Guest Blogger: Shopping Down Under... the Aussie Way

Since my blog is officially in travel mode this week I thought I would keep the trend going with another fabulous guest blogger post to bring you the best how-to shopping from around the globe! Next stop? Australia with the amazing Sam of The Curvy Girl's Diary. That's right we're going down under for this shopping excursion!

Dressing up Down Under…

Whenever I talk to any of my friends overseas or visitors that I run into, fashion is not something that they mention when they think of Australia. It’s all beaches and backpacking, but thanks to the fab The Embellished Life, I get to introduce you to some amazing designers that are making their mark all over the world... and send you all into an Aussie fashion lovefest.

1. One teaspoon 

Location: Sydney 

Down Under Website: http://www.oneteaspoon.com.au/shop/

This local Sydney designer has been making major headway over the past few years. Her surfer/skater approach to clothing has somehow managed to be tied in with an effortless glam that just screams chic. The designs of one teaspoons founder Jamie Blakely have been attracting major overseas interest and for all you spunks in the US I know it is available online at planetblue.com definitely worth a major look.

2. Sass and Bide 

Location: Sydney

Down Under Website: http://www.sassandbide.com/#/collections/papa_sucre_4_5

Definitely one of my all times favorite’s designers ever! Their dresses are just showstoppers and their jeans just scream laid back vibe meets totally glam. They are a must-have brand among the celebrity-set, the world over, and their accessory range is equally to die for. I would spend my last pennies in this shop! Enough said!

3. Dogstar 

Location: Brisbane

Down Under Website: http://dogstar.com.au/

Think Audrey Hepburn meets Judy jetsen in the best way possible, classic tailoring mixed with some totally off the cuff, deconstructed design makes this label a must-have and a staple in Aussie wardrobes. Their wide leg pants have cult status over here and something I couldn’t live without.

Bryon bay markets 

Location: Bryon bay

Website: http://www.byron-bay.com/markets/

I’m a total market goer, and these markets provide some of the best shopping in this country for up and coming designers and great accessories. It was here that I developed my love of spell designs. Some of the most unique accessories you will ever see and amazing leather work, not to mention their feather headpieces... I literally wanted to walk down the aisle in one! This is just one of the awesome names to come out of these markets and to top it all off, it's 5 minutes away from the most amazing beaches you will ever see.

There is so much I could share with you I didn’t even mention we have entire suburbs dedicated to vintage shopping but that’s a story for another time or you could hop a plane and discover it all for yourself just holler if you need a shopping buddy!

To catch more of Sam hop on over to thecurvygirlsdiary.blogspot.com 

and follow her Aussie adventures!

You can also follow along on Bloglovin!

Guest Blogger: Detroit Shopping from The Damsel in Detroit

One of my favorite things from Fashion Week, was all the amazing people I got to meet, one of which was Hoda of The Damsel in Detroit. Hoda and I chatted for a while about travel fashion and she emphatically filled me in on the wonder that is Detroit shopping! Her hometown is more than the manufacturing hub you may know it as. I love visiting a city and discovering good shopping in addition to the culture I flew there for, and good news, Detroit shopping is rich and plenty! So take a seat for the fabulous Guest Blogger: The Damsel in Detroit!

Detroit's Style Scoop

Car manufacturing, home of Motown, and celebs like Eminem and Kid Rock are some of the instant trigger thoughts associated with Detroit. But what many outsiders don't know is that Detroit is the new black in the fashion playground. Unlike style-studded cities such as New York or Chicago, the shopping scene in the "D" is not laid out in a major strip. The destination shops and designers are scattered across all of metro Detroit.

Hunting for the hidden gems in the area has always excited me! Since the list of hot shopping spots is pretty lengthy, I will try my best to give you a glimpse of the style sanctuaries sprinkled throughout metro Detroit. This urban region includes the counties of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb, which is also known as the Detroit Tri-County area.

In the heart of the city, you may just fall head over heels in love with Sole Sisters, a swank shoe shop that also sells other accessories and some apparel. From $16 earrings to $350 shoes and purses, the trendy boutique has something for everyone (313.831.9013). 

While you're in Midtown Detroit, be sure to check out a fairly new local style shop called City Bird, home of Detroit city finds, from soaps and accessories to jewelry and handmade goods (www.ilovecitybird.com).

If you're looking for the best go-to mall in the area, look no further than Somerset Collection in Troy. From high-end shopping such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus to fast fashion such as Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, you'll find it all at the Somerset Collection (www.thesomersetcollection.com). If you're interested in an outdoor shopping getaway, then explore the Mall at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township. The mall houses nearly 90 distinctive stores and restaurants and features unique amenities such as Bocce ball courts, a TV court and a 30' fireplace (www.shoppartridgecreek.com).

I'm a sucker for a stellar vintage shop, and I consider myself blessed to know a number of vintage connoisseurs in the area. Nestled in the city of Waterford is the ultimate fashion wonderland, otherwise known as Chi-Chi and the Greek. The shop houses the fabulous finds of owners Kelly Johnson and her husband ("The Greek"). The dynamic duo have a special eye for vintage exclusives that date back as early as the 1920s and offer designer duds of Chole, Comme des Garçons, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and many more (www.chichiandthegreek.com). 

 

 

Photographer Daniel Lippitt

Tucked away in the small city of Dearborn Heights, you will find one of metro Detroit's hidden treasures: V-Male Detroit Vintage. The eclectic shop, which sells 50s to 70s vintage clothing, burlesque supplies, wigs and accessories, carries the largest selection of Dead Stock or New Old Stock (Vintage clothing that has never been worn before) in the state (313.299.8899). 

Lost and Found Vintage in downtown Royal Oak is another style-savvy shop that's worth checking out. The tri-level store attracts vintage fashion gurus from all around the globe. Click here to check out a video tour of the shop.

While you're in downtown Royal Oak, be sure to shop the strip and stop into Incognito, where punk meets its pretty counterpart. The wide array of sunglasses, shoes, apparel and accessories are both trendy and tempting (www.goincognito.com).

Check out downtown Birmingham for luxe stores such as Tender (www.tenderbirmingham.com), which carries gorgeous high-end designer finds, or Complex (www.complexmi.com), a two-level, 6,000-square-foot gallery style boutique that is a single space mixed with multiple concepts. Linda Dresner, the noted native metro Detroit fashion designer, also has her posh shop nestled in Birmingham (www.lindadresner.com).

Speaking of local designers, Detroit has a number of fashion mavens making their mark in the city and abroad. Fotoula Lambros of Fotoula Lambros Design is committed to creating eco-chic American Made clothing. The FLD creations prove that a glamorous getup and going green can be synonymous (www.fotoulalambrosdesign.com).

Photographer Lynn Upson.  Model is Alexandra Pasquinelli.  

 

Joe Faris, a metro Detroit resident, who first became a household name on Season 5 of Project Runway, is a co-founder of Fashion In Detroit (www.fashionindetroit.com), as well as the mastermind behind Motor City Denim Co. Faris has taken the first step towards establishing an apparel industry in southeastern Michigan with his clothing line that's made entirely in his home state (www.joe-faris.com).

Photographer Jason Loudermilk

If you're looking for an original outfit topper, tucked away in a 200-square-foot workspace in the city of Southfield, you'll find Lela's Showroom Boutique. The small shop offers a large selection of one-of-a-kind acclaimed designer hats such as Arturo Rios, jewelry, handbags and a wide array of posh yet practical and affordable accessories. Owner Alberta Lloyd's offered statement pieces are sure to turn heads. (248.356.5133, lelasshowroomboutique.com)

An overview of the vibrant shopping scene in the area attests to the fact that Detroit is not dead. Detroit has no intention to take over but rather leave its influential imprint on the fashion industry. Come discover the "D" and explore all it has to offer, one stylish step at a time!

Photo credits also of respective sites and Hoda of The Damsel in Detroit

Well I would definitely call that a bang up job on the Detroit shopping scene. I feel, thanks to The Damsel in Detroit, it may just be a city that I could do some serious damage in! Anything burning a whole in my romper pockets won't stand a chance!

Ready for some Detroit Shopping?

Be sure to follow The Damsel in Detroit for all the hot spots and hidden gems. 

Guest Blogger: London Shopping from BritGirlBondi

With all the Spring in the air, it is certainly the time when we are all thinking of shopping! And what could be better than traveling and shopping? So I have a guest blogger for you today to bring you the know how of the Brits! Here is some London Shopping pointers straight from the expert BritGirlBondi.

So straight from Notting Hill, Helen of BritGirlBondi...

So, Vintage.

There is a lot of blah around Vintage at the moment. I don’t know what it is like in your town, but London ?! Let’s just say this is a bandwagon everyone (including me, I must say) has jumped on. There is “Vintage” everywhere. Got an old T-shirt?! Vintage. Some 1990’s Topshop?! Vintage. What I’m here to do is it say STOP! Say no to bad vintage.

Because, Mon amis, there is so much GOOD STUFF OUT THERE! And here I am, thanks to the lovely Jessica, to tell you where to find it.

I think, like many people, what I love about vintage clothing is the real history around the items that you wear. I love it when you buy a bag and find a dry cleaning ticket from the 60’s. I love it when you buy a military coat and it has Dieppe the French soldier’s name written into the lining.

I lived in London for the last 8 years; Shoreditch, Oval, Clapham, Dulwich, Hackney….. the list goes on. I now live in Sydney, and trust me, if you are lucky enough to be in London then do go on this fabulous trail because I believe there is no place like it for treasure hunting in the world!

1. Spitalfields Antiques

Address: Brushfield and Commercial Street

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

Online at: visitspitalfields.com

Thursdays at Spitalfields is home to the wondrous antique market. Now, I hear you cry, this is not vintage. On the contrary, I think this is the very best of vintage. Old military wares, scarves, postcards, furniture….. When I move back to the UK the first thing I will buy is a 1800’s Union Jack Flag to frame to hang next to some vintage suitcases filled with books.

2. Absolute Vintage

Address: 15 Hanbury Street

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

Online at: absolutevintage.co.uk

Just around the corner from Spitalfields market is the Topshop of vintage. Seriously, anything you need, you can get here. It was voted one of the 100 best stores in the world, and I would have to agree, it’s pretty awesome! It is slightly overpriced, but if you are need of a vintage hit, like NOW, this place makes it so easy it’s unreal. Weirdly though, the website is rather pants, so no great pics to be shared. Luckily I have this picture of this dress I once got this awesome dress from AV…. for $60. Wow wow wow!

3. Sunday Upmarket

Address: The Old Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

http://www.sundayupmarket.co.uk/index.html

There are many reasons I love Sunday Upmarket. Firstly is because I used to have a stall here, where I basically just put my wardrobe on sale before I moved to Sydney . What I love about this place is because many of the stalls are casual (especially on the higher levels…), there is a huge buzz and excitement about the place. People bring their dogs in, and have their friends to their stalls like it’s a social gathering (Well, I did anyway, see pics below of me and stall friends!). There is a specific vintage section to the market on the upper levels, but don’t let that distract you from the rest of the market, especially the cheaper stalls at the bottom!

Oh, and get your money out before you get there, then go for a curry on the famous Brick Lane after!

4. Rokit

Address: 42 Shelton Street

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden/Leicester Square

Online at: rokit.co.uk

I’m listing this place, basically, because it was the place that started the whole Vintage thing off in London , and started my obsession when I was only a wee 18 year London student. This place has a great central location, right in the midst of Covent Garden . What I always found Rokit best at was the Denim; rows and rows of skirts, jeans, and jackets all very well size labelled means its great for an organisation freak like me. Also I knew the staff in there at one point, they are so darned friendly. They really live and breathe what they do.

5. Portobello Road

Address: Portobello Road

Nearest Tube: Notting Hill gate

Online at: pretaportabello.com

{all photo rights to respective stores, EuropeCloseup and Helen Buchan at BritGirlBondi}

I am quite unfamiliar with Portobello Road , as I must say its rather prim compared to my get down and dirty approach to shopping. Also, I find it a bit cluttered with food stalls, and the usual trappings of a tourist destination. However, the small stores around Portobello are just gorgeous, and, if you are feeling lazy, you can just pop online to pretaportobello.com/shop/vintage.aspx. So you can have the real Portobello experience, minus the tourists, at home with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Mmmmm.

So now you know where to go….. I’ll let you in on some top tips:  

1. Haggle at stalls, you’ll always get a bit of money off if you are just super nice, or buy a few items.
2. If you like a stall, compliment it! It means a lot to the stall holder, they’ve been up since 5am making it beautiful, just for you. And you’ll probably get a discount. And if you want to take a photo, ask first.
3. Remember that most stall holders get their items from EBay. So if you can be patient, or know what you want, take the gamble.
4. Remember that Vintage is NOT NEW! Instead of worry about what is wrong with the item, think about how nice the history of it is. I promise you it will make you appreciate it much more!
5. If you can, travel for the Vintage….. the fur and old military ware of the Parisian Markets of Cliagncourt is to die for (excuse the pun on both accounts…) and apparently South America is amazing (all the old school Americana …).

I cannot wait to visit London again now that I have the local's perspec on shopping! I'll just have to really save up...that British Pound really doesn't mess around! 

Be sure to follow Helen's adventures now that she's in the land down under on her blog BritGirlBondi and on Twitter @Helen_Buchan !!

Guest Blogger: LA Shopping from Blonde Episodes

I have another lovely Guest Blogger for you my darlings. Kori from Blonde Episodes is here to bring you the nitty gritty of LA Shopping. When traveling, I love, love, LOVE finding unique stores to scour for interesting souvenirs...no I do not mean stuffed Gorillas with a catchy quip on their t-shirt. I mean souvenirs (meaning: To Remember en Francais!), something that I love in general that is local and unique to the area I have explored, and can bring back with me to make an impact on my closet or my home decor. 

So without further ado, the superbe guest blogger, Blonde Episodes...

Walking in LA

Hey it’s Kori here of Blonde Episodes.  My friend Jessica of The Embellished Life asked me to share some shopping tips with you!  I’m so honored to be here, and to discuss one of my favorite topics: shopping!

Los Angeles is full of boutiques and vintage stores.  It’s one of the reasons I love the city so much.  Although LA has a much more casual style than somewhere like New York, we have our ideas about what’s trendy, funky, and fashionable.

So let’s get started.  These are some of my favorite stores in and around LA:

 1. American Rag Compagnie—150 S. La Brea Avenue Los Angeles 

This is such an amazing store!  First of all, it’s right in the middle of so many fantastic stores.  Secondly, they have great jeans, tops, and shoes that you won’t find anywhere else.  The prices range, but if you’re looking for urban, relaxed style, this is the place.  They also carry several vintage jewelry pieces.

2. Tarina Tarantino—7957 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles

There are two locations in L.A. for this shop.  If you aren’t familiar with Tarantino’s accessories, you are in for a treat.  Rhinestones, flowers, and skulls are just some of the embellishments you’ll see on her rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. 

3. Wasteland—7428 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles

There are several locations in Los Angeles for Wasteland, but this is the one I like the best.  This is the most amazing vintage store.  You can find rare pieces, or even sell your old pieces back to them and get something new.  A lot of the celebrities have been known to shop here and someone even saw Megan Fox recently!

4. Kitson—115 South Robertson Boulevard Los Angeles

You’ve probably heard of Kitson before.  Several of the celebrities shop there, especially since they have mens and childrens wear as well.  This is a really fun place to browse.  They have a lot of cool trinkets and things to look at.  You also never know who you’re going to run into.

5. Bootstar—8493 Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood

Of all the places I chose, this is by far my favorite.  Bootstar is off Sunset, which I love, and has the most eclectic, amazing cowboy boots you could ever ask for.  They feature different, colorful boots that you might not find anywhere else, especially in California.  Old Gringos are my favorite.

Hope you can get out and visit some of these fabulous boutiques.  You can hit them all in one day, since they’re so close together.  I can’t wait to see what you get! 

Love, Kori 

FABULOUS! I cannot wait to make my maiden voyage to our West Coast counterpart. LA shopping is something I feel every fashionista should experience. And I personally want to check out Wasteland and Bootstar wicked bad! A big thank you to Kori for such a great insider's look for travel fashion!

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