John Rawlings photos.

The other day Rhiannon posted a link on twitter of these fabulous photos and I had to share, I'm sure I'll use them a lot for inspiration. These are just a few of my favorites, but there are many more to gaze at here.

A few of my favorite things: Pink car, leopard coat, compact, and a barn. Love the barn.


This one looks like Dita.


Love the full netting on the face, its so difficult to find a hat with perfect netting now.


A matching leopard coat and hat. Thats the dream.

Something new...

When I was in school I checked out a great old monogramming book from the art institute library. It had all of these different letters, techniques, detail designs, etc. Of course I don't remember what it was called, and kick myself for not keeping it (they so owe me), so yesterday I decided to try a little from memory. I picked these gloves up at the bins, so they seemed perfect. At first it was a little pathetic, my stitching was too wide and uneven, but with some practice it improved a bit. I'd love to do a post on how to monogram, but I'll have to get a bit better. Meanwhile, I'm off to finish the "R".

Hatless...

I feel so odd without a hat. Sometimes I feel a "phantom hat" like a reminder of all the pretty hats I'm not wearing. I feel the same about gloves, going out without gloves is like going out in the snow without a coat. It's not unacceptable, but its also not comfortable.
Today I went to the bins and found some fun items, my favorite is a victorian mens vest in perfect condition. I had hoped it would fit me, but it as a little too big, and I'd rather not alter something so great. Also a victorian silk apron. Because y'know, silk is great in the kitchen.


Skirt and blouse-Bins.

Cardigan-Mothers.

Purse- T.J. Maxx.

Boots-The Urban Eccentric

*Ok, now that I look at the vest closer, it looks like a quality reproduction. Maybe I will alter it afterall.*

New hat!

After the party yesterday my mother and I went to an antique mall, Monticello. There are so many great booths there, many of the owners have a flare for decorating, and one booth in particular always carries something I want. It seems to specialize in items from the early part of the century, and has things like lace monograms, boxes of bob pins, victorian trims, etc. This wonderful mustard colored hat immediately caught my eye, along with a cute little velvet bow still in it's package.


Neon signs are cool, as long as they don't have a tacky beer logo.


A greatl working register.


What a doll.


A box full of pretty rhinestone treasures.


Skirt-Goodwill.
Blouse-Thrifted, originally from Bebe.
Hat-Monticello.
Tights-T.J. Maxx
Shoes-Buffalo Exchange.
Gloves-Estate sale, then dyed red.
Leaf brooch-Actually that was sitting on the ironing board at work, so I pinned it on for the photo :)

Chuck E Cheese

Today was my nephews birthday party at Chuck E Cheese, where there was all sorts of fun to be had. Including failing at skee ball...


The sailor collar kind of helps the nautical state of mind.


Grrr.


Dress-Mothers.
Cardigan, hat, boots-The Urban Eccentric

Big hats are lovely.

I really don't usually wear large brimmed hats in the winter, just in the summer, but decided to try this old one out, and loved the way it looked with boots, plus the long feathers are really dramatic.

Instead of tucking in the blouse, I just belted it.

Close-up of the shirt. Fish!

Braids down the sides of the boots make them extra cool.


Blouse-Buffalo Exchange.
Skirt-Discovery shop.
Hat-So old I don't remember.
Boots-The Urban Eccentric
Tights-T.J Maxx

New year, new things!

So this year will be quite different from the last one. Last year at this time I was in design school full time, my days spent either in class, in transit, or finishing up projects. Five months later I listed my first item on Etsy, and by the time spring quarter ended at school, I decided not to go back. The shop grew, my room became a gathering of vintage merchandise, and I think best of all I get to spend more time with Sam.

My first Etsy sale. From the look on my face, I think the customer was threatened to buy it.


This year, I'm going to make a few good changes. The biggest and best: Getting married. As far as my shop goes, come spring I'd like to do more estate sales and garage sales on top of thrifting. So more items! I'd really like to improve my blog, and have been talking to Sams mom Lisa about getting photoshop for my computer to do all sorts of neat things! So bear with me while I get the hang of it. Also in the works are more posts of what's in my closet(s). I love the way Rhiannon will gather items for a little presentation. So I'll collect some fun things once in a while and photograph them as best I can.
Another post in the works is a vintage wardrobe essentials feature, where I can do a photoshoot of essentials in my own wardrobe. Think those magazine spreads where they tell you you HAVE to own a pair of office slacks and crisp white shirt, but replace that with beaded cardigan and high waisted skirt. So much more fun ;)



I'd love to hear suggestions on what YOU would like to see this year, be it more new looking vintage, more outfits, shop sneak peeks, you name it!