Im excited to introduce you to our very first guest-blogger post by fellow thrift guru, Jess Burg. Jess is the real deal. I’ve seen her sport some of the wildest, most rare thrift threads out there folks. She will be contributing here all week and hopefully a lot more in the future. She brings a good female perspective on thrift culture and a great fashion mindset to Things I Found, (something that I feel this blog has been sorely lacking.) Here is her first inspiring piece about how Michael Jackson fuels her thirst and tastes when it comes to thrifting. Enjoy!

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I want to get closer to Michael Jackson in any way possible. Being that I feel robbed of my first idol and self-proclaimed God all too soon, thrifting makes for a good coping mechanism. In theory, I can always find something to remind me of him and the legacy he left.

It used to be, the one item that was easily found in any thrift store was an old beat up vinyl copy of Thriller. When Michael passed, mourning fans and others who tried to sell them on eBay seized every last copy. Still there are many MJ gems to be discovered. Common thrift item such as crazy leather jackets, shoulder padded blouses with pop-up collars, patent leather ankle boots or even the right glove. Once you stop and look, it’s undeniable; his stylistic influences are all over the thrift store. I call his style “sexy tough.”

Some of my favorite Michael inspired items include the following:

A glittery silver knitted blouse with padded shoulders I wore one New Years Eve. A black, hybrid combo of mesh and cotton t-shirt with gold embroidery separating the two textures. I like wearing it when I know serious dancing will ensue. A few studded black belts that resemble those he sported in the “Bad” video. Then, my pride is the high tops I found. The funny thing about the day I found them is I bought them not knowing what they were. For $20 I became the proud owner of a pair of limited edition, Michael Jackson LA Gear high top sneakers. They are so tough! The shoe is modeled similar to early 90s basketball high tops except I’ve never seen B-ball shoes covered in luminous silver studs. In typical LA Gear fashion, two kinds of laces, black and silver sparkle, weave in and out of the shoe. Black leather straps with silver tips and little silver buckles adorn the tops and outer side of the shoe. On the tongue, the sanctified insignia of the King of Pop, knees bent and on his toes, replicating the same move in Moonwalker. A perfect 7.5 fit, I believe that these sneakers chose me. I’ve maybe worn them out of the house twice. I will have them for the rest of my life and honor them as the holiest of all memorabilia. They will be passed down to my children’s children in hopes that his prophecies of “Take a look at your self and make that change,” will one day come true.

- Jess Burg

I’ve been waiting for the original Reebok Pumps to come back out for a minute, and it looks like they will finally be available. They hit Nov. 20th at:

http://www.24-kts.com/

Nike (m) Air Royal Mid QS

Alden (m) Plain Toe Bucks

Mark McNairy Chukka Boot

the perfectly simple fall (w) oxford

marais USA

Opening Ceremony (w) Desert Boot

Bass Enfield Two-Toned (w) Saddle Shoe

Generic Man (w) Shoreman 3/4 Deck Shoe

Rag and Bone (w) Riding Boots

Keller Oxford Lace-Ups in Crisp White Leather

Fresh to def. I want these

Who says Posh can't be Sporty?

Recently, I’ve been on a bit of a sports kick…I know kind of shocking…but I have to work it out somehow. While buying a yoga mat about a month ago, I stumbled upon the Stella McCartney line for Adidas and couldn’t stop fingering the cotton blend jackets, intricately styled tennis dresses and a gray half sneaker/half ballet flat that I just might have to buy. That encounter persuaded me to dust off my tennis racket (not actually mine, but on loan from a media friend) two weeks ago. On Sunday I went for my first ever RUN. I never thought I’d be a runner, but it’s free…and running on the corniche with my tunes and my Reebok high tops (5411’s?) is pretty much the shit. The Sony Ericsson Tennis Championships are now underway and yesterday I saw Venus and Serena Williams in the flesh. During the press conference, I asked them both questions and took photos (my grandfather would be so proud). Later today, I’ll go watch some practices and matches…before two red carpet events (one at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival) this weekend. Why couldn’t Doha spread these events out a bit more? It almost feels like Omaha in that regard. Put me to bed when it’s over.

High-tops from KVA’s AW 2009/2010 men’s collection.
I like how the silhouette gets broken up with the blocky straps, like in Julia Hederus X K-Swiss.

Finally found myself a pair of Diesel Glam Rocks. When these first came out, I was heartbroken when my Diesel friend told me, “Yeah, they never come smaller than size 6 [in men's].” At the time, the Glam Rocks were only for boys, and I am but a girl with feet that equate to the smaller end of the spectrum in men’s sneaker sizes.

Thank you, HauteLook, though, for offering these babies up – even if it was over half a year later! They’re so basic and black and about as military with it as I’d ever get. I never got into the Doc Marten phase. Steel toe is too steely for me. Converse just don’t have arch supports.

But there will always be room in my life for imaginary glam rock status.

The above Blazer High started to drop in international doors in July but have slowly started to hit North American base retailers now, so look out for them at your local Nike dealers. The raw selvage denim is two-toned in a darker and lighter version with contrast stitching to mimic that of premium denim. Also notice the brown Nike emblem on the heel that mimics the hem stitch on a fresh pair of jeans. Other details include the white and red selvage piping (also seen in the picture on the jean cuffs) and a Levis-esque Nike tag in white and red. The black sole, swoosh, and heel box all provide just enough contrast to make these Blazers some highly-anticipated sneakers.

So I dont usually style men, why, becuase I’m selfish and dont like sharing my style haha, but today I thought I’ll try one post and see if i like the response, so here goes:

Nike: Gold Air Dunks, £3,400

KIROIC: Moon Boot High Tops, £TBA

DSQUARED2: Sneaker Speed Classic 2, £327.00

D&G – Dolce & Gabbana: Iron Grey, £238.00

SCHUH: RED OR DEAD – Washed Slouch Boot, £94.99

KICKERS: Kick Hi Core White, £70.00

OFFICE: Sinbad Boat Shoe, £59.99

Minnetonka: Classic Fringe Boots , £56.00  

There you have it, any one of these shoes provides an instant wardrobe update, guys stop being lambs and following the crowd, take some risks and show your personality. Slimmer trouser fits are in so take advatage of being able to show off your whole shoe while you can.

Here Endeth the Lesson.

I’m not sure how the weather has been lately on the West Coast, but on the East Coast, most places are really starting to feel the chill. I’m already seeing amazing coats, sweaters, and everything wool, fur, and shearling popping up on eBay. And since it’s still a bit early in the fall season, it’s a great time to get a crazy-low price on some of these seasonal items.

Phillip Lim Yellow Rosette Dress. Jaw-dropping. $51 with a day remaining.

Gryson Handbag. $103.01 with 2 and a half days left.

Yves Saint Laurent Blue Cluster Ring. $92 with 3 and half days remaining.

I love these Coach shearling high-tops. $23.50 with 2 days to go.

Egyptian Bib Necklace. $79.

Chloe Ascot Handbag. Currently $202.50, ending tonight.

Rebecca Minkoff Handbag. $99 ending tonight. The patent royal blue with the shimmery cerulean is a unique mix.

Philip Lim 3.1 Suede Jacket. Retailed for nearly $900. I can’t believe this is about to sell so cheap – $49 with day and half let. This is ridiculously amazing. GRAB IT!

This is not a skimpy shirt or a vest. This is a bib necklace by Koi Suwannagate! Retailed for $805, now $83.75 ending tonight.

Butler & Wilson Swarovski Ring. $36.56 with less than 2 days remaining.

Matthew Williamson Aztec Wrap Skirt. $59 ending tonight. No bidders yet! Somebody needs to grab this skirt before I have to open my wallet!

Steve Madden Boots. $41 ending tonight.

Phillip Lim Blouse. $29 with 6 days left.

T-Luxury Aztec Print Top. $40, ending in 36 hours.

T

Gucci Handbag. Detailed enough for royalty. Currently $179.50 with 2 days remaining.

This Erickson Beamon bracelet reminds me of the winter ahead. $49.88 with 3 days left.

Phillip Lim Patent Leather Jacket. Starting at 3.99 with 6 days to go.

Kara Ross Marble Wood Ring. The ring features 18K gold a 7 diamonds, making it the most stand-out wood ring ever. $158.50 with 3 days left.

Rick Owens Wrap Neck Dress. Retailed for about $550. Currently $73 with 11 hours to go.

Philip Lim Dress. $59 with 1 day left.

Streets Ahead Belt. Retailed for almost $200. Currently $15, ending tonight.

Stella McCartney Cashmere Sweater. $63.50 with 3 days left.

Tracy Reese Tangier Handbag. $65 ending today.

Missoni Shorts. $69, ending tonight.

Thakoon Dress. Retailed for $1350. Currently $189 with no bidders yet, ending tonight. Watch for a potential re-list.

This Jennifer Alfano cluth retailed, shockingly, for over $1800. Currently $61, ending tonight! Crazy discount.

A gently worn pair of Chanel 2-tone heels. $73 with 3 days remaining.

I am in love with this hot gorgeous Etro dress. It retailed for $928 and is currently $79, ending tonight. I envy whoever is going to win this outrageous deal.

Tibi Tuxedo Jacket. Retailed for about $350. Currently $59 with 2 and half days remaining. If I didn’t already have too many blazer-type jackets I’d be getting this one for sure.

Vintage Robert La Roche Sunglasses. Priced buy-it-now at $59. Cool shape + cool color = mesmerizing.

This Peter Som cardigan sweater is tugging at me… retailed for $895. Currently just $56, ending tonight.

Super posh Ralph Lauren boots. $8.50 with 2 and half days left.

A thick, luxurious Stella McCartney belt which retailed for $548 is currently just $30, ending tonight. This is a must-buy opportunity if you love belts.

Tracy Reese Dress. Originally retailed for $275, now just $33 ending tonight! Too affordable to pass up.

Charles Albert Druzy Geode Ring. One day I’m gonna have to get myself one of these. Buy-it-now price of $177, ending in 2 days.

Another crazy Phillip Lim bargan. $18.99 with 2 days left and no bidders yet. How can I save money with cool stuff like this just sitting around with no bidders!?!?!

Tracy Reese Dress. $19 with no bidders yet, ending tonight.

Peter Som Belt. Leather in the front, chains in the back. Was $250, and now it’s a measley $9.99 ending tonight. STEAL ALERT!

Vintage Christian Dior Skirt. $15 ending tonight.

Christian Lacroix Heels. $49, ending in 22 hours. The peachy color, white leather detail, white heels, and black straps collectively create something crisp, modern, and serene.

Alexander McQueen Mohair Sweater. This is one of those rare, spectacular sweaters. LOOOOOVE IT. This make me want cold weather. $142.50 with 2 days remaining.

Okay…. seriously..  if you wear a size 7 shoe, you need this Marni platform. First of all, you know the original retail was a high as the heavens. Secondly, every other seller on eBay is selling these for 3 or 4 times more than this one is being sold for: $125, 22 hours left. If this were my size (8), honestly, I would not be able to resist this auction. Han purple, black, and maroon?!?! Fainting*

Walking around like a son of a bitch.

Mention of mountain
ledges reminds her to speak
of that smashed 

pump and its heel
in her street last night, in its gutter
trap this morning. How 

do they lose
their mates, a pair severed
and shut down, a high-top hanging 

on the old telephone
wire by its one good
lace. Not the first, 

nor the last, she crosses 

yesterday’s steps
in tomorrow’s unpredictable
boots. She’s gotten this far so far.

This is the first brand I’ve come across to go with with a space theme (yaaah moon boots!) for high-tops. Android Homme was launched in late 2008 and is aimed the market between lower priced and luxury sneakers. Android Homme is like an edgy composite of silhouettes from Cipher, Lanvin, Nike, Creative Recreation, and Supra all rolled into one.

[Top to bottom: Propulsion Hi | Jet Pack | Lunar Rover]

via: BALENCIAGA

First there was VANQUISH.  Now there is ZETO.  As it were an evolutionary next step into the journey of deluxification, dawns the coming of the newest offering from JUMP.  Hand crafted from a myriad assemblage of materials from the four corners of the globe, it features leathers aged in metallic copper, patents etched from the skins of dragon kings and full interior linings from the hides of cows that rival Kobe.  It is a sneaker snatched from the lockers of the gods and now available, finally, to mankind.

Behold, the Zeto in Copper Metallic Leather.  This colorway is available exclusively at select Bloomingdale’s locations.

The Zeto in Purple Boa Patent and Suede trim.

The Zeto in Black Patent and Nappa trim.

The Zeto in Grey Patent and Elephant trim.

The Zeto in White Patent and Pearlized Snake trim.

The Zeto in Burgundy Boa Patent and Matte Nappa trim.

The Zeto in Black Boa Patent and Suede trim.

The Zeto in Black Patent and Pearlized Snake trim.

For extra credit, comment and share what you would put in the zip pocket.

So I was blubbering earlier about how HeyDay’s hot-as-f*ck kicks don’t come in women’s sizes, and then the good people at Moxsie silenced my cries with 25% off. Type in “DAILYCANDY” at checkout, and together we shall reap the rewards of whining on Twitter. All those independent designers, all that discount…Just imagine the possibilities!

Just look at these beautifulfucking shoes!

So tonight, before rekindling John Gallagher Jr.’s love for me at American Idiot, and maybe even before heading out for Mendocino at 4 a.m. tomorrow morning, you know what Immah be doing? SHOPPING.

WE WERE ENGAGED IN SOME KIND OF UNEASY PEACE WITH A GROUP OF PEOPLE. They were mean-looking, but not in a junkyard dog kind of way. Like, in an evil, cruel kind of way. They were also kind of slow in every way. They were kind of automotons and vaguely Scientological. There was a football game and I really, really wanted to win. For some reason Deion Sanders was there in his old Cowboys uniform, and, for some reason, he was playing kick coverage more than anything else. He had on these super cool old-school high-tops that looked like exaggerated basketball shoes. Despite the Cowboys’ uniform colours, the shoes were, well, kind of done up in the old Seattle Sonics colours. I started staring at them and then they became a pair of low-cut Adidas, like a pair of white Gazelles or something.

All of a sudden I was in the game, covering this loping receiver-type character who’s lined up to his QB’s right, in the slot. I’m a safety playing zone but I’m right up to the line on this fucker. He runs forward, I retreat, he cuts gently left, into the middle, and stays in that route, and I release him, because he’s running a really bad post route and we’re playing zone. The QB lets it fly and, of course, it’s headed for my guy. I turn and watch the other safety basically let the ball fall in front of him instead of picking it off and so I reprimand him. I pick up the ball and punt it back to the line of scrimmage because we’re not pros, but rather a bunch of guys playing for fun. The big guy I was covering is wearing a loose-fitting dress shirt. The QB says “What do we do now?” or something like that. I tell him he has another down, and I do so mockingly. He apologizes, “I’m sorry, I don’t play football.” I counter, “Well I do.”

One of my teammates then turns around to me and yells, “No you don’t, you –” and I can’t hear what he says, but he’s describing my job, whatever it is.

Ashley Tisdale always has an amazing look everywhere she goes.  In the Picture Below she was spotted at a gas station and her look is simple, but very eye catching. Its very easy to snag this look for your fall wardrobe.

1. White Leggings

2. White lace tank or Tee

3. Hat

4. Fringe Handbag

5. High Tops

I love the lace look.  Lace is coming back more and more and looks great!  You see a lot more Celebs wearing hats too.  A hat can top off the perfect look, weather it be a fedora or a baseball cap, it can make your outfit come together.  Ashley combines a lot of things in her outfit that are coming back.  Like her high tops.  These are great for this look.  They look great with a pair of leggings.  I love how she matched this look with a black fringe bag to offset all the white in her look.  Its the perfect look for the Fall for a day of shopping.

Two weeks ago: Fuming about my deceased car battery and waiting for a parking space will open up next to my car with these silhouettes stuck in my head. Of shoes. Had to kill time by penning out what I’m looking for in my next pair of leather shoes or ankle boots. FML Friday wasn’t a total waste.

I like the construction of men’s dress shoes (could go with a with a taller, stacked heel) combined with the flair and the shape of my favorite high-tops. And I gotta have those buckles and straps.

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I rarely have bad days. But two weeks ago was a major FML Friday. [Note: I don't have AAA.]

It started when I ran out of ink. It was a problem, since I wanted to print postage to ship an eBay item and do a return. Drove out to Cartridge World in Davis (open until 7PM) at 4PM and find out it’s mysteriously closed until quarter past. Okay, I’ll wait.

It’s 4:30PM, check the storefront and there’s still nobody in the store. Whatever, I’ll get ink refills tomorrow. Turn the keys, about to drive off…silence. Dashboard lights flicker, but I don’t hear the engine turn over.

My car battery has chosen this moment to kick the bucket, in front of a packed cafe. The customers out front give me weird looks because my car is making defeated noises as I repeatedly crank the ignition.

A quick survey showed that jumper cables aren’t in this season. Or ever, for that matter. Everyone has biked or walked here. Typical. That’s Davis.

Walked over two blocks to ACE hardware, stand in line with jumper cables. I dig my credit card out of my pocket (I’m not a wallet person) to pay and — am perplexed. I’ve got with me a student ID card and a random gift card. Great. Credit card and license must be at home.

Go down the address book in my phone, trying to find someone with jumper cables who isn’t in class. I walk home to get my cards…did I mention Cartridge World was still mysteriously closed?

Friend with jumper cables can rescue me! Uh. But I’m parked (not parallel) in front of one of the most popular coffee shops in town. And these jumper cables are only 16 feet long, which necessitates the savior car be RIGHT NEXT to my zombie car.

The owners of the cars parked next to me are nowhere in sight. The cars parked in the spaces one car over (and out of reach of jumper cables), are inexplicably vacated every ten minutes or so, to my utter exasperation.

I give up. The day was doomed; I needed to get out and have a good Friday night.