Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Lunch break blogging

I've mentioned before how vintage and used clothing on Etsy and Ebay is like crack for me. It distracts me from my work and sucks up my wages (albeit, less so than newer clothes). I try to justify it by thinking that it takes up less opportunity costs than thrifting in person, which requires a lot more patience and time during day time hours, but because there's always the risk that stuff won't fit, and the fact that ebay can suck me until the wee hours (whereas Salvation Army will kick me out at closing time), this is probably not true.

I get on Ebay/Etsy "kicks." Since the fall, I've had the following obsessions: prairie dress (unsuccessful so far, but there are contenders on my Etsy favorites list), granny boots, mod dress (also unsuccessful) and most recently pearl button shirts. Mostly for my fella, but I decided that I need them too. I got a package from Smith and Pooter Vintage yesterday. They worked well for both of us in the shoulders and girth, but the sleeves, oh the sleeves (I should have measured. My bad).

However, I hate to admit defeat, especially as I defend online shopping to my skeptical friends. All little hacking is all that is needed. This shirt is a boys' size 16, I believe. Sleeve problem solved by slight rolling up (which is probably more flattering). It fits a little snug over the chest but I left the top two buttons open, and paired it with a bubble skirt.
This is my dismal, windowless office. I tell myself everyday that I am warmer and unbothered by harsh midday sun light. And it's huge. They would charge $2000/month for a room this size in Chelsea.

I seem to match my broken luggage


The industrial latch on the door that I can not lock is my favorite touch

Pearl button western boy's shirt: $13 (including shipping)
short sleeved fancy thermal shirt: Uniqlo, $10
ponte de roma bubble skirt: Uniqlo, $30
grey pleather belt: free (came with suit purchase on Ebay)
sweater tights: Smartwool (better than pants when paired with tights in winter), some online tights retailer, $35
boots: Mia, $85

Post Script:
My coworkers still give me crap about not decorating my office so I bought a bunch of left wing posters when Northland Posert Collective in Minneapolis was going out of the business. I miss the quirky progressive politics of my former adopted home state. Like:

The Farmer-Labor Party:

The Miners in North Country:

Awesome first Muslim Congressman ever (he got arrested protesting the war):

7 comments:

  1. I wish I'd known you when you were here, doll!

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  2. Adorable as always! And I LOVE online shopping. It allows you to really take your time to think your purchases through (a luxury not always seen in the store) and I always use a coupon, so I like to think I'm saving myself a little money. I did a ton of it while I was totally shut-in this winter. Today's my first day back at the office, and I must say, I'm dressed pretty damn cute. And I'm wearing exclusively things I bought online! I'll try to get Bob to snap a couple pics for me when I get home tonight (I tried to do it myself while running late this morning, and it was a disaster) so I can help you defend the awesomeness that is online shopping.

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  3. Sal, I wish I'd known you too! All those times I was in front of the alumni building, protesting a tuition increase or something nerdy. Why do I finally realize what a gem Minnesota is after I leave? Groan!
    Anne, I'd love to see you new outfits. Go online shopping!

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  4. Yes!! Boys clothes are awesome. I love it they're so cute. I especially love that plaid shirt you're wearing! If you ever tire of it... ;)

    clothedmuch.blogspot.com

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  5. Your office looks strangely similar to my office. hmmmm how about that... i love the clothes too.

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  6. Sal, I wish I'd known you too! All those times I was in front of the alumni building, protesting a tuition increase or something nerdy. Why do I finally realize what a gem Minnesota is after I leave? Groan!
    Anne, I'd love to see you new outfits. Go online shopping!

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  7. Your office looks strangely similar to my office. hmmmm how about that... i love the clothes too.

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