let's go sailing!

How cute is this shirt??? Just listed in the shop, among some other fun little items. I'll be adding a few belts today, so stop in and take a look! I hope everyone's day is going well- I'm about to head out and buy a new needle for my sewing machine (I broke it about a year and a half ago and am just getting around to replacing it!) This nice weather puts me in the mood for some DIY's!! 

backyard bar-b-que!

 dress

 shades

 clutch

 earrings

sandals

I just listed that pretty little blue dress today, and I couldn't help but make a little outfit for it. This would be perfect for a bar-b-que with friends. The blue dress is the perfect, lightweight and breezy material for a warm day, and the wooden sandals keep with the easy going vibe. The accessories are simple- bright mustard earrings, cat eye shades, and a raffia clutch. Happy hamburger-ing! 

favorites

Here a few things I've been lovin' on lately:

Caramel sauce

I used this recipe and let me tell you: DELICIOUS! Not only is it delicious, it is so super easy, and it makes your entire home smell like sweet, buttery caramel. I've been enjoying mine on vanilla ice cream (for dessert, for lunch, for a mid-day snack...) , and promising myself extra long bike rides to make it all worth it... which, regardless of the bike rides, it totally is.  In general, Smitten Kitchen is a fantastic place to find really great recipes that taste really amazing and don't take a lot of time and various/crazy ingredients. 

Jeana Sohn's Closet Visit

I came across this site awhile ago, (via some other blogger that I can't recall now), and if you haven't checked it out, you definitely should. Jeana visits her incredibly stylish friend's closets, takes amazing photos, and then compiles them with fashion related interview questions. Each visit is so full of style inspiration and beautiful imagery, it's hard to tear yourself away. It makes me lust even more over all the pretty items of clothing/shoes/purses that my budget will never allow for (Rachel Comey, why must you tempt me with your pretty shoes that cost so much??). 

covergirl NatureLuxe lipgloss balm

Holy cow, do I love this stuff. I am obsessed with the recent bright lip trend, but I DESPISE wearing lipstick. I hate how it makes my lips feel as though they are suffocating (ya know what I mean?), and no matter how many different types I try, I can't get over how dry and icky it makes my lips look. It's gross. However, this lipgloss/balm duo is the perfect mixture of moisture and color. It gives you the slightest tint or a deeper tone, depending on how much you apply. Plus, it has SPF 15, which is very healthy for you and your lips. I currently own hibiscus, peony, and coral, and have plans of getting more. 

In my humble opinion, they are perfect! Try them! Now!! While you're eating caramel sauce and ice cream, and browsing Closet Visit. It's fun, I promise.

Photos via: Smitten Kitchen, Closet Visit, and Cover Girl 

4th of july outfit: be free!

Tank, shorts, and purse: currently for sale in the shop, sparkle earrings via tiny galaxies

Looking for a casual ensemble to wear to that 4th of July picnic this weekend? Here is some inspiration in the form of the American flag!

Although it may seem a bit "childish" to pair such colors together all at once, I personally like the look. What other day are you allowed to wear red, white AND blue and not feel like a grand ol' flag, flying free? 

Let your patriotic feelings run wild in this stripe tank and bright red shorts ensemble, and keep your hands free (you know, for holding sparklers and beers)  with a leather cross body bag. Add a little pizazz with a pair of sparkly, star-like studs, perfect for watching those beautiful, exploding fireworks. 

tweet it up?

polka dot tie blouse

I did it. I gave in to Twitter. I have no idea how to use it, but I figured it was about time I brought my shop and I into the 21st century. I intend to use it for all things shop related- shop updates, sales, new blog posts, networking with other vintage sellers- the list goes on! Anyways, it's rather barren at this point, but I intend to tweet up a storm (using "tweet" as a verb?... I'm down!) 

I've added a link to the right (thanks, hubs!) for easy access- I've even included my Pinterest, which I can guarantee will be much more exciting than my Twitter, but I think you should check out both of them anways!

Enjoy your Monday, and I'll be back later with a new feature! 

summer sale!

In lieu of the first day of summer, I am featuring a sale in the shop! Scoot on over and check out the new clothing and wares that have been listed, and if you see something you like, enter "SUMMER10" at checkout and receive 10% off your total purchase!

pair it with... mustard

Whenever I list an item in the shop, I always try to recommend a way to wear it. I don't consider myself a styling expert (not by any means!), but I think it's fun to conjure up new ways to wear the same old stuff or new items. So, I decided to feature a few items from the shop and show how I would style them up. Lately, I've been a real sucker for a rich, mustard yellow color, so this time I'm featuring two condiment colored items.

For this pretty marigold colored top, I kept it casual by pairing it with cuffed denim shorts and nude colored t-strap sandals. I personally tend to go easy on the accessorizing, so I added a single necklace and a summer inspired straw tote. In order to add a tad bit of edge, consider knotting the hem of the shirt. It's unexpected, yet flirty! This outfit would be perfect for running errands on the weekend, or attending an outdoor concert.

I love this gingham check blouse, and it really stands out with this bright, mustard skirt. Some might not think to pair the two together, but the print of the blouse and the brightness of the shirt work well together, even though they are both bold pieces. To tone down the rest of the outfit, I chose simple gold peep toe flats and bangle bracelets. The belt pulls it all together, and the gold lion buckle adds a bit of surprise. A simple brown leather satchel with gold accents is the perfect topper! This outfit would work great for an outdoor dinner or a day of shopping.

rust tulip cardigan

marble knit cardigan

cream navajo print cardigan

With the cooler temperatures we've been experiencing, I could finally make sense of listing these fantastic sweaters to the shop. I doubt the spring-like air will stick around, yet these cardigans would still work for a chilly night of camping or a nighttime bike ride.

weekend

black lace dolman top

red floral handbag

cream lace top

Today's shop update is full of floral and lace. I am in love with both of these tops- the cream one is so versatile, and I've never seen anything like the black one. The detail on it is insane! Also, that tiny red purse is perfect for summer.

I am so very excited it's the weekend- we have plans to visit the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange (I can't WAIT!), see the new X-Men movie (Z is super pumped about this one), ride bikes, possibly go kayaking, eat plenty of good food, and enjoy a few Pimm's and ginger ale. What are you all up to for the weekend? Whatever you do, I hope you have a great one!

how to wear it

Here's the thing: I'm addicted to Pinterest. I recently figured out how to "pin" images from other websites, and boy, have I been pinnin' like crazy. I pin and repin outfits, shoes, cakes, bikes, diy projects I want to do but probably will never do ... like I said, pinnin' crazy.

Anywho, I got this crazy idea today that I could try and recreate some of the outfits I've pinned with vintage items that I have for purchase in the shop. When I found this picture, I loved it. I love the simplicity of the white tee and worn in jeans. What is better than a t-shirt and jeans? Nothing, I say.

I'm currently on the fence about how I feel for Kirsten Dunst, but dang, girl can dress. I thought to myself, those jeans look exactly like the ones I just added to the shop. Right? Right! So then I thought, let's try to recreate this... it looks simple enough...

My version is a little different. I chose a cream cropped tank rather than a white t-shirt. I also rolled the jeans, as they are a bit long on me. I nixed the purse and Starbucks, and instead added a simple, locket necklace. To top it off, I had to put a scarf in my hair, as it's a grown out mess at the moment, and looks pretty crazy without anything holding it down. I also plucked a pair of brown strappy wedges from the shop pile, which slightly resemble Kirsten's shoes.

The look:

high waisted Calvin Klein jeans- thrifted, and in the shop

cream cropped tank- thrifted

strappy brown wedges- thrifted, and in the shop

necklace- hand me down from g-ma

scarf- thrifted

sunglasses- thrifted

braided belt ( you can't see it, but it's there)- thrifted

The verdict, in list form:

1. I like this outfit better on Kirsten. My body is already a bit too curvy for such a high waisted style of jean, so this is probably not something I'd wear myself. However, I still really like the look, and I'm sure that one of my stylish customers could rock the jeans like nobody's business.

2. For a remix of my own version, I would most likely pair the top with a high waisted, swingy black skirt and gladiators.

3. How do you lady bloggers do it? Taking my own picture was very awkward. I had no idea whether to smile, hold my arms in the air, or stare blankly at the ground.

4. All in all, this was fun, and I plan on doing it again! And this is a really long post! Whew!

updates

Here a few things that have been added to the shop lately... that mink collar isn't up yet, but it's on the list for today! I think you could pair all three of these items (the top photo is a knee length skirt) for a quirky little outfit.

Check back today for a new feature that I'm planning on adding to the blog- it has to do with outfit shots, so we will see how that goes!

Have a great, smiley, sunny day!!