A Flea Market Find

When I went to the Antique Garage a few weeks ago, (see post from August 2nd) I bought this great suit for $20. I like to call it a jumpsuit but the top and pants are not connected.

The suit is nameless and the studded platform heels are Jeffrey Campbell

-Sarah Jane

Statement Shoes

On Thursday August 11th, my mother and her friend went sightseeing (via the grayline double-decker bus) in our very own NYC. With vigilant eyes I watched out for the LF store to see if their annual summer 60% off sale had begun. And yes...they were having their private event, which definitely meant the sale would start the next day.

That Friday afternoon I hit the 5th avenue location between 19th and 20th street. The line was scary long to the fitting room so I tried on a heap of clothes right out in the front of the store. Ha! I was not as successful as I had hoped to be but did find a pair of denim shorts, a knitted lacy white top and a pair of Jeffrey Campbell PLATFORM OXFORDS!

Fashionpad.blogspot.com

I believe that all the women and girls who wear these oxfords will be making a statement to the world, saying "I can work these shoes!"

Inspired by Prada?

Style.com

-SJ

My new goodies

Some time ago, I posted about clogs. I know what you're thinking and yes...I did get a pair of Dansko clogs. Funny, the sales clerk told me that clogs are mainly worn by doctors and nurses- the absolute last job I would want to have. I have been needing (more like wanting) clogs since they came back in style about two years ago.

Have you noticed that clogs have been the basic design for many brands who have taken the shoe much further. Look at Free People and Anthropology.

Tell me what you think. Do you have a pair? What do you wear it with? I was thinking flared jeans. I'm excited.

-Sarah Jane

The Antique Garage

The Antique Garage is a wonderful market that sells almost every old thing under the sun. "The Antique Garage has been attracting thousands of shoppers each weekend since 1994 with 100+ vendors on two floors selling eclectic antiques and decorative arts–paintings and prints, vintage items including jewelry, handbags, fabrics, rugs, and furniture, every type of fine silver item imaginable, and more" (Annex / Hell's Kitchen Flea Market).

I went there a year ago with my sister and Aunt and found some great vintage pieces. One of them was this suede skirt for $20 dollars.

I wore it to the Opera with this Dominican Republic top and a wrap around belt. To top it off I wore suede brown boots (not shown here).

My sister found this white lacy skirt.

The Antique Garage is located at 112 West 25th street between 6th and 7th avenue. It is open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year from 9am to 5pm. Please check it out and tell me about your finds and what you think of these two skirts.

-SJ

Summer Inspiration

Graffiti (Google)

Ruffles by Emma (Google)

Kate Moss for Topshop

I needed more inspiration than ShopBop this summer so, I turned to my one and only amazing sister, Laura Elizabeth. Laura is all about photography. She has quite the eye for picturesque scenes, lighting and detail and uses an SLR camera to capture almost every possible moment. In her spare time, Laura searches online, in magazines and in books for stunning photos, which she then prints or cuts out and pastes in a sketchbook. Laura gave me some of the photos (above) she found online that inspire her, and now, intrigue me.

Loved this Teen Vogue editorial (from a long time ago)! Nika rocks those sporty heels.

Nika wears a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, about $428. Nike Sportswear shorts, about $65. Gucci leather backpack. Mary Kate Steinmiller bracelets, about $60 each. DKNY sneaker pumps, about $205.
(www.teenvogue.com)

Cosmic Wonder dress. Christoph Broich for Cooperative Designs leggings with cutouts, about $280. Form blue leggings, about $195. Lanyard necklace, about $165. Ash sneaker heels, about $209.

(www.teenvogue.com)

Hey Shorty

Now that 100 degree weather has hit the states (and the rest of the world), its time to pull out our shorts. I just went through my closet the other day and had the moral support of my mother because as we all know, that is not an easy task. After a mound of "give away clothes" was piled on my bed, I came to realize that I only have two pairs of shorts. There lies a problem here. Looking online at ShopBop.com, I was inspired to get a taste of some new summer attire.

See Shopbop.com if you need some new summer wear. I certainly need to.

If anyone has a store or online shop that has great shorts...do tell.

Thanks for checking out The Pearled Penguin.

Will write again soon.

-Sj

Is Ralph Still Living in the Past?

On New Years Eve, I celebrated my Mother's birthday by going to the Frick museum with her (a place she has wanted to go for years with my siblings and me). It was such a dreary day-black snow on the streets, frowning faces, and a grey sky. Luckily, my mother and I managed to have an enjoyable day.

photo from cpp-luxury.com

Upon leaving the Frick museum, she asked "do you want to go to the new Ralph Lauren store?" Well of course I did! Right up the block was the beautiful white mansion, transformed into a multi-floored, high end clothing store fitted with gleaming chandeliers, elegant glass cases to display peacock feathers wrapped around silver jewels, a winding staircase and gossiping salesclerks. "The mecca" of all Ralph Lauren stores in New York City displayed numerous collections, but from the eye of a shopper, it seemed to be based around one main design. To me, Lauren has created a signature look for himself -his collections never stray far from shear flowery fabrics, whether on the runway or on store racks.

Fall 2010

Spring 2010

photos from style.com

I think it is time for Ralph to think a little outside the box. I do love shopping for vintage items but when I walked into his new store, I had a difficult time finding something new, young and unique. I felt like I was in an antique clothing store (perhaps that was the idea?) He rests on the line of simplicity especially when compared to Marc Jacobs or Oscar de la Renta. Perhaps it is time to go for something bigger. Or maybe he is already so deep into the fashion world, that whatever he creates will be adored. I would certainly like to know.

-Sj