T-Shirt Project

Another great DIY project care of StumbleUpon. Great for boys and girls.
http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Judah-Method-Bleaching-Experemnet/396961

Grandma's Wedding Accessories

If the day ever comes, let me wed in this sequined velvet hair piece and this pearl-beaded clutch.

Grinnell and Robitussin

Last Monday I took an impulse road trip to Grinnell to visit my good friend Jessica. The trip was NOT an excuse to go thrifting in uncharted territory. That said, Jessica was willing to skip class to accompany me to the small town's finest in used and vintage merchandise. How could I say no? Our first stop was Second Mile. Truth be told, it could have been our first and last stop of the day because the stuff we found there was remarkable. Everything from retro stuffed animals, eighties quilted leather bags, door knocker eighties earrings, and, you can drumroll if you like, embroidered late 70s framed canvas art. A mecca of kitsch. It was amazing. After my fun-filled day in small town Iowa, I headed to Des Moines to hit my usual spot with Grandma S. Problem: I took some cough medicine to ease my throat before our trip. In a robitussin stupor I ended up buying a lot more than planned (well, actually, grandma bought a lot more than planned because I, not surprisingly, forgot my wallet, among other things).

fun and games at revival

The one unfortunate aspect of vintage shopping, or thrifting in general really, is when you discover a true gem that turns out to be not your size. Lately I have seen amazing pieces that were too big, or more often too small, and well, what’s the use in that? But both are too unusual not to share. The following are a few of my recent treasures whose lust I shared with them didn’t turn out to be true love…

Chanel Paper Bag

I recreated this, not so hot.

Marry Me

Marry me. Can't stop listening.
http://www.ilovestvincent.com/

Project

I think Leslie Hall said it best: "lets get crafty." So one lonely Saturday night I was playing with StumbleUpon (obviously, what else would I be doing?) and lucky me discovered the blog of Miss Alisa Burke. This creative stylish goddess has a few crafty fashion tutorials on her blog, along with info on how to purchase her book, "Canvas Remix: Techniques for Creating Mixed Media Accessories." She's pretty fashion savvy in general, but one particular project inspired me: the messy dress.

http://www.leslieandthelys.com/
http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/

Latest Obsession

Saltwater Sandals. I know, they're just shoes. And again, I know that I am basically a walking advertisement for my place of business. But how CUTE are these? So feminine, so youthful, and retro. I think we all had a pair of these when we were little, or something similar (mine were white, and always caked in mud). They're affordable. Trust me. Bottom line: who doesn't love feeling like a kid again? http://www.mysaltwatersandals.com

Thrifty Nifty

Thrifting can be a bittersweet endeavor. If you do it often, and you're good at it, you inevitably come to the realization that you haven't the use, the space, or the cash for the amount of stuff you've uncovered. Fortunately for me, I can unload much of it at the new/used/vintage shop where I work. It's guilt-free impulse shopping at its best. And it can be a truly beautiful experience when your thrifting find is re-discovered by a store patron who adores it as much as you did. You feel like a matchmaker. On a recent thrifting excursion in des moines, alongside my grandmother and great-aunt, I spent a whopping $25 on these assorted goodies (please enjoy the crude detail my cell phone camera offers)...

Saddle Shoes. Tell me what's not to love about the ubiquitous American classic? It's yet another fashion piece that suggests a simpler time, but as relevant today as they were in the 50's.

Vintage leather woven handbag with extended strap. Classic.

I dunno, I just couldn't pass it up. Too sweet. A handmade floral quilted pouch. I thought, makeup? Markers? Marbles? Jewelry? Whatever. Too precious to pass up.

The lovely, and reversible, vintage navy and plaid rain coat. My good friend, and coworker, owns this gem now (it's too perfect that my freaky parents have a mannequin in their living room. Too perfect).

Skirts a'plenty. We are all big on the floral print these days. It harkens back to the early 90's which, surprisingly or unsurprisingly, is popular now and is going for vintage prices. I purchased these two at retirement community for $2 each (I know what you're thinking, some dead lady wore these skirts, but actually most of the garbs are provided by donation). Keeping up with the needs of my university student clientele, chopped them up short with pinking shears. Adorbs.

This pair is, perhaps, my magnum opus. Really stunning. Leather lace-up booties. The best part is the detail in the leather. There are three different shades of brown leather that make up the boots. But it isn't obvious from a far. Only up close is the intricate woven leather and etching detail truly seen.