Inspiration: Vintage Beach Cottage

Vintage Pyrex beaker growing sweet potato vine

Vintage paint-by-numbers and Pottery Barn lamp

This shell was collected from the South Pacific by my grandfather during WWII

Original oil painting Goodwill $30

When my husband Robert was a boy growing up in Chicago, his family would escape to the lakeside town of Pentwater as a summer retreat. The glowing blue lake, the fine white sands, even the smell of the air all bring fond childhood memories that are irreplaceable for him. I also grew up not far from a favorite summer jaunt: the seaside town of Mendocino, California. Every summer since high school my mom and I would pick a day and spend it in the tiny shops and among the flower covered bluffs far above the tide pools and waves. I tried to incorporate these memories into our home decor and decided to share what I have come up with. Here are a few of my favorite pieces that bring us back to the beach -vintage cottage style.

A Tale of Two Cities

As the sun is sifting through the curtains on this late afternoon I look forward to this coming summer and the months after. I truly do love LA. The warm sun, the bustle; it will be hard to leave behind. As much as I love Southern California I am REALLY looking forward to moving to Portland, Oregon sometime after this coming September. My husband and best friend Robert is a Portland native and has been pining for the weather, the brisk air, the snowy mountains. I love the promise of vintage boutiques fabulous downtown area, and eventually a 1930's house of our own. I love what I've learned from LA. I can't wait to add new experiences too. It's almost a small flicker of the once avid American Dream. Pursue happiness and thrive. For us- its a new city with old friends and familiar territory (with a side of LA grit). 

Fine Day for Photos

Yesterday a young photographer friend of my husband and I offered us a free shoot for his portfolio. We happily accepted and cannot be happier with the results- see for yourself! All photo credits to Andrew Derr.

Vintage Kitch Love

My heart for vintage is no secret. My taste for eclectic is undeniable. Even then, I still can surprise myself. I have tried to edit my tastes so as not to end up a figurine hoarding cat lady, but there were a few i could not leave without. Maybe its the colors or the cartoony glaze, but I LOVE these wonderful little touches of my personality around the house. I hope you'll enjoy them too.

A Step in the Healthy Direction

In the name of no longer running in my own rut I have decided to quit Diet Coke. Cold turkey. My husband and I LOVE Diet Coke. In fact we go through a case of 24 in about a week. I have decided not to quit caffeine entirely but at least replace my source for a healthier one; green tea. Today marks day 10 with only one half can consumed and no fountain sodas. (although I did knock back a pear cider from BJ's restaurant rather quickly due to the lovely carbonation- won't be doing that again soon. ) I want to make it clear that I have nothing against colas in and of themselves, rather my exorbitant habit of chain drinking. I am also sure the mass amounts of caramel color and aspertame were not very healthy either. I admit I was very grouchy for at least the first week and the cravings were not easy to ignore, however I feel sooo much more refreshed and I feel that I have accomplished something that can be difficult- discipline. There is still a 24 can box in the fridge- but I know if I can hold out ten days I can also make this a lifestyle. I am really proud of myself! It gives me sooo much respect for people who beat really hard things like losing a lot of weight or quitting smoking. One tiny facet of plain jane tackled- more to follow soon. Maybe something like platform wedges...

Favorite Use for a Floral Frog

Frogs can be held in place with a couple of thumbtacks

Add necklaces with a few Christmas tree hangers- I like the ones from Pottery Barn

Just Beginning

I don't want to make too much of this blog about myself. That being said, I need to lay a little groundwork before just spouting sonnets in the name of vintage. I am a self-proclaimed plain jane. I preferred a can of nuts and bolts from my dad's tool drawer to any doll out there as a child. Even to this day I err on the side of lazy casual as opposed to a put together look.   This blog is for all the girls who usually don't get things right the first try. For those who doubt their good ideas until they see it on the shelf of their favorite stores. And for those who are tired of the same old rut and finally want something new. My name is Kami Cozzi and these are my Chronicles of a Plain Jane.