Christmas-y

Wow! I'm sorry for having strayed from the blog for so long, work has really been catching up to me! This is our busiest season with so many tourists coming up to go skiing. It has been really tiring (I swear I've been eating about 6 meals a day to keep up, energy-wise!) but I love seeing my students improve. It's so exciting that for some of them my class is their first memory of getting out on the mountain. I still love teaching older kids with a bit more experience because I can take them on the lifts and on more difficult terrain (we do lots of making our skis into 'pizza' and then 'french fry' and they follow me down the mountain in a big train shape doing turns) but teaching the younger kids is rewarding too, because they go from never having skied before to being able to make it down the bunny slope.

This was my Christmas outfit, which I of course only wore inside because it was snowing hardcore outside! The skirt I found in Beacon's Closet; it is from Saks Fifth Avenue and it is really lovely velvet and satin. I figured the only time I could ever wear it is at Christmas and I really wanted to pair it with some different textures so I added a lace DKNY top (also thrifted) and lace Accessorize tights. The belt is one of my favorite wardrobe items and was thrifted by my awesome mother. The shoes are Kelsi Dagger and were a TJ Maxx bargain. All in all a pretty bargainous outfit!

Remember, it is pretty much time to start posting your Little Women inspired outfits if you're joining in with The Pickwick Ladies. Check out our facebook page for pictures from our last book, Hans Christian Andersen Fairytales.

How was your Christmas? Do any of you ski or snowboard?

Lady of the Lake

Here's a little glimpse into how stunning my home is. This view of Lake Tahoe is just down the street from my house. I do think I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Things have been going pretty well here and the skiing has been fantastic the past few days. I am almost done with my instructor training and I can't wait to get out on the slopes and hang out with some little rippers! I will be teaching the 4-6 year olds and I think it's going to be so much fun.

Boots, Dress and Cardigan: Thrifted

Scarf: Edinburgh Woolen Mill

Coat: Topshop

Everything else has been pretty quiet around here. It's such a different pace from New York, I'm having a hard time getting used to it! I used to live right around the corner from a bunch of coffee shops and bars, and now it is so common to drive for 45 minutes through the snow to go out and get a drink. I like spending all of my days outdoors though, so I guess it's a trade off!

What is it like were you live? In a city, or the middle of nowhere like me?

P.S. By the way...I have some pretty awesome friends! I know lots of you guys are probably looking for new blogs to read, and if you're looking for a little departure from the fashion world I have just the thing for you! My lovely friend Claire's blog One Night Stanzas is all about poetry, and Kari's blog, ideaing is worth a look for its discussion on sexism and other interesting and important topics.

Walking Down an Abandoned Road

Here are a few quick pictures that I snapped before we got a deluge of snow. Yesterday we got about a foot and over the next few days we're supposed to get between 3-5 feet. The skiing today was awesome, so much powder! I'm really excited to get a ton more skiing days in; I feel like every day I improve so much.

I really need to get myself some snow tires. I had a little bit of a scary time on the way to our employee holiday party and spun out on the road twice. Both times I was only going 20mph! The party was so much fun and I won the cookie baking contest. I baked these chocolate pecan turtle cookies if you're interested in trying out the winning recipe.

Thanks for all of your comments about dressing for snow. I'm definitely going to be trying some of your tips out, especially doubling up on my tights.

Boots, Dress, Coat: Thrifted

Fisherman Sweater: Topshop

This road is so beautiful. I think it still gets used because it was plowed on the day I passed it. I'm pretty sure it is a forest service road because it doesn't seem to lead anywhere but deep into the woods. I'm excited to take lots more walks down it, especially if they keep it plowed.

Do you have any secret places that you always like to return to?

Hoping for Heels

This is what you might call a "fantasy" outfit; i.e. I couldn't wear it out of the house. In fact, before I left I had to put on boots, tights, thick socks, a sweater and a huge puffy jacket. Not really that attractive in the end! I wish I could wear heels and tiny shorts and dresses but unfortunately the weather means that I can't. It's definitely going to test the limits of my creativity and my closet!

Heels: Steve Madden

Socks: H&M

Shorts: UO

Belt and Shirt: Thrifted

Bangles: Thrifted and Topshop

Lately it's been pretty cold in the evenings so my roommates and I have decided that we need to hire a homemaker who will stoke our fire and cook dinner for us in the evenings. By the time we get home from our ski jobs the house is very chilly because the fire has died down, and all we want to do is eat, but we have to spend ages bringing wood in and trying to rekindle the fire. I'm not really complaining though; there's nothing better than curling up beside a nice hot fire in the wintertime. Now if only I could find some warm and attractive items in my closet to wear while I'm lounging by the flames!

Any ideas on keeping warm in the chilly winter while still looking stylish?

Welcome to Tahoe!

So...you may have figured this out if you follow me on twitter, and/or from the amount of photos that I've taken in California in my last few posts, but...I moved! I am now living in Lake Tahoe and working as a ski instructor. I just got up here on Friday and so far have skied two days. I'm already loving it! The resort that I work at is right on the lake and has the most incredible views. This morning it was really misty and from higher runs I felt as if I was skiing down into the clouds which were covering the lake.

I'm hoping to continue outfit posts as usual, although quite a few of them may have to be inside or feature my snow boots. My roommates have made fun of my extensive amount of dresses already, but I am going to persevere with wearing them, even if I do get funny looks!

I just wanted to say thanks for reading! This blog has been one of the constant forms of support in my life even though everything else is changing all the time, and I have been blessed with meeting so many friends since I've started this. So...thanks for your comments, tweets, everything. You're awesome!

Boots, Dress, Belt, Poncho: Vintage/Thrifted

Tights as knee highs...still staying up! See my last post for more info.

I'm not sure how I feel about this poncho, I feel like it's a hard look to rock. Do you wear a sweater underneath? Belt it? I don't know. Are you into the poncho trend?

Mad for Plaid

Whew, what a whirlwind week! This time last week I was in Lake Tahoe, and since then I've been back to San Francisco, to New York, to San Jose, San Francisco again, and now I'm officially back in Lake Tahoe! Hoping so much for some snow, the slopes are a little slushy at the moment!

This is one of my favorite outfits that I've worn in awhile. Still having a 70's moment, as you can see! I got this plaid shirt in New York, when I sold a few of my big vintage coats for some credit to Beacon's Closet and Fox and Fawn. I was originally going to get it as a Christmas present, but I fell in love with it too quickly. These socks are actually cut off tights, a great idea that Robyn came up with and that I'm going to be using a lot more methinks!

I need to control my vintage love urges, because Christmas is coming up soon and I still have more presents to get. I am totally stumped about what to get for my Dad. Anyone have any ideas? Remember, I took the pledge (as you can see from my sidebar...if you haven't already and you still have more Christmas shopping to do you should check it out!) so it needs to be handmade or used.

Heels: Office

Tights: Target/Hue

Shorts: FCUK

Belt, Shirt: Vintage

Are you guys all finished with your Christmas shopping, or are you just as behind as I am?

Bellbottoms, Babe

Here's a little look at the only item in my closet that can be even remotely classified as having a bell bottom shape. While I love these trousers dearly, I don't really wear them that often, because, as you may have noticed, I'm a dress kinda girl. I am on a mission to find a really great pair of bellbottom jeans though! I have exhausted the thrift stores so I think I may have to start saving my pennies for a pair of J Brands, or this lovely pair of EmersonMade BlueBells that Maria posted about on her blog not too long ago. Don't they look fantastic?

Right now I am up in Lake Tahoe for some much needed snow time. I love being here, it is so beautiful. I know, I'm far away from Brooklyn, but I'll be back there soon. My life is in a state of upheaval (as usual!) and I may be doing some exciting things in the future, so I'll keep you guys posted.

Heels: Office; Trousers: Gap; Shirt: Uniqlo; Cardigan: Thrifted

Tell me about where you guys live! Any recommendations for places to visit in my wild and wonderful constant travel bug tour of life?

Exploring the Petrified Forest

Here are a few photos from my weekend. I went up to Calistoga with my family, and we went on some beautiful walks, wandered around a few vineyards, and mostly ate tons of food. These photos were taken during one of our breaks from eating, when we went to the petrified forest. We took our family Christmas picture (which involved lots of hilarity as we were trying to do a jumping one with the self timer) and received funny stares from passerby. The petrified forest had spanish moss hanging from the trees which gave it a very eerie feeling.

I'm really excited to tell you about a project I've been working on for awhile, The Pickwick Ladies Book Club. Lately I've been spending all of my reading time blogging, so I decided to start a book club with a few other lovely ladies so that we will all motivate each other to read more. So far, Maria has put up her first book club inspired photos, and I think they are lovely. I am taking mine today and will put them up tomorrow. Look out for the rest of the group's pictures, they are all going up this week!

Boots: Vintage; Tights: Duane Reade; Romper: Thrifted; Cardigan: French Connection; Scarf: The Edinburgh Woolen Mill

Are you reading any good books at the moment?

Thrift Trippy

I just wanted to do a quick post to share with you some of my thrift trip finds. I got this great little 90's grunge babydoll, wool cardigan (look at those sleeves!) and braided belt the other day on my trip to Goodwill. The thrifting in California is so much better than in New York, I'm going to miss it when I go back. It gives me a good excuse to stock up now!

I hope lots of you are still getting to spend time with your families this weekend. I am going up to Calistoga for a few days with my family. We are looking forward to exploring vineyards, going on long walks, and hanging out with each other. This is the first time that we are all together in a year, because my younger sister lives in Vietnam so she can't come to visit very often.

This is my "stylish squatter" look...so funny! I am a glowing beacon of paleness in this picture. I obviously need some sunshine.

Boots: JC Penny from 8 years ago

Dress, Belt, Sweater: Thrifted

Are you spending time with your family this weekend?

Home on the Range

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you all have a lovely day filled with spending time with people you love, nice walks, and of course delicious food!

I took these photos in my backyard, it is so nice to be home and have plenty of space to take outdoor shots. Yesterday I went into San Francisco to see friends, and remembered how much I love the city. Dolores Park, amazing thrift stores, and such wonderful people...not to mention the best bit, burritos!

I have been having such good look thrifting lately. I went to goodwill and hit the fisherman sweater motherload. Every time I go thrifting I always find that I find tons of one kind of clothing. Does that ever happen to you? I often wonder if it's all from one person's wardrobe, and they just happen to donate lots of clothes on the day that I go. It is really interesting thinking about the stories of thrifted and vintage clothes...how nice to think that someone before you has had all sorts of adventures in the clothes before you buy them. I hope that when I'm gone my clothes continue to be worn and loved by a girl like me!

Boots, Belt, Jacket: Vintage

Tights: Duane Reade

Skirt: Topshop

Shirt: French Connection

Have a lovely lovely day guys. Prepare your turkey pants, I know I am (the vegetarian version of course)!

Edit: I forgot to mention this, but I think it is important to be mindful on Thanksgiving. Please take a moment today to think about the sons and daughters of this land and remember the genocide they suffered and the oppression and persecution that they continue to face. Jenny and the Selvedge Yard both have very eloquent posts on this subject.

Bob Dylan meets the Eighties

Hmm...maybe it's because of my fake mullet, but I feel like a lot of 80's influences have been popping up in my wardrobe lately. Which is so last season, durrr, but I kind of love it. Although, I have to say I am really happy about the 70's thing that is happening right now. I am especially excited about finding the perfect pair of bell bottom jeans. I had the best ones when I was in middle school, with legs that were big enough to cover my big platform sneakers (did anyone else wear those?) and the perfect light wash. I'm hoping to have some thrifting luck in the next week when I'm home for Thanksgiving, and be able to bring home the perfect jeans, some grandpa sweaters, a poncho or two, and some great winter boots. That may be slightly optimistic, but I think I am definitely going to devote some serious time to scouring Goodwill and The Salvation Army!

This shirt was a great vintage buy, and I ripped the shoulder pads out as soon as I got it, but it still has some 80's thing going on with the sleeves. I decided to whip out a big gold belt to accent it, and then here's where the outfit gets a little weird...the Bob Dylan lower half. Look at those shoes man, he totally wears stuff like that!

Boots: DSW; Tights: Topshop; Shorts: UO; Belt and Blouse: Thrifted

Are you guys starting to get super excited for Thanksgiving? Because I am so ready whip out the veggie cookbooks and think of a really delicious vegetarian dish to steal a little of the turkey's limelight...even if he is cage free and organic!

Mullet Madness

Hi lovely ladies!

Sorry to have been quiet on the blog! How do you 9-5ers do it? I was temping last week and with the time change I didn't have a chance to take any pictures. Now that I'm back to solely restaurant work I have plenty of daylight for photo sessions. The lovely Elise took these photos for me. We have hardly seen each other since our epic road trip and it was so good to hang out again. My weekend was much like last weekend, doggy walking at the shelter (someone adopt some of these cuties please!), thrifting, and taking photos of Brooklyn. Can you tell that I LOVE Brooklyn? Every time I walk around I am so happy. It is the perfect mix of run down industrial buildings, red brick, and green spaces. The graffiti is beautiful, and each day I stumble upon more that I like.

Also...I cut my hair. Can you tell? It turned out a little mullet-y, but that's ok, I think I'm badass enough to rock a mullet. If only I had the ovaries to have a legit mullet, that would be kind of awesome. When I was in elementary school my bus driver used to wear doc martens, play heavy metal, and shake her mullet around while we were driving to school. I thought she was pretty rad.

I am on such a velvet kick right now. I bought this dress from Topshop because I have been searching for a navy velvet dress for the longest time now. The only thing is, the quality is not that great. On the first day that I wore it, one of the seams ripped and I had to return it for another one. It's kind of sad because when I was in university I used to shop at Topshop all the time, and the quality was great. I still have some clothes from back then that I love wearing. It frustrates me how many of my favorite brands use materials which are such poor quality, and participate in other horrible workmanship practices. Has anyone else noticed a sudden shift, maybe in the past three years or so, to poorer quality clothes? Maybe I'm just getting old and crotchety, haha.

Boots, Purse, and Belt: Vintage/Thrifted; Dress: Topshop

Speaking of quality, I took sweet Amanda's pledge to only buy handcrafted or secondhand gifts this holiday season. I hope as many people as possible join in. You can put a button on your blog (click on the one on my sidebar, it will transfer you over to Amanda's blog where you can pick up the html) to show your support for this project. This is something that I feel really passionate about because I think our attitude at Christmas seems to be all about consume consume consume, when there are fantastic gifts to be found in vintage and thrift stores, secondhand bookshops, etsy, and a myriad of other places where we can reuse and support small businesses. Please let me (and Amanda!) know if you are taking the pledge, I am really interested to see how this project turns out. I think I'm going to tell my family to stop reading my blog in December just so I can post pictures of all of the pretty gifts I've been finding for them!

Also, please check out the Teen Vogue Fashion Click site to see all of the other wonderful bloggers whose posts are up. They are some stylish ladies!

Gosh sorry for this excessively long post! I just get carried away sometimes...is it weird that I imagine all of you reading this like I'm having a little chat with you? For reals, if any of you are in Brooklyn, lets get some tea and go thrifting!