I was recently on a road trip, and as I’ve written before,
I like to combine travel with shopping trips for acrewd. So as I made
my way back home from a lovely wedding in Grayton Beach, FL, I found
myself with a little time and nobody to be bothered with my incessant
need to shop. I slowed through a small main street in Alabama and I
looked around - I had hit the gold mine! Before me was a restaurant, a
(cleanish) bathroom and four antique shops within walking distance. I
parked, I had arrived…
So, imagine the emoticon of sadness that typed into my heart
when I walked to each store and saw that every single one was closed :*( There, you don’t have to imagine because I went ahead and typed it.
Three closed for good and one due to the owner's recent back
surgery (my condolences as this is completely excusable). It got me
thinking about how the economy has hit some areas worse than others. I
imagine at one time there was enough business in antiquing that 4 stores
were justifiable in this tiny market. Now, half of the store fronts on
this strip were empty. Yet in other regions I've traveled, the need for
antiques seem un-phased by the decline in purchase of luxury goods. Sadly, these remote stores often have the greatest and most unique finds. When they close, where do the treasures now go? Which brings me to my second lesson in becoming an acrewd-esque fashion treasure hunter:
Step 2: Always do your research
The internet can be your best friend when it comes to shopping. When I'm new or travelling to an area, I like to do a Yelp search for thrift stores nearby. When searching for estate sales listings, I use this site for the dates and cities I’m interested in. I've used directories,
forums, and good old fashion word of mouth from friends and strangers
to find great shopping districts across the US and even the world
(Nelson, New Zealand is where I found my favorite lazy
day t-shirt of all time). I also make sure to call stores listed on a
map to make sure that they are still open or that their hours haven't
changed (simple move but anytime I skip this step I regret it.) Although
I didn't waste any time or go out of my way when I happened upon this
last strip of empty storefront - it's important to research to make sure
your time is well spent. Or you can always save yourself the time by
browsing the inventory of acrewd's e-boutique where you're guaranteed to find something amazing! Your time, your choice.
Have you checked out acrewd's pages on Pinterest and Polyvore? If not, now is the perfect time! We are working to build style board themed Pinterestboards through
the online collage maker (doesn't Polyvore make you nostalgic for your
past days spent with scissors and a pile of magazines??) and I want
your opinions!
Do you love, hate, or have a better suggestion? Tell your opinions in the comments.
by: Heather
A Rundown of some favorite budding trends seen at the MTV 2012 VMAs...
1. Sequins sequins everywhere! Sparkles are not just for Vegas anymore. Sequins are making
their way to the main stream and were seen all over the red carpet. Katy
Perry wore a floor sweeping sequined sheer bottomed gown. Demi Lovata's
short, sequin LBD paired with a studded leather jacket brought the rock
and roll vibe. Gabby Douglas brought her Olympic gold (and black) with a
striped dress on the carpet and joined in Alicia Key's performance in a
black shiny top. Pink's performance featured black, white and a hot red
lip! She brought the geek chic with her suspenders on her sequin
shorts.
2. Winter White Hot
Labor Day may have passed, but winter white lives on! There isn't a
time to look hotter in white. Rihanna wore a body hugging white gown
that looked comfortable and chic. Taylor Swift kept it simple (some say
too simple but I disagree) in a white suit with gold sandals and a red
lip. And Rita Ora exchanged her deep plunge sequin body suit for a
white, curve hugging dress complete with gloves and fringe shoulders.
3. Short (oft platinum) 'dos
The ladies got gutsy with the scissors and brought their hair to new
heights! Miley and Pink competed for who could go blonder or shorter. I
think they should be walking advertisement for tough hold hair spray. By
combining hair heights with cascading and daring earrings, they had all
the right accents for super cute and feminine hair. Rihanna debuted her
new, shorter locks and brought out the super extended eyelashes and a
low back dress to accessorize. Alicia Keys took sleek to the next level
here with her short bob and later in her killer performance when she
slicked way back. These ladies make me envy their moxie to steal the
spotlight with their short tresses.
by: Heather
As fall enters the horizon, there are many things to get excited
about. Obviously, we are focused on fashion! Trading in our sundresses,
sandals and neons for riding boots, cardigans and tweedis
always bitter sweet but with every season comes its turn and we are
ready to welcome the autumn change. Looking at the upcoming Fall trends
one that really sticks out is the shift towards all things equine. From horse prints to preppy cuts there are many ways to play up this look with things you have and also with items you can order from our store (how convenient!)
If you have a few minutes, check out the video below of Tommy
Hilfiger's equestrian inspired Fall 2012 line. The house did so well in
blending together several hot fall trends (rich and deep colors,
textures, structured cuts, and preppy patterns) showing us the best of
the season. Here are some additional looks from NYFW.
How will you be rocking the preppy equestrian trend this season?
What is it exactly about polka dots that makes them so irresistable?
I am constantly on the look out for them... and perhaps that's why there always seem to be a good supply for sale in acrewd e-boutique.
Nail art is a trend that has really made a comeback this year. We,
for one, are very thankful for this resurgence of such a fab trend.
Polka dot nails are refreshing and fun! They are a great conversation
starter and provide a playful look.
Polka dots are amazingly simple to style; they are versatile yet they make a statement. Showing some more polka dot love...
What makes you tap your toes? For us it's many things. Great style
(of course), a women with a strong voice, and high energy music just to
name a few. On this installment of Streetstyle Saturdays, we get all
those things in one with Lauren, the woman who lends her vocals to local
new era country/bluegrass/punk band The Whiskey Gentry.
Check out one of my favorite songs, Eula Mae
This six-piece band packs the best of a good ole country sound,
bluegrass energy and speed, and Lauren's vocals that Paste magazine
described as, "Alternately delicate as a string of pearls and fierce as a
jackhammer," which is pretty damn accurate. Combine that with the
extremely talented instrumentals from Jason, Chesley, Sammy, Price and
Michael and a few inspired punk covers and you have a one of a kind
Atlanta band. But I digress...
This is really about style, unique style that Lauren has in abundance.
What strikes me about her is how very representative of an Atlanta gal
she is. A combination of playful style, vintage threads, great
accessories and the staple cowboy boots. Here are some great looks:
So when I heard they would be closing the 2012 Grant Park Summer Shade Festival, I made sure to be there. Grant Park
is my 'hood, so we made our way to one of the final outdoor festivals
of the season with some friends for some local food, fresh brews and
even fresher tunes. Per usual, the crowd ranged from young to old and
the easy neighborhood feel ensured that you would run into old friends
and new (and even some family, if you look hard enough!). Below are some
shots of the event, including my geeked out moment when I actually got
to meet some of the folks from The Whiskey Gentry!
Such a fun way to spend the day! And so
happy to nab a shot of great style on the streets of Atlanta. Thanks,
Lauren and all The Whiskey Gentry folks for an awesome-tastic show!
