Velvet and Paneling

I love those rare moments where I find something in the back of my closet that I've completely forgotten I own!

 

 

Although I'm not a "matchy" sort of gal, I was surprised to find that this vintage blazer (bought a couple of years ago), had lilac details that were a spot on match for my Free People mini. While a lovely color, this hue of lavender is actually fairly hard to compliment. It's very dusty, (not quite mauve, not quite lavender, not quite grey) and most colors tend to clash head on with it, (which is why it's remained in the back of the closet for the past year).

But this jacket forced it into submission. The spot-on color match between the velvet panels and the skirt lace work hand in hand.

I met a friend for lunch, (one of the most amazing hairstylists in the biz I might add) and even though minis look better with heels, I opted for flats. (I'm still nursing that humongous bruise on my left leg).

Despite that, short skirts and flats can still be flattering and fun. And if you're worried about appearing "pear shaped" just drape a hip length blazer over your top, like I did. For fun ideas on mini skirt pairing, visit FreePeople and checkout their spring array of mini's here.

Skirt: Free People, Jacket: Vintage, Gladiators: Jeffrey Campbell, Tank: Sweet Claire

With Love,

Noa B

Rockin' the Etsy World

Happy Wednesday All,

I was out hunting for some vintage housewares when I spotted this neat tunic at my favorite thrift store. 

A little boho, a little Indian looking. Perhaps even a little "Winter Kate'ish". At $10 it was a no-brainer.

 I'm digging the side slits and the floral print feels very current.

Because it's busy, I went with the world's easiest pairing. A basic, white Tee.

 Fringe, Hat, surf spray in the hair. Done.

I'm always inspired by what I find secondhand. And you can be too. This week I'm inviting my readers to visit my ETSY store, where I'll be putting everything on sale for Sunsetand5th followers. Utilize promo code SUNSET20 and receive 20% off everything store wide. You can find fabulous pieces (some of which have been tailored by yours truly), at great prices. Below are some looks that I've rocked, all of which are available on Etsy. Remember, it's vintage, so each piece is one of a kind!

You can snag my own, personal version of a Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired dress. 

Or this unique, pleated babydoll.

How about some retro tunics and silk blouses with beading!

Tunic: Vintage, Leggings: American Apparel, Tee: Old Navy, Heels: Vince Camuto, Bag/Choker: Boutique, Hat: H&M

So if you love vintage too, come check out what's for sale and grab what hot before they're gone.

With Love,

Noa

Cocktails on a Monday Night

I've been waiting to see a dear friend for what seems like months now. If she's available, I've just booked a job. When I'm not shooting, she's on a movie. We've been doing this dance since before Thanksgiving. But I'm so gratefull that last night we finally made time to meet up. We must've sat over dinner for nearly 4 hours!

 

 

We met on Melrose, and It was nice to have a reason to wear something funky. Like this new Free People, "Peacemaker" dress which is my latest indulgence. I rarely pay full freight for anything these days, but I just couldn't resist this fishtail number, It's so Boho, (which is my favorite of all styles and the one in which I feel most like "me").  It also comes in additional colors! (See the site link here). A quick trip to the manicurist also brought out some new colors, as she proceeded to add a solitary, silver nail to my otherwise teal green gels. Fun!

These amazing, thigh high kicks were purchased back a couple of years ago, and I realized they really hadn't ventured out of my closet. We all need to make our own, special occasions. And what's more special than seeing a friend whom you haven't sat down with in months? This requires GOOD SHOES! Namely, suede and grommet, pirate booties!

Dress: Free People, Boots: Sam Edelmann, Clutch: Target, Earrings and bracelet: JewelMint, Hat: H&M

Dinner, drinks, friendship. All in a day's work. What did you do last night?

With Love,

Noa B

(Not) Mellow Yellow

I found this fun, acid yellow blouse at my local Marshall's for a song. I've been wanting to experiment with more color in my wardrobe. Usually for a gal like me who lives in black and "neutrals", color is defined as beige or taupe or an earth tone. But not today!

I opted to pair studs both on my shirt and shoes. Mixing metal hardware with camo green has been a favorite staple of mine for years.

Despite a NASTY bruise up and down my shin, I threw on a skirt and heels. A girl's still gotta play.

Skirt: Zara, Blouse: Moon Collection, Heels: Donald J Pliner, Earrings: JewelMint, Sunnies: Nicole Miller

And play I shall! Happy Monday!

With Love,

Noa B

Sunday Brunch

After being apart most of the week the hubs and I were reunited at 3AM this Sunday morning. When we recovered from sleep deprivation, we headed out for an impromptu lunch with family.

 

I'm delighted that the weather is finally allowing me to don some dresses. (Although living on the west side is pretty much an automatic default to a light jacket year around). I love this khaki number I found back in 2010. I had no idea then that military style coats would be such a hit for so many seasons. Sometimes fashion runs behind the game as well as ahead of it.

 Under my big coat, some vintage turquoise and carnelian...

And we're off!

Dress: Vintage, Boots: Sam Edelmann, Jacket: Tulle, Bag: Le Sak, Necklace and Ring: Vintage, Israel

Happy Oscars Weekend!

With Love,

Noa B

Vintage Leather with a Dash of Mod

Happy Friday everyone! It's been a fun and productive work week, and now that I'm over (both) being sick as well as a week of shooting, it's time to usher in a weekend filled with three of my favorite things: Sushi, movies, and a little vintage, furniture shopping. (I cannot wait to go trolling)...

And speaking of vintage, I pulled this leather number out of the back of my closet. It hadn't seen the light of day in months, but when I received these kick-ass booties in the mail I knew they would pair beautifully with this older find.

I'm in LOVE with these mod inspired booties. They just scream Austin Powers. And these babies just went on SALE at ShoeMint for $39.99!! You can still nab them in almost every size, (and in two different colors) here!

 Since I'm already putting on vintage, I might as well add the 60's bling.

Skirt: Vintage Thrift, Heels: ShoeMint, Blouse: Zara, Earrings and Vintage Ring: Israel, Sunnies: Calvin Klein

Vintage skirt, vintage baubles, and some vintage "inspired" kicks. It's the right clothing to get me in a vintage shopping, frame of mind!

Have a great Friday, and don't forget to enter my Tart Dress Giveaway, ending tonight here!

With Love,

Noa B

Sweats on a Cloudy Day

Ever have one of those days where wearing sweats out felt really appealing?

I have. To make your sweats a little more chic, try for a Raglan sleeve to dress them up. I'm digging how popular they're becoming as it makes them easier to find.

Shorts: Sanctuary, Sweater: Zara, Heels: Vince Camuto, Earrings: JewelMint, Bangles: Vintage

Beading. Embellishments. Grommets. Raglans. How do you love to work your sweats? Let me know! And don't forget to enter my giveaway here. A new dress from Tart can be yours!

With Love,

Noa B

Little Touches: Home Furnishings on a Dime

Furnishing on a budget is something I've always had to do. And with multiple moves in three years, the Hubs and I are becoming really adept at doing it on the fly. These are some of my favorite "little touches" we've picked up along the way over these past couple of months.

• Chair: Modern Nook, $1399: Our price negotiated on a floor model in Korea Town, $400!

•  Glass Vase: Marshall's, $15.00. Candle: Z Gallerie Outlet: $5.00

• Shag Print from store: $795. Our price to reprint at Kinkos + Self Frame: Under $70.00! 
• Z Gallerie Mustache frames at Outlet: $7.00 each.

• Mid Century Sleeper Couch, All Modern.com similar, $1999: UrbanOutfitters.com: $650.00!

• Lamp: DWR Similar, from $189-$3995: Ikea Price: $89.00.
• Saarinen Table: Rove Concept $999: Ikea: $199.00.
• Eames Molded Plastic Dowel Chairs: DWR $499 each: Overstock, sale+coupon: 6 for $400.

•  3 Day Blinds quote for kitchen, $2500! Custom shades from Blindsgalore.com, $400, set of 3!

• Glass Ball Lamp, Ikea: $60.00 for 2, "As Is" section
• Framed print of "A Single Man", (gift from friend). Ikea Frame: $30.00

Starting an herb garden... Trader Joes, $10.00.


With Love,

Noa B