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Trying Out Poshmark

July 13, 2020 B 1 Comment

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned Poshmark before, but from the buyers side of things. It’s where I find a lot of screen accurate clothing from shows. Right now I’m hunting down various “Lucifer” items. I’ve scored a couple jackets already. Then I figured, why not try and sell some stuff too? My closet is filled with stuff I don’t wear anymore and right now a lot of donation centers aren’t accepting things. Plus, no offense, my Blackmilk clothing was pretty expensive and I want to get something back for it. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. Guys, I’ve sold 5 items already! I listed a few dresses and a Loungefly bag and they sold! When that first sale message hit, it was like a rush. Poshmark makes it very easy to print out a shipping label and get things out the door. I don’t even have to go to the Post Office. I just use the mail room at work.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though. There are a lot of low ball offers that come in. I’ve had a few offering $20 for something that is listed at $80, or even $40. After checking out the Poshmark Subreddit, I quickly learned it’s a thing that happens often. I normally just decline right away, or come back with what I think is a reasonable counteroffer. I know that we’re all looking to snag a deal but let’s be real here. I’m also trying to make a few bucks! I can’t stop digging through my closets though looking for the next thing to list. Right now I still have a few listings left but things are moving a little slower. That seems to be normal this time of year though from the research I’ve done. But so far I’ve made $145!

I need to thank Valery too for taking the time to answer a few questions I had! The advice she gave was super helpful and I appreciate it. If anyone has any questions let me know and I’ll try and offer some help. I’m still very new and I don’t do this as a business thing. I’m just trying to clear out some clothes I don’t wear anymore and earn some extra cash. If you want to see what I have for sale, you can find my Poshmark Closet here and I have a widget in the sidebar.

If you’re using Poshmark, let me know! I’d love to check out some new closets.

Elhoffer Design Fit Guide: Round Two

July 4, 2020 B Leave a Comment

I mentioned creating another Elhoffer fit post and here we are! Since Elhoffer Design is always releasing new styles and cuts, I wanted to revisit this post and hopefully feature some new customers and clothing. This guide will never be perfect. Everyone likes their clothes to fit differently. Some like things to be form fitting, others a little looser, but hopefully in the end it’ll help you out with what size to pick. The most important thing to pay attention to are the measurements people supply! Every listing that Elhoffer has includes a measurement chart that I find helpful. Plus she mentions the measurements of the models used in the listing. If you don’t have your measurements, I highly recommend having someone take them for you. You don’t need all of them, just the basics like chest, hips, and waist. Once you have that information, finding your size will be much easier. As always, if you have any questions or comments leave them below and I’ll try my best to help you out! The Starpuff Community is pretty great. You can always post on Twitter as well for help and someone will swoop in! You can find Round One here.

Ashley

Height – 5’4″
Bust – 47″, 42D
Waist – 45.5/46″
Hips – 46″
Size: 3XL (dresses, leggings and non-oversized tops), 2XL (wrap dresses, midi skirts and knit skirts), XL/2XL (oversized sweaters), XL (unisex pieces)
Extra thoughts: I’m a standard US 16/18 in pants, skirts and dresses, however depending on fit I may be a US 20. Elhoffer is true to size for me and fits better than clothes that I get in typical retail stores. It’s loose enough to where it’s comfortable and flattering without being baggy, which is an issue I run into elsewhere since I can float between sizes.

Devyn

Height 5’6”
waist: 33in
hips:39
butt:46
bust: 38.5
biceps 14.5
weight: 205
Extra Thoughts: I wear Larges sweaters/ dresses/skirts or if they are combined sizes m/L except the red wrap top with is a medium.

Katarina

My measurements are 32 bust, 25 waist, and 36 hip. I purchase XS’ and they fit pretty spot on even if I measure closer to a S on some pieces. It’s the beauty of the stretch that practically every piece has. In fact I have a small cardigan that I bought on Black Friday and ended up taking it in. I’m only 5’1 so I do have to hem the longer dresses and capes are a bit more epic on me length wise but it’s easy to add a hem so I’m not bothered by that. The clothes are always a great quality that fit my frame and make my nerdy self feel put together and stylish.

Chelsea:

Height: 5’5″
Bust: 51 inches (40 DD)
Waist at Belly Button: 53 inches
Waist above belly button: 51 inches
Hips: 56 inches
Dresses, tops, skirts: 3x
Oversize items: xl/2x

Thoughts: I am a pretty standard 3x in most things Elhoffer. Theoretically, I can go down a size (especially in the wraps) but I prefer to have a little wiggle room for comfortability. I also have broader shoulders and larger biceps and I have never had an issue with anything being tight in the arms and shoulders. At 5’5″ I’m a pretty average height so I don’t have to worry about hemming anything and, with the exception of the original House Wraps, I’ve never had an issue with anything being too long. I am a pretty standard 3x across the board.

Amberle

Bust – 38”
Waist – 31”
Hips – 43”
Inseam – 30”
Bra Size – 32D

I own the following in small
Navy/Silver Maxi
Make it Pink Maxi
Queen of Ashes
Queen of Fire Burgundy
Burgundy Wrap top
Soviet Shell (ACE 2019)
Striped Wisdom Shell
Spider Shell
Ravenclaw Sweater (XS/S)
Black Midi skirt
Grey Midi skirt

Medium:
Marvelous Arrow Dress
Navy/Red Maxi

Heather:
Height: 5’7″
Bust: 32B
Waist: 29″
I am normally a Small in tops and dresses ( Oversized sweaters I’ll fluctuate between the XS/S to M/L depending on how I want the sweater to fit)
Medium in skirts.

Julia:
Waist – 30in
Bust – 35in
Hips (biggest part around bum) – 39in
Height – 5’2”

Name: Retired Mischief Sheath Dress
Size: Small
Fit on me: Dress is a perfect fit. Upper chest section has good stretch and is not at all snug. Length is un-altered and lands below knee at upper shin.

Name:
Retired Galactic Dark Lord Oversized Sweater – Purple
Essential High-Waisted Leggings – Black

Size: Top – XS/S
Bottoms – Small

Fit on me: Top is long enough in back to cover my um, and is oversized but still shapely.
Leggings sit on my waist and are a tad long so can be rolled or hemmed. Leggings are a bit snug on my waist but fit well around my thighs.

Name: Retired Oversized Corps Sweater
Size: XS/S
Fit on me: Sleeves hit a bit above wrist, sweater hits just below belly button and is loose. Shoulders can be worn as wide boat neck.

Name: Retired Magical Maxi Wrap Dress – Red (HEMMED)
Size: Small
Fit on me: This dress fits like a glove!! Top can be wrapped more or less to show more or less cleavage. I got this hemmed to a midi length so it hits at me knees and had the wrap ties cut a bit to match.

Name: Retired Galactic Scavenger Hooded Cape – Grey
Size: One Size
Fit on me: When the cape is hung down the tips almost touch the ground but I can drape those bits over my arms to make the cape shorter if desired.

Name: Retired Galactic Bromance Cardigan
Size: Small
Fit on me: Cardigan length hits around my belly button. The sleeves are a little long but if I need them shorter I fold the cuff back and they’re the perfect length. I have the Retired Punk and Retired Corps cardigans in the same size but with ¾ length sleeves and they fit the same way

Name:
Retired Serpent Slayer Hooded Cardigan
Retired Magical Midi Pleated Skirt – Dark Emerald
Size: Top: Small
Bottom: Small – hemmed approx. 4”

Fit on me: Top fits well but gapes a bit between top buttons when buttoned up.
Skirt fits perfectly and was hemmed to hit me at knee length rather than mid calf.

Name:
Essential Catherine V-Neck Top -Charcoal
Retired OG Agent 13 Skirt
Size: Top: Medium
Skirt: Small

Fit on me: I sized up on this top which I’m so glad that I did because I personally don’t like when tops have to stretch to fit around my torso as I feel constricted. I also have a kind of short waist-line so I don’t personally like the look of tops that stretch over my ribs and hips. That said, I can tell that this material has a lot of stretch and I’m sure that had I gone with my regular small it would have worked, the medium just gives me more wiggle room. I also love the length of this top and it works well tucked in or out.
The skirt fits great at a size small and like the magical midi skirts has a thick waistband.

Name: Retired Marvelous Arrow Sheath Dress
Size: XS!
Fit on me: I took a chance on this dress and ordered the XS because S&M were sold out and it fits so well! The knit material has such amazing stretch and in a way that doesn’t feel at all tight or constricting, and the nature of the material doesn’t pull or cling anywhere. I was worried that it might me a little tight in the underarm area but it is not.

Name: Retired Stars and Stripes Soviet Sheath Dress
Size: Small
Fit on me: This dress also fits great and doesn’t stretch much to fit me. Because of the thickness of the material it doesn’t cling anywhere. This dress is a little tighter under my arms than the Marvelous arrow dress but it’s not uncomfortable.

Bren

Height: 5’10”
Bust: 42″ / 36D
Waist: 36″
Hips: 42″

I’m normally a Large in most things (shells, leggings, skirts, wrap dresses, tunics, sweaters, cardigans), but can size down to Medium on wrap dresses if needed. I have the Catherine tops in Large, but they’re a bit tight, so I could *maybe* go up a size – next color release! Also, the skater skirts that are top stitched I’m an XL or 2XL (which is a bit loose, but I didn’t get an XL so can’t test this theory).

Kacey:

Bust: 38
Waist: 34
Hips: 41
Generally I’m a 12, or Large in most US sizes.

Pic 1: bravery cape wrap in medium
Pic 2: yule ball dress in large (could have gotten a medium)
Pic 3: essential oversize sweater in M/L and skater skirt in L
Pic 4: magical midi in M (now I size up to L since it presses on my ribs and they are my widest part)
Pic 5: skater skirt in M
Pic 6: maxi skirt in L, with this fabric, I do feel I could have stayed at a medium based on where I wear the top of the skirt
Pic 7: mischief shell in L
Pic 8: mischief shell in M
I was ordering the shells in a large, bit have since changed to mediums, and out of necessity, even a small works sometimes
Pic 9: snips shell in small

Stacey:

I’m 5’9” with 36” bust, 29” waist, and 34” hips. I typically wear Smalls across the board with Elhoffer, with the exception of shells and skirts. I prefer the fit of XS shells and Medium skirts compared to the Smalls.

Liz:

Height: 5 5
Upper Arm: 13.5”
Chest: 39.5” ( 36”/ B cup in Vic S bras)
Waist: 36”
Hips: 43”
Thigh: 25”

Large in purple essential skater skirt, sitting right under bra
Large in black slip, hand showing where pocket sits
Large in vanilla slip, wearing a gray/ purple bra to show how see-through the fabric is
Large in the Leia cardi
Large in R2D2
Medium in Hades

TMP Television Edition: Book to TV Adaptations

June 25, 2020 B 8 Comments

I’m back from a little break. The world is just on fire right now and blogging didn’t seem that important or needed. Writing about silly or non-important things just felt weird or wrong even. But I’m trying to slowly get back into it. I thought taking part in another round of Thursday Movie Picks might help. As the name suggests, Thursday Movie Picks is held every Thursday. The rules are simple; base on the theme of the week pick three to five movies and tell us why you picked them.

1. Dexter

I’ve read most of the books and only skipped the last season of “Dexter.” I actually had a really hard time reading the first book because I tried to do it after watching Season 1. I found myself comparing everything and going “But that’s not what happened in the show!” Thankfully, after Season 1 the books and show really start to separate and I was able to enjoy most of the books just as much! They’re a pretty easy read. If you’re looking for something new to check out, I recommend them. I believe there are 8 books in the series and they’re by Jeff Lindsay. There was even a comic book at one point!

2. Bones

One year my Aunt bought me a bag full of these books and I joked that she bought me a bag of bones. The books and the TV show are pretty different, so if you’re a fan of the show the books shouldn’t cause too many issues. You should be able to enjoy them on their own. The books are by Kathy Reichs and there are a number of them! It’s been awhile since I’ve read them. I might have to revisit them soon! Kathy even had a cameo on an episode of “Bones.”

3. Rizzoli & Isles

From what I remember the books and series are a little close in story lines. Again, it’s been awhile since I’ve picked up the books. There are some differences though like with most book to series offerings. I loved the TV show and that’s what lead me to check out the books. I really enjoyed them and they were a pretty easy read! Honestly, I say that a lot but it’s true. Most of the books on this list are pretty quick reads and don’t require too much thinking. Tess Gerritsen is the author of this series.

I’m sticking to a short list this week as I get back into the swing of things. I can’t wait to see what pops up on other lists. There are some bigger name shows out there based on books, so curious to see how many of them pop up, like “Game of Thrones.”

5 Fandom Friday: Favorite Book to Movie Adaptations

May 29, 2020 B 2 Comments

I took a little break from 5 Fandom Friday but I couldn’t pass this one up! I can’t wait to see what everyone picks this week. There’s a lot of adaptations out there to pick from. Now let’s get to it!

1. Jurassic Park

This shouldn’t be a surprise at all. I love both the book and the movie. They really did a great job of bringing the story to life but making changes when needed. In my opinion, some of the best adaptations are when changes are made. It helps keep it fresh and exciting. Plus I spend less time comparing them mentally!

2. Silence of the Lambs

Again, no surprise here! I’ve read the book more times than I can count, and watched the movie more times than I can remember. Again, there are enough differences between the two that you might like one more than the other. I enjoy both for various reasons. I actually have a few different copies of both the book and the movie. Maybe I have a problem.

3. Misery

I actually didn’t read this book until recently and whoa boy. You think the movie is violent? You should read the book! I think it’s one of the better Stephen King adaptations. I think part of the reason for that is the story isn’t anything mystical or magical. It’s just a stalker who happens across her target.

4. The Martian

This book had me on the edge of my seat and actually in tears more than once. I still can’t believe how stressed out I was. I picked the book up before the movie came out and was really pleased with how they took it from page to screen. Again, changes were made but they worked and added to the story. The book had a lot of science (for obvious reasons) but the movie did a great job of making it more “user friendly.”

5. JAWS

It might be time for a JAWS re-read. It’s been awhile since I’ve read it but I watch the movie anytime it’s on TV. Plus I own a few different versions of it. There’s a lot of stuff in the book that didn’t make it into the film but I don’t think it affects it negatively. It’s a fine balance, especially when a book it on the larger size. You really have to pick and choose what will make the best story.

I feel like I’ve made this exact list before, probably for a Thursday Movie Picks list. But oh well. I like what I like and none of these choices should surprise anyone. I expect to see “Jurassic Park” on a few lists but I’m curious if any of the others will. I expect to see a few “Hunger Games” and “Harry Potter” picks! What are some of your favorite book to movie adaptations?

Adorable & Affordable Collectibles Available At Sideshow Collectibles

May 22, 2020 B 2 Comments

That title is a little redundant but oh well. It rhymes in some odd way too? I don’t collect figures as much these days. I just don’t have the space and Hot Toys keep rising in price, as is expected. I do keep an eye out for smaller and more affordable figures though and here are just a few that I’ve come across!

Catwoman with Whip Cosbaby: $32

I love how adorable cosbabies are! They’re produced by Hot Toys as well which means it’s a reputable company and good quality. They can be a little hard to find though. I know Disney carries some of the Marvel figures and Sideshow offers them every now and then! The price is pretty reasonable as well. Personally I love this Catwoman and I’ve been adding more of her items to my collection. This might have to go on my list.

Catwoman Vinyl Collectible by Cryptozoic Entertainment: $29.99

I ordered this as soon as I saw it! I think the style is pretty fun and different. Plus you can’t beat the price. I mean $30? I just love the attitude that comes across in this little figure.

Iron Man: Avengers Endgame Mini by Iron Studios: $39

Iron Studios is another well known collectible company. I love that more and more companies are coming out with more affordable, plus smaller, options. Not everyone has the wallet or space for larger items. That shouldn’t mean they have to settle for toys from Target. Plus it’s a nice option if you have kids your life that you want to introduce to more “fancy” collectibles.

Black Widow Action Figure by Beast Kingdom: $80

I think I squealed when I first saw this. I mean, just how adorable is she? She’s one of the more higher priced items on this list but it’s still pretty affordable. She comes with some interchangeable parts which probably explains the price. The best part is I believe she’s actually in stock!

Captain America Action Figure by Beast Kingdom: $80

Another adorable figure from Beast Kingdom! Who can say not to a bearded Captain America? Just like Black Widow, Steve comes with some extra parts. He’s $80 as well but personally I’d pay anything for a bearded Steve Rogers.

Black Panther Designer Collectible Toy by Unruly Industries™: $90

This is the last one for today and I have to say, maybe the cutest. I love this take on Black Panther! I think it’s really fun and different. It’s a little higher in price but it looks worth it to me. The line features other characters as well like Wolverine and Peter Parker.

. . . . .

That’s it for now! I might do another post like this in a few months, or if I see anything new pop up for purchase. The collectible world can be a little overwhelming, and feel pricey, but it doesn’t have to be! There really is something for everyone these days.

My Top 5 “Mentalist” Episodes

May 18, 2020 B 1 Comment

I don’t know what’s going on lately but I can’t stop re-watching “The Mentalist.” I’ve watched the Lisbon/Jane wedding 18 times over the course of this pandemic. And I’m not even sorry. I loved the show when it was on and it’s been nice to just revisit. I love playing “Spot The Guest Star” and the Red John build up. Now I’m going to try and pick just five of my favorite episodes. The show was on for seven seasons. I thought about picking seven but let’s see how this goes. They’re in no real order though as far as the list.

1. Red John – Season 6 Episode 8

I’m sure you can tell by the title what this episode is all about. Finally, after six season, Patrick Jane has finally unmasked Red John. If I had more space on my list I’d add the previous two episodes as well. It’s a really great three episode build to the final showdown. I imagine there was a lot of pressure to get the Red John wrap up right and I feel like they nailed it. After 10 years of announcing “I’m going to kill Red John,” Patrick did just that. I have to wonder if anyone watching back then was surprised by it. I think some of us were 50/50 on it but I never had any doubts. I was more curious about how he was going to do it. In order for Patrick (and the show) to move on, it had to be done. There was no way he was going to find happiness again without this step.

2. Blue Bird – Season 6 Episode 22

Finally, after waiting years to hear it, Patrick confesses his feelings to Lisbon. All it took was for some other dude to propose and for her to attempt to move to D.C. but hey, some of us need a real kick in the ass. Plus it’s just a fun episode with a classic Jane prank and Cho being 100% clueless about what’s going on. The speech he delivers to Lisbon on the plane is just amazing and heartfelt. Simon Baker did a great job of really bringing it to a scene that a lot of fans had been hoping would happen. And then, THEN, they finally share their first kiss while he’s being held for storming a plane in the first place. I can’t think of anything more perfect for those two.

3. Red Dawn – Season 5 Episode 99

I love when a show does a flashback episode to the early days. “Bones” has an episode like that and “Red Dawn” is The Mentalist’s. It goes back to before Patrick was a consultant, instead he was just a broken man trying to get answers to the murder of his wife and child. But it does a great job of showing his skills. He annoys someone at the CBI enough that he gets punched in the face and he uses that to help him gain access to the Red John files. By the end of the episode everyone is impressed and he’s offered the job. What I like about this episode is that it shows Jane as not very confident. When the series starts, the team is already a team, and Jane is already this “smarter than everyone in the room” guy. But not here. He’s still someone dealing with a horrible trauma.

4. Brown Shag Carpet/White Orchids – Season 7 Episode 12 & 13 (2 Hour Finale)

This might be cheating but oh well. Everything I love about crime shows happened in these two episodes. We have a weird serial killer, Patrick having to pretend to be a Physic again, a proposal and a wedding! That’s a lot for only two hours but they made it happen and made it work. Patrick having to make the rounds as a fake physic is such a great call back to his past, plus it puts you on edge a little bit. He has to use all his skills to get out of this pickle but of course Lisbon comes to his rescue, which then leads to such a sweet proposal. It’s not a shock that Patrick has a way with words, we’ve seen it for years at this point, but when it comes from the heart it just hits differently. Another scene that I love is when Lisbon and Cho go dress shopping. The fact she asked him for help just warms my heart, and then he nails it?? Amazing. Then later we have Lisbon in a wedding dress pointing a gun at a murderer? CHEF KISS. It was the perfect wrap up the series. I’m not always someone who’s down with a Happy Ending but knowing that Patrick found love again and gets to be a father for a 2nd time? *sobs*

5. White As The Driven Snow – Season 6 Episode 15

In this episode Grace is kidnapped by a past suspect and Rigsby has to try and keep it together in order to find her. What I love about this episode is we see how far Grace and Wayne have come. They’re both extremely strong people who have come miles since the Pilot episode. Grace doesn’t just sit around and wait to be found, she tries to save herself. We have Patrick and Wayne teaming up to pull one over on the suspect and man, even I was fooled during some of it! I should have known better but it’s refreshing when a show can keep you guessing a little bit. Rigsby has always loved Grace and it just really shows here. I mean, he was shot numerous times and was still able to save her. And you can’t go wrong with an episode that has a classic Jane set up.

* * * * *

I’m actually surprised that I had so many favorites happen later in the series. While at the time I was sad to see the show end after only Seven seasons, in hindsight it made sense. Once you wrap up the Red John story line, there isn’t much more to do. The entire premise of the series was Patrick Jane getting revenge. They did a great job though of keeping it interesting and adding new members to the team, and even changing locations from California to Texas. I’m not sure the quality of the show would have lasted if it went on for another season or two. As far as the list goes, I can think of a few more episodes I probably would have added like “Red Badge” and “Red Sky in the Morning.”

I had fun coming up with this and I might do it for other shows I love! It’s been hard coming up with post ideas and well, these are easy enough to put together and it’s always a good time to revisit favorite shows. Did you watch “The Mentalist?” If you did, give me some of your favorite episodes!