Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

My favorite past time of watching runway shows (since I can't afford this kind of fashion) is in full swing again starting this week with the amazing and out of this universe expensive (at least for a mere mortal like me) world of couture! I could not find any sites to watch the live shows but I found something even better, a fashion website that posts the photos on their site during the fashion show.

The site is called NowFashion, it was launched in January 2010, I can't believe I didn't find it before! Here is the link: http://nowfashion.com/collections

They have all of the schedules with a countdown so you don't miss any of the excitement. The site allows you to add their beautiful photos to your Pinterest (my favorites are already there: 
https://www.pinterest.com/carol98031 ) You can share by Tweeting, Facebook and more and of course you can follow them on social media sites, they even have a Tumblr! It is a great online magazine with articles and reviews. You can also search by city or designer for past events!

The couture shows are behind the RTW schedule and so were Spring/Summer (that makes sense since these outfits are made to order) so I was surprised to see Viktor&Rolf and Balmain showing prefall. Viktor&Rolf actually had 2 shows but after seeing their spring/summer collection it makes me wonder if they hate women! I found it difficult to enjoy the prefall lines as I was loving all of the spring and summer colors. 

Two collections stood out in my mind. Valentino's collection ranged from ethnic folk to elizabethan complete with corseted chests and some looks in Jean Paul Gaultier's collection combined different halves of two outfits. Not sure about this look but it you happened to be at an event and you were wearing the same dress as another woman you could stand so they only saw one side and they may not notice ;)!

So many beautiful outfits, but I must say as a complete line Chanel was my favorite, the colors and styles exquisite and all completely wearable.

The fall ready-to-wear shows start in February, I can hardly wait!

Fashion Treasure Hunting Alert, Thrift Trader North Park is Closing!

One of my favorite places to get a great deal is closing. Located across from my favorite vegan restaurant: Moncai Vegan, I would treat myself to a healthy lunch and then go across the street and treat myself to a dress or a top or a jacket. The majority of my treasures were purchased for $5.99 or 4 for $20.00. There were so many, a vintage Nicole Miller black lace dress, a Vivienne Tam dress, a vintage jacket from Paris, ah the memories! This location is in a huge warehouse, with two floors selling clothing, accessories and vinyl! My kind of Disneyland!

Going on now until they close everything is on sale and I purchased this vintage Escada dress in perfect condition for $3.99. I guess I will have to go to the other two smaller Thrift Trader locations, in Ocean Beach and on El Cajon Blvd. 

They will keep restocking the store until they close in a little over a month so if you get the chance check it out I always find something wonderful!

It is sad that the building will be torn down and North Park will lose some nice murals, one of my favorites: Robin Williams as Popeye shown below. 

January Clearance Sales!

The rush is on, January clearance sales at every store, at every mall across America (and probably the majority of the earth)! While Christmas shopping I saw some items that I liked (and really didn't need )were on sale at Topshop and I decided to take my chance and wait until after the holidays to see if they would be reduced further. I was rewarded when I went back to return a shirt I had gotten my son (he said it made him look Amish, I guess it was too fashionable for him) and was able to purchased the Embroidered Duster jacket that I had my eye on for less than the returned shirt. I'm easier to shop for anyway!

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I decided to give myself a challenge. I would shop at the Forever 21 store, their 30% off sale section and see if I could find a great deal for someone "over 21". Forever 21 is an overwhelming store, overflowing with almost every garment you could imagine. A sea of clothing that id difficult to maneuver, the store is famous for knocking off almost every designer.  I was able to find a beautiful lace pleated skirt, very nice quality for $8.39 that hits mid knee and a lovely bronze necklace for $2.09.  They always seem to have something for everyone and it is a great place to get something fun to add to your wardrobe without a lot of expense!