LOVING MY GOODWILL STREAK // HOW TO THRIFT SUCCESSFULLY

My latest purchase was this beautiful J Crew woolen khaki coat I bought at my local Goodwill near work for $10!!!!! It was originally $19.99, but was on a half-off sale. Can you believe that?  

Seriously, thrifting (or op shopping as us Aussies know it as) is seriously on another level here in New York! Which shouldn't really come as surprise. But I was under the impression that because a majority of financially savvy New Yorkers would have cleaned out thrift stores around town. But boy was I wrong. I have consistently found amazing pieces at charity shops around New York City and Brooklyn. So I have found that these little tips have been really helping me score some good ones. 

• Do a lot of research and figure out the closest/most convenient op shop you have - The more convenient it is, the more you will make an effort to go thrifting. 
• Try and make it there every week. New stock gets on a weekly basis in op shops, so you can always find something!
• Sign up to the newsletter - You will find out about special deals, discounts and opening specials. 
• Get a loyalty card. In America - they even have loyalty/punch cards for op shops. Best idea ever!
• Don't stick to size or gender restrictions. Especially if the store is having a sale, people will not be diligent in returning an item back to its appropriate place - some of the best finds are always hiding in the wrong spots. 
• Hit up the "recently returned" racks that stand outside the changing rooms. Its like a specially curated section of items that other people have deemed worthy of trying on but for some reason didnt work. So when you have little to no time - hit it up first! 
• Find a good seamstress - They can alter and fix amazing op shop items to be more wearable, and chances are these pieces will last a lot longer in your wardrobe. 

And honestly, it doesn't even matter where you in the world, these tips will serve you very well !

Can't get over how much I love this coat. 

Have you got any tips/tricks on how you thrift successfully? 

xx

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NYFW SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE GIRL 'NOT SO' ON THE GO

So not sure if you are like me, but if you also happen to be stuck to a desk/work while NYFW gloriously passes us by chances you are also having NYFW'14 withdrawals. I certainly am - mostly because it is pure irony that I also happen to be in New York this year. But to get the most out the season's shows I have a few helpful links and sites that will keep you in the loop of whats going on. 

Read on for the good stuff.

ESSENTIALS FOR "A GIRL ON THE GO"

Jak+Jil

Howdy! Recently, I was asked by a lovely lady - Bex from The Street Complex - to compile a list of "essentials". I love putting lists like this together, but wanted a theme for my list to center around; and what better theme than an essential list for the wardrobe of a "on-the-move" go-getter. Though I have girl up the tittle there, this list is in actual fact unisex!

I'M KIND OF JEALOUS OF A 5 YEAR OLD.

There aren't many instances where I find myself looking up to toddlers. Although there are some rare instances where I feel that they might just have it better than I did when I was their age / do.

Chloe Clancy is only one of the examples I have. (The other that comes fresh to mind is of course Aila Wang, quite possibly one of the most well dressed toddlers out there). Who is Chloe Clancy? She is the daughter or Christopher and Kelly Clancy - proud managers of the Odd Future crew. Since discovering this bad ass, I am totally in love with her. She is both adorable and super cool with a fashion sense to match her environment and cultural prowess. When not hanging out with some of hip hop's best new talent, she spends her day helping out her parents help manage and promote aforementioned talented crew. Gurllllll you got it good.

I wonder if she needs a baby sitter. Where can I submit my interest?


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WHEN I KNEW I WAS INTO FASHION...

I have been toying with this topic for quite some time now. I have had long and meaningful conversations with people I look up to and admire in our community about this. Discussing with them about the topic of when they first thought they were into style and looking good. With a lot of the people I have met, they wouldn't necessarily have considered themselves to be "into fashion". But I would disagree, I believe that if you have taken the time to think about how you get dressed in the morning - no matter where you're going; work, school, running errands or even to the gym, if you make conscious decisions about how you want to reflect yourself to society, I believe that you care about style and how you choose to portray yourself to society.

RIP GOOGLE READER

Ahhh yes. It truly is the end of an era. Google Reader is shutting its doors to a world of blog and website subscription. Kind of annoyed by the news as I love my Google Reader to catch up on my blog roll, but at the same time excited to get back on to Bloglovin. And that is exactly where you will find A&D listed too :)

Bloglovin even have made it easy to transfer your blog roll on to theirs.

And if you are also a fellow blogger 1) Make sure you have registered your blog on Bloglovin and 2) Leave me the link to your Bloglovin below!  

So make sure you say your peace with Google Reader and switch over to (my preferred method of catching up on blogs) Bloglovin. Follow Amped & Dangerous on Bloglovin by clicking here.

xxx

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DIY CPR: SAVING MY DENIM JACKET

Excuse my grotesque thumb here. 

My hunt for the perfect denim jackets has stretched across not only time, but continents too. And I was adamant not to settle for a wash or style that I wasnt 100% happy with. And I was discriminatory - I searched for old ones and news ones in store. The one that came close was a Levi’s pair - but the boxy shape was just not working with me. But I finally found one jacket that ticked pretty much all boxes. Except for one tiny detail. This is the story of how I successfully saved one of my favourite denim pieces.

FASHION NIGHT OUT US 2013 - HOLD THAT THOUGHT

Some pretty cray cray news came through this morning. Official partners and organisers of illustrious fashion street party; Fashion Night Out, have officially announced that the event will not be happening in the US this year. A country wide event that usually kicks off the NY Spring/Summer Fashion Week takes to the bench, with the event only running in selected international cities. 

Now, this sucks. Because I had the best time at last year's NYC Fashion Night Out event. It was great to be able to rub shoulders with bloggers, celebrities and just generally enthusiastic fashion lovers. You can read about that here and here. Organisers are hoping that by putting FNO US on hiatus, stores and brands can help save monies for more sales friendly uses (crazy...).

But this makes me think about the other "selected international" cities and whether or not they will take FULL ADVANTAGE of this situation. There are still celebrities and bloggers out there that who will want to celebrate the beginnings of a new fashion season. So, I'd be planning big and getting a budget together to get the party happening in said cities. Imagine what a game changer it would be for such a globalised fashion industry (in which we operate in) if you could help take focus away from NY and highlight your own city during such an important time in the industry and media landscape. 

Plan a huge party, get those celebrities and bloggers to you and stream live that shit across the world. Show them you can help fill the New York sized void in 2013. Hey Australia! You reading? 'Cause this was for you. 

Story via Paper Mag via WWD.


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GUILTY PLEASURES: THE STYLISTIC EVOLUTION OF MILEY CYRUS

Yes. It’s happening, I am discussing Miley (Destiny Hope) Cyrus fashion status. Miley’s incredibly nuanced stylistic evolution is one that intrigues me deeply. Unlike a Vanessa Hudgens or Demi Lavato, this Disney alumni’s sartorial changes happened what seemed like overnight. BAM! Haircut Maam, we have a new Miley! And I love her for it! I feel like this a moment in life we all wish we could have, to be able to reinvent ourselves almost overnight. I feel that Miley dresses for herself (something to admire in today's society), and has painstakingly carved (with help) her own signature look instead of blending into the comfort of mainstream fashion.

ESSENTIAL LIST: FOR THE GIRL ON THE GO

Well Happy Friday people! Are we geared up for the weekend? I sure hope you are! Its been another busy week at the A&D headquarters, finalising sales from Suitcase Rummage and starting some brand new projects - but I was stopped mid week by the lovely UK blogger Bex from The Street Complex to answer an important question: What are some of my fashion essentials?

OP SHOP FINDS

A couple of weeks ago I posted a mood board of some inspiration images covering people, prints and colours that were inspiring my dressing choices of late. And with 2013 looming I drew inspiration from these images to add some key pieces to my wardrobe that will carry me through to the spring/summer months. 

I went arm in arm with my Mum and we were both quite successful in our expedition. I knew I wanted to hit up the Endevour Foundation as they were having an "End of Year" sale where a lot of their stuff was reduced to $3!!! So we traveled to the one in Capalaba and on our road trip to Maleny found another on in the mountain town's center. In total I spent $20 for 5 pieces! I decided to bring a camera along with me and filmed some footage in the store. Have a look at how we went:

T-Shirts have been a massive staple of mine this summer. They can be paired with almost anything and I have been experimenting with clashing prints and colours. So this lilac and gold shirt are going to get great use! Now all I need is some denim overalls.

Out of the three piece checked set (which I got for $3!) I kept the skirt, as the other two pieces were pretty damn fugly.

I am so pysched about the polka dot dress and the very Josh Goot like top which I am hoping to pair with some pants I found on Asos. I love thrifting, there is a certain thrill associated with finding amazing pieces for such low prices.

Talk soon!

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OP SHOPPING // INSPIRATION

Off on an adventure for some op shopping / thrifting. Hopefully the money I saved from not spending anything on Boxing Day will come to good use today ;) My inspiration for today's finds:

Definitely big on colours (particularly tropical colours), Azaelia Banks, English Street Style, Tailored, Soft Grunge, 90s, Simple, T-Shirts and such. Hopefully these will take me into 2013.

What are some of your inspirations???

x

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TAG // SUMMERLICIOUS

Tagged to complete the "Winter Favourites" list. But since I am of a Southern Hemisphere geography, I just switched the words Winter > Summer :) Have a read if you're curious about some of my favourite summer and holiday products and pieces.

STYLE: LEMON BREELAND / HART OF DIXIE

I only just recently got into Hart of Dixie, and I am loving the wardrobe and music from the show; my favourite wardrobe belongs to Jaime King's character Lemon Breeland.

DECEMBER 1, 2012 // DIY DECEMBER

• 24 days till Christmas
• 21 days till the “Rapture”
• 30 days till 2013
• 1st day of DIY DECEMBER

We have a ton of milestones ahead of us now that it is officially the first day of the last month in beautiful 2012. And I am dubbing it DIY December (and I am 100% sure I am not alone in doing so) and will be aiming to dedicate December to DIY fantastic’ness. Regular programming will of course continue, but a heavy of dose of DIY will flourish the pages of Amped & Dangerous! From inspirations to tutorials, hopefully I can convert some of you to become DIY fiends yourself :)

There will be some excellent Christmas present ideas and some of my favourite DIYs from the internet as well as A&D’s past! This also means that I am challenging myself to post at least once a day for the whole of December - which I am very excited about!

Wish me luck! Always check to the A&D Facebook page for daily updates too! So make sure you like like like! :)

Look! Even Ri Ri is on board.
xx

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ARM SWAG OF THE LOW MAINTENENCE VARIETY

I am unfortunately not a light traveler by any stretch of the imagination. One of my guiltiest fashion pleasure is to sling my vintage khaki Country Road tote over my shoulders bag wherever I go. It fits all my essentials and more! But apart from this well worn piece of canvas heaven, you can find me carrying my sizeable Fossil bucket bag, which can just about carry everything I need on a daily basis.

So I find it a huge inspiration when I see people only carrying around a small lithe purse/wallet concoction and their phone. Apparently they don’t need to carry around their diary or 1.25L water bottle. This way seems more convenient, light and terribly fashion forward. Its an ideal that I wish I could uphold. But where would I put all my “stuff”?

The first step: I had to downsizemy wallet (no more carrying around those loyalty cards), and only then could I plunge into the world of low maintenance and simple chic. And plus, this seems like a great change what with the hotter months looming. ***Anything to convince myself, of my new ways. 

Purse: Fossil Vintage "Fifty-Four" Coin Wallet • Phone: iPhone 4S

And that's it for today gang, 

Hope you have a fabulous weekend ahead of you - I have an exciting piece of news coming your way tomorrow! Tune in then. xx

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Images: NY Mag "The Cut" • High Snobiety  • Vogue

 

WHEN DID RUNNERS/TRAINERS BECOME SO COOL?

 

Runners; Sport Shoes; Trainers; Sneakers. Whatever you want to call it - they are back and not in a sporty way either.

Walking around the streets of New York, I have never seen the humble sneaker being represented in such high volumes. And they are a fashion item across a variety of fashion genres and lifestyles. From the everyday supermarket worker to high fashion editors, sport shoes are being worn like they are running out of fashion (literally). Which it probably is, I guess. I point the finger at the amazing Susie Bubble for bringing the runners in to the fore front of fashion, via the amazing sports luxe trend from Spring/Summer 12/13.

AGNESS DEYN FOR DOC MARTENS

Trailer for the Agenes Deyn X Doc Marten Collection. 

Together with Alice Delal, Agnes Deyn is furthering the huge movement that is the 90s revival in today's fashionable environment thanks to her collection with Doc Martens. Fitted with knee high Docs, plaid skirts and fleece sweater tops, the new collaborative collection is super punk dudes. 

The collection is solid, and like I said a huge nod to the late 80s early 90s era in fashion where it was cool to hold up your skirt with safety pins and to wear heavy boots to stomp to. But the collection isn't as exciting as I thought it would be... if you scroll through the images it was like Deyn X Doc Martens just went through childhood closets and just duplicated exactly what they wore as a teenager growing up in the 90s. The collection looks dated (and not in a cool way!) and a bit lackluster.

FASHION NIGHT OUT NYC '12

Fashion Week 2012 is truly well underway and it was given a great opening party thanks to this year's Fashion Night Out. Regardless of all the meticulous planning and anticipation, I can almost guarantee that no one stuck to their schedule courtesy of the FNO website. Well I surely didn't. I think next time everyone's expectations would be well maintained if you used the schedules as more of a rough guide and see where the crowds take you. Both metaphorically and literally.

FASHION NIGHT OUT NYC 2012 // THE SCHED.

Image: Jak+Jil / Logo: FNO / My own edits.

 

So yes, if you havent known already, I am in one of the greatest cities in the world, and with great planning made sure that I was here in NYC for its infamous Fashion Night Out event. Its this Thursday across New York (all over the five boroughs) and Los Angelas. And there are some killer listings happening this year.

My Schedule so far includes:

• Phillip Lim: Phillip Lim's co-authored comic book inspired by the latest collection will be up for grabs here.
• Alexander Wang: Because its Alexander Wang.
• M.A.C Cosmetics: Azealia (freaking) Banks will be performing live.  M.A.C are also promoting the lipstick colour that Banks co-created, which I will be getting!
• Coach: Hang out with bloggers like A Pair & Spare, I Spy DIY, Because I'm Addicted and Beckerman Bite Plate while Solange Knowles DJs in the background - what!!!!

Man Repeller just released her schedule, should you feel like stalking her out on the night as well as some of my favourite DIY bloggers; A Pair & Spare and I Spy DIY will be at Coach customising their own bags. But you can also religiously follow the many social media platforms for deals, pictures and links on the go. So its like you're right there in the thick of it.**

Useful/Important Links for a good night out/in:

• FNO Twitter: @FNOnyc
• Mashable's Guide to Making the Most out of FNO via social media (older issue, but relevant!)
• Google Maps (for all my logistical needs - its been a godsend for me traveling around NY!)
• Best for last; FNOLive - for a real time stream of all the amazing images from everyone attending the night both in NYC and LA. 
• Duh >> www.fashionightout.com 

And of course the presence of Fashion Night Out also delivers another amazing event: New York (mother effin) Fashion Week. I have staked out my space for people watching and will be Coffee/Iced Tea in hand with my DSLR poised at the ready. Woo.

If you're in town we should totally hang and get fist pumping to Azelia Banks :D

Talk soon!

**You're not. Lol. JK.

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