ChEEky PoP - RED RILING

Hey did you know my sister Melissa has an online shop? It's called RED RILING and it's magnificent. She's been working in thrift and vintage stores for years and years and has amassed a pretty excellent collection of things, including both vintage items and accessories that she makes using vintage materials. She knows her stuff and also has exquisite taste. Her wares have graced Calamity shows and posters alike!

She's doing a little cyber Monday sale, which would be funny to you if you knew Melissa, so you can get 20% off anything in her shop with the code CYBERPOPPY.

Happy shopping!

Oh! And if were you wondering why the code is "CYBERPOPPY" -- meet Poppy!

We're trying to book her for the next show.

-M

ChEEky PoP - eShakti shirt at werk

Juuuuuuust about a month ago, we got the one of the coolest e-mail we've ever gotten. The lovely Jane of eShakti messaged us, inviting us (as they do with other bloggers) to review a product of theirs in exchange for telling all our friends about it. What followed was an early-morning flurry of text messages, in which we discussed the pros and cons of just about every item of clothing available on eShakti.com to blogger reviewers.

And there's good news for you -- they're offering our readers 10% off until November 6th. Just enter 'calamitycodance' as a promotional code when you check out.

eShakti has a large selection of dresses, skirts, tops, pants, blah blah blah, some of which are available to be reviewed. While this was exciting and the possibilities seemed endless, we agreed we wanted something that could cater to both of our personal styles. This required some deliberation, not only because we have our own distinct styles, but also because we are two different shapes. Somewhat fortuitously, we both discovered this shirt - excuse me, I mean "tile print chiffon blouse" - to be something that would work for both our bodies, as well as our styles. 

The COOLEST thing about eShakti is that you can custom order any and every item on their site. Not only can a top be tailored to your specific measurements, but you can change the sleeves, the neckline, or how low it falls on your hips. You can change the length of a dress or whether certain ornamentation is included or not. This part of the site is LITERALLY a dream come true. However, because we were trying to dress two different bodies, and also the shirt we agreed on seemed best as it was offered, we did not take advantage of this extremely cool detail.

We ordered on Day 1. Ten days later, we got an e-mail confirming shipment. Two days later, the box arrived. Not too shabby, all things considered!

So, you wanna know what we really think?

ChEEky PoP - MonochroMAYBE

Here's something worth trying. And I say that because I did it today and no one, that I noticed, pointed and laughed at me or called me any mean names.

Wear a WHOLE bunch of the (sorta) same COLOR!

It's a selfie taken in my bedroom. Who am I fooling here?

ChEEky PoP - Neckwear and Graphics sittin in a tree!

As much as I'd like to think I'm a fashion risk-taker, I'm not. I'm really not. But one thing I've been experimenting with lately (and, that I know of, no one has run screaming from me when I do it) is pairing big, baubly statement necklaces with run-of-the-mill graphic tees. While usually you expect to see these jewelry pieces as a PoP! of color or bling used to dress up or make more interesting anything from work tops to wedding guest dresses (also to cover up cleavage, as necessary), I'm ill-advised to wear jewelry to work and I don't go to that many weddings. Plus, these gems are PURDY and I wanna show 'em off!

And so voila! I found myself wearing regular-old t-shirts with some elaborate neckwear.

I'm also considering table-cloth inspired t-shirts as "graphic," here. My 6.5-years of retail experience tells me otherwise, but soooooometimes it's okay...like right now!

Remember to always take your selfies from the least-flattering angle possible.

ChEEky PoP! - Shopping in a Calamity!

What's the one thing better than wearing extremely cute outfits?

SHOPPING FOR EXTREMELY CUTE OUTFITS.

And that's what we did on a recent trip to dear old Salem, Massachusetts. Yes, home of the witches, but also home to me (Amy!) prior to moving to Somerville.

Modern Millie, located on Central Street in the heart of Salem's downtown district, is, among other things, freaking adorable. They are a vintage and consignment boutique specializing in modern looks, as well as fashion from the 70s and earlier.

Store front, complete with extremely sweet and well-accessorized store manager, Heather!

The shop itself is quaint, and yet bursting at the seams with color, minute detail, and retro sounds. I liken walking into Modern Millie to walking into Frenchie's bedroom during the sleepover scene in Grease; before Sandy gets all emotional because Rizzo is the worst and it's just a couple of girls having a time.