Spring is for Blooming

Hello friends, Spring is for blooming and that I am!  

I've felt for some time that a change was in the works for both my shop and blog, and now that's finally come to fruition.  The changes on the surface are small-- staring with names-- but the real difference will be in the depth of content.  The name Wishflower was a memory from childhood, and something that I felt after a time, I grew out of.  Those who don't know me, usually perceive me as a dainty girly-girl (mostly because of the way I dress, I suppose), but that's not who I truly am at all.  "Wishflower" has more and more, rubbed that false image in for me and caused me to search for a name that did honestly fit who I am.  

Don't get me wrong, a name could never define me.  Ever.  Still, I wanted one that would at least nod to the values I have, and the fabric I'm made of.

From now on, you can find me over at my new blog of Dust and Wonder, and at the newly re-named shop Curio Vintage.

 Oh, and Happy Spring! :)

Spring Itch

Hey there great blue yonder!

I have been recently SO looking forward to Spring!  Maybe it's because Chicago finally got some lovely snow (my Winter bucket-list completed), or perhaps it's just because I miss running out of the house without a coat!  Whatever the reason, the itch has caused me to begin re-styling some of my shop stock for Spring!  I've even added a couple new floral items as well,  care to take a look?

50's floral skirt / Peach + Mustard + Sage

Vintage 70's Tulip Wrap Dress / Periwinkle + Green

Vintage 60's Cotton Rose Sundress

I know it's only February (which means plenty of more cold and snow ahead) but I can't help but itch for flowers, sunshine and the ability to go sans-tights again!  What are your favorite things about Spring?

Lately (snippets)

These guys.

Finding old drawings.

Snowy walks (+ mastadons)

Post snowy-walk pie.

Lending a hand at my local costume shop (everyone has one, right?)

Journaling - She Reads Truth: Soul Detox

Latte's to take the chill off.

Blast 2013

Blue Roses

Oh, how this skirt reminds me of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams   I remember when I first read the play and how much I could relate to Laura at that point in my life.  I wouldn't consider myself a Laura as much today, but my heart still hurts for her, the younger me and others who struggle with self worth, finding confidence and being different.  If you've never read the play, I highly recommend it!

- Jim to Laura, Scene 7 of The Glass Menagerie by: Tennessee Williams

{Details}
Blouse - J. Crew
Skirt - Vintage from Female Hysteria
Tights - T.J. Maxx
Boots  - Fiorentini & Baker
Belt  - J. Crew
Locket -  Grandmother's

Arriving Soon

Smalls: Hand mirrors, gloves, handkerchiefs, hat pins, watches, etc.

Keep your eyes peeled!

Enter 2013

2013 has been wonderful so far, my heart feels good this year. I suppose that's thanks in part to 2012!

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I know myself better this year than I did last January-- dare I say well?

I have a stronger, tighter, growing group of friends this year.

I am healthier now than I was at the start of 2012.

I love better now than a year ago.

Le sigh, God is good. -^_^-

More learning to come!

Details

Miss Indie Dress - Modcloth

Cranberry Dress (underneath) - Vintage, thrifted

Sweater Tights - TJ Maxx

Leather Boots - Fiorentini & Baker

Enamel Necklace - Vintage, thrifted

OH, and I finally invested *gulp* and purchased my first ever, very own DSLR camera!

         

DIY: Steel Garment Rack

Anyone need more closet space? If so, this may be the DIY for you! When I came across this garment rack on Pinterest, I knew I would be making it. Since I recently moved to a smaller place, finding a way to store my vintage stock has been a challenge. That is, until now!

I did not come up w/ this project in any way (source here!) so I'll treat this post as a review of sorts. What worked for me, what didn't, etc.  I found it to be a pretty easy process, overall I would do it again, but there were some issues.

• Ease: There are literally no tools needed, they recommend a wrench but I found that I didn't need it. Also, the directions are wonderfully straight forward.

• Availability: I found all of the components easily at my local hardware store. Btw, it's really fun to buy plumbing stuff in a dress-- just saying. :)

• Quality: This is quite a stable garment rack in the end, not one of those flimsy, build from a box types at all.

• Cost: The price quoted is $70 - $80 for all of the materials. I ended up paying around $120 and I didn't even purchase the spray paint. I'm not sure if that differs by region?

• Origin: Apparently America no longer produces it's own steel. I'm more disappointed than surprised, but sheesh right? I like DIY in part because of the fun, sense of accomplishment and creativity that goes into it. The other reason I like making things though, is so I'm not buying imported goods from giants like China and India. Not the case in this project unfortunately, every one of my components was stamped CHINA.

• Grease: Plumbing pipes and hardware all come greased and ready to use for their true purpose. Yeah, I know there's not much to be done about that one. I actually think that's the real reason why the DIY says to spray paint everything first. I'll probably end up painting mine soon, because who really wants their clothing hanging on a greasy clothing rack?

• Oh yeah, don't try to assemble the thing upstairs and then try to get it downstairs fully put together.  By yourself.  Like an idiot.  -^_^-