Evening Handbags

The holiday season is upon us and soon we will have reason to be dressed to the nines.  With your party attire you will need somewhere to stash your phone, lipstick, etc.   The obvious answer is a cute little evening bag or purse.  Some women like a glitzy bag to pump up the interest of a rather basic party dress.  Others prefer a simple handbag that keeps the focus on their magnificent frock.  Some like a purse with a handle or a strap; others prefer a clutch. Whatever your desire, there is a fabulous and affordable bag for you.  Here are a few of my favorites...vintage and new...from ebay.

Vintage Rhinestone Jewelry

I love shiny, sparkling, vintage rhinestone jewelry.  It's the perfect party bling!  Add a beautiful statement piece to your little black dress...and you are good to go.  Or pair clear rhinestones with your brightly colored dresses.  It's an easy match.  Here are a few samples of vintage rhinestone pieces from my personal collection.

Vintage rhinestone jewelry is not just for that special event or party. Wear them with your jeans or add a beautiful brooch to your work jacket. (Just remember to avoid getting them wet or they will become cloudy or dull.)

The best places to locate inexpensive vintage rhinestone accessories are on Ebay, at vintage and thrift stores, and at auctions and estate sales.  Look for pieces with unique designs.  Buy only items with clear, unchipped, securely mounted stones.  If you want to make a larger investment, do your homework.  Learn about the early designers.  And be aware that reproductions are abundant.

            

Vintage Party Dresses

I'm on the hunt for a fabulous vintage party dress.  Below are a few examples of the variety of unique styles available.  I love one-of-a-kind dresses that make a statement...ones that express individuality.
 



All the above dresses are from vintageous.com

Thrift Heaven

For those who regularly follow my blog, you already know how much I love thrift shopping for myself and for wardrobe items for photo shoots.  The closest thrift store to my home has always been 30-45 minutes away. Well, my dream has finally come true.. a new Goodwill just opened 15 minutes from my house.

Today was the Grand Opening of the Collierville, TN store.  It is roomy, well organized, stocked with loads of merchandise, and staffed with helpful smiling faces.  It gets and A+ from me.  I was really surprised to see so many people there since it is located in a rather affluent suburb of Memphis.  But, thrift shopping is no longer taboo among the rich.  In fact, it's rather in vogue.  I arrived 30 minutes after the ribbon cutting and the store was completely packed with shoppers pushing baskets brimming with terrific finds.  Here are a few of the great items I spotted...that were still on the racks!    

I'm into lace up boots right now...and the floral design adds a girly touch.



Black and Silver Ankle Strap Wedges by Newport News



Stylish pewter flats with bows by Loft

Suede Airwalks for those casual days.



Roomy Black  Handbag with tassel



Terrific faux leather purse with brass studs



Fabric hobo - Love the fall colors



Tweed double breasted jacket by Loft 





Camel velvet jacket by Gap - Love the tiny buttons





Olive military jacket with floral design on back





Mint chenille looking bolero (tags attached) from To The Max



Fabulous periwinkle paisley blouse by Talbots - not the least bit classic!




This was my size, so it came home with me...hippie style tiered long skirt



Warning:  Thrift shopping can be addictive.  Buy only what your really love and really need.

   

Victorian Inspired

I'm working on ideas for my latest project...a Victorian inspired fashion editorial.  (And I use the term "Victorian" loosely.)  I love the look of lace, ruffles, high necklines, and a variety of textures.  Here are a few of my inspiration photos:

If you have any Victorian inspired photos, please send them my way...I would love to see them.  Black and White photo by Byte Studio.

Winter White

Ramping up for the long cold winter...in white!

Winter white is such a nice break from the drab grays and blacks usually associated with the season.  Here I have paired a winter white turtleneck (thrifted) with a denim military vest and ruffled floral skirt (thrifted).  Suede and shearling trimmed boots and white down jacket winterize the look.  Styling by Lisa Byrd Thomas.  Photos by Dirk Olsen.

Hippie Style Fashion Photos (Part 3)

Here is the final outfit from my recent "hippie style" photo shoot.  It's a bit hippie, bohemian, celtic, and gypsy all rolled into one.  I fell in love with this dress when I saw it; I knew it would be perfect for the shoot.



The details



Lots of detail on this gorgeous dress...velvet bodice, cuffs and skirt panels along with tons of embroidery.   Notice the fabulous floral design on the leather and silver belt.  Accessorized with bronze and beaded necklaces and  brass, copper, and leather cuffs and bangles.  Tan suede mukluks top off the look.  Best of all, everything was thrifted, except the boots.