Leather Jacket

Several years ago I fell in love with this vintage leather jacket I used in a shoot and I just had to have it.  Its perfect for this fabulous Fall weather we are having, so it has become my favorite jacket again.  And those awesome boots...unfortunately they were not my size!  In case you missed the photos the first time around, here they are.  

 

 

 

 

    

Photographer:  Dirk Olsen
Styling:  Lisa Byrd Thomas
Makeup and Hair:  Shelby Willis
Model:  Basma Sakan

Faux Fur Vest with Russian-style Skirt

I call this photo series "Tales of the Old Country."  The outfit is a little bit Russian folkloric and a little bit Pirates of the Carribean.  Whatever you want to call it...IT'S FUN!

           

The key piece here is the magnificent gored skirt with alternating panels of black crushed velvet and a wildly colorful print. I've added a vintage lace Victorian-style blouse from the 1960's and a textured, black faux fur vest. It's all topped off with a brown leather belt and some fabulous black boots. (Accessories were kept minimal to draw attention to the wonderful detail in the outfit.) And the best part is...everything was thrifted...except for the boots!

Photos by Dorothy McCuskey, PBD Studios.

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.

   

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.

Stylish Shoes

I love looking at all the sky high heels, but when it comes to reality, I won't wear them.  At least, not for long!  And I refuse to spend a lot of money on shoes because they go out of fashion so fast.  My most often worn shoes are my ballet flats and my low heel boots.  Here is my latest boot purchase...Unionbay Moto boots.  Aren't they fun?  I can't wait for colder weather!    



Unionbay



I took it as a challenge to find a variety of stylish, but inexpensive low heel shoes to share with my readers who are also "High Heel Challenged."  I checked out the following online stores:  shoes.com, shoebuy.com, and famousfootwear.com.  Here are a few of my favorites for under $50.




Anne Klein





Kensie Girl



Steven Madden




Dr. Scholls

Madden Girl



Rocket Dog

 

Rampage

Don't forget to sign up for my $35 gift certificate giveaway from CSN stores.  The contest ends Sunday, October 10.  See previous post for details.