Bizarre Bazaar

  This year, the lovely ladies of Chikoko hosted their first annual Spring Bizarre Bazaar. It was a collection of talented artists and designers selling their delights at a local venue. It was so amazing to walk into a place and witness such beauty and creativity all around. There was everything from jewelry to art to clothing to garden tools. All of it handmade, and all of it inspiring. I love that each artist worked his/her own booth so you got an opportunity to meet and get to know the person behind the designs.
   I went on Sunday, and I brought my kids and my mama-in-law.  I wanted EVERYTHING! I swear, if I were rich, I'd go broke spending my money on things for sale in that room alone. It was such a treat to see familiar faces and meet new ones. I was also so impressed by people I already know making new things. It is amazing to watch other artists evolve.
  I couldn't stay long, (my son was getting over an ear infection), but I got to squeeze some friends, make a couple purchases and snap some photos. I can't wait for the next Bizarre Bazaar, usually around the holidays, it is the best place to buy gifts. I have a "one for (fill in name here) and one for me" policy.  My gosh I love this town!

Dreadful Kitty

Muir Hughes

oh baby, that's my girl! Sadie Rose!

Zeeko Bag

David "Dragonboy" Sutherland

Jen Moon

Fortunes and Folklore

Julie Demaggio

Jaime Hughes Artgirl Colormagnet

Adorn by Mari

Bell Bottom Obsession

I have always worn and loved bell bottoms. They flatter my very straight up and down body by giving the illusion of curves. I remember being at festivals and Dead shows living in my "bells", wearing them year round. I somehow have lost the pairs I used to wear along my path, so I have been on a mad hunt for the perfect pair of "hippie bells". With as much as I thrift, I have been unsuccessful in finding my perfect pair. All that I find are either  too big, too small, too short, etc. I have recently decided to make my own, but making a pair of jeans is a little advanced for my sewing skills so it hasn't happened yet.
 Last week I went to a thrift store that I have never been to before (I know, shocking!). I didn't find a lot, but what I did find was an awesome pair of vintage Jorache jeans. High waist, long inseam, great distressed wash. I scored them at half off for a whopping $3. After I brought them home I started the alterations. The oldest hippie trick in the book, adding a triangle panel to the outseam near the hem to make any pair of pants into bell bottoms. I wanted them to look distressed so I intentionally made my stitching sloppy and exposed with as much fraying on the denim as possible. The result: my newest most favorite pair of jeans. I think they will travel with me for a long time, and my friends will probably get sick of seeing me in them, but oh well, you gotta break in the bells somehow!

Girls Gone Wild

 Last night, a bunch of my girlfriends and I went out for some fun. I have the best group of friends who manage to have fun wherever we are. We went to our local bar for "dance night" which is anything from 80s to reggae to hip hop to bass-thumping techno. We stayed out WAY too late and I am suffering for it today. I am a square (no drink no drugs), but my friends aren't. I am happily the designated driver for these nights, but it does suck to be the last one home.
 Unfortunately, I only brought my iphone and the pictures I got were pretty blurry and ill lit.  Being that I am the one with the camera, I didn't get a good "outfit pic". Too bad, it was cute. I managed to snap one, in my mirror at the end of the night. It is still crappy, but you can get the idea.

                                                                      Floral thermal (thrifted)
                                                  Polyester plaid hip-hugger bell bottoms (I made)
                                                                     Cowboy boots (thrifted)
                                                                        Fringe bag (I made)
                                                              Vintage rabbit fur jacket (thrifted)

    Trust me, it was much cuter in person and I was stopped all night about my pants. I felt good and it was the perfect cold night dance outfit.
     I picked up my best friend before we went out, and she showed me a jewelry box she acquired from her grandmother after her recent passing. I pretty much let out a scream of delight because it was a treasure trove of vintage costume jewelry. I couldn't help piling on the fun and ended up with two bracelets on each wrist and two rings on each finger.

                                                                                                         

                                       Here are some more random blurry pictures from last night.

                                                                         
                                                           Til next girl's night out!
                           

Day One Fashion Challenge

 My five day fashion challenge started off with a bang. I'll admit, I was a little whiny about it this morning when I got up and I was tired and cranky. I just wanted to throw on the old favorite jeans, Uggs, a sweatshirt and run out the door. But after a small internal pep talk, I came up with this:

 

Thrifted gray thermal

 Green vintage mini dress

 Leopard print tights (Target)

Vintage Frye cowboy boots (etsy)

I went to take my kids to school and, of course, ran into my best friends, (dropping off their kids), in the hallway. I was so happy to see them in their non-jeans (although Amy was wearing a denim dress, I told her that was OK).

 

Adriane in her corduroy flares, cowboy boots and puffy vest

 

Amy in her denim dress, cowboy boots and quilted jacket.

My outfit, with a 70s duster (from the 360 Ecotique) and my fringe bag.

The silly thing was, it wasn't hard or uncomfortable. I felt cute and I didn't feel overdressed or out of place. What on earth is so appealing about jeans? It is decided. This is a great challenge for me. If anything I get to show off some clothes that don't get a lot of wear in my closet. And who knows? After this week, maybe I won't be so quick to grab for the same old boring pair of jeans.

                                                                      

A Poor Girl's Guide to Getting Everything She Wants

1. MAKE IT YOURSELF

                                                                          

    I get a case of "the wants" just as much as the next person, but my pocketbook keeps me from purchasing. I have always made my own clothes or "refashioned" what I already had. I am a self taught seamstress so the only thing you  need is a youtube video and a yard sale sewing machine.
  I have also been making my own kefir. It is a yummy yogurt drink full of probiotics and couldn't be easier to make (once you have the kefir grain). Here is a good tutorial if you want to start making your own.
  My husband has made our own sourdough starter, and we have been baking our own sourdough bread and enjoying sourdough waffles and crepes on the weekend.
  I have also been making my own kombocha tea for about a year now. Kombucha also offers great health benefits and is super yummy! Not to mention EXPENSIVE if you buy it from a store. The process is not that hard once you get started. Here is a great tutorial.


2. THRIFT STORES

                                                           

     These shops have been a great source for excellent treasures. I have practically furnished my whole house, supplied my whole kitchen and clothed my entire family from various thrift stores. I realize they can be overwhelming and sometimes "gross" to some, but I have the best time stretching my dollar in those often smelly treasure troves. I should probably dedicate a whole post to the AMAZING things I have scored, but for now, trust me, they are there.


3. BARTER/TRADE

                                                             

       We all have a service/talent/craft/product that we can use to trade with others who offer what we desire. I don't often have much cash to purchase, but have many times traded with other crafty and talented individuals. It is a great way for me to support other artists while getting my own stuff out there on other people.


4.  SAVE
                                           

                                                             
           I don't have a lot of experience in this area, so I can't truthfully go into great detail. I have heard if you put money away/don't spend every penny that ends up in your pocket, you might actually accumulate a little amount of money that you can put toward and spend on those "wish list" items. I am hoping to one day learn how to do this so-called "saving", but until then, I will continue to make, thrift shop and  trade.


I think it also important to note that yes, getting stuff is fun, but appreciating what you already have will have a greater long term effect on your life. Be mindful of your purchases, and try to put your money back into your community by shopping local and buying handmade. We are all in this together and should support one another. Move past the "wanting" and be a part of the "giving".


*pics are not mine unless otherwise stated.

DIY yard art

 I am working on turning my outdoor patio into a gypsy/bohemian paradise. It is a work in progress, and I get what I find, when I find it. So the end date is unknown. I know to accomplish the look I am hoping to acheive, it is going to take layers. Art, plants, tapestries, fabric, candles etc.
 This morning I was at my favorite thrift store, (it happened to be 1/2 off day), and I snagged these 2 painted canvas'. They definitely went together, and I loved the colors of the paintings, but there were some blemishes and scratches. I grabbed them (at $1 a piece how could I not?), and I brought them home. then I painted a few feathers over the blemishes, and now I have 2 painting to hang under my patio. I think they turned out cute!