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Vintage Pink Sandals

And then of course, if you’re thinking about Spring, then with your pretty spring dress (see my post here) you’re going to need some pretty accessories. And (just this once) I’m not even talking about jewelry.

I’m talking about these darling 1960s sandals:

Vintage pink sandals from BigBangZero on Etsy

Are those not adorable? They’re available at BigBangZero Vintage Shop on Etsy and she has lots of wonderful goodies that will charm you and make you happy. Go sneak a peek, you will thank me!

Like I said – slip on your pretty spring dress, grab a shawl or jacket, slip into these wondiferous sandals, and go meet your girlfriend. Or boyfriend. Or both.

Summer. Fun. Kind of what it’s all about 🙂

P.S. And did I mention the Art Deco red glass-beaded fringe bag or the Black Italian leather granny boots she has in her shop right now? Honestly. Go peek!

A spring dress – vintage of course!

I’m in the mood for Spring. It’s cold here – it’s cold around half the U.S. – and it’s February – and I am wanting to hurry Spring along. That never works, but I can dream 🙂

And it’s got me searching for spring clothes – that don’t cost a fortune, that look comfy and pretty and full of color and life, and this just suits, yknow?

vintage Italian orchid dress from PomoloVintage on Etsy

Doesn’t that pic – that dress – make you want to grab a scarf, maybe a lightweight cardigan, and head outside for lunch? Warm sunshine, pretty sandals, and maybe leave work early to meet, well, somebody special.

We can dream, can’t we? And meanwhile, this pretty dress is full of flowers and color and it makes me feel good. It’s available from PomoloVintage on Etsy and Jolene, the owner, has lots of pretties for you to admire. Go peek – you’ll thank me!

Raspberry Red Teardrop Jewels

I just love this color! These glass teardrop beads are red. Yes. But “red” covers a lot of territory. Coral red. Lipstick red – which is really a color “name” they use a lot and isn’t it funny? Because I mean – which lipstick? But anyway. Crimson. Ruby. Apple red.

Then I figured it out: these are raspberry red. Definitely red, with just an under hint of… blue, maybe. But really red, all the same.

raspberry red glass teardrop beads in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop

Love the color!

Recycled Cashmere Scarf – warm and gorgeous

Now this scarf is beautiful and I love the colors – but really, she had me at “recycled” and “cashmere”. My favorite thing – recycled, reused, smart choices – and then: cashmere. This is to love.

recycled cashmere sweater scraps into scarf

It’s available from WormeWoole – Eco Chic Accessories shop on Etsy and the artist / maker / owner Sara has a shop full of yummy recycled and repurposed treasures. You can request your favorite colors, or find accessories for your house or for gifts.

And may I repeat? Recycled. And cashmere. Love!

Weight Watchers – and letting girls down.

I am probably blowing this all out of proportion but I just feel like it needs to be said. Every time I see the latest Weight Watchers commercial it makes me mad enough to spit.

First part of the commercial is set decades ago, 1960s I assume. It shows a young girl telling somebody about how people are going to live on the moon, and do all kinds of great things. “You can do anything,” says the commercial. Yay! That’s a great message to share.

Second half of the commercial is present day. And the voiceover says yes, you really can do whatever you dream. Why, using Weight Watchers, you really can lose weight!

What?

They are comparing the dream of going to the moon and doing great things – to LOSING WEIGHT? What kind of message are we sending to little girls – or big girls – today? That losing weight and looking good, is the really Big Dream?

Yes, being healthy and fit is important. But so are dreams, and living in a better world, and looking to the future. Somehow I don’t think they’re talking about any of that.

Sorry. It really makes me mad. If I misinterpreted it, I’ll apologize. But if I didn’t, maybe somebody owes US an apology.

P.S. Later that night… I really hope I got it wrong. Will post again when I see the commercial next time. Weight Watchers is a good organization and they help a lot of people. I’ll get back to you!

Upcycled Eco Clothing – the very best kind

Well. Christmas is over, the packages open, the games played with, the sleepiness from too-much-food, the hugs and arguments and mess and cleanup and fun of Christmas was yesterday. Today it’s time to rest and relax and maybe, in the corner of your brain, think of where you’d like to go in the next year.

For me, that includes upcycled and recycled items – you know the mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle. Everything we can do in that regard is good for the planet – or at least better for the planet. And it can be fun and fashionable too.

Case in point: this yummy winter hat.

Upcycled winter hat - eco friendly fashion

One, it looks warm. I am a total yutz about winter (my idea of a GOOD winter day is one where I have to wear sleeves. Maybe socks) – so warm is an absolute requirement for me when it’s cold outside. Two, it’s cute. Three, and top of the list really, is that it’s upcycled. I found it at Glorious Morn – a terrific shop on Etsy which features vintage, upcycled, and handmade wearables. The artist-maker-shop owner, Sue, has lots of hats and scarves to choose from – all fun, cute, and upcycled.

You’ll love them – and it’s cold outside. Go peek!

P.S. And then of course, there’s her vintage clothing… yeah, you’re going to have fun over there!

Merry Christmas :-)

And a Happy New Year to you guys 🙂

Merry Christmas from our house to yours

Have a wonderful, warm, safe, fun and silly holiday!

Spring 2014 Jewel Colors, Part Two (I think)

And there’s just one more vintage glass jewel pairing I wanted to show off today (okay, there’ll be more later) because I love the color combination:

Peridot green and pink vintage glass jewel combo in my Etsy jewelry supplies store

Actually the tiny pink stones are new – it’s the peridot green teardrops that are vintage. They’re called “buff top” because the faceting is actually on the bottom. It’s amazing how well it reflects the light – these are just beautifully made.

And, well, like I said: springtime. Today it’s ice and sleet and snow outside – but in here, baby? Spring is on the way 🙂

A charming DIY – decorate a Mug

It’s a cute, fun, and darling DIY idea. And did I mention easy? Find a white (or solid color) mug and add a heart. Show your love 🙂

DIY do it yourself mug with heart

It’s not a new idea, but when I saw this mug, I had to re-mention it! I first wrote about the idea of drawing on a plate or dish over at my Paper Jewels blog. Check there for more details – but basically, you use a Sharpie, you write or draw on your mug, and you bake it in a slow oven for a few hours. Presto – the image is now permanent.

The reason this mug inspired me (again)? It’s so simple – and heartfelt, no pun intended. You don’t have to be a great artist. You don’t have to be Careful, planning out a full recipe or poem to fit around the border. You just draw something you feel. A red heart. A funny lopsided unicorn. A bunch of stars. Anything that makes you – or your sweetie or your mom – smile.

Then cook the mug. Then give the gift. This is DIY with love!

P.S. I don’t remember where I found this image! I know, I’ve been bad about that. If you know the source, please tell me so I can give proper credit!

P.P.S. And if you just realized you didn’t get a Christmas gift for (fill in the blank) – grab a plain mug out of your cupboard – and draw a Christmas tree on it. You don’t have to go to the mall – you don’t have to spend money that yo’re out of – and you made it with love (or at least guilt). This rocks!

Winter-into-Spring Vintage Dress

Holy toledo, this is a great dress. Yes, you could wear it right now – it’ll look great in winter, with high heeled pumps (of course) and maybe some oversized pearls. But I’m already thinking about Spring – and this fab dress will carry you right through Easter.

Vintage Hourglass Dress and Cropped Jacket from One Trick Chassic vintage store on Etsy

Can’t you see it with turquoise lucite, or white, or bright red jewelry for contrast? And little strappy sandals on a warm spring day? (well yeah, high heels – but still, sandals). Maybe demure white gloves.

Yeah, demure. That’s the ticket 😉

This dress is available from One Trick Chassis – Classic Vintage Threads on Etsy and J.J., the shop owner, has some great finds over there. The guys’ suits – the red swing coat – the leather bags – well, you’ve just got to go look, that’s all. By the time you see this, Christmas has come and gone (or at least, you’re ready for it) – it’s maybe time for a small indulgence just for you. And, well, thinking about Spring.

You know you want to!