Style Archives - Page 2 of 28 - The Pretty Secrets

Bringing Back the Blue Jean Bell Bottoms

by Sandy Joe | Sep 17, 2018 | Blog, Style

Bringing Back the Blue Jean Bell Bottoms

Beyond thrilled that bell bottoms seem to be making their way back into the denim options available these days. Whenever I’m thrifting, I will always browse the racks and racks of preloved jeans in hope of scoring a unicorn pair of 70s time softened jeans. It hasn’t happened yet but I know it will one day. In the meantime, this collaboration between Wranglers and Urban Outfitters will fit the bill just fine for me. I’m happy to be on the bandwagon of bringing back the blue jean bell bottoms!

OUTFIT DETAILS

ALDO ocoiven bordeaux eat eye sunglasses – c/o
VINTAGE gold hoop earrings – thrifted (similar here)
WRANGLER vintage western shirt – thrifted
VINTAGE straw bag – thrifted (similar here)
WRANGLER x UO denim bell bottoms – c/o
ALDO mule sandals – c/o

I can’t get enough of that classic back pocket embroidered detailing!

Bringing Back the Blue Jean Bell Bottoms

Let’s just say this isn’t my first foray into the belled denim department. A few years ago I tried on a subdued rendition of the bell from Topshop in my post Hanging Out, an ode to That 70s Show. (I even wrote about it for the Edmonton Journal because I was and still am so jazzed about that era) And then again more recently with my enthusiasm over a particular pair of striped denim jeans from the A$AP Rocky x Guess collaboration. Check those out in these two posts: Candy Striped and My Vintage Hawaiian Shirt. What are your feelings on this style of denim?

photographs – Jesse Sand

← Previous Next →

My Vintage Hawaiian Shirt

by Sandy Joe | May 28, 2018 | Blog, Style, Wore Stories

My Vintage Hawaiian Shirt

It is no surprise that my obscure and random interests sometimes bleed into my style inspiration. If you’ve stopped by this page a few times, you may be familiar with my on going world wide Tiki Tour. The thrill of finding a tiki bar untouched by the passing of time is a unicorn I am constantly chasing. Pair that with my love of vintage and naturally one would assume I collected Hawaiian shirts. This assumption would be correct. From children’s Harley Davidson Hawaiian shirts to this one I’m currently wearing, a gem by a Canadian designer Marjorie Hamilton. My vintage Hawaiian shirt collection is mostly in storage but this one managed to sneak into my main closet. Thank goodness because it was meant to be worn with these pants 🙂

OUTFIT DETAILS

ALDO agrerasen sunglasses – c/o
WASTED EFFORT copacabana earrings – c/o
NARS X ERDEM lip powder palette – c/o
MARJORIE HAMILTON vintage Hawaiian shirt – thrifted
VINTAGE straw bag – thrifted (similar here)
GUESS X ASAP ROCKY striped denim bell bottoms – c/o
ZARA platform sandals – c/o (similar here)

Thrifting For Labels

A funny thing happens when thrifting becomes a regular habit. When I was deep into the second hand world, I would frequent stores several times a week. I even had an Etsy shop which I’m considering reopening right on this blog! (Let me know if that’s of interest to anyone). The more I went, the more I would see the same labels over and over again to the point at which I started to develop favourites. Marjorie Hamilton became one of them and this flamboyant blouse just happens to be by her. Mr Jax (not to be confused with the Vanderpump Rules icky cast member) was another favourite label I came across repeatedly. Have you ever found vintage labels you seem to gravitate towards again and again?

photographs – Jesse Sand

← Previous Next →

STYLE | Housecoat in the Desert

by Sandy Joe | Apr 10, 2018 | Blog, Style, Travel

Housecoat in the Desert

The desert heat is known to make a person go crazy. The listlessness of a quiet desert sunset is enough to make me restless. Once its gone down, then what? The anticipation of the setting sun’s blazing colours is followed by the stillness of dusk. The restlessness that supersedes all the possibility of magic hour. The whirlwind of emotions reminds me of the frantic tones and mood of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. A book I’ve never read and a film that has made me question the likeability of drugs. Wearing a housecoat in the desert creates the mood of a pill popping housewife who’s wandered off in her bathrobe. A classic trope. This is a style editorial where Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas meets Valley of the Dolls. If you haven’t seen either, add them to your list and then continue scrolling.

OUTFIT DETAILS

RAY-BAN aviators – c/o Shopbop
TOM FORD roberto lipstick – c/o
VINTAGE housecoat – thrifted
ADORE ME olena bathing suit top – c/o
BIJOUX INDISCRETS maze x-harness – c/o
VINTAGE satin shorts – thrifted
ALDO cowboy ankle boots – c/o (similar here & here)

Technicolor Dream World

If you don’t have a technicolor dream coat at your disposal, simply alter your photos to look otherworldly. I had this dream of looking like one of the aliens from Star Trek. It would be a perfect fit with the space themed playground we found on our travels. I simply added a green hue to photos to make it so. The colour explosion only enhanced the illusion of an acid trip gone wrong. As I continue to look at vibrant hued photographs, the more I want to indulge this colour crazed side of myself. This is one housecoat in the desert vibe I want to take with me wherever I go.

photographs – Jesse Sand

← Previous Next →

STYLE | The Casa Grande Domes

by Sandy Joe | Mar 7, 2018 | Blog, Style, Travel, Wore Stories

The Casa Grande Domes

Sometimes the universe conspires in positive ways. Like when my parents decided to stop at a garage sale that just happened to have the most fabulous coat ever. A coat that is unfitting for the desert climate. A coat that is just so perfect for a person like me: obsessed with the 60s, interested in cults, and a natural born peacock. Add this cult leader coat to the mystery that is the Casa Grande Domes. That is what I like to call the ultimate Pretty Secrets style editorial. My essence distilled to its most potent point. I liken it to the magic I felt when we shot Dressed in Black, another desert editorial I still love. So keep scrolling to find out more about The Casa Grande Domes and get more deets on my outfit.

So Like, What Are The Casa Grande Domes?

The Casa Grande Domes have an interesting history. They were built in the early 80s as a computer manufacturing facility which never came to fruition. The acoustics within each cluster of domes sound so cacophonous it’s hard to imagine anyone manufacturing anything in there without going deaf. After that, it’s said that the next residents were local occult and witchcraft enthusiasts who used to the domes for satanic worship and rituals. From the many articles I have read about the Casa Grande Domes, there have been warnings about “the tunnels.” The majority have been filled in with the collapse of the eastern dome. Calling it a tunnel is a generous word. A more accurate word would be trough. The Domes are slated for demolition as per the order of city of Casa Grande.

A Coat Fit For A Cult Leader

“I will start a fashion cult” was my first thought when I saw this coat in a text message from my mom as I frantically texted her back. My text read: “akjsfbdfjgbdkfjg BUY ITTTTT!!!!” This is everything I want in a coat. It’s made of a carpet like material. A carpet coat for Sandy Karpetz. The universe wants it to be! It has a pattern that is reminiscent of a velvet black light poster. These are the things in common with all of my favourite pieces of clothing.

OUTFIT DETAILS

BAILEY’S OF HOLLYWOOD Renegade Hat – c/o
RAY-BAN aviators – c/o Shopbop
WASTED EFFORT copacabana earrings – c/o
TOM FORD roberto lipstick – c/o
VINTAGE carpet coat– c/o My Parents
H&M black t-shirt dress – c/o
ALDO cowboy ankle boots – c/o (similar here & here)

The Casa Grande Domes

Despite the eeriness of the Casa Grande Domes, I will be sad to see them go. I wish someone would record an album in them. The acoustics are so strange and extra echoey. Calling all psych and chill wavey musicians: head to the desert fast! Would you ever go visit them?

photographs – Jesse Sand / Sandy Joe Karpetz

← Previous Next →

STYLE | Pink Satin at the Pima Air Museum

by Sandy Joe | Feb 28, 2018 | Blog, Style

Pink Satin at the Pima Air Museum

While in the desert, it felt natural to go visit a giant compound of retired planes. The majority were, not surprisingly, retired killing machines. Our tour guide made no effort to describe any of the foreign air crafts throughout the hour long tour which I found hilarious. The patriotism in the US is unmistakeable. The Pima Air & Space Museum is definitely worth a visit none the less but maybe just opt out of guided tour and just take a wander around. We were a little strapped for time, but I did manage to stand in front of a massive art piece plane. Another highlight for any true crime enthusiasts was the helicopter that was used to help clean up the Jonestown Massacre. Now there’s a creepy cult! Anyway, my outfit of pink satin at the Pima Air Museum awaits you!

OUTFIT DETAILS

BAILEY’S OF HOLLYWOOD Renegade Hat – c/o
RAY-BAN aviators – c/o Shopbop
BETTY & VERONICA satin bomber jacket – c/o
FRANK & OAK striped shirt – c/o
THRIFTED satin shorts
VANS sk8-hi shoes – c/o

The Perfect Corner of Aviation

There were many impressive aircrafts at the museum but I naturally gravitated towards the ones that had been painted. It was like a magnet. Forget the Super Gubby, the Convair T-29B Flying Classroom, or even the sky scooter. I was only in it for the true boneyard planes. The ones so inconsequential that they don’t even bother trying to seal off the windows. That’s where I want to be. In the derelict section where only an artist can elevate a jumbo tin can into a thing of beauty.

Pink Satin Bomber Life

I love a good satin bomber moment as you may have noticed from this particular post. I even styled it with the same pair of shoes. What can I say? I’m a creature of habit. Had I brought my pink Vans Sk8-hi’s, this outfit would have been next level. Isn’t that how it goes when you’re on vacation and only packed a carry-on! At least I can pretend I’m on the Riverdale Tennis Team. There’s always a silver lining.

photographs – Jesse Sand

← Previous Next →

STYLE | A Bold Coat at the Butterdome

by Sandy Joe | Feb 22, 2018 | Blog, Style

A Bold Coat at the Butterdome

Another winter look with the jacket I cannot stop wearing. Every year it’s the same thing. I dread the snow, I accept the snow, and then I loathe the snow when it won’t eff off. I have lived places where the crocuses would be blooming right now. Alas, I cannot get on that train of thought or else madness will ensue. Instead of resenting the weather, I’m going to stand near buildings that are the colour of warmer seasons. So I bring you a bold coat at the Butterdome. Can you believe there’s a building that not only has all the characteristics of a brick of butter but it goes by the name Butterdome? It’s just like a character in Blues Clues. Speaking of which, I’ve begun to name all my possessions literally. Legit typing on my new laptop whose name is Mr. Computer. I digress. Keep scrolling for style.

The Higher the Platform, the Further From Snow

I never claimed to wear reasonable footwear. I reserve those types of shoes for running errands and the like. In the winter, you either need a sturdy snowboot that will block the -30 windchill or a platform that will allow you to rise above. Now you may be thinking “Seriously? Those are the options?” Well guess what, there’s a third option: move away. Now there’s a hot idea! Then I will never have to write at length about dressing for cold weather a la last week’s style post: 3 Ways to Dress for Outdoor Adventures (With Style).

OUTFIT

A Body-Ody-Ody-Ody Suit for Warmth

What I lack in clothing around my midsection (refer to mesh body suit) I make up for in other sensible ways. A hat. A long cobalt wool duster. You know, just the essentials. Perhaps I should take a lesson from myself and actually layer up. Where would the fun be in that? If I’m going to freeze, I might as well do it in a ice cold blaze of glory. Maybe my rose gold tinted hair will keep me warm?

A Bold Coat at the Butterdome

It’s worth noting that I also made the blog post title incredibly literal. This fact just came to me as I was reviewing the post. It appears that I am currently going through a phase of calling it like it is. It is unclear if this bodes well for me or not. I suppose time will tell. However, in the meantime since I’m on such a roll, I might as well truly lean into it. This jacket will be known as Blue Coat from now on. 🙂

photographs – Jesse Sand

← Previous Next →