Vintage Diane von Furstenberg Yellow Orange Dress Set

Size: 6

Jacket:
Shoulder to Shoulder: 13"
Bust: 31"
Waist: 29"
Hips: 36"

Dress:
Bust: 28"
Waist: 26"
Hips: 35"
Shoulder to Hem: 56"

Scarf:
Length: 57"
Width: 6.5"

Starting Bid: $24.99, 0 Bids
S&H: $12.50
Ends: June 13, 2011; 10:45AM PST (1:45PM EST)

Since this is technically three items in one auction (jacket/shirt, dress, scarf), that means I can up my max, right?  $100?  Too much?  Ehh, I have a wk to stew . . .

A -- 6/8/11: Aww!!  It's like the perfect storm!!  Vtg DVF yellow maxi dress, the only way it could be more tailormade for you is if it was a wrap.  Will look so gorge on you, and w/how long you've been wanting all those things, I'd say the $100 max is def fine.  Even $120 if it comes down to it!

T, 6/13/11:  omg, bid $80, won at starting bid ($24.99).  So total was $39.93 (seller added sales tax).  Dude, what's wrong with it that makes no one else bid?  Is the yellow/orange that putrid?  But isn't this my bi-winning, with my vtg dvf + yellow maxi combo?!

T, 6/19/11:  Happy Daddy's Day!  Arranged local pick up, so I received $12.50 back.  Seller complimented my bag, recognized it as a kc, and said he had the belt buckle version of my bag.  Woo!

Silver Gothic Talon Fingertip Ring

Material: Oxidised silver plate

Buy it Now: GBP8.99 (~$14.73)

S&H: GBP7.52

I like my jewelry to be a lil more interesting than just a sparkly piece of pretty (altho I obviously love sparkly).  In fact, I like jewelry that is a little bit sinister - whenever I wear a big ring, I get an urge to punch someone just to see the indentation the ring would make, and whenever I wear my snake ring, I wear on the middle finger to have an excuse to flip ppl off under the guise of 'look how pretty my ring is!'  

I was originally searching for a diff type of claw ring (post to come), but was drawn to this - sinister, and also reminds me of the nail things that the Dowager Empress Cixi used to wear:

Obviously not exactly the height of fashion, but for some reason I love it!  Unfortunately, I asked a gf what she would think of a girl out at a bar/club wearing this thing, and her response was "Ew. Why?"

T, 6/16/2011:  reminds me of the kc alligator head.  Since I lurve kc, transitively, I like this too.

Silver Raven Claw Talon Ring

Buy it Now: $108 (the seller also has a bronze version of this exact ring for $59)

S&H: $18.00 (bronze version: $6.50)

This is more what I was thinking when I did a claw/talon ring search.  Why is it so expensive?!

T, 6/16/2011:  creepy . . . but a pretty, and very cool, creepy.

Miu Miu Black Sunglasses

Retail: $150

Bought: $59.99 + 25% off  + tax = $48.93 (purchased at Loehmanns)

My cks broke.  Well, not really, screw came loose but I've been meaning to get new sunglasses for a while, so I forewent repair to inspire me to act more quickly.  That didn't work so well because I tend to be picky anyway (I have a max of $100, and an ideal of $50-$60.  Plus, my head is unusually small).  Finally came across these, right when I was exiting the store and had purchased a pair of D&Gs that I wasn't crazy about . . . and immediately exchanged for these.  While I've been wanting Chanels, these are more than perfect as placeholders.  Happy Memorial Day!

A -- 6/1/11: Congrats!!!  I <3 Miu Miu, even though I only own one thing from the brand, a top.  Totally love her accessories tho, esp the bags, so I def approve!

ps. Def also support the search for Chanel sunglasses, to go w/your Chanel skirt, and future 2.55!!

Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver "When Pigs Fly" Earrings

Material: Sterling Silver

Size: 22mm

Buy It Now (or make offer): $525

S&H: $10

Muthafriggin cuuuuuuuuute!

Edwardian Style Beaded Netting Shawl Capelet

Starting Bid: $49.99 (0 Bids)

S&H: $9.95

Ends: April 12, 2011; 7:14AM PST (10:14AM EST)

Okay I know this is completely out of left field, but I was oddly captivated by this when I saw it.  It just seemed so *cool*; I immediately thought that a 'real' fashionista who actually understands fashion and puts together outfits would wear this in some amazing trendsetting way.  Just to be clear, that mystical fashionista…is not me.  Thus, I am left wishing I could come up with a way to wear this, as I feel it has the potential to be totally awesome but just out of my grasp.  Ugh.

T, 4/9/11:  Ehhh . . . not so much yes on this one.  It's pretty, but the way a doily is pretty.  Or one of those medieval shields.  Do you really want to be King Arthur?

A -- 4/21/11: $56, 3 bids.  Wow.

Wishlist: Freelook Watches

Source: Ebay, Ebay, Endless.com, Addisoncollection.net

Price: ~$140 - $250

I first came across this brand on Shopbop, when I added the first one to my hearts list, and there it remains to this day - I heart it!  I should've bought when it was on sale for $60 there, but alas, I missed it and now I cannot find it for less than $150, and that's only on Ebay no less.  Everywhere else, it's over $200.  I've been sort of half wanting a couple of watches for a while now - a gold one EXACTLY like the first pic, and a brown one, just to mix it up.  Def need to be oversized/mens watches, as I am an oversized manly gal, and all these Freelook watches fit the bill.  So classic, with a modern twist, which is how I would have to describe my 'style' if forced to (gross).  Now I'm thinking that perhaps a mens gold watch is a lil too ubiquitous, as everyone and their mother seems to be snatching them up, but I love it so much it doesn't really matter.

T, 4/4/11:  LOL, this post is awesome!  Remember, the ultimate question is always -- will you wear it?!  So no matter how much you lurve or how cheap it is, you must wear it . . . and watches, ehh, sometimes they get annoying . . .

Delvaux Givry MM Shoulder Bag

Retail: $2075 (at barneys.com)

9.5" x 13" x 4.5"

Handmade in Brussels

Saw bag at bagsnob.com (linked).  Lurrrrve how soft and slouchy it looks.  I'm a sucker for simplicity.  Never heard of the brand, but found out it's uber luxe, which means I auto lurve it some more.  The end.

Kieselstein Cord Sterling Dog Buckle Crocodile Belt

Buckle:  3.25" x 2" (3.7 oz.)

Belt:  38" x 1", missing belt loop

Starting Bid: $95, 0 Bids
S&H: $5

Ends: March 30, 2011; 5:45PM PST (8:45PM EST)

Not watching this one, but dearest A, I thought of you immediately when I saw this.

Diane Von Furstenberg 1980s Vintage Love Heart China Pendant

Pendant: 6 x 5.5cm (~2.4" x 2.2")

Chain Length:  50cm (~19")

Buy It Now or Make Offer: GBP 14.99 (~$24.35)

S&H: GBP 3 (~$4.87)

Seller claims this is a 1980s vtg dvf pendant, but doesn't show a tag or anything.  I know vtg is huge in the UK too, but I'm still wary of int'l sellers.  Ehh, just thought I'd add because (1) I want a closet of dvf, (2) I need to stop looking at dresses, and (3) sometimes, I wish I were into jewelry.

A -- 3/25/11: Aww look someone else likes it!  Obviously that means it is cool.  We're probably gonna meet at a bridge one day aren't we?

Casio Mens Gold Watch

Buy It Now: $26.98

S&H: Free

Wanted one when I saw nyrmie wear one.  Have a gold bulova one that I never wear.  Frankly, I don't like having stuff on my wrist, and watches annoy me when I type.  But this is so retro/cool!

A -- 3/25/11: Ahh a mens gold watch!!  I want one too (diff style).  Decent price, why not?  It's the same as any habit, you gotta force yourself to do it in the beginning, but eventually it will feel natural.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Stud Earrings

Buy It Now: GBP 19.99 (~$32.48)

S&H: GBP 6.99 (~$11.36)

NWT

Honestly, I'd consider these if I were better about changing my earrings.  How can I say no to mousie stuff?!

Coach Floral Embellished Straw Natalie Tote

 

Source:  Nordstrom.com

16.25" x 10.25" x 5.25"

Retail: $398

Just one question:  Why is a freaking STRAW tote nearly $400?!  They have a larger version of this on the coach website for $500, too.  Ridic.

Kieselstein Cord S.S. Foo Dog Belt Buckle

3.25" x 2.5"

Belt not included.

Buy It Now: $1835, SOLD

S&H: $15

Ran across this while I ran my completed listings search on Kieselstein Cord, since I like to check to make sure I got my bag at a good deal.  And, I'm slightly interested in picking up another Kieselstein piece, if the price is right.  Decided to blog since you're not online and I can't gchat this to you (I lurrrve our blog!).  Can't believe someone paid close to two grand for a freaking belt buckle -- and the belt's not even included!  Bracelets and other jewelry I can sorta understand (and have seen go for over $2k on ebay, even).  I guess a belt buckle can be jewelry, kind of, and this doesn't compare to the $22k watch, but sheesh.

Kieselstein Cord Brown Flapover Handbag

Material: 100% Leather; Suede Interior
Height: 10"
Width: 11.5"
Depth: 4"
Strap Drop: 13"

Starting Bid: $19.99, 1 Bid
S&H: $9.95
Ends: December 19, 2010; 6:35PM PST (9:35PM EST)

Saw a bag in a display window at a high end vintage/consignment store, fell in love, and ran in to look at the brand/price . . . turns out, it was a Kieselstein Cord, and was $700 still.  Prob one of the few times in my life where I loved something and it turned out to be haute couture, and not the other way around.  All their bags are simple, yet ornate . . . the perfect mix.  Apparently, they retail for $3k-$7k, to more, easily . . . same re: their jewelry, too.  And, gasp, this might be blasphemous, but I want a Kieselstein Cord more than a Hermes birkin because it's less ubiquitous.  This particular bag is a little small for my taste, and there are a few pen marks on the bag that bother me.  Either way, though, I expect it to go for several hundred, at least, so I can only watch . . .

12/17/10: Hmm...I like it, but not immensely.  My fav part is prolly the hardware, altho I like the doghead hardware on the other one you showed me waaay more; I'd probably want to get it solely for that haha.  What would your max be for this?  I'd prolly say around $80?  But then this is a new one, I'm not sure how to gauge the effect of your love for it yet =)

T, 12/19/10:  I won at $87, 19 bids, so total is $96.95.  My orig max was $100, your influence + my guilt over xmas spending brought it to $80, but at 40secs left, the bid was $82, so I avg'ed my max and your max and settled on $90.  I tried bidding with 25secs left, freaking internet died (maybe God was trying to prevent me from spending more money), and eventually got through with 4secs remaining.  Honestly, I'd be a lot more excited if xmas hadn't dampened my bank statement, lol.  I couldn't let a Kieselstein Cord get away for under $100, though . . . this combines many of my recent wishlist items -- brown + flapover + Kieselstein Cord.  I equate it to my vtg leopard calfhair bottega -- it's not the best deal, but for what it is, I had to have it.  Last wkd, I ditched o.g. to bid on Chanel, same re: this item, too.  Hee hee.

A -- 12/21/10: Congrats!!!  You def could not pass up the deal, I completely understand the feeling!  I can't wait to see this in person, this and the Chanel skirt!  You are getting so much vintage stuff, yay!

T, 12/23/10:  Received bag a couple of days ago, was pretty disappointed by how poor condition was.  You can already tell there are stains/pen marks on the bag, but what you can't tell based on the pic, and would prob attribute to lighting, is how dirty and beaten it looks.  E.g., some of the darker areas on the bag are NOT shadowing; the bag is just that filthy.

Sooo, based on a couple internet reviews, tried using Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove stains -- used it on the bottom first as a test run, and luckily so, because IT DOES NOT WORK!!!  Ended up removing some color, and part of the bottom of the bag is white-ish, now.  Hope I save some ppl from making the some mistake I did with this post, too.

Google'd "handbag repair" and ran across a blog (linked) listing a few sites that professionally refurbish bags.  Chose avelle.com (linked), because (1) it seems trusted, as bagborrowsteal.com has been around for a while and ppl seem to love it; (2) prices are reasonable, seeing as how you got your bag cleaned at a place nr your apt for $125ish (I think?), and your wallet for $50-75; and (3) free shipping and returns!

So I stole a box from work, printed a label, and mailed it off today . . . it's nice, avelle uses priority USPS mail for packages going to its workplace, meaning it should get there early next wk.  Only downside was when I tried to buy tracking, I couldn't, because postman said that since postage was prepaid, I had to repay for actual mailing if I wanted that.

Honestly, the bag was in fair condition, at best, so it really doesn't parallel any of the before/after pics on the site (which, as the other blog noted, was reassuring as to how good these refurbishers are).  My own "fix-it," however, failed miserably and served as an annoying reminder of all the other blemishes, exaggerating its crap condition.

Plus, I gotta remember . . . ppl spend $200-400ish on brand new, cheapy Coach bags . . . the least I can do is get a brand new-er looking $3k-$7k Kieselstein Cord, for $80-$100 more.

Will let you know how avelle works out . . . one of the options, on the form, was to to have someone call me to discuss what the bag needed to have done, so I chose that.  This should be interesting, a great learning experience, and a prime example of how the internet globalized the sale of services and products.  And this quells my internet shopping since my last two purchases were minor letdowns.*

*Although, in this bag's defense, and like my other bags in the past, it does combine a style I'm looking for + a brand I want (because labels = status I can't achieve otherwise).  E.g., (1) turquoise + Tod's; (2) leopard calfhair + Bottega; and (3) brown flapover + Kieselstein Cord.  Each bag has a minor prob, though:  (1) sadly, although the turquoise is nicely muted, the bag is light, and is a good/large size, I realize the turquoise doesn't actually match that well with a lot of things; (2) I think the Bottega is meant to be a handbag (think LV's speedy), so the handles are short, and while I can slip it over my shoulder in the summertime, or even underneath a long sleeved tee or cardi/sweater, I can't do it with wintercoats and blazers; and (3) the Kieselstein Cord is pretty f*ing heavy, hardware notwithstanding.  The leather is thick . . .

T, 1/9/11:  exact same bag, but in tons better cond, sold for $207.50, with 2 bids.  Considering I still haven't heard back from avelle (wtf?  what happened to those reviews with a 2wk turn around), I wish I had gotten this instead.

T, 1/26/11:  been calling avelle almost wkly since I sent in the bag.  Called again today, spoke with someone who claims they sent me an email on 1/10 recommending the $80 exterior package (which was what I suspected -- immaculate inside, POS outside).  Turns out, they had my email down wrong, so I never got it.  Cleared that up, quickly gave my billing, and was told estimated completion is late Feb or early March.  Also got word that if I wanted to change my shipping info, they could do that as well, since completion is so far away.  This better be good . . .

P.S.  Another one sold on 1/23/11 for $220, with 1 bid.  $8 S&H.

T, 3/1/11:  Okay, so I'm kind of annoyed.  Changed shipping address via their livetime chat, easy enough to do.  Then, they send me a confirmation, which shows the bag was already shipped, and now is being re-routed.  Goddamn this bag has been on a long journey.

T, 3/6/11:  Wrote a LONG email chronicling all the above to avelle, i.e., when I shipped, how I had to call multiple times to fig out if they received my bag and what package they chose, how I changed address bc they didn't tell me they already shipped my bag and was pretty much at the destination, etc.  Blog came in handy when it came to reciting exact dates!  Avelle issued me 25% off -- $20 refund.  That was really nice, but honestly, I don't know if it was worth the hassle and having to keep on the ball.  New delivery set for 3/8 . . . to my new address.  Too bad I won't get to see it for a while.

T, 3/14/11:  And . . . the Kieselstein chronicles finally draw to a close.   I have to admit, they did a great job.  Stains are all gone; the bag looks like it's been painted -- the color is that fresh/vibrant.  Price was good, if only the service were a bit better . . .

T, 3/23/11:  Since I'm neurotic and like to check completed listings to make sure my deal is good, I saw this bag sold for $399, $14 S&H, 1 bid.  Woo!

Panerai Marina Militaire Mens' Watch

Source: screenshot from Real Housewives of Orange County, Season 6, Episode 3 (A New Lease on Life)

Retail: ~$22k

You even help me out for the tv shows you don't watch, which is why I insist you watch RHOC!  In the most recent eps, one of the hubbies (a jesus freak, and very controlling) dropped $27k on two watches, one of them being this one, which, accd'ing to the salesperson, retails at $22k.  Google searches seem to verify this.  I've never heard of this brand, but my freaking god . . . it costs more than an avg car!  How do you justify/rationalize this . . .

Wishlist: Cole Haan Viola Satchel

$378 (Nordstrom)

$428 (Cole Haan)

Color: Embossed Cobra

I am usually not a fan of anything Cole Haan, but the understated coloring combined with the texture/size/shape of this bag really speak to me.  Clearly, I do not want to pay $400-$500 (weird) for a Cole Haan bag, so I guess I will have to wait and play the Ebay game.

T, 3/10/11:  Normally, I'm not a fan of faux, but I have to admit, this is very pretty, based on the pic.  But, I'd be wary of this the way I'm nervous about Target's collabs, i.e., pretty in pic, but goddamn, they're pretty crappy, rather, in person.

My Snowboarding Outfit

First Top Layer: Nike Kids Pro Core Thermal Long Sleeve Mock-Neck Top

Size: Boys M

Retail: $40 (purchased at Sports Authority)

Second Top Layer: Alpine Design Youth Fleece

Size: Youth M

Retail: $19.99

Sale: $9.99 (purchased at Sports Authority, couldn't find actual image, but ehh, all white pullover zip up fleeces look the same)

Third Top Layer: Body Glove Berry Combo Girls Snow Jacket

Size:  Girls 10

Retail: $89.99

Sale: $79.99 (purchased at Big 5; so this isn't the jacket, but I searched long and hard for it, and this has the gen color scheme of pink, white and blk that mine has, so suck it)

First Bottom Layer: Boys ColdGear Leggings

Size:  Boys L

Retail: $39.99 (purchased at Sports Authority)

Second Bottom Layer: Slalom Youth Insulated Ski Pants

Size: Youth M

Retail: $49.99

Sale: $29.99 (purchased at Sports Authority)

Gordini Boys Glove

 

Size: L

Retail: $19.99 (purchased at Big 5)

Millennium Three Girls Escape Junior Snowboard

Size: 140

Retail: $109 (purchased at Big 5)

 Millennium Three Solstice Girls Snowboard Bindings

Size: Youth 4

Retail: $59 (purchased at Big 5)

Millennium Three Girls Venus Junior Snowboard Boots

Size: Youth 4

Retail: $59 + 10% off for display (purchased at Big 5)

Scott WinterSport Youth Jr. Trooper Goggles

Retail: $29.99

Sale: $19.99 (purchased at Sports Authority)

Traveled to four places:  (1) REI, which had awesome help but was overpriced and had very little options; (2) Sports Authority, where I bought the bulk of my items and was decently priced with sales but very poor help;  (3) Big 5, which had very little options but well-priced items; and (4) Sports Chalet, which had a good amount of stuff, not as much as Sports Authority, but was on the whole pricier.

Had to finish purchasing everything in one night because I'm getting a haircut tmw and we leave Fri.  Glad I didn't drag OG or YB, who offered to help me accumulate my gear, to any of these places, given my jewishness and need to check out ALL my options before being satisfied.  Though, they prob would've helped with the biggest time suck, which was trying to fig out what to buy, although REI saleslady did a decent job explaining.

Debating if all of this is necessary (namely, the underarmor stuff, which OG can't wear because he's pudgy and it restricts his breathing, tee hee), but ehh, I might as well . . .

And, of course, tks, A, for answering my frantic texts of which jacket to get and what gloves to buy. :)

Lesson learned?  I am a ten year old boy.

A -- 1/18/11: A very nice snowbunny outfit, I approve T!!  Sigh...snowboarding = <3

Little Marc Jacobs Rhinestone Mouse Shoulder Bag

 

Material: Sueded Lambskin

Height: 4 3/4"

Width: 5"

Strap: 44"

Retail: $68

Sale: $38

Starting Bid: $24.95

S&H: $6

Ends: February 22, 2011; 7:30PM PST (10:30PM EST)

As you already know, I am obsessed with mousies.  Back in HS and freshman year undergrad, I used to don stuffed animal handbags -- one was a brown teddy bear wearing a jean vest, the other was a giant mousieface. Definitely thinking of a bringing it back . . . and since it's marc-y marc, that makes it "cool," right?!  If I can't get those damn mousie flats, might as well procure an unusable bag, heh.

T, 2/21/11:  Ended at $27.99, 4 bids.  Was away this wkd anyway -- it'd be nice to find this for $5 somewhere . . . but I guess you can say that about everything.

A -- 2/23/11: Aww…sry, I had to take a break from Ebay/blogging bc I was mourning all my losses!  I encouraged this one tho when u showed it to me, it's so very you!  This is why I send you every article/video I come across that involves NY rats!!  If you see it again, buy!

Madewell The Scholar Satchel

Length: 12.5"
Height: 8"
Depth: 4"
Strap Drop: 22"
Retail: $138 (shopbop.com)

Saw this on bagsnob (linked), and lurved . . . it's reminiscent of the mulberry (another bucketlist bag purchase -- gotta love that flap) + ps1.  If I weren't such a jew right now, I'd consider buying it since it's within my price range for purses; it's a good size; and it hangs with that hipster/student/I'm-cool-but-I'm-not-trying swag.  But hey, I got my Kieselstein Cord to satisfy my tan/brown flapover craving, right?!  C'mon avelle . . . gimme some sugar.