Blogger Feature: The Moptop!

The lovely Tonya of The Moptop blog was kind enough to answer a few questions for my very first Blogger Feature post! I've been keeping up with her blog for over a year now, and she was the biggest inspiration I had when it came to starting my own site.


The Lace Fox: "What three items do you consider to be essentials for any closet?"

The Moptop: "A good hat! Hats are my favorite things to wear when I'm having a bad hair day or if I'm in a rush. I also suggest a pair of black pants or corduroys. And some vintage boots."

TLF: "Tell us your favorite things about living in Portland!"

TM: "I love how unique and inspiring it is! There are so many places that can only found in Portland. I love the Northwest feel the city has to it too."

TLF: "Where do you find inspiration for your outfits?"

TM: "I get a lot of inspiration from the 60s. I listen to a lot of older music such as The Beatles (which is why I'm called The Moptop!), Bob Dylan, Jimi, Led Zeppelin etc. and the style back then was so effortless and interesting. I also am always inspired by Alexa Chung, I love her boyish/girly approach to dressing." 

TLF: "What advice can you give to aspiring fashion & style bloggers?"

TM: "Be patient! It takes time to get your blog out there, but it's totally worth it! And of course, stay true to who you are and what you believe." 

A huge thanks to Tonya! You're so lovely and talented, you deserve every bit of the love from your readers! :)

Be sure to check out The Moptop blog, and while you're at it check out Tonya's Etsy shop. At the time of this post she's doing 50% off EVERYTHING in her store! Just enter the code "RAINYDAY" at checkout.

Autumn Love

H&M top, Forever 21 jeans. Thrifted shoes, Urban Outfitters jacket, thrifted beanie.

One of the things I love most about fall is that there are endless layering possibilities. I usually end up in jeans and a simple top, trusting in my shoes and outerwear to make the statements. These floral, tapestry-style flats are a favorite of mine-- and for $4, a serious bargain. I got the jacket on clearance during my very first Urban Outfitters visit in San Diego this last June. It was originally $99, and I got it for $19! 

You'll find I very rarely buy things new unless they are on sale-- the shirt was $10 on sale at HM, and the jeans were $8 at Forever 21. All together, my entire outfit was under $50! 

Thanks for reading!

Xoxo, 

Corinne

Thrifting Tips & Tricks!

Hi ya'all! I haven't been active for a while. I keep doing that. My apologies.
I've been super busy at work, moving, working through life's little obstacles one at a time.
I've been wanting to make this post for a while, and since it's a rainy day (love it!) and I don't have any outfit posts at the ready, here it is!

1. If you like it, grab it. Put it in your cart, hold it, whatever you need to do. If you decide you don't want it, you can always put it back. I have seen way too many disappointed women because they went back to grab something and someone else had already taken it. The beauty of thrift stores is also the downside: many things are one-of-a-kind, and you will likely never find the same thing twice. 
2. Don't trust the size that's on the label! The sizing for women's clothing is anything but consistent, and this is even more true of vintage clothing. If you can't try it on, keep in mind that clothing that is too big can be taken in by yourself or a tailor--it's much harder to work with too-small clothing. 
3. See the potential in things. That vase is kinda ugly now, but what about with a fresh coat of paint, or even just a good cleaning? Love the pattern on that dress but the shoulder pads and calf-length skirt are throwing you off? Shoulder pads are easily dealt with, and all you need to know in order to shorten a skirt is how to sew a decent hem! Up-cycling is all the rage these days, and it's fun to create new purpose for pre-loved items. 
4. That being said, avoid buying things that you don't absolutely love. If you're anything like me, you may never find time to hem that dress or paint that vase, and it will just become useless clutter around your home. Commit to making the project work, or leave it for someone else to find and love!
5. Always, always, always wash clothing before you wear it. Same goes for dishes, bedding, etc etc etc. Even if you have to hand-wash and line-dry that sucker, DO IT. Seriously. You do not want other people's germs all up on you. 
6. If you don't like the price on something, ask. Many small thrift stores are more than willing to entertain reasonable offers on their merchandise. Obviously at places like Goodwill and Value Village, this won't work, but if those are the only places you go, consider looking around your town for smaller, locally-owned places! 

These are things I've picked up after almost a year of working at a thrift store! If you have any tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Thanks for reading.

xoxo,
Corinne

Velvet.

(Shirt: thrifted. Hat: Forever 21. Jeans: A&F. Shoes: Payless.)

I felt so cool in this get-up. The shirt is ridiculously soft (and huge!), so I was very cozy, and I love the dark green color. 

I am a huge fan of tucking in your shirt. It is the easiest way to add polish and definition to any outfit, and defines your waist, which for me is really important. I love my baggy clothes, but if I don't accentuate my shape somehow I just look like a beanbag chair...or something else lumpy and shapeless: similes are not my strong suite. I like belting things above my stomach too, but it tends to just make me look even more pear-shaped than I already am. Go figure. 

I realize no one will actually read this for a long time after I've posted it, but I'm just going to pretend I have hundreds of enthusiastic readers! 

Maybe someday I will :)

-Corinne