That fab outfit in the profile picture

Flower Power

Can I tell you how much I love this outfit? I saw it across a crowded room at The Holy City Vintage Market and was drawn to it as if in a trance. Kia Jagger of Third Eye Vintage had this 2-piece pantsuit displayed on a mannequin. I coyly circled the rest of the market, discreetly glancing over my shoulder from time-to-time, to see if anyone else my size was appraising my quarry. 

My resistance completed eroded, I approached Kia, who immediately identified the polyester lust in my eyes. Kia told me she picked up this 70s gem at a New York estate sale. I ran my fingers along the sleeve and imagined the original owner, dancing the night away at Studio 54.  Within minutes, my treasure was bagged and securely under my arm.

Don't you love this poster? How could I not attend?

As with many vintage finds, desire overcomes proper sizing. This blue and red treasure needed a bit of alteration. The challenge was to take in the waist and crotch several inches, without losing the flow of those immense bell bottoms, which measure approximately 26 inches across. The elastic waistband saved me.

Lucky me, just happened to already own these perfect wedges.

Where would I ever wear such a bold outfit, you might ask? Why to the theatre, of course. Just a few months later, 34 West Theater Company put on a production of Stayin' Alive. Let's Get Funky. Disco tribute. 

Of course, I asked the cast to pose with me after the show. And they said Yes!

Can you believe My Man About Town showed up in this amazing and matching outfit, without knowing what I planned to wear that evening? A snappy dresser and a fun date all rolled into one.

Pantsuit: Third Eye Vintage, $40
Shoes: Goodwill $3
Nail polish: Revlon, Cherries in the Snow, a must have for the vintage wardrobe, in production since 1953.

It's like a secret society

Shhhhh

While scrolling through my facebook pictures, I noticed that about 90% of my outfits were thrifted, gifted, made-by-hand, or altered.

My lifestyle necessitates a broad range of clothes – from yoga outfits, to boardroom appropriate, to sparkly night out on the town. Thrifting was my little secret. It was sort of like being careful about telling people who you voted for before you know where they stand politically. You test the conversational waters. Now, not a day goes by when I don't meet another person who is also sourcing their wardrobe from the world of non-retail. And we love to share stories and tips. This blog is for you.

with my Man About Town

Let's start with one of my oldest pieces, this Kailey Lynn evening gown. I picked it up in a consignment shop in Hunt Valley, MD about 22 years ago. New with tags. At $20, it was one of my more expensive purchases. No matter how many times I moved (3) and how many times I edited my closet (467?) I just knew I'd have the perfect place to wear it one day. You don't see many chocolate brown dresses with gold sparkles. And that drape! Finally, a chance to wear it to the Spine Institute Ball held at the historic Mills House in Charleston, SC. 

If you are attending a gala given by the Spine Institute, you might as well "show a little backbone."

I love sparkly things & kitten heels. Comfortable enough to dance all night.

Gown: Circa early 90s, Waist Not Want Not, Hunt Valley, MD, approximately $20
Earrings: Salvation Army, Hunt Valley, MD $2
Shoes: Community Thrift, Charleston, SC $3.99
Tapestry, beaded evening bag: 1970s?, marked Mr. Ernest made in Hong Kong, inherited from Momma