eBay Abounding

I'm not only a fan of thrift shops but eBay as well. I hadn't made a purchase for several months until yesterday when I simply had a feeling I would find something great. My feeling completely paid off. After finding a lot of four sweaters in February containing two Polo cashmere cable knit sweaters in green and brown and two cotton cable knit sweaters in yellow and light green for a total of $20 with shipping, yesterday I found this lot.


A Buy It Now price of $199 was posted, with a Make an Offer option. I offered $144 and the price was accepted. For $9 shipping, I'm getting these four cashmere sweaters at $153, approximately $1650 off of original retail.


While $153 is quite a bit to spend, I had to think about the purchase in relative terms. Aside from saving $1650, I've found pieces that I would almost certainly not find in a thrift shop. The authenticity was guaranteed by a seller with perfect feedback and over one thousand sales. Also, $38.25 a sweater is even less than a Ralph cotton cable knit would cost at clearance.


Never underestimate the value of investment pieces, the staples of a wardrobe that might be hard to find but that one shouldn't do without.


Here's the entire lot. I can't wait for these to come in the mail.


What's your greatest eBay find?

Search thoroughly. Invest carefully.

Making Much of Madras

How much madras is too much madras?

First of all, some of you might be against pairing shorts with blazers regardless of pattern. I believe shorts can go with blazers if they're of proper cut and style. But disregarding the opposition, can such combination succeed in madras? In such muted tones, the entire outfit has cohesion.

Yet, would you do double madras?


Make it mine. Make it madras.

Dhani Jones

If you haven't watched Dhani Tackles the Globe on the Travel Channel yet, you can start tonight (Monday) at 11:00PM. Dhani Jones of the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals is a defensive veteran with sport experience extending far beyond football. So far in the show's second season, Dhani has performed long-distance cycling in Italy, strongman competitions in Iceland and cricket matches in Jamaica. Throughout each episode, Dhani honors local culture while learning the respective sport's customs and traditions before competing in a professional match.

Dhani always displays incredible sportsmanship and not only acts like a gentleman but dresses like one. He's becoming well known for his love of bow ties and traditional menswear. Also a fan of jazz, Dhani plays saxaphone and piano.

Please stop by Dhani's website to learn more about one of the few gentleman left in the worlds of sport and celebrity. Also, check out his line of ties.




Help others to help yourself.

Transition

I wish I had an article of greater substance to post today, but life has not quite returned to normal. I had final exams all week, I have a sinus infection, and a dear friend from school was murdered Monday.

Anyway... I'd love to post new photos but my camera's USB cable is missing in my house move. In the mean time, I'll continue posting some inspirational shots.

As much as I love layering with multiple colors and patterns, a simple outfit often works best. Here's essentially what I'm wearing this moment, except I've got on my favorite Johnston & Murphy brown tassel loafers and not flip-flops.


Lose inhibition. Enliven exhibition.

To the Ladies...

My uncle Bobby passed away Thursday, reminding me yet again of the absolute importance of family. I teach 5th grade Sunday school, and today's lesson was all about Mother's Day and considering the opportunity that extends beyond honoring mothers of the world. Today, I taught my class that Mother's Day should celebrate grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, sisters, teachers and friends. These people often serve thankless roles in our lives as mothers of their own accord but also as caregivers for so many others. So, let us remember to, at the very least, thank these people for all they do.

Happy Mother's Day!

Today's outfit inspiration:


Love for mothers. Love for all.