Vintage Tiger Pin! RAWWRR!!!!

This may be my most favorite #fleamarketfind EVER!

Seriously.

I am so in love with my little tiger pin I sleep with him. No, not really. 

But I should.

Vintage Lovers get ready to gush.

My beau actually spotted this striped, little, jungle gem at a vintage showcase that I dragged him to. He has quite a good eye, for a dude.

Tis' a SHOULDER BROACH! 

You pin the Tiger over your shoulder so that it can be seen from the front AND the back. The tail hangs over your shoulder like its a little gecko just basking in the warmth of your sunny skin.  Weird analogy but go with it.

 This is an easy way to sass up a simple dress or tank!  You could even pin him onto a cardigan or a shawl. When people ask me HOW to vintage shop......I try to tell the to look for the interesting pieces that no one else will pick up. There were 3 of THESE cats!!!! Just sitting there. Another tiger and a leopard. The one I chose was in the best condition (most expensive of course). CAN YOU BELIEVE people were just strolling past and had NO idea of the amazingness sitting in the jewelry box before them. I think I paid 40 bucks for him. More than I wanted to spend but it is one of a kind and I couldn't help myself.
When you shop a flea market, a vintage show or an estate sale look for the bizarre. The unexplainable items that other people wouldn't even know what to do with. Take it home and figure out what to do with it! Be creative! Keep your eyes peeled for random cool things that are original, unique pieces that you have never seen before.

This is Zack, my tiger pin.

Here is my belly.

The HEAD, legs and tail all move fluidly, sort of like its a bracelet. I even considered making it into a bracelet but the shoulder broach concept is just so unique I didn't dare.

How gorgeous are his faux emerald eyes and fatty paws!?!

Sexy Tiger pose.

Let me know if you want one! I have the seller's number!
RAWRRRRR!!!!!!!!

Flea Market Finds!!!!

I have ALWAYS been obsessed with flea markets. I can never enter one without buying something, anything. And if I do I ALWAYS regret not buying it for days and days.

TWO HUGE SCORES this weekend. I went looking for an outdoor chandelier and furniture to restore...and left with stuff for ME! As usual. Precisely why they call me 'Greedy Guts'.

Thank goodness I came to my senses and haggled a bit with the woman selling the gorgeous hibiscus (i think) ankle grazing, short sleeve dress below. I walked away when she said 30 bucks. Then I asked her to drop it to 20, she refused. Then I walked away again. Then I hemmed and hawed and couldn't leave the place so distraught I didn't just 'GO FOR IT'. So....my honey convinced me to go back and buy it for the 25. I walked back with my tail between my legs that I didn't get it for the 20 I wanted but soon perked up when it was MINE...ALL MINE!

(PHOTOS NOT FILTERED DAMNIT!)

Dress is probably circa 1980s from what I can tell of the cut. I hand washed it as soon as I got home and let it dry in the sun- NO WAY I am dry cleaning a rayon dress I just got for 25 bucks. Kind of defeats the bargain purpose now doesn't it?  Pair it with sandals or even a simple pretty flip flop and a sun hat for summer days. For night rock an edgy stiletto heel with a plain belt and a clutch. (giant fake lashes ALWAYS recommended) Simple, easy, sassy style! Great for vacations, a lunch date, Bloody Mary brunch, work, or even a date with your honeybooboo. I always prefer classic and classy over trampy. I find the more demure pieces can be very sexy with the right styling and a great, fierce lady confidence.

Now, the Melrose Trading Post where I got the gems we speak of today has kind of morphed into a Hipster Heaven. Its super annoying because they kinda ruined it. Years ago I could go in there and get stuff for WAY cheaper. It's WAY expensive now, unfortunately. This flea market is a great one but kind of sceney now and super Hollywood. (good for celeb sitings actually.) I saw SincerelyJules (famous fashion blogger) and was totes star struck!

Moving on.....RHINESTONES! I spotted this little beauty at a small booth. The lady totally reeled me in because as I briskly and aggressively walked over to the table. She saw the sparkle in my eyes upon my approach like a lioness stalking an antelope (sorta). She knew what I was gunnin' for...and milked it. She sold me with one line...."Ohhh a young woman was just eyeing that. She said she would be right back." Now, MORAL dilemma here.... I felt totally guilty and torn that someone else wanted it and I was about to crush said stranger's Sunday Funday BUT MOVE YOUR FEET LOSE YOUR SEAT!!!! Once again, MINE all MINE. I was quickly cured of the guilt when I placed this beauty on my person. 10 BUCKS> I didn't even bother talking her down.
I like to pair these little sparkly pieces of heaven with lots of other jewelry. It somehow makes it way more casual and adds a "cool" factor! LAYER! LAYER LAYER!
Make sure there are no stones missing and that the clasp works on these older items.  Then, HAVE FUN with them!
SUPER cute with jeans and a t shirt....or a flowing sundress and long gold chain dipping into your cleavage (or lack thereof in my case).