Trailer togs--what I wore...

I've always been a fan of tailoring, shoulder pads, and structure. And one of my favorite layering items is a good, boyfriend jacket.  On the set of my latest feature I couldn't get enough of these, boxy, retro, pieces to keep me warm and cozy on those long, long nights.

Saying goodbye to the starwagon that was my home for the better part of six week, (not to mention my amazing cohorts) was a little bittersweet. As I packed down my makeup gear, I reflected on all that I'd accomplished over the past month and a half. 

Finishing up the week the weather became schizophrenic. Warm one moment, cold the next. The answer? Layering... (Something we'll be doing a lot more of now that fall is upon us).

I threw on my favorite light crochet top and acid washed jeans, paired with a treasured thrift find--my Brooks Brothers, pinstriped, boyfriend blazer. A fabulous, NYC purchase, this lightweight wool jacket was the perfect thickness for the on-again, off-again temperature.

A beloved, seed bead necklace, (a gift from my mum, worn in the 70's) and my requisite, chandeliers earrings were all the bling I needed for a work day.

My favorite pair of Jeffrey Campbell, "Chainiator" flats completed my comfy, "set" look.

Although I bought them two seasons ago, they've been a persistent staple in my arsenal of cute, rocker flats.

While a little sad to leave, I was so excited to get back in part to my other life, blogging, thrifting and styling. We have to much to share with you on Secondhand Star as we rev up for fall to bring you the latest and greatest trends, style watches and reconstructs. Look out for upcoming posts on retro coats, blazers, and 80's biz-casual suiting. All coming soon!!

Love,

Noa B

Blazer: Brooks Brothers: 92nd Street Housing Works, New York City

Jeans: Buffalo by David Bitten

Gladiator Flats: Jeffrey Campbell Chainiators

Crochet top: Nordstrom

Chandeliers: Alvera Street

Necklace: Vintage, Israel

Gothic goes glam

Happy Friday thrifty, soul mates!

There's nothing Tanya and I love more than our $1.00, Sunday roaming sprees. We've been in and out of every Out of the Closet, Goodwill, Council thrift and generic resale-r this side of Los Angeles, but the thrill of the dollar score is our favorite kind of sport!

I pounced upon this 1$, black, crepe dress last week, and even Tanya's adorable, kid sister stuck her tongue out at me when I made her try it on for inspiration. (It's a wee bit big and looks a little like something Winona Ryder might have worn in Beetlejuice)...

However, with Miss T's past year of vintage and thrift tutelage, and I can now spot a diamond in the rough and I felt certain there was something here I could work with.

After a particularly long week, I got to work to cut this into something T and I would both love to wear out for an evening of revelry. My first order of business: Trims!!

This dress had the potential to be so neo-60's but it needed a little bling to get it there. (Not to mention a few, major alterations). I used this piece of collar sized trim and stitched it to the neckline after taking up the shoulder about 1".

Next, I removed the arms and closed up the armholes. I also took in the sideseams, waist, ruffles, and back seam.

 

And of course, what SHS makeover would be complete without a new hemline? This one went up about 5".

After cutting, shortening, tightening, overlocking, fixing all the fraying seams, adding some bling and giving it a good press, this baby was ready for a night out. Or should I say, a day for me and night for T? (Check her way of rocking it out here!)

And here's mine: 

 

All ruffles and short hems and ready for an afternoon tea. 

Narrowing the ruffle gave more emphasis to the asymmetrical detail, which I'm mad about! 

I threw on one of my stock, fave clogs--the grommet-ed, Edelman heels. I didn't want my shoes to be too girly. I like my fashion homages to be not quite "on the nose"...

I added a pair on elongated loops, (my mother's silver) and used a vintage, pearl cuff as a hair band.

 

And since the evenings here are cooling down, I added this little shrug top from Lush, (a recent trade at Crossroads) to keep me warm. 

It's really fun thrifting and being able to cut and re-work these babies ourselves, but just remember that if you find something teetering on the edge of glory, you can always take it to a good tailor. All you need is a little vision and the willingness to be fabulous!

Keep on trucking! And don't forget to rent Breakfast at Tiffany's!

Love,

Noa B and Tanya D

Dress: Redesigned vintage thrift, (1$)

Jacket: Lush, (trade)

Shoes: Sam Edelman Zachary clogs

Cuff: Vintage

Earrings: Israel

Color (& blocking) continues into Fall...

Hi loves! I thought I'd give you a bit of a teaser for your mid-week hump day! It seems that color blocking and brights are not going anywhere anytime soon, so I was over the moon when I spotted this bright blue blazer for (you guessed it) $1.00! Check back in soon to see how we tweaked it and styled it with a little inspiration from all the fall runway goodness.

Love, 

Noa B and Tanya D

Fakin' Missoni

Hey Ladies,

How many of you are dying to get your hands on some Missoni brand for Target this week? Starting Tuesday, the legendary, Italian knitwear company will launch another, fashion-meets-cheap-chic line at the low priced, giant. And we here at SHS are always on the prowl for a bargain!

In anticipation of this latest launch, I threw on another frugal, find that reminded me in no small part of those iconic, Missoni striped shirts.The piece was loose and lovely, and was also Italian silk, (though NOT Missoni)...

Can you believe this was procured for 1$? I'd held on to it all summer, waiting for the right swingy, silk skirt to push it on into fall. Alas, LA nights do stay nippy. Especially now that September is in full swing. So I thought I'd throw it on with some skinny jeans and make it comfy casual. Here's my take on applying fakey, designer stripes for a retro-finish.

 Step 1: Throw on some extra large, 70's shades...

 Step 2: Add retro-70's heels. (For me, it's my handy Seychelles with the chunky heel).

Step 3: Throw in hoops and Moroccan inspired bangles. Buff out lips with nude gloss.

 Step 4:  Sweep hair into high pony and wrap a section of hair around the elastic. Secure with bobby pin.

 Step 5: Combine with darkest denim. When I'm sick of my skinnies, I'll tuck in the shirt's length and wear it with high waisted, bell bottom flares. For now, the narrow leg will balance out the caftan-like cut.

Add fringey, hobo bag and stir. Then get in line and await the door's opening at Target this Tuesday for a run on the real thing!

Happy shopping!

Love,

Noa B and Tanya D

Shirt: Via thrift, $1.00
Shoes: Seychelles
Sunglasses: H&M
Bangles: Larchmont sidewalk sale
Denim: Seven by 7

Fashion's Night Out: Abbot Kinney

Happy Friday everyone,

Did you all get a chance to experience Fashion's Night Out this past Thursday? Here in Los Angeles there was a bevy of shows, events, store galas and late night happenings to consider!

We decided to make a go of it in Tanyas stomping ground, Abbot Kinney. Things were so hip here last September we figured, why not re-run? After drinks at Hal's Bar and Grill, we walked the main drag, checked out some boutiques, and then took a spin up to Main Street, Santa Monica to follow the buzz.

And what a great surprise! Like Toucan Sam we followed our thrifty but fabulous noses to a brand new, re-saler boutique called "The Closet". And they had some amazing finds. (Note the Gucci, studded clogs for fall)!

Inside, the owner of this new location was serving cocktails and yummies, and showing the best of the best of the best in re-sale garments and accessories! We couldn't resist the urge to splurge, or to jump into their celebratory, fashion photo booth!

This gal is a talented buyer, and so many goodies were totally affordable! I picked up a belt, a fall, denim inspired shirt, and Tanya found a fabulous pant I know she'll feature in November Grey quite soon. Just a hint of things to come... They're got a tropical theme!

For the evenings festivities, Tanya rocked this spaghetti looped dress which I'm crazy about, (see it again here) along with a vintage DKNY belt, some awesome bangles and a gorgeous, Chloe purse.

I wore my fave, vintage, pailletted top, (one of my first, true vintage pieces bought here last fall) along with a vintage, linen and cotton, pencil skirt. And since we decided to stay walk-ably comfy after a full day of work on both ends, T rocked biker booties and I wore Pour La Victoire, motocycle boots. We were in a great frame of mind having picked sensible shoes for the night!

Isn't this place pretty? We will be coming back soon and often to shop and blog and show you a whole, new thirfting avenue in the weeks to come.

Fashion's Night Out LA was great. But the most fashionable thing in the world, (that never goes out of style) is having a great friend to share it with!

Love, Noa B and Tanya D

On Tanya:
Dress: Vintage
Belt: DKNY vintage
Boots: Unknown brand
Bag: Chloe
Wooden bangles: Thrift
Earrings: F21

On Noa:
Shirt: Vintage
Skirt: Vintage
Boots: Pour La Victoire
Earrings: Abbot Kinney boutique sidewalk sale
Clutch: Bday gift

Sweater Love

Hello Ladies,

As much as I love fashion blogs, articles, and tearing bits out of my monthly magazines, on the rare occasion I love feeling like I got it just right on my own. Take as example, this recent DKNY sweater I purchased and decided to rock with some late summer, black leather shorts. I felt that the time had come to start embracing fall, but I wasn't 100% ready to cover everything.

So instead I covered up--some... And layered this cropped, Italian, wool blazer along with some vintage, Bedouin beads and chains. And yes, that's a vintage turban on my head. Yup, that's right. A turban.

I had just thrown this outfit together and went to peek at my email from my Vogue online subscription. Imagine my enjoyment at reading this month's tips on making summer garments transition to fall. Their key? Layering long sweaters with shorts and minis and adding chunky booties!

I also love the idea of the hard and the soft. Soft, open weave sweater mixes with supple leather and hard edged wedges. Once again, my Edelmann's...

Chandelier earrings,  vintage tigers-eye ring, Bedouin beads, and an old silver, heirloom chain.

It's so simple, but I want to live in this sweater. So comfy and cozy.

 I might too...

(I will note as an epitaph to this blog that I risked bodily harm in attempting to buy this sweater, which may account for why I like it so much. I was seriously accosted and nearly trampled by some rabid, elderly women who tried to sucker punch me en route to the rounders during last Sunday's dollar sale. I barely made it out alive)!

But hey, what's a little bruised rib between fellow thrifters!

Love,

Noa B and Tanya D

Sweater: DKNY vintage, (1$)
Leather Shorts: Resale
Chains, Beduin, Israel, antique, and knotted piece from H&M
Wedges: Sam Edelmann Zachary clogs
Earrings: Gift, Alvera Street
Ring: Agate and silver, vintage, (Mom's)
Turban: Vintage, Atlanta's Little Five Points district
Blazer: Italian, vintage, (1$)
Purse: Rafi, (via Crossroads Exchange)

A little bit of "Joanie"

Happy Labor day Ladies!

How many of you out there are as crazy about Mad Men as we are? Any takers? Well I have to admit, we've got the biggest fashion-girl crush on Christina Hendricks, (aka Joan Holloway). I mean, how could you not? Look at these dresses girls! Don't we all just want to "be" her?

Well I for one do! And when I found this amazing, black, linen dress at the Sunday, dollar sale last week I just channeled a little Joanie and let the dress do the rest. And seriously, who better to show it off here at the blogosphere, than the gorgeous, Miss T!

She's got classic, Grace Kelly chic, and this dress fit her like a glove.

The button details, the deep pockets, the waistband stitching. It's all just so flawless! But my personal, favorite detail of this dress is the straight across, shoulder line.

Styling this baby was a piece of cake for my uber-fashionable partner. No sooner had I pulled it out to show her, then she grabbed some mod shades, a seed bead necklace, and skipped on out to the showroom for a little design work. (Yes, she really does make it seem that easy)...

And of course, she would never rock a 60's era dress without the requisite, black suede heels. Tanya and her heels are not soon parted.

But that's why she can make any little 'ol black dress look like perfection. Gotta hand it to her. She can give "Joanie" a real run for her money. Now how do I get my hands on some "Betty Draper" taffeta skirts for next week...?

Love,

Noa B and Tanya D

Dress: Vintage

Necklace: Seed beads, vintage

Bracelets: Vintage

Heels: Vince Camuto Moma's

How to thrift shop - by Tanya Dempsey

If you look hard enough, somewhere in LA, on any given day - you'll see me browsing the racks at one of my favorite thrift stores. It started as pure necessity when I was a starving actress, and has turned into a sport, a styling gig, the inspiration for two blogs and now a partnership for re-designing some of these salvaged gems!

Since many of you have asked, (and my partner, the gorgeous Noa B, is the genius one behind the sewing machine) I thought I'd share some of my personal insight into what it takes to spot those diamonds in the rough.

• Know Your Trends. As Noa showed you in a previous post here, be aware of what's current by keeping up with fashion magazines and tearing out pages that speak to you. You never know what you'll find that's a dead ringer for a major, designer piece!
• Know What Looks Good On You. (Just because it's on trend, doesn't mean it will look good on you, so be careful!) Never buy something just because it's cheap and cool, unless you can (and will) redesign it. 
• Make it Over! If you have a good eye for trend, can work a sewing machine, or have a trusty tailor, keep an eye out for interesting fabrics and pieces that can be redesigned and made into something amazing. Sometimes all this means is a quick hem on a dress that's pretty but too long, or a gorgeous vintage jacket that just needs to be taken in a bit, and other times it can be a total makeover into a one-of-a-kind, killer piece! Think creatively!
• Know What's Classic. Some items hidden within the thrift racks are classics that transcend trend, year after year, like a cashmere turtleneck in great condition. (I just found a gorgeous green one this past summer, in mint condition for $5. Which leads me to my next tip...)
• Shop Off Season. Keep your eye open for that great summer frock in the dead of winter, or that perfect fitted pea coat, in the scorching heat. Have it cleaned and pack it away.
• Goodwill is Good, But some Stores are Better. I have found some great stuff at the Goodwill, but actually prefer small and local thrift, and those that serve charities I believe in, like Out of The Closet. Take the time to find what's around you! And when you find a store you like, get to know the sales people and shop often! Some stores offer weekly sales (like my beloved $1 Sunday's) that will change your shopping life!
• Take Your Time; Be Prepared.  First, I never go in with a heavy bag and somewhere else to go. Thrift shopping takes time. It's an endurance sport. You must look through every rack, piece by piece. Quick browsers will surely walk away empty handed. I also like to be hands free (I tuck my money into a pocket) except for a water bottle. (Did I mention it's an endurance sport?) Wear fitted clothing, in case the store doesn't offer a dressing room and you have to toss a dress over your head! Most importantly - be patient. Shop often.

Hope this helps, lovelies. As always, happy shopping, and feel free to email or submit questions/feedback and comments! xx

Happy thrifting to you all!

Love, 

Tanya D