Remember when I said it's about time to slow down? 

Well, I'm meticulously trying to tick off all of the things on my {GIANT} To Do list, which among other things includes finalizing some paperwork for a new business venture. Something I can't wait to begin once I'm up and at 'em again towards the end of the year!
So what to wear when you still want to feel in the game? Duh. Glasses. And something bright and bold(er) than the bump you're sporting.

Entire outfit {sans purse} is thrifted. 
Dress redesigned by Secondhand Star

The Chain Gang does another swap!

Ready for another Vintage Thrift Swap? This time SEVEN different bloggers take their turn rocking the SAME thrifted item in their very own unique way.

Introducing...

When my partner in crime over at Secondhand Star found this beaded top, it was huge and shapeless. But leave it to her genius skills to turn it into something totally versatile! And when she decided to start her very own blog Sunset and 5th to showcase her talent in both design and beauty, I thought - Bingo! Perfect for our next swap!

I loved the detail and the sleeves, and although it was cut into a jacket, I wanted to find a way to add a little shape to my petite frame. So I tucked it into a favorite Forever21 skirt (last worn around the holidays here) and belted it for a fun night out.

Want to win this gorgeous top for yourself?

Head on over to Sunset and 5th  for official rules and to enter!!

And be sure to visit all of these blogs to see the different ways each member of the Chain Gang rocked it!

Jen from Belle de Couture 

Devon from Devon Rachel 

Sarah from Living Goldie 

Jenn from The Suburb Experiment   

Yola from Yola Thorp  

Created by  Secondhand Star 

*If you're a blogger and want to be a member of the next Chain Gang, email me here for details.
*For previous Chain Gang swaps on November Grey go here, here, here & here

Make a wish... what are you grateful for?

Well, it's official. The holidays are upon us. Let the beautiful insanity begin! Amongst all the hustle and bustle and recent work schedule that's gotten even busier for me, I wanted to sit down, slow down, (if only for a moment!) and share what I am most grateful for this year.

Cuddles in the morning and kisses goodbye, that always return with a warm welcome home.

The realization that no matter what happens, I'll be be alright ~ because I have love in my life.

The sweet way (and sometimes not so sweet way) my little girl is learning to express her individuality. 

The amazing people I have collaborated with in so many creative ways ~ my lovely Noa B. from Secondhand Star, Jay Krift, Brian Carroll & Laura Lee at Calypso St. Barth, and as always, my talented sisters. You inspire me!

This platform of November Grey that has opened up so many opportunities for me. I promise to keep growing and going, with the support of my loyal friends. (That means you! Thank you!)

I'm grateful that I've escaped the stress of hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, that I get to relax and watch my baby sister rock and roll. (I am, however, making my famous cheeseball - see recipe here!)

And last but not least,  I'm grateful for good shoes. If you have those, ladies - you can rule the world. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

{Hope it's Joyous and Fabulous too!}

*Dress redesigned by Secondhand Star. Visit our Etsy store here!

Sexy Secondhand Star Suit

You won't believe what this used to look like...

Pop on over to Secondhand Star today (click here!) to see the Before and After! xx

Tanya Dempsey - Allure Magazine? (November suddenly not so grey)

OK, I have to let the cat out of the bag. I've been getting several emails and questions about being on the cover of the November issue of Allure Magazine, ever since I made it my profile picture on FB and blogger...

The answer is no. This is a fictitious magazine cover. I took part in a "model shakedown" party, where everyone tries to "out model" one another. It really is the BEST time EVER. The winning prize is a "magazine cover" our photographer deems worthy of the winning shot. 

The best part? (Well, aside from WINNING!) was that I got to play model and stylist, and everyone was wearing our redesigned clothing. {That produced these amazing shots here, here, here & here.}

You must read the magazine titles above. You'll be cracking up all day. 

HAPPY NOVEMBER!!

Photo and magazine cover by Karri Bowman, Shorts - Vintage Redesign by Secondhand Star, Makeup by Lisa Dempsey

All Hallow's Eve

Hi friends. Big plans tonight? I think this is the first year EVER that I won't be dressing up for Halloween.  I'd love to hear about your plans tonight and what you did over the weekend. Send links to blog pix too!

If you haven't checked out the recent photo shoot for my partner blog, Secondhand Star yet, you must visit! Click here and here for more pix from the entire shoot, including myself & Noa along with some killer models rocking some of our vintage redesigns.  More details on this outfit too!

Have a fabulous evening! xx

Some enchanted evening...

I don't think there's anything more fun than getting together with girlfriends, all seriously gorgeous and talented in their own right, and making magic happen.

Hop on over to Secondhand Star (click here!) and see the first round of pics from our Model Shakedown party, featuring several of our vintage redesigns.

Photo by Karri Bowman

Dress - Vintage Redesign by Secondhand Star 

Makeup by Lisa Dempsey

Calypso Lydia Wrap Top & Cords

Best Necklace Combo Ever: Gold Leaf from sis + Bridesmaid Bean Necklace from Best Friend + Gold Stella Necklace from other best friend (gift on the day Stella was born) + Silver & Gold heart Necklace from the hubs (also when Stella was born)

Beyond in love with my newest Calypso piece. It's the most delicate and feminine top I have ever owned. I'm obsessed with the lace detailing on the shoulders. It's so me.

Paired with cords, a stack of my favorite (and most sentimental) necklaces, and a redesigned vintage Secondhand Star vest.

Top - Calypso 

Cords - Juicy

Vest - Secondhand Star

Sunglasses - Cheap Monday

P.S. - Shout out to my hairdresser, Shiri at Chaz Dean Studio! In addition to being religious about only using Wen cleansing conditioner lately, I left my hair in her hands and she gave me the best cut & color ever! Thank you! (*I also used my hot roller trick here*)

Vintage Dress inspired by Tiffany's

Breakfast, that is.

When my partner over at Secondhand Star found this dress and reworked it with her ever impressive design and sewing skills, I couldn't help but think of a certain icon, and movie in particular. So I begged to take it out for a test run myself!

And what better reason than to a B&W cocktail party I was throwing in honor of one of my most stylish and dearest friends, the gorgeous Miss Annabel Schofield?

Hosted in tandem with the fabulous and massively impressive talent, shoe designer Jerome Rousseau. {Read about him in a Bazaar article here, noted as one of the most promising accessories designers during NYFW & check out some of his shoes being rocked by Hollywood here and here. A-MAAAZING.}

The night was a love-fest of good friends, good food, good conversation and flowing pink champagne.  I can't imagine a better way to spend a Friday night.

{Or a better reason to steal a friend's dress!}

Click here to see how this baby come to life! {Side note - it was about 5 times bigger & without any bling!}

Dress - Vintage redesign via Secondhand Star, Shoes - Vince Camuto Moma's, Clutch - Vintage redesign by me ("Pollack" splattered acrylic paint) Shrug - Vintage Fur, Earrings (worn in first 2 photos) - Pearl clip-on heirlooms from Grandma-in-law. My lovely friends Annabel & Jerome are also wearing vintage. Jerome's tie was found at Portobello market in London. See why I adore them both to pieces?

Mad Men Style

Happy to have the day off today, as the weekend was spent doing a lot of work and planning. My Secondhand Star partner snapped this shot of me while we were styling for a shoot and making plans for our upcoming show. Pop on over here for entire look and details, and check back in tomorrow for my Sunday thrift finds. xx

What I wore to the airport.

Off to my best friend's bachelorette party and wedding weekend! So excited for all of the events to come. I'll be sure to share the highlights with you, including the little red Mexi dress I wore as a bridesmaid! (See how I wore it casual style on Secondhand Star here before all of the tailoring!)

And pop on over to Secondhand Star today to read the story on how this fitted coral blazer came to life! (Hint: it used to be a stained white yard sale find. I know!)

Blazer - Sisely revised by Secondhand Star
Wedges - Nine West

Luggage - Diane Von Furstenberg

Crop top & Vintage Jeans

Rounding out this casual end-of-week here at November Grey, I thought I'd post a pic or two of my other favorite top. (I've had this for years. It's one of my first thrifted pieces that I cut to make my own.)

For more pix of this look, and a tutorial on how to make one of your own. Head on over to Secondhand Star! 


You can also see how I wore this top with a red vintage skirt here!

Fashion Survey + $70 Makeup Giveaway!! (Closed)

I'm guessing if you're a friend of November Grey, you're a fan of vintage clothing.... so, allow me to pick your fabulously stylish brains for a moment & as a thank you, you will be entered into a drawing to win a gorgeous makeup kit worth $70!

My styling/design partner & I are gearing up to sell some of our vintage pieces & would love to know what you think! Everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing to win this signature collection "Every day must-haves" from Jouer Cosmetics!

Everyday Must-Haves Signature Palette Includes: 

• Petal Cheek Tint - soft rose pink
• Sunshine Bronzer - shimmering rich golden bronze
• Pink Champange Powder Eyeshadow -shimmering soft pink
• Wind Lip Gloss - creamy pink nude

And now for the survey! 

1: How do you feel about Vintage? Has reading blogs like November Grey and Secondhand Star (as well as the recent media shift on vintage clothing from actresses, models & stylists such as Rachel Zoe) changed your perception? 

2: Where do you like to shop for your vintage and/or thrift?

3: What's the most you would pay for this dress above? (It was a rather large mumu that we cut down and restyled, thus making it a one of a kind piece!)

4: If November Grey had a store, how would you prefer to shop there? Ebay? Etsy? Pop-Up Stores in different cities? 

5: Would you be interested in redesigned vintage furniture as well?

6: Are you interested in vintage and thrift personal styling?

7: Do you like the concept of renovating vintage like the before & after pictures below? Would you prefer to learn how to renovate them yourself, or purchase them from a designer?

Thanks, ladies! Your feedback means the world! Remember to leave you email address so I can contact the winner! Good luck to all who enter! xx

An old blue dress

I have had this blue dress in my closet for close to a decade. I remember when I got it... I had just made a little money as an actress and wanted to treat myself to something. For this sentimental reason, I could never let it go. But it was nothing but nostalgia, and it just felt too "dated" to ever wear again.

But I truly did love the color and fabric and the way it felt on my body (and in my head, for memories sake) so I took it to my favorite tailor and had her snip the hem.

It magically did the trick! It's a new piece now, but with the same old love!

Is there anything in your closet that could use a little revamp? 

(For inspirations on redesign - go here! )

(Tip: Adding in a studded belt and some black and silver bling never hurts an old dress!)

Chain Gang Vintage Swap & Giveaway!

I'm happy to announce another vintage swap!  What is a Vintage Swap, you may ask? It's a community rising of fellow bloggers across the country, with a shared love of vintage fashion, who take turns wearing, styling and photographing a single item in their own special way, then pass it around for other fashionista's to do the same. Sorta like Sisterhood of the Traveling Thrift Item!

For me, it's the most exhilarating thing I've ever done in the blogging world because it marries not only fashion, but friendship. And it's just so exciting to see how other ladies rock their sense of killer fashion, different ways, with one item.

Enter: These Silk Dupioni Pants!

I have to admit something, being the second half of Secondhand Star, I already had a peek at how Noa rocked these gems, which was gorgeous, and easy and so much her style... (see how she did it here!) but that's the point about doing a swap like this - I saw things in a completely different direction... my inspiration: Glamour.

Soft curls, meets vintage pearls, pointy toes and a tucked-in silk shirt.

It's my personal pants version of a cocktail dress.

And cuffing the bottoms was a MUST, cuz let's get real, I'm probably the most petite of this here gang.

None the less, I was almost sad to see these babies go, because I'm certain I would have found at least a dozen other ways to wear them, but the anticipation of seeing what my fellow bloggers would do with them, had me shipping them off to this chain gang, with a smile.

And what's even better? You can have a chance to win these very pants and make them your own!

To be eligible for drawing: 

Head on over to Devon's blog (click here!) and see how!

And be sure to visit each of these blogs to get a full story on how each of my fellow blogging sisters wore them!

Devon from Devon Rachel

Jen from Belle de Couture

Noa from Secondhand Star

*If you're a blogger and would like to be a part of the next Vintage Swap (and the chain is only going to get bigger and better) please email me here at novembergreyonline{at}gmail{dot}com and let me know why we should pick you to be part of the gang.