This is the kind of thing I live for, friends: this week it's all about outfits that make a statement!

I mean, come on, this dress is just being unapologetically awesome! Obviously I love the vintage shape with the full skirt, and even if it *only* had clouds in blue skies as a print it would be superb.....

....but it has MORE! A European streetscape!

Plus it's totally wearable, with the comfy elasticized back AND pockets!

Friends, I know we all love the Oak+Fort and JCrew etc. that we find in the shop, but this dress is the epitome of eclectic second-hand finds! The print alone is a total stand out, but there is no mistaking the authenticity of the design with its pleats, collar and...

...actual shoulder pads! Check out how the shoulder pads are attached and covered with the same cherry-print fabric, because they are such an important part of the design from an era when you would never purposefully remove shoulder pad! Ha! Shoulder pads gonna shoulder pad!

The tag is completely faded, but IRL I could make out that the dress is rayon:

The jewel in the crown -and total bragging rights- for those of you who love the vintage!

Weeeeeeeeee! A Tour d'Eiffel statement ring!

This very modern dress is also such a fascinating stunner. Perfect for those of you who love to make a statement while still technically working within the bounds of the traditional. The grey-scale of the dress tones down what could almost be too weird if done in bright colours (although I would also love to see that!), and gives it the gravitas needed to pull off an artsy, elegant look.

But check out the thick, criss-cross straps on the back! It's like it's sporty and fancy at the same time!

For the Desigual lovers out there! Would you believe these don't say "Desigual" anywhere on the outside of the pants? Someone was asleep at the switch!

Note the difference in the pockets here:

And here's your close-up of the pattern:

But talk about standing out, friends! I just can't even with these shoes! Can you believe these are flats? I think this makes them so much more accessible and playful. I love the fuchsia, the embroidering and, of course....

...the actual crystals on the straps!

It's bird time! Yes, I know that sometimes putting a bird on it is a joke, but there are so many different ways to put birds on things that I am still all about it.

Like, this is a lovely, grown-up bird print!

Then on this Gap button-down....

....the print is more whimsical and illustrative. These birds remind me a bit of the puffins on the puffin dress from last week.

OK, this very special little round purse must have a heck of story....but I know nothing about it! It's made of leather and woven wicker with an adjustable strap.

And look at the beautiful batik lining the interior. There is no fading on the batik, which also signals authenticity and quality crafts-ship to me. This is also a very special treat to have in the shop!

Friends, this body suit from chez Simons is brand new with the tags still on it (so you don't have to feel weird about it)! Thank you to the designers at Simons who gave this one a velcro facining at the crotch.

And no Wednesday can be complete without a little something from Loft 82 and friends. This black jersy skirt has opposit front and back tulip petals!

So, friends, last weekend none of you came to visit me. Which is no big deal, because, you know, whatever, I'm not insecure and codependent or anything.

So, ANYWYAS, I ended up spending the time that we would have spent talking (probably about capsule wardrobes, ethical manufacturing and British murder-mysteries?) hanging up and steaming clothes instead, and now the shop is PACKED.

And, hey, we are turning 8 years old on July 1st! So this is happening:

We've modified the long-weekend hours, so please emotionally prepare yourselves that this Saturday we are open 10-5, and Sunday 12-4. I will be in on both those days, so this time COME VISIT ME!

Here's this week's pic that my phone took accidentally:

I think last week's accidental pic was better, but now I wonder if maybe my phone is sentient and it thinks the lamp above the shop counter is its space-ship, and it's trying to send a secret signal to it in such a way that results in a picture being taken?

I wrote this at The Woodrack Café, another independent, locally {woman} owned business. When we support independent businesses we make an immediate positive impact on real human beings in our community.