The Alameda Vintage Blog

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! <3 Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

2011-12-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

More goodies for your Christmas List...

Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

Maxis = Love

2011-12-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

Ending tonight!

2011-12-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

Ending TONIGHT on Alameda Vintage!

xo,

Sabrina London

Downtown Burbank

2011-12-06T03:52:00.000-08:00

Dress: Vintage Lanvin // Coat: Vintage // Belt: Urban Outfitters // Purse: Chanel // Shoes: Michael Kors // Necklace: Independent Jeweler

xo,

Sabrina London

Winterlust: Vintage Auctions Start at $20

2011-11-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

Available at Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

Snow Bunny Vintage

2011-11-15T01:34:00.000-08:00

Available at Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina

Winter Wonderland Collection

2011-11-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Available at Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

Who Are You Being for Halloween?

2011-10-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to be Amy Winehouse this year. Sean and I are attending a Halloween-themed improv party, where a bunch of improvisers will dress up in costumes and perform. I wanted to wear something I could move around in, while simultaneously not being the asshole who wears a name tag and says he's Jeff.

So my first thought was zombie Amy Winehouse. Fun! Or so I thought until I was trying on a beehive wig in Burbank, and the sales clerk said, "That ugly bitch was so busted. Why was everyone surprised when she died? She's a freakin' junkie, I mean, what's sad about that?"

In a moment of clarity, I suddenly realized my preconceived notions about grief had been wrong all along. Note to self: It's the element of surprise that makes death tragic.

"You should put track marks on your arms," he continued. "And leaves in your hair, like you woke up in a parking lot."

Oh boy.

Hearing someone berate Winehouse like a joke made me quickly nix the zombie element of my costume. I couldn't control the jabs people might make, but I could also not endorse them with a gimmick that trivializes her death.

If you plan to be Amy this year, as I'm sure I'm not alone, I encourage you to skip the zombie makeup. Irony is on its way out, and sincerity is sexy, so rock your Amy costume without irony or starting a negative discussion.

My tips for a simple, easy to assemble Amy Winehouse costume:

* A Black Beehive Wig. Save your hair the trauma, and buy yourself a wig. I bought mine from a Halloween shop for $30 (the cheaper ones have clever, unauthorized names like the "Rehab Wig").

* Waterproof jet black eyeliner. Since you'll probably be dancing (or improvising, if you're a geek), you'll need a long-lasting solution that stays put. I recommend painting an exaggerated "cat eye" and then building upon it, little by little until you've created a super thick, chunky line.

* White wife-beater tank top with a black/mismatching bra. You want your bra straps to show, so pick a sexy, frilly bra with lace or texture.

* Black/dark wash skinny jeans. The idea is to look disheveled and glamorous at the same time. I'll be wearing a pair of shredded black skinnies.

* Make-up: matte nude lipstick. Contrary to popular belief, Amy didn't wear pin-up girl red lipstick very often. Pick a very neutral shade with no gloss. Pat your face down with a light powder, a little lighter than your natural skin tone. You can use an eyebrow pencil or eyeliner to draw a beauty mark above your lip. Remember the most essential part is the eyes, so make that line HUGE.

* Accessories: Chunky hoop earrings. A necklace. Pack of cigarettes. Head scarf that forms into a bow (optional). If you have an artistic friend, recruit them to draw your sleeve tattoos.

xo,

Sabrina London

Up For Grabs!

2011-10-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

ITEMS ENDING TONIGHT!

Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina

Sabrina's Vintage Guide to Austin, Texas. Yee-haw!

2011-10-25T00:58:00.000-07:00

Tucked away in a small shopping center, Blue Velvet Vintage is a cozy, cute little shop next to a local coffee shop and record store. The dresses are organized by size (not decade), and they carry both men and women's apparel. The shop clerk, a kind and super attentive gay best friend type, was very helpful. He let me try on the most incredible Sgt. Pepper jacket he was saving for a styling gig, but said he'd be willing to let it go if I REALLY wanted it (I did. But I'z also broke). I did however purchase a novelty sweater covered in hearts and two sweetheart bunnies. I'm obsessed with it. My husband and I call each other "bunny" as a term of endearment, so finding a vintage "bunny love" sweater is kind of perfect. $16.

Bitch'in Threads may not be your one-stop-shop for wearable vintage, as they specialize mostly in cocktail/evening wear. But if you're in the market for an exquisite 1940's silk kimono or a mink collar Saks Fifth Avenue coat, you're in the right place. When we visited on a Monday, the ginger-haired Australian shopkeeper said everything in the store was half off. These words pop for a vintage-a-holic, but once I saw the 3-digit price tags, I understood why. The store selection is almost exclusively evening wear (beaded, sequined, and expensive), but I was pleased to see so many '40s pieces including a vaseline sequined lime green cocktail dress (only $45. Sadly, these hips don't lie).

Big Bertha's Bargain Basement is a cramped, claustrophobic hole-in-the-wall in the same plaza as Bitch'in Threads. While I was attracted to their designer vintage pieces (a 1980's Escada boucle tweed coat for $350), I honestly had trouble shopping here. Between the aggressive salesman and the tight clothes racks, the shopping feng shui was all wrong. They did have a pair of Victorian-era lace-up boots that had me fogging the display window like a pervert. Also an entirely crocheted (uber heavy) '20s flapper dress ($400). I appreciated the older finds, but they definitely came with a price tag.

Cream Vintage (Campus) was one of the first vintage shops my husband and I checked out, and it was the perfect place to start. Right in the storefront table, they had a selection of vintage '70s Navajo cardis for $32 a piece and I tried on as many as I could carry. The store seems to closely follow vintage trends and display accordingly, which I have a huge appreciation for. Lots of amazing granny boots, and Lacoste sweaters too at great slummin' it prices. I was bewitched. Also, the sales girl offered to give me 20% off when she saw my cardigan stack.

Cheap Cheap has all the allure of a great name, with all the promise of its namesake. When we were looking for the place, we drove right past it because it's actually located behind a different vintage store called New Brohemia. No worries. We made a U-ie and parked in the small parking lot. Inside with its oscillating fans and really terrible jewelry, Cheap Cheap has the feel of a more vintage-centric Goodwill. The clothing is all $20 and under, but you're looking at lots of polyester in garish prints and colors. Yes, there were some salvageable '60s dresses, and yes, you could definitely find SOMETHING if you keep an open-mind and don't mind hemming it. Good place for treasure-hunters on a budget.

Hog Wild Texas is a must-see showroom offering gorgeous vintage furniture and home wears for really great prices. I promised myself I wouldn't look at furniture while I was out-of-town, because finding something I loved would be too depressing. However, I stumbled upon this place on my way to a different store and it caught me off-guard. If you yearn for the perfect '60s pea green couch, you must come here. If you like weird, obscure exploitation movie posters, come here. I was in awe of their unique living room pieces - just the perfect little end table, or AMAZING vinyl couch. Everything looked really high-quality too, even the artwork. Definitely worth checking out.

The last place I visited in Austin, Texas was a real highlight. Room Service Vintage is a 3,500 square foot emporium of vintage clothes, jewelry, furniture, knickknacks and splendor. There is something here for everyone here. Oddball salt and pepper shakers? You got it. Hip vintage shoes? They have their own room. One-of-a-kind costume jewelry? Yup! From a vintage choker necklace made of quills to a vintage 1965 "Barbie in Paris" lunchbox, you're sure to find something special here for cheap. Don't miss this one.

xo,

Sabrina

New Studio, New Adventures

2011-10-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sean and I were looking forward to moving into a new apartment for some time. In my mind, I pictured a bigger place with a bedroom, a studio, and a creative space - an area we could write, paint, play music, or practice improv.

We looked at a few apartments in different neighborhoods. Some were big. Some were small. Nearly all of them were more expensive than our rent-controlled 1 bedroom in West Hollywood. It became quickly apparent the grass wasn't always greener, as we tried to rationalize losing our fabulous location, a fitness center, tons of restaurants and shopping in walking distance, and two underground parking spots. I was amazed at the number of buildings which offered no parking at all, no AC unit, and a monthly fee for having pets. Pish posh!

So we decided to stay where we are, but make a few changes. I moved my studio into the living area, so Sean and I could have a bedroom again. We moved some furniture around and I've got to say, I'm really loving our new/old apartment again. It's starting to feel like home.

xo,

Sabrina London

Fall Look Book at Alameda Vintage

2011-09-30T14:39:00.000-07:00

Available at Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina

I'm Onto You, Marc Jacobs!

2011-09-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well. I knew I'd seen this novelty animal motif before.

These suede lace-up wedges come from Marc Jacobs' fall 2011 collection. And its adorable vintage '70s sweater vest counterpart is by the good folks at Meat Market Vintage. COINCIDENCE?! Marc-y Marc, you have some explaining to do.

xo,

Sabrina London

Trend Alert: Jeffrey Campbell

2011-09-27T12:14:00.001-07:00

Seriously, you guys. When I found the Jeffrey Campbell page on NastyGal.com, I squeeeed with euphoria. It was glorious. The sky-high platforms. The raptor claw heel. Woven leather and rich velvet. Just discovering the Lita Bootie was transformative.

After gawking for many wee hours (full disclosure: I went to bed at 6 AM), it occurred to me that Jeffrey Campbell's exquisite line of couture kicks actually met reachable prices. I mean, you're not going to buy in bulk any time soon. But with a full-time job and some personal discipline, it's fully realizable to click that Purchase button. Inspiring.

I have a couple birthday checks from my grannies and granny-in-laws. That's $100. I got a check from Carnival Cruise, refunding my (pathetic) gambling card. That's another $10. I don't usually splurge on myself. I'm a bona fide sales-rack cruisin' thrift-store diva, all the way. But despite my thrifty impulse to sift the resell boutiques on Melrose, I think I might buy a pair of brand new shoes. By the way, if you suspect writing this blog post is helping me work through some "you're of value" bullshit, stop being right!

Now the fun question: which ones?!

xo,

Sabrina London

Fall 2011 Vintage Trends

2011-09-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

High-Waisted Maxi Skirts

The Crushed Velvet Draped Jacket

Gold/Mustard

(Serious) Polka Dots

Draped Knitwear

Peacock Blue

Sheer '90s Florals

Gypsy Bohemia

Body Con Maxi Dresses

Sheer Kimono Jackets

Romantic Silks

Mod '60s Dresses

(Serious) Mod '60s Dresses

(SERIOUS!) Mod '60s Dresses

The Uber Feminine '70s Dress

Super Soft Knits

Head-to-Toe Tartan Plaid

Jade Green

Sheer Maxi Skirts

The Fur Vest

Alameda Vintage Store

xo,

Sabrina London

Rawr! Dinosaurs.

2011-08-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Straight out of my childhood imagination.

Lucy!

Rawr!

Clever girl.

Spiny.

Squid fossils.

Seriously, heart symbol.

xo,

Sabrina London

Crazy in Love

2011-08-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

xo,

Sabrina London

Summer Style 2011 Recap

2011-08-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Nautical

Tie-Dye

Black Floppy Hats

Jumpsuits

Nerd Glasses

Cream Lace + Cut-Offs

Uber Draping

Fringe

Navajo Prints

Southwestern

'90s Grunge

Maxi Skirts

Bandeaus

Denim Vests

Hippie Boheme

Plunging Necklines

Alameda Vintage

Now that summer is quickly fading, here is our *look book* for summer 2011. From southwestern prints to '90s grunge to sheer lace, it's been a chic season.

Thanks for listening.

xo,

Sabrina London

Los Angeles Zoo

2011-08-08T16:38:00.001-07:00

My grandma and sister from Florida surprised me on my door step, in celebration of my 25th birthday (which is today). I haven't seen them in almost 3 years! It's been a lovely, memorable few days and I'll miss them when they leave tomorrow. Here's a peek at our excursion to the Los Angeles zoo.

xo,

Sabrina London

Headband Inspiration

2011-08-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

xo,

Sabrina London

Date Your Vintage Quiz

2011-08-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a vintage dress that I could not, for the life of me, figure out when it came from. The dress had no tags and looked to be home sewn. The style reminded me of a 1950's housewife, but the print on the fabric looked much older - like the '30s. With little else to go on, I decided to spend a few hours studying vintage fashions from different eras. I knew I'd never find my exact dress, but if I could find similar styles, I could at least validate my best guess.

This is when I stumbled upon a site called AntiqueDress.com. It was here I lost an entire afternoon, clicking through pages of absolutely breath-taking vintage. I'm talking museum-quality stuff. They specialized in luxurious vintage clothing from the 1800's to the 1980's.

When in doubt of a garment's age, I always estimate newer than older. But as I browsed this site, I realized just how important knowing your fashion history is. What appears to be another '80s deco blouse could actually be 200 years older.

To test your vintage savvy, here is a little "date your vintage" pop quiz. See if you can correctly identify what era these pieces came from.

A) 1890's.

B) 1920's.

C) 1980's.

D) 2000's.

2)A) 1890's.

B) 1910's.

C) 1960's.

D) 1970's.

3)A) 1900's.

B) 1920's.

C) 1960's.

D) 1980's.

4)A) 1920's.
B) 1930's.
C) 1950's.
D) 1980's.

5)

A) 1910's.
B) 1920's.
C) 1980's.
D) 1990's.

A) 1890's.
B) 1920's.
C) 1970's.

D) 2000's.

7)

A) 1900's.

B) 1910's.
C) 1920's.
D) 1930's.

8)

A) 1900's.

B) 1910's.
C) 1980's.
D) 2000's.

Pencils down, everyone!

How do you think you did? You feeling lucky... punk? Well below is the answer key.

1. A 2. A 3. B 4. A 5. A 6. B 7. C 8. B

xo,

Sabrina London

All of the items above are available for sale at AntiqueDress.com.

How to Wear A Striped Maxi Dress

2011-07-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

So I'm kind of obsessed with striped maxi dresses right now. Sean and I were at Ross last week (don't hate it cause you ain't it) and they had a couple $12 must-haves, which I originally bought as loungewear. As soon as I realized how comfortable and effortlessly chic they were, I immediately put them into rotation.

A quick Google search validated my suspicion this was a hot commodity (among the celebs rocking a black+white striped maxi: Kim Kardashian, Gwen Stefani, J.Lo, and Selma Blair).

Selma Blair

Hot.

If you're going to try this out, here are a few tips on how to rock the 2011 striped maxi dress:

* Horizontal stripes can make you look wider, so try a waist-cinching belt or choose chevron stripes (like Selma, who's actually pregnant in this photo).

* Fitted on top. Flowy, draped maxi skirt. This looks great on virtually everyone.

* If you're slender, you can experiment with an over-sized shape like Jill Sanders spring collection. I purchased a racerback tank maxi two sizes too big for this effect.

* For daytime: try a long pendant/feather necklace, aviator sunglasses and mary janes. For night: Long, layered necklaces. Pork pie hat. Cropped leather jacket.

* Thicker, nautical stripes > thin stripes.

* Black + ivory/cream/gray. Save color for your accessories or shoes (a bright red wedge sandal looks amazing).

* Hair options: a slicked back bun, messy ponytail, or straight and shiny. Just sayin.

xo,

Sabrina London

Thrifting the Night Away!

2011-06-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

As you can see, this little birdie has been prolific at the flea markets this week. Now reap my splendors! Everything you see photographed ends tomorrow with super low opening bids, too! Do find yourself something fabulous. The husby and I are planning our first(!) vacation so every lit bit helps.

xo,

Sabrina London

90 Items in Store

2011-06-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

*90* vintage pieces in store at Alameda Vintage right now. If you haven't perused our auctions ending this Wednesday, we have some double-take scene stealers. A vintage Diane Von Furstenberg jumpsuit, anyone? How about a buckskin fringed suede jacket (trend alert)? Every auction starts at $20-$25.

I've been meaning to do a massive picture post, but in the meantime, get yourself to AV for a sneak peek at our summer collection. It's tops!

xo,

Sabrina London

Urban Chic Summer Collection: Ends Tonight!

2011-06-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Our "Urban Chic Summer Collection" at Alameda Vintage features a mixture of bohemian prints, glam sequins, cream lace and sheer fabrics. SO MANY rad auction pieces end tonight!

Alameda Vintage

There you have it. Don't wait until the last minute to stake your claim. Once it's gone, it's gone forever. :)

xo,

Sabrina London

Bad Week

2011-06-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning, I woke up with crippling premenstrual cramps that not-so-subtly reminded me I wasn't pregnant this month. I decided to skip thrift shopping this week, and use my back inventory of vintage (a huge IKEA bag's worth) for new listings.

On Monday afternoon, I attempted to prep the nicest pieces. Many garments in my backlog tend to need a quick stitch here, a stain removal there. You'd be amazed what a pair of scissors and some Oxyclean can do. My husband got home from work early so I took the evening off to rehearse with our improv troupe and later, cuddle with Sean before his trip to San Francisco.

By Tuesday, I still didn't have my period but you'd have a hard time convincing my uterus that because the sore boobs and general acheiness were full throttle. I continued yesterday's garment preparation - hems, write-ups, steaming - and then headed out the door for the post office to drop off last week's sales. No sooner was I outside the parking garage did I realize our neighborhood street was closed for repair, and with fresh asphalt laid down, I wasn't going anywhere.

Not fucking cool, City of West Hollywood. Not only could I not ship my clothes on schedule, but I also couldn't buy myself lunch... or dinner. With Sean out-of-town for a work conference, I was on my own for the next two days. No driving, even for an afternoon, really threw off my week.

That brings us to today, Wednesday. Already very behind, I woke up to a crime scene in my pants. Okay, not really, but I got my period and it sucked hard. The cramps in my lower abdomen felt like something was HAPPENING to me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. It's like an urge with no relief - all the pressure and intense muscle tension.

I popped a Vicodin, but this didn't do anything. I tried the hot towel on your tummy method, before opting for a hot bath instead. Nothing helped. I was supposed to model today, but I couldn't get out of bed. The pain was unbearable.

With my work schedule fucked royal, I suddenly remembered I still had to go to the post office. I was in no shape to WALK, let alone operate a car. It took every iota of concentration to drive a mile and a half in traffic. I put on Arcade Fire, hoping it might encourage natural dopamine to take over. The whole time, I was right on the cusp of throwing up.

Nevertheless, I did it. Got home. Snaked immediately back into bed and the puppies climbed on my lap. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about work. I'll probably try to model tomorrow, and edit/add photos on Friday, but it's not ideal because we have a show at UCB on Saturday and I'd really prefer to concentrate on improv. I guess I should feel lucky this all happened before the show.

Sean should be home tonight, and I can't wait to see him and cover him in kisses. We spent our first night apart in over 2 year last night. Not surprisingly, I got drunk and watched "Blue Valentine."

xo,

Sabrina London

Going, Going...

2011-06-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

Gone! If you don't bid before tonight. These gorgeous dresses end tonight on Alameda Vintage, so don't wait till the last minute, you snoring Suzies!

xo,

Sabrina London

Don't Drink the Tap Water

2011-06-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what's in your tap water? If you live in Los Angeles, this is it!

One of the fun parts of my job includes steaming every garment before it gets modeled. What you're looking at is what sifts out of less than a half gallon of Los Angeles tap water once its been distilled. Seriously... gross.

Sometimes when I'm at a friend's house and they offer me water, I detect a hint of judgment when I ask if it's bottled. "It all comes from the same place," they'll say. And maybe they're right. But I'm pretty sure if you poured Arrowhead through a steamer, it wouldn't look like a fistful of beach dirt.

All this boils down to: don't drink the tap water, hippies.

xo,

Sabrina London

For Nava-Ho's

2011-06-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Grey Antics Tribe Underall Short - Urban Outfitters

Pretty much fell in love with these on sight. Someone buy $150 worth of clothes from me so I can own these stat.

By the way, this "Navajo Tribal" look, which is engulfing Urban Outfitters right now is something we've been touting for months. I'm wondering how long before they steal our maxi skirt-to-dress idea.

Alameda Vintage

Trend-settin', bitches.

xo,

Sabrina London

Vintage Alameda Vintage

2011-06-01T03:41:00.000-07:00

Remember the ol' porch days? I found this photo and it reminded me how much I loved modeling in daylight with the beautiful Los Angeles sun and air. I'm pretty sure it was freezing when this photo was taken, but even dramatic temperature changes made the challenge of outdoor modeling that much more interesting. Braving the cold, facing the elements! Those were the days.

Lots of exciting things on the horizon for this kitty cat. The improv practice group I'm in is going to enter a 36-team tournament, in hopes of winning a weekly show at UCB for the month of July. Our fledgling improv troupe, Last Call for Tacos, is really progressing and I can feel us improve with each rehearsal. I don't know what our chances are, competing against 35 other amateur groups but I feel confident we have a really memorable bunch and some funny, funny peeps on our team.

As you might have already figured out, the blue merle chihuahua puppy of my dreams worked out and he's sleeping on my arm as we speak. We named him Rocket, and he's the fucking man. It's only been a week, and I already love him so much. Picture update coming soon.

Our cumulative 3 screenplays are complete and submitted in competitions, so we're taking a break from writing and putting all that energy towards improv. Even without writing, I've never felt so busy between UCB classes, the puppy, and the store. But it's a good kind of busy. Rewarding and full of promise.

xo,

Sabrina London

Sophia and Rocket

2011-05-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's love!

xo,

Sabrina London

Memorial Day Vintage

2011-05-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. everybody! Want to save 10% on your next purchase with us? Here's how!

Right now we're having a special offer and it goes like this: if you can get 10 of your vintage-lovin' friends to "Like Us" on Facebook, we'll give you 10% off an item of your choice. It's just that easy! Steps:

1) Spread the glory of Alameda to 10 friends who "like" us.

2) Leave a note on our wall announcing when you're done.

3) We'll send you a message to confirm.

4) 10% super exclusive coupon! Amazing!

We're trying this out over the holiday weekend, so don't diddly-daddly! :) You can find our Alameda Vintage Facebook here.

And now, here's the latest summer romance pieces in our collection at Alameda Vintage:

Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

Auctions Ending Wednesday!

2011-05-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

School's out for summer, if you're still part of the at-risk youth with your MTV's and your Twitters and your sexting. Celebrate good times!

Here is our latest collection of vintage summer wares - lots of '60s and '70s dresses this week. I hope you're being good and wearing sunblock, at-risk youth. The sun is dangerous!

Alameda Vintage

All of these items and more end on Wednesday night, starting at 7:30 (Pacific Time). Fun fun fun (fun).

xo,

Sabrina London

Domo Arigato

2011-05-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

Puppy update coming soon! There have been some exciting developments. :) In the meanwhile, have you gotten yourself over to Alameda Vintage? Auctions end TONIGHT, including this super rare 1960's polka dot midi dress from JAPAN. That's right. We found Japanese vintage.

Place your bids and for every dress sold, I guarantee a little puppy gets a treat. :) Which puppy? Stay tuned!

xo,

Sabrina London

The Plan B Puppy

2011-05-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

Ever since I set my sights on the blue merle puppy, it's been hard to fall in love with another. But the closest contender was a pretty short-haired chihuahua fatale with a super rare lavender coat. I decided if I couldn't have the Blue Merle Puppy, I could at least have a really cute purplish dog. The only hitch was this pretty puppy lived in Corona, a 50 mile sprint from LA. So if we were going to make the commute, we really ought to commit balls deep.

As the weekend drew closer, so did my surrender. By Friday evening, I was already Google-mapping our trip when the ad for the lavender puppy vanished! Just as quickly as she entered our lives, she was gone. No more Plan B Puppy.

One weird character tick I've learned about myself over the years: if I can't have something... anything... even something I didn't want very much in the first place... I WANT IT TEN TIMES HARDER. Holy shit. The second I miss out on a one-of-a-kind vintage dress or a limited-release milkshake flavor or whatever the fuck it is, synapses fire that freak-out drug in my brain and I'm immediately filled with remorse and longing.

As soon as lavender puppy was sold, I began searching the furthest banks of the internets for a replacement. If there was a pet classified I hadn't tried yet, I was there. It was in the mouth of desperation that I came upon a remarkable discovery: a female merle chihuahua from the same breeder as the lavender pup! But this puppy wasn't on her main listing site. It must have been fate, I decided, and immediately made an appointment to come see her.

That Friday night, after improv rehearsal, Sean and I began our journey to the suburbs. On our plight, we might have pit-stopped at a Jack-in-the-Box and we MIGHT have stuffed our faces with mini churros. No one can be really sure. But one thing I could be sure of was my resolve to adopt a puppy that night- whether I liked it or not.

Around 11 PM, in a suburban cul de sac, we reached our destination. We were greeted at the door by a lovely, voluptuous lady named Kelly, who welcomed us into her gigantic mansion home. It had been a long time since I found myself surrounded by family portraits and stairwells. We sat on a couch near the foyer, where Kelly brought out handfuls of puppies. Even though we came in search of a merle, curiosity kept calling when she'd mention other chis in her nursery.

At one point, my husband and I were covered in about 8 tiny dogs, whimpering and whining as it was way past their bedtime. My husband quickly connected to the female merle. She was hyper and spunky - a playful mix of kisses and preening for attention. Sean was all-too-happy to oblige her. I, on the hand, started to bond with a super tiny short-haired white male chihuahua. At 6 weeks old, he was the tiniest little thing with short legs and a cobby body.

The elimination began as we weeded out the ones we didn't want. As the puppy pile got smaller and the clock approached midnight, I knew I had to make a decision soon. In the other room, we could hear family movie night underway - the faint ambiance of "Tron Legacy" I later learned.

It came down to the merle female and the white male. Sean and I could not agree less. He really loved the merle female, who I grew fed up with quickly (she couldn't stop moving). Meanwhile, Sean didn't think the white male was anything special, particularly after seeing his full-grown parents. Ultimately, it was my obsession for a new puppy that brought us here and Sean ceded to me.

"We'll take the white one," I proclaimed and the minute I heard myself say it, adrenaline coursed through my entire body.

"Great. Let me fill out the paperwork," Kelly said.

While Kelly started the paperwork, Sean left to find an ATM since it was cash only. I sat on the couch, holding this strange dog in my lap, slowly, silently panicking.

It only took a few (appropriately) concerned comments from Sean to flood me with doubt. What if this WAS just an average dog? Nothing special, and destined to look like his fine, albeit anonymous parents. What about those tear stains? Would they grow worse with time? Was his soft puppy fur going to turn coarse as he got older?

In the other room, family movie night ended and a perfectly blonde little girl ran into the room with Kelly and I. She petted the puppy, and talked about how it was her job to "socialize" all the puppies with ritual petting. While Sean was away, Kelly kept good company chatting about breeding and chihuahuas in general. We were both obvious enthusiasts.

She administered the puppy's first shot and dotted all the i's on the paperwork before handing it to me for a signature. "Oh shit," I thought. "This is for real."

I told her I before I signed anything, I wanted to talk to my husband in private and get his honest thoughts on the puppy. "I want to make sure we're both excited about it," I said and it wasn't a buttface lie.

When Sean got back, I excused myself and stepped outside. "Don't be mad," I said. "But I've changed my mind."

As soon as I voice my concerns - about the anonymous parents, the emerging tears stains and coarse fur - Sean agreed readily. "That's what I was trying to tell you," he said, "but you didn't seem to mind."

"Oh my God, I feel like such an asshole. What am I supposed to tell her?"

"I don't know," Sean said. "But I'm staying outside."

After a few minutes of stalling, I went back inside the cozy McMansion nervously wrangling my hands. Kelly was sitting on the floor, next to a baggy full of dog food and some puppy pee pads. I hesitated. Then finally blurted out, "My fears were right. He's not really excited about the puppy."

I stammered through an apology-filled soliloquy, feeling awful the whole time. She nodded her head, seemingly not too surprised, but not elated. In the end, she said she understood and was glad we didn't make a snap decision that wasn't right for us. We chatted for a while longer and I thanked her, sincerely, for taking the time to see us and being so kind.

We drove home, exhausted but ultimately relieved. It turned out I didn't want a puppy bad enough to say yes to the first one I kind of liked.

The next day, Sean and I were out-and-about again. The near-puppy experience had really whiplashed reality into me, and I knew when it came to getting another dog, if I wanted the perfect pup, I'd have to be patient. No more Plan B puppies. When it was right, we would both feel it and know it.

And that afternoon, we got the call. It was about the Blue Merle Puppy - the object of my obsession. The owner's son made an appointment to bring him by the next day so we could finally meet and possibly adopt him. Funny how things work out. :)

xo,

Sabrina London

New to Alameda Vintage

2011-05-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Just added tons of new stuff. Go see!

Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

The Puppy Bug

2011-05-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Almost 2 years old, I caught the puppy bug. For reasons unknown, I found myself obsessed with the idea of adding a sweet little fur baby to our family. I spent countless hours on my laptop, researching the perfect pet and we found her.

Some time has passed and our puppy is no longer a puppy. As Sophia has matured into a beautiful young lady, I'm slowly starting to get that itch again. This time, however, I feel like my intentions aren't purely maternal/selfish. Even though we spoil our dog rotten (and we do), I feel terrible that she doesn't have a doggy companion.

We try our best to make time to play with her, but whenever Sophia encounters other dogs, she comes alive in a way we often don't see. Additionally, it racks us with guilt whenever we have to leave her alone, even to buy groceries. I feel like getting another dog would give Sophia a constant source of companionship: a playmate for when mommy and daddy are working, and a comrade for when we go out. Someone to look after her when we can't, and be her lifelong friend.

I recently shared a picture of a beautiful merle chi I fell in love with, but I've had trouble connecting with the owner, who just had a death in the family. Even though she says she's holding the dog for me, our emails are growing less frequent and I'm starting to realize it may not happen. So the search for the Next Great Pup continues, and I'm starting over. I've sifted through many, many classified ads, breeder web-sites, and rescue shelters, but it hasn't been easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.

One unforeseen obstacle is size. Because our Sophia is a mere 4 pounds, we can't get another dog who might accidentally crush her bones. Six pounds full-grown is the limit, but as you could imagine, that doesn't offer a great selection.

So yesterday I found an ad for a beautiful 2.5 pound spotted chihuahua puppy, and we arranged to meet her. The owner gave me his address in Canoga Park, which is 20 miles outside Hollywood. Sean wasn't enthusiastic about driving to the boonies (with gas being $4.50/gallon here), but he knew I was nursing a broken heart over the merle chi. So we packed up Sophia and a check book as we headed up the 101 from trendy to terrifying. The apartment complex was surrounded by cash-check stores and pawn shops. The building itself looked fine enough, even though it was in a sketchy location.

I texted the breeder to let him know we were downstairs. "Did he give you the apartment number? He might be able to buzz us up," Sean said.

I checked my email and lo, no apartment number.

Minutes later, my phone rings and a woman tells me she'll be down in just a minute. We stand around, buzzing with nervous excitement. Suddenly, a car pulls in front of the building and a Hispanic woman and her husband come out. "We were just getting dog food," she said, stepping out of the car, holding the puppy. "Would you like to hold her?"

I scooped up the little bundle of joy, and realized she was shivering from the California night air. As I tried to look at it her, we were standing outside and it was too dark to see. "Can we go inside your place so we can set her down and get a little light?" I said.

The couple exchanged glances and the husband said, "Here, we stand here." He pointed to the front entrance of the apartment, where a couple lights illuminated the dark. It occurred to me perhaps these people didn't want us in their apartment, and I found that a bit... strange. So I asked, "Can we stand inside the lobby? She's really cold."

The husband made some excuse that she was fine, and changed the subject to Sophia, who was lingering shyly behind us. Then it hit me: these people don't live here.

I tried to cuddle the shivering little girl, asking questions about her parents, how big they were, if they had any health issues. It didn't really matter what they said. I couldn't believe they lied about something as trivial and unimportant as where they lived. We drove 20 miles to get there! Couldn't they pretend to live in West Hollywood?

With absolutely no paperwork, no parents of the puppy, and nothing to go by but their word, I passed the pup back to her owner. She was cute, but the idea of handing this strange couple $400 in an alley way was probably less responsible than buying a puppy online.

And so, the pursuit for the perfect puppy continues. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't holding out hope for lover boy (below). But whoever it is, I can't wait to meet him/her. Because as I'm typing this, there's a certain someone licking my armpits.

xo,

Sabrina London

Auctions End Tonight!

2011-05-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

So many awesome pieces in tonight's auction festivities, including a vintage '30s cocktail dress, 1920's silk capelet, '60s Bergdorf Goodman palazzo jumpsuit, and much more. This is one you seriously won't want to miss. Now go forth and bid...

All my lovin',

Sabrina London

Trend Alert: The Fishtail Dress

2011-05-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Urban Outfitters is calling it the High/Low Dress. Vintage boutiques affectionately refer to it as the Fishtail Dress. I like to call it the Mullet Dress.

Whatever you like to call it, this up-and-coming trend is "the next big thing in fashion," which essentially means it will explode once someone famous wears one, all the XXI's and H&Ms stock them, and the trend inevitably dies 6 months later, a clearance rack grave as "the next big thing in fashion" sets its sights on jodhpurs.

But we mustn't worry about that now, because the Mullet Dress is still on the precipice! And if you haven't looked into one yet, there's still time to be the trailblazer in your town. Here are a few of my favorites.

Bustown Modern

Tin Roof Vintage

Thrift Wares

xo,

Sabrina London

Auctions Ending Tonight!

2011-05-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

We've got a ton of really sweet vintage dresses ending for auction TONIGHT. So if you haven't staked your claim, don't wait till the last minute! Visit the store now. Here's a peek at some of our favorites, all starting at $20-$25.

Alameda Vintage

Happy bidding!

Sabrina London

What's Up with Stuff?

2011-05-02T02:35:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

It's been a while since my last proper life update so here goes!

The moment I laid eyes on this beautiful merle puppy, I fell in love. Right now, I'm waiting to hear back from the owner so we can adopt him. He's an 8 week old long-haired chihuahua, and he's so, so precious. Although he'll be bigger than Sophia, I think he'd make a great addition to our family. Look at that face!

I completed the 101 improv class at UCB and performed in front of a live audience last week for the first time. Totally surreal. Sean and I are already enrolled in 201, which focuses on "the game" and I'm really excited to go tits-deep. We're independently forming an improv troupe tentatively called "Last Call for Tacos" and rehearsing on Sundays. I'm just amazed at how well this is going. I know I've just plunged a mere pinky toe in this, but it feels like home.

Yes, this is what the 16th hour of rewrites look like when the Nichols Fellowship Screenwriting Competition deadline is days away. We're entering 2 scripts in competitions this year: "Party Girl" and "Fuck You, Old Man" (previously titled "I Hate You, Dad" before Adam Sandler decided to use it). With 4,000 other script submissions, it's hard to say where we'll stack up in the grand scheme of things, but I can say with absolute fortitude: these scripts fucking own.

Alright, kittens. That's all you get for now.

xo,

Sabrina London

Ch-ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb!

2011-05-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

Romantic Vintage

2011-04-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

Beige, Nude, Blush Collection

2011-04-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight is an auction night! Grab your carpal tunnel medicine and Beatle CDs because it's going to be a good one.

Tomorrow we'll be listing our Beige, Nude, Blush collection - a romantic series of vintage dresses in the most irresistible palette. The Spring-Summer 2011 runways are all over this trend, but I'm a big cohort because these colors look STUNNING on virtually everyone.

Our latest collection will include midi to maxi dresses, skirts, lots of crocheted lace, Gunne Saxe inspired blouses, and blush to mocha tones. You haven't seen the '70s revival quite like this before, and as always, every piece has been hand-selected by me.

Excited? So am I!

Also, if you're an Alameda Addict, be sure to check out our new DOMAIN! That's right, we are now centrally located at www.alamedavintage.net . Bookmark the page and be sure to check back.

xo,

Sabrina London

Poet Sleeves

2011-04-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

Major crush on poet sleeves right now. Not gonna lie.

xo,

Sabrina London

Tattoo Idea

2011-04-17T03:28:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about getting this tattooed on my inner bicept. It's my favorite quote from "Peter Pan" and I think it's magical. When Peter says it, it's in the context of a being child who can never grow up, which makes it kind of bittersweet. I've always loved this quote. It's one of those lines that wells my eyes upon hearing it, and fills me with wonder and sheer optimism. What a great adventure, living is.

This would be my first tattoo so I'm still meditating on it. When committing to a lifetime of body art, it's important to know how far you're willing to take it, color vs. black and white, etc. My main rule of thumb is that any tattoo I get should be meaningful to me. That doesn't mean a bunch of memorial ink (Christ, I don't need to think about death every time I take a shower). But it should be special. Introspective. And beautiful.

I'll keep you posted. I'm going to find out what they charge at LA Ink because it's a stone toss from my house. If it's silly TV money, I'll probably just go to a street shop on Sunset. There's a dozen on our block.

xo,

Sabrina

The Nude Pump

2011-04-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

I grew up with a mother who never wore jewelry, make-up, hats, scarves, or high-heeled shoes. My mother wore belts. Nothing waist-cinching or decorative, mind you. But perfectly perfunctory hold-up-your-pants belts.

As a result, from childhood forward, I never understood the point of accessories. I explored a shoe curiosity in college, that resulted in two racks of assorted kicks. But I mostly wore the same ballerina flats everyday, and I'm pretty certain I threw out a pair of Dior strappy heels without wearing them once. Pretty brutal.

Time flies, people change, neuroses wither.

These days, my respect and adoration for accessories is no secret. So when I discovered the PERFECT pair of blush tone Steve Madden pumps (pictured above), you can bet your sweet bottom I promptly cancelled dinner reservations and proceeded to swoon by the Nordstrom mirror (my husband might have been irritated by this).

They reminded me so much of the Christian Louboutin "Lady Daf" Mary Janes, currently for sale/sold out at Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

I got an incredible deal at Nordstrom Rack in Burbank. They were only $50 (down from $100). Admittedly, I am struggling with whether or not I should cut off the Mary Jane strap (like above). There's something so classic about a basic nude pump. It's such a sophisticated shoe.

Bustown Modern

xo,

Sabrina London

Shake It Up

2011-04-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

One of the fastest ways to quirk up your kitchen table is by adding a pair of vintage salt and pepper shakers. They're cute, colorful, and make a truly unique centerpiece for very little investment (every set here is under $25!). My husband and I are renovating our Hollywood apartment, and this is high on my to-do list.

While you could easily find ceramic salt and pepper shakers at Ross or Urban Outfitters, I highly recommend searching on Etsy. There are some adorable sets in pristine condition. Even the older ones with chipped paint add a lot of character to the table. Here are some of my favorite finds.

Holy cow! While I cannot condone this last pair, I would be remiss not to share them. Racist salt and pepper shakers! Even in the '50s, I'm not sure who owned these. They seem wildly offensive to black people, and I can't imagine the Norman Rockwell family using them either. I suppose today they might find a happy home in some "ironic" hipster's apartment.

xo,

Sabrina London

Cut To the Lace

2011-04-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Vintage '60s Icicle Blue Party Dress

Victorian Boheme

2011-04-15T01:23:00.000-07:00

I bought this vintage cameo necklace to reward myself for working like a fiend this week. I'm so excited to get it. My last gift-to-self ended up being a bust - the 1930's black velvet dress came this week, and it was far fancier than I anticipated. I'd hoped I could belt it and wear it out, but the materials are very "cocktail" and it even has a dramatic hemline I didn't notice before. Bummer. I suppose I will probably list it next week for those of you looking for a special event dress.

On the other hand, here is a dress I most certainly require to exist. I'm just mad about it. It's so Sabrina, and I don't use the third person lightly.

Tin Roof Vintage

I'll make you a deal. You can bid on anything else in the store you like, but don't bid on this dress. You don't cross me.

xo,

Sabrina London

"The Time Has Come, The Walrus Said...

2011-04-13T16:59:00.001-07:00

to bid on shit on eBay."

Auction day.

"Network" (1976)

2011-04-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

"Can you believe how prescient this movie is?" my husband asked, as we watched the 1976 classic "Network."

"I know. Faye Dunaway is so in style right now."

Okay, so I have what some may call a "bad" habit of getting distracted by the vintage clothes when we watch old movies. But yesterday while watching "Network," it was impossible NOT to notice how glamorously chic Faye looked in her camel-colored wardrobe. I swear, every scene introduced a new silk blouse with poet sleeves and built-in ascot. She wore blouson tops with high-waisted skirts or pants, all in this earthy '70s palette that's so warm and inviting.

By the time she strutted down the street in a tweed and fur coat, I had to pause the movie. It was too... good. With all this style inspiration coursing through my veins, I turned to Tin Roof Vintage, one of my favorite and most reliably chic haunts. Their collection brought out the best of Faye with a modern twist.

Tin Roof Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

A Pretty Bird

2011-04-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

Vintage '70s Pheasant Dream Ruffled Blouse - Alameda Vintage

The Perfect Dress

2011-04-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Vintage '60s Mod Color Block Mini Dress

White Lace, Sheer Dresses

2011-04-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

I received an email from Urban Outfitters, inviting me to "wear Spring's first glimmer of light with '70s bohemian needlepoint lace, embroidered mesh and antiqued patterns in shades of white and ivory." They call this trend Mulholland Rose. When I clicked the link, I was amazed to find many variations of dresses in our store right now.

All bias aside, I found our stuff much cuter. ;)

xo,

Sabrina London

Favorite Dress of the Week

2011-04-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Vintage '60s PEACH LACE Mod Mini Dress - Alameda Vintage

This truly was a restoration piece when I found it, but I'm so glad I took the risk. It was originally covered in blue stains, probably 40 years old stains. Like a similar dress I sold last week, it was also maxi length. I cut off the long skirt and soaked the stains in Oxyclean. To my sheer delight, it worked.

The dress is now absolutely PERFECT.

A true Cinderella story.

xo,

Sabrina London

Wham, Bam, Thank You, Ma'am!

2011-04-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

27 fabulous vintage pieces for auction end tonight. Shazam!

Also, yours truly has a bout of the chronic bronchitis again so apologies for the slow updates. Yesterday while modeling with my voice-activated camera, I lost my voice and kept wheezing "Computer, cheese!" to no avail. So I might look a little grumpy in the photos. We'll see.

A special thank you to everyone who made last week a raving success and a preemptive thanks to everyone who bids tonight. My love to you all!

xo,

Sabrina London

Fabulous New Finds!

2011-04-02T00:19:00.000-07:00

Alameda Vintage

All this and more is up for auction in the store. Pretty fierce.

xo,

Sabrina London

Pre-War/Post-War Style

2011-03-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

Vintage 1940's Girl Scout of America Dress - On sale now at Alameda Vintage.

xo,

Sabrina London

Impulse Vintage

2011-03-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

Vintage 1930's Black Velvet and Satin Dress - $20

I purchased this dress today with little to go by but an out-of-focus snapshot. The auction ended at 2 PM on a Wednesday so yeah, I got an insane deal.

Proper photos should be heading your way once I get it in my grubby paws. I'm hoping it isn't too "cocktail" to wear out and about. Velvet can be tricky, and satin, trickier still. But I feel like a super long pendant necklace and some gladiator sandals could squeak out some of the fanciness. I needn't look dapper going to the UCB.

Much love,

Sabrina London

The Handcut Hem

2011-03-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

When it comes to vintage treasure-hunting, sometimes a dress just needs a little tender love and care to reach its full potential. The number one rule of thrift-shopping: keep an open mind!

When we found the charming mini pictured above, it had about 4 feet more length to it. Although the accordion skirt was magnificent, it was made of a stiff, thicker dacron poly, which was common in the '60s. The result? It was too cumbersome and heavy to wear. But the pink crocheted lace top caught my eye and I knew just how to save it.

I bought this dress for $1. If I took it to a seamstress, I could pay $10 for a professional hem, and it would still be a worthy investment. But in the interest of saving money, I decided to perform a handcut hem. Amongst my vintage-obsessed (albeit sewing-inept) comrades, this is the smartest way to go.

If you are going to cut a dress by hand, you will need:

Scissors
Pencil
Measuring Tape
Clean Open Space

Step 1: Lay your dress on a flat surface. Make the shoulders align. Keep the waist line straight. Sleeves outward. And spread the skirt completely open.

Step 2: Measure the length you would like the dress to be, starting from the shoulder. Most mini dresses are between 30"-33" inches in length depending on the person's height (my default is 32"). Make a small mark.

Step 3: You will create a series of marks to guide where you want to cut. Each mark should be the same distance, either measured from the waist to the new hem, or the new hem to the original hem (whichever is easier). So my new hem will be 16" inches from the waist line, therefore I will make marks at 16" inches all the way across.

Step 4: Do this on both sides. Most seamstresses would scold you if you try cutting straight through both sides at once. You run the risk of cutting the bottom half unevenly, crooked, or shorter.

Step 5: Okay, take a deep breathe. Chances are, if you picked this up from a thrift store, you probably didn't spend too much to begin with so try to relax. Take your scissors (DIY tip: I use a pair of cutting shears from the kitchen) and slowly start cutting along your trace marks. Cut each side one at a time. Take your time and make nice, even cuts.

If you have an A-line hem, remember to cut appropriately (it should be a rounder edge, not directly straight across).

Step 6: Almost finished! Now waft the dress out and lay flat once more. Check to ensure the front and back hem line up and are the same length. Make any quick snips to correct.

If you're working with a dacron polyester like this one, it should not thread or fringe. However most fabrics over time will start to fringe. This is perfectly kosher in the world of vintage wears. Most thrifters in Hollywood are perfectly comfortable rocking a totally DIY vintage dress. And remember, you can always have it professionally hemmed.

Voila! The finished product. On sale now at Alameda Vintage.

xo,

Sabrina London

Sunday Morning Thrifting

2011-03-29T00:59:00.000-07:00

27 dresses for $27 dollars at the Jet Rag dollar sale. Not a bad haul. :)

10 Under $10: Vintage Necklaces

2011-03-24T03:28:00.000-07:00

Goldtone Owl Necklace - $10

Gold Heart and Pearl Locket - $10

Porcelain Cabochon Brooch Necklace - $10

Silver and Gold Butterfly Necklace - $10

Vintage Fragonard Cameo Pendant - $7.50

Silver Elephant Pendant Necklace - $6

Dangling Golden Apple Necklace - $8.50

Vintage '60s Red Heart Necklace - $10

Vintage '50s Milk White Necklace - $10

Vintage '80s Letter Necklace - $10

xo,

Sabrina London

70 Items in Store

2011-03-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Grab some comfort food and a sharpened weapon: it's an AUCTION DAY!!!

Family Time

2011-03-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

Photos taken on iPhone 4 with Instagram.

xo,

Sabrina London

Sneak Peek: Festival Style

2011-03-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

As the last band packs their emergency guitar strings for Coachella, festival style is back with a vengeance. This time the capes are longer and the colors even brighter, as we're seeing more gypsy-inspired looks.

My favorite iteration of this trend uses a bold centerpiece graphic on the back. I recently thrifted this incredible silk vintage Italian men's shirt with the most elaborate sun graphic (reminds me of Versace). Combine the slouchy, over-sized fit and lightweight silk, and it's a PERFECT pick for concert season.

Coming to Alameda Vintage

I'm also slack-jawed over this vintage burnout silk gypsy cape at Bustown Modern. The translucent cut-outs and female graphic are just insane. I'm a little weary of wearing tassels (as a general rule), but if any coat could dissuade me, this is it. Just magnificent.

xo,

Sabrina London

Don't Paint: Innovate! Decal Wall Art

2011-03-14T04:18:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are a pair of 20-something-year-old screenwriting/comedy improving/vintage hawking/Myspace workin' folks with very little time for much else. But ever since we moved into our new apartment, we've really wanted to make the space feel like home. Much hipster fag debate has transpired, arguing the merits of "modern minimalism" vs. "indie shabby chic" as an aesthetic.

My husband is of the modern minimalism persuasion. He likes black clean lines and maybe the occasional Japanese toy art. My taste is much more "Not Urban Outfitters, but Like Urban Outfitters." I don't want my home plastered with the same canvas-litho ironic artwork as every college freshman in America. But in theory, I really dig the quirky, vintage-inspired look: antiquey picture frames, maple wood furniture, wallpaper, and pea-soup colored couches.

So what to do? Two polar opposite tastes. One apartment.

Raising our white flags, we decided to paint an accent wall in our bedroom as a compromise. Whilst researching paint, I incidentally stumbled across a fascinating alternative we both jumped onboard: wall decal art.

This technique uses easy-to-remove vinyl that won't damage or permanently stain your walls, which is perfect for renters. Instead of painting (or in addition to), you can instantly transform a room with customizable decals. Many shops let you pick the colors, size of the decal, even text (Sean's idea: a giant I ♥ COCKS in our hallway. Quickly vetoed). The bigger pieces cost upwards of $250, but if you shop around, you can find a good steal (the milk and cookie decal below is only $35!).

Suffice it to say, I am totally geeking out over this. These are a few of our top picks, which we will probably narrow down to 3 or 4 for different rooms. I can't wait!

Dezign With a Z

Blik

xo,

Sabrina London

Pastels, Polka Dots and Prints

2011-03-11T03:07:00.000-08:00

Alameda Vintage

xo,

Sabrina London

Auction Day!

2011-03-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

That's right, ladies and gummy worms, it's an auction day! If you haven't already, place your bids and stake your claim on the vintage garb you simply can't live without... HERE.

Outfit: Vintage '60s Coat. Blouse by H&M. Shredded Jeggings by Timeless Boutique on Melrose. Camel Ankle Boots by Liliana.

xo,

Sabrina London

Tape My Heart

2011-03-08T03:20:00.000-08:00

After a traumatic two and half weeks without my Mac, my husband came home bearing gifts. The first was this incredible cassette tape necklace I'd spotted at Kat Von D's Wonderland. I fell in love from the moment I realized those hanging chains were meant to be spools of shredded tape (♥!).

The second gift was my totally revamped, back-in-action MacBook Pro that I'm writing from now. Yes, my rock star of a husband shelled out $400 to have my laptop fixed. That's pretty sensational of him, and deserving of many, many kisses.

Which I will attend to now.

xo,

Sabrina London

Springtime at Alameda Vintage

2011-03-04T02:23:00.000-08:00

Just added to Alameda Vintage!

xo,

Sabrina London

The Sheer Maxi Dress

2011-02-24T03:13:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty enamored with this dress from Anthropologie circa I-found-this-at-a-yard-sale. Amazing find? Name your price. It will be up for auction in our store tomorrow night.

You might have noticed the pictureless auctions tonight, and rest assured, we're working on it. While I'm in transition between Macs, I'm working from my husband's computer and it takes much, much longer to resize and export photos. Actually, it takes much longer to do anything.

I'm feeling a bit like a curmudgeon today. A troublesome customer is making life hell in the kind of tedious power struggle only eBay can provide. Not to bite the hand that feeds you too much, but I sincerely wish eBay offered more support for sellers. After all, eBay doesn't technically sell anything. We do.

A special thank-you to the stragglers who bid on something from our tiny auction week. Your purchases are going towards keeping this bitch sane during Mac death week. Truly, I'm grateful.

Much love,
Sabrina London

At Funerals, We Wear Black

2011-02-23T02:01:00.000-08:00

It cost $150 to extract this picture from my hard-rive, and a few others which you will see in the store Thursday night.

RIP MacBook Pro (aka "A Friend")

2007-2011

xo,

Sabrina London

Bright Side List

2011-02-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday night, I couldn't sleep and found myself poking around online, reading articles about my favorite improv comedians. At around 4 AM, I went to bed and the next morning when I woke up, my MacBook Pro was dead.

Like most exits in Los Angeles, it came out of no where. I opened my laptop and waited, but nothing happened. When I attempted a hard reboot, the chimes were absent and the LCD screen remained black, empty, still. I whipped out my iPhone and began self-diagnosing with trembling thumbs, only to learned it was probably the RAM card or my logic board. How did this happen? One night, you're reading about comedy and the next day, you're lugging a 20 pound backpack to Melrose Mac on Highland.

Oh yeah. About that. The same day my Mac died, our car died too.

It was thoroughly traumatic, leaving my precious 'puter in the hands of a perfect stranger, who wouldn't have answers till Monday. What's worse, all the items I photographed for the store this week were on that computer. So in addition to shelling out for the repair, I won't get paid next week.

On my way back home, I ate some Greek food at Daphne's Cafe and piddled around ULTA for a while. What a crap day. My husband called to let me know the car repairs came out to $1,400 if we were feeling fancy. It was that or take the bus. We opted for 2 of the 3 repairs that seemed the most life-threatening ("5% breaks left" might alarm the bravest of frugal daredevils).

My husband is up for a raise this month, so things could definitely be worse. But I feel like there's a 2008 MacBook shaped hole in my heart. Right now, I'm using Sean's work PC netbook and it's very foreign. Again, could be worse, but a girl's allowed to wallow.

Okay, time to make a "Bright Side" list.

* Sean and I enrolled in classes at the Upright Citizen's Brigade, following in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest comedic minds. I'm super stoked to be even remotely associated with UCB. It's the Harvard of comedy.

* After 7 months, my couch-crashing brother found his own apartment, which means put a sock on the door because the husband and I aren't leaving these quarters for a fortnight.

* I've never believed in the mystical powers of womens' "face cream" - it always sounded like a fancy way of describing moisturizer. But in spite of my skepticism, I bought a tub of L'Oreal Youth Code Day/Night Cream. I'm just supremely curious what the hell face cream does, mostly. Harvard of face cream? I'll let you know.

* It's raining. I've got the apartment to myself and a little chihuahua puppy cuddling nearby. That means it's tea and magazine time.

xo,

Sabrina London

Valentine Surprise

2011-02-16T20:50:00.000-08:00