outfit post: Layer Cake

This is my Halloween costume. It's basically an amped-up Rosebud, all clothes in my closet, that I actually wear, but layered on heavily, creating more costume than outfit. VERY much Harajuku inspired. It was chilly and so I keep layering under my rad new cape, a free vintage find from a huge pile of vintage someone threw away in a dumpster behind my apartment. So I have a bin of vintage that I've been hand-washing for days (dumpster clothes are filthy dirty clothes, btw) and this little gem was the first that I rescued. Since it's all real clothes, I was super warm and comfortable. I wish I could doll up like this everyday!

Now Wearing:

• Target, Black wool cloche hat
• Thrifted Vintage '60's floral broach
• Free, Vintage ('60's) black poly cape w/white trim
• Gifted (Thanks Kelly!) vintage white w/black striped day gloves
• Gifted (Thanks Kerry!) Vintage '80's black floral quilted jacket
• Prevues (clearance $3) Cotton w/ lace trim coverlet 
• Assorted polka dot scarves used as belt
• F-21, b/w polka dot sheer baby-doll dress
• Thrifted, white/black polka dot strapless dress w/crinoline skirt
• Thrifted(Salvation Army) vintage red leather shoulder bag
• Prevues, b/w striped over-the-knee socks
• Dansko platform maryjanes

Tears of a Clown

Laugh & The World Laughs with Ya: These pictures were taken a few years ago when I dressed up as a glam Raggedy Ann for Halloween. Only I got a lot of: "hey, hey, you're hot clown. " And I really loved my outfit, and the outfit pictures, but most of them vanished with the crashed computer...so boo-hoo-hoo. But these I stole from my old MySpace account, which I had used as profile pics at some point.  So enjoy, my pretties, and have a spooky and safe Halloween!

outfit post: When the Going Gets Tough

"So you think revolutions are made with rosewater? "

                                                                                             -Francis Bond Head 

So do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first? Or should we avoid this conversation all together? Fine by me. 

If it seems like I'm wearing my cranky pants, it's cuz I've got a good reason to be cranky. I'm out of coffee, out of money, and out of a job. Yep, you heard it, folks: I am now unemployed. Well, aside from my gazillion side projects (see here, here, and here) and my neglected online shop @ Etsy, I am cut free of any resemblance of the nine-to-fiver. So please excuse the panicked look in my face, but I'm a bit nervous. 


And I could use your help. I'll be building said Etsy shop, and doing some local trunks shows, so your support will be most valued in the coming months. In the next month, I'm offering a 15% discount to Citizen Rosebud fans & followers. Convo me for details. 

And be sure to check back soon for an update of the glass half-full. And, I promise, I won't be wearing my cranky pants. Which in this case another pair of "mom" jeans that have been cut and rolled into shorts. I liked the outcome of them so much, I wore them for 3 days straight. Which should save me some money on laundry, lol. There's good change on the horizon, and I'm looking foward in sharing the GOOD news with you!                                                                                 
                                                                                                      xo. -Bella Q

Now Wearing: 

• Target, cloche wool hat
• Gifted, Striped cotton scarf (GAP)
• One Star, ratty old cut-up T
• Target, black cotton sweater (not shown)
• Free, cut-off "mom" jean shorts
• Vintage, men's pin-striped double breasted jacket
• Fringe, vintage lucite cameo pin
• Target, grey over-the-knee socks
• Clarks "Artisan" black leather shoes
• f-21, straw hand bag

outfit post: Cosmos

I haven't been able to shop much lately, as I'm on a very tight budget. Which hasn't bothered me, as I've got loads of vintage to dress up in, but what happens when certain strategic pieces, like, say, tops are either getting too small, or worn out? My t-shirts are stained (from work) and holy from age, and there's no replacement for the time being. What's a rosebud to do? Well, this t-shirt had a few bleach holes in it, so I decided to take it to town, and ripped holes all over it. It's fairly indecent without the camisole under it, but I kind of like the layered effect it creates. My leopard print belt peeps through, and the grey d.i.y. thermal shrug just seemed like a natural companion to the shredded tee. The outfit was then put together instinctively, so I'm not sure why the tights with strings and the brown woven bag seemed to fit with the ensemble but they did. And like me, the random overflow of cosmos growing in my neighbors yard just felt right.

From Russia With Love: meet Annushka

It's been a while since I shared with you some blog love. Meet Annuska. I discovered this charming Russian bloggster October 4th. Why I know this is because she was the very first person to comment on my newest project: Street Style SACRAMENTO. I took a peek at her blog, and instantly fell in love with her zestful spirit and fresh style. She is utterly beguiling and is a real original.

I invite you to fall in love with Annushka Litvinova, too. Just head over to her blog and get ready for head-over-heels blog lovin'. Do me a favor, and tell her the Citizen Rosebud sent ya!

Photos courtesy of Annushka Litvinova

Mi Familia

Yesterday afternoon, I met my mama and my lovely cousin Melissa at Crepeville for a drink and a chat. We had a wonderful time.  

Ayer por la tarde, me encontré con mi madre y mi hermosa prima Melissa en Crepeville para tomar una copa y charlar. Tuvimos un tiempo maravilloso.

Not the most flattering photos of yours truly. But I really loved my "Grey Gardens" outfit. And my cousin looked tres guapa in her Parisienne striped top, leather jacket and amazing booties. Isn't she lovely? Mama Q, never shy of color was also decked out in her bold color combination of red/orange. Her hair isn't really that grey; it's residue from a Halloween costume she wore the night before. See, I got my love of costume from somebody. 

No las fotos más halagador de su servidor. Pero realmente me amaba a mi equipe "Grey Gardens".  Y mi primo parecía guapa Tres en su chaqueta de rayas Parisienne parte superior de cuero y botines increíbles. ¿Es bonita? Mamá Q, que nunca pierden de color fue cubierta también en su combinación de colores audaces de rojo / naranja. Su pelo no es tan gris, es residuo de un disfraz de Halloween que llevaba la noche anterior. Mira, yo tengo mi amor de traje de alguien.
 

Now Wearing: 

• Thrifted vintage '60's houndstooth wool cape
• Etsy, custom grey wool knitted hat w/ flower
• Gifted, fabric flower broach
• Fringe, Floral stockings
• Dr Scholl, platform shoes, circa 2006 
• Gifted, art deco print paper umbrella
• Thrifted, vintage plaid travel bag

just my type

A good time was had by all at the SNFC Harvest Craft Faire. Here are some of my favorite pictures of the event.

For more photos, click here.

outfit post: Neo-Crocker 2010

I've been posting about the Neo-Crocker all week now. I'd thought I'd show you all what I wore. The theme was "creative dress" so I went all out- I call this look "Victorian Pirate."

Now Wearing: 

• Thrifted vintage black wool hat
• Thrifted 1980's silk/beads/shell necklace (SPCA Thrift)
• Black shrug w/ button embellishing (Citizen Rosebud)
• Lindsay 23, striped arm warmers
• Prevues, 100% Babe," Day of the Dead" print corset-style top
• Prevues,   Hilary's Vanity, black & white striped long dress with "bustle"
• Thrifted polka dot bag (Goodwill)
• Steve Madden patent leather T-straps

outfit post: Mom Jeans

I've been wearing skinny jeans for almost a decade now. When boot-cuts were in, I didn't wear them. At the time, boot-cut jeans were unflattering to my then rail-thin frame. So when a pile of full legged "mom jeans*" showed up in the free bin at my work, in my size, my first reaction was: "oh hellz no!". Then I remembered Meggs from Another Day to Dress Up, SWEARING by "mom jean" shorts. So I grabbed the stack and brought them home.

There are a couple of pairs from the freebie stack that I'm thinking of keeping long. It's a very different silohuette than skinny jeans, the full legs and narrow waist is something I'm not used to. It took much longer than usual to put this outfit together, which is funny because the outfit is so basic: A ruffled jersey-knit tank top, mom jeans and vintage/thrifted Ferragamo pumps. 

The jury's still out on whether or not I like the look. Of the 15 photos shot, these two were the only ones that didn't make me look dumpy. But it's good to get out of the comfort zone, and explore other options. Like a free pair of mom jeans.

Are you like me and can't get enough of CAKE's new single: Sick of You? Crap, it's good. All jingle and hook. CAKE's first album release in 6 years; let's hope it does not disappoint. Here's a link for the new album's pre-order CAKE Showroom of Compassion.  

* Mom jeans: high-waisted, full legged jeans usually worn by unfashionable mothers in the 1980's.

5 quick questions: Wade & Associates

Meet Jen Wade.  

Jen Wade is a Sacramento-based fashion blogger who also moonlights as an environmental consultant. 

Her blog is Wade and Associates (http://wadeassociates.wordpress.com).

She assures me that she is not an off-duty model but just a person who loves fashion very much. It shows. 

She is simply stunning in her easy-going California chic, and you'll find her featured this week on Street Style SACRAMENTO. 

In the meanwhile, enjoy a Rosebud/Wade Q & A:

Q: Who/What inspires you?

A: My mom was a disco cutie and she has always inspired me. I've gotten a lot of great stuff from her closet from the '70s and early '80s that I always wear. Some examples include a denim vest with bronze buttons, gold chain belts, sequin clutches. 

I got the love of fur (including faux fur) from my grandma.

My recent celebrity crush is Alexa Chung. She's a British model/celebrity but you'll see her in American fashion magazines too. She mixes preppy, vintage, rocker pieces and always looks adorable.

Q: What's your favorite food? 

A: I'd kill for some crème brûlée.

Q: Newest style obsession?

A:  It's kind of funny my latest style obsession is not clothes. Big, messy, picked out, wavy hair. My hair is growing out and I'm having a lot of fun with it. I need to find a deep wave styling iron. Store the straightening iron ladies! I've also been picking up skinny belts (easy to find at any thrift store) and still looking for more high-waist jeans.

Q: If you could start a charity, what would it be?

A: A shelter or thrift store/clothing distribution center to help the homeless, particularly single mothers with children and pregnant women. They keep talking about a plan to address homelessness in Sacramento but they keep changing it (read about it here) - so they don't really have a plan. I believe strongly in non-profits and private organizations. The government isn't a reliable source of social services - when the economy tanks or certain parties get elected the services start to disappear.

Q: What fashion magazines do you read? Which one is your favorite?

A:  Harper's Bazaar is the only subscription I have. I pick up different things at Newsbeat like Italian Vogue or Look (a British WEEKLY! http://www.look.co.uk/). I've been disappointed with American Vogue lately - the ads are totally out of control. The Elle Collections books are my absolute favorite. I could look at runway photos all day. I'm getting more of my fashion news from iPhone apps and the Internet these days.

Get your fix of Jen Wade & Associates at her blog on wordpress, or find her on Facebook!
************************************************************************************

On another note: Please put Roz in your prayers today for a successful operation and a speedy recovery. As many of you may know, Roz is the brilliant mind and beauty behind the British blog: Clothes Cameras and Coffee, and today she'll be in surgery to treat her scoliosis. My thoughts and prayers are with her family today, and for a safe and successful operation. Get well soon, chica! 

Feeling Crafty? Harvest & Craft Fair this Saturday

For my lovely locals, I want to let you know that I'll be at the Sacramento Natural Foods Coop's Harvest Fair this Saturday selling a rack full of vintage and my button-embellished women's clothing for a good cause. It's a fund raiser and there's going to be some fun festivities for the entire family.

It's Saturday, October 23rd, from 1-5 p.m. There will be live music, seasonal snacks, product demonstrations and a craft fair. Proceeds will benefit the Sacramento Cooperative Community Fund, an endowment that awards micro-grants to local community organizations.

The event takes place at the SNFC Learning Center, and you'll find me in the back patio along with other crafty artists, including one of my favorite designers of all time, Kris Laskey of BUTT UGLY!!! Mama Q, my partner in the Citizen Rosebud vintage line, my hard-working seamstress, my cheer-leader, venture angel, who also happens to be my mama is also going to be there, so come down and say hello: she's adorable! 


$5.00 off your purchase of $20 dollars or more if you mention this blog!

what:       Harvest/Craft Faire

where:     Sacramento Natural Foods Coop Learning Center

                   1914 Alhambra Blvd. Sacramento, CA 

when:      Saturday, October 23rd

                   1-5 p.m.

why:       Fundraiser for the Sac Coop Community Fund

photo essay: Birds of a Feather

Photo Credits: Bella Q

Styles & Smiles: Friendly Fashion on J Street

Somehow, it happened: J Street is the unofficial ground-zero for Sacramento's indie fashion.  Teeming with small locally owned shops, J Street is an avenue of sartorial self-expression with a milieu of clothing choices for Sac-town stylistas.  Three shops in particular represent this rainbow of fashion flavor. You won’t find big-time labels or big-town prices or big bad attitudes inside these store’s doors.  Step into warm and friendly spaces with charming and uber-chic salesgirls who seem genuinely happy to see you.  Style meet smile.  Happy shopping, Sacramento!

Marilyn, Thunderhorse Vintage

Thunderhorse Vintage rode into the Sacramento fashion scene and into a wink of a storefront on J street over a year and a half ago..  Created by the colorful wunder-twins, Jen & Marilyn Ayers, this store is packed with funky goodness. The décor definitely smiles on the 1980’s but the vintage sold within runs the gamut of choice vintage pieces from the turn of the last century to the almost very nearly present. The funky decor is reminiscent of the Bay Area, but the style at Thunderhorse Vintage is pure Sacramento. Eclectic, colorful and personal, the inventory is hand-picked from the Ayers sister’s decade long collection, showcasing unique and quirky style. “We don’t do trends here,” says Marilyn, “we focus on classic personal expression.” Says the coolest kid on the block with shock-pink hair. The sales kids, like the owners, are no strangers to friendly, showering shoppers with warm and friendly chit-chat. At Thunderhorse Vintage, cool is in, but the cold shoulder is definitely out.

Thunderhorse Vintage

2522 J Street

(916) 444-7723

credit photo: shopcuffs.com

Across the street from Thunderhorse Vintage, you’ll step inside a whole different world of hip, Cuffs Urban Apparel. Cuffs is a young fashionista’s delight. This cozy 3 year-old boutique packs a punch with carefully selected new and vintage clothing that reflects the cool, chic style of the proprietress, the urgently lovely Lacadia Olsen.  Blonde, lithe & willowy, this California beauty radiates warmth & sincerity, and her style is at once cutting edge & classic. There seems to be a deliberate focus on offering affordable season essentials. What’s in for fall? Keywords here are lace, transparency, maxi dresses with boots, and socks with everything. 

Cuffs Urban Apparel 

2523 J Street 

(916)443-2881

photo credit: Sugar Shack Boutique

Presiding over the scene is the grand dame of Sacramento indie fashion: Mary Kawanao, aka Krazy Mary. One of the first to cultivate and support local designers in her shops, Mary has reigned as THEE Sacramento style maven for over a decade. She had, up until recently, not one, but two boutiques located on J Street. Sugar Shack, the little-sis to the more upscale Krazy Mary’s, still resides here, and for the past 7 years has been filling the large store windows with spirited fashions. Sugar Shack's style is constantly evolving. And what's developed this Fall?  Mary flutters her eyelashes, leans forward, and in with a low, smoky voice, whispers   “Ruffles & romance.” The clothing at the Sugar Shack is a lot like Mary: fun, flirty and very (pocket) friendly. 

Sugar Shack Boutique

2425 J Street

(916) 447-4435

IFB: Links Ala Mode, October 14th

Whoot! Whoot! 

Another incredible list of good reads from IFB's Links Ala Mode, and guess what, peeps? Yours truly made the list! There's not ONE but TWO fashion blogger's from Sacramento that are featured, so be sure to check out The New Professional's fab D.I.Y. post on turning an A-line into a pencil (skirt that is.) You'll also see Vahni's Friend Friday post: always a good read. So my friends, get the scoop and enjoy your Links Ala Mode!

IFB: Links Ala Mode October 14th

Coats on!

Edited by: Florrie Clarke of Intrinsically Florrie
Change is literally in the air, bringing with it the cold and rain that requires a wardrobe transition. I must confess to being ill prepared myself and as a consequence have been drenched in the freezing cold. Time to get out your boots and coat because fall is well and truly here. I may stick stubbornly to my floral dresses all year round, but the difference is in the layers. So I’m on the look out for fabulous tights and there are a couple of lovely posts to help me choose or even DIY my own style.

Links à la Mode: October 14th

• Beautifully Invisible: The Art of Fashion Photography, as told by guest contributor Casee Marie
• Best of bklyn: A guide to looking great on rainy days.
• Broke & Beautiful: Kelli Murray proves that fashion and style are both forms of art.
• Clothed Much: Blogging tips I’ve learned after a year and a half of blogging
• Dramatis Personae: If I Were Another Person- What would you wear if you were someone else?
• Forever Amber: My discovery of style blogging has also led to a discovery of places around my town that I didn’t even know existed
• Grit and Glamour: Friend Friday: Sticks, Stones, Comments, Criticism, and Kindness
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Bloggers Talk Monetizing Sites
• Intrinsically Florrie: A backstage look at the London Season debutantes of 2010 at the Queen Charlotte’s Ball, featuring Pronovias wedding dresses and Mikimoto jewelry.
• Leia’s Delights: Tutorial on how to enhance curly/wavy hair
• Love Brown Sugar: Why spend your hard-earned dollars on trends that will fade away next season? A Guide To Thrifting Trends
• Make the World a Prettier Place: A selection of beautiful vintage-inspired dresses
• Malvestida: I came across the idea of making a photoshoot about two of the things I love the most: music and fashion.
• Oranges and Apples: Beauty Essentials: Nivea Creme
• Other Dutch Animals: Mad men and English women: reject the high maintenance of the past and do vintage your way
• Skinny Purse: How To Wear Tights – Fall’s Essential Foundation Garment
• Shrimp Salad Circus: Get that extra mile out of your tights with seven fun and fashionable DIY projects!
• Style Eyes: Sustainable Clothing – Progress by the UK high street and online retailers since the launch of the sustainable clothing action plan
• The Citizen Rosebud: The story a a couple of backhanded compliments
• The Coveted: Is it Fall Yet? What to wear in transitional weather.
• The New Professional: DIY: Turn an A-line into a pencil skirt.

SPONSOR:
Shopbop Dresses; Jersey, Maxi, Mini, Black, Cocktail, One Shoulder, Work, & Sweater dresses

(we are) Thrift Shoppers

 
Check us out! KerryLin Dolan and I all buckled up in her car, getting psyched for our impending shopping expedition into Thrift Town. These photos were taken last summer in the parking lot of the Thrift Town on Stockton Blvd. Today seemed like a good day to post them, as Ms. Dolan just wrote a great post about her incredible Thrift Town score. You can read her post here.

Life, lately has been looking up, and one of the things that has perked up this month is my new blog: Street Style SACRAMENTO. After a year of wanting a good street style blog to represent Sacramento, California, I've decided to start one. The street style here in Sacramento is incredibly diverse and distinctive. I love the way people express themselves here, and want to share it with all of you. So I rode my bike around, took some photos and have been posting them since last week. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. So far, so good. 

The most recent subject of Street Style SACRAMENTO is the beautiful and lovely Audrey Wells from Fringe 21. She not only cheerfully posed for my camera, she also is offering a 20% store wide discount for my Rosebud & Street Style SACRAMENTO readers alike. Just use the code: ROSEBUD20 at checkout and you'll get 20% off your entire purchase. This sweet little offer is good until October 25th, so get up and go...shopping!

Photo courtesy of FRINGE 21

Photo courtesy of FRINGE 21

Fringe

2904 21 st Street

Sacramento, Ca

(916) 706-0216