Thrifted Inspiration: Outfit Edition

Silk blouse: Goodwill , Earrings: Swap meet

High waist linen sailor trouser: Anthropologie original price $120 ish on sale for $19.97

Woven beach bag: Salvation Army, Leather heals: Goodwill

How much I love clothes shopping! (way too much) Even better to spend time with a friend while digging through a Goodwill or poking around an antiques store. Recently I did just that. I found the Sweetest smoky purple all silk blouse and a hideous shoulder padded 90's top I could not for the life of me put down. I am too embarrassed at the time to show pictures of that- maybe when it becomes a successful sewing project :) Without further hindrance, here is an outfit composed of only thrifted items! This proves to me that I don't always have to shop expensively to be inspired. Duh right? :D

My Retro Wedding

held at a ranch house retreat in San Juan Capistrano

Best kiss ever - How young we look!

My one day to be beautiful

Love the near noir lighting!

This is my favorite smile Robert makes- even though its usually his getting into trouble smile

Three years and eight months ago I married Robert Cozzi. As our four year anniversary draws near I am filled with excitement and anticipation- it is, after all, my turn to plan our anniversary date. I really think few people put as much weight and value on their anniversary as Robert and I do. Every one we have is truly a milestone - out of every anniversary we have had this is only the second one we will share outside of being legally separated. This anniversary marks our first full year (plus some months) being together. Sadly these days tragic endings to marriages are not unusual- even young people getting married and it falling apart swiftly like ours did is not unheard of. As this date draws near I want to thank Pastors Bob and Roger for their unfailing love, patience, and counseling that drew my husband and I back together. I most of all want to thank my husband! Robert, you are undoubtedly my best friend and my dearest love. We have earned this date- but most of all you- you build up my spirit and set me free and I love you. Ok enough mush! Here are a few photos from our original wedding date that I will never forget and never regret. Thanks you Cole Jeffrey for the most beautiful photography!

My Own Mid Century

As a bit of a follow up to my last post I wanted to show you what I have done with my own mid century inspiration. Like I said before I love blending different style influences together, but today I will highlight the things I have which are the most mid century inspired. Hope you enjoy!

Decor Inspiration : Mid-century Vintage

  There is just something magical about mid century modern styling. The sleek modern lines all the while retaining retro snazz just beg to be blended in with current influences. Here are a few of my favorite examples from around the net. I love how each photo reflects warmth and character without being overdone. What are your thoughts on mid century?( all rights reserved by original owners of ideas and photographs)

Inspiration: Bits and Baubles

This lovely is from Curious Creatures on Etsy $27.00

These are also Curious Creatures on Etsy $26

enamel bracelets from Anthropologie $28 Yay!

This little ring is from Madewell for $10! Check out their other colors!

Also happens to be from Madewell $18

This necklace and earrings are from Moonlight for Violet on Esty! So chic!

I LOVE jewelry. I like shopping for it. I love finding it vintage. I love displaying it. Oddly enough I don't wear it very often... which is something I have been making an endeavor to remedy. When I find something I know I will wear all the time I have a little celebration on the inside. Here are some of my favorite and surprisingly well priced jewelry crushes (which I do not own but would love to!) What are some of your favorite go to bits?

Goodie Tuesday

Mini painting with velvet frame $5, tiny teal pedestal $1, Heavy camera $5, Silver necklace $6, tiny red earrings 50 cents, painted basket $3

I had the rare opportunity to visit my local swap meet with my good friend and fellow blogger Rachael. Rachael is the lady behind Joyful Treasure Hunting - a fabulous vintage lifestyle blog. She has one of the best noses for fab finds ever seen. Today was no exception! I can always tell if my taste is spot on if we both go for the same goodie at the same time :D Here are some of the new goodies I was able to snag with Rachael's approval :D

Thrifted Finds: Clothing Edition

Silky blouse from Buffalo Exchange and 60's or 70's glasses from France

Retro stripe top from Buffalo Exchange and Banana Republic shoes from Goodwill

Dotty top with tulip pockets from Buffalo Exchange and headband from Forever 21

I was in college before I found the joy of thrifted clothing and accessories. I am honestly sad I was so late to the party. As time has passed I have found some truly great things from thrifty locations- Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads, and Goodwill to name a few favorites. A questions arises however, "How does one revel in the joy of a trusty thrifty find without going overboard?" You know you've done it too. We buy things that are cheap because they were "kinda cute" and ... well.. cheap. What happens to those items? They sit in the closet and gather dust until they become re-thrifted. Here are three tips I use when I go thrifting that help me find the perfect balance. 1. I have to LOVE it. I have come to realize no matter how well-intentioned I am, if I don't gasp when I see the shiny new object, it will be a dud. Every single item I have done a happy dance over has become a new staple that I love and get tons of complements on.  2. Stick to quality. I am pretty picky about my picks. I like to stick to real cotton and silk as much as possible- rayon is fine too- keep polyesters and knits to a minimum if you can. 3. I always make sure I have at least three pieces I can wear with the new one. I do this for new clothing too! I don't mean matchy match, but it does need to GO with things I own. This keeps me from getting so eclectic that I have trouble finding things to wear in my own closet.  All that being said, here are examples of my best thrift store finds. Hope you enjoy.

Inspiration: Vintage Daydreams

It is my dream to find the perfect Volkswagon Karman Ghia

Vintage Italian Vespa Scooter? Who doesn't want one if these?

A lovely Beach Cruiser bike! (of course I would have to learn to ride a bike first- lame I know)

There are always things that inspire us that are slightly out of our reach. - Well ok, REALLY out of reach sometimes- haha. A little thing like that should never stop us from being inspired. I think its even a little healthy to let my taste be influenced by things I cannot at this time have. (as long as I don't let myself become too attached depending on the item.) My vintage daydreams range from simple to ornate. Please note all photo credits go to original artists as well as any neat ideas in them :)

Treasure Finding Tuesday

Here's the loot! Atlas: $4

Green soup dish with handle: free, little sewing box full of thread and tomatoes: $2, Aqua fifties mod bowl: $2

Foo dogs (likely 40's-50's) $12

Mix-match silverplate forks: 50 cents a piece

Every Tuesday there is a little local swap meet. Sometimes it is a boom and sometimes it is a bust, but it is always fun to snoop through. I love chatting with the regular booth owners and I especially love walking through with a best friend or two. Today was no exception! I spent the morning walking through the meet with Robert my husband, Ashlyn- a dear friend, and my mom and grammie- (an extra special treat!) As I romped around in a newly thrifted 50's style red striped top, I mostly gathered new treasures in shades of blue and teal.  Here are the spoils of my morning adventure, but the real treasures are of course the memories.

Favorite Vintage Finds: Jewelry Edition

wooden bangle: local imports store, seed necklace: brought from missionaries to the amazon, nail polish and enamel necklace: splurges from Jcrew, gold tone twig earrings: Cost Plus

tiered earrings: anthropologie, enamel locket: ebay, faceted glass necklace: Jcrew hack, four leaf clover: ebay, druzy drops: Francesca's, flower earrings: anthropologie hack, faceted drops: Banana Republic

Faceted glass earrings: Jcrew hack, Duchess necklace (Jcrew): ebay, coral beads: American Girl 20 years ago, rose necklace: Healdsburg CA antique store, faux tortoise earrings: local swap meet, carnelian droplets: Banana Republic, clover pin: local swap meet

You never know when that perfect vintage find might pop up. It is usually when you're not looking for it that you find that favorite jewelry piece at a swap meet, thrift shop, or even in your mom's or grandma's jewelry box (to be borrowed of course). I love to be inspired by the things I surround myself with; mixing old and new- especially the things I wear. These are a few of my most favorite vintage jewelry finds as well as some vintagy finds- some of them from some pretty unexpected places. Hope you enjoy!

I've Never...

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Favorite hat (my husband's) Favorite flower (ranuncula) Current favorite lip color from Clinique

I'm sure almost everyone is familiar with the dare game "I've never". Each person in the group picks one thing at a time that they have never done before- something that everyone else has likely done  before. ( the one with the most things undone wins) All this to say- I have never owned my own lipstick before let alone worn it. UNTIL TODAY! Plain Jane take that. What I started with is Clinique in a warm pink shade with a hint of raspberry. I got it with the free gift with purchase. I thought I would hate it. I don't. Don't be afraid to admit you were wrong about your own tastes- I find the most refreshing ideas I have are usually the ones where I surprise myself. I am done trying to fade in to the rest of my surroundings all the time. World! I am wearing lipstick and I like it. Yay me!