Nice- Vintage

September 08, 2016 by ivy kirk in Fashion, France, Vintage, Shopping

Nice is a great city for vintage shopping. It's one of those cities, like Miami, where retired people flock to, and then decide to get rid of their old clothes. I had extremely limited time in Nice, due to a delayed train, so I focused in on Caprice Vintage which seemed like the best. Caprice's selection ranges from the 1930s to the 1990s, but they have the most from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Expect to find good quality vintage, designer, as well as unlabeled, for inexpensive prices.

Caprice Vintage is located in the old part of town, and is pretty close to the beach, as well as a few other vintage shops.

The windows focus on accessories and jewelry, but there are many clothes downstairs.

When you enter the shop, you will find a staircase leading down, with many dresses hung from the wall above. These are some of the fancier styles in the shop, and still retail for under 400 euro. I loved the tiered floral print yellow dress.

Downstairs, you will find a tableau of 50s and 60s dresses, directly when you get to the base of the stairs.

The shop is divided into dresses and coats on the left, tops and separates on the right, with some gowns and jackets in the middle. Shoes are above the shelves. One of my favorite things I saw here was the peach layered ruffle gown.

I tried on, probably over 20 pieces here. Here are a few of my favorites.

I loved how Caprice had so many gorgeous white lace and embroidered pieces from the 60s. Also loved the green Thierry Mugler strappy dress with the white plastic buckle. Sadly, not my size!

And here is their information, so you can visit too!

Hippy Market is also located in the old section of Nice, just a few minute walk from Caprice. If Caprice is dedicated mostly to the 50s and 60s, Hippy Market is focused more on the 1970s and 1990s. They carry both men's and women's clothing here. While it is well priced, the quality is not as nice as Caprice.

Hippy Market is pretty well organized. They are sorted by whether it's men's or women's and by category. In other words, all the Hawaiian shirts are kept together. It is a more casual and younger selection than at Caprice.

I stumbled upon Eden Look Lunettes. It is also located in the old section of Nice. I was drawn in by some glasses in the front, which unfortunately turned out to be for children. It may look like your average vacation spot sunglasses shop, but it's actually much better!

Eden Look had a great range of cheap glasses, new as well as vintage. All of the selection was under 200 euros, most of it being under the 50 euro range. The children's glasses I wanted were just 10 euro, but unfortunately the arms were a little too short. Eden Look does not have a business card, but you can contact Mr. Tramelli, the very nice owner, for hours.

Mademoiselle was the fanciest vintage shop I visited all day. It is a true mix of vintage with designer consignment. It is located on the other side of town, on Rue de France, just past all the tacky tourist shops. It is no more than a 25 minute walk from Caprice.

You can get a good read from the windows of Mademoiselle. They mix Chanel, with Louis Vuitton, and they have a ton of costume jewelry, as well as designer sunglasses.

When you enter Mademoiselle, the clothing is on the left, the jewelry is in the middle, and shoes and handbags are on the right. Vintage is mixed in with modern designer. I didn't see anything older than from the 1960s, and quality here is perfect. Prices reflect this.

I really badly wanted these earrings, but at 190 euros, they were a little too much.

And, if you'd like to visit, here is their info!

My last stop isn't vintage, and I found it accidentally. Optique Deppon had a really great selection of inexpensive sunglasses. They were modern, quirky, and expensive looking, and a very wide selection. Most of them priced out at around 40 or 50 euros. They carried designer too, though I didn't focus in this section.

And, here is how to get in touch.

Surprise, surprise, everything I bought, I bought at Caprice. I couldn't resist their selection of white eyelet cotton tops. The Black lace top I bought reminded me of Brigitte Bardot, and the earrings- well, I had to have them!

Would I go vintage shopping in Nice again? 1000% yes. In fact I would give myself a couple more days so I could spend a little more time at each.

Toulouse- Vintage

August 20, 2016 by ivy kirk in France, Vintage, Fashion

Toulouse is a small, walkable, flat city. Really, you shouldn't need to take the subway anywhere here. I spent two nights in Toulouse and you don't need more than half a day to see all of the vintage stores there. Most of the shops are eclectic, not very edited, and most of all- well priced. None of the shops are "nice" and you will have to dig a little, but there are treasures to be found. Many of the shops are located all nearby each other.

Backstage Vintage was praised pretty highly online. Personally, I found the style to be a little too "model off duty".

Groucho Vintage has two different locations. I'm not totally clear how they're different, but I think this location(the one on Place de la Bourse) is the more inexpensive of the two.

Enter Groucho. Women's is towards the front and men's towards the back. On your left you'll find the good stuff. The right is mainly old mom jeans and sports tee shirts from America. I like Groucho because there is a lot to look at. The racks are pa… — Enter Groucho. Women's is towards the front and men's towards the back. On your left you'll find the good stuff. The right is mainly old mom jeans and sports tee shirts from America. I like Groucho because there is a lot to look at. The racks are packed. Condition and quality may not be totally there, but things are cheap, and you can find something great if you're willing to hunt.

Many printed dresses from the 1960s and 1970s.

A common theme in many French vintage shops- white cotton eyelet and lace.

Another common theme- hundreds of mariènere tops in all colors and stripe patterns.

If you're in the market for a leather jacket...

And here is what I got! I can never resist red white and blue, and I loved the print mixing, pockets, and puff sleeve on this little cotton dress. It reminds me a lot of something Red Valentino would do.

Jet Rag was missing some of its sign when I was there. I would say their style was a little casual for me, and mostly based in denim and Hawaiian shirts. A bigger selection for men than women.

This is Groucho's second location. It is a huge shop, taking up two store fronts. The selection here is still inexpensive, and varies slightly from the other location, in that there are more dressy items and the quality is slightly better.

A rack of many, many trench coats is located in the front of the shop.

Want cashmere? You can find any color here.

Again with the white cotton eyelet and lace shirts. Very French.

Here, there are dresses, mostly from the 1960s.

I loved the tonal colors, draping, and folded roses, on this soft cocktail dress.

Au Bonheur des Dames is in a slightly different location of town than all of the other vintage shops, but still is walkable. It is located in an area, nearby all of the high street chains, as well as the designer shops. I liked that their selection … — Au Bonheur des Dames is in a slightly different location of town than all of the other vintage shops, but still is walkable. It is located in an area, nearby all of the high street chains, as well as the designer shops.
I liked that their selection was the most edited in Toulouse. They focus in on traditional white French lace and cotton eyelet, similar to what you can find at any brocante. Their product is in perfect condition, and there is a good amount to look through. Pricing might be slightly higher than some of the other shops, but you can find most under 100 euro. They also carry a small selection of colorful vintage clothing, as well as a large selection of home items.

beautiful French white lace gloves. They're would be great even just to use as decoration.

I like how the inset lace trim breaks up the larger scale lace in this table cloth.

The mannequin outside their shop bears their initials.

Stacks and stacks of beautiful table cloths.

Clothing is mostly on two racks in the front on the right, and toward the back on either side.

If you only have time to visit one vintage shop in Toulouse I would pick Au Bonheur des Dames! Their undeniably French aesthetic is pretty charming.

Paris- Palais Royal- Didier Ludot and Gabrielle Geppert

July 22, 2016 by ivy kirk in Vintage, Paris, France, Fashion

Palais Royal is one of the most beautiful places in Paris. It is tucked back from the street and is known for its garden and it's open courtyard filled with small striped stands. It is also famous for its unique shops that continue around center. Two of these shops are Didier Ludot and Gabrielle Geppert.

Didier Ludot has two shops in Palais Royal. One is always open and is dedicated to more modern items. Think classic Chanel handbags, their corresponding tweed jackets, and Hermès silk printed blouses. They also have a mix of other French designers here and it's all fairly well priced for what it is. Of course a Chanel jacket is over 1000 euro, but I also saw things that were priced around 200 euro to 300 euro, when I was there.

The Didier Ludot shop you really want to go to, is by appointment only. If you want to dress in clothing that comes from a museum, this is the place for you. Basically everything they have looks like it would fit in well to the permanent collection at the Costume Institute at the Met. And it is all in perfect condition. For many people this shop is the holy grail of vintage.

They have basically every designer you could think of. It veers towards 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, but there is some more modern as well(if it's an extremely collectible designer). They have a lot of Pierre Cardin and Courreges, and the thing that is so wonderful about this shop is that they know the history of the clothing they carry. Think of this shop as couture quality vintage. It is priced accordingly.

Here is an entire window dedicated to Hedi Slimane's work for Dior.

Didier Ludot also has a line of little black dresses that he sells. These are not vintage.

Gabrielle Geppert has a similar concept going on in Palais Royal. Usually she just mans one of the shops, and if you ask nicely, she will bring you over to whichever you like!

Her first shop is extremely well organized. Personally, I don't really go for the classic Parisian Hermès/Chanel look, but if i was going to, I would shop here.

On the left, this shop primarily has accessories. They have a lot of the more timeless Chanel purses and they also have a great sunglasses selection. On the right, is the clothing. They have it organized by designer, which I guess is pretty easy when you only have Hermès and Chanel!

I like that this shop feels curated and has a really specific point of view. It makes it easy to shop.

Gabrielle Geppart has a second shop that is dedicated to her tee shirts and other items with cute screen prints on them.

The third shop is dedicated to true designer vintage. This is your shop if you like super wearable clothes and accessories from the 60's through 80's. Most of what's here is made from fluid, printed fabric. She has Leonard, Pucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jean Patou to name a few. There are a range of prices, but don't expect to find anything under 200 or 300 euro.

What I would say makes Gabrielle Geppert really unique is her selection of accessories. I would say the accessories are less "designer" than the clothing, but everything in the shop has unique and quirky details. There are a ton of wicker and straw purses from the 60's as well as many leather and suede clutches from the 70's and 80's towards the back of the shop. There are also some shoes and a lot of interesting sunglasses.

Gabrielle gave me this tee shirt, which I am very excited to wear on the beach in the South of France!

I think my Kate Spade dress and Marni sandals fit in just right!

Paris- Thanx God I'm a VIP

July 21, 2016 by ivy kirk in France, Vintage, Fashion, Paris

Thank god I found this shop. I stumbled across it in an Internet search last time I was in Paris for work. The reason why Thanx God I'm a VIP is so good, is that it has a real point of view, is extremely organized(by color), and has a wide selection at a wide range of price points. Sure there is stuff that's over 100 euro, but I would say most stuff here hits in a sweet spot of 125-300 euro.

They are located in a neighborhood sort of above the Marais, at 12 rue de Lancry, at the Republic stop on the subway. Plan to walk around a little, there are a few other vintage shops between here and the Marais.

Thanx God is a pretty large store. There are two separate doors and store fronts next to each other. When you're facing it, on the left is women's and on the right is men's.

The windows are currently decorated with a nautical theme.

This is in the front of the store on the women's side. It is on the back wall. Again, they have sort of standard French designers like Guy Laroche and Yves Saint Laurent.

This is on the right side of the front room. The cash register is on the left, and there are cases with jewelry and belts in the middle.

Once you leave the front room, on the left there is a narrow corridor with more clothes leading you to the back room. Here, you have mostly white, black, and neutrals, while the front room is colorful. I really wanted the black, white, and red Prada… — Once you leave the front room, on the left there is a narrow corridor with more clothes leading you to the back room. Here, you have mostly white, black, and neutrals, while the front room is colorful. I really wanted the black, white, and red Prada skirt to work for me, but it was a size 44. At 150 euros, whoever gets it is lucky!

This is the neutral section, at the very back of the store. It is right in front of the fitting rooms.

This section is where you find mostly expensive designer items and colorful coats. I really wanted to make the Leonard lurex printed dress work, but at over 1000 euro, sadly, I could not.

This rack is on the other side of the shop. It is mostly longer dresses, in a more casual style.

Some more neutral shoes towards the back of the shop.

A small selection of children's clothing

This is on the right of the shop, behind all the men's clothing. I think the way they differentiate what to put over here, versus the other side, is that it's not from designers I have heard of. It's still nice though!

This is one half of a skirt suit, that I really liked the print. Unfortunately, it didn't fit me. It was priced under 100 euro.

Pretty orange Louis Féraud silk dress at 240 euros.

This blush embroidered fit and flare dress was too small for me, but at 155 euros, could be good for someone else!

Loved this pleated silk dress from Just Cavalli

Thanx God I'm a VIP is a great store for those looking for wearable, good quality, vintage and modern designer pieces, at a good price. It's an easy place to shop, because it's so well organized and there are always new items to check out!

Paris- Marché Au Puces Saint- Ouen/Clignacourt

July 19, 2016 by ivy kirk in Paris, Shopping, Fashion, Vintage, France, Flea market

The first time I came to Paris, I thought the vintage shopping was terrible. Dirty and tattered clothing at prices that were too high. Since then, I've found the right places to go with the help of some recommendations and the Internet.

Le Marché Au Puces quite literally means the market of fleas. There are two major flea markets in Paris; Saint Ouen, also known as Clignacourt, and Vanves. Saint Ouen is open on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of every week. I went on a Monday around 2 pm, and a lot was still opening. Some vendors never opened, and most closed up shop between 5 pm and 6 pm.

I used to take the subway to the stop at Porte de Clignacourt, but realized that Garibaldi is actually closer. If you take the Clignacourt stop, you will have to walk through, what I would consider, a pretty sketchy market that has knock off cell phone cases and over bleached jeans. There are signs pointing to the direction of the flea market everywhere, so really there should be no reason to get lost.

Marché Paul Bert is the first big market you will pass that has clothing. There are a couple smaller ones before this, but they only have home items.

This is the map for Marché Paul Bert. Honestly, it seems a lot more chaotic when you're inside, and I don't think I've ever gone down every row.

If you want beautiful home furnishings, Marché Paul Bert is the place for you. These are just a few examples of rooms I loved.

This beautiful little jewel box of a store is located in Marché Paul Bert. It is called Les Merveilles de Babellou. This shop is expensive, but it makes sense for the quality. On the low end, you can get a Yves Saint Laurent silk printed top from th… — This beautiful little jewel box of a store is located in Marché Paul Bert. It is called Les Merveilles de Babellou. This shop is expensive, but it makes sense for the quality. On the low end, you can get a Yves Saint Laurent silk printed top from the 1980's for about 150 euro. Most dresses are around 600 euro, but they can be over 1500 euro if they are really special or embellished. They also have a great jewelry selection which includes a lot of Chanel. This is a shop I've been to before, and I would definitely go back to again.

They have a good selection of shoes, if you're into that.

Some jackets towards the back of the shop. Chanel tweeds galore.

This was my favorite section. Very colorful. The striped skirt and the geometric skirt next to it were both Yves Saint Laurent.

This was one of my favorite dresses in the store. Unfortunately I think it was between 600 and 800 euro.

More beautiful furniture next!

If I had higher ceilings, I would own this chandelier.

This store is called 112, which is their stand number. If you want vintage Comme des Garçons or Yohji Yamamoto, this is the place for you.

I had no idea Merveilles de Babillou had two shops. I prefer the other one, but both are worth checking out.

Marché Serpette is another big market in the Marché Au Puces.

As you can see, many shops were closed since it was Monday.

I have been to Artemise et Cunégonde before. It is a pretty cute shop and has good quality items. Over all, a little less expensive, but still not cheap. Like most French vintage shops, they are heavy on designers like Chanel, Ungaro, Dior, and Yves… — I have been to Artemise et Cunégonde before. It is a pretty cute shop and has good quality items. Over all, a little less expensive, but still not cheap. Like most French vintage shops, they are heavy on designers like Chanel, Ungaro, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.

This is the shop for you if you want Hermes or Louis Vuitton bags or luggage.

I love this shop's pink walls! And they have a lot of cute designer vintage, really similar product and quality to some of the other shops I have already mentioned.

Another great home shop. I love the wall hanging!

You exit the market, and will find a street called Rue Paul Bert. Here you will dig. There are treasures to be found, and it is quite inexpensive.

More grungy items, like rocker tee shirts.

This shop on the corner was my favorite on this street.

Michelle Leon had a lot of interesting items inside and outside of the shop. I was tempted by a tennis racket printed dress by Guy Laroche.

There are racks in front of more racks. It's hard to see it all.

This Victorian shirt was starched to perfection.

I have been to Gilda before. She has a small shop in the Marais. From what I remember, that shop is all vintage. This shop is a mix of vintage and new "retro" items. The guy working there was super helpful. The quality here is pretty good, but not d… — I have been to Gilda before. She has a small shop in the Marais. From what I remember, that shop is all vintage. This shop is a mix of vintage and new "retro" items. The guy working there was super helpful. The quality here is pretty good, but not designer level. It is inexpensive though and there are some finds to be had.

I bought this dead stock dress from Côte d'Azur. It reminded me of Prada with the funny eyelet sleeves and the khaki colored print. It was only 65 euro!

Marché Dauphine, was the first market I ever visited in Paris. There is some clothing on the first floor, but nothing I have ever found exciting. I would focus on the trim/jewelry/accessory shop on the first floor, and, on the clothing shops on the … — Marché Dauphine, was the first market I ever visited in Paris. There is some clothing on the first floor, but nothing I have ever found exciting. I would focus on the trim/jewelry/accessory shop on the first floor, and, on the clothing shops on the second floor. By the way, they call the second floor, the first floor in France.

I had been by Daniel et Lili before, but never really taken much notice. Boy, was I missing out! On the left, against all the walls, they have bins with barrettes. On the far side, they have bins with jewelry. Most items have multiple available and … — I had been by Daniel et Lili before, but never really taken much notice. Boy, was I missing out! On the left, against all the walls, they have bins with barrettes. On the far side, they have bins with jewelry. Most items have multiple available and they are all vintage from various decades.

They have some clothes, but nothing super exciting.

These are the bins I was talking about. Each card is labeled with a letter, which corresponds to a price.

One of my favorite bins to look through!

I bought this incredible barret for 31 euro. It reminds me of Miu Miu or Valentino. FYI- this place is cash only, so be sure to visit an ATM first!

This glittery four leaf clover is so fun and modern! And only set me back 18.50 euro

Who could resist a Tahiti barrette, especially at 9 euro. I will wear this all the time!

Upstairs, is one of the better shops for clothing in this flea market. It is called Falbalas and everything is pretty well priced. There is a ton of selection, and it is organized all by decade. Be careful to really look at condition, if you plan on… — Upstairs, is one of the better shops for clothing in this flea market. It is called Falbalas and everything is pretty well priced. There is a ton of selection, and it is organized all by decade. Be careful to really look at condition, if you plan on wearing your purchases. Again, another cash only establishment.

On the left is where you can find men's clothing and items that are really really old.

They have mannequins in the entry way to show off some of their more special pieces. Not sure whether these are also for sale.

I love this detail. Would look great on a shirt today!

Here you can see the 1960's and the 1950's racks.

Love this Egyptian inspired collar necklace.

I have never seen vintage shoes in such good condition.

There are a lot of other shops on the second floor, I would reccomend taking a quick look through each.

I really loved the details on this dress. And it was less than 60 euro.

Wish I had room for this guy in my apartment. He is on the first floor.

A friend gave me the recommendation to go to Chez Sarah. I hadn't been able to find much about it on the Internet, and I almost missed it. It is located in the Lecuyer Valles market which isn't listed on any of the signs, so please look it up before you go.

If you can only go to one vintage store in Paris, go to Chez Sarah. If you can only go to one vintage store in the world, go to Chez Sarah. It isn't cheap, but there are a range of prices and you are paying for great quality. They have basically any… — If you can only go to one vintage store in Paris, go to Chez Sarah. If you can only go to one vintage store in the world, go to Chez Sarah. It isn't cheap, but there are a range of prices and you are paying for great quality. They have basically any and every designer you've heard of, as well as ones you haven't. Prices start from around 60 euro for a simple cotton eyelet top, and range to thousands for a gown. There are a lot of dress options that ring in around 300 euro, though you're looking at closer to 700-900 euro if you're looking at Dior.

I could spend months inside Chez Sarah. The shop is on both sides of the isle and continues from where I am standing, to the very front of the photo. They also have linens and vintage fabrics on the side on the right, when you're facing the front of… — I could spend months inside Chez Sarah. The shop is on both sides of the isle and continues from where I am standing, to the very front of the photo. They also have linens and vintage fabrics on the side on the right, when you're facing the front of the store.

Chez Sarah has a strict no photos policy inside, so I took some from the outside! This gives a good feel of what kind of clothes they sell.

If you go to Paris, absolutely go to the Saint-Ouen flea market. The great thing about it, is that you have so many stores all concentrated in one location. I would plan to spend all day there, if you have the time- and you will come back with treasures you would never find at home!

Queens- Chinatown

July 17, 2016 by ivy kirk in Fashion, Food, Cheap clothes, New York City, Queens, Asian fashion, Chinatown

I decided that I wanted to go to Queens Chinatown, after hearing they had clothing similar what I could get in Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Wholesale markets in China are one of my favorite secrets, but more on that another time!

Queens Chinatown is very far from Manhattan. In fact, it is almost all the way out at JFK airport. So to get there, take the 7 train all the way to the Main Street Station stop.

This is pretty much what it looks like when you get off the subway.

My first stop was the New World Mall. The New World Mall is similar to any other mall in that it has a mix of types of shops on the upper levels and a food court in the basement.

When you enter New World Mall, there is an escalator with a grocery store directly in side. Overall, it seems like a great grocery store if you're looking for more specialty items, but there were a few elements I found strange.

Dragon Fruit at 6.99 per lb. Dragon Fruit is far in a way the best fruit I have ever eaten. It is kind of like a hybrid of melon and kiwi and has the prettiest white and black polka dot interior.

I get that this Dragon Fruit isn't as beautiful, but why is it only 2.99 per lb?!

It looks kinda cool, but I would avoid this fruit if I were you!

Upstairs from the grocery is where you'll find the bulk of the clothing. There is also some on the same floor as the grocery, if you go out the left side.

EK was the first store I went into. Overall the selection was a little boring for me. The rack outside was sale, and I would recommend focusing some time there.

This shop, I liked a little more. It had a girlier aesthetic, more similar to what I saw in China and Hong Kong this spring. I would say overall, it was still priced a little too high for what it was.

Smile Style was definitely one of the better stores. The style was more Korean influenced and the quality was generally pretty decent.

One thing Queens Chinatown is excellent for is Asian beauty products. Missha is a Korean store, which has a great selection. Incase you don't already know, Korean beauty centers around having great skin, and they have some of the best products to he… — One thing Queens Chinatown is excellent for is Asian beauty products. Missha is a Korean store, which has a great selection. Incase you don't already know, Korean beauty centers around having great skin, and they have some of the best products to help you look radiant and even toned.

Some of those skin creams I was talking about!

You've probably heard about them at this point, because they are everywhere! From the check out line at Sephora, to celebrity Instagram photos, sheet masks are a big deal. I bought the Medi Heal W.H.P, which is a white hydrating charcoal-mineral mas… — You've probably heard about them at this point, because they are everywhere! From the check out line at Sephora, to celebrity Instagram photos, sheet masks are a big deal. I bought the Medi Heal W.H.P, which is a white hydrating charcoal-mineral mask. It is a black colored mask, so you kind of look like a burglar when you're using it!

Dr. Jart is one of the better sheet mask suppliers. Here you can buy packs of ten!

I'm not sure what these are for, but they're pretty cool!

Nail art is a big trend, and these stickers make life easy.

I gotta say, I was really tempted by these rabbit lip glosses.

I think I will get the green Choosy next time.

Moving on from Missha...

I wanted to like these, but these sweet bunny key chains were made from real bunny :(

This was one of my favorite stores in the New World Mall. Did they veer a little too heavily towards knock off territory? Yes. But what they had that was more original, was pretty cool.

This restaurant is on the top floor of New World mall. Makes me feel like I'm in Hong Kong!

This store was closed, but actually looked pretty good. Note the Self-Portrait knock off on the left.

Tony Moly is a pretty well known Korean beauty supply store. It's more common than Missha and most famous for its quirky packaging.

One of my number one tips for Queens Chinatown is to go into any little alley type mall, even if it looks grungy. This is where you can find some of the coolest stuff.

A reason to go to Queens Chinatown(other than just for shopping) is for the food. I was really hungry and didn't have a lot of cash, so I went to a food vendor that was on a corner, open to the street.

I ended up with the scallion pancake for two dollars. It was pretty tasty, but that grease really scares me!

Next stop is Queens Crossing Mall. This mall was okay, but much less heavily clothing based. If you had to pick one, I would definitely say just go to New World Mall.

When you enter this mall, there is an ice cream stand towards the front, and a spiral staircase with a koi pond on the left. Towards the back, is this store called "Irresistible" which focuses primarily on home products.

I think the primary lure of this mall, for people, is that it houses a fake designer handbag shop. And they look pretty good, though they're not for me.

This delicious beverage tasted like a watered down fruit cup and gave me the strength to carry on!

If you go to Queens Chinatown, you have to go to Main Plaza. This is one of the grungier of the malls, but has some great shops.

This shop had some cute stuff and a sale bin out front.

Some cute stuff here. Too bad about the Valentino knock off, out front.

This shop was all the way to the back. You need to enter from outside from the cross street, to get in.

This was my favorite store of the day. Again, a little too heavy on the knock offs, but he quality and taste level was much nicer than some of the others. To keep in mind, items went up to 300$ at this shop.

Keep an eye out for mail shops or Fed Ex shops that also house clothing stores.

And if all else fails- you can always shop out of the back of a mini van!

Dallas- vintage, consignment, etc.

July 15, 2016 by ivy kirk in Vintage, Dallas, Texas, Fashion, Shopping

In Dallas, the best vintage store is Vintage Martini, hands down. From the quality to the sheer volume, there is nothing even remotely comparable.

Like many other great vintage stores in the South, Vintage Martini is located in a strip mall. Vintage martini is composed of three main sections. On the left, you have true vintage; 1950s to 1990s. In the middle you have mostly accessories with some mid range modern designer at the front. On the right, there are mostly designer garments from the late 90s through current. There is a lot of Jil Sander, Prada, and Armani in this section.

This is the part of the shop that has true vintage. On the wall, you can see all the 80's and 90's product.

My favorite section, the 1950's and 1960's.

It's pretty rare you see vintage handbags that are wearable and in good shape today. Surprise, surprise- there were a lot of really cute ones at Vintage Martini!

Vintage Martini had a lot of great cocktail Jewelery. Pretty necklace heavy, but some earrings too.

They also sell handmade cut soaps! So pretty and they smell nice!

Here is a close up from one of my favorite purchases from the trip. I love the mix of chambray, with jeweled buttons, with the ruffle, with a hint of ditsy floral on the trim!

Here I am, wearing a dress designed by Pauline Trigere. It belonged to a woman named precious, who lived in Memphis. Her husband ended up selling off many of her prettiest dresses to shops like this, while she was still living. The New York Times wr… — Here I am, wearing a dress designed by Pauline Trigere. It belonged to a woman named precious, who lived in Memphis. Her husband ended up selling off many of her prettiest dresses to shops like this, while she was still living. The New York Times wrote an investigative piece about her and her husband in 2002.

Would I go back to Vintage Martini? One million percent! What is great about this store, is that the quality and the price meet in the middle. It is such a large shop that there truly is something for every occasion!

Next stop was Dolly Python. For those wondering, Dolly Python is a play on Dolly Parton. Dolly Python is also in a strip mall and has a huge selection. It is one of those stores that you can barely push the hangers apart it is so jam packed! It is a bit of a dig, but there are so many treasures to be found!

This is towards the middle of the shop. There are cases with Jewelery, and on the left hand side there is a ton of home. I focused primarily on clothing, so I didn't get a good look here!

Texas- land of the cowboy and the cowboy boot.

Honestly, I didn't really understand the organization here, so I would recommend looking at everything.

This statue reminds me of Giacometti, a little, but less extreme.

I bought this vintage Kenneth J Lane ring at Dolly Python. They told me it was a platypus, but I think it's either a frog or a mythical creature.

I also bought this incredible white ruffle lace crop top with rhinestone studs, from the 1950's. It may have been part of a square dancing costume, but that makes me love it even more!!!

All in all, I would say Dolly Python is as good as Vintage Martini, but a little different, in the fact that it is less curated. Personally, I like that! It gives me a chance to really find something new and different. I am already dying to go back!

Onto the next stop, which is Luxury Garage Sale. Luxury Garage Sale has several different locations across the country, and is strictly designer consignment. Everything is in perfect condition and priced accordingly. It is still a great deal in comparison to New York prices. They also sell on eBay- so beware- hopefully your dress won't be sold before you try to buy it! Basically, they have last season's clothing from Neiman's and other similar Dallas shop. I saw Erdem, Miu Miu, Derek Lam, Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, and Dolce and Gabbana,just to name a few!

Everything is color coordinated and very well organized. Plenty of space to look!

Wish these puppies were my size!! Or seahorses, rather!

I didn't buy anything at Luxury Garage Sale, but that doesn't mean I didn't love it! If I lived nearby, I would be back every week! The Texas lady has great taste, and this store proves it!

Last but not least, is a pretty little shop called Forty Five Ten. This is in a pedestrian shopping area of Dallas, called Highland Park Village. It isn't consignment or vintage, but I will say- they have great sales. It is a small department store, kind of like how they used to be. They have a pretty unique assortment that still caters to a polished Dallas woman. Some highlights are Delpozo, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, and Vika Gazinskaya. There is a great restaurant, but make sure you go before three, or it will be closed!

A little bit country, and a little bit ruffley.

Can't remember who made this, but the fabric is sick.

Marni ruffles. I would wear this every day.

Nashville - UAL

July 10, 2016 by ivy kirk in Nashville, Shopping, Fashion

My trip to the country music capital started with a trip to the UAL(that's short for United Apparel Liquidators). The UAL is a regional chain that is located only in the South. It is a designer clothing liquidator, which means that small shops will sell them their unsold stock. They get a range of high end designers(they keep this in their "couture section), as well as ones that would be classified as contemporary(meaning a little less expensive and usually more casual). There are two UAL in Nashville. I only went to the older location in Centenial Park, which supposedly has a more high end selection.

The UAL is located in a strip mall within the city. There isn't much else of interest right nearby.

Here I am outside(as you can see I'm pretty excited!)

As soon as you enter UAL, the cheaper items are towards the front. They tend to have more of these, in multiple sizes and sometimes colors. Men's is on the right, though I wholly ignored that area. Shoes are just behind men's. It was a pretty small selection, though very well priced. Designer, which they call couture is on the left by the register. Jewelery is kept at the register. Extra discounted merchandise is just behind the designer section. Home is all the way in the back.

This is the very front of the store, nothing so exciting here!

This is towards the front of the store still,  but there is some designer mixed in. I saw Marni, Saint Laurent, Harvey Faircloth, and Carven on this rack, just to name a few. — This is towards the front of the store still, but there is some designer mixed in. I saw Marni, Saint Laurent, Harvey Faircloth, and Carven on this rack, just to name a few.

This Dolce & Gabbana mini dress with gold leather appliqué is of my favorites of all time! I remember seeing it a year or so back in the Barney's catalogue and loving it ever since!

Not sure who designed the teal jacquard dress on the wall, but I'm obsessed!

This Sonia by Sonia Rykiel tee shirt is really special. It has a lace yoke and a velvet swallow appliqué. It is marked down from 490$ to 147$.

Simone Rocha is a British designer, who is sold at shops like Dover Street Market. I found this great white mesh sheath dress with floral embroidery and crochet trim. I forgot to take a photo of the tag, but I do remember it was less than 300$. Usua… — Simone Rocha is a British designer, who is sold at shops like Dover Street Market. I found this great white mesh sheath dress with floral embroidery and crochet trim. I forgot to take a photo of the tag, but I do remember it was less than 300$. Usually this kind of dress would sell for closer to 3000$!

I love what Hedi Slimane did for Saint Laurent. So many super easy, young dresses! This is one of them and I wish it had been a size 38! In silk chiffon, marked down from 3790$ to 287$.

Not marked down as much as some of the others, but this Giambattista Valli dress is such a pretty red!

This gold fil-coupé Lanvin dress was all over their advertising!

Was tempted by Mary Katrantzou for 128$, but resisted.

Amazing fabric on Mary Katrantzou shorts.

I think this pretty embroidered tulle gown is either Dolce or Valentino

Hand written Duro Olowu dry cleaning tag.

The most amazing knit dress I have ever seen! This Delpozo work of art is marked down from 8000$, to 706$.

And last, but not least!

I ended up buying these silver leather Marni sandals for 135$. Deal of the day!

Would I go back to UAL? Absolutely! It has an unusual selection of discounted designer product. The quality is good, and the prices are good, especially if you like to dig!