Closet Hound

Hello 2012!

2012-01-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

Vintage purse & scarf, H&M blouse, American Apparel pants, Jeffrey Campbell shoes

I feel like I'm always apologizing for my absence. But this winter holiday has been a whirlwind, and it passed by so quickly. It's 2012, happy belated new year everyone! 2012 is sure to be a fun year - I now find myself a week away from Italia! I'm really excited to go study abroad in Milan, especially ecstatic about the fact that I'll be in Milan during Fashion Week in mid-February. What freaks me out more is that I'm basically 6 months away from graduating Berkeley, and I still have no idea what to do with my life. Time to start job-seeking, and if you know of anything you think I'll be suited for, please let me know ;)

While my future may be hazy, I'm extremely proud of my sister, who is officially now a future lawyer! She just received her acceptance letter for Boston University's School of Law, and we both couldn't be happier! She is still waiting on other schools, but it's nice to know at least one school wants you for their law program.

These photos were taken atop a parking structure in Old Town Pasadena. I'm frantically looking behind me in the latter photos because I heard the elevator, and was making sure no strangers would walk into my mini-shoot. I am too self-conscious to be a blogger, foreal. In another news, I love that these American Apparel pants actually give me a real bum - they are miracle workers!

xo Sherrie

Berkeley Visit

2011-12-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

I had a chance to go up to Berkeley a couple weeks ago to attend Sherrie's last FAST show, and it was amazing (as you can see by scrolling below). I also had a chance to meet the lovely and beautiful Kathleen, Rosa, and Anisa! They're both just as lovely and chic in person as they are in the blogsphere.

Coat: Crossroads; Shirt: H&M; Trousers: Crossroads; Shoes: ShopRuche

I wanted to show off this gorgeous, gorgeous coat I bought from Crossroads. It was only 7 dollars, and I am heads over heels in love with it.

- Sharon

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

We wish all of our dear readers the happiest of holidays and a happy new year! We hope you're celebrating them with the people you love most, and wish you all the best. Thank you so much for following us, especially since I know we disappear so many times. We appreciate every little comment, and we'll do our best the next year to be more active.

- Sharon & Sherrie

FAST Fall 2011 Show

2011-12-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

This post is way overdue (like my last one) but on December 5th, Fashion and Student Trends (FAST) at Berkeley hosted their Fall 2011 show. I designed a 5 piece collection for them, and at the moment it's hard for me to describe the concept for my designs. I wanted Pride & Prejudice, but I got modern bridal dresses. But it was still an amazing experience, and I could not have ended my time with FAST in a better way.

Braids were super popular this season (I think four other designers put braids in their models' hair). All my models (sans one, because she rocks a pixie cut) had two french braids down the sides of their head, which finished off in a fishtail braid that went over their shoulders.

These BEAUTIFUL pearls are from Viv & Ingrid, a Berkeley-based jewelry company that sponsors FAST and were sweet enough to let the designers borrow their jewelry. Totally wanted to run off with them.

These photos are from Caliber Magazine.

- Sherrie

Overdue post

2011-12-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Floral corset from F21, Floral pants from Urban Outfitters, American Apparel cardigan, Urban Outfitters scarf, H&M floral clutch, Aldo oxfords.

These photos are way overdue, but they are of me at the American Apparel Flea Market in San Francisco about a month ago. Their flea markets are great for basics - I bought two pairs of leggings and a bathing suit; but if you're looking for particular unique pieces (i.e. chiffon button-up sleeveless shirt), good luck finding it. Otherwise, the AA flea market is amazing; it's basically a huge warehouse filled with clothing that you can browse through, at a pretty fair discount from normal AA prices. So if there's one held wherever you are, get at it. Score some good leggings.

I really want to apologize for the lack of updates. But I've been preparing for exams, moving out, and going abroad for a semester in Italia!! But do expect more outfit posts, because I will be super bored during winter break. And of course, expect more pictures of me in Europe because I'll definitely be lugging my camera around with me everywhere I go.

I really can't believe I will be graduating from college soon. I will miss Berkeley a lot; I don't feel at all ready for the real world, or job searching, or leaving academics. I'm sure no one feels at all prepared for this kind of transition. I really need to get this out of my head and focus on exams. But seriously, if anyone knows of any job opportunities/internships in the fashion industry, let me know. I'd be eternally grateful!

I'm super excited for the holidays. Anyone else?

- Sherrie

Recovering From Vegas

2011-11-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

I just came back from Vegas for Veteran's Day with a group of amazing, lovely, un-dramatic girl friends, and Sherrie. I'm still recovering.

This photo was taken after a lunch date with a couple friends. I found a new photographer (my super lovely, smart and talented friend Lina), so cheers to more outfit photos. This blog will finally be a joint effort, as it was intended.

- Sharon
Photographer: Lina

Birthday Photoshoot

2011-11-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sherrie: Top - Alexa Chung for Madewell; Skirt - thrifted; Shoes - Elizabeth & James
Sharon: Top - Anthropologie; Skirt - H&M; Shoes - UrbanOutfitters

I know I've been MIA for a long, long time. But for good reason! I've been focusing a lot on applying to law school, and school in general, as well as work, and all of that is starting to wind down. My amazing, lovely, talented, and incredibly funny photographer friend Lina gave Sherrie and I the most thoughtful and perfect gift package: a photoshoot. And I love, love, LOVE these photos so, so much. Can you tell us apart?

PS: Do you love, or do you LOVE, Sherrie's shoes? You're welcome sis :)

- Sharon
Photo Credit: Lina

On the phone

2011-10-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Vintage shirt, AA cardigan, thrifted American Eagle denim cut-offs, Urban Outfitters booties, Urban Outfitters waffle knit scarf.

I can't really explain why one hand is perpetually in my cardigan pocket whenever I'm on the phone. But I was on the phone with my boyfriend, who is traveling so much right now for medical school interviews. He's been to Chicago, NY, Cleveland, Atlanta, Nashville, and Pittsburgh since September. Even though that's a ton of out-of-pocket $$, I'm still super jealous of all his traveling! These pictures are also from Day 3 of the weekend I spent in San Diego with my sister, Sharon. That weekend was dismally cloudy, but cloudy skies provide great lighting for photoshoots (according to my sister's photographer friend, Lina). Sharon has this usually-empty walkway by her apartment, and usually-empty walkways are my fave for outfit shots! Bloggers who know me know that I get so awkward in public if people stare at me whilst photoshooting. Can't bear their stares.

- Sherrie

Treasure Island Birthday

2011-10-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

F21 maxi dress, H&M coat (shown below), F21 hat & Aldo oxfords

As you all know, I just celebrated my 21st. My boyfriend was sweet enough to take me to the Treasure Island Music Festival in San Francisco. It was amazing! I only knew one band that was playing: Death Cab for Cutie. But that definitely doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the other acts there; really, really loved Friendly Fires. I don't think I've ever seen a crowd (or a leader singer) dance so much during an entire performance (see: Friendly Fires - Paris).

The weather was gorgeous that day, albeit SUPER cold at night. Even though everything was overpriced to death, I still had my share of festival food, including Crab Garlic Fries. It's just garlic fries covered in crab meat and dungeness sauce, but it was so delicious.

Death Cab played a good set, but I was disappointed that they mostly played songs from their 2 most recent albums. Will always love their pre-2006 stuff, especially Transatlanticism & Plans. T.I. Music Festival is definitely way smaller than other ones: it only had two stages, and there was always one act playing at a time. Hopefully it grows to attract bigger acts.

Edit: Scratch that - needed to remove my ebay links for a really, really, happy reason to be formally announced soon-ish ;)

- Sherrie

Hat trick

2011-10-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

Vintage blue dress, AA cardigan, vintage bag, Rachel Comey shoes, and H&M hat

I haven't much to say about these photos, other than the fact I tried really hard to get a photo of me about to catch my hat in mid-air. Not as easy as it sounds (does it even sound that easy?) unfortunately :/ Thank you to Anisa for taking these photos, and Kathleen for throwing me my hat over and over again. I really wish this post were more exciting! But better (and funner) posts are to be expected: I'll be going down to San Diego this weekend to celebrate my 21st with Sharon. Hopefully I get some shots of Sharon because she is basically M.I.A. in this shared blog

- Sherrie

Happy Birthday to Us & Giveaway Winner!

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship."

~ Margaret Mead

As much as we argue, we honestly cannot live without each other. Who else is lucky enough to have been born with their best friend? It seems appropriate to flood this post with some photos from our childhood, but before doing so, we'd love to announce our Birthday giveaway results! The giveaway result was chosen randomly, and we're very excited to announce that the winner is...

Rachel of Le Style Child
Congratulations! We'll be emailing you soon with details for claiming your prize. Here's a reminder of what you won, in case you've forgotten ;)

Vintage Coach bag.

Thanks to everyone for entering our first giveaway! And now to our baby photos. Before anyone asks, yes our mother almost always dressed us alike.

Flea Market Fun

2011-10-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Bucket bag from Shopbop, American Apparel black maxi dress, thrifted lace crop top, Aldo oxfords, F21 cuff

I've always wanted to go to a flea market, and last Sunday I did. The Alameda Point Antiques Fair is amazing and I can't wait until I get my own apartment space to decorate as I see fit. First thing I'm going to do is fill it with cute little antique lamps, like that birdcage one. I'm expecting several more flea market trips like this one in the near future, even though my NEXT THREE Sundays are basically booked up: my 21st birthday, San Diego, and Halloween in Palo Alto. Why are flea markets only on Sundays?

First four photos and last photo c/o of mah homegrl, Anisa.
- Sherrie

Psst... have you entered our birthday giveaway for a vintage Coach bag yet?

CLOSED!! Birthday giveaway!

2011-10-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Edit: This giveaway is now closed! Winner will be announced on Monday, October 17!

Our birthday is coming up soon (October 17), and we decided to share our special day with our beloved readers! So what better way to reward the loyalty (and fashion sense) of our fellow bloggers than with a fun giveaway? This will be our first Closet Hound giveaway, so we hope the item we chose is something you will all like.

Vintage Coach bag

Everything is better when it's fun-sized and vintage, isn't it? This bag has actually been hanging out on Sherrie's wall for quite some time, unused, unloved and unappreciated. It's black leather, and was refurbished by Urban Outfitters (as a part of their Urban Renewal line).

To enter, the rules are simple:

1. Follow Closet Hound!

2. Comment here with a valid email address (so we can contact you if you win!).

To make the giveaway fair, the winner will be decided randomly.

The contests official starts now, and entries will be accepted for 10 days (until October 13). Winner will be announced on October 17! Tell your friends ;)

Alexa for Madewell

2011-09-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Vintage polka-dot top, H&M trousers, Rachel Comey shoes

On Thursday I met Alexa Chung, who was debuting her Madewell collection in San Francisco! She is too cute in person, and looked exactly the way I expected her to look (this is by no means a bad thing). I bought the Cora Dotted Shirt (it's currently sold out!) from Alexa's collection, with which I could not be happier. But after looking at the collection in full on the Madewell website, I regret not trying on the Bunny Dress. I may buy this dress eventually, hopefully before it sells out.

I attended with Anisa (who provided first three photos. Thanks, love!) and Kathleen. And I must say that I really, really do love hanging out with these ladies. I think we all started our blogs about a year ago, and met each other online (which isn't as creepy as it sounds), and I can proudly say that the blogging community is one of the best things about keeping a blog. Do any of you feel this way?

- Sherrie

NYFW Spring 2012 Review

2011-09-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

I'm stuck with prepping for the oncome of the school year, but that is not going to stop me from enjoying NYFW (well, it will impede me slightly, but not totally stop me).

Some of my favorites so far from this season:

Prabal Gurung

According to Sherrie, up close detail shots of this collection practically flooded Tumblr, and I understand the appeal. I love the sheer and the black and the colors. And I would love a skirt where 1/8th of the bottom is pure sheer.

Preen

I'm mostly in love with the, I guess, nearly literal interpretation of colorblocking employed in this collection/endpretentiousness. But honestly, this is gorgeous, and I would love a skirt/top in that colorblock print.

Rodarte

Rodarte. Ugh. Of course. Sherrie really did nag at me because I didn't realize at first that the prints were lifted from Van Gogh's work (I'm sorry! I look at the overall, not the specific). But this is really, truly, a gorgeous collection. Not as innovative or as creative as their past seasons, but still amazing to look at, and I'm very sure the work is flawless.

What were some of your favorite collections/looks from NYFW?

- Sharon
Photo Credit: Style.Com

Ebay listings

2011-09-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

(Closet Hound will return to their normal fashion blogging after this message:)

I'm doing a ton of closet cleaning to prepare for studying abroad next semester, and I'm selling some really unique pieces I've found in secondhand stores (or just things I feel like shouldn't go into the musty donation bin at Goodwill or Salvation Army). Most of these are starting at $9.99. I have 12 listings, and 2 are ending soon but they haven't been bid on, so I'll probably re-list. The most popular one has been my Anna Sui x Target dress. Look, bid if you like, or just tell your friends (espesh if they're vintage hounds.) I can answer all questions via comments on this post, or via ebay.

Vintage 70s chunky, knit sweater, One Size

Anna Sui x Target Blair-inspired lace dress, size S

Vintage pleated cream, sheer silk shirt with a crochet collar, size S-M

Vintage twig-print blazer kimono, One Size

Vintage floral grunge tie-waist dress, size S

Vintage floral printed button-up jacket/top, size S

Vintage southwestern print Jane Ashley jacket, size S-M

Shop My Closet! (links to Ebay.com)

Edit: I feel like such a pusher, but here's a super fun fact: The Jane Ashley jacket shown above was featured in Clothes Encounters "Fall Fashion Trends" video here!. It's not the exact jacket, but... if you like Jenn's last fall outfit, bid! And I feel like I have to say this disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Clothes Encounters.

- Sherrie

FNO SF

2011-09-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

H&M coat, F21 dress, vintage green scarf from ModCloth, Jeffrey Campbell "Jenna" shoes from Nasty Gal, American Apparel clutch. Photo by Anisa.

With Deanna and Anisa. Left photo c/o of Anisa.

Left: With Kathleen, Deanna, and Anisa. Right: Finally met Mallory and Whitney of WhitWatWear.

Thursday night was Fashion's Night Out in SF. Not that much fashion, but a lot of first impressions and really great girl time. I wanted this American Apparel clutch in orange, but it's sold out in that color everywhere. I've been perusing NYFW via style.com and I'm obsessed! Color blocking, contrast collars, gorgeous floral prints (especially Jason Wu's metallic petal print), and Rachel Comey's cable-knit-screen-print that I want on a t-shirt. Alexander Wang is today, and it's streaming live at 5p.m. EDT at www.livestream.com/alexanderwang. I'll be there, sadly watching it behind my computer - it's the closest I can get.

- Sherrie

Labor Day weekend

2011-09-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

Vintage silk blouse, thrifted bag, Jeffrey Campbell 'Pluto' shoes via Nasty Gal, BDG jeggings

Spent a fun day of shopping with a new pal Laura, Anisa, and Deanna. Went to LF for a 60% off store-wide sale, H&M for Labor Day steals, and then to the Salvation Army in Chinatown, Oakland for discounted already-dirt-cheap clothes. All in all, a really good day.

Have a good, long Labor Day weekend for those of you in the States!

First couple photos taken by Anisa, who always makes me crack up during awkward shoots. Last three photos taken by Deanna

- Sherrie

ModCloth Tea Party

2011-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Left to Right: Micaela, me, and Deanna. Wearing a vintage gold lace dress & AA slip.

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the ModCloth Mad Hatter Tea Party for a sneak peek at their new fall collection. I arrived with Anisa, Kathleen, and Deanna, and ended the day with a delicious dinner at Palomino's with those three ladies as well as Chanda and Cindy. The wonderful people at ModCloth also bestowed upon all attendees handpicked vintage scarves as parting gifts! I love vintage scarves, and can't wait to wear mine as a turban or a necktie. I also cemented my love for color-blocking this season after seeing Natalie's gorgeous shoes (pictured above). As of now, I'm on the lookout for: (1) A bright orange clutch; (2) a white leather clutch; (3) silk, vintage color-block shirts. As cute (and delicious) as the tea party was, I wish I weren't so awkward around many well-dressed, beautiful people. I love meeting bloggers, but I can never bring myself to actually approach them and gush about how big of a fan I am.

- Sherrie

Berkeley Trip

2011-08-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Dress: Forever 21; Brown Jacket: Valencia Community Thrift Store; Shoes: Sherrie's (I think they're from Forever 21)

This is a belated outfit post from when I went to visit Sherrie up in Berkeley a couple of weeks ago. I love Berkeley; honestly, if I were given a do over, I would choose to attend Berkeley instead. I love the stores, and the food, and the transportation systems, and San Francisco, and the people, and just everything. I would honestly love to live there when I'm older, at least for a few years.

Until then, I guess I'll just have to keep crashing at my sister's house for several days just to experience it's amazing atmosphere.

Also! Quick question for all your flea market professionals: I'm planning on attending the PCC Flea Market this upcoming 1st Sunday of September and the Rose Bowl Flea Market the Sunday after. These two will be the first flea markets I've ever been to, so any advice on how I should conduct myself there (i.e. what to wear, what to bring, what to expect, best places to look, what time I should go/leave, etc.) will be really, really appreciated! I want to maximize my time there as much as possible.

- Sharon

Oops, forgot a title...

2011-08-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

vintage red shirt, Cheap Monday jeans, Forever 21 heels

Sorry for the long hiatus. Summer has been long, and super busy.

I've spent most of my summer shopping, especially at thrift stores. So far, I've been to the Valencia Community Thrift Store, the Berkeley Goodwill on University Avenue, and Buffalo Exchange on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. So far, the Berkeley Goodwill has been the place where I've found the best steals. Valencia Community Thrift has a huge selection, but no dressing room, and very few steals. Buffalo Exchange is pricey for a secondhand store, and most of the things on the racks aren't the vintage pieces I'm looking for.

I've also found so many amazing vintage ebay stores. Let me know about your favorite thrift stores (especially ones in the Berkeley/SF area) and your favorite vintage ebay stores! I love to find new places to shop!

Awkward Return/Kate Middleton

2011-08-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

This is my super belated apologetic and humbling hello to any of our readers that still happen to visit our blog. Sherrie and I do love and appreciate you all (if any still exist).

Spring Quarter was a wreck for me, a wreck from which I'm still recovering (studying for the LSAT's, work, and school all became too overwhelming); and then, my laptop decided to malfunction. But everything is fixed now (hopefully, my fingers are still crossed that my laptop won't let me down again because I'm not 100% sure I solved the problem).

Until then, I'm still obsessed with Princess Kate (or Duchess Kate), months and months after her fairy tale wedding. I hate how the Royal Couple's North American tour is over. I could literally spend hours just clicking through all her outfits (see examples below):

- Sharon

FAST SP 2011 Show: Expose

2011-05-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the FAST Sp 2011 Show (hence the title). I designed a 5 piece collection, and was featured along with several other student designers from Cal. It was so exciting, and it was my second semester designing so I was a little less frantic about everything. I'm so much prouder of my collection this season than last season, and I had the best time backstage all the models, designers, and FAST crew! Everyone looked fantastic, and I can't believe how talented our own students from Cal are.

Dear Kathleen, I saw your twitter about considering designing. DO IT. You'll be amazing at it :)

Cleo in a floral romper.

Terra, the FAST pres, and me in Thrifted Liz Claiborne Silk Button-up shirt, Steven Madden clogs. I love, love, love Terra's shoes!

And here is Stephen Sun's amazing photography from the show!

- Sherrie

Bay Area Blogger Meet-Up

2011-04-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Warning: Picture heavy!

I know I've been MIA. But I've been so busy with the FAST show coming up, my internship, and impending finals. Sharon has been shouldering all the blog grunt work (I love you, sis!), so here I am, finally, with a post! And an exciting one, at that. I just came back from the Bay Area Blogger meet-up that Jess of Stylepint arranged. There were so many Bay Area bloggers, but I wasn't able to get everyones info there! I mostly hung out with Kathleen of Inspirafashion, Deanna of A California Dreamer, and Brittany of Work It, Berk. Most notably (at least to me), Aimee of Song of Style was there, and so was Jennie of Going West. I met Micaela of The Drifter and the Gypsy, Gillian of Parler, Manger, Rire, and her sister Kate of Clear the Way as well. I feel like I am namedropping too much, so here are photos:

Brittany snapping photos of the super stylish Kathleen

Brittany is so shy.

Love her crochet top and her kimono!

Micaela, who is so adorable!

Deanna, in her gorgeous blush blazer and super long, model legs!

Bloggers rounded up by Brittany!

More bloggers! I only know one their names- Jennie, on the right. Do you recognize any bloggers?

The bloggers. I should make this a game: "Name that blogger!"

Food from Andalu's!

Micaela, Deanna, and Kathleen.

Jess raffled off prizes! Super sweet of her.

Deanna won a shirt! And OH Kathleen, I love your expression here <3

Gillian & Kathleen.

A blogger sporting a ring from Nicole Ritchie's Winter Kate collection. I have always wanted this ring!

Micaela snapping photos of Kathleen & Jess.

Tiffay's amazing 'do!

Me and Kathleen. I love this girl!

If you happened to be there, and are in one of these photos, let me know! I didn't get the chance to really meet everyone there.

- Sherrie

Celeb Style: Coachella 2011

2011-04-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

We haven't gone missing! We're just really busy. And while I'm meticulously trying to decide when I can have time to eat and sleep for the next five weeks, thousands and thousands of lucky insertwordhere are in Indio, CA, enjoying a weekend of music, expensive food, blistering heat, and celebrity sightings.

The last being my favorite part of music festivals.

- Sharon
Photo Credit: Just Jared