Top 5- NYFW Must See Shows

           

@vfiles.com

VFILES RUNWAY SS16 

    90's couture, futuristic feels & barely there looks have          pushed VFILES to the face of  Millenial fashion. 

                          (Not to mention their all gender,
                        all age models = REFRESHING)

   RODARTE 
                        Set in a majestic light show, Rodarte mixed vibrant sequins, 

                             gem colored metallics, paisley prints & lace tights to 

                               entice a 70's vibe in a midevil romantic way. 

                      (Ps. Grecian style hair clips are going to be a thing).

 

http://www.thecoveteur.com

DELPOZO The Spanish label with a penchant for feminine details, accompanied by geometric shapes kept to their aesthetic with a whimsical show. Pastel colors & playful appliques served as a true fairytale collection for the post modern woman.

by Isabel Martinez

LIMA SOCIAL DIARY

                    JEREMY SCOTT

60s femme bot meets Cartoon Network at a Judy Jettson convention was the theme for Scott's star studded show. 

Candy colored Barbie shoes also made a debut thanks to a    harmonious collab with Melissa Shoes.

Jason Lloyd-Evans

BFA NYC

ADAM  SELMAN 

Rihanna's main man used sketchy floral prints & crisp whites to balance out his platform take on the beloved Coverse.

LINN LAURA S. EMMA

                           Sonny VANDEVELDE








                                            Curated by: styleprops

DO Chicago this Fall

Chicago is no new-be when it comes to an evolving art scene, conceptual restaurants or the ever so popular dive bar. Budgeting a "treat yourself" night out with your girl's can sometimes leave your wallet aching, followed by Netflix marathons for the rest of the month. Get yourself off the couch this fall & enjoy some of my personal go-tos in the Chi, when staying in just won't cut-it.

For the Art Enthusiast

Chicago Loop Alliance Activate
Interactive art installations done by local artists within Chicago loop's alley ways. Drinks, live dj, entertainment & photo booth provided.

When: Once a month- check out Do312.com to RSVP & get a free drink!


For the Foodie

Carriage House
Along the stretch of Division street in the heart of wicker park, this contemporary southern style restaurant & bar provides a relaxing front porch vibe with a crisp white patio adorned with tea lights overhead. Carriage house is a must-try for any brunch lover & foodie alike. Check out their tantalizing menu @ www.carriagehousechicago.com

Specialties: Southern comfort, fresh seafood & killer craft cocktails. *I recommend sipping on "the Voodoo Priestess"

For the "Rockers"

Five Star Bar 
For a night of free pool, whiskey induced fun & tat art ride on over to the Noble Square hot spot.

Deal Day: Wednesdays= 40 cent spicy buffalo wings (they're addicting) & $2 tecates 

For the Dancing Queen 

Beauty Bar 
Feeling in the mood for some disco vibes? Have a night out filled with dancing, vintage 60's decor & a fresh manicure. 

Events: Salonathon Mondays provide an open mic night for emerging Chicago artists to display & perform their original projects. Martinis & Manicures are a daily treat offering a $10 Combo deal


-The LeThriftista @styleprops

Chef de Le Thrift Does Mexi-CAN

Like many, I've caught myself having Taco Bell dreams while still expecting to wake up with a Beyoncé figure. Growing up with authentic Mexican dishes always on the menu, it became apparent once I moved to "hipster's paradise" that a local greasy burrito or a dry vegan taco was my fate.

Despite many failed attempts to cut out Mexican food all together, I began experimenting with traditional dishes. Instead of looking to take -out options or restaurants, I looked to my current grocery list to see what could be flavorful/healthy substitutes to the usual calorie packed, sodium filled meals. With a strong emphasis on vegetables (cooked various ways), for texture & spices found in original Latin cuisine, tasty meals that will yield all the flavor minus the belly are achievable!

First up on the menu that I like to call, "The Mexi-CAN" is one of my personal favorites- Molé ! 

Super easy, fast, & won't take away from the shoe budget! 

Ingredients: 

1 package of extra form tofu 

1 jar of mole sauce (spicy chocolate sauce)
Extra virgin olive oil

Fresh lime & lemon 

Cumin

Pinch of sea salt 

Various veggies of choice  

Grain of choice (brown rice or quinoa) 

Tajin seasoning 

Salsa/chile of choice 

- Simply drain the tofu, slice into thin strips & sauté in olive oil til golden brown.
- In a separate pot, make your grain of choice with a shot of lime or lemon for a zesty kick
-  Prepare veggie mix - any will do the trick but I used leafy greens like spinach & kale, carrots, zucchini & red bell pepper. Mix well with a sprinkle of olive oil & various seasonings listed.
- Nearing the final component, add a 1/2 jar of the mole sauce (I used Dona Maria brand) to saucepan   & stir til  thick, not chunky * adding a bit of  lime to sauce will cut the salt & give more of a dressing consistency
- Bring all items together for a mole bowl of sorts that will yield many flavors, minus the guilt & upstage any bland salad!
- Top with salsa or chile of choice

Chef de Le Thrift - Natalie 

Clawfoot Tub Revival on a Budget

Last summer my husband and I purchased a 100 year old Craftsman farmhouse in the country. It was begging for someone to rescue it as the previous owner

had not used the house in a few years and it sat there sadly in neglect.

It was speaking to me. All this history it had lived through -  Al Capone had frequently visited the lake. A farmer's family for many generations, had lived here and endured through the Great

The quaint little Craftsmen cottage

Depression living off the land and renting out small boats to local fishermen. His now towering Maple trees, I felt wanted to whisper me secrets of the past. This house was nicknamed by locals as the "Blessing" house after the original farmer's last name and its quaintness and small details made me fall in love.

When we were looking at the house, my heart started palpitating when I saw the bathroom. There in its sad state was an antique, cast iron, claw foot bathtub. My husband, quickly stated that the tub would need to be replaced and I quickly retorted, "Noooooooo, I must revive it"! After all, a lot of women love the romantic notion a claw foot tub entails, myself included.

My husband sighed and has a lot of patience towards my antics. So he

The project at hand

then wisely delegated it as "my project". I had to figure out how to fix it in a cheap and economical way. Hmmmn, consider myself handy? Nope! But a good challenge had never stopped me before.

I went out to Home Depot and asked the salesperson how to resurface a bathtub. I could not keep it in the condition it was in. The white paint had worn away and left behind it was nasty rust stains and dark spots.


The answer to refinishing was inexpensive and something I could attempt to do

The end result

myself. It was the Homax Tough as Tile One Part Epoxy Aerosol Kit. I bought the necessary tools to go with it. TSP cleaner had been recommended and I took the steel wool pad included and started scrubbing. I followed the directions on the box and it was pretty easy to use. Definitely cover the surrounding area with protection and take your time with the spray part as it can be tricky. I would suggest that you cover each area with a light spray and cover with layers. Over a period of 48 hours the tub's new enamel had cured. Voila, the tub looked as good as new! Our claw foot was ready for bathing, with romantic daydreams and bubbles for all.

The On the Budget Miracle Stain Remover

As a consignment store owner, I am constantly trying to keep things as clean as possible and also continuously finding stains on items that come in or have been added by customers trying clothes on.
 
I wanted to share this product with you as I have such a great experience using it. Last summer, an employee of ours suggested this laundry bar soap when things got soiled in the store.

The laundry bar soap she suggested is called Fells Naptha by Purex.  She swore by it and I eagerly ordered it. A bonus about this soap is that it is so inexpensive, at $4.09 for the Purex brand. The cynic in me was skeptical that such an inexpensive bar of soap would take out any stain. But, to my disbelief, this little bar of soap removed stains out of everything I have tried so far!

Even my daughter's favorite sweatshirt that she had spilled Kool-Aid on last July was able to be removed with this handy little bar of soap (it is now March).

Just a good soaking of the area with water and the bar of soap and stains disappear. Using a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush work the suds into the fabric in a circular motion. It helps get the detergent into the fibers of the fabric.

The soap is mild enough for delicate items or vintage. But strong enough that it takes out coffee, juice, wine, deodorant and much more. It even claims to rid of poison ivy residue on clothing which is something I hopefully never have to try out. Another bonus is that it smells fresh and amazing!

I hope that this posting helps rescue your favorite clothing from being tossed due simply to a stain that is hard to remove.

You can buy the bar here.

Enjoy!
xoxo

Christine Sanderson

Our Top Faves from the Oscars Red Carpet 2015

Let's face it, the Oscars Red Carpet is the runway for all the starlets to showcase the newest frocks from designers we love like Dior to Chanel.

Although most of the dresses are stunning along with the ladies that don them, there are a few that stand out from the crowd. At Le Thrift Consignment our staff had fun picking our favorites from the evening, they are shown below.

Christine Sanderson
Owner 

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy

In this ravishing lace number Pike awed the crowd on the red carpet. The scalloped neckline and silhouette perfectly accentuate her curves. Matching strappy red sandals were an unexpected but wise choice to compliment to her look.

Thomas Vaughan
Stylist and Store Manager

Marion Cotilard in Christian Dior

Cotilard pulled off a unique look flawlessly as French women seem to do naturally. This stunning eyelet dress with a black accent was ladylike and dramatic at the same time. A refreshing take on the red carpet.

Lotta Yanong 
Fashion Blogger

Chrissy Teigan  in Zuhair Murad

Teigan stunned viewers with her "Frozen blue" gown adorned with crystals and jewels. Her perfect figure was enhanced by a daring low cut front and slit. Her best accessory accessory of the evening was her handsome hubby John legend wearing a Gucci suit.

Sarena Duncan
Online Merchandising Specialist

Lupita Nyong'o in Calvin Klein

A way to make a statement without saying a word is to wear a dress made from over 6000 pearls. Although we can't expect anything else from Nyong'o whose advant-garde taste and choice of rich textures and fabrics is quickly making her a modern fashion icon.

Marlo Irizarry
Client Relations and Luxury Sales

Chloe Grace Moretz in Miu Miu

Moretz likes to take risks on the red carpet and this is no exception. With the silhouette reminiscent of the 1800's, she gracefully wears this dress with enhanced hips and fun side pockets. 

Eric Michael Clarke
Fashion Product Photographer

Reese Witherspoon in Tom Ford

This elegant Tom Ford dress is a perfect silhouette to enhance Reese's figure and sun-kissed skin. The black accents and dove grey color fabric creates a look is timeless and effortlessly chic. 

Something Vintage, Something New, Something Black, Something Blue!

Consignment is a beautiful way to cash in on your gently loved items. In addition, why not try creating a work of art with pieces that just don't do it for you anymore? You'd be amazed at the results! 

Think blazer. Everyone has one, but let's face it, most blazers are well, just blazers. Nothing unique or memorable. Simply, functional and basic. 

It's time to add some life to your wardrobe. After all, it's your fashion sense so create what you want to! So let's get to it with these two great options for revamping timeless blazer styles for men and women.

1. Women's black cropped blazer 

2. Men's royal blue military blazer

FOR WOMEN:

• 1 women's black cropped blazer with a nice size lapel 
• Assorted copper and gold push buttons with backs 

FOR MEN:

• 1 men's royal blue, or shade of your choice, military style blazer
• Regular, small to medium size gold buttons
• Gold embroidery of your choice; you can stitch, sew, iron or glue it on

FOR BOTH:

Needle, black and blue thread in case needed

Scissors, measuring tape and a flat clear surface to work on

INSTRUCTIONS:
Before getting started you'll want to measure the areas you'll be working with for size and fit purposes. Also be sure to cut any loose threads, stitch any loose buttons etc. We want to be sure we're working with a clean slate!

WOMEN'S:

• Lay black cropped blazer on a flat surface
• Flip lapel and collar up to allow for easy button application
• Choose a side to begin; left or right; this will create control and focus
• Start at the bottom and work your way up one side of the lapel to the top middle of the collar
• Insert one button at a time and secure with back
• Repeat same process for the other side
• The idea is to create a unique pattern with a fully covered lapel and collar detail
• When lapel/collar are down you'll have copper and gold and when you flip it up you'll have silver detail! Versatility ladies!

MEN'S:

• Lay royal blue military style blazer on a flat surface
• Stitch 3 small gold buttons on outer left side of blazer; 6.5" down from collar when flipped up; no button holes necessary this is simply for the military style affect and the unique twist
• There should already be about 4 buttons holes as part of the double breasted blazer style 
• You want to stitch 4 more small buttons along the right side edge of blazer
• This will allow for multiple ways to wear your military blazer
• Next, add your embroidery of choice to pocket/s and cuffs
• And there you have it! A new style to your old look!

Remember that all items listed above can be found at your local fabric store, craft store or resale shop.

This is a fun project for anyone so get creative and be inspired by the vintage and the new; the black and the blue!

 

Until next time, stay fashionable!

Written by S. Duncan

Blazers were inspired and designed by the late, great Darryl V. Duncan