Annimal House

Hello, hello I'm back again!!

2012-04-20T10:11:00.005-07:00

Did you miss me? I've been MIA but have a good excuse as of late! I, along with my friend Danielle rescued a two week old kitten! We were at the Stockton flea market last week and there he was, laying in a cardboard box in desperate need of mother's milk. We sped off on a mission of mercy, buying kitten formula and stopping at the spca for guidance. A foster effort quickly became an adoption as my husband and I welcome the wee tabby boy into our home where Garloo will have two big brothers and a big sister too! He's a pound of fun and got in on the action for my latest outfit post!! The Mod Male himself requested a photo of my scalloped jacket as he posted a similar outfit on his blog recently. So here it is, and if you wanna git down with some killer mod men style, you know where to click!
60s Penelope of Carmel suede jacket, thrifted many years ago $3
60s wet look mini dress, ebay many years ago $25
60s-70s thigh high suede boots, ebay many years ago $40
60s Pucci velvet purse, ebay two years ago, $200
60s Italian sunglasses, ebay last year, $40
Bakelite ring, a few weeks ago at the Sacramento Antique Fair, $45

Bouffant Want

2012-02-26T17:31:00.003-08:00

I have wanted big hair for years, achieving different heights over time via wigs, falls and teasing too. As a 5'2" woman I really like the vertical boost a bouffant gives me. I had Laurel at Alley Cuts blow and bouffant set my hair Friday night and Sunday afternoon it still looks good, with minor straightening and teasing for maintenance needed. I could get used to having my hair professionally done more often, it's nice to find a stylist who gets what I want and gives it to me too!
60s psychedelic pink blouse, $20 ebay several years ago
Topshop hot pants, $50 ebay a few years ago
60s-70s lace up go go boots, $75 ebay a few years ago

Pucci Forever!

2012-02-19T14:33:00.002-08:00

Found fit to wear for all eternity, Marilyn Monroe was buried in her 60s green silk Emilio Pucci dress. I recently treated myself to a similar dress in pink, and it is indeed very comfortable to wear. The spanx pantyhose I'm wearing underneath it is another story however! Fortunately not all of Marilyn's beautiful Puccis followed her to the grave, and in fact many were auctioned at Christie's in 1999. The rack photograph (with several Pucci gowns shown) was taken prior to the auction of Marilyn's wardrobe. My dress is very similar to the one hanging on the far right, minus the exceptional provenance of course!!

60s Pucci pink silk dress, $120 ebay a few weeks ago
60s faux Pucci purse, $15 etsy last month
60s pink metallic stiletto heels, $30 ebay several years ago
60s cool ray sunglasses, thrifted a long time ago

Style for Eyes

2012-01-31T20:04:00.001-08:00

A few months ago I got new pink lenses put into some vintage sunglasses frames I already owned. I trusted Style Eyes to do great work and they certainly did. I had asked another optometrist shop to adjust these same frames and they failed repeatedly, but Gloria made them fit perfectly within minutes! Although I had a vintage pair already in my possession for new lenses, I was quite tempted by their designer selection too!

60s sunglasses, $10 ebay a while back also worn here
70s green furry hat, $7 thrifted last summer
60s wool and angora sweater, $1 church sale last year

Outfit inspiration: The Abominable Snow Monster

2011-12-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

Our region's semblance of a cold winter is upon us, so I have been wearing this fuzzy jacket to keep toasty warm. In doing this, I was fondly reminded of the Abominable Snow Monster from the classic 1964 stop motion animation Christmas special, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. I always had a soft spot for the Abominable Snow Monster, he's just lonely and hungry out there in the bitter cold ass North Pole! In the true spirit of the holiday season, I like to overlook the Abominable Snow Monster's ferocious flaws and focus on what a cute beast he really is!

May your holidays be filled with loveliness warmth and cheer, thanks so much for visiting Annimal House this year!

Love,
Annimal and Stanimal

70s furry beast coat, $15 thrifted 5 years ago
Vintage 70s mini dress, $30 ebay a few weeks ago, also worn here
Cheapo vinyl gray shoes with carbon fiber look, $16 ebay last month
Vintage Furry purse, $15 ebay last month
60s sunglasses, $5 Sacramento antique fair a few years ago

Outfit Inspiration: The Nauga Monster

2011-12-18T17:59:00.001-08:00

I've long been a lover of the sweet Nauga Monster, and I was fortunate enough to adopt two of Stan's Nauga Monster children as my own when we wed. I also take outfit styling cues from the Nauga, as I am here wearing a recently acquired vintage Naugahyde dress. I got myself a few early gifts this year, these vintage Christian Dior sunglasses rating very high among them. Although I am pleased with these new treasures I have been having a hard time transitioning into the holiday cheer of the season as our beloved cat Fang has been taken from us. We hold out some hope he may be found but shelter and online searches have come up empty. We really miss our gentleman tuxedo cat, we were so lucky to have had him in our lives for as long as we did.
vintage Naugahyde dress, $10 ebay a few weeks ago
DKNY wet look shirt, $4 thrifted last year
vintage Christian Dior sunglasses, $100 ebay last month
chain earrings I made out of old stuff that was cheap
Goldielocks the cat, priceless

Zandra Rhodes for your consideration

2011-12-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

At first I thought this gown was a knock off of Zandra Rhodes original textile design. But upon better inspection I found it to be an authentic ZR piece. Upon even further inspection I found it to be listed for a rather high price on the “first dibs” website. I am intrigued to see what an ebay buyer would be willing to pay, so I listed the gown there. I still have 7 days left on this auction but I can't wait to find out how much I can earn to help abandoned cats with this pretty gown! Liz over at Vintage a Peel owns the holy grail of ZR items, a lipstick print pair of trousers that are currently in an exhibition in London no less! And being the historian extraordinaire that she is, you may also view a scan of the original magazine editorial image from 1969 on her blog as well!

Thankful To Be Giving

2011-11-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

This year I am beginning to build what will be my non profit organization to help cats in need. The Annimal House Foundation will sell choice vintage goods for the benefit of homeless cats. I have a few auctions going up on ebay this week to help finance my first project. I need to remodel my garage to make space to sell items through my soon to exist website. Also the remodeled space would serve as a home for my first client, Goldilocks. Goldilocks moved into our yard last year but cannot seem to get along with my tabby siblings Tiggy and Tiger. So he refuses to stay indoors, but hopefully if he had his own indoor space he would feel differently. He sleeps outside on our heating unit inside a large mailbox with blankets. He has been fixed and gets preventative treatment, but I really wanna hook him up! I can't ignore the problem of cat overpopulation as it literally is right at my doorstep. So with the Foundation I endeavor to help these deserving fur-babies! And find good homes for some groovy gear. Speaking of which, I am here sporting:
Vintage 70s mini dress, $30 ebay a few weeks ago
Vintage 70s fur hat, $10 ebay last month
Vintage 70s western cape, $15 ebay last month
Vintage 70s go go boots, thrifted a few years ago
Vintage 60s sunglasses with new pink lenses from Style Eyes
Commando tights, $34 online

Pucci in the boudoir

2011-11-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

I am happily obliging my dear friend Kerry who requested I do an outfit post in the boudoir of my latest vintage Pucci, a snuggly quilted bed jacket! I bagged this beaut last week on ebay for 30 bones! I admit to quite a collection of vintage bed clothing and underthings, as I enjoy dressing up to go out as much as dressing up to stay in! An item such as this should see the outside of my home at some point though, as I have enjoyed wearing nightie items out and about in the past.

Holly Harp

2011-11-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

Today at the monthly Sacramento antique fair I crossed paths with this lovely Holly's Harp gown. The seller parted with it for $50, and it's a really nice piece I already enjoy wearing. It's no surprise that the bias cut cuddles the figure as Holly Harp is known for romantic goddess construction. I included a scan from People magazine February, 1977, featuring Holly Harp and celebrity friends wearing her designs.

Bonjour! Gucci, est que vraiment vous?!?

2011-10-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

Found a fall 2008 Gucci at Thrift Town for 6 bux yesterday! Really loving this dress, it pairs well with some fancy sandals I got at Crimson and Clover a few months ago. My furry olive hat and tapestry purse round out the outfit, and multiple bracelets, rings and necklace top it all off. This is only the second Gucci I have ever thrifted! Have you thrifted much designer lately?

Crimson and Clover, over and over!

2011-10-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

Gonna sound like a broken record but guess what? I love Crimson and Clover! Still do, and have since they opened shop or rather, reopened what was also once another vintage clothing boutique. They are located close to my werk so I like to hit em up on the regular. It's pretty embarrassing to admit but last year I went there two days in a row one time! BUT, I found the raddest upholstery fabric that Nicole just put out on that second trip! My sad ass target ottoman was wrecked and needed a rebuild. I'm pleased with the results and it was eight bux very well spent!

70s hat, twenty bux on ebay
70s dress and 60s bracelet, 20 bux and 16 bux respectively, Crimson and Clover
70s spacey ring, gift with purchase from Smashingbird!!
70s cork ans leather sandals, 10 bux Sacramento Antique Fair last month, seen purchasing here

Another trip to the Anntique Fair!

2011-09-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

All the usual vintage clothing and accessory hoarding you have come to expect, now on film! Today I shopped at our monthly antique fair and took direction from Stanimal to produce this hard hitting mini documentary! Scores caught in action include a 60s psychedelic dress for $5, a Miss Magnin for I Magnin dress for $10, a descoware mini oven, super mini oven, super big au gratin and small au gratin all in good condition for $20, 2 60s plastic blob lamps for $40 and $45 each, and an orange funky snack set from the 70s for $40. Also I nabbed a green plastic purse made of links for $10 and another velvet printed clutch for $10, both 60s or 70s era. There is gonna be more where this foolishness came from cuz we had fun and are just getting started!

The right place at the right time

2011-09-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Many a weekend is spent by my husband and I trolling for vintage treasures, hitting up garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets alike. A few years ago a neighborhood garage sale proved especially fruitful, as I scored one of my most valuable vintage designer pieces by none other than Rudi Gernreich! I had found some wonderful items at this woman’s sale and was chatting with her about them. She was happy I liked her old things so much and that I actually intended to wear them. She then remembered that there was another bag in the basement she wanted me to look at too. Her husband went and grabbed it and in addition to about 30 more great pieces was the Rudi. She asked $20 for the lot and of course I didn’t bargain! She even took down my contact info in case she found more stuff! I kept hoping she would call but she never did. And now I have an amazing piece of her history to treasure always! Check out Couture Allure's post on Rudi, and the killer dress she has listed for sale right now!
Rudi Gernreich dress, less than $1 at a yard sale several years ago
Charles Jourdan gold boomerang heel sandals, $100 ebay last year
Purple suede purse, $8 thrifted yesterday at SPCA thrift

It takes a village...

2011-08-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

to raise a drunk! Here’s an example of buying someone else something you really want to keep working out really well! I bought this Roach deadstock iron on for my husband several years ago. I was going to have it put on a t shirt for him but he could tell I really wanted it so he said I should put it on a shirt for myself. I’m glad I got to keep it cuz I think the village drunk is really cool, and people always tell me how much they like him when I wear it. Plus, since my husband doesn’t drink too much it would be false advertising, but when I wear it fair warning!

Repro lace up suede boots, $80 Urban Outfitter’s clearance a few years ago
Orange leather belt, $25 bought in Florence 6 years ago
70s orange Baruffaldi racer sunglasses, $1 thrifted several years ago
80s children’s acid wash jacket, $.50 thrifted
Contemporary corduroy skirt, $4 thrifted
Repro ringer tshirt with vintage 70s village drunk t shirt iron on $30

Head over heels

2011-08-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

I completely fell head over heels in love when I saw this crazy printed dress. I’m a sucker for a novelty print especially of the psychedelic variety. My obsessive, er, diligent ebay searching has brought many odd and lovely things into my life and this funky little number is certainly no exception! The print is amazing and the cut is equally inventive, coupling a corset front with a long and short sleeve hybrid I had never before seen. It also boasts the best in synthetic fabric types, a silky feel that is totally machine washable. I expect to get a lot of wear and many stares outta this one!
60s maxi dress, $65 ebay last month
60s beige cut out suede go go boots, $50 ebay several years ago
60s-70s green furry hat, $25 ebay last month
60s Italian sunglasses, $10 Sacramento antique fair last year

Cha cha heels

2011-07-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today’s outfit brought to you by the letter B, as in Bella of Citizen Rosebud. You know she has a killer blog showcasing her fearlessly fantastic style, but did you know she sells on etsy now too? Well now you do! I bought this brocade top as I knew it would be a nice addition to my obscenely gluttonous wardrobe! The upcoming Divine documentary has reminded me to wear my cha cha heels more, precisely because nice girls don’t. Can you think of a better reason than that?

vintage 60s springolator cha cha heels also worn here
Black Springolator pumps $10 Sacramento antique fair a few years ago

Crème de Menthe

2011-07-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Another mention of our local monthly antique and collector’s fair as I'm wearing a dress I bought there last month for $5. Mint colored 60s lace dress in minty condition? Yes, please! Also wearing leather late 60s/early 70s lace up go go boots. This outfit was tested out on the dance floor at a recent Fleshtones/Troublemakers show, and it held up to the boogie rather nicely. I need to be able to move with the groove so not all outfits make the cut!
Mint colored 60s cotton lace dress, $5 antique and collector’s fair last month
Late 60s/early 70s lace up go go boots, $50 ebay about 10 years ago
Vintage enamel pendant signed Inga, $15 ebay a few months ago
Goldielocks the cat, adopted us last year, priceless

Top Ten!

2011-07-03T18:04:00.000-07:00

Becka of Smashingbird fame has bestowed upon me the top ten blog award! I am paying this award forward to 10 bloggers who are stylish and inspiring (and I wanna know what stuff they use to look so gorgeous!).
Desiree
Pull Your Socks Up!
Sarah
Misfits Vintage
Jennie
Frocktasia
Carrie
Carried Away with Vintage Gourmet
Bella
Citizen Rosebud
Helga
Helga Von Trollop
Kerry
Fashion Farms and Freedom
Anika
By Anika
Dusk
The Dusk Zone
Nikki
Little Bits of NikkNakk
I am asked to divulge my top ten beauty products, so here goes:
T3 tourmaline flat iron, great coarse mane wrestler.
Coco Mademoiselle perfume, I tried the rest, it's still the best.
Mac foundation brush (I used cheapo drugstore foundation but the brush is the best tool to apply it with).
Mac eyeliner brush with Mac fluidline eyeliner.
Maybelline stiletto mascara.
Hask pure shine hair grease.
Kms molding paste.
Neutrogena 90 spf sunscreen.
Olay definity face lotion.
Revlon nail hardener.
Outfit details:
70s cotton flower dress, $12 Kerry via Crimson and Clover
60s beaded crochet bag, $20 Smashingbird Vintage via Etsy
Modern new bcbg sandals, $25 Citizen Rosebud sale
80s Express belt, thrifted cheaply many years ago

Bitch Switch (Flipped!)

2011-06-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

I’m doin a don’t and you know I will even though some won’t!! I’m defiantly wearing these sandals again after I received unsolicited advice that they were all wrong in my last outfit post via a stranger in a facebook group. Stranger sez: “Love the dress and the price you eventually got it for, but the shoes seem too heavy for the fabric and dress style. I'd try dusty purple or olive green green or light brown pumps, ballet slippers, or sandals with very thin straps and beading. The dress is boho style so think boho shoes. A look is not just about the garment, it's also the accessories. hugz”. The fallacy of this person's argument is her assumption that I’m hoping to approximate a trendy nuevo boho look or to please strangers. I’m a personal style blogger cuz I want to share my personal style, not because I seek sartorial critique. So to this person’s comment I responded: “I like the shoes with the outfit, but to each their own.” So here’s to owning your look, whether or not it rings someone else’s bell!
Clod hopper sandals, MIA seen in previous post
70s dress $25, ebay several years ago
70s Avon pendant, $6 thrifted a few years ago

Lady in waiting

2011-06-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

When I read about the Celia Birtwell line for Express in 2008 I was skeptical but intrigued. As I work within walking distance to the mall which had (has?) an Express store I popped in for a look. I liked the fit of the dress and the print, and the quality was not as bad as I thought it would be but I wasn’t kickin down $128 either. I jotted down a note for things I look for on ebay and forgot about it. Then about a year later I looked for it online and found it brand new for $30 including shipping. I threw down the low bid and no one else jumped in. I’ve worn it a few times since, it’s nice and cool for the sweaty dance night I had planned. If I find something new I like I will lie in wait for it to pop up on ebay for cheap as this dress did. I’d love to get an original someday but wouldn’t have worn it with as much drunken abandon as I wore this repro Saturday night!
Celia Birtwell silk chiffon dress (2008 reproduction) $30 ebay a few years ago
70s Sarah Coventry pendant, $15 ebay several years ago
Mia platform sandals, ebay $65 including shipping last year
70s sunglasses, made in Italy, $8 Sacramento Antique Fair last week
eight ball zucchini squash and lil oranges, growing in my garden

Unexpected gifts and random acts of radness!

2011-06-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

I won two blogger awards, a blog contest, and got surprise gifts in the mail! Hot damn, instead of sittin here writing this I should go buy a lottery ticket so I can quit my day job!! First off I was recognized for my thrifty outfit savvy by none other than Debbie Baker Burns of Thrifty Girl Vintage! She bestowed upon me the blogger luxury award. Check out her blog and see how she makes a dollar holler, Kentucky style! Next up the lovely Greek goddess Dimi of Little Witches/Tiny Wizards awarded me the irresistibly sweet blogger accolade! Being that Dimi is so very sweet herself I am very honored!! Then I was randomly selected to win a gift certificate to Smarty Cats etsy store by the adorable Nikki of Little Bits of NikkNak! Nikki is a local girl who makes bein a lil bit look so good! I had the pleasure of hangin with her at blogger meet ups and I am stoked to be her friend. Check out her online shop too, she is parting with killer clothes and accessories you may need to adopt!! Speaking of adopting, I was perusing Smashingbird's etsy shop and had to make a vintage turquoise beaded purse mine. Well, as a bonus for being her first etsy sale I got a surprise hat, shirt, and ring too! This recognition has been the icing on an already totally sweet cake! Thanks to my friends in blogland for making the magic happen!
70s Hawaiian maxi dress, $6 Goodwill thrifted a few years ago
60s atomic ring, Smashingbird bonus gift, FREE, WHEE!!
60s repurposed aurora borealis ring, Smarty Cats etsy gift, FREE, WHEE!!
Modern new bcbg sandals, $25 Citizen Rosebud sale
60s beaded raffia purse, thrifted cheaply a long time ago
50s bakelite ring, $20 ebay last year
60s cha cha aurora borealis bracelet, $16 crimson and clover last year
70s green glitter sunglasses, $20 ebay a few years ago

A little less conversation…

2011-06-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

...a little more action!! This is my homage to the King, as Elvis rocked the jumpsuit like no other! I wish I had a custom tailored Nudie like rock royalty, but my 70s wet look jumpsuit will have to do. I’m a sucker for studs so I added this studded belt and my 70s studded jacket. Of course I needed to top it all off with my 70s Cool Ray Polaroid sunglasses! These are perennial favorites of mine, the frame style is called fastback. And when I wear them old ladies always like to tell me Elvis wore sunglasses like those, like I don't know that already!!
70s wet look jumpsuit and 70s Cool Ray Polaroid sunglasses, thrifted cheaply a long time ago
70s studded jacket, last seen here
60s gold stiletto boots, $50 ebay several years ago
studded brass and plastic belt, free with purchase at a vintage clothing sale last year
Sally Hansen gold glitter nail decals, $7 at the drugstore, these rock!

And the winner is…

2011-05-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

Smashingbird!! Her name really says it all, Rebecca is as sweet as she is switched on! You must check out her blog and her etsy shop too!! Rebecca was one of my earliest followers and supporters and I was ecstatic that she liked my stuff as I had lurked around her blog for quite a while too! Even though she promises to hop across the pond someday to party with me in California AND steal a beloved Pucci dress I'll still love her to bits!! What a fitting recipient to win my celebratory vintage necklace giveaway! Thanks to everyone who follows, comments, likes Annimal House on facebook, twitter or just lurks! You all rock the house, I'm so stoked you came to my party!

A closer look…

2011-05-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

at, what else?, one of my favorite vintage dresses! Mrs. Bossa did a killer blog post recently highlighting me and fellow fashion bloggers discussing our thoughts on dressing for our body shape. In response to her query, “Should we dress to flatter our shapes?” I wore this, an empire waist maxi dress. I am quoted as saying that if I like something I’ll wear it anyway. I am a pear shape, and when I don’t emphasize my waist I look heavier. But I don’t care, I wear shifts and tent shape dresses all the time. They are comfortable and easy to move in. And I like to be able to overindulge on food and drinks and not squish my swollen food baby in the process! I did want to show a close up of the print of the dress. I love these botanical novelty prints, and they are especially suited to a garden setting such as mine! So what do you think? Should you only wear figure flattering clothes or whatever the hell you want? It’s obvious what side I’m on!
70s botanical print maxi dress, $35 ebay a few years ago
60s glass cabochon necklace, $3 thrifted about 10 years ago
70s american optical sunglasses, $10 Sacramento antique fair a few years ago