thrift stars of the day: spotted at Girl Talk, Congress Theater

My friend Pat got us guest-listed to Girl Talk on Saturday night, so I was able to get up enough liquid courage (comprised of free Stella Artois) to snap the hippest kids I could find in the VIP box, Morgan and J.R…

JR

large pendant

mock crock ankle boots, gladiator ankle boots

Oh glorious accessories.

Of course the view was equally as opulent when we turned around:

air bags

Congress Theater by Pat
(this photo taken by Pat, the rest by me)

thrift star of the day: awesome all day

I’ve been wanting to include more random streetstyle photos on this blog, but the problem is that I get incredibly shy about approaching people with my camera, especially intimidatingly stylish people. But one of my best friends in the world, Rory of AwesomeAllDay.com (seriously kids, check it out. Especially if you enjoy things that involve NO SHAME. A very good read.), makes perhaps the best streetstyle liaison one could hope for – he’s likeable, fashionable, and willing to approach almost anyone and be their friend. Except for, perhaps, a rabid grizzly bear. The band though, no problem. In fact, he’s probably already done shots of Jameson with them.

Anyway, here are some photos he took of his adorable friend Adam as he was sighted on the streets of San Francisco. The actual streets, not the show.


shirt- thrifted
jacket – thrifted
boots – thrifted
jeans – diesel
Everything that was thrifted was thrifted in Portland.
All. Hail. Portland.

Ask Painfully Hip: What to Wear Whilst Weight is Waning?

Hey!
I love your blog!! It has helped me begin to tune in on what styles really work for me and fit my personality. Recently, I cleaned out my whole closet and got rid of A LOT clothes that I know I don’t wear. But also, i’ve been losing weight, and I don’t know what to wear during these in between times. I haven’t dropped a clothes size yet, but I know I’m close to it, so I really don’t know what to do! I kind of let go of a lot of my old styles, but am reluctant to buy new clothes because I’m afraid they will be too big for me in a few months. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you,
Jo

Ah, the awkward stage. Nothing fun about being in-between. Firstly I should say that really, instead of “getting rid” of all those old clothes, you should have thrown a clothing swap, missy! Then we wouldn’t be having this problem. Have I tought you nothing? Well, make sure you do throw a clothing swap once you drop the full size and you’re set! I’ll forgive you just this once and try to help you out here, nonetheless.

I recently (accidently) lost almost 10 lbs. on what I like to call “the single diet”- I was newly single, and I hate to cook for just myself, am incredibly busy/lazy (case in point: it took me exactly 4 months to finish this post – Sorry Jo) and have no real schedule, so I end up living off mere snacks whenever I remember to eat. But I was able to keep a lot of my old clothes since I figured out a few tricks with some styles that still look good on me now that they’re a tad bit oversized.

You’re also very lucky because the oversized look just happens to be a la mode, as beautifully illustrated by Betty. Check it.

betty
oversize sweater

But if you are sick of your old wardrobe and really just want to show off your waning waist, here are a few pieces you can invest in to maximize your existing wardrobe and flatter your quickly-slimming new figure.

A corset belt.
Trapeze styles may be on the out, but you can still wear those overly-forgiving babydoll dresses from last year by cinching them with a wide belt. Get a nice statement belt that will make you feel like a stunnah even if you’re wearing your comfy “I’m bloated and lazy clothes.” You can also use it to cinch too-big pants and skirts into a chic paperbag waist.

la meow paperbag waist
la meow for wardrobe_remix

A cool belt paired with opaque tights or leggings is also a good way to convert your spring dresses and tops into layering lovelies for fall.

shorts and tights
corazones rojos for for wardrobe_remix
belt and leggings
fashionfillers.com

High-waisted skirts or jeans.
Tuck a loose-fitting t-shirt or frilly blouse into high-waisted vintage skirts or pants and you’re instantly tailored.

high-waisted skirt
johnnycutcorners for wardrobe_remix

A cropped vest.
Give your too-big dress or top a little structure and a style-injection with a vest that hits right at the waist.

cropped vest
tralfamadarling for wardrobe_remix

Most of all, it’s good to be healthy but don’t be too hard on yourself and remember this:

You’re more beautiful than you think – the flaws that you believe are constantly glaring out at the world like a large goiter are most likely only visible to you. Be unrepentant. Be happy to be you. Wear your personality and creativity with the confidence that you know exactly who you are and what you love, and eventually your peacock swagger will appear, along with the realization that you really are precisely as hot as you feel.

SO TAKE A FEW CHANCES AND HAVE FUN SHOPPING!

The Most Painfully Hip Site of the Week: Advanced Style

My friend Ira of Being Totally Sweet In Chicago pointed me toward this site that has been getting a lot of press lately called Advanced Style which features photos of, er, mature men and women with amazing style. I bet when I’m older I’ll be wearing the craziest duds I can lay my hands on just because, so what, I’m your elder.

Check this out, these elders look amazing and can probably pull off ANYTHING.


yellow


Bead Artist, Suzanne Golden


Style Maven, Anna Piagi
(a young Piagi was highlighted in this post)

Its incredibly comforting to know that perhaps someday I’ll be aged to perfection. Yay!

painfully hip site of the week badge

check out the locals: second saturday street style

One of the best things about midtown is the Second Saturday Art Walk. Every 2nd Saturday of the month, independent businesses and galleries all over town put on art exhibitions with free wine and cheese, and feature craft fairs and fashion shows. Roving gaggles of locals who are high on springtime invade the streets, and everyone and their dog throws a kegger. It’s actually kind of ridiculous.

Anyway, I snapped a few well-dressed ladies all in the midst of (1) throwing an art party at a successful and very reasonably priced vintage boutique in a sailor-inspired backless 70′s jumpsuit, (2) belting a barefoot tune and brandishing redheaded bliss (both of which which would put Tori Amos to shame), and (3) buying a parking ticket in an elegant caftan-style mini dress.

trishasailor

redhead

parking