Shopping Adventures

Today my boyfriend and I borrowed my mom's minivan (yes, minivan) and did a little thrift store shopping. I picked up these 2 mid-century modern chairs and this vintage sewing table for under $20. Then we headed to my favorite vintage store Cafe Society, and he bought me this amazing dress for a Holiday party next weekend and these vintage socks. I'm not sure when I am going to wear the socks, but they just make me happy. He also bought himself a vintage overcoat which was actually pretty shocking to me since he was making fun of vintage clothes as we walked into the store. I guess its never too late to be converted :)

I'm sorry for the bad pictures... I wish I was a talented photographer.

PS. The last pic is of my cat Oliver trying to steal the show ;)

Decor

My project for December is to fix up our little apartment bathroom. I think my boyfriend and my mother would kill me if I bought this, but wouldn't it make the prettiest accessory for the bathroom re-do?

Presents!

Today after a long, hard day at work, I came home to the prettiest little package from my boyfriend's parents. They recently took a trip to Europe and brought me back this lovely soap and perfume gift set from Cologne. The 4711 Original Eau de Cologne is over 200 years old and according to the brochure, it was often sold as magical water because of its reviving effects. I think it is such a pretty color, and the tiny bottle has already been added to my glass perfume bottle collection.

Flea Market Finds

This morning my friend and I braved 30 below weather (at 7am let me add) to go to the Todd Farm Antiques and Flea Market in Rowley, MA. I didn't buy too too much, but I did find some real treasures... especially this funny sign and the antique postcard book from Paris. I can't wait to frame and hang it. Next weekend is the last weekend for the market, but we are already looking forward to next year.

Vintage clock, sign, postcard book, and metal hooks from the Todd Farm Antiques and Flea Market

Vintage blue glass perfume bottle from Kalembar Dune... purchased yesterday

The Cutest Thing Ever

I discovered possibly the cutest Etsy shop today called Mumka. Sadly, the artist has nothing available at the moment, but I will be stalking her shop to see if anything new is added!

New Store Opening!

My good friend Joanna has just opened a great new store in Spencerport, NY. If you are in the area, make sure you stop by! If you do not live in the area, check out her online shop: www.sophiesphilosophies.com.

Store Location:

123 South Union Street.
Spencerport NY 14559

khW Jewelry

For the past few years, one of my favorite jewelry designers has been Kathleen Ward Whitaker of khW Jewelry. I remember that one of the first things I ever bought myself after joining the working world was a beautiful necklace from one of her lines. A few weeks ago, my boyfriend have me this pair of earrings for my birthday, and I have been wearing them ever since. Her jewelry is light and airy and adds just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit.

With the gift giving season right around the corner, stop by her site for some holiday shopping or pick up something special for yourself! Selected items are on sale and she is also offering free shipping so make sure you take a look!

Take me away!

While looking for cheap party decorations online, I somehow made my way over to the Pearl River website and discovered these cute soaps and blotting papers. These are a perfect and inexpensive way to jazz up your make-up bag when you are feeling the winter blues.

Silver and Gold

In keeping with my new minimalist philosophy, I came across the amazing jewelry designer Michelle Chang Jewelry on Etsy. I love her simple yet eye-catching designs. Hint hint Santa ;)

A breath of fresh air

I love vintage clothes, but lately I feel like I have been dressing like a crazy person when I try to incorporate them into my daily style. Maybe I am just doing it wrong... I don't know. Anyways, one of my daily reads is the blog Wiksten. I especially love this outfit. Every time I look at it, I feel like starting overand getting back to basics.

Photo taken from Wiksten blog.

Clear as glass

I picked up this little monogrammed glass at the thrift stores yesterday for about 25 cents. It makes a great little bud vase.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

How much fun would this be as a carry-on for your next trip?

Bag via GetReadySetGO Etsy Shop.

Under My Umbrella

Yesterday I had an amazing thrift shopping experience. I purchased a sweater, a scarf, a coffee table, 3 black and white prints, an address book, 2 magazine holders, and this umbrella all for under $20. It is hard to pick just one thing, but I think this umbrella has to be my favorite thrift store find of all time. It has a really interesting clear plastic (Bakelite?) handle.

My Apartment

I haven't posted pictures of my apartment in a long time. I moved about a month ago and am still trying to get settled in.... it's taking a long time! Anyways, I purchased this beautiful print 2 weeks ago from Kylehenry's Etsy Shop. The woman reminds me of a character in one of my favorite books, Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher (read it if you have a chance!)

The Big Apple

When I was looking at colleges, my mother and my best friend Lauren's mother took us to NYC for a weekend to look at NYU and Fordham University. We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria, ate at the now closed Fashion Cafe, and explored Central Park. I think Lauren and I also hatched a plan to run away from our mothers and try to get on TRL. Ha!

Anyways, this necklace brought back memories of that weekend.

Pops of Color

Lately I am liking basic black accented with bright colors.


Not just Black and White by BrianneLee

Laundry Day

I am still the world's worst photographer, but I promised to upload some better shots of some of the items I received in the "surprise box of vintage clothes". Here are a few of the tops that were included and also a fun crinolin type skirt. Please pardon the fact that these shots were taken in the bathroom, my shower is the only place I can hang clothes when they need to dry.

Its my party and I'll cry if I want to

Today is my 28th birthday! I feel so old! Ahhhhh. If I could buy a present for myself, I would definitely buy a painting from the lovely Etsy seller Kirby. Her simple and striking prints and paintings are inspired by historical fashion and costume. This painting entitled Winter Maiden is one of my favorites. Be sure to check out her lovely Etsy shop!

I have slipped up and I am very ashamed of myself

I bought new earmuffs and a steel water bottle on my lunch break today. I justified these purchases to myself by saying I "needed" them, but when I excitedly told my boyfriend about my new purchases, he seemed very disappointed in me. To cheer myself up, here is a picture of my kitten from when we first got him 2 months ago. Isn't he so cute?! Please disregard the messy bedroom in the background.

Hat's off to you

I feel like I never have the courage to pull off wearing fun hats, but this little grey one is so cute! I love the bow! Damn you no spending rule!!!!!!

I have been searching everywhere for you

But alas, you are too expensive.

Dress via Etsy

Its the most wonderful time of the year

So if I buy anything, I will probably end up buying a vintage dress for my Holiday parties this year, but I thought it would be fun to do some "fantasy" dressing.

I must tighten my purse strings

I decided that I need to cut down on my spending on non necessity items. Therefore, I have made a pledge to myself not to spend any money for the month of November. I hope I can make it! I still would like/convincing myself I need a few things like: earmuffs and a dress for upcoming holiday parties. We will see...

This dress is too big for me and out of my budget, but I like the color combinations.