Friday, April 30, 2010

Friday Link Love

Friday is here!  I hope you all have a wonderful weeeknd.  As always, some link love to get you through your weekend.  Enjoy!
LOVE this restaurant in Stockholm, and such a great use of these Anthro hooks.

This is easily one of my favorite daily reads, Jessica has a great style and great advice on building 4 outfits out of 1 amazing dress.

I was really hoping to check out Purl Soho's new shop during this past NYC trip but as is usually the case, there wasn't enough time.  Instead I've been perusing Purl Bee looking for great diy projects like these embroidered Mother's Day scarves.

I am obsessed with these fabulous floral arrangements from Flores del Sol.  Mom would definitely be happy with an arrangement from this beautiful Etsy shop.
Found via Lushlee

The Friday Fashion Files - Blazers

Welcome to another new weekly feature on the blog, The Friday Fashion Files.

I am such a lover of fashion, I think one of my favorite things about living in the city was all the great and inspiring street fashion that surrounded me.  Of course blogs like The Satorialist and Street Peeper do a great job at covering the unique fashion that floats through the streets of Manhattan and help to fill a major void for me now that I no longer live in the city.  However, there's nothing better than the real thing, so while in the city last week I observed closely, looking for great fashion inspiration. 

One theme I noticed that I am definitely loving is the blazer.  While this isn't a particularly new fashion trend, it is something I definitely want to incorporate into my own look.  I love the variety it provides, you can pair it with a dress or shorts, or skinny jeans; you can add a scarf to the look, it's very versatile.  I have been on the look out for a cute vintage blazer at the thrift stores but so far I haven't turned anything up.  I have very long arms and this always presents a problem when shopping for vintage clothing! 

Here are some blazer looks that I really love...

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Vintage Love - Rachie's Place

Good morning! This week's Vintage Love features Rachel of Rachie's Place.

Rachie's Place carries a great variety of vintage housewares.


What do you love about vintage?
I love so many things about vintage that I am not sure I could list them all! I do know that I love and truly appreciate the history. I want to know who owned everything I find. To think that the pieces I bring home were once part of another family's history is absolutely wonderful.

What is the best thing you have ever come across when you have been vintage/thrift shopping?
Oh my, that's another tough question. My current favorites are anything Pyrex and ceramic pots/planters (McCoy, USA, California). I think that the best find ever was from last year. I stumbled upon this ceramic bluebird pitcher, shakers, and jam container, and my husband thought it looked like junk and I left it all behind. But when I researched those bluebirds at home and discovered they were valuable, I went back the next day and brought it all home with me. It took one day to sell the entire set. I felt a little bad about it (I wanted it for myself) but I came across the same salt and pepper shakers about a month later. They are now tucked safely away in my dining room breakfront.


Do you have a style or method you use when vintage/thrift shopping?
I am not sure I have a particular method. I go when I have the time to go because I do work a job outside of the home. I try to go during the weekday as the weekends are when people clean and donate! I try to stick to thrift stores that are in more established neighborhoods because that is where the really great stuff is found (older neighborhood = older people). I also look at the bottom of everything. I have spent the past 12 years of my life antiquing with family and have learned that much can be said about a piece if you take a moment and really inspect it. Somewhere there will be a mark, stamp, label, sticker, imprint, something that will guide you in the search for more information. I have actually gotten looks from other shoppers because I am constantly flipping things over.

Is there one tip you could share that might help someone who is new to thrifting and vintage shopping?
If you aren't totally in love with something you find, leave it behind! Someone's trash WILL eventually become someone else's treasure.

Thank you Rachel for participating in this week's Vintage Love.

Photos courtesy of Rachel, Rachie's Place.

Rachel can be found at:
Etsy shop
Blog
Twitter

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Let the bathroom reno begin...

The rehearsal dinner for the wedding in NY this past weekend was at The Smith in the East Village. We were seated downstairs in their private dining area. When we walked in, the first thing I noticed was the wallpaper.

Mike and I are about to reno our guest bathroom.  It's a fairly small space and I want to make a big impact. One of the ideas I have is to wallpaper in something bold and graphic because really, you can only get away with stuff like that in small spaces. I have scoured every wallpaper source I know of and can't find anything I really love. That is, until I walked into The Smith last Friday night. I love this wallpaper. It's simply black and white photos of various people and places all layered on top of each other.  It should be pretty easy to do ourselves with some of our own photos and others we find that pertain to our life and our history, plus it will be completely custom, which I love.  I am compiling lots of other ideas for this bathroom project that I will hopefully be able to share next week. 

Monday, April 26, 2010

Behind the Design - Parsimony

Hi everyone.  I hope you all had an awesome weekend.  Mine was wonderful.  NYC was so much fun, it was great seeing our old friends and we ate a ton of great food and walked everywhere.  I miss it so much! 

This week's Behind the Design features the amazingly talented fashion designer, Robie Dodson from Parsimony

Where does your inspiration come from?
Oh gosh, pretty much everywhere...I have one dress that was inspired by a pair of my husband's tennis shoes.  He was speaking at a conference, and instead of listening to what he was saying, I was struck by how awesome the colors were and how great they'd look on a dress.  When I create a dress, I'm always thinking about a mom - a woman who wants to look good but doesn't have much time or energy to put into getting ready in the morning.  So, all of my dresses are designed to stand alone or look great layered, to be worn with flip flops or stilettos - however the busy mom wants to wear it.  Our lives are pretty much casual, so I try to create dresses that fit into a casual lifestyle but have "hot mom" casual style!  (A new tag line I'm going to start using is "sexy dresses for decent moms"....because moms want to be sexy without being trashy...at least most moms do!)


Do you have a spot you like to go that helps you feel creative?
Yeah, my bathtub!  I wish I had something more fabulous and glamorous for this question, but the truth is, the only time I'm alone is when I'm in the tub - and even then I have to lock the door!  But it does help with my creativity...that and the glass of wine that's usually alongside me.


Where do you do most of your work?
Up until two weeks ago, my sewing room was also my laundry room.  And by room, I really mean "cave"...it's tiny!  My chair bumped up against the washing machine as I sewed, but it did the job.  Two weeks ago, I bought a fabulous armoire off craigslist for $30 and moved that along with two new sewing desks into our game room...so now I have a "sewing wall" instead of a "sewing cave."  I feel bad for those women who have sewing rooms. :)


How did you come up with the name for your business?
Parsimony is a take off of the word "parsimonious" which means to be frugal.  Anyone who knows me is always teasing me about how frugal I am...I am really the queen of finding fabulous things CHEAP - you should see that armoire!  Anyway, my goal is to design and create custom-made dresses for women without charging an atrocious price.  You shouldn't have to pay a fortune to look fabulous!


Your favorite thing to make?
Um, that would have to be DRESSES.  Not much of a surprise here.  I love how easy dresses are to wear, they always look fabulous and put together, yet they require nothing more than slipping something over your head.


What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?
The answer to this question changes on a daily basis.  My 'favorite' is usually the last thing I made.  Right now, I'm enjoying my strapless dress collection - especially the OBI strapless dress.  Also, I'm loving the new skirt I've just created (not photographed yet, coming soon).  I wore it Easter Sunday and got about five orders, so I think others will like it too!  Stay tuned!


You couldn't run your business without __________?
MY SERGER!!!! 
This is an amazing story - I was at the sewing machine/serger store here in Austin one day.  The hubs and the kids were sleeping, so I snuck out to daydream about owning a really great serger.  I happened to run into a couple that I barely knew who were just killing time while their son played sports.  They asked what I was looking at, I explained what it was and why it was awesome and worth every penny of the $900 price tag.  I left, they left.  Twenty minutes later, the wife hunted me down in the store and handed me a huge box - inside was that awesome serger.  I still can't believe it and I'm still tearing up when I talk about it.  Awesome!!


What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
Oh gosh, how much space do I have??  The biggest thing I've learned is to set my policies according to what works for ME - not what I think others want.  For instance, I started my business with a one week turnaround from payment to shipment.  Well, I have a husband, two kids, and I make custom dresses from scratch....what was I thinking?!?  I thought no one would want to wait longer for their dresses, so I killed myself trying to get them all out.  NOW, I've learned that I need four weeks to ship a dress...and people still buy them...Just be clear up front, and both you and the customer will be happy because no one is surprised.

Coffee or tea?
What is this thing you call "tea"?  Coffee for sure!

Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?
I love LUCKY magazine.  I'm not a huge blogger yet, but I am enjoying MODA's blog.

If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?
Hmmm, I'd love to follow the entire Project Runway process for a day - soooo fun.  As for a person - definitely anyone working on the Liberty of London fabric and design.  So fun and fresh!

Do you have any hobbies or creative outlets other than your work?
I am a marathon runner - sooooo rewarding!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go and why?
Oh, I want to go skiining in the Swiss Alps....I hate being in a bathing suit, so mountains are more my speed!

If you had to spend a year on a deserted island, what five things would you bring with you?
My husband
Mu children, Owen and Ellie
My bible
TONS OF FABRIC

Thank you Robie for participating in this week's Behind the Design.

Photos courtesy of Robie Dodson, Parsimony

Robie can be found at:
Etsy Shop
Blog
Parimony Home Etsy Shop

Friday, April 23, 2010

Friday Link Love

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend planned. 

As always, here is some inspiration to get you through the weekend.  Enjoy!

If you are a vinyl collector or fan, this is the blog for you.  I am hooked.

I LOVE this camera bag from Modcloth.
Found via A Beautiful Mess



This shed makeover is amazing.  I could sew in there for hours.
Found via Tea for Joy.

I don't know why but I just love this poster.

Found via Destined to Design.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Vintage Love - Verseau Vintage

This week's Vintage Love features Theresa of Verseau Vintage.  Theresa's got the best selection of vintage clothing in her shop and she is offering a 20% off sale this week when you buy 3 or more items using code "APRIL20".


What do you love about vintage?
It's unique and sustainable!  I feel like every vintage item is an artifact of the era that it was made.  Vintage offers limitless style possibilities and usually the materials that were used are of the utmost quality. 

What is the best item that you have ever come across when you have been vintage/thrift shopping?
This is a hard question because I love everything I find!  But I think my favorite is a Herman Miller fiberglass shell chair that I found in an estate sale in California.  Another great find is a pair of Norma Kamali ankle boots from the 1980s.  I love them so much I took pictures of them and put them in my Flickr.

Do you have a special style or method you use when vintage/thrift shopping?
When I enter a thrift store, I go straight for the men's section.  You won't believe how  many gorgeous cashmere sweaters and cute blazers (in women's sizes) I have discovered there.  The costume section is always worth checking out too if you are looking for dresses.

Is there one tip you could share that might help someone who is new to thrifting and vintage shopping?
If you love something you see--just get it!  I've learned the hard way that once you put something back on the rack, it may not be there the next time you go back for it.  Get to know your local alterations shop and cobbler.  Remember that a lot of imperfections can be fixed, clothing can be altered and leather bags and shoes can look good as new after a little conditioning and polish. 

Thank you Theresa for participating in this week's Behind the Design.

Photos courtesy of Theresa, Verseau Vintage.

Theresa can be found at:
Etsy shop
Flickr
Twitter
Tumblr

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Well styled...

Proof that a retro couch can look good in a well styled room, maybe there's hope for my couch yet...

Retail Therapy, New York Style

Tomorrow we leave for NYC to see one of our favorite couples get married....so excited!

A trip to my favorite city wouldn't be complete without a little NYC inspiration on the blog. Here are some of my fave NYC finds, complete with an authentic pigeon feather!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Last week I threw a small dinner party for some of my girlfriends.  Whenever I entertain I always like to use fresh flowers.  The flower options at the local grocery stores here aren't great but they always have $4 bouquets of this type of flower.  I can't remember what these are called now but I love them.  They come in various colors and have some major staying power.  We even used these in some of our wedding arrangements.  The flowers here are already almost a week old and they are still holding strong. 

I was able to break down the bouquet into 3 small vases.  I always love finding unique vases other than the traditional and expected.  The vases here are actually a jam jar and a spice jar - the glass ones from Whole Foods, they make perfect vases.  Not bad for $4 flowers!  Nothing makes me happier than fresh flowers around the house. 

Photo: The Design Boards

Mid Century Moment

Monday, April 19, 2010

Behind the Design - Painted White

Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We were able to get some thrifting in and found tons of cool stuff, all being posted to the shop in the next week or so.

This week's Behind the Design features the incredibly talented Alice from Painted White.  I don't think there is anything Alice doesn't do well, from jewelry design to sewing to photography!  I had a great time finding out more about this incredibly talented artist.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Anywhere and everywhere...nature...a walk through town...vintage, antique, flea market finds...


Do you have a spot you like to go that helps you feel creative?
I can feel creative almost anywhere...but in my studio is where I get the most accomplished...


Where do you do most of your work?
I try to contain it to my studio...but when that gets too chaotic and messy I do move to the living room and dining room. I hate to do that...but life happens ;) and I have a really understanding husband (who does the same thing in fact).


How did you come up with the name for your business?
For my wesbite, Painted White, it fit because all of my furniture is usually white and I used to spend a lot of time painting anything I could touch white. I do that a lot less these days, preferring original finishes to patinas...


For my jewelry, Paradox, it describes the mix of my offerings...contemporary vintage...


Your favorite thing to make?
Whatever I am in the mood for...at times jewelry, other times home decor...other times paper and collage art...whatever mood strikes me is my favorite at that time.


What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?
A toss up between my burlap pillows and ornaments and my asymmetrical romantic necklaces...


You couldn't run your business without _____________?
My husband...he is the main supporter in helping me create a stay at home business and believes in me even when I don't believe in myself. He always offers encouragement and advice and even takes most of my packages to the post office for me...

What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
Don't get caught up in what others are doing...stay true to who you are and what you love. I try to do that now, but often I feel bombarded with so much inspiration from fellow business owners and bloggers. It is sometimes hard to separate that from myself and know that what I do is "good enough", even if it isn't what they do or how they do it...

Coffee or tea?
Both...I go through phases with these two...

Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?
No daily reads for me, but I do enjoy Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine. Blogs I love include Belle Blanc, My Petite Maison, and Laughing with Angels. I also love a good Anthropologie catalog...

If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?
Grace Kelly...were she alive...

Do you have any hobbies or creative outlets other than your work?
Hmm...that is tricky since I feel most times like I am always "working" but I really enjoy photography as a leisure activity, as well as getting out with my husband and dog to go on nature walks, visit cemeteries, and community gardens.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go and why?
Provence (France). No question. I have always longed to go there and know that I would fall in love with the countryside and lifestyle.

If you had to spend a year on a deserted island, what 5 things would you bring with you?
My husband and dog if I could :); a Bible; lip gloss; and mascara (perhaps shallow but I'd still want to look semi descent).

Thank you Alice for participating in this week's Behind the Design.

Photos courtesy of Alice, Painted White.

Alica can be found at:
Painted White
Paradox Etsy shop
Alice W Photography
Alice's Looking Glass
Blog

Friday, April 16, 2010

Friday Link Love

So glad the weekend is finally here.  I wish it were going to be relaxing but I have so much to do before we head up to NYC next week for a wedding.  Hopefully I can squeeze in some thrifting and a little shopping.  I need a dress for the rehearsal dinner and maybe some new shoes too.  What are your plans for the weekend?

As always, here are some finds from around the web to get you through the weekend.  Enjoy!

This is a great article on putting together your first place on a budget.  Very inspiring whether you are furnishing your first place, or your fifth place!  I love some of their craigslist and budget finds!
Found via the chic line.

This awesome mold combines two of my favorite things, tea and cupcakes...I love it.
Found via Oh Joy Eats.

How great is this apartment.  I want to move in yesterday!
Found via Handmade Evolution.

A great weekend diy project.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Vintage Love - Vintage Suburbia

Good morning everyone!  Today I am introducing another new weekly feature to the blog, Vintage Love. 

Each week I will feature a fabulous vintage shop and a short interview from the shop owner about vintage and thrift shopping and finds. 

Diane from Vintage Suburbia was kind enough to be my guinea pig as the first Vintage Love featuree.  Diane gives some great tips on vintage and thrift shopping and her shop is full of charming, vintage housewares. 


What do you love about vintage?
Passing on items that others have loved and cared for.  It's a form of recycling in my eyes and allows an item to have a home for just a little longer.

What is the best item you have ever come across when you have been vintage/thrift shopping?
A padlock in the shape of a heart, and the key was in the shape of an arrow.  I didn't buy it and I really regretted it.  I'm going to go back to the market where I first saw it in case the vendor still has it.  This is one item that I would keep for myself, even though I know it would sell in my store.

Do you have a style or method that you use when vintage/thrift shopping?
There are so many places where I live (Reading, PA) to find vintage and antique items.  So I can pretty much wander to any place and find something interesting.  My only key is to not spend over a certain amount on each item.  I don't want to have to sell something that is too expensive, all of my items should be affordable.

Is there one tip you could share that might help someone who is new to vintage/thrift shopping?
Be careful of overload!  There's a ton of great stuff to look at and you can get sucked in real quick.  Keep yourself to a certain amount per item if you are just out browsing.  If you're looking for a certain item, stick to that item and have a price that you are willing to pay and do not go over that amount.  Stick to your guns.  And remember, vendors are sometimes flexible in antique markets and flea markets, there is (usually) room for negotiation. 

Thank you Diane for participating in this week's Vintage Love.

Photos courtesy of Vintage Suburbia.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I need an art wall...

I've been thinking about art walls a lot lately.  I really want one.  We are considering leaving the walls unpainted in our house and I love the way art walls bring so much color and visual interest to a room. 

Although, I was watching Christina Siriano's Bravo special the other night and he has a dark gray wall with a fabulous art display in his Williamsburg apartment that was to die for and you know how I have a thing for gray right now. 

Bonnie of Going Home to Roost has a great tutorial about transforming thrift store frames for gallery displays.  I think I have a new thing to hunt for while thrifting! 

Here is some great inspiration for those of you who might also be considering art walls.  I love the black and gold display from Australian Vogue.  Which one is your favorite? 







Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mid Century Moment

Welcome to a new feature on my blog, Mid Century Moment.  You all know that I am obsessed with mid century design, so instead of bombarding you all the time with it, I thought I would pick one favorite each week to post.  Enjoy! 

Monday, April 12, 2010

Behind the Design - Lisa Hopkins Design

Happy Monday everyone.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

This week's Behind the Design features the incredibly talented jewelry designer, Lisa Hopkins of Lisa Hopkins Design.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration comes from so many sources. I find much of my inspiration in nature--the smallest wonders and shapes in nature catch my attention and spark ideas. I am also inspired by books, poetry, quotes, speeches, music, family, friends, meaningful moments...


Do you have a spot you like to go that helps you feel creative?
Getting out for a walk, usually with my dogs, is a great way to jump start my creativity. Stepping out of the studio and enjoying the world around me, especially on a warm, sunny day, refreshes my mind and prepares me for work in the studio.


Where do you do most of your work?
I have a home studio--a nice little space, with good natural light, that overflows into the garage.


How did you come up with the name for your business?
I chose Lisa Hopkins Design because when I first began selling my jewelry, I also wanted to keep my options open. I wondered if I might eventually want to sell other types of work (I am a calligrapher and I also spin and knit). I wanted a business name that would be versatile and I also wanted my name to be a part of it since my work is very personal to me.


Your favorite thing to make?
I'm not sure I have a favorite, but I love trying a new technique or idea--especially when it turns out as I envisioned, or even better than I envisioned.


What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?
It's so hard to choose but my Tiny Bird on Branch design is pretty special to me.


You couldn't run your business without __________?
My computer and the internet. Having a worldwide audience, thanks to the internet, is an amazing thing. I've sold work to people in all but four states, and in 16 countries so far. I marvel at how far my creations have traveled.


What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
I wish someone had told me how all-consuming it can be and how difficult, yet necessary it is to achieve balance with other areas of your life. I'm still working on that.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?
Letter Arts Review and Metalsmith.

If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?
The poet, Mary Oliver.

Do you have any hobbies or creative outlets other than your work?
Spinning, knitting, cooking, gardening, birding.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go and why?
This is a difficult question--there are so many places I'd love to visit; one would be New Zealand,and I'd love to do some birding while there.

If you had to spend a year on a deserted island, what 5 things would you bring with you?
I've have to take 6: my husband and our two dogs and three cats--I wouldn't want to be without them.

Thank you Lisa for participating in this week's Behind the Design.

Photos courtesy of Lisa Hopkins Design.

Lisa can be found at:
Etsy shop
Paper Dragonfly shop