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.  -^_^-

Frozen Little Fishies

This dress makes me feel like Miss Frizzle, that is all.

Yellow long sleeve collared dress - Asos

Fishie print dress - Modcloth

Boots - Nordstrom

Sweater Tights - Modcloth

Turquoise ring - Mom's

Mint Coat - J.Crew

Christmas Tree Hunting

This morning I spent figuring out ways to increase the traffic and visibility of my shop.  For starters I decided to utilize my Flickr account a bit better by uploading my vintage stock and my artwork there.  It's not finished yet (I have a bunch of photos still to upload) but take a peek if you'd like! :)

After a lovely lunch date with my Mom, we went off to find our Christmas tree!  Even though we don't usually chop it down ourselves, having a real tree has always been an essential in my family.  I truly can't even imagine having an artificial one.  To each their own, but there is just something happy about having the outside in during the Christmas season-- and oh, the smell. :)

Christmas is already feeling a bit different this year, but in good ways.  The house I grew up in sold (in 9 days!) at the end of October so we'll be celebrating in a different, smaller place than usual.  It's been truly amazing to me though, how much God has provided in this time of transition.  We've been challenged in new ways, but I'm thankful to say that it's only tightened the knit of my family.  I think I'm looking forward to this Christmas more than I have in some years.  

Now it just needs to snow! (I hope you heard that Big Guy). -^_^-

Vintage 50's Dress - Croatia Vintage

Ivory Cardigan - Thrifted

Locket - Grandmother's

Turquoise Ring - Mom's

Sweater Tights - T.J. Maxx

Leather Boots - Fiorentini & Baker

Mint Coat - J.Crew