D.I.Y. Maverick

So I am now dealing with this case 'vintage' item case on Ebay. I cannot believe how dishonest some people are on this earth. But hey such is life, Thank God I have 'law' in my blood my Grandfather was a chief justice so I think at times my ability to see flaws in people's arguments comes from those 'genes.' I cannot believe someone would lie to great lengths to prove that Forever 21 is Vintage by googling the brand, and go on to Lie that they are in L.A. California where they bought the jacket from? Anyway, I'm not breaking a sweat, I know I'll get my money back I ALWAYS DO! I got my money back from the scam website and this won't be any different. My Friends know when it comes to cases I am a PRO. There is nothing I hate more in life and liars. Nothing. 

On another note, I have been going D.I.Y. Crazy. I am adding Ankara, Gems, or Studs to any and everything I can put my hands on! I am currently working on an Ankara Bag, hopefully I'll finish it before the end of next week. As well as making Necklaces. My Creative Juices are indeed flowing. I have always wanted a pair of Ankara Slipper loafers (for the last 3 years) but refused to D.I.Y. an expensive pair of Slipper Loafers. Now Primark has released a cheap Slipper Loafer, and I had fun doing it, and will do several more. I tend to go to Primark and use Vtg Pieces to for D.I.Y. Projects, as it's cheaper. 

Most times when I do D.I.Y.'s I have NO IDEA what I am doing, I just go with the flow and try to make the product have a nice finished look. I blame my high taste in Bags and shoes for this meticulous process. 

Here are some of my Latest DIY Products! Am I becoming a D.I.Y. Maverick? You decide... 

Festival Prints

The Edinburgh Festival is coming to an end this week! I can definitely say I have had a fantastic time these last few weeks. Eating out, plays, street bands, the City Centre has been constantly buzzing. It is also amazing the number of Americans that visit Scotland! Sometimes, I think I am home! I didn't want a repeat of last weekend so I made sure I wore my 'rain shoes' which are these beat up Chanel Flats. I wear them whenever I think it might rain, actually I wear them ALL the TIME. they are so beat up! I don't trust the weather forecast all the time, because they LIE!!! lol! 

But on a serious note, my fiance hates that these Chanel's are my rain shoes, I tell him it's because I still want to look chic in the rain, and I've re-soled the bottom! Edinburgh I will tell you is not shoe friendly! Every time I visit I am afraid for my flats. Being 5'11" I invest more in my flats than my heels, so I try as much as possible to preserve my babies. 

I wore my normal 'Casual Uniform' a blouse, cropped pants, and flats!

Blouse, Bag, Leather Jacket: Zara, Polka Dot Slacks: Primark, Forever 21 Scarf, Chanel Flats, Vintage Earrings

Vintage Emotions

So I have been buying a couple of lovely items from Ebay lately that are labeled Vintage in their description, but low and behold when the garment, belt or jewellery arrive they aren't. For example, I bought this 'Suede' fringed jacket that indicated it was Vintage. I was EXCITED. When I received it, it was from Forever 21, side eye. Or when I search for authentic Turquoise Silver jewellery all this 'Vintage Inspired' Rubbish comes up. I get so annoyed when people use the word Vintage in Vain. If it is NOT dated before 1993 it is NOT Vintage. Forever 21, Primark and etc.. are not vintage they may be vintage inspired but definitely not vintage. The Seller had the audacity to check one of my listings and state that I was selling non vintage because it was from Urban Outfitters. I thought to myself this lady is TRIPPING. Urban Outfitters stocks vintage as does Topshop. She went on to Say Forever21 does too! You cannot imagine HOW LOUD I was laughing. Ignorance is not bliss. I cannot argue with inept individuals so I just opened a case. Sigh Vintage, Vintage, Vintage. How people use your name in VAIN! 

These days I am going to be more careful in my online purchases. I may stop all together but the number of beautiful vintage peices that I have gotten; outweigh the rubbish by far. SO if you are an avid Vintage lover like myself. Ask questions before listings ends. i.e.: the Era, the brand, where they purchased the garment from and etc... this will shed light into whether the item is actually Vintage.

Don't get me wrong, there are some lovely Vintage Inspired Jewellery and Pieces that I have seen online, but if you're saying something is Vintage, I'd like real Vintage please. Don't Play with my Vintage Emotions.

ps. I'll be adding vintage (real vintage lol) pieces to my Etsy shop this week. Click on the Shop Z+F logo to buy! Vintage pieces added regularly! 

Black Cat

 I have started working out and trying to eat better because I am NOT happy with my level of fitness at all, yes I've lost a bit, but I need to go back to my old size and I definitely will! I have noticed I have been wearing black like it's the only color that exist in my closet. Subconsciously, I guess I am trying to hide something, but I'm not going to be wearing black back to back any longer. I want to be a healthier fitter AG! I'll be retiring Black soon enough. Not to mention I have wedding dress to fit into. (Now if only I'd go dress shopping)

Dress: Zara 

Patent Leather Bag: Vintage

Reconstructed Forever 21 Necklace

Flats: Chanel

a. Black Freshwater Pearl & Swarovski Elements Necklace 
b. Shourouk LYBOV Necklace 
c. Shourouk IVANA Necklace (available in 3 weeks)
d. Multi Color Rhinestone Statement Necklace
e. Zara Women's Statement Necklace with Green Glass Beads
f.  Purple Chunky Stone Statement Necklace
g. Miso Pearl & Stone Statement Necklace
h. Lulu Frost Calypso Necklace
i.  MAWI 18-karat gold-plated faux pearl necklace

Never Fall Short

I have been gearing up and purchases certain pieces for my fall look. And I spotted this Beautiful Wool Jacket and Lovely Patent Leather Shoulder Bag both Vintage on Ebay. The Jacket had the typical Vintage Smell So I have to dry clean it for the smell to disappear.  I am definitely filling my wardrobe it with LOADS of 'new' Vintage this fall. Is anyone already shopping for fall? Or am I just a little too ahead of myself?

Dapper Shoes

This weekend My fiance went into town to run errands and I wasn't interested in tagging along, because he mentioned shopping would not be in the equation. But low and behold I get a phone call confessing that he bought blazers and two pairs of shoes. Funny enough I wasn't upset the selfless Ag remembered the shopping I've done lately and how he rarely treats himself. When he got home he presented me with these. Let's just say my boo has good taste. Did I mention he's been out-dressing me lately? His tall and slim frame make him Mr.GQ.... I need to get back on my A game!

I definitely prefer the oxfords. You?

Vintage Fair - Edinburgh

I was in London last week Vintage shopping, Visiting family, and Fabric Shopping, and I made sure I was back in Edinburgh Saturday Night so I wouldn't miss Judy's Vintage fair yesterday. My fiance and I had a lovely time as it was my weekend to choose events to go to. I opted to wear a dress and my leopard print ferragamo's as they are hardly worn: simple + classic. 

The Fair was FULL of goodies! I scored left, right and center I was in awe. However, because I am so used to shopping in the States and up North for Vintage I couldn't bring myself to buy certain items. Yes I can be very cheap, esp. when Ebay is always there. I bought two dresses, a skirt, a bag to DIY, a lovely cropped top, a pair of shoes, and jewellery (or jewelry whichever spelling you prefer) for my cousin and I. I did quite well. There are two Shops that stood out the most to me 

Tallula Vintage is definitely a place to stop! Her pieces were AMAZING and reasonably priced. She has beautiful style as well. Gliding around elegantly in a maxi blue blue vintage dress, with a vintage Chanel Belt and Bag, and lovely large turquise ring. I was in awe of her style, and her pieces were a reflection of that, she'll be back in Edinburgh for the next Vintage fair and travels the country frequently for all vintage fairs! SO get your hands on something Tallula if you are an avid Vintage lover. To find out where she'll be stationed next email her: Tallaula's email address

Lady Kitscherner;s Vintage is the place to go for Vintage accessories, their shoe collection, jewellery, vintage stoles, purses + bags, and gloves are to die for! You will not be disappointed by their selection! and luckily for you they have an etsy store. Lady Kitschener's Vintage Emporium 

All in all I had a Marvelous time! However as we were leaving the venue it was pouring rain. I have had another pair of my ferragamo's totally ruined due to being worn in the rain, and I knew I could not walk out in the rain with this particular pair on, so I asked for a bin bag and 'artistically covered my lovely's' Next time I am wearing my old faithful Chanel's (I call them my rain shoes) as I've resoled them and can survive any type of weather!

Great Day, Great Finds Great Vintage!

Unique Heels

I think I need to retire these ankle slacks and Vintage green clutch because I wear them ALL the time. The slacks are just comfortable and this vintage green clutch goes with EVERYTHING! I'm sure the other bags in my wardrobe are upset that they are hardly worn. we all have certain items that we wear over and over again and this clutch is one of those items.

Now these YSL Pumps, I bought them because of the removable pompom detailing and the heel is so unique. I  am an avid shoe lover and love going for unique shoes that many people may not have. I hit the jackpot when I purchased these bad boys, although I rarely wear them, they will definitely be saved for my future daughter as they are one of a kind!

Scam!

I never in my life thought that anyone could out smart me and scam me, but I have come across a site that got me. Because I wanted those Kat Maconie Sandals so bad! I immediately paid. After paying I noticed there was no contact information and no tracking information. I emailed them and no reply. Basically they debited $118.00 out of my account. Needless to say it was a paypal transaction so I am working on getting my money back!

DO NOT shop at shoes365buy.com, I should have known better, but I guess I was so star struck with the shoes that I was fooled. I can never ever say no one can scam me again, because it has happened hopefully I'll get my money back! I didn't notice that ALL the shoes were half off because when I went on the site I went directly to the shoes.

Things I've learned today and re-learned today
*Sites in which EVERY single 'designer' is on sale it's probably fake. If it's too good to be true it probably is
*Don't be starstruck, and only buy from sites that have an address, and contact info other than a mailbox
*Pay online for purchases and big purchases with Paypal or Credit Cards, Debit cards are not covered against fraud or scams as it is up the Bank's discretion!

*Last but not least don't laugh at me! Shy Embarrassed face!


~Ag

Kat Maconie - The Shoe Hunt

Sunday afternoon in Edinburgh after Mass we went to see a play for Edinburgh Festival Titled "Wahala Dey Oh". On our way to the play we were rushing through city center in search of the venue. I was walking behind the fiance then I suddenly see this girl with these flawless, fantastic, and unique shoes on! I was thinking in my head should I ask her where she got them? As I slowed down the fiance was almost becoming out of sight due to the over pouring crowd of people in the City. I decided against it and kept on walking so I won't get lost. 

After the Show we went shopping, then had dinner. But I couldn't get my mind off those lovely shoes I saw earlier in the day. The shoe hunt then began. I opened my laptop and typed in Black Gold Triangle Sandal, Gladiator, and so many other keywords to find this shoe and clicked on the images results. Nothing. However, I did not give up, the shoes were too beautiful and I HAD to have them. Eventually I found myself on Polyvore, and viola! The Sandals were Found!!

These beautiful shoes are designed by Kat Maconie! I have no idea why she has never entered my radar especially as much as I gouge myself in magazines! Nonetheless I searched and searched and they were sold out everywhere in my size. Until I finally found these beauties at shoes365buy.com I mailed them to my house in the states by accident and I am trying to get them to deliver to my place in the UK. Nonetheless, Mission Accomplished! I didn't want to wait and then they'd be gone like so many other shoes I've lost out on. These sandals are definitely worth every CENT!!! If you wear a size 37 they are on sale for 39 pounds in tan at antropologie.eu. Click Here. And the black ones are still available at spartoo.co.uk from sizes UK3.5-UK6.5 Click Here. 

I am definitely a new cult follower of Kat Maconie and cannot wait to get my next pair of shoes from them, and to wear my Maude Sandals before the summer runs out. I also emailed them inquiring about the shoes (yes when I want something I explore all avenues) and they replied almost immediately! Now that is great customer service! They are kind, helpful and fashionable! What more do you want from a Shoe Designer?!?! 

 Kat Maconie - A beautitful and unique Shoe Designer, my only regret, is that I didn't know about her sooner. Visit her website here: katmaconie.com