscribing neighbors with the funky eyeglasses will just about pee their pants before getting one for their monochromatic Weimereiner. So do it

www.eicrate.com

Terror Decor

You WILL put this 50's lamp in your room, young lady, and like it!

random top, AG jeans and yes, my house shoes

Has it been a year?

As I post this boring ass picture of me in a strawberry patch, I realize it has been a year since I began this blog and what started out as a creative writing exercise has morphed into a way of life. I have become more observant, more appreciative and more likely to be wearing make-up at all times. It has taught me that people can be negative about pretty much anything and how little I care about such persons. They can get their own blog and continue to shop at Hollister. Anyway, like it or not, I'm gonna keep writing this thing and I hope you keep reading.
Stussy hat, J Crew tee and critter shorts (lizard), Wellies

Tie me up

Someone once suggested I change the name of my blog to "Target All The Time" and while I wholeheartedly agreed with their assessment of my proclivity to shop there A LOT, I still had to promptly unfriend them for being bossy. At risk of proving my now ex right I present yet again another fabulous design bargain from the aforementioned retailer. I am torn between loving the elastic straps for their hugely comfortable antidote to these 4" heels and their Herve Leger bondage connotations and the potential orthopedic origins. I vote smokin'

Sooooo New England

Boston Proper catalog started out as sexy preppy, I know, an oxymoron, but it has now morphed a little more south to Jersey City. I don't have a problem with bright colors and glitter on clothing with a trophy wife squeezed into it, but must we have all that boobage? I will cop to purchasing an interesting yet subdued top there in the past and the construction quality is very good. And I hear they have an outlet. So knock yourself out, Cache shoppers

small veggie chow mein

Here's a little food porn for your day. Replacing a random Chinese place at 1025 Virginia Ave, Naisa Cafe offers an upgrade to the lunch special #3 with home made mustard and duck sauce and an amazing space transformation with soothing wood sculptures and rich red walls.

Dada was closed yet again. A peek in the window revealed lots of 80's designer vintage but when oh when will you be open???

But no clothes

Do you miss Antiques on the Square? You can get mid mod yet again in Fountain Square. My old friend Chuck just opened Domistyle at 1315 Shelby St http://www.domistyle.net/ Lots of 50's furn including this bamboo snack set and the mandatory chrome dinette. Beware the car part sculptures. They bite

And it was FREE

So much smiley face to say about the Independant Music and Art Festival and Indieanna Handicraft Show at the Harrison Center I'll have to bulletpoint it

* Staircase wearing sweaters

* Josh Johnson's monkey illustration looking eerily like himself

* Who can make a purple tambourine look cool? Creepin' Charley and the Boneyard Orchestra

* Ordered a custom shirt from Jerry Lee for my best friend. Can't wait to see it! www.jerryleeswesternwear.blogspot.com

* Craft Mafia www.indycraftmafia.com gallery with Amy McAdams blood splatter headband

* Dude in a kilt

* Lord of the Yum Yum. Genius or Just Disturbing? Discuss

* Martian shadow puppets

* Sea salt caramel brownies

* Wolfy's viola players

* Lots of short croppy hair on the girls and a resurgence of tails for males

Billabong tunic, Go Target shorts, Mossimo shoes

Wearing a horse head on your feet. Ok or not?

Usually I eschew the fringe look. Too hippy dippy or western or something but I am enjoying it on shoes right now for some reason. Adds some earthy texture with not too much obnoxicity. I just made up that word. These heels from Target don't look like much but are super cute on but good luck finding them. Black is only online and I have not seen the brown ones in a reasonable size in the stores. It is not helping that Gucci has a pair almost just like them for $695 so keep looking, recessionistas.

hot hot hot

When I was a kid, I got one bathing suit per summer. That thing was so faded, stretched out and pilled by August it was disgustingly unrecognizable. Now that I stay the same size from summer to summer (Hopefully usually) I can justify a whole wardrobe. I find a combination of a sassy one, a sexy one, a cute one and a fat one (just in case) cover a whole gamut of bikini situations. I think this Trina Turk one from www.VictoriasSecret.com fits the sassy category quite nicely. And it is on sale

Miss you. And you. And you too

Guys have so little choices when it comes to expressing their style. It used to be the t shirt or tie selection that told the world "I'm sassy!" or whatever. Lately I am seeing some really neato eyeglasses. Greg's here have these square blocks on the earpiece, right under the curve. it's subtle but unusual detail that says "I am way more interesting then I may appear at first. Do you want a mojito?"

J Crew tunic, Go Target shorts

Nice truck stop

Though this shirt makes me look a little lumpen, oh who are we kidding, FAT, I do like the juxtaposition of the casual rolled cargo pants with studded gladiator heels

Free people pants, Sam Edelman shoes, F 21 shirt

Tiki car!!!!

The last time I went to the Art Car parade, a girl dropped a beer on my foot. Since she was coming out of a black school bus with a flame thrower on top, I kept it to myself that these were new shoes and it was 10 am

Juicy Couture shorts, J Crew tee, Versace glasses, Skye hangover

Got Up Late

Black is a really great thing in clothing. It is slimming, it disguises pet hair if you have a basement cat and it matches everything. BUT. Oh you knew there had to be a but, right? The fade factor is abysmal. And, of course, the more you like it, the more you wear it until the Best Ever Jil Sander tissue weight tee is nothing but a sad grey pilled thing. My mother used to dye her faded black stuff but I took one look at the RIT dye package and had visions of having dark blue hands for 3 weeks. So now I just throw it away. Or never wash it. which is worse? You decide
Forever 21 ruched sleeve tunic, Xhiliration flats

Pass this GO

Sadly, I just cannot get behind the Tracy Feith line, the lastest designr for GO Target. The bustier babydoll dress with thre big zipper is kind of appealing but the hippie stuff not so much. And those bloomer shorts? The. Worst. Ever.

Speaking of bad clothing, I am strangly attracted to those cropped harem pants. Maybe it is some longing for the nights at IU spent at Hooligans with resident DJ Shawn D dropping some Hammertime but I suspect it is becasue they are weird but comfortable looking. H&M have some in their store signage but alas, none to be found in house

I am taking a memo

Milly is a line that is known for vintage inspired and colorful clothing. This 40's style dress has a great flared hem and a vague pattern that could be leopard or ribbons. Next time I will switch out the belt

Just because you can does not mean you should

Just because: you are an accidental size 2. Just because: all of your belonging are scattered between 4 states, 3 houses and 2 cars. Just because: you thought you grabbed your J Crew tunic length fitted tee from last year but instead it grabbed your bebe baby tee from 2002. DOES NOT MAKE IT OK TO WEAR A BELLY SHIRT
I am so ashamed

Just because you can does not mean you should

You gotta a fight for your right to dress like an idiot

Trying to go 80's for Hairbangers Ball http://www.hairbangersball.com/ but I just can't do neon again. Or the blazer with stirrups and lingerie top. Or tiered mini skirt with Keds and cropped Jams shirt. Big hair, clearly, not a problem. If you have never seen this band, I highly recommend going. Totally fun with wild wigs and really good music. There was a bit of eyerolling at a Whitesnake song but over all just rockin' the nostalgia thing. I left a little trail of glitter, aka 90's rave but still, every where I went, thanks to this cheap ass shirt. Oh! Got an invitation to Frankeys 1 year anniversary party this Thursday night. Can't attend myself, but could you check it out and report back? Thanks for doing my job

Peoples Liberation jeans, F. A. N. G. tank, Dior ID bracelet

Free Sushi!

OK not really free but pretty darn cheap. Blu Martini on 96th does half price sushi (not just rolls either) from 5-7 every night. I have a rule about not eating sushi Sun thru Wed, but if you do not, you can eat there every night and get 3 1/2 meals for free a week. Oh, so I guess there IS a free part. Not only that, the club space is the coolest, whitest place ever AND the last time I was there I witnessed a birthday present on fire (not on purpose. The fire, I mean) at one of the banquettes. Maybe you will get so lucky.
Yigal Azrouel dress, Yvette hair

Juicy cashmere TRASHED

Usually an industrial standard, laser cutting is a precise way to embellish fabrics, or, rather, un-embellish with fanciful patterns. The better designers use this negative space to create fine details and shadow play resulting in a light yet crisp look. Moths, not so much

Vajajay Power

Memorial Day weekend was especially nice because of two things: a kick ass purple dumptruck and a third place finish in that car race. Why? Because both things are driven by a girl. Color me gender proud

Thakoon shorts

Ignore that thing on the left

What is with the swimming in your clothes fashion spreads lately? First ANTM, then Elle and now my beloved Anthropologie catalog are all featuring this asinine, ineffectual way to sell apparel. You can't even see the garment and you are so fixated on searching the drowning model's face for signs for distress you cannot even concentrate on the clothes. While stylistically excellent, marketing FAIL

Stolen from a J Crew stylist

Oh, how I struggled mightily with this shorts choice. To wrinkly, too baggy, too long...who knew I had 12 pairs of light brown shorts? And why? Of course none of them looked right so I improvised. Vintage 50's jacket, Alloy beaded necklace, Kenzie shoes

Checked out Xquisite Clothing Boutique, in the old Girly Chic space and it is a waaaay different animal. Owner Vernitta Bolden assured me the fun party clothes I was seeing was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, A refreshing Hermes box of orange and brown, this little shop is going to cover it all at a happy price point and insistence on being cute. Stay tuned

Sad note: I heard for sure French Pharmacie will be terminating their amazing fashion collection concept. I weep a hot flood of Valentino tears

Blogger smackdown

Imagine my horror at finding out that there is yet another Indianapolis fashion blogger. I know, like I invented it or something, but anyway I went to her site www.hauteintheheartland.blogspot.com preparing to be a hater but yet I cannot. An ad agency designed type header! Smart yet sarcastic quips! The same reaction to the Judith Leiber belt at the Jackson's auction last week that I had! And, insert green here, click ads! Same, yet different. For one thing, she is not interested in boring you with her personal fashion pictures, like me. I am also a little more committed or perhaps just don't have enough to do. HAHA. And I do not twitter. Maybe that's good, maybe that's bad, I can't decide. Anyway, Gabs, I'm adding you to my list and call me if you want to go shopping

Todays Thrifty Find

Classic red, white and blue summer dress 1960's . I am not into dressing patriotic, but this color combination is always so crisp for spring!

In plastic

If you can't afford the Tory Burch version, go to Payless. I wandered in looking for the Abete line, downtown only, what a surprise, and these caught my eye in the window in white. Amazing design knock off skills, PSS!

New level of ridiculousness

A new low (high?) was reached with my travel bag this last vacation. I had the turducken of purses. First, the Vuitton sailor bag, encasing the Prada, surrounding the Gucci, enfolding the Vera Bradley (well, hey, it was FLORIDA) each encompassing items of more or less importance, according to size. My biceps looked really good after that trip but what could I do? They all wanted to come

I'm jus guessin'

So I went to French Pharmacie hoping to try on the YSL cage heels, but sadly, they did not have them, and even more sadly, are no longer going to be carrying shoes at all. Too too bad, they had some great brands like Pierre Hardy, Valentino and Moschino and even greater sales. Also, all clothing is 50% off, which kind of alarms me. That sounds like a big old Going Out Of Business foghorn to this fashion cruise ship that is myself. I would be just devastated that such gems as this Development top from Erica Davis that looked totally hideous on the hanger yet is a delightful surprise on, would no longer be available to me.