Secondhand Rose, 1989: Bella, age 22, still loving her secondhand stripes.

The style: thrift store chic.
The decade: the 1990s. 

And,  I was there. The FIRST time.

WARNING: The following is a major FASHION FLASHBACK-  attached with memories and proof of having survived the late '80s, and early 1990s. 

The place: Sacramento, California, smack dab in the middle of a roughed up patch of paradise we called Midtown. I lived and breathed up this universe; my friends were fierce, friendly and creative sorts, many of whom, I'm lucky to re-connect with via Facebook (thanks, Facebook!) which is where I got these photos.

We rode our bikes everywhere. Hit every yard sale, garage sale and thrift shop on the way. We sipped pints in pub/dives/coffee shops named Blue Ribbon, Malarkey's, the Weatherstone; drinking like fishes, laughing like hyenas. There were some very good times, with some very amazing and special people.

What does a horsey So-Cal social club, some killer vintage gingham and Walt Disney have in common?

This shirt right here:

I don't remember a time when I wasn't a little crazy about Frye boots. They're boot branded classics, and their history, one of the oldest American leather goods companies (since 1863!), is pretty proudly American. So, when I saw these Victoriana style boots on their website about 5 or 6 years ago, I had to have them. In fact, they are the most expensive item in my wardrobe, setting me back nearly $500. Yup, you read that right, this fancy-pants lady paid $500 clams for these beauties.

Never before have I spent that much on clothing or accessories, and most likely, never will I again. They're boot treasures, so very vintage looking, and unique. In fact this style is no longer available, having been made just for one season. But my rationale was this: they were an American company, and the boots were American made. I was going to support that commitment but plunking down a rather heavy chunk of change. It was Christmas, and in thanks of baby Jesus, I decided to treat myself.

It's been exactly one year since I made an open call to women in their 40s (and beyond) who owned their personal style but weren't necessarily fashion blogger types. I was pleased to get a number of responses, and then I dropped the ball. There are loads of reasons for said ball dropping, and not one of them make for an interesting conversation. I'll spare you the excuses, and the apologies. Instead, I will pick my scabby self up, and do my best to offer up my part of a hopefully, very lively conversation.


Hopefully late is better than never: we're resuming the series, and plan to facilitate more diverse and varied portraits of style loving women in their forties. 

Check back next Tuesday for the next installment of: THIS IS 40.

If you know a stylish +40 woman who should be featured, please share her with us!
Send your submission to: [email protected]

Do you know this woman? All I know, is that she makes the top of every blog roll or list I can think of: best +40 blogger, best personal style blogger, best vintage seller, best Secondhand First...um ANYTHING. She lives and breathes fabulous style, sustainable shopping (being frugal and creative and not giving a damn about the status quo, really has got its perks!) and vintage dressing. She's Vix. She rocks, and there's no two ways about it.

Today a Full Flower Moon. (Photo Source)

Today, a full moon. In fact a "Full Flower Moon," which sounds very special to me. So in honor of our full flower, here's a little music to set the mood. Happy mooning!

SHINE THAT #SECONDHANDFIRST. The vintage handbag and shoes remind me of Sheila, so it seems a fitting tribute to Sheila's amazing (and mustard yellow rocking) style to make a shoe shine post for the premiere of Shoe Shine over on her blog. 

#SECONDHANDFIRST: A Melange a Trois- enjoying a little rose on rose action.

A BEAUTIFUL FIND: One major score recently was this mid century 1950s wool mens cardigan sweater- the label, a classic Penguin, as in Seattle Knitting Mills. I've heard of the brand Penguin before, but didn't realize it was from the Pac NW: pretty cool! Bought for the boyfriend, who was keen on it, except it's too big. So it's now listed in the shop, waiting for its Mr. or Mrs. Right to take it home. BUY NOW.

SECONDHAND FIRST: My rose-infused outfit today is 100% thrifted. The dress, a new, retro flavored Maggie London, was a big splurge at the Goodwill last summer, clocking in at over $20, but it's a gorgeous print, fully lined, and made from a beautiful heavy weight cotton. Fits like a glove. Pity the zipper recently decided to break- what I hate about nylon zippers, and it kind of illustrates the cliche: they don't make 'em like they use to. Still, Maggy London is a fairly fancy brand, and the dress if purchased brand new in a retail shop would have set me back well over $120.  Similar can be purchased here. The headband, was handmade and gifted to me in my early fashion blogger days, and the tie, well, it's a vintage 1970s clip-on tie with rosebuds on it. I SHOULD list it to sell, but at the moment I'm having fun sticking it on various dresses and shirts and wearing it around town. The shoes are now officially "these old things." I just realized that I bought them over a decade ago. They were expensive then, and they were very well made, just only recently showing signs of wear and tear. Good job, Coach!

PUPPY IN THE WINDOW: is looking for a good home! We've been working on revamping a vintage home decor/kitchy cat lady collectable shop, christened Westminster Spinster, and this little pup was the first listing. Check it out here, more is soon to come!

What a treat for me personally, reading yesterday's post- Meg's interview of Sheila. A big thank-you goes out to Meghan, of Cirque du Frock for her numerous and amazing contributions to this blog. Meghan- you ROCK, and I can't thank-you enough for the added energy you're bringing to the Citizen.