recap: uptown cheapskate-sugarhouse grand opening celebration

(my outfit) blouse :: mossimo // leather pencil skirt (1) :: forever 21 \\ asymmetrical leather skirt (2) :: xhilaration // tweedy jacket :: xhilaration \\ pumps :: kardashian kollection // necklace, earrings :: target \\ watch :: gift from my mommy // bracelets :: bebe \\ purse :: downeast basics

Last Thursday night (Oct. 16th) was the grand opening of Uptown Cheapskate's new Sugarhouse store, located just south of the Chevron station on the corner of 13th East and 21st South in Salt Lake City. The store was packed full of beautiful secondhand clothing, and despite the crowd, there was plenty of staff on hand to assist the plethora of customers.

I always love browsing Uptown Cheapskate's racks, but at the grand opening party, I hit an extraordinary stroke of luck and happened upon a gorgeous gray wool/angora Calvin Klein trench that seems to have been pulled straight out of Olivia Pope's divine coat closet for a mere $30, as well as a black and pink tweed coat reminiscent of Jackie O for just $10 and an awesome doctor-bag inspired black & cream purse for $14. Uptown also stocks a selection of new items for less than department store prices, and I picked up a new taupe moto jacket for $30 and a pretty red lace duster cardigan for my sister for just $14 - not to mention the pretty necklace, bracelet and earrings I scored for less than $5 each.

The Sugarhouse store's opening is particularly fortuitous, considering that I've recently decided my closet is in need of a massive redesign to better fit my current aesthetic - the mini skirts I so loved three years ago just aren't cutting it any more. I started clearing it out the weekend after the grand opening celebration, and unloaded a pile of clothing that was sucking up valuable space for a pretty penny (of course, you can always opt for store credit to get more bang for your secondhand buck).

Regardless of whether or not you decide to schlep a bag of your old stuff on down to Uptown Cheapskate, you should definitely take a minute (or an entire evening) to swing by the new location and check out their inventory. The store is chock full of great stuff you won't find anywhere else, and beautiful brand name items can be found here for a fraction of the original price. The spacious store is well staffed and has both a men's and women's section, and features plenty of dressing rooms with conveniently labeled hooks upon which to organize your finds. It's easy to find, and with plenty of parking available in the dedicated garage behind it (a rarity in Sugarhouse!), it should be your first stop on your fall shopping trip this year!

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utah's flea market season kicks off in style at the second annual vintage whites market in salt lake city

outfit - moto jacket :: bebe | dress :: bohme | tights :: bebe | boots :: aldo | belt :: charlotte russe (I think) | sunglasses :: juicy couture | earrings :: bohme | starfish cuff :: shopcalico | leather wristband :: c/o salvage west | bag :: volcom

When I left for the Vintage Whites Market Saturday morning, I was under the delusion I had done a decent job of hiding my baby bump - a dream that was shattered within moments of arriving when vendors immediately began directing me to collections of baby stuff. At seven months in, I've finally lost the battle for my abdomen; I did, however, win the vintage-baby-shopping game by snagging some pretty sweet stuff for Baby Kumquat at killer prices that afternoon.

After a full day of shopping, I typically come home to almost instantaneous regret over how much money I spent - Saturday's Vintage Whites Market in downtown Salt Lake City was a rare exception. In fact, I spent the rest of the weekend mourning the items I passed up and wishing I could go back. I did, however, score a beautiful lavender dresser from Sweet Pea Pickers for Kumquat's nursery, in addition to a red vintage purse from Maeberry Vintage, some killer jewelry from Freckles & Company, an adorable floral newborn dress from 58 Bluebirds and a random assortment of odds and ends (like skeleton keys and a couple of old brooches) from a few different vendors that I spent Sunday turning into jewelry.

The Second Annual Vintage Whites Market, held at the Utah State Fairgrounds on March 8th, was flat out amazing and a huge success from my perspective. Unfortunately, I arrived a little late and missed the fashion show, but there was still plenty to do and see. While it's true that the best selection is available first thing in the morning, before the booths are picked over, the end of the day is the best time for bartering - especially for larger/more expensive items, like Kumquat's new dresser. The gal at the Sweet Pea Pickers booth was absolutely adorable and gave me a great deal, and her dad was even kind enough to lug my new acquisition out to my car for me.

The Vintage Whites Market was the perfect kick-off to this year's garage sale and flea market season, with plenty more to come. Click here for a calendar of upcoming events in Utah, and make sure to subscribe to the blog for reminders, sneak previews and tons of pretty pictures (use Bloglovin' or Google Reader, or subscribe via email, to your right).

Did you make it to Saturday's Vintage Whites Market, or did you attend one of the other events in the Salt Lake area that afternoon? Share your thoughts in the comments.



If you're organizing a market or event and would like your event featured or listed on this website, please feel free to drop me an email at jennifer@frayed-threads.com with the details.

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ski mogul world cup + spring trenducation ebook (btw, it's free!)

A few snaps from last night's FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The Boy and I hiked up the side of a very frozen mountain with some friends to watch skiers fly down the track at ridiculous speeds (admittedly, I cheated - I rode the chair lift most of the way up. Someone had to take the 5 year old!).

January was a bit of a crazy month, as one might have noticed by the radio silence held over the blog. February promises more excitement, however - you can look forward to my first e-book, Trenducation: Spring 2013, around Valentine's Day Single's Awareness Day. The book will contain everything any stylish gal needs to know about this spring's trends, fashion, clothes and beauty, plus tons of inspiration, advice and more to help you transition your winter wardrobe into spring.

The best part? It won't cost you a penny - all of my subscribers will be able to download my spring trend e-book for free! All you have to do is send me an email with your Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin' username and let me know that you want the e-book, and I'll send it to you in PDF form.

If you're not yet a subscriber, don't fret! Use the buttons on the left side of the blog to subscribe via GFC, Blog Lovin' or email, then drop me a line to introduce yourself so I know where to send the goods.

I'll start sending the e-book out on the 14th, but you can get your name on the VIP list by signing up for the release now - and because I know you're too excited to wait till then for all the trendy goodness it contains, those who sign up by February 10th will receive a preview chapter and will be the first to get the book the day it's released. How cool is that?

While we're on the subject, I'm on the lookout for bloggers to include in the e-book's Spring Inspiration Photo Gallery and their thoughts on this spring's fashion - the trends, the clothes, the beauty, the underlying feel of the 2013 season - to include in my Ask the Experts section. If you're interested in having your photo or style advice published in my e-book, email me with your submission, contact info and link to your blog and we'll talk! Chosen submissions will include the blogger's name, blog address and social media info (hint: this is a huge opportunity for publicity!).

Questions, comments, submissions? 

Comment below or email me at jennifer@frayed-threads.com.

*A note: All submissions will be read and considered, but not all will be published due to length constrictions. Some edits (grammar, spelling, etc - none creative) may be suggested for publishing. Editorial discretion is left entirely to the author.

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queen of the snow ball

Photos by Pamela Ann Berry, professional photographer at The Bay.

Dress designed by Ellen Switzer, president of the SLCC Fashion Club.

Previously modeled at the Institute's Benefit Fashion Show.

Despite the massive snowstorm that snowed most potential partygoers in Saturday night, the Salt Lake Community College Fashion Institute's Snow Ball at The Bay was a hell of a lot of fun. It was pretty obvious that most peeps at the club that night had no idea it was going down, but they were good sports (for the most part) and played along nicely. All of the designs were absolutely gorgeous, and although Ellen's masterpiece didn't win the People's Choice Award, she did take second place in the school competition and hers was by far my personal fave (and I'm not just saying that because I was her model, that gown nearly floored me the first time I put it on). The winning design, by Lindsey Piereder, was a frosted, polka dotted and draped knee length piece that was flirty and adorable (the one next to me in the group photo above, on the far right). You can see more photos from the event in the Snow Ball album on The Bay's Facebook page.

I can't quite get over how utterly amazing her neckpiece is, and how perfect it is with this dress. The hardness of the crystals provides an intriguing juxtaposition to the soft, flowy lines of the dress - lines that are almost blurred by the silk organza topstitched and cut open to crack over light beige satin, and glittering rhinestones like ice trickling down the form that give it shape.

All that being said, I think the neckpiece would be just as lovely with a fitted tee and a sexy pair of black skinnies or a cute skirt - just the right amount of bling for a holiday party without having to get too trussed up. Hell, it'd even make blue jeans and converse party approps. Ellen is selling this handcrafted beauty for just $150; if you're interested, email me and I'll put you in touch with her.

This may have only been my second event walking the runway as a model, but it's been a whirlwind of fun and I love meeting new people. I might be "too old" to start a career as a professional model (seriously, I'm only 26 - wtf???), but it's a new hobby I can see myself getting quite wrapped up in - not to mention the invaluable glimpse into the backstage, inner workings of the fashion world. The first and most important lesson I've learned as a model is to always, always, always stand up straight - you never know when a camera might be pointed your way!

Many thanks to Pamela Ann Berry, the talented photographer who took these beautiful photos, as well as the rest that can be found here.

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snow queen

First.... how utterly breathtaking is that gown?

Those of you who follow me on any of my various social media channels (namely, Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram) are likely already aware that I walked my first runway as a model last Saturday afternoon at the McCune Mansion. The SLCC Fashion Institute held a benefit show for the American Cancer Society, showcasing students' original designs as well as one-of-a-kind hand painted wool and silk shawls by Sandra Ence and a variety of looks from The Children's Hour.

The McCune Mansion itself was completely amazing... It's a mansion, after all. The designs that strolled down the runway ranged from an emerald boho 70's-esque maxi dress to a strapless Victorian inspired black ball gown (I'm pretty sure the skirt weight more than the girl who modeled it) and included a variety of casual looks that followed the designer dresses. The gown I wore was designed by SLCC Fashion Club President Ellen Switzer, and I have to admit... I may have squealed when I opened the photo she emailed me. Seriously - talk about a princess dress. My favorite part is definitely the neck piece - which is actually a separate necklace composed of crystals that Ellen sewed together by hand (and is selling for just $150).

Ellen designed this sparkly white beauty for the Fashion Institute's Snow Queen contest, being held tonight at the Bay in downtown Salt Lake City. Come down and see me - I'll be modeling the gown during voting for People's Choice! Admission is only $7 for ladies and $10 for guys, and you can enter to win $100 from the Bay when you vote for your favorite Snow Queen design.

Check out the event on Facebook for more info.

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another night goes by (at the utah opera)

dress :: forever21 (get it here) | tights :: forever21 (here) | scarf :: Utah Opera giftshop | necklace :: forever21 | earrings :: forever 21 | heels :: kardashian kollection (similar) | black trench coat :: bebe (similar) | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | cocktail ring :: forever 21 (get it here) | beaded clutch :: vintage c/o LoveCharles Vintage

playbill :: Il Trovatore, tickets c/o the Utah Opera

My first exposure of any kind to opera was through Pretty Woman; when Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to her first performance, he explains that one either loves the opera, or one learns to love it, and that it doesn't matter that one might not understand the words - the music communicates the emotions.

Having been on a lifelong, desperate search for some kind of culture beyond the meager offerings of a backwater Utah town, I was intrigued. Up until this brief, distant introduction, the opera was merely something my brothers made fun of, an acquired taste reserved for a select few; now, it was something a little bit mysterious, something that might be beautiful. It became this wonderful fantasy of tragic love stories and epic battles and twisted tales played out on a stage and sung in the world's most beautiful languages... and I had absolutely no idea of what it really was.

So when the lovely Sara from the Utah Opera contacted me a few weeks ago to see if I was interested in attending the premiere of Verdi's Il Trovatore this last Saturday evening at the Capitol Theatre, I literally hopped around the kitchen with excitement. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to explore a form of musical expression that previously had seemed so illusive to me.

I did my research before opening night (meaning I asked around and read the Wiki). I bought a very simple but gorgeous dress (no splurge required), added some shiny accessories and ridiculous heels, artfully mussed up my hair and topped it all off with my favorite Audrey Hepburn style black trench coat for a very sophisticated fall evening look.

Yet, with all of my preparations, I was in no way prepared for the experience. It was truly overwhelming and absolutely beautiful and I desperately want to go again.

As an opera newbie, I don't feel I can really justify "reviewing" the performance, and I certainly can't commentate on the technicalities, but I can tell you that the story was intense, the portrayal was brilliant, the talent was breathtaking and the entire night unerringly perfect. Keeping my ADHD at bay is a miraculous feat in itself, but I was utterly enraptured by the performance throughout its entirety - the only disappointment coming at the end, because it ended. The fact that I at no point had the urge to check my cell phone should be enough to convince you of how incredible it was.

If you've never been to the opera (or even if you have been)... GO. Il Trovatore runs through this Sunday, 10/21 and tickets start at just $15 (you'll pay more for a concert and have less fun, trust me). Il Trovatore is performed in Italian, but they provide a playbill with an act-by-act synopsis, and there's a scrolling marquee with a general translation of the lyrics (at least on the orchestra level, where I sat). Even without the board, though, it was fairly easy to understand what was transpiring through the intensity of the music and vocals.

Overall, it was a Saturday evening very well spent, and I'm considering making opening night a tradition when their next show, Florencia en el Amazonas, premieres on January 19th. I may even treat myself to the USUO's Upbeat Design-A-Series pass for a compilation of next year's performances...

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big ass style

blazer :: forever 21 (similar) | pink ballerina dress :: forever 21 (get it here) | tights :: express | combat boots :: charlotte russe (old, but I need this pair) | purse :: my mom's | earrings :: forever 21 | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | necklace :: forever 21 | silver cuff :: forever 21 | leather wristbands :: c/o salvage west | blue & orange slinky bracelet :: twisted roots

Last weekend started out on a low note when I was both blown off and brushed off (by the same person) Friday night, but my old friend Carlos unknowingly swooped to my rescue when he invited me to the X96 Big Ass Show Saturday afternoon (and by invited, I mean he posted on FB and I was the first to respond. I win!).

By the time we arrived (fashionably late, of course), the Gallivan Center was completely packed. We did manage to obtain some refreshments, however, and although there were a number of stellar bands in the line up, the only one I had the chance to watch was AWOLNATION because the crowd made it impossible to see the stage. The rest of the afternoon was spent perusing the wares of the various vendors (I picked up the orange and blue slinky bracelet above from Twisted Roots), eating sno cones with way too much syrup (experts say it looked like I'd blown a smurf), watching Carlos attempt to stand in a human-size hamster ball set afloat in a swimming pool and chillin' with some serious villains. Carlos, alas, did not make it out alive - he was turned Undead by the make up artist from the Castle of Chaos (check out his Zombie-fied self in the top photo - he's the one in the green tee).

Despite the massive crowd, I somehow managed to avoid an anxiety attack and had a hell of a lot of fun (mostly thanks to the awesome company I was keeping). X96 always puts on a great show (with the minor exception of the Half Ass Show a couple of years back), and I'm pretty sure I'm going to make the Big Ass Show a yearly tradition from this point forward. My only complaint is the size of the venue relative to the number of people who attended - the Gallivan Center is cool, but X96 should definitely consider moving the show back to the Utah State Fairgrounds next year.

My mother was convinced I would freeze to death in this ballerina-esque slip of a dress, but the addition of a military inspired tuxedo blazer and some spiffy tights were all it needed to be certified fall concert weather approps. The combat boots were pure cheekiness on my part. Heels were obviously out of the question, and ballet flats with a ballerina dress was a tad too matchy-match for my tastes. A good rule of thumb for putting together unexpectedly mixed up outfits is to always opt for the last thing you think of.

I managed to snap about a dozen or so street style shots of people other than myself, so you can expect to see some galleries up soon. I've got a side project for showcasing these photos in the works; I'll make the official announcement as soon as it's live - hopefully this weekend at the latest.

The second half of the weekend was spent blowing too much money at Tooele's yearly Indian Pow-Wow and Mountain Man Rendezvous. I snagged about $80 worth of beads and trinkets with which to make some pretty jewelry and accessories. The original intention was to make some new things for the shop, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to part with some of these pieces. You'll see what I mean when I post the photos tomorrow, but in the meantime be sure to check out our current listings.

Did anyone else attend the Big Ass Show? See/hear anything badass? And be sure to check out the upcoming SLC street style blog this weekend to see if your look made the cut.

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