Thriftspiration

Everywhere I look (in store windows, on the internet, in my dreams) I see cropped tops. AND I AM IN LOVE. For someone who prides themselves on a tiny midsection (and tries to cover her limbs) they are my savior during the hot summer. And I can't imagine them not matching everything I own. I can wear them with jean shorts, high-waisted ERRTHANG, full, circle skirts, ANYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE. I can't get behind it more. so here are my interpretations of the cropped top  with my favorite of the options, the lady-like full skirt.

This one is a full skirt (with a cute big bow in the back) that I found at a local goodwill, paired with a The National band Tee tied up in the back. Band shirts will probably be my next post because they're so versatile and swiftly taking up a WHOLE BUNCH of room in my closet.

This look is a men's tank top (which I snipped into a cropped top), again, thrifted. I did some print-mixing with a high-waisted silk skirt, I also found thrifting.

Someone hide the scissors from me because I want to take the bottom 5 inches off of everything I own! SOMEONE TRY TO STOP ME!

Swappers, what's your favorite summer look?

-g

STYLE FILE: The Power Clash

Good morning, SWAPpers :)

I may be known for showing up to the grocery store in 6" platforms, leggings, sequins, and fur, but if you think about it: I wear a uniform. I dress "safely". I have issues with mixing patterns and whenever I make the attempt, I always wonder if I've done it "right".

I'm now obsessed with this idea of "power clashing" and some of my friends are experts in this irreverent method of getting dressed. However, you may be like me. A little afraid, but desperately wanting to try this freedom-inducing trend!

Here are a few tips to help you get started on your power clash tirade.

1. Wear patterns and textures that don't compete with one another. For example, if you've got a bold, geometric pattern up top, maybe go for a more subdued pattern with more subdued color on the bottom.

2. Wear patterns that belong to the same color family.

3. Don't match TOO much. We know you love polka dots, but you sure as hell don't need to wear four different varieties of them all at once. EXCEPTION: If you are channeling Yayoi Kusama. For Halloween.

5. Consider the scale of the patterns. Wear a small pattern with a large pattern to create balance, even though you may be chemically IMBALANCED.

6. Not ready to take the full-on plunge into the pool of clashing glory? Start with neutral patterns. That totally counts!

And now, for your viewing pleasure, the kids who get an A+ in power clashing.

Man Repeller blogger Leandra Medine gets crazy on her terrace (left). Mixed patterns like this make me think of keeping warm on crisp, autumn evenings at Harvard Law (top right). Total 90's space rock clash-tastic (bottom right).

Not ready for multi-pattern mania? Mix subdued colors together (top left). This outfit worn by socialite Olivia Palermo (top right) was found on a worst-dressed blog entry. We beg to differ! Tribal and bold stripes (bottom left). This clashing cutie was so excited about her outfit, she needed to snap a picture in the dressing room! (bottom right)

Sea of Shoes blogger Jane Aldridge gives us 80's glam rock with dueling patterns in bold colors (left). This city girl effortlessly combines sequins, ikat and denim for a haute-eclectic look (top right). More ikat, except mixed with a structured leather skirt and a tweed jacket Jackie O. would have stolen off her back (bottom right).

Two red-based clashing patterns with a big fluffy fur thrown in for good measure (left). Who says you can't mix plaid and polka-dots? (top right). Mixing blue patterns to create a look perfect for a jaunt in Santorini! (bottom right)

...............................but wait!!!! This power-clashing business isn't exactly a new trend. Below, find the foremothers of the mixed pattern: Angela Chase and Clarissa Darling. We are forever grateful for your whimsical, grunge-inspired pattern and texture mash-ups!!!!

xoxo,
Jordan

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