Ok, so I still am trying to find the all-useful basic neutral-color comfortable (i.e. stomping around all day on my rounds and not crying when I finally take them off) espadrilles out there that are not a million $. So I just got these:

Right, I know…RED is not what I had in mind. AND I got them at Payless, which is a rare occurance as their shoes are usually very cheap looking, and all the ‘man made’ makes my skin crawl. These however, actually are comfortable, and don’t seem to give me a blister (ok, one tiny one, but it was the first sandal wear of the year - it’s to be expected). Anyway, I took the lower 2 shots of them myself as they are not nearly as cheap and tacky looking as they look online ( I think). The uppers are canvas, and the jute covered heel is a nice touch, and as I paid $20 for them, I think they’ll work.

The other issue at hand here is they only had red at the store, and altho they have them in black on the website, trying on + Payless shoes = REQUIREMENT. They are usually not good shoes for anyone’s feet in general.  Oh, and I have red shoes. More than one pair. In fact, 3 already that I can think of. But these were comfortable, damm them!

Oh and the style is called ‘Tomcat’…as in Cruise??? weird. I ‘ll just ignore that.

Supposedly we will be getting some actual sun here this coming weekend. To start it off I am looking to throw together something ‘hopeful’ (i.e. that there WILL be sun after all here) and simple that showcases a fun straw bag, just like this gal:

We’ll see if this makes some of the clouds depart…

On the same line as yesterday, all I can think about is lounging by the non-existant pool, umbrella-tini in hand, soaking up the rays…with the weather still just about winter here, all I can do in reality is enjoy one of my favorite all-time thrift finds (forgive the pics):

This is a genuine Emilio Pucci from my collection; its from the 60s when Pucci did a line for Formfit Rogers Lingerie Company. His extravagant signature prints were used in a line of beautiful lingerie, slips and loungewear. This lovely number is done is a very silky nylon, and the front has a full length zipper. It was meant originally to be for lounging, or as a cover-up however I suppose it could easily translate to a smashing hostess gown. In any event, this was a rare heart-stopping find and one I love imagining wearing by that darn pool…where IS that cabana boy with my drink?!

Here’s a peek of some of our fabulous vintage finds available to you at Covet Vintage!

I am trying to get the best shoes for summer and am finding this difficult at best. Sandals are always the answer - but here’s the rub, literally. By the time you get them sorta broken in, your poor feet end up toast and you really don’t want to bare them with all your blister war wounds. And they are rarely supportive, like the push for this gladiator trend. I appreciate them, I do. They are simple, they go with everything…but they are less of a sole between me and the hot pavement than a rubber flip flop in most cases. Especially for some of the pricier ones I have seen. Um, $200 for 3 strips of leather? I am thinking totally different. After getting onto the espadrille bandwagon last season late, I discovered they are amazingly comfy, classy and retro chic. You can go 50s w/a printed skirt (Roman Holiday, anyone?) or my fav; platform ‘espys’ with your wide leg jeans for that 70s vibe. The search, however has so far been fruitless. These are ok, I’ll keep looking…

No seriously, our store is up and running and we want everyone to know we sell and ship internationally! With our experience at our Ebay Store ‘Ezpickinz’ we have been selling and shipping vintage to just about everywhere:

Thailand, Singapre, Norway, UK, Japan (lots!), Brazil, Italy (with no problems to date!), Israel, Sweden, France…and many more!

So keep that in mind - we just ask that our international customers email us for a shipping rate FIRST before buying.

my 40s suit: here I am wearing a vintage Lillie Ann Skirtsuit. Lilli Ann was started in San Francisco in 1933 by Adolph Schuman, naming his company for his wife, Lillian. The company became known for their beautiful, elaborately designed suits and coats. After WWII, Schuman went to France and it was during this time that the labels had “Paris” added to them. This suit most likely dates from the late forties with a high waisted skirt, short jacket and a huge black velvet portrait collar. The jacket has an attached bow at the back, very cute! now I just need to go out for tea….