Cheap JAP » Blog Archive » MAILBAG: Sleeveless in Seattle

9:40 AM • Jun 27th, 2008

By cheapjap

MAILBAG: Sleeveless in Seattle

[Note: MAILBAG is copied and pasted directly from cheapjap@gmail.com’s inbox and is therefore exempt from any and all grammatical, capitalization and/or spelling errors.]

Subject: question about taming an inner label whore
I moved from Florida to Seattle, WA. So all of my summer wear has been shut up and no longer in style since last summer. Your east coast but I was wondering if you’d heard anything about shopping in the Emerald City without having to sell your soul. I found your blog on stumbleupon.com and have been cracking up while my boyfriend remains glued to the tv with some kind of killing game, because what other kind is there? Thanks for the laughs, and hopefully you may know of some hidden gem in this big freaking city.
Teresa

Subject: Re: question about taming an inner label whore
hey teresa,
the closest i’ve been to seattle is portland, oregon - a city whose thrift stores put nyc’s to shame - so fear not! fabulous shopping does exist outside of the tri-state area. i did a bit of research; it appears your new city boasts a Forever 21, an outlet shopping mall that includes j.crew, banana and burberry (and fine, coldwater creek and eddie bauer - ICK - but hey, i guess it’s chilly out there), and - according to yelp.com - a “TON of vintage stores,” with Sugartown Vintage being the heavy fave among them. shopping in your new hometown seems like it requires a car - i’m hoping you have one. if gas prices are getting you down, sell your boyfriend’s xbox and killing games - you’ll get at least a few tanks out of it, and he won’t mind because vehicular access will help you to look and dress awesome 24/7.

another thang: while florida’s and seattle’s climates couldn’t be more different, your “summer wear” can’t possibly consist of ALL tank tops, shorts and sundresses. i want you to remove it from where it’s currently stored and go through it again. i’m almost positive you’ve got some bright colored tees and long-sleeved tops in there, which are fantastic for layering and should not be neglected just because you moved to a city where it rains every goddamn day. you’re a florida gal at heart, so don’t mimic your new neighbors (and the weather) by wearing ho-hum neutrals. rock the colors, pair an old sundress with tights, flat boots, a belt and scarf, and don’t kick yourself if your old summer stuff isn’t technically “in style” - as long as it’s consistent with your style and you feel good in it, that shit doesn’t matter (unless it involves tube tops. those gotta go).

i wish you the best of luck on seattle-izing your wardrobe while maintaining your sunny, florida vibe. now go beat your boyfriend at that killing game