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!

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!