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Jumper/Sweater: Thrifted
Another $4 gem
Tights: I have no idea.
Skirt: Old Navy
Ancient, just ancient.
Coat: House of Fraser (UK)
Showing posts with label Thriftbag Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thriftbag Thursday. Show all posts
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Thriftbag Thursday
Tights: I have no idea.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Thriftbag Thursday
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| Even the dog's facial expression got windswept |
Jumper/Sweater: Thrifted
Tommy Hilfiger for $4
from the Salvation Army
Necklace and Tights: De ja vu
Skirt: River Island (UK)
Ancient, just ancient.
Coat: House of Fraser (UK)
This is what happens when you take an impromptu walk in the park on a windy day: Almost salvageable photos that lack coherence. It was going to be far too windy (or blowy as us Scots say) to take a tripod, so Mr did his best as usual!
That's okay, if you're a fan of pictures of girl and dog you'll already be following Katherine at Of Corgis and Cocktails, and her photos are MUCH better.
And as for basic photo tutorials - I think I'll launch in March. I'm going to take it very slowly for you, and hopefully we'll have some fun. The best name I can think of for this feature so far is Glad Rags and Camera Bags.
My bedtime reading at the moment fantastically geeky book about DSLR sensor technology and all the clever gremlins that live inside my magic photobox.
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
In defense of public transport
Fellow expat blogger Selena is a Texan living in England. Recently she wrote a very heartfelt piece about her experiences on public transport. To put it simply, her post was not very complimentary, but it was very funny.
She has been transplanted from the place with the most drive-thru liquor stores in the US (yes, really), to London, which this year is celebrating the 150th birthday of the tube, the oldest subway system in the world. That's a definite culture clash.
In contrast I myself have been transplanted from a place where retirees get free bus rides (and certainly use them) to the land where planners removed sidewalks to fit in parking lots.
I told her I felt I had to defend public transport just a little. So here it is, a Brit's defense of public transport (though I know true Brits write 'defence' and not 'defense' I have to use the American spelling now).
Selena's first criticism of public transport (namely the London tube) is that it's almost impossible for newbies to navigate. But the London tube map is hailed as one of the great successes of design - a marriage of form and function - beautiful and understandable!
Yes, maybe at first you will end up going around the Circle line the wrong way; discover that some stations are actually quicker to walk between (what's the point of them?); or take three hours longer than expected due to weather, strikes, or engineering works. But overall it works, and the Olympics were testament to that - just ignore the fact that they drafted in thousands of volunteers to show spectators which stations to use.
These days it's not hard to plan your journey online, even with sporadic construction or random closures due to pigeons on the line. And when you get really good at the Tube you can have all sorts of fun: You can become expert at games such as Mornington Crescent and this cryptic game. The London Tube inspired subterranean public transport across the world, so it must be okay, right?
Driving
The effort to drive is huge. First you have be examined on how to control a large piece of machinery. You don't sit need to any tests before you hop on a bus. As long as you have correct change and acceptable body odor tolerance, you're fine!
Planning a route to drive is infuriating. Even with Google Maps and Sat Navs you can never accurately predict roadworks, heavy traffic or road closures.
If you take a wrong turn you often have to do a massive detour to get back on track. With public transport you just jump off and get on a different train/bus, but in a car it's actually treacherous: Do you take that U-Bend and cross four lanes of angry traffic, or do you drive an extra 20 miles back the way you came?
In the city you have to learn the patterns of intersection lights, get stuck for hours at multiple red lights, dodge jaywalkers and tourists, and you're expected to know the whole city's randomized system of one-way streets. I swear city planners switch up the one-way system every now and then just for fun.
And then you have to park your car somewhere. This can take hours in certain places, wasting precious gas money and shopping time driving past giant SUVs taking up two spots and shopping carts lazily abandoned everywhere. When you finally end up at the opposite end of the parking lot you feel you may as well have walked anyway.
Public transport makes you efficient. You keep your Osyter/Octopus/Calypso/Opus/Charlie/Freedom/Smartlink card in your pocket, and everything else on your back.
You gain a sense of freedom by being able to pack so lightly. You know if anyone calls you last minute for a luxury trip to the Bahamas leaving in one hour, you'd be at the airport in time with just your toothbrush, bikini and sun cream, and you wouldn't even have to check in. My rule for travel now is - if I can't lift it, it's not coming with me.
And that's the other thing - all the lifting, carrying and walking is healthy! I saved a fortune on gym memberships when I used public transport. I'd happily walk 45 minutes to work each day. Now I have to drive to the gym and it just feels so wrong and contradictory.
FREAKING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
Public Transport
Petty people politics is never so apparent as on public transport. It's tough out there, jostling up against all and sundry on the rush hour tube, rubbing your shoulders against other people - who knows where they've been - and touching the same poles and sitting in the same seats. It'd make a hypochondriac's skin crawl.
Plus you have to endure their rudeness. Shoving in front, listening to loud music, folding their newspaper into your field of vision, giving their luggage the last seat on the carriage so you have to stand. There's no such thing as personal space on public transport- how dare they sneeze/text/fart/argue in your vicinity?
If you're having trouble securing a prime seat on public transport there are very detailed and militaristic guides to help you. When I was a kid at youth theater we'd play a game known as 'keeping your seat on the bus'. Basically you make silly faces until nobody wants to sit next to you. Trust me, it works.
But all of this is part and parcel of living in a world with other people who are just not a cool and considerate as yourself. Plus it gives you the prime opportunity to hone that truly British sport of complaining. If you ever find yourself starting a new job in London, you'll instantly make new friends the moment you walk in the door and say "Oh my gosh, the Central line was just awful this morning, did anyone else have a ghastly time trying to get in? I couldn't get a seat at all and we got stuck for fifteen minutes at Bank and…" Trust me, it works.
Driving
The thing is, driving isn't any better. People speed, honk, tailgate (known in the USA as driving up your ass, as far as I can tell), blind you with their lights, don't indicate and they always cut in front of you, guaranteed.
Drivers are in a hurry, they're rude, and they always think they're a better driver than everyone else. This has been extensively researched and it's true - it's a Lake Wobegone effect manifesting at 80mph on a four lane rat race.
And the worst thing is - all the tutting in the world won't do a darn thing! On a crowded tube, Brits take great pleasure in tutting loudly to display their displeasure at another passenger's actions. It's our favorite form of dissent. In a car this does nothing, and you end up becoming one of those deranged, enraged drivers flipping people off and honking at anything, spreading the blood boiling road rage across the region.
You stomp into work, not with a hilarious and frustrating tale of how crowded your train was, but with a loud tirade full of obscenities about the selfish road moron in front of you with the stupid bumper sticker.
It makes me stressed just thinking about it.
I've told Americans how shocked I am by Pennsylvania drivers and they all say the same thing, "Oh, just wait until you get to New Jersey/New York/California/Maryland/Anywhere, they're terrible at driving!"
And I shudder at the thought. On public transport at least you can sit back, plug in your headphones, eat a questionable prawn sandwich, and zen out all the way to Zone Six…
What side are you on? Which public transport system makes you crazy? And which US state really has the worst driver?
PS, if you've never seen this parody of Going Underground, about the London tube, you're in for a very sweary treat (really NSFW).
She has been transplanted from the place with the most drive-thru liquor stores in the US (yes, really), to London, which this year is celebrating the 150th birthday of the tube, the oldest subway system in the world. That's a definite culture clash.
In contrast I myself have been transplanted from a place where retirees get free bus rides (and certainly use them) to the land where planners removed sidewalks to fit in parking lots.
I told her I felt I had to defend public transport just a little. So here it is, a Brit's defense of public transport (though I know true Brits write 'defence' and not 'defense' I have to use the American spelling now).
Effort
Public TransportSelena's first criticism of public transport (namely the London tube) is that it's almost impossible for newbies to navigate. But the London tube map is hailed as one of the great successes of design - a marriage of form and function - beautiful and understandable!
Yes, maybe at first you will end up going around the Circle line the wrong way; discover that some stations are actually quicker to walk between (what's the point of them?); or take three hours longer than expected due to weather, strikes, or engineering works. But overall it works, and the Olympics were testament to that - just ignore the fact that they drafted in thousands of volunteers to show spectators which stations to use.
These days it's not hard to plan your journey online, even with sporadic construction or random closures due to pigeons on the line. And when you get really good at the Tube you can have all sorts of fun: You can become expert at games such as Mornington Crescent and this cryptic game. The London Tube inspired subterranean public transport across the world, so it must be okay, right?
Driving
The effort to drive is huge. First you have be examined on how to control a large piece of machinery. You don't sit need to any tests before you hop on a bus. As long as you have correct change and acceptable body odor tolerance, you're fine!
Planning a route to drive is infuriating. Even with Google Maps and Sat Navs you can never accurately predict roadworks, heavy traffic or road closures.
If you take a wrong turn you often have to do a massive detour to get back on track. With public transport you just jump off and get on a different train/bus, but in a car it's actually treacherous: Do you take that U-Bend and cross four lanes of angry traffic, or do you drive an extra 20 miles back the way you came?
In the city you have to learn the patterns of intersection lights, get stuck for hours at multiple red lights, dodge jaywalkers and tourists, and you're expected to know the whole city's randomized system of one-way streets. I swear city planners switch up the one-way system every now and then just for fun.
And then you have to park your car somewhere. This can take hours in certain places, wasting precious gas money and shopping time driving past giant SUVs taking up two spots and shopping carts lazily abandoned everywhere. When you finally end up at the opposite end of the parking lot you feel you may as well have walked anyway.
Storage
When you're traveling by train, plane and underground you really don't want to be laden down with unnecessary shit, so you get really good at traveling light. It becomes a source of pride when you show up for a weekend break with just one half-empty weekend bag, or an overnight function with just a change of knickers and a lipstick in a tiny purse.Public transport makes you efficient. You keep your Osyter/Octopus/Calypso/Opus/Charlie/Freedom/Smartlink card in your pocket, and everything else on your back.
You gain a sense of freedom by being able to pack so lightly. You know if anyone calls you last minute for a luxury trip to the Bahamas leaving in one hour, you'd be at the airport in time with just your toothbrush, bikini and sun cream, and you wouldn't even have to check in. My rule for travel now is - if I can't lift it, it's not coming with me.
And that's the other thing - all the lifting, carrying and walking is healthy! I saved a fortune on gym memberships when I used public transport. I'd happily walk 45 minutes to work each day. Now I have to drive to the gym and it just feels so wrong and contradictory.
FREAKING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
Public Transport
Petty people politics is never so apparent as on public transport. It's tough out there, jostling up against all and sundry on the rush hour tube, rubbing your shoulders against other people - who knows where they've been - and touching the same poles and sitting in the same seats. It'd make a hypochondriac's skin crawl.
Plus you have to endure their rudeness. Shoving in front, listening to loud music, folding their newspaper into your field of vision, giving their luggage the last seat on the carriage so you have to stand. There's no such thing as personal space on public transport- how dare they sneeze/text/fart/argue in your vicinity?
If you're having trouble securing a prime seat on public transport there are very detailed and militaristic guides to help you. When I was a kid at youth theater we'd play a game known as 'keeping your seat on the bus'. Basically you make silly faces until nobody wants to sit next to you. Trust me, it works.
But all of this is part and parcel of living in a world with other people who are just not a cool and considerate as yourself. Plus it gives you the prime opportunity to hone that truly British sport of complaining. If you ever find yourself starting a new job in London, you'll instantly make new friends the moment you walk in the door and say "Oh my gosh, the Central line was just awful this morning, did anyone else have a ghastly time trying to get in? I couldn't get a seat at all and we got stuck for fifteen minutes at Bank and…" Trust me, it works.
Driving
The thing is, driving isn't any better. People speed, honk, tailgate (known in the USA as driving up your ass, as far as I can tell), blind you with their lights, don't indicate and they always cut in front of you, guaranteed.
 |
| Gesturing to rude and inconsiderate road users is usually not that helpful |
And the worst thing is - all the tutting in the world won't do a darn thing! On a crowded tube, Brits take great pleasure in tutting loudly to display their displeasure at another passenger's actions. It's our favorite form of dissent. In a car this does nothing, and you end up becoming one of those deranged, enraged drivers flipping people off and honking at anything, spreading the blood boiling road rage across the region.
You stomp into work, not with a hilarious and frustrating tale of how crowded your train was, but with a loud tirade full of obscenities about the selfish road moron in front of you with the stupid bumper sticker.
It makes me stressed just thinking about it.
I've told Americans how shocked I am by Pennsylvania drivers and they all say the same thing, "Oh, just wait until you get to New Jersey/New York/California/Maryland/Anywhere, they're terrible at driving!"
And I shudder at the thought. On public transport at least you can sit back, plug in your headphones, eat a questionable prawn sandwich, and zen out all the way to Zone Six…
What side are you on? Which public transport system makes you crazy? And which US state really has the worst driver?
PS, if you've never seen this parody of Going Underground, about the London tube, you're in for a very sweary treat (really NSFW).
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Thriftbag Thursday
Yesterday I explained the history of an American tradition - the Girl Scout Cookie. I thought this would be an appropriate Thriftbag Thursday.
Scarf: Marks and Spencer
I'm a little embarrassed to say I wore this t-shirt for so many years without knowing that a Thin Mint is wearing ear muffs and that a Samoan likes to surf. I never got to do the Girl Scout Cookie thing. I was not a Girl Scout. Although Scouting was founded in the UK, the UK does not have Girl Scouts; they are known as Girl Guides.
The (Boy) Scout Movement was founded by British Lieutenant-General Robert Baden-Powell in the early 1900s and at the time girls were not encouraged to do the same activities as boys. When a group of young girls protested to Baden-Powell, he founded the Girl Guides, a special organization just for girls named after a corp of the British Indian Army.
I was a Girl Guide, but all our Guiders got pregnant and we never got to do anything cool, such as go to camp. I don't think it helped that our patrols were named after birds and I was in the 'Swallow Patrol', which in retrospect sounds highly inappropriate.
At any rate, Girl Guides in the UK don't sell cookies, and as far as I know Girl Scout Cookies are entirely unavailable in the UK. If you're a US expat living in the UK with nostalgic pangs for Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties, I'm sorry (Viscounts and Tunnocks Tea Cakes are far better biscuits anyway, and your local Girl Guides might even have a 'bring n buy' sale with homemade bakes).
By the way, I haven't forgotten the photo tips idea, I'm working on it and will keep you updated!
T-shirt: Thrifted
From a hipster thrift store in
Manhattan's West Village many moons ago.
Five bucks well-spent, even if I was(am) a poser
who'd never tasted a Girl Scout Cookie until this week.
Scarf: Marks and Spencer
Seriously, thanks nan.
Who needs Anthropologie?
Shoes: Michael Kors
Because why not?
The (Boy) Scout Movement was founded by British Lieutenant-General Robert Baden-Powell in the early 1900s and at the time girls were not encouraged to do the same activities as boys. When a group of young girls protested to Baden-Powell, he founded the Girl Guides, a special organization just for girls named after a corp of the British Indian Army.
I was a Girl Guide, but all our Guiders got pregnant and we never got to do anything cool, such as go to camp. I don't think it helped that our patrols were named after birds and I was in the 'Swallow Patrol', which in retrospect sounds highly inappropriate.
At any rate, Girl Guides in the UK don't sell cookies, and as far as I know Girl Scout Cookies are entirely unavailable in the UK. If you're a US expat living in the UK with nostalgic pangs for Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties, I'm sorry (Viscounts and Tunnocks Tea Cakes are far better biscuits anyway, and your local Girl Guides might even have a 'bring n buy' sale with homemade bakes).
By the way, I haven't forgotten the photo tips idea, I'm working on it and will keep you updated!
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Thriftbag Thursday
Sweater/Jumper: Urban Outfitters
This is seriously ancient
and misshapen but I love
the jersey with lace sleeves.
and misshapen but I love
the jersey with lace sleeves.
Spaceman helmet: My husband's old toy
Boots: Aldo (UK not USA)
Also ancient and
they've been re-soled a few times.
Tights: Target
They're actually gray
so you're not missing much
so you're not missing much
Skirt: Thrifted/home-made…
Last week I said this skirt was a whole other story.
I made it a long time ago from an old festival t-shirt.
I can't remember I did this directly from the book Generation T, or if I adapted a simple version of one of their skirts. If you have a closet full of old t-shirts I recommend this book.
I doubt you could get away with wearing most of their creations in a workplace setting, but when I wear this skirt inside out I know I'm rock n roll on the inside (literally).
On another note, last week Selena suggested I do some photo tutorials here on the Glad Blog and I thought about combining the Thriftbag feature with some super basic photo tutorials. It'd be an extension of the Photo Geekery from 12 Days of Gladness but we'd start right with the basics.
I know Kitty and Buck has photography tutorials, and many other blogs do them, but I thought it'd be fun to use my own photos so you can see how I took them.
What do you think? And what would I call a feature combining Thriftbag and Photo Geekery? Let me know below!
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| I'll shine some light on taking your own manual photos. It'll be, er, out of this world. |
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Thriftbag Thursday
Sweater/Jumper: Thrifted
A cashmere jumper for $4?
Sure, don't mind if I do
Necklace: Forever 21
It's old, but not quite
old enough to be my granny's
Tights: Target
Thanks Santa/mom-in-law
Slippers: Marks and Spencers
Am I a spoiled expat if
my nan still sends me slippers
from Marks and Sparks for Christmas?
And as for the skirt, well that's for another Thriftbag Thursday I'm afraid…
I work weekends, and I sometimes forget that it's totally okay to take a midweek day or two just to lounge, read news and blogs and drink endless tea.
Photo Geekery: These are all self-taken, sorry! I wanted to explore taking photos in front of a light source (window) which can be tricky. There's another light source (window) to the left of the photos too.I over-exposed the pictures and used spot metering. I think they turned out okay. Next time I'll play around with using flashes and/or bouncing the light.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Thriftbag Thursday
Not all thrifted items are equal. There are those that are picked up on a whim for a tasty bargain. There are those that are gifted. There are those that are diligently hunted.
And there are those that are created.
Thrifting is not just about buying cheap second-hand goods, it's also about using the resources available to you to create, do and be something magical.
She's currently entered some fabulous pieces into a shoe design competition. These babies are my favorite and I hope you'll give them five stars (it only takes a second to vote). Not only are they utterly gorgeous, but I think they would be the perfect complement to this hat. Don't you think it'd be the sweetest outfit?
Hat: Leena Maurow
And maybe if her shoes win,
I'll be able to buy a pair.
Scarf: Little Theorem
Another brilliant gift from my talented knitty friend.
She sells this pattern so you can knit your own.
Earrings: Cookie and Buster
Yes, really!
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Thriftbag Thursday
It's been a funny old week. All the snow has gone and there have been a few days of t-shirt weather. It's also been a busy, satisfyingly exhausting week. We had to run outside for just a few moments to get these snaps.
There's only really one thrifted piece in this outfit, but I think it's a great one!
Batwing Sweater: River Island (UK)
Got this is a sale a few years ago. It's three sizes too big.
But pin it up and it's a great baggy sweater.
But pin it up and it's a great baggy sweater.
Brooch: Gift from my nan.
One of her old brooches. She knows I'm a brooch fan.
Bag: A gift from a friend on the Scottish Isle of Lewis.
I think it's from by rosie, a beautiful boutique in Stornoway.
I love her Harris Tweed bags and hoodies.
Skirt: Thrifted!
$3 from a local thrift store.
This store has random sales so I'm never
quite sure what I'm going to end up paying.
Shoes: Bourgeois Boheme (London)
Fair trade and vegan brogues.
The soles are pulling away though, as you can see.
I tried wood glue - anyone have other tips?
Here's to a productive next week…
Thursday, 29 November 2012
New Feature: Thriftbag Thursday
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| That tree fell over during Sandy |
Let me explain that this is not yer usual fashion post: I am not a fashion blogger. I am not very into fashion at all. I am not cool; I am blisteringly uncool. I also have a very capsule wardrobe since emigrating: I own one pair of jeans. I own one mascara, one lipstick, one eyeshadow. Getting my Green Card was expensive, so I'm very careful with what I spend!
A lot of what I own is thrifted or vintage or altered in some way. I'm very good at scouting out designer second hand goods on a tight budget. It's that make-do and mend mentality I learned from my East London born grandparents, my fine art graduate mother … and from spending a huge chunk of money this year on emigrating!
These are some of my favorite finds that I brought over from the UK, where vintage/thrift/charity shops are big business. Finding a bargain in a cool neighborhood in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or London is tricky, but not impossible.
Jacket: Armani from Rokit (London, UK)
Got this online a few years ago and love it.
It wasn't cheap but I wear it to death.
It wasn't cheap but I wear it to death.
Shirt: Ted Baker from Oxfam online
Ted Baker design is fab, but the construction is sometimes less robust.
Scarf: Knitted gift from Little Theorem
One of my old girlfriends back in Scotland. She's much cooler than me.
She hand-dyes her own wool and writes her own knitting patterns.
Skirt: Miu Miu from Oxfam online
This was in really bad shape, but I took it to an elder
Portuguese seamstress here in PA and she fixed it right up for me.
Tights and shoes are not thrifted.
Heaven knows where the tights come from.
The shoes were from New Look UK about five years ago.
I was inspired to do this after some interactions with other bloggers on BBN. Over the next few weeks I'm going to experiment with some new regular features on the blog, all loosely related to expat life and wotnot. Please do let me know what you think!
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| Thanks, Mark for taking shots. As usual I did the manual settings and Mark did his best ;) |
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