A day of thrifting in Orlando

This is maybe the coolest thing I've ever found, yet did not have a courage to buy, in a thrift store

reminds me of Balmain

here's what I wore today

A closeup of my shredded tee and knotted Chanel scarf. The scarf is so long I have to think of creative ways to wear it that won't suffocate me in the heat.

Brooches that I purchased today

Heart stick-pin (left) and pearl brooch (middle) both $2 at Community Thrift store on Edgewater Drive; rainbow heart pin (right) $.99 at Dechoes on Colonial Drive.

I snagged this red blazer for $3 at Dechoes on Edgewater Drive. I've been looking for a red blazer for the longest time. I think this was my best find today.

I look like a floating torso. The light was great in Laura's room today. She's my new favorite photographer!

I had to have this belt because it reminded me of the leaf cloak-clasps that I've always drooled over from Lord of the Rings. Yes, I'm a nerd. It was $9.99, but I had a store credit with Dechoes, so I got it for a lot less.

Butterfly pin from Dechoes for $.50. It's hard to see but it's purple and green and it was so cheap for something so pretty. If you live in Orlando, do yourself a favor and go to Dechoes. There's one on Edgewater Drive, Colonial Drive, and Curry Ford Road. I've heard Curry Ford's is the best, although I've never been...yet.

Thrifting has become necessary in my life due to my love for shopping and total lack of resources to do so. Ohhh if only I could find a job in Orlando. Anyway, where are your favorite places to thrift?

xoxox,
Leah

Bow-ified Lover:

Prepare yourself for some serious eye candy.....

My boyfriend and I recently celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We had a fun-filled weekend that included green curry, homemade ice cream, botanical gardens, and a trip to IKEA among other things. When my anniversary present came in the mail, I practically fainted. It is this beautiful Betsey Johnson watch that has an oversized, metallic gold bow <3333

It is the most adorable accessory that I've ever laid eyes on! I had been eyeing it for a long time but couldn't justify buying it because I've been saving money for my Italian voyage. Needless to say, it was the most amazing surprise ever. 

Here is what it looks like on. Please excuse my un-painted nails, blegh. I swear I painted them hot pink about 5 minutes after this photo was taken. It kind of reminds me of the bow cuff Carrie was wearing at the beginning of the Sex and the City movie. 

Here is a small look at my collection of bow trinkets. My boyfriend was also the culprit behind the little pearl bow earrings. The bow cuff, pink heart necklace, and earrings are Betsey Johnson. The brooch is vintage and the silver necklace is from Store101. All I need now is a great bow ring. If you see me around, I'm sure you'll see me drooling over my new watch.

Well, I'm going to be late for work. But if any of you have found some beautiful, girly accessories lately, let me know! More updates coming soon!

Love,

Flavia

Granny Tunics:

I have always loved the sequin dresses and tunics that I see at thrift stores. Unfortunately, I never manage to find any smalls. There is just something about mixing granny style with contemporary accessories that just looks so chic. A few months ago I acquired this adorable butterfly tunic at a local vintage store. I pretty much had to have it. It has a really interesting cut. When I hold my arms out, I look like a butterfly. 

I went to Jacksonville with my boyfriend for Memorial Day, and we always stop by a few thrift stores when we are in town. I got really lucky at this one stop because I found two sequin tunics, both in excellent condition. The best part, both are size small! 

This silver beauty is stunning on. It's a decent length, so I'm thinking of pairing it with a skinny belt at the waist. It has really adorable puff sleeves, and a round neckline. I'm thinking of pairing this with shiny black leggings and frilly platforms. 

I love the cosmic-floral embellishment on this tunic. It is pretty neat because it has a zippered back and a v-neck. My big question for this one is, do I ditch the shoulder pads?? I know bold shoulders are a huge trend right now (duh), but the shoulder pads on this piece are massive, and they aren't really cone-shaped, they are just really round and poofy. I think I may cut them out so that this piece can be a little bit blouse-y. How do you think I should wear this one?

I'm not sure if I've "formally" announced on the blog that I'll be traveling to Italy at the end of June. I'll be doing a study abroad program in Rome, I'm so excited! The catch is that I've been saving all of my money for my trip, so basically I haven't been doing any shopping lately. Thrifting is really the only thing in my budget right now, so if anyone knows any hot-spots and would like to go together, let me know! The last time I did the thrift circuit here in Gainesville, Secondhand Rose was closing (RIP). Have any of you readers been to Rome or Florence? If so, please let me know of any must-visit shopping spots! I'm hoping to find beautiful accessories there. Oh, another qualm I have about these pretty tunics is that they are very dressy (not a bad thing), but I'm wondering how I can manage to wear these during the day. I haven't been daring enough to do it yet. If you have any ideas on how to dress these down, let me know. 

In other news, I got my hair cut yesterday!! It is a modified version of Karla's girly mohawk, so stay tuned for photo updates. Also, I'll try to post pictures of my tunics and other affordable finds that have made their way into my hands lately.

Love,

Flavia

We Will Always Love You:

I am so broken hearted over the loss of this beautiful person. 

Barry, your smile is unforgettable. You mean so much to so many people and we are all thinking about you. You were honestly one of the most wonderful people to be around, and will never be forgotten. I will always cherish the times we booty-danced and laughed together, and especially when we talked fashion. You will always be a muse. We love you so much.

I sort of just sniped these pictures from Facebook, thank you to the wonderful photographers to whom these pertain to. I'm so sorry about all of this and my heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Barry. So many people have come together for him, and we just have to keep on honoring the gem that he was. 

Barry, we miss you so much.

-Flavia

This is a Hair Emergency:

Well, I was supposed to get my hair cut today, but thank goodness the appointment was pushed back until tomorrow because I honestly have no idea how I want to style my hair! I've had a girly pixie for about a year now, but this time I think I want something a little edgy, perhaps slightly androgynous. I think it will contrast well with my obnoxiously girly wardrobe. I've grown out a long, poofy front section but my hair is so thick that the sides just make my hair look like a helmet. I've searched high and low for hair inspiration and here are some of my findings. Let me know what you think is cute, I'm in desperate need of input! Also, I'm open to any suggestions and ideas.

Well, I know this might sound crazy but I am obsessed with Spock's haircut!! My boyfriend and I have seen Star Trek twice now and are becoming creepily obsessed with Trekie fashion. I think a modified version of Spock's coif, maybe with longer, more feathery bangs, would be pretty neat. I love the idea of having a structural haircut, I'm just worried that my hair texture wouldn't work. Do you guys think that this hair style is too silly for real life?? I don't know, I just love it!

I don't really know who Sarah Harding is, maybe a model or something? But I do know that she's had some pretty great short hairstyles. She's even sported the previously mentioned Spock! I like that her hair looks long and side-swept in the front but really short and choppy in the back. Her hair may be too thin compared to mine though. Thoughts?

Karla is perhaps my favorite fashion blogger. It's funny because she and I have gone through nearly identical hair phases. We both started out with asymmetrical bobs, and now are going as short as can be. Her latest style is this amazing girly mohawk. I love the shaved sides and I feel like it would completely solve my "helmet-head" issues. I just don't know if this hair would leave me wanting more to play around with? I think it looks really amazing though. I think it is one of my favorite options.

Who doesn't love Agyness D.

Shes had so many crazy hairstyles. I really love this sleek pixie, but I kind of feel like this is the exact same haircut I got about a month ago.

I like Kiera's messy cut. I think that the long pieces layered over the really short ones look super textured and cool. I wonder if it would work on me?

All in all, I am mainly torn between Spock and Karla. I want to go for a drastic change and I really love both of these styles. I may just leave it to Ashley to create something for me, because I just can't come to a decision. What do you guys think?? Please let me know, I have until 5 pm tomorrow to make up my mind. Pick something out that will make me look tonnish : )

Love,

Flavia

Summer Sandals

Target, $24.99
These might be my favorite.

Steven Madden, $50
Ruffles.

Aldo outlet, $25
What was once outrageous last year is now toned-down. I like that about these.

Zara, $70
These were just so different than any sandals I'd ever seen. I feel like a futuristic disciple in them.

Essentially, I went the inexpensive route because I wanted to have multiple pairs to play around with. Although one or two amazing pairs of sandals is great, I like the variety of my new collection. Plus, I don't have a job yet in Orlando, so it seemed like pragmatism was the wise path.

YSL Caged Bootie

I've yet to see these on a foot... thanks Jak and Jil Blog. 

They're more precious than I thought. 

Untamed Menagerie on Etsy: the inexpensive Alex + Chloe

Marine Antoinette necklace

I NEED THIS


Demoiselle necklace

Melancholy Lashes necklace

Stranger to Affection necklace
As if you didn't know how obsessed with butterflies we are...

Carpe Noctem Brooch
This comes in either necklace or brooch form and you can choose from a bat or a butterfly! ahh I'm dying.

Octopi Studs
these come in necklace form too!

I'm afraid the designer of Untamed Menagerie has intruded into my brain and extracted all of my fantasies about acrylic jewelry. This is what I've always wanted Alex + Chloe to be and with the appropriate price. I'm so into it. I hope you guys think it's as cool as I do. Plus, there's way more than I pictured here. There's cameos with spiders for brains, keyhole necklaces, elephants holding umbrellas, ships, trees, chandeliers, skulls, bats... everything.

If only...

Had I been invited to the Met Ball, I would have worn this Alexander McQueen Butterfly Dress...

I've been dreaming about it for so long now. 

Love,

Flavia

Highlights From The Met Ball:

All in all, I was a little bit underwhelmed by the looks at this years Costume Institute Gala. In years past, dresses have been so ornate and beautiful, but this year seemed way more casual. I think the whole fantasy-gala effect was lost. Either way, there were some gorgeous outfits. I noticed lots of metallics, gun-metal greys, and nudes. Oh, and was anyone else puzzled by the fact that although the theme was "Model as Muse", it was all celebrities on the red carpet? Well, here are some of my favorite looks of the night:

At first I couldn't believe this was Leighton Meester! She looks like a high-fashion bon-bon in LV. Plus her hair looks super cute. I adore her. 

I thought Alek Wek looked so beautiful in this Emanuel Ungaro dress. The dress is beautiful in its own right, but against her skin it is just amazing. 

Marc and Kate

Olivier Theyskens & Lou Doillon in Nina Ricci

MK wearing Christian Lacroix Haute Couture

Anja Rubik in Balmain

Jessica Stam in Rodarte

Like I said, pretty boring. I loved Stella McCartney's outfit. What are your thoughts?

I feel sort of duped.

Love,

Flavia