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

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

Sheer Madness

I love all of the sheer clothing out right now, and made a point to fill my shop with this new trend. I have been collecting  various sheer items and finally got a moment to take some pictures for my shop. I am so inspired by Free People , and have also been working on the whole "fish tail" look (I call them "mullet skirts", shorter in the front longer in the back, you get it), so I also have a few of this trend going up in my shop. Busy days, but I finally got a moment to put some work into my etsy store.

I am digging both of these trends and will post an outfit pic of my most favorite dress that I gave the old mullet haircut to. For now, I'll be listing these little treasures in my shop. Hope to see you there! xoxox

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!

Spread Thin

I have  missed sitting in front of my computer and sharing my musings with all who will listen. I haven't even had much time to sit and read some of my own favorite blogs! The warmer weather has added an element of chaos to my life (in a good way). My son has started little league and I have been thrown into a full blown baseball mom frenzy! At least one practice a week plus two games (in a week!). I love watching my not-so-little-anymore guy run around and focus so intently on a task. He loves to play, and he is pretty good (if I do say so myself).
With that filling my weeks, trying to run my etsy shop, creating new clothing,  cooking meals, packing lunches, picking up/dropping off, making time for my hubby, cleaning (although I'll take any excuse not to do that) and the occasional "girl's night", I have not been diligent about blogging. I miss it, and even though it is probably the first to fall to the back burner, I can not help but question "why"? It is so nice to sit down and collect my thoughts and organize my agenda. Checking in with myself should not be the first thing to drop off. Blogging has been a great outlet for me. So here I am, making my attempt at checking in and sharing.

Here are a few random pics of all the stuff going on in the last couple of weeks.

Haircuts for the kids

crepe night with friends

Eamon scoring a run at baseball

Girl's night out

All is well and I am thankful to be so busy. The devil makes work for idle hands in my case, so here's to staying busy and out of trouble.

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.

Etsy Update

I have been SWAMPED and overwhelmed lately, and although I have plenty I could share, I can't loose my momentum. So, here is a small update of the things being listed  in my shop.

 I am so grateful for the beautiful sunshine we are having. It is warming my spirit, and all feels fresh. I am in a space where creativity is in charge and I sometimes wish that I knew what it was like to be bored. For now, I am riding the wave. xoxo