Downtown Burbank

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


xo,

Sabrina London

Who Are You Being for Halloween?

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

Trend Alert: Jeffrey Campbell

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

Sunday Morning Thrifting

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

Family Time

Photos taken on iPhone 4 with Instagram.

xo,

Sabrina London