WE HAVE MOVED HOMES!

Hi All! We have finally moved blog homes, you will be re-directed to our new Wordpress blog in 6 seconds. If you are not re-directed please press on the link giselaandzoe.wordpress.com. See you there!

BOHEMIAN RAHAPSODY

I seriously sometimes forget how great the fashion was in the 1990's. This was my "generation, having been a teenager in the early 90's. I now recall how many different fashion trends were happening at one time back then. Grunge, 70's hippie and bohemian looks were back in a big way, 60's Mod and the whole "Club Kid" looks were in. I dabbled a bit in all, mostly wearing vintage versions of the current trends. I remember having a pair of black velvet burnout bell bottoms like the ones above; boy I wish future Gisela could off told me "do not get rid of those!" I'm in love with the purple velvet Richard Tyler ones above; and how awesome is picture #3, an Anna Sui ensemble? And Kate oh Kate you are too cute!

Vogue 1992 Editorial 

Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier 

Beautiful makeup by the late Kevin Aucoin

Gisela

SUMMER DAYS ARE HERE!

BDG tank, UrbanOutfitters / vintage 70s cut Wrangler jean shorts, thrift / vintage 80s Ikat belt, Gisela&Zoe vintage shop / vintage 70s silver medallion necklace, thrift / silver cuff bracelet, gift / onyx ring, F21 / Mossimo sunglasses, Target / Mossimo gladiator sandals (a few years old), Target

Oh these days have been gorgeous. The temperature in my town has been at a perfect 75 degrees going into the 80s. At this point, I can't picture myself living any where else that is colder then this! I do love summer clothing and nothing beats a pair of cut up jeans in my book! I like that I can cut them to my liking in length, because with hips like mine I know how short they need to be to make my legs look just right. Plus in the retail market the selection is either too short or too Missy; I'm neither customer. So I'll be scouring the thrifts and flea markets this summer to build up a pretty nice collection for myself, and I'm sure I'll be doing it for half the price! 

What's your favorite summer staple?

Gisela

GETTING REAL

Hello there, I know it's been quite a long time since my last blog post! I took somewhat of a non announced break from blogging because to be honest I just did not know if I wanted to keep doing it any more. Blogging for me became more of a chore then a form of expression, in which was one of my original intentions when I first began to blog. Within the time I stopped blogging I came to the conclusion about two things, one, many have discovered my vintage shop because of my blog and two, I really enjoy blogging about what I want to blog about. 

I went back into my archives and realized that my niche fell into the department of lifestyle blogging back in 2009 & 2010, more then I thought so. I use to share about my happenings with my amazing daughter Zoe. Blogged about snap shots of our adventures and our mommy daughter dates. I shared about movies, fashion, quotes, inspiration and pretty much all the things I enjoyed. And of course I shared shop updates and happenings. 

Then I did the big no, no. I started wanting to shape my blog into more of a fashion blog only, which clearly I was not. Although I am a Fashion Designer, blogging about pretty much that one topic including style post did not come naturally to me. It's just not what I really only like blogging about all the time. I also started comparing myself to other blogs and again a big no, no. You just can't do that, as cliche as it is you do have to find your own voice and be yourself. My bud Karen and I have had countless discussions about this, questioning yourself, how do you compare to other blogs, blah, blah blah. I felt a bit lost in this huge world of  blogging. 

And then of course you want followers, again you can't compare. I actually had more followers back then when I was more myself, than I do now; that should have been an indication to me. I also must admit that I have never been a consistent blogger, which makes you unpredictable and many folks just move on.

So with that said, I begin a refreshed chapter in blogging and I am rekindling what I know and love most. It's probably going to take a bit of time shaping my blog to what I want it to be but I know I'm going back to my roots and blog about what I enjoy best!

I will be bringing in new features like d.i.y's and food, which if I was not a Fashion Designer, I would have probably wanted to be a Chef. I also will only be blogging three times a week, which is what I know I can be consistent with.

For all those who have stuck with me, thanks! And to any new readers, I hope to see you here again!

Lots of love,

Gisela

SHOP UPDATE

Hi Guys! This vintage cuteness is all in the shop right now. Click on the pictures to get the full details!

I have to say the blue stove pipe pants are my favorite, I have been looking for a pair for me that fits my hips properly because these have the tendency to make them look bigger!

Our shop: Gisela&Zoe

Gisela

MISHA LULU SPRING 12

Woo-hoo, Misha LuLu just updated their site with their new Spring 12 collection! Karen's knack of drawing the best illustrations never ceases to amaze me. Hello, did you see that beautiful circus dress at top left corner? This spring brings the love of gardening, nautical sails and the circus to town. What a great variety to choose from! Here's hoping she has some of that left over circus print in that beautiful ecru fabric. Karen sometimes offers left over past season fabrics in her Surplus Store, you should check it out. 

Pictures courtesy of MishaLuLu.com
Spring 12 collection in stores now, for stores click here.



Gisela

POP OF COLOR

Outfit Details:

Banana Republic scoop top, thrift

Teal colored jeans, borrowed from Karen at mishalulu.com

Vintage 80s Ikat belt, borrowed from the shop here

Cote Ikat tote bag, Urban Outfitters

Bangled cuff bracelet, gift

Onyx ring, F21

Vintage 70s Elephant Heart bead necklace, thrift

Can you tell Zoe and I were having a little fun with this outfit shoot! I always enjoy my little photographer helping me out; a nice change from looking at a tripod. Loose jeans are my ultimate favorite comfortable outfit besides cotton sun dresses. And it's perfectly coincidental that this color is trending right now since these are borrowed from my buddy Karen, whom purchased them a few years ago. It really gives the outfit a perky and eye-catching look. 

On this day Zoe and I were pretty much on a, laid back, go with the flow kind of kick. We took Cody to have a little fun at the dog park and ended the day at yummy In and Out. We are just bursting with excitement about our trip to Austin / San Antonio Texas coming this Wednesday. My little brother will be graduating from the air force and many of my family members are going to support him. I'm so proud of him! I'm also going to take advantage and make it into a buying trip and can't wait to show you what goodies I come back with!

Gisela

PINK ROSES

Hi all! Yes, I am still alive! It's been 2 weeks since I've been on last, and within those 2 weeks both Zoe and I have been battling flu's and the falling behind syndrome. It's nice to be back although I admit the break was nice too! 

As you can see I am taking full advantage of the warm weather and dusting off all the flirty spring dresses. I've been tremendously enjoying the hot sun; we've been getting 75 to 81 degree weather here in Southern California. Zoe and I have been enjoying use of our lawn, spreading out the blanket, making vanilla chai smoothies and digging our feet into the grass. It's been care free and relaxing, my ideal. How's the weather around your parts?

Vintage 1990s sailor floral dress, I am in love with the fluttery sailor collar, borrowed from shop

Late 1990s Nine West booties, Ross

Black ankle socks, Target

Black over-sized rose ring, F21

Gisela

SPRING COLORS

I am smitten with all the color that are in retail this season. It's always a reminder to me how much I need to break away from neutrals and incorporate more color in my wardrobe. The pieces above are just a smidgen of garments I have on my "fancy" list. Oh, and I know that the black wedge shoes are not necessarily part of a bold color story, but I really love them and they are the essential sandal shoe I would like to get this Spring.

1. Pixie Market
2. Pixie Market
3. Charlotte Taylor
4. Steven Alan
5. Wilfred
6. Nasty Gal



Gisela

BUILT BY WENDY SPRING 12

I've been a fan of Built By Wendy for about 10 years now. I not only love how simplistic yet modern her pieces are, but I admire her as an independent designer, who has been able to built quite a large following and a strong clothing brand. You should go over to her website and read her bio. It's been updated to be current, although I remember reading in her older bio about how she began by learning sewing and patterns from her grandmother. She then moved to New York in the early 90's and started making a few pieces along with guitar straps, which she sold in a rented spot in back of a record store. Pretty awesome beginning! Fast forward to today and she has two flagship stores in New York and still runs a very home grown independent fashion business. 

This season she brings her trade mark simplistic bodies in pretty pastels as well as bright colors and lots of black. Nice little details like deep-v necklines and strategically placed pockets. I'm crushing over the floral sweater and skirt. And if I would be able to pull off that chambray jumpsuit piece, that would be mine too!  

Source & Website: builtbywendy.com

Gisela