Super Graphic Floral Print Bomb

Enamel bangles, Stella McCartney ankle boots and dress are all second-hand from Secondi. 

This dress is one of my favorite finds from Secondi, and I can’t wait to wear it more often now that the weather is ever-so-slowly warming up. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been obsessing over Aaryn West’s dreamy designs lately, but I’ve got graphic flower prints on the brain.

I also think it’s neat how different the dress can look with demure heels vs ankle boots. The heels are closer to the elegant, subtle style of my friend, photographer and stylist extraordinaire, Ms. Victoria Corkhill, whereas the boots come from the sci-fi, Star Trek, Battle-Star Galactica-loving side of me. Whenever I put on a flowy or flowery dress, I immediately want to add combat boots and a leather jacket. 

What are you looking forward to wearing more of this spring?

And, while I'm being nosy, what are your plans this Thursday? I will be at Swap and the City, and I think you should be, too! Hosted by SNOBSWAP and Dewdrop LLC, proceeds from the event will benefit Becky's Fund, and all unswapped items will be donated to the Goodwill of Greater Washington.

This luxury clothing swap soireé is the perfect way to be kind to the earth and the people on it. Plus, designer swap items will be modeled down the runway by CapFABB bloggers, including yours truly. I have never actually "modeled down a runway," but I will give it my very best, and try very hard not to trip or walk the wrong way. ;)

Swap in the City is this Thursday, May 9th

6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at 1776

1133 15th Street NW

Be there or be square!

The Perfect Black Bag: An Ebay Round-Up

I have been on a quest for the Perfect Black Bag for quite some time, and perhaps I will be on this quest forever. I want something that works for the office, or for travel, or for weekends. It has to be sturdy. It has to be cool. It cannot have silver hardware (I don't know why, but I only like gold or brass). I love my Matt and Nat bag, but it doesn't fit my laptop, so add that to the list-- must fit my Macbook Air.

I figure that I am not alone in this quest and thought I'd share a few of the treasures I've stumbled across  in my late night Ebay rampages.  Each bag is gently used or vintage, and thus Fair, of course. From top to bottom and left to right:

• Vegan Matt and Nat Hobo Bag
• Wristlet/clutch by Vieta
• Furla tote
• Coach cross-body bag
• Vintage Gucci hand tote
• Tory Burch hobo bag

Happy Bidding!

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Pattern Play

I've developed a pretty serious obsession with patterned pants-- jeans, slacks, leggings, it doesn't matter to me, I love them! And one thing I love about wearing nice jeans is how surprisingly versatile they can be. In each of these looks, for example, the only thing I changed was my shoes, and the whole look changes from day to night, doncha think?

If you haven't yet taken the plunge into pattern play, I strongly recommend it. The ones I'm wearing are by JBrand Jeans and I got them for a song during the Spicy Candy DC event at South Moon Under (scroll down to find me). Below, I've assembled a few fair options for you to experiment with, most of which are on sale right now for 50% off, so check 'em out! Each pair is made in the USA.






From left to right:

• Current/Elliott $268
• Paige Denim, on sale for $94.50
• Nanette Lepore, on sale for $196
• Rag & Bone, on sale for $93.50

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Emerald City

Did you know that emerald green is the color of the year? Well, it is. Even Pantone says so. I'm already armed with those green color-blocked Koral jeans, so today, I put together a little Etsy round-up for your weekend couch-shopping enjoyment. Each and every item is vintage.

Clockwise from top left:

• Dior scarf $120
• Satin pumps $52
• Vase set $40
• Velvet and leather gloves $24
• Enamel bangle $10
• Keychain coin purse $10
• Sequin gown $95
• Graphic print scarf $20

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Black Leather Motorcycle Club {Tuesday Trend}

Yesterday I wore a used leather jacket and heels purchased from Secondi with coated black jeans of unknown origin. It was perfect for a chilly evening of dinner and Downton catch-up with my friend and photographer, Victoria. Below, I've put together some of my favorite leather items, dividing them into vegan and real leather options. Happy Shopping!

I'm loving the leather looks that are popping up everywhere, but my fair heart is, of course, torn. The problem I've encountered when it comes to leather is that you usually have to trade domestic production and fair labor standards when you choose to go faux. Canadian company Matt and Nat are a notable exception to that rule, as are American jeans companies making coated styles like the J Brand ones I've featured today, but I haven't found many other solid options.

So don't be surprised if, in this post and many others, you see a faux leather (vegan) item, but it's imported. While faux leather is often used because it's cheaper, not necessarily because it's kinder, I don't think that's a reason not to use it as a substitute if you've got to have the latest leather trend.  Alternatively, I may feature an item that is real leather or incorporates leather, but that item will always be made in the USA or vintage/used. Whatever you choose for yourself, feel good knowing you've made your choice with thoughtful intention.

Clockwise from top left:
Shorts; Pleated Skirt; Dress; Peplum Top; Bag; Jeans (made in USA); Pencil Skirt; Shirt (vintage)

L to R:

Dress (white and black) made in USA; Shorts, vintage; Bag, vintage; Pencil Skirt, vintage

New Feature: Shop This Post:

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An Ode to the Classic White Tee

There are infinite ways to wear a white t-shirt, but I've limited this post to three different looks that I'd like to try this fall. The first look incorporates the abstract graphic prints we've seen coming down the runways for the last few seasons with a stunning African print pencil skirt. An edgey cuff and earrings complete the look.
 

• White t-shirt (used throughout) is made using fair labor standards
• Earrings are fair trade and made sustainably from discarded camel bone.
• Pencil skirt is fair trade
• Cuff is fair trade and made from recycled brass
• Booties are vegan

This next look is my version of polished (with an edge).  The necklace and shoes guarantee you'll look prim and proper in spite of the lipstick red jeans, especially if you button up the blazer. Add a statement ring and you're good to go.

• Necklace is vintage from Etsy and only seven bucks!
• Ring is handmade of sustainable materials using fair labor from East Africa.
• Jeans are made in the USA
• Blazer is made in the USA

No prepster (prep + hipster?) should ever be without their trusty white t-shirt, right? This last look is inspired by the floral embroidered pieces I keep seeing from Balmain, Dolce + Gabbanna, and many others this season. In keeping with my promise, I can't link to examples because none of them incorporate the fair elements of style, but those awesome shoes are 100% vegan and much more affordable, anyway.

• Wolf ring is made of recycled gold in the USA
• Blazer is vintage from Etsy
• Necklace is fair trade and made of recycled brass
• Trousers are made in the USA
• Hat is fair trade by Pachacuti
• Shoes are vegan 

What's your favorite way to wear a white t-shirt? 

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Tuesday Trend: Baroque and Brocade

• Clutch is 1960s vintage from Bellissima Vintages on Etsy (only $21.50!)
• Jeans are made in the USA by J Brand.
• Shoes and heels are vintage Life Stride and there is actually more than one version of this same combo in various vintage Etsy shops-- a search for "vintage brocade pumps" is worth it, I promise.
• Ring is handcrafted from recycled 14k gold with black onyx and pearl details. Available from Fernando Jewelry on Etsy.

I'm loving the Baroque look that has been in all of the fall fashion spreads, and lucky for us, it's easy to achieve while remaining fair and kind. The brocade velvet jeans by J Brand are by far my favorite way to wear the trend-- they have officially been added to my list of fall must-haves (and must-save-fors). I tried on a pair during Fashion's Night Out in Georgetown last week, and was amazed to discover that up close, they really are jeans with velvet magically lasered on, and they are super stretchy and comfortable.







Lastly, if you're not into crazy pants and looking for subtler ways to wear this trend, Etsy has an endless supply of options worth exploring.

• Antique/vintage Baroque drop earrings, possibly 19th century, available from Artifact Vintage on Etsy. 
• Vintage Weiss pearl and rhinestone drop earrings from All You Want is Here Today on Etsy. 
• Pumps are vintage 80s available from Etsy.
• Fabric Wrapped Jewelry Box With Wood Trim, vintage 1970's, Made In Italy and available from Turner Vintage on Etsy.

 

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Tuesday Trend: Nautical Stripes

Tuesday Trend: Printed Shorts

It's not too late to embrace this fun summer trend, my friends, and there are plenty of fair trade, made in the USA, and handmade options available to choose from.

1. Brocade shorts are made by Sessun, whose designer "uses organic fibres and fair trade crops wherever possible."
2. Black and white scenic printed shorts are handmade in the USA by Shop Chant on Etsy
3. Blue plaid shorts are made by upcycling old fabrics, so each pair is one of a kind, by ReLuxe
4. African print blue tailored short are fair trade by Fair + True 

I love those brocade shorts, but I would not pair them with socks and tennis shoes like they have above.  For a night out, you could go with a beautiful, sheer sequined top from Juno and Jove (on sale!), or you could tuck in a sheer collared shirt for more of a daytime look. Add a flat sandal in the same color family and you're good to go.

1. Sequined tank is made with organic cotton by Edun and available from Juno and Jove. Edun is the line started by Bono, and they describe themselves as a global fashion brand working toward long-term commitments to develop ethical trade in Africa and emerging nations. Their designs support efforts to increase earth-friendly practices worldwide. 
   
2. Chiffon top is made in the USA by American Apparel
3. Sandals are vegan and made of recycled faux suede by Olsen Haus

Tuesday Trend: Colored Jeans

Tuesday Trend: Hottest Summer Hats

Remember when I promised a post all about hats and their awesomeness? Better late than never, right? There are some really lovely ones below from a variety of sources: handmade/vintage made in the USA on Etsy, fair trade options from Pachacuti, and handmade in New York from Tracy Watts. Hope you like!

UPDATE: Arm candy style challenge and bracelet giveaway deadline has been extended to July 31!

Both hats above by Tracy Watts and available from Juno and Jove. Tracy Watts hats are made by hand in Brooklyn, NY ($206 and $264).

Pachacuti Hat. Pachacuti is the world’s first company to be certified to carry the World Fair Trade Organization’s (WFTO) new Fair Trade label. This is the first audited certification which verifies that an entire supply chain is following Fair Trade principles and sustainable environmental practices (On sale now for $62).



Vintage Stetson from Abbeysaccessories on Etsy ($62).



Vintage blue fedora by ReVampingVintage on Etsy ($24).



Vintage 1960s straw hat available from recyclinghistory on Etsy and 20% off this week only with code "HUGESALE" ($22).



Hat is made in Memphis, TN and available by MakoskyMillinery on Etsy ($175)





Handmade from TheMillineryShop on Etsy ($190)