Stockings feel strange when the view from my desk window hints at sunny, warm temperatures. Inside, where the AC is cranked, small toes in flats and bare legs get cold. This essential layer is often what stands between myself and myself swaddled in the Mr.’s university hoodie – not the most fashionable frock, to be sure. The pair I donned yesterday make me think of war-era typing pools and structured shoulders – black, seamed. For some, they conjure images of seductive lingerie but really, they’re the classic and classy alternative to plain nylons and boring tights. In the office, with the right skirt it’s it’s demure, but saucy enough to require a second look. After work, if you’ve worn the right layering pieces, it carries you from daytime power diva to happy-hour retro hottie. Normally, I’d rock a heel with these, but lately I’ve been feeling very “flats around the office” and I think the combo works.

Today, my inspiration was the skinny black tie. I found a couple uniform ties at Goodwill and had to have them. Hello! Thrift shopping is great! I paid $2 for both of them (style without breaking the bank) and today I’m rocking them with a hand-me-down school uniform shirt, cute denim trousers, and my newest flats. I like the tie because it says business, but because work is so casual, it needed to be toned down a little. I would say half of what I’m wearing wasn’t bought new. The flats, I acquired at Crossroads (oh and they have an amazing assortment of designer bags – Coach suede bags for under $100: yes, please!). I have definitely found more than one pair of shoes for a steal at Goodwill; I found my vest there – it’s a little boys’ suit vest, that I love to wear with my BR wovens. Thrift shopping is excellent for hidden treasures, but sometimes infuriating if you’re looking for something in particular.

Yesterday afternoon held one “business meeting” with one fantastic Miss K, of Deco-Modiste fame (and future fortune!). I couldn’t wait to delve into her look book with my color palette for SS09 and talk shop on accessorizing the line. We found some excellent fabrics and everything is very 30′s retro. This weekend I’ll be dressing mannequins and photographing visual displays for the site, and working on fuzzy berets and Swarovski-accented peacock-inspired accouterments! Tonight, we’re taking the MI truck to pick up t-stands for display, more corrugated aluminum for the other wall, maybe some lights, and screens for the dressing room. It feels like everything is coming together!

Speaking of which, I think it’d be nice to feature hats over the FW/early Spring seasons. I checked out a bunch of pretties on Etsy (sweetheart cloches!) from their fall fashion showcase. I really REALLY need to get working on the berets and maybe some crocheted flowers. I should buy some pretty ribbon for them too. We talked about crocheted bags with beautiful handles. I can’t wait to get started on all the accessories, but I know I’ve been procrastinating finishing that hat.

This weekend’s Goals: Finish beret. Start new beret. We want to have a few of these in the shop. Also, eat more produce (I’m still feeling the aftereffects of the Texas diet – bleck!), clean the apartment (still haven’t unpacked), and keep it under control at Ray’s going away party. I’m going with a set amount, we’re not spending more than that.

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