Shifting Gears

       So it is pretty clear that i suck at blogging. I'm not deeply upset about this, as i have been working hard to take care of what's in front of me. My home and family come first, then I spend free time making new clothes or shopping for new vintage for the shop. Then maybe I can squeeze in some much needed time to hang with my amazing group of girlfriends. It is a good life, this I know, and I am forever grateful. 

        I am switching things up, and streamlining my networks. From now on, "mermaidsoup.com" will land on my etsy store. This blog will still be around, for the occasional dialogue and updates. You can now bookmark this blog at mermaid-soup.blogspot.com. 

       I also have a Tumblr, (which is just a visual blog, full of inspiration and projects),and you can find me here. 

      If you are an iphone user,  you can follow me on Instagram. search "Amber Bass".

     I won't overwhelm you with my new "twitter" account, as I rarely use it. That may change, and I will let you know if it ends up being worth your time. (but just in case you want to throw me in your mix, for good measure, I am @mermaid_soup)

   For now, I will leave you with a few pics of things I've been working on. And I hope to stay connected to you through my various networks!

                              

       my new hang tags (handmade, of course!)

           a new "Heirloom Dress", that I have dyed the most beautiful dark wine color! more pics to come!

            
                  another new "Heirloom Dress" that I have dyed a smokey black, and yes, pics soon!

  I have some more stuff "on the pins" at the moment, and I find that I am in a motivated and creative space. Now, if i could just find some more time....

A Thousand Thank Yous

 This weekend I hit a big etsy milestone: my 1000th sale! I was so excited when it happened and it naturally lead me to think about my almost 3 years of selling on etsy. I love what I do. I am so grateful to have a place I can share my creations and re-sale my love of vintage.
 I took a little trip down memory lane and looked at some of my first sales. Not only have I come a long way in what I design, but my pictures and staging has improved ten folds! It has been a learning experience. I did not set out to do this, it was never my plan. It happened fast and kind of on its own. I have always thrifted, (it's what you do when you're poor),  and I have always made my own clothes, (usually re-fashioning, at least in the beginning).  It has evolved over the years.
 Like many of us etsy sellers, if you have an eye for the goods, a passion for the hunt and some time to run an online shop, etsy is a dream come true. I am so overwhelmed with love and gratitude. So, a thousand "thank yous" to my clients, family, friends and supporters. I could not have done it without you.


                   Here are a few pics of my first sales. A lot has changed since then.

                                   Here are some pics of my favorite things I have sold on etsy

                                                        Here's to a thousand more! xoxoxo

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!

Outfit Post

With the weather warming up, it has brought new inspiration. I just thought I'd share my two most favorite things to wear these days. My good friend Sadie makes these harnesses out of old belts. I haven't found an outfit yet that doesn't like  to be paired with my chestnut brown one. There are some available locally at the 360 Ecotique, and in her online shop.
 I have also decided to make my own stretch bell bottoms for the spring/summer. It'll get me out of jeans and I can work and play in comfort and style. I made these out of stretchy black crushed velvet. Ridiculously comfy. I lurve them.

                           As always, they are paired with a vintage t shirt and my worn out Frye's. Thrifted or handmade. It is funny, but that is pretty much all I wear, and I like it that way.

Day Five Fashion Challenge

Here it is, my last day in the fashion challenge. I have enjoyed the last five days and feel re-inspired to step things up in my everyday attire. I am surprised at what a challenge it was for me. I am very excited to throw on the old jeans come tomorrow, but for today, I wore this:

                                                                 Plaid button up shirt (thrifted)
                                                            Vintage wool poncho/shawl (thrifted)
                                                                   Denim mini skirt (thrifted)
                                                                       Wool tights (gifted)
                                                           Vintage blonde lace up ropers (thrifted)

There was a buzz in the hall at drop off today, and it seemed like the ladies stepped it up for the final challenge day. I had another friend approach me to let me know she was also inspired by my challenge and chose not to default to her jeans today in participation. I tried to snap a picture of her, but my camera took a blurry pic and I felt it didn't do her outfit justice.

                     Here is Adriane in a corduroy pencil skirt, tights, cowboy boots and zebra print hoodie.

                         
                    And Amy in her cowboy boots, legwarmers, skirt, jean jacket and printed scarf.

    Well done ladies! And well done for the other participants who I haven't had the pleasure to photograph.

 I spent my afternoon thrift shopping in Paradise (sans kids), and grabbed a bunch of cute new things for myself and the shop. More on that later...
  I will be visiting my husband's grandmother in Santa Rosa and will most likely have something to share on Sunday. I hope everyone has a great weekend! xoxox

Day Four Fashion Challenge

  As I mentioned in my last post, I went out with the girls last night and was in bed too late to be up only a few hours later. So my outfit today reflects how unable I was to put together a full fledged "outfit". It is raining and very cold. My outfit would have been a lot cuter if I was allowing myself to wear jeans. Today was truly a jeans with thigh high legwarmers day. But I resisted, staying true to the challenge. Fashion isn't rocket science, but it does take brain power. Today, I just don't have it.
  Dragging myself out of bed to take the kiddos to school I managed to cover my body with articles of clothing. I'm sure all of the parents and staff at school at least appreciated that much. But here it is, in all of it's boring glory.

            Black corduroy bell bottoms, cowboy boots, vintage sweatshirt, puffy sweater vest, chunky scarf and favorite "bad hair day" hat. (all thrifted)

Amy rolled in later than usual, and despite her late night, she also managed to not wear jeans.

Festival pants (Renouveau Clothing), slouchy turtleneck sweater, puffy vest and coffee (a much needed accessory)

It was a pretty quiet morning at drop off, but Adriane was there, not in jeans. Although she declined an "outfit" picture (she felt it wasn't worth the photo), I had to take a picture of her AMAZING ass. How that girl's butt can look like that in yoga pants is a wonder.

 

Sorry to disappoint, but some days are better than others. I will go to bed early tonight and be sure to have a clear head when I get dressed tomorrow. Today may not have been "fashion week" worthy, but at least I am still committed to the challenge. xoxo

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 Three Fashion Challenge

Over the hump and things feel normal. I will admit, I DO miss my jeans, but this has been fun. A bunch of my girlfriends and I are going out tonight and are going to take the challenge along for fun. I think it will be easier to wear a non-jeans outfit when you are going out. We are going to a local bar for dancing, so it will still be pretty casual, but we'll sauce things up a bit.

 

sweater tunic (thrifted and altered by me)

leopard print peek-a-boo leggings (thrifted)

feather earrings (Renouveau Clothing)

vintage Frye boots (thrifted and then cut to "shorties" by me)

Yesterday got pretty busy after I picked my son up from school, so here are a few pics of my friends and their outfits.

Rose day two in a green corduroy mini, tights, crochet to and work boots. Rose day two, (with her sweet hubby), in jean shorts, (I'll let her slide), with tights and cowboy boots.

                                  

Amy, day two in yoga flares with skirt, vintage Levi's vest and patchwork handbag. Day three, black corduroy bell bottoms, cowboy boots, sweater and puffy vest.

Adriane, day three, corduroy flares, cowboy boots and belted cardigan

                                                                                            

Day Two Fashion Challenge

Today seemed much harder than yesterday. I think the difficulty is trying to wear an outfit that is comfortable, and not too dressy. But once I let that go, and decided to put on something that I liked, regardless of comfort or appropriateness, I found an outfit that I loved. And it wasn't even uncomfortable.

 

my most favorite vintage sweater (thrifted)

black mini skirt (thrifted, then altered to it's new mini length by yours truly)

multi colored ethnic print belt (thrifted)

black patterned tights (target)

tall vintage 70s boots (etsy)

There were a number of friends at drop off today that were looking fabulous and excited about day two. But I, of course, left my phone (with camera) at home. I will make sure to take some pics later today of other participant's outfits and post them this evening. Looking good ladies! Keep the momentum going!

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.

                                                                      

New Loot

  I have always enjoyed it when other bloggers posted about their recent purchases and new found treasures. So today I have decided to do the same.
  As per my last posting, my poor girl guide, I went thrift shopping.  I am desperately seeking more doilies and hit up my main vain, Thrifty Bargain. It was half off day, and although I came home with not one doily, I scored my new favorite dress. I involuntarily let out a "F@*k yeah!" when I saw it, and the poor sweet woman next to me looked at me like I was crazy. Crazy in love with my newest score!

 

Pure bohemian goodness!  I love the tree and floral print and the earthy colors and not to mention the full sheer sleeves. (sigh) When i showed my hubby he immediately thought I could sell it for good money. I was  horrified, and I told him I was keeping it. He then remarked that I'll never wear it. I told him I'll be wearing it next week for my 5 day fashion challenge!

I scored this amazing and HEAVILY sequined top at the Salvation Army a month ago. It is a vintage Oleg Cassini, and it is like armor. It is so thick with sequins, it is like a bullet proof vest. It has this cool tiger-like pattern in black, bronze and silver. I had to repair a few small areas where the sequins were coming loose.  Although it is not perfect, it think it will be SICK with jean cutoffs and cowboy boots.

 

And speaking of cowboy boots, my next score was at that same Salvation Army, but only last week. I have a cowboy boot addiction. I am almost too embarrassed to even count how many pairs I own. But I keep falling in love, and I really do wear them with everything, so I definitely get my money's worth. These are pretty old and kinda crackly, but I love the color and the stitching.

And lastly, I scored this shearling coat  at that old Salvation Army I keep talking about, and have lived in it this whole winter. I have been obsessing over these, especially the really expensive Burberry ones, and this was close enough in aesthetic, and for $12, I couldn't resist. I got a similar one for my best friend for Christmas and we laugh when we wear them on the same day. She lovingly calls them our "Brokeback Mountain" jackets.

Till the next time, happy hunting!

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!