Honor Roll: Jerico from Australia

About Jerico: Jerico is a Sydney-based fashion student and writer. She also works in a costume shop, which means she gets to dress up everyday! She likes bike-riding, thrift shops, feminism, art criticism, trash culture and animals. Her personal style varies from day-to-day, but 80's pastel prints and lots of BLACK, are the bread and butter of her wardrobe. You can visit Jerico's blog at http://www.imperialjunk.blogspot.com/

Old School Cool Treasure: I bought the 'Three Little Pandas' Glittery Sweater. Australians call them 'Jumpers.' I love this piece so much, because it's completely unique! It reminds me of the clothes I used to wear as a kid, but have long since grown out of. Why should kids get all the fun clothes? This jumper looks great with lots of layering. I usually pair it with a denim vest. I like to wear it with a long skirt and sneakers, which reminds me of the way a lot of Tokyo girls dress in Winter. Since the design is so adorable, you can basically throw it over anything, for instant cute.

Curious as to what Honor Roll is all about? Then read this.

Honor Roll

Old School Cool is all about giving new life to vintage items. It is about adding your personal twist to make something "old" into something completely fresh and new.

Honor Roll posts will feature customer-submitted photos of them wearing their Old School Cool treasures. Like Honors Students, they will be rewarded in the form of a 10% off your entire purchase discount. This discount is good on their next purchase and it excludes shipping. Although this discount will never expire, it can only be used once. It is also non-transferable.

I strongly encourage Old School Cool customers to send me their photos not only for them to get the discount but to inspire other people as well. Like most vintage items, we believe in uniqueness and second chances and Honor Roll celebrates that.

For inquiries and photo submissions, please send me a convo in Etsy.

Quotable Quotes

"Sure, blood is thicker than water. But unless you're a vampire, you need water to live. You can quote me on that!"

- Teresa, The Headmistress

Sewing and Dress Forms

After neglecting my dandy sewing machine for a long time, I finally decided to take it out today for a little project. I've been watching a lot of sewing tutorials on YouTube yesterday and I've been meaning to start sewing again so the timing was right. Plus, I bought a ton of vintage patterns that I've been wanting to sew so I definitely needed to brush up on my skills.

I'm pretty much a simple sewer. I make tote bags, attach zippers, shorten hems, real easy and simple stuff. I know the basics to make use of my sewing machine. I guess you can say that I'm a beginner.

Today, I dabbled on using bias tape. The vintage patterns that I bought always seem to mention them so I figured I might as well get acquainted with this thing. Wow! They are the most wonderful things ever! If you use pre-made bias tape, they're actually easy to use! (It would be safe to assume that most of my sewing project from here on out will have bias tape) With my newly learned technique, I decided to add some detail to a plain pink dress that I have with some white bias tape. I still have a lot of things I want to add to the dress so I'm not yet done. You can take a peek at what I've done so far with the bias tape below.

Gosh, I've forgotten how fun it is to sew! Unfortunately, it also reminded me of how expensive it can be. I guess it's time to start collecting those Joanns coupons again! Speaking of sewing, guess who arrived in the mail today? Sandy! The lovely dress form that I bought on eBay! You'll be seeing a lot of Sandy in the shop as she will be modeling for me! Yay!

Liberty of London Lovelies

I have decided to let go of the 2 Liberty of London dresses that I have. They have the loveliest prints ever! They were a bit big and although I can easily have them altered, times are tough and this girl's gotta eat (ice cream). Both dresses are new and with tags. I'm open to shipping worldwide so international buyers are more than welcome! I still have 1 Liberty of London dress but I'm still contemplating whether I should keep it or not. I have to keep some loveliness for myself too, yes? Please visit my eBay listings!

The Secret Daily Teachings

"Pure love has no conditions or boundaries. Love does not restrain itself or hold back. Love gives all the time and doesn't ask for anything in return. Love is a continuous flow without any limits. And all of this is inside you."

- Rhonda Byrne

ModCloth Vintage Lovelies

It's true what they say.
The good ones are always taken
And you're always the last one to know...

NOTE: Photos taken from Modcloth.com

Bridal Shower

My lovely friend, Gemma, is getting married! She had her Bridal Shower 2 Saturdays ago at this awesome Italian restaurant. It was nice to see everyone. Like what I always say, Good food + Good company = Good times!

The Filipinos (and honorary Filipinos) in attendance. Clockwise from top: Kevin, Kherwin, Keith, Grace, Me, Victor, and Gemma (the lovely Bride!)

Princess, Me, and Grace. Filipino Girls, represent!

A rather wonderfully blurred photo of me and Grace.

Me and Grace playing with the gigantic pepper mill at the restaurant. We're goofy like that.

Shop Update: All in all, Overalls!

It's no secret that I love wearing short overalls, or shortalls, if you will. I think they are fun and undeniably comfortable. I've decided that with the weather warming up, it's time to post some in the shop. I wear them out to run errands. I wear them to go to the park and play on the jungle gym. I wear them to the mall. I wear it with a tank top or with a shirt. I even wear them rolled up. They are casual but with a little imagination and creativity, you can definitely glam up this childhood classic. (I usually just throw on a nice blazer and a nautical shirt for a more "formal" look.) I think it's something every girl must have. Besides, you'll never know when you'll need to do some painting around the house. Want some more convincing? Look at how Zara styled their shortalls below. Lovely, isn't it? Don't forget to check out my shop!

Want to read more about shortalls and overalls? Click here for a past blog entry.

NOTE: Photos taken from Zara.com

Happy Thoughts

I have been unintentionally neglecting my blog and Twitter and for that I apologize. For the past 2 days, I just feel so down. Not to worry though as this is not a pity post! I just feel like I need to remind myself that there's so much more in this highway we call life than just this little roadbump. Rainclouds might currently be hovering overhead but the sun will eventually come out. I just have to remind myself that I'm still blessed.

One Language Canvas Tote Bags

It's no secret that I'm a tote bag junkie. I have a hamper full of tote bags. I collect anything from foldable nylon tote bags to shopping tote bags to canvas tote bags. I have some in my car and I always carry one in my purse. They're cute, simple and very functional. (Not to mention, eco-friendly!) Plus, unlike designer purses, you won't feel too bad if you use them often or lug them around. In fact, I think it adds character to the tote bags.

I recently came across One Language canvas tote bags during my trip in Los Angeles. Wow! These babies are absolutely beautiful! Their simplicity and classic shape won me over instantly.

One Language bags are made from 100% eco-friendly, all natural cotton canvas. These tote bags are incredibly chic and functional, crave worthy yet suitable for everyday use. It's the perfect large canvas tote, completely reusable and durable for any lifestyle! One Language bags are currently available in Nordstrom and Theory. Check out the beauties below!

Roxy and Me

Roxy is Ann's little Shih Tzu. Roxy is 4 years old and she's adorable! (Just look at her little outfit and her hairbows! Girl's got style!) We kept each other company while I was in Los Angeles during my short sabbatical.

At first, I thought she would be spoiled but she kinda grew on me. She's really just a quiet little doggy who mostly sleeps and keeps to herself but she's got some adorable moves too! One time, as I came upstairs after having my lunch, I found the silly little girl sleeping right smack in the middle of my airbed, all curled up in my blanket too! They say Shih Tzus were bred to be bed warmers for the Chinese Emperor. I guess Roxy is definitely staying true to her breed!

Stay classy, Roxy Girl! Auntie Teresa misses you! Until next time! :)

Outfit Post: Heart-Eyed Sailor

Another lovely day! (I hope I didn't just jinx our luck with the weather!) Mr. Old School arrived early from work today so we were able to go to the nature preserve to enjoy the weather. The geese, the swans, the birds, and even the turtles were out to play! We even saw a turtle laying eggs! How neat is that? I was completely in awe! Of course, a trip outdoors will never be complete without bubbles! Check out the photos below! This is definitely a great way to start the week right!

• White Heart Shaped Sunnies: Bought at a flea market
• Blue Gingham Dress: Vintage Gap
• White Sailor Necktie: Isaac Mizrahi Dress Belt worn as a tie
• White Strappy Sandals: Bass Sunjuns

TURTLE LABOR, IN PHOTOS

STEP 1: Dig a hole with back flippers.

STEP 2: Lay eggs into the hole while no one is watching.
(No one was watching and so, there was no photo!)

STEP 3: Cover hole with mud and grass.

(Photo of said covered hole)

STEP 4: Leave covered hole and go back to natural habitat.

It must be tough being a single mother turtle! Mr. Old School and I plan to visit the hole to check if anything ever comes out of it. I'm very curious and excited! I've never seen anything like it!

Outfit Post: Birdhouse and Turtle Shells

The weather today was lovely. My body clock has yet to reset itself so I had to force myself to get out of bed to enjoy the sun. It would be such a waste if I spent all day in bed! It was bright and warm outside. It was simply perfect.

Mr. Old School and I dropped by the park to enjoy the weather. As we were leaving the park to pick up some things at Target, we were ambushed by a rather startled turtle. It came from behind one of the flower bushes, "ran" on the pathway and into the grass. I reckon it was "running" away from us but I have to say, I was just as surprised as the turtle. (Plus, I've never seen a turtle move so fast!) I was jumping and screaming as my mind was trying to process what this shiny crawling creature was in front of me. My mind totally blanked out! At first, I thought it was a huge beetle. I really didn't expect to see a turtle in the park! I probably scared some of the people with all my screaming and jumping. I bet I looked silly! Funny times.

Then, we went to Target and picked up black knee-high socks and a thing of bubbles. Blowing bubbles is always fun and relaxing! I got one with the really big wand but the bubbles still came out normal sized. It was a lovely day, nonetheless!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

• Hat: JCPenney
• White Tank Top: Victoria's Secret Pink
• Denim Vest: Vintage Gap
• Birdhouse Necklace: Urban Outfitters
• Khaki Shorts: Old Navy
• Sandals: Vintage, thrifted
• Red Purse: Vintage Liz Claiborne

When I saw this Birdhouse Necklace at Urban Outfitters, I knew I had to get it! It looks very cute! The little bird inside makes it even more special!

Dujour Magazine's Virgin Issue!

I absolutely LOVE Dujour Magazine! They have the prettiest spreads I've ever seen! Every page oozes with loveliness! Everytime I read it, it inspires me to dress up in my frilliest outfit ever! Dujour Magazine reminds me that being a girl is fun and exciting!

Well, ladies, it's that time again... It's that time when we get to immerse ourselves in all things lovely! Dujour Magazine's Virgin Issue preview is out now! Check it out below! Flipping thru it just made me even more ravenous! I cannot wait to get my digital issue!

I'm a Dujour Girl. Are you? Go ahead and view the preview below and subscribe!