Are you feeling a little short on money? Feeling bored with what you see in your closet every morning? Tired of carrying that same boring handbag?
Hello Everyone! Believe me, I was feeling the exact same way– completely tired of everything in my closet. And especially bored with the handbag I’ve been carrying every single day for the past 3 months. It was my lucky day last Friday when I went to my mailbox and found a huge box filled with handbags— from my sister. (Maybe she was reading my mind!?)
This gives a whole new meaning to the slogan “shopping in your own closet.” Pictured above is a cute Kate Spade bag with red handles which will be perfect to use on the weekend running errands. Its sturdy construction will hold up well for me since I tend to over-fill my handbag. (you guessed it, this is the one I’m using now)
Pictured below is a dark blue leather handbag from Banana Republic. This one should work well with jeans and sweaters in the Fall. I usually like something a little more structured but since this one is a freebie I’m willing to think outside the box and give the “unstructured” look a try.
Passing things on we don’t use any longer is a great way to reduce, re-use and re-cycle. Whether we pass items on to friends, family or co-workers it doesn’t matter. Maybe that spare handbag gathering dust in your closet could be a treasure for someone you know.
Anyone else out there sharing clothes? Handbags? Furniture? Let me know!
Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! A few weeks ago I visited Bella Moda Boutique is Encinitas– I know, I’m a little late getting this post out. As you can see, lots of great clothes in a cozy location. I actually visited this particular shop with my 17-year old son in tow. While I was gushing over the scarves, earrings and handbags– my son was looking for the exit. (I did my best to make it a quick trip…)
I like the flowers- pictured above– and especially this bright scarf pictured below. (I’m trying to stop myself from wearing so much black)
I didn’t end up buying anything but will likely go back for a repeat visit– this time for some serious shopping and trying-on.
Located in The Lumberyard Shopping Center in Encinitas, Bella Moda offers the latest trends from dozens of designer brands, many exclusively from Los Angeles, including Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Tag, Ed Hardy and True Religion. You can schedule an after-hours appointment and gift certificates are available.
Here’s a picture of all the scarves I was talking about. Lots of different styles for sure.
Happy Monday! The good news 1 day down and 4 to go until Friday. Just wanted to let you all know about the fabulous shop I visited in Ocean Beach this weekend. I know…. more shopping… feels like I’ve been doing a lot of that lately.
Saturday afternoon I happened upon the Humble Hippie on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. The sign on the door mentioned something about “a comfortable clothing company” so… of course… I had to check it out.
Long flowing skirts, scarves, vintage look t-shirts… it’s all here. I actually purchased a pretty awesome longer top with flutter sleeves to wear with leggings and boots. (perfect for a 40-ish woman– that would be me, in case you were wondering– attempting to hide some minor imperfections….)
So, not only is the clothing quite fabulous but the store itself was a delight. All the fixtures came from stores that went out of business and the “glass” display case in the front of the store was re-purposed from 3 old doors— my recycling friends should be proud! The hanging display (first photo at the top) was a table from Craigslist that was split into 3 sections. Even the rugs were thrifted. Music to my ears! I thought the suitcase display case (below) was unique– I should have asked if this was for sale.
If you’re in the market for some comfy clothes with a modern hippie vibe this is the place for you. (T-shirts anyone?) Bottom line, I had a great time in this store– Dusty– and the owner Wes were fun and cool to chat with.
P.S. you can kinda see my reflection in the door (below)…. Cheers until next time.
— Jody —
Hello Everyone! I had a great weekend and it definitely went too fast. Seriously, I could use another day off. This morning I visited Java Jungle in Ocean Beach for a quick coffee (I forgot to purchase whole bean coffee yesterday which is what made it completely necessary to go out for a coffee). What a nice surprise– this Java Jungle really is a jungle of sorts. Not only yummy coffee but they have some awesome plants as well. (As it turns out– I’m not only addicted to coffee but also buying small plants)
While sipping my Vanilla Latte I browsed the plant collection— I found a nice English Ivy plant for $2.49– lucky day! FYI– it looks cute on my patio and you can’t beat the price.
I found a comfy seat for about 30 minutes for some people watching while I scanned the Sunday newspaper. (I did more people watching than reading…)
Later on, after I was sufficiently infused with coffee I went for a short 4 mile hike to Sunset Cliffs. It was the perfect day. Coffee… plants… hiking… what more could I wish for? Cheers and sending good karma for a fabulous week ahead!
–Jody
Happy Saturday! Just wanted to share with everyone the great “loot” I collected last night participating in the Bead Shop Hop 2012. The event was sponsored by the Southern California Local Bead Store Association. For my part, I visited The Black Bead in Ocean Beach. They gave me a “passport” and it was time to get busy shopping! As you can see, I collected some amazing pendants while on tour. The blue one pictured above is what I bought last night– $7. (I’m using a black cord that I already had)
The Bead Shop Hop was over three consecutive weekends: September 7 thru 9; September 14 thru 16; and September 21 thru 23. A total of 27 bead shops participated in the three southern California regions. With only one day left, I’m not so sure if I’ll get to visit additional shops.
Rules: I got my “passport” stamped at my local bead shop The Black Bead in Ocean Beach and have to turn the document back in to them by Sunday night so they get credit for my visit. I was also entered into a drawing for a gift basket valued at $100.
Special perks: When I walked into The Black Bead I was greeted by some really cool “pirates” who helped me sign up for the free stuff and get the passport set up. I got a cute temporary tattoo (not so temporary as it turns out… one shower later and I’m still sporting my anchor “tattoo”….) and played a game where I drew a bead out of a bag to win a prize. I won a necklace fashioned out of small greenish/white beads that I hung on the rear-view mirror of my car (looks pretty cool). One last thing, they were also giving away small charms– I picked out a tiny pirate chest charm. It’s something I can either wear on a chain as a necklace or attach to a bracelet– I haven’t decided yet.
If I have time for another stop on the Bead Shop tour…. I’ll post a follow-up. This was a fun and relaxing end to my week. Many thanks to the helpful “pirates” at The Black Bead in Ocean Beach who helped me shop!
Cheers– Jody
How many times have you gone to the beach and seen several “dead” flip-flops have washed ashore?! Have you looked at your closet floor and seen a few random flips missing their flop? (me too…)
I want to wish everyone a Happy Flip Flop Friday and talk about—RECYCLING. Somehow I can’t get past the idea of random flip-flops clogging our landfills…
Okay– I found these bracelets online that were formerly flip-flops! Can you believe that??!! Check out Style Substance Soul for more information on their “Formerly Flip Flops” campaign. Here’s the deal:
Bracelets are only $12 apiece or 3 for $30, plus $2 shipping regardless of how many you’re ordering. To order, simply send a check made out to “Four Friends For Good” and include your name, mailing address, phone number, email address and quantity of bracelets you’re ordering. Send your order to StyleSubstanceSoul, 3525 Del Mar Heights Road #582, San Diego, CA 92130. If you have any questions–info@stylesubstancesoul.com. Orders are fulfilled quickly.
Happy Flip Flop Friday! Cheers!
“Keep Leucadia Funky”— I saw this on a bumper sticker recently and it reminded me of a recent jaunt up to Encinitas. For some reason I always end up near The Lumberyard. Originally in search of an iced coffee drink I somehow found myself in deepFling browsing the jewelry. This shop has roots in Sweden which has special meaning for me since my son is now living in Sweden. I can definitely appreciate the quality of the pieces I found. Ah, the handbags…. divine!
I found the quote below on the deepFLING website and couldn’t resist sharing it because it truly captures the essence of this shop. The shop exudes peace and tranquility (I got “lost” searching for jewelry and completely forgot about getting an iced coffee– this is not like me!).
(dēp) To a great depth; deeply (fling) a brief period of indulging one’s impulses.
“That’s what we want each customer to feel as they visit our store; to browse the most exciting and desirable brands from Scandinavia and with our low pressure approach, they can take as long as they want to touch and try on all the different styles.” -Malin Lövqvist Doyle
Oh, and the jewelry…. wow. I have blue eyes and love wearing blues in scarves and necklaces– so naturally I was drawn to the pieces pictured here.
I took quite a lot of photos so it was a difficult choice which ones to post tonite! I really liked the handbag pictured below as well. (Do you notice a pattern here–ha– me and handbags…. you can never have enough….)
Thrift Shopping Buzz 