Friday, October 15, 2010

Big Hair



My friend Gia decided to take on a challenge. A challenge I don't think anyone would be able to do with my hair, but I will allow her to attempt. I'm so in love with Tracee Ellis Ross's hair. It looks so effortless and easy going. I want it!!!! So Gia, I hope you can pull this one off. Good luck!
I will post pictures if it's a success.

Drum Roll Please.... My Birthday Dress!!!!


My birthday dress!!!! Amazing, I know!!!! I can't wait until my birthday now! Three weeks until my best friend Angelica's 21st birthday!!! We are going to have an amazing time. Can't wait to be able to have drinks with you girl!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

My SDV Experience

Once again, Sammy Davis has inspired me to continue my blog. This weekend I had an amzaing time in New York. I got to meet up with a friend and visit the Sammy Davis Vintage Showroom!!!!!! Unfortunatley, I don't have any pictures to document the visit but I'm sure Sammy will be uploading footage to her YouTube channel soon. It was fun trying on all of her vintage dresses and blazers. Just when I thought I wasn't going to celebrate my birthday, she pulled a black sequin dress for me that she knew I would love. And she was right, I fell madly in love with it. It fits me like a glove and accentuates all the right curves. It was made just for me! Everything Sammy pulled for me looked so good on. Too bad I had to leave some of them behind. (tear) I ended up leaving with 2 dresses, a blazer, a belt, and a handbag. All complimentary of SDV!!!! I hope to visit her again soon to snag some more of her amazing finds. Check back soon for pictures of my black birthday dress from the SDV showroom. Yea, my birthday is 49 days away, but I can't help but be excited.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Oma Vintage



Where are you from?
I grew up in New York City - Manhattan for most of it, Brooklyn while I was in college.

What university or college did you attend?
I attended Barnard College in Manhattan and studied English with a minor in Art History.

What inspires your style of dress?
I am inspired by lots of things. Comfort, ease, patterns, unlikely juxtapositions and textures. I find inspiration in the people around me, in fashion magazines, design houses, my mother and grandmothers, old men in the park. I guess you could say I have more of a bohemian vibe than buttoned up, but my style has certainly matured with age. I'm more comfortable now in heels and a trench coat when it's appropriate.

Were you always into vintage clothing?
I have been into vintage since I was a kid. I guess it started with hand-me-downs and playing dress up in my mom's closet. When I lived in NY during high school, I'd hit the Lower East Side and parts of Brooklyn to scour for vintage stuff. It was an obsession before it was a profession, certainly.

What inspires your blog?
I never thought I'd be one for blogging - it all felt too exposing and personal. It's also hard for me to be diligent and do it everyday. So I've made it a habit - try and blog every single day about anything that strikes me. I've also been photographing my life like crazy (since I got the gorgeous Canon 7D) and it's inspired me to share more. The blog is very natural, I try not to plan it out, I just sort of roll with it.

Do you also do photography?
I don't do photography in an art sense, but I do shoot all the photos for the Etsy shop and personal ones just for fun or for the blog. I'm definitely learning a ton though, as an amateur, and hope it shows in the photos!

What inspired the name of your boutique?
The name of my boutique was inspired by my grandmother. Oma is the German word for Grandma, and it's what she preferred to be called (she moved to the states from Germany as a child). She said it made her feel younger. She is a huge style inspiration for me and I thought it suited the vibe of the shop, which is all about recycling the clothes our grandmothers wore and making them our own. She was a ballet dancer and model in NY in the 30s and 40s - a truly incredible style icon.

How and why I opened a vintage boutique?
When I moved to Philadelphia after college I began doing a lot of hunting and thrifting and started collecting more clothing than I could keep for myself. I started selling it online on Etsy and it was growing. I found this location and thought it'd be great to give it a shot as a storefront. I've always been entrepreneurial at heart and was ready for the challenge of owning my own business. Though we're closing the storefront in the next week, I don't view our time here as a failure. I learned invaluable lessons about business that I will take with me on my next endeavors. I plan to continue the online shop indefinitely until I potentially relocate to a new city. A lot of things are up in the air right now, which is exciting! I can't wait to see where I end up.

Thanks Ada!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

New Discoveries

You never know what you can find unless you open your eyes. On my lunch break on Friday, I decided to go for a walk to get some air. Being from Jersey, I know very little about the Philadelphia area and what it really has to offer. On my journey I see this amazing, modern community with apartments, boutiques, restaurants, pet shops and so much more. There is a bowling alley and lots of parks with great art. Northern Liberties is what it's called. I had no clue about this part of town. What community do you know that has a jumbotron in the town square? All the ESPN you could imagine. Any sports lover's dream.














Sincerely,
Silent Tulip

Friday, August 13, 2010

MJ Inspires


Woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Waking up a1 5a.m. is not an easy task. But thanks to Michael Jackson, he helped me start the day off just right. Butterflies, one of my favorite songs. Well back to work!


Sincereley,
Silent Tulip

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Sammy Davis Vintage

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Lancaster, Pa.? Fashion, bright lights, taxi’s cabs? Probably not. This didn't stop Sammy Davis from dreaming big, nor did it stop her unique sense of fashion.

“What do you do when there’s nothing to do? It’s not a lot of events and it was around the time when I got my license. For me, it was like; let’s go to the Salvation Army and thrift shop,” says Davis. Davis became involved in planning her outfits for school. Like most fashionistas, Davis wished she had Cher's [from Clueless], clothing program. “I would write down all of my outfits and keep track of it. I wouldn’t wear the same accessories within two weeks of each other.” She was voted most unique dresser in high school. “It was an art form,” says Davis.

Davis also had a passion for writing. “I am going to be the future editor for The New York Times,” said Davis. At 16, she became involved in journalism through her high school and local news paper. This inspired her to major in journalism at Temple University. “I went into magazine writing with the thought of becoming a fashion editor for a magazine”

Davis landed her first job with Hearst Digital Media. “It was an amazing start in New York City,” said Davis. For Davis, the passion was not there. She realized she was not driving the passion she had for fashion.

She now has a fashion blog, web show, an online shop, and so much more. Davis has a TV show on lemondrop.com, an Aol website. She is starting to do more on air appearances. “I want to be an expert in fashion and have web series on fashion,” said Davis.



Davis is focusing more of her attention on her newest project. Road Hug, a web series, that brings light to emerging artist, designers, and food in cities that have been a well kept secret, until now. “I say emerging only because they’re emerging to the television audience.” Davis, along with business partners Darla and Julia, will be visiting different cities such as Athens, Ga., Salt Lake City, Boise, Idaho, and Denver Colo. to name a few. “Fashion, food, and music represent the three pillars of any country or society,” said Davis. In September, they will release three 22 minute pilot episodes. The ultimate goal is to pitch the show to different television networks, said Davis. “We will pitch the show to networks such as Oxygen, Bravo, We, Travel Channel, and Food Network. We are giving America the hug it deserves.”

She is not a fashion designer, but she does understand what works on women. “I want to be that positive influence in fashion. I dream of having an eco fashion friendly store. ” She wants to help women understand that they can have alternatives like vintage and organic cotton.

Buying vintage is another way of going green. “You’re helping the environment by purchasing these pieces,” says Davis. She is going traveling the east coast looking for vintage pieces. Davis's showroom will be stocked with the best vintage fashion has to offer.

“When you recognize what’s making you happy and what’s not making you happy, then you can continue on the most fulfilling path so that you can achieve your dreams,” says Davis. You must continue to connect with people who share the similar passion. The key is being yourself and being authentic, says Davis. Although, you may think a plan is already set out for you, “set your own path.”



Sammy Davis Vintage

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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait




I saw this vest in Oma Vintage in Philadelphia, and absolutely fell in love with it. I walked by the store everyday after work debating whether or not to make the purchase. What can I say, times are rough these days. two Fortunately for me, the entire store was 50% off!! AMAZING!!! So the once $40 vest, is now $20 and in my closet! Can't wait to wear it.



This little satchel caught my eye on the way out. I couldn't beat the $7 price tag.

If you are in the Philadelphia area, I would definitely recommend this vintage boutique. Look at my previous post to see the location.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Best of Summer

Aldo--Giombetti- Now $39.98
Finally!!!! These sandals are on sale! End of summer is always the best time to find the best prices on sandals. Originally $75 when I first saw them. Now, only $39! Can't beat that. I had to snag these up.
Aldo--Nicklin $27.98
Decided to order these as well. Simple and cute. And because they were only $28!!! On top of that I had an extra 10% off coupon. Must have been my lucky day!

Sincerely,
Silent Tulip

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Any Takers?????


Anybody want to buy me this dress?? This is the most adorable LBD I've seen in a long time. Sexy and chic. Perfect for any event.
This cute little number is the perfect summer dress. You can dress it up or down. One way to wear it can be seen on Krystal, founder of this time tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Silent Tulip

Friday, July 30, 2010

This will be a title less blog. Simply because I couldn't think of one. Who said they need titles anyway? Now back to the matter at hand. I wanted to show you guys how I decided to wear this top I bought at the Uhuru Flea Maret for $2:





Well, here's how i decided to wear it. I wore it as a wear to work day look.







I want to give thanks to my photographer Dorionne/ work buddy!


Sincerely,
Silent Tulip

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Oh How I Adore Thee..




On my way to work, I happen to pass by a cute little shop. It so happens to be a Vintage clothing store. Of course, that would happen to me. Especially, when my pockets are running on empty.

Oma Vintage, located on 3rd street in Philadelphia, sells the most amazing vintage pieces. I walked by it a couple times before I actually deciding to go into the store. As I expected, I fell in love with a beautifully made vest. Ada, the founder, will soon be taking a hiatus. But don't worry, she has an online store on etsy.com.

Not to worry all you men out there, Oma Vintage has something for you too! She sells mens clothing as well.

This shop is definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

It's located at 716 N 3 St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
267 687 5

Sincerely,
Silent Tulip

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Tye Tye Who?



Whoever said feathers were just for the birds? Definitely not Tye! Tye, founder of Featherlicious, creates an eclectic array of feather earrings. Hailing out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she began creating earrings after she was inspired by a Grecian themed party. She created her own earrings for the party and that's how it all began. "I didn't see them in stores, " said Tye. She started her earring collection two years ago. She had no experience making jewelry and learned along the way. It came natural to her because it was something she was passionate about. I must say, she is quite the fashionista!

"My Mother and grandmother inspired me. I borrowed their clothes. I loved the 70's style and the free spirit." This can be seen in many of her earring designs. The earrings range from rainbow colored to metallic.

The inspiration for her brand name was Bubblicious gum. With every online order, customers receive a piece of Bubblicious gum. How cute is that? The prices range from $15 to $60. She has something for everyone, no matter your style.

So if you're looking to spice up any wardrobe or add some glam to your natural hair? This is the perfect accessories for you! You can find her jewelry line at: Featherlicious247

You can also contact her on Facebook: featherlicious247 . Give her a shout!









Sincerely,
Silent Tulip

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Uhuru: “freedom”- freedom to choose, freedom to be, freedom to grow

As hot as it was outside, I managed to make my way to the Uhuru Flea Market at Clark Park in Philadelphia. It takes place every month. So if you missed this month, you can always check it out next month. I'm glad I did! I found some great pieces, all for under $20. It was a cool experience because I had never been to a flea market. Here's what I found!

Vintage Shades: $5

Mary Tylor Moore Dress: $2!!!
I had to have it!

This is my California Girls Tank: $1



$3

Dainty Top:$2

I had no idea what the term Uhuru meant. After a little research, uhuru means freedom.

Sincerely,
Silent Tulip

Monday, July 19, 2010

Women On the Prowl

At the Global Fusion Festival, I met a couple of people that stood out to me. 1. because their craft was very colorful and vibrant and 2. because they were both women,making a name for themselves. When I see strong women on the prowl for success, I like to acknowledge that and put them on a pedestal. If not us, then who?
The first young lady you may already know. You may have seen her on the hit Nickelodeon show My Bother and Me, hosted on MTV2, Sirius Radio, and also replace a group member of Floetry and went on tour. She also has amazing art work. It's colorful and eye catching.

AMANDA DIVA
I met her at the Festival this past weekend. She was a cool, down to earth girl. She hosted some of the performances, so it took me a little while to get the interview. But she was kind enough to take time to answer a few questions before being called back to the stage. So I thank her for that.

Me:So what got you into the entertainment industry?
Amanda:I started when I was really young, when I was 8 years old. I was doing television for Nickelodeon and I was dancing at Disney. But then you kind of start over when you get older because you're not just a kid. When I moved to New York, I went to SUNY- Purchase and started doing poetry. I got on Def Poetry Jam and that got me to do radio, which brought me to do MTV2. Thats how I ended up in the music industry.

Me: What inspired you to branch out do music?
Amanda: First was the music. In 2006, I was really frustrated with trying to figure out my purpose. What do I want to do? I think everyone goes through that at like 24. I had met a lot of my goals and it was time for new goals but you don't know what those are going to be. I ended up doing poetry at an event and there was a band there. It was the first time I heard my poems musically. And it was the first time I found out I could rhyme on beat. It sparked a buzz and made me progress doing music. I was Q-Tip album last year and I perform with the roots all the time. I also replaced Natalie of Floetry for a summer. That gave me confidence.

Me: How did you get into painting?
Amanda: Swizz Beatz, a good friend of mine is very into art. He caught me doodling one time. He was like "I didn't know you could do this". He encouraged me to do paintings and I told him I do. I showed him my painting and he was like your bugging right now. So I started putting my work out there a little more. Twitter also helped. I'm about to do an art show in New York. The reality is, I'm an artist to the fullest.

Me: Your painting have a lot of color. Does that have anything to do with your background?
Amanda: Well I'm West Indian, so definitely. It's also about my spirit.

Then she was off running back to the stage to host.


Here is some of here art work





One of her bags I bought at the Festival.
Native Bag


It can be found at her website: Diva Works of Art

Sincerely,
Silent Tulip