Inspiration Monday

I know that many of us dread Monday. When I was working at corporate offices, I would always think that the weekends were just to short. Sunday nights I would try to enjoy the time I had left before I had to get up at 6am for work and would dreadfully count down the time that I do have. For those of you who feel that way, here are some inspirational videos to get you pumped and going and to inspire what you hopefully, love doing.

Alabama Chanin

USB Typewriter

The Bone Carver

Coach

With Fashion Week in NY and FNO, I keep hearing and seeing so many DIY projects at parties that so many designers and labels are holding. One of my favorites I heard about was Coach that had some of their favorite bloggers customize Coach's iconic duffle bag. After browsing their website I came to fall in love with their Legacy line of bags...oh, and of course I can't forget to mention the shoes.

Legacy Textured Leather Rory Satchel

Legacy Archival Top Zip Satchel

Legacy Leather Minnie Duffle

Legacy Rugby Striped Duffle

 Legacy Leather Tanner Tote

Bleecker Legacy Leather Weekend Tote

Pricilla Boottie 

(I loved these the moment I saw them, and then realized it has my name, w/out the 'S', still it's almost like it's meant to be)

Lucia Ankle Boot

New Therese Boot

There are so many more I want to add but then this post would be too long!

check out all images here: COACH

San Francisco

Here are some photos from our trip to SF this past Labor Day weekend with some friends that visited.

 Blue house on Lombard St.

Pretty pink house on Lombard St.

 Friends at Lombard St.

Zip Codes

 Street cactus collection

 Haight and Ashbury

 Sock World

 Bedazzled Tattoo Parlor

Wasteland

Vintage Finds

After visiting San Francisco (twice, with different guests) the past few days, I couldn't believe the big difference in cost between stores labeled as "thrift" and "vintage/antiques" and wanted to delve into why there is such a difference.

Here are my thoughts.

Stores labeled as "vintage/antique" usually have a nicer presentation in their products and most of the stores section off certain areas. Everything just flows well together. They also know what's in fashion and most popular, therefore, they price things higher than what we call "thrift" stores. I am also pretty sure that these stores go through many steps to picking certain types of items to showcase and sell in their stores which also may be added to their costs. Both my sisters also have a love for thrift, vintage, and antiques and my youngest sister spoke with a lady who sold women's vintage clothing and other items on her campus back in college. Apparently, they have auctions for all sorts of items from jewelry and clothing to kitchenware and tools. These are usually from abandoned homes or people who pass away and there is no one to claim their belongings. These items are auctioned off in bundles so most of the time, you do not know what the state these items are in, it's all about taking risks! Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. A store I visit once in a while back in SoCal, called American Vintage, apparently has a warehouse where they store and sort out their vintage clothing  (after purchasing them) most likely based on season and colors. They then ship the items to their stores when it comes to the proper time. I personally love vintage and antique stores and in my view are more like a museum. I usually do not purchase items from there but go in to look at all past time items and to be inspired.

The "thrift" stores are more so items that have been donated by people. The most widely known thrift stores that I am familiar with are Goodwill and Salvation Army. Many people go to these stores and end up finding treasure that they purchase for a mere price of say $8.99 for a vintage leather chair and then find out that it's worth a lot more. I personally shop at these stores a lot more than what you would call vintage stores because at most times you can find similar things at thrift stores and pay a lot less. I would say the downfall of these stores are how they display everything, but I guess that's what makes the experience more fun and valuable. I guess I would say that thrift stores are more like a treasure hunt. Whenever I walk into one, I usually don't have the mentality of searching for a specific product but I go with the expectation of finding something unique and of past time. And when I do find something I love, I usually do not hesitate in purchasing the item because the prices are usually reasonable and affordable.

All in all, my love for both thrift and vintage/antique stores will always be here. Whether I go in for just a browse or come out with a purchase, both ways I am satisfied with the fact that I am fed in a creative and inspiring sense.

Here are some things I scored at different thrift stores over the past 2 years. (I have so much more, perhaps I will show them on another post!)

 Vintage Gold Stretch Belts

Vintage Leather Clutch from Italy 

 Vintage Handheld Mirror

 Vintage Hat by Lipp Hats from NY

Vintage Billi Coat by BillyCoats

Vintage Leather Rider Side Purse

Fashion Textbook from 1986

Vintage Leather Beauty Pouch

"Everything I buy is vintage and smells funny. Maybe that's why I don't have a boyfriend."

-Lucy Liu

"I like vintage a lot."

-Kesha

Discoveries

Happy Friday! This post is based on the new discoveries I have found. Of course, these things were already in existence, but only recently have been discovered by yours truly:)

Discovery #1

B.D. Baggies 

I found this at a thrift shop days ago and decided to buy it for my husband. I loved the green white stripes and that it had a washed worn look and the fact that the label stood out was such a bold statement. I brought it home and he tried it on and said it was to big, so it now belongs to me (am secretly really happy). I then noticed a permanent stamp towards the bottom of the shirt. This then led me to looking them up online.

I was excited to see that B.D. Baggies was an existing brand and a pride in their pre-laundered fabrics, and to my first admired impression, the worn look. Find out more about them here, B.D. Baggies. 

Discovery #2

Sunny 

A Korean movie based on 7 girlfriends as they reminisce their early years as best friends and as a group called Sunny. My husband and I laughed throughout the whole movie. Does this remind you of your early school years?

ending with a simple DIY...

I was contemplating for a while on how to store my belts. I wanted them to be easily accessed and displayed so that I can plan my outfits in a speedy process, and this is what came up! 

Materials: ball pins, any wall.

Directions: place pins on wall in a line with enough space in-between to place your belts.

Voila, you have your belt hanger.

"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies."
-Aristotle

via images: 3

Mini Business Cards

They have finally arrived! Moo was having a special promotion and I was able to order their mini business card versions for a small price! The awesome thing about it was that I was able to use any of my images (you can use more than one) and they just print them on the back of the card. I was really excited about this part because it made each card personal. They are small and unique compared to the standard business card, which is what I love about them. For those of you who are curious and want a first hand glimpse of these, please ask and I will be happy to hand one to you:) I will also definitely be sending one out with each purchase from my etsy store, Micah Olivet!

I was craving nachos so I quickly put this together, see ingredients below!

Ingredients:

Tortilla Chips (I used a Mexican brand)

1 can of chili (I used Stagg brand)

Shredded Cheese 

Chopped green onion

Directions: 

1) Heat the chili at a low for about 10-15 mins.

2) Lay out tortilla chips on a baking pan (you can line it with aluminum so that you don't have to clean the pan after)

3) Pour chili over the chips, sprinkle shredded cheese and green onion.

4) Bake in oven for about 5 mins. or until the cheese has melted and the chips turn to a golden brown color.

Enjoy!

'Kauai Edition' Clutch No. 3

Just added the 3rd 'Kauai Edition' clutch to Etsy, come check it out as well as my other items!! I love this one because the inside print and the red zipper make a bold statement, besides, who doesn't love standing out in a crowd ;) Enjoy!

You can find this and other items here: www.etsy.com/shop/micaholivet