On My Swapdar

See what I did there?
...Meh.

Anyway! Welcome to another Friday!
SWAP Toledo is gearing up for another exciting Swap Meet, meeting every week to discuss our exciting plan. Since we're only 24 DAYS AWAY (omg!), we've decided to start sharing just some of the stuff we're planning on swapping.

Our very first swap was attended by just about 8 ladies, all looking to find some new duds. My favorite part about this was that we each got to talk about the pieces we brought. I know, I know, that seems so cheesy and like, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, or something...but it was so interesting to find out how much these women still cared about the clothes they were trading away. It's important not to think of the swap as just a way to get rid of some old stuff, but more as a way to give good clothes new homes.

So here's a little bit about the stuff I'll be re-homing:

I bought this maxi dress several years ago and have only worn it twice. I always get so many compliments on it, but it it rarely sees the light of day. Someone please make this see the light of day.
Here, I've paired it with two necklaces that, when layered, make a glamourous, dramatic statement. I wore this combo to a "fancy" party once and felt like old Hollywood all night.

Layered necklaces, up close.
Shirt: NFS (Not For Swapping) ;)

These next two pieces weren't meant to go together, but they happened to match:

I found both of these pieces at thrift stores. I had major plans to alter the patterned shirt (which is actually a men's large) into who-knows-what, but never got around to it. I'm hoping a cool dude will sport it OR someone else will see a wealth of possibilities in it. The skirt, however, I did get around to altering. When I originally bought it, it was knee length, but I shortened it to a mini skirt. Unfortunately for me, it's a little bit too mini (read: I got too much junk in da trunk fo' dis). For future owners: my favorite way to wear this skirt was with my raddest of T-shirts.

So what am I looking for? Well, let's see:

I know we're focusing on spring and summer, so turtlenecks seem a little out of place, BUT I've been seeing some really great sleeveless cropped turtlenecks around the 'net, and you know how much I love my DIY projects. What you may not know is how much I love a good vintage tee. My two current favorites are a TGIFriday's Saint Patrick's Day shirt from 1982 and a tan shirt that says POPESTOCK '79 across the front with John Paul II on the back (not sure if that's actually vintage). Lastly, I mentioned my affinity for layering necklaces. If done right, you can create a real area of interest in an otherwise plain outfit...and people will think you're so clever when you tell them it's actually two necklaces! Trust me on this one.

Well that's that! Start gettin' your swap piles together, Toledo! May 19th is swiftly approaching and you won't want to miss out on this.

-Renee

Swap Excitement

The Spring Swap is swiftly approaching (MAY 19th DUDES!)  and I couldn't be more excited, for me, for you, for your neighbors, for EVERYONE. Already, I have a bag full of clothes awaiting a new home where they will be appreciated for what great finds they are. I don't know about you guys but I keep going through the bag, putting outfits together, imagining what kind of person will swap-up my goodies. Here, are just SOME of my items, styled so you can see their potential.

For a nice summer adventure..

A denim romper, straw hat with flower pin, and ruffle-necked sleeveless blouse.

A Dinner date..

High to low sheer collared blouse and costume jewelry tucked under the collar (add patterned leggings and bright heels and BOOM! YOU'RE SMOKIN'!)

For the office...

A 60's inspired minidress with pockets and a chain bag with studs to toughen up a bright color.

Now that you guys have seen mine, I want to see your's! And hopefully they meet this criteria...

JUST KIDDING...

But Really..

Mark your Calendars, because you don't want to miss your chance at these goodies, and everyone else's!

See you then Swappers!

-g

STYLE FILE: Killer Kimonos

Good afternoon, SWAPpers :)

For those of you who may be unaware, I started a new job. It's an exciting, challenging position and I am getting used to putting in extra hours to get the hang of things. Weekends (which served as my writing and research time for this blog) have now been claimed by writing FOR WORK.

Therefore, the Style File I am posting today is really  more of a concept...but it's something that makes me very happy: the idea of springtime in Japan! It's been so cold in Toledo and the buds have not yet decided to bloom on the trees. Perhaps if we all start planning what we're going to wear in more temperate weather, the weather will rise up to meet us!

I'd like for you to re-imagine the kimono. Did you know the true definition of the word kimono literally means "thing to wear"? It has evolved into the definition by which we know it today. Why not consider the kimono as just another thing to wear??? Pair it with leggings, leather pants or distressed jeans. With a mini skirt. Layered with necklaces. With motorcycle boots!

Here are some of my favorite kimono-based outfits that I found on the internetsss. Enjoy :)

xoxo,
Jordan

Tie-dye shorts (with biker shorts underneath!), a crop top and Elton John-esque glasses. Excellent!!!!!

Soften up with your favorite cozy handmade shawl., toughen up with leather leggings or keep it simple with cotton leggings.

Dare to wear a kimono with a harness (we bet Renee would try this!!!) or with bold, colorful leggings and a thick, utilitarian belt.

Layer on a scarf and a necklace. Find a kimono in a futuristic print. Pair with distressed jean shorts and sky-high booties. Or, if you're Susie Bubble, layer on every possible jacket over your kimono and pair with bold pants and gigantic costume baubles!

On My Radar–(419) Day!

Hello hello! The gang and I would like to start off by wishing you a happy (419) Day!

Don't worry, you can celebrate too, (567)ers.

Today, Toledo celebrates Toledo. We may not be the coolest kids on the block, but we are SO getting there. I think this T-shirt from local shop, Reddish Printing, sums it up nicely:

If you didn't already know Reddish and Jupmode are two print shops that have taken the city by storm with their Toledo-celebrating T-shirts. Everybody needs to own something from one or both of these shops.

Jupmode: Something for EVERYBODY!

Well, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that both of these shops will be at Maker's Mart this Saturday, in partnership with one of the coolest things to hit Toledo since, well, I don't know. I'm talking about Artomatic, which is in its second of three weekends. SO. MUCH. ART. If you haven't been, GO. It's fun for the whole family, not to mention a grand showcase of so many local artists doing what they love to do!

Back to Maker's Mart, though, because it's only happening THIS SATURDAY, April 20th.

Maker's Mart is put on by Handmade Toledo (I am namedropping like a MOFO). It's an indie craft fair featuring local vendors selling anything from art to soap to accessories to home decor...and it's all HANDMADE and/or LOCAL. How freakin' cool is that?!

The first Maker's Mart happened back in November. I was beyond pumped to go; so pumped I went alone...and had a blast! I left with a really cool set of cards, an intricate felt necklace, and some of Mel Prior's delicious hot pepper jelly.

Not pictured: Mel's hot pepper jelly. I ate it. Duh!

Necklace from Handleber

Cards from Burrowing Home

You'll notice, an extremely important part of selling at craft fairs is packaging. Everything I bought that day either came in a bag or box specially labeled with each persons logo, be it a stamp or a sticker. These vendors put so much effort into not only making their items, but also making sure it comes packaged neatly and legitimately in a way you won't forget.

SERIOUSLY, IT'S GOING TO BE SO COOL. Maker's Mart. Artomatic. All in one place! Be there!
For more info, check out Handmade Toledo's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HandmadeToledo
In the weeks leading up to Maker's Mart, they've been posting preview photos of their vendors, so check those out and get a taste of what's in store.

You know where I'm going to be, Toledo.
Renee

So I creep, yeah, just creepin' on

There are many ways to find inspiration. For some, it's magazines or celebrity style. Others have more abstract ways of seeking ideas. They find inspiration in nature, in music, in any and everything. me, I'm different. The creep in me LOVES what social media has offered. I love finding inspiration in what other girls wear. I "stalk" friends I find to be stylish on Facebook to see what they're wearing out and about. Instagram is another great source I use. I search "hashtags" for girls with styles similar to mine.

At first, I thought I was being creepy. I was insecure about "friending" or "following" another girl because what would she think of me? Then, I realized what social media is. it's a public way of sharing parts of yourself. If they didn't want people seeing it, they wouldn't post it, or make it public. Social media is a way of advertising (for whatever reason) the things about yourself that you want people to know or see. So, I creep away. (SO I CREEP, YEAHHHHH. Thank you TLC)

I, in fact, have a folder on my Macbook labeled "inspiration". If I like your boots, necklace, or entire look, you get saved away in my folder.

Like these ladies...

On nights that I am simply out of ideas, I reference my folder. I also love to make a hobby out of my FOLDER OF WOMEN (cue cymbal crash). If I like an outfit, I'll write it down or screenshot it on my phone. If I don't already have the pieces to make it up in my wardrobe, I start a scavenger hunt for them at the local thrift stores. I often like to shop this way as sometimes the selection can be overwhelming.

Now for you less-creepy Swappers, there are sites that are made for this sort of thing. Chictopia and LookBook are sites designed to offer inspiration and advice on styles. All the pictures are user-submitted. THESE SITES are where I go nuts (sorry freak flag, you'll fly another day). You can search for particular clothing items and find billions (I might be exaggerating....maybe not) of examples of how to style them. When I pick something up, fall in love with it, but have no idea how I'm going to wear it, I find my answer here. I can look up a similar item and see how a girl all the way in Australia wore it. It's kind of nice knowing the huge fashion world can get personal, and even a little smaller. 

Here are some of the girls and outfits in my creep folder..

How do you Swappers feel about creeping? Where do you go to get your inspiration?

-g

STYLE FILE: Anatomy of a SWAP

Good afternoon, SWAPpers :)

Well....first let's get THIS out of the way:

We are pleased to announce our next event...and we're going to put forth a huge effort to make our male-identified clotheshorses feel welcome to swap their duds. That's right dudes, this time it's your turn to snag some free stuff!

Also: our prayers were answered and ANGELA PERLEY will be playing, along with return favorite, DJ Simplicity. Other musical guests and special activities TBA....

I find myself getting nostalgic for our November 2012 SWAP, so let's take a look back to re-live the fun and free-flowing fashion. All images c/o Christie Materni and Kirsten Ingram.

Seth Ortega and Angela Sawasky raffled off coupons for hair styling and photo styling services. SWAPpers indulge to the sounds of Bikini Babes, DJ Simplicity, DJ Tina G and Gold. We sipped signature cocktails c/o Suzanne Hall in the bar. For those of you that remember, the "Audrey" was ESPECIALLY lethal. 

Brenda Gibson (center image, on the far left), Marketing Director of the YWCA Northwest Ohio, attended the event with her daughter Grace to share information and raise awareness about upcoming programs, services and issues. YWCA graciously took our unclaimed items to donate to needy families.

Our honorary "SWAP Dudes", Nic Good and Steven Warstler were such a big help with day-of logistics. Who could forget the pool table turned accessories station or those crazy changing tents? Photo booth fun was also had by all!

Just look at those hot chicks grabbing free stuff!!! We can't WAIT to see you on May 19th!!!!!!!

xoxo,

Jordan

On My Radar

Here's a hint: IT'S PATTERNS!

Every now and again patterns come leaping into my life. Not that they ever left, but sometimes I'm more open to them than other times. They can go anywhere!

I think my love affair with patterns began when my sister Rebecca first began thrift shopping. She came home with some of the most amazing things (I guess you could say this was before thrifting was "cool"), but I distinctly remember two pairs of flared pants: one pair was a knit material colored with all kinds of yellows, oranges and browns; the other pair was probably some kind of polyester blend of kelly green, white, and navy plaid. Man, do I wish I had photos of those.

A few years ago, Rumi Neely posted this photo on her blog fashiontoast. Two things happened: (1) I fell in love with those shorts, and (2) I immediately thought back to my sister's pants.

I've been on the look out for bad polyester 70's pants to make these sweet shorts ever since. Of course now stuff like this is on racks everywhere. I'm still determined.

Fast forward a few years to Black Friday 2012. My mom and I were at Kohl's when she picked out a pair of brown and black houndstooth corduroy skinnies. I was hesitant because I didn't think they were very "me" at the time. They're my favorite pants now. That same day I picked out a black sweater with white stars to go with it (worn over a blue chambray button down). If you're keeping track, that's TWO patterns worn at the same time. It's possible!

 Another way to integrate patterns into an outfit, as Dorian (a man!) mentioned in Jordan's post, is socks. Secret: I can probably count the number of white socks I've ever owned on my two hands. That's not to say that they've all been terribly chic (R.I.P. Gingerbread man socks), I have just always liked fun socks better. Socks are a good way to add some fun to a suit or just under a pair of jeans. I picked out these men's styles from Target and Urban Outfitters.

Top: Target
Bottom: Urban Outfitters

I'm going to end this with a dress that I am completely LUSTING over. I saw it at JC Penney yesterday (man, lotta mainstream stores in here today).

L'amour by Nanette Lepore for JCP

JUST LOOK AT IT. I think what I like most about it is that it reminds me of some of the ill-fitting psychedelic stuff you sometimes see while thrifting. So often I see old patterns I love, but can't figure out what I could possibly do with them (and I'm a crafty mofo). More importantly, it brings me once again back to my sister's thrifting days. 

The dress is only $30, but I'm holding out for it to go on sale, SO NOBODY BUY IT, OKAY?

Whew. 

Happy patterning to all, and to all a good Friday night. 

(Sorry. That was cheesy. Enjoy your weekend, Toledo.)

-Renee

Bathing Betties

First let me apologize for being a day late in posting. This week has been a crazy one, schedule-wise, and I spent all yesterday thinking it was Tuesday. My deepest condolences. The good news is, you'll get two posts in a row.

Among running around and having no idea what day and time it is, a funny little thing has happened without me even noticing: SPRING HAS SPRUNG. With the changing season comes a changing wardrobe and the inspiration part of my brain (that is filled with a categorized rolodex of this spring's hottest trends mixed in with some vintage love) is going haywire. All I can think about is what I want to shimmy onto my body when I go playing in the sun, and for some reason all I can think about are BATHING SUITS (It's only spring, Ginger! Let's not get ahead of ourselves!). That being said, more specifically I cant get VINTAGE BATHING SUITS out of my head.

LOOK HOW MUCH FUN EVERYONE IS HAVING! And they look so good doing it!

All this being said, vintage bathing suits are a hard thing to come by. Sure, on rare occasion you find one at your local thrift store, but lord knows what condition it's in and who's bottom has seen it. And now with the greatness of the internet, I can point and click, and have a vintage-inspired beauty mailed to me in 5-7 business days from great places like ASOS.

BUT...

There is something greater existing out there. It goes by the name of Etsy. There, you can hatch up your own idea (or one that's created for you) and some talented seamstress from who know's where will sew one right up. Even some digs that look straight out of your grandma's photo books. 

For example, there is a beautiful betty that I found on Instagram that goes by The Sailor Siren who makes her own vintage-inspired suits. You can request fabrics and styles and sizes or you can order some of her pre-made stuff.  She makes it so easy to transform a lay-out session in your backyard into a pin-up photoshoot. Check her out! Check everything on Etsy out! Why not?

And personally, when summer comes, don't be surprised if you see me at Kroger rocking a vintage one-piece like it's a romper. I WON'T WANT TO TAKE THEM OFF.

Swappers, what about spring inspires you? Who's your favorite pin-up lady?

-g

STYLE FILE: Dorian Slaybod

Good afternoon, SWAPpers :)

Meet Dorian Slaybod, local Attorney, writer and undoubtedly one of the neatest people I know. Yes, he's interesting and fun and also a bit absurd (though innocently so), but I'm not talking about that sort of neat for the purposes of this post. Not "neato"...just neat. His outfits are purposefully curated almost to the point of being theatrically professorial, but never without a sense of humor. It's not difficult to conclude that he's a sentimental, experientially-influenced person and his outfits reflect that. I often imagine Dorian with a precise morning grooming routine set to the twee sounds of a Wes Anderson film score. I have a habit of staring at his socks. And his ties. Oh, his ties. In fact, as I was searching for bow ties for the "Dress like Dorian" section of this post, I texted him in a panic with the following message: Cannot find image of perfectly dimpled bow tie...help! Now you can look at them too. Enjoy!!!

xoxo,
Jordan

P.S. This was my first attempt at organizing photos and it makes me appreciate our HDIC Renee SOOO MUCH MORE. Renee, you make us look fantastic.

Describe your personal style.

I just try to be me.  Animal print sweatshirts.  T-shirts with the faces of forgotten R&B artists.  Slim denim.  Expressive socks.  Oxford and polo shirts in 1980s cuts.  It’s a mix of Mr. Rogers comfort and Brat Pack prep.  My style of dress has not changed much since I was five-years-old, people just interpret my choices now as thoughtfully ironic or smart. Or strange.

Business clothes, though, were alien to me until a couple years ago.  I finally finished school and had to start wearing suits.  I owned only one up until that point that served me for weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs, and seminars.  Suddenly, I passed the Bar Exam, and became a professional.  I wanted to look like one.

I ordered a starter kit of wrinkle-free dress shirts from Brooks Brothers.  I bought some ties on flash sales.  I befriended a tailor.  I learned how to tie a bow tie and shine my shoes.  Along the way, I picked up a few more suits.  Now I look like someone you would want to hire.

When I go to work, I try to look clean and conservative.  My shirts are various patterns and shades of white, blue, and pink.  My ties are of simple prints, stripes, or solids.  If I’m feeling wild, I’ll wear polka dot socks.  I play more with texture than design: wools in winter and cottons in summer.  I’m more likely to toss in a pocket square on the weekends than during the week.  I work in a courthouse, not a French fashion house.  If you want people to notice you before they notice your clothes, then refrain from wearing a green suit with a Jerry Garcia tie that looks like it was painted by an acid-tripped carnival worker.

What (if anything) is important to you about expressing yourself through what you wear?

I try to wear clothes I believe in.  Now, I’m not saying all of my clothing is organically grown in a field of good-vibes and fair wages.  But buying a pair of jeans with a tag that says “Made in America” feels very good.  Buying clothes from my friend’s Army/Navy Surplus shop feels great.  Wearing a watch from Switzerland feels good, too.

We hear you have a pretty cool Tumblr you are thinking about retiring. Do you still plan to write about music you like in blog format?

I blog once per year, with the addition of random weeks of mania that I cannot predict.  There is a small cadre of people that enjoy reading my list of favorite songs and albums from each year.  And I love making lists like grandmothers love clipping grocery coupons, so I also enjoy the exchange. I do plan to write more aggressively; both in content and quantity.  There is a lot I want to put on paper more traditionally that has been coming out in strange ways.  I have been responding too often to simple emails and texts in prose.  Not all links to Youtube videos or news articles that are sent to me require a Shakespearean sonnet in reply.

I desperately love to write.  It is thrilling, exhausting; intimately revealing.  Communication is inherently flawed.  You and I will never have a complete and full understanding of each other.  But give me a clean sheet of paper, and I can get damn close to making you feel how I feel.  Stephen King has called it telepathy.  I think of it as spinning words like clay until they look most like the images and arguments inside my head.  Psychological studies have shown that there is little difference in how the pleasure receptors in our brains process fiction and reality.  You are perpetually a paragraph away from happiness.

Tell us a little bit about courthouse fashion you see on a daily basis: the good, the bad and the ugly!

Most of what I see are shirt/tie combos that look like they were ripped directly off the mannequin at Kohl’s.  A burnt orange shirt is bad enough, but the matching tie is more than I can handle.  I’ve seen enough shades of beige and brown to create an entire universe of sad, fluorescently-lit cubicle walls.  I see a lot of people trying way too hard, and people wearing suits with slip-on Sketchers that clearly aren’t trying hard enough.

The best of what I see are seasoned attorneys with decade(s)-old American and Italian oxfords that have been continually polished and protected.  I see designer ties older than me.  I see hand-me-down luxury timepieces.  I see suits that still fit, and fit well.

The best part of menswear is that it gets better with time.  This is not to say that you should wear that Zoot suit you found at your local antique shop.  But a pair of chukka boots become infinitely more cool after they are stained from the skate park punk show you went to last weekend.  A solid navy suit will look good longer than you if you take care of it.  You can continue to wear a simple, well-made tie for as long as you can keep the ketchup stains away.

You are known among friends to make a mean cocktail. If you had to design one for the next swap, what would it be?

I would make something old that feels new again: déjà vu with custom ice cubes.


GET DORIAN'S LOOK

1. Pink and Navy Striped Tie   www.absoluteties.com  $12.99
2. Swim Shorts with Polka Dot Print  www.asos.com  $36.58
3. Pinch Penny Loafer  www.nordstrom.com  $158.00
4. Stepped Wool Bowtie  www.thetiebar.com  $15.00
5. 1970's Nordic Jersild Wool Sweater  www.etsy.com  $45.00
6. American Apparel Fox Sweatshirt www.etsy.com  $52.81
7. Sean John Quilted Puffer Jacket  www.kgstores.com  $59.99
8. UO Whoa Stripe Sock  www.urbanoutfitters.com  $8.00 (3 for 20)
9. Men's Watch Orange Dial  www.dhgate.com  $10.03
10. Perry Ellis Sunglasses  www.bonanza.com  $18.18
11. Ohio State T-shirt   www.homage.com  $28.00
12. Vintage Military Canvas bag www.ebay.com  $27.50