Monday, July 26, 2010

Shop Update: It's All In the Details

This update is all about simple, classic pieces with subtly exquisite detail.


1960s Charade! Dress



1970s "This Ain't No Grocery Shopping Dress" (belonged to my grandmother!)



1950s Candy Floss Blouse

Thanks for looking; hope you enjoy!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Current Jewelry Obsession: wewear

As I'm sure you already know, Etsy is chock-full of amazing jewelry finds. Something new comes on the scene every day, but it's rare when a designer strikes me as hard as wewear did when I discovered them a few days ago. Their self-described "whimsical statement" pieces really speak to my vintage, carnival, and kitsch-loving heart. What's more, they're an adorable boyfriend-girlfriend duo who cast their own molds and hand-paint all the enamel. Gah, I'll stop blathering - see for yourself!


Swan Lake Ring



Full House Ring



Ferris Wheel Ring (really spins ♥ ) and Carousel Pendant with Necklace



Seal-inspired Round Initial Ring (can I have one for each of my initials, please?)

And those are just my favorites! The other jewelry on their site is equally amazing, and I honestly think these guys are going to be huge. Oh, and just to be clear, I'm not receiving any kind of compensation from wewear for writing this post - I'm just an eager beaver fan who wants to share with others who may not otherwise have seen the amazingness. Hope it spreads like wildfire!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

My Birthday Dress

For my birthday this year, I bought myself a very special treat: one of the prettiest vintage dresses I have ever, ever laid eyes on. Even though it broke the $100 barrier (I have never, ever purchased a dress that expensive), I bought it on the spot, without a moment's hesitation. That's how much I loved it! It definitely is one of my top 2 favorite dresses in my collection now (maybe even my very most favorite - not counting my wedding dress). I've decided that even if I outgrow it; even if the seams split or the skirt rips; even when I'm too old to wear it, I will never, ever sell it or throw it away. I will hang it where I can see it and love the hell out of it for always.

Birfday dress!

40s dress: from the amazing DearGoldenVintage, who bought it from the original owner, who wore it to Lake Leelanau back in the day (I love knowing the provenance!)
Spectator oxfords: Steven by Steve Madden, via Gilt
Hot pink 80s crossbody: my mother's, then my aunt's, now mine

That collar is just too, too good.

My birthday itself was splendid! We ate alfresco at Globe Market, did some shopping, got ice cream, and had a lovely stroll around the neighborhood. Dave got a wonderful quiche and some kind of nom-tasting salad for dinner:

Jealous of Dave's delicious quiche!

Aw, my honey.

Planning my attack.

I ordered Birthday Blast ice cream, which ended up being kind of gross-tasting but in an awesome way. The dude at the counter kindly scooped me extra when Dave mentioned it was my birthday. It was pretty epic:

Birfday ice cream

I couldn't finish it all; Dave had to help! After that was polished off, we headed home, where I drank a huge glass of champagne and fell asleep. EXCELLENT.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Mini Shop Update!

Holy wow, you guys! I actually updated my etsy shop! I only added three new items so far, but I'm crossing my fingers that I'll have the chance to photograph some more. I genuinely love each of these pieces, and am tempted to keep that Lanz dress even though it's too tight on me... it's all about the prints, baby!

(As you can see, I also ended up going with a different background, at least for these shots. I'm planning on playing around to see what works best.)

1970s Lanz Originals Hat Ladies Dress
1970s Lanz Originals "Hold Onto Your Hats" Dress


1970s Billy Jack For Her Dress
1970s "Triple-Scoop Ice Cream Sundae" Dress


Spanish galleon print 50s circle skirt
1950s "Avast Ye!" Spanish Galleon Print Circle Skirt

Thanks for looking!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Independence Day



Here are a few photos from my 4th of July. It was such a dreamily lovely day, and I think these photos really reflect that (thanks, Dave)! The barn photos were taken at my Dad's farm when we went to visit my parents that morning. I used to play in this barn when I was little. It was starting to fall apart even then, but it stood strong until about a year ago after staunchly fighting a long succession of savage Buffalo winters. It's a bit sad, but I also think it's very beautiful. I love delapidated barns, and always have.



80s polkadot dress: Vivienne Tam East Wind Code
Vintage crossbody bag: gift from my mother
Sandals: Bass


We moved on to my aunt's beautiful house for afternoon/evening celebrations. We picked berries, had our traditional waterballoon fights, ate stunningly delicious picnic food, and I took a turn on the swing - or maybe I just pretended; that thing was kind of rickety!





Whee!

Berries

These red berries are supposedly poisonous, so I didn't eat them. I do think they're gorgeous though; anyone know what kind they are? I'm always secretly curious how they taste, but I'm not brave/silly enough to try them. It's that whole forbidden allure.

blackberries

These, however, are perfectly edible! Instant snack, nom nom.

Hope everyone Stateside had a great Independence Day, and that this coming weekend is equally awesome!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

New Shop Backdrop - a Preview!

Hi there! I hope everyone in the States had a lovely fourth of July! Mine was pretty stellar; I have lots of photos to share, but they're not ready yet, so I have something else a bit exciting to show you - at least, it's exciting to me. Dave and I have been working hard to make my etsy shop a little more presentable and cohesive-looking (although it's not there yet). I've been having trouble finding a backdrop I'm happy with, especially since the light in our apartment is too poor to take full-on outfit photos indoors most of the time. I think I finally found one though, and I'd love to hear what you think! Your honest feedback is most appreciated.

blue_dress_2

Dress: 60s, from a yard sale last year.
Shoes: Me Too
Satchel: Kym's yard sale

blue_dress_3

I was torn about whether or not I actually wanted to sell this dress, since it fits me so well and I love the color. But as I was taking measurements to put it into the shop, I found some light stains on the front. I guess that means I get to keep it after all!

In other news, it's my birthday! Dave and I are going out to dinner tonight, and I'm wearing one of the most perfect vintage dresses that I've ever had the privilege of owning. Expect photos, oh yes indeed.

Have a great day, everyone!