Oh, Hey! How's your summer been?

 

 Mine has been pure awesomeness. My blog, however, has suffered. But you already may have noticed. So back to my awesome summer, since I don't like to dwell on the negative. Here is what I have done in a nutshell: 

1. Traveled the entire month of July (except 3 days) but got to enjoy seriously mouthwatering in-season Georgia peaches. 
2. Went to an Atlanta Braves game, and to the Aquarium (not pictured)
3. Bachlorette party in Myrtle Beach, SC
4. Set up 3 showrooms: Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas
5. Gazed at Las Vegas architecture, wild huh?
6. Went to Le Reve- amazing!
7. Did a little vintage shopping
8. Zip Lined down Fremont street in LV
9. Attended a Moroccan pool party thrown by a very talented host (and friend) Carlos Cardoza
10. popped over to the Rue Magazine Texas launch party (the whole issue is Texas!) and has lots of my favorite Dallas girls featured. :)
11. oh.... and watched as much Olympics as I could!

And summer isn't even over yet!!! I have a few more things up my sleeve, and a big announcement. .

A few things I would buy today if I had an extra $2000

OK, let me start off this post with a disclaimer that if I had an extra $2000 I would probably not buy all of these things... I would pay off a couple bills then put the rest in the wedding fund. This is more of a "loving list" and swoon-worthy objects. Disclaimer aside, here we go:
1. Prada Baroque sunglasses, I saw these in People magazine a few weeks ago and even went into the Prada store in NYC and tried them on (they looked fabulous on me, just sayin') I am seriously in love with them. But I lose things....
2. Trina Turk Graciella dress, I stalk the Trina Turk website about 4 times a week, but have never had an extra few hundred laying around to buy one of these fabulous dresses. Lucky for me, Banana Republic has just launched a capsule collection, but go fast cause since this morning there are already things they are sold out of. Including a fab pair of orange shorts I was gonna buy tonight... GONE. blast.
3. A Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP), preferably one built for water yoga. Ben and I went out last weekend on White Rock Lake, I rented the SUP and Ben the kayak. It was seriously so much fun that I came home and started googling prices for SUPs. Then I found out you can do water yoga (what?!?! awesome) and I became even more obsessed. Seriously obsessed. If anyone has a used board they are willing to sell me, let me know. Otherwise I'm holding out for that extra $2000.

Mod Monday-ModFire

My friend Gregg gave me some literature on the Modfire that he and his partner Eric picked up at Modernism week in Palm Springs. He knew it would be right up my alley and he was right! That thing is pretty awesome. There are a few different sizes but I would LOVE to have the bonfire version (the largest). I think it would fit in Perfect with our Cliff May backyard. Don't you agree?!
Is there a way I can put this on our wedding registry? Otherwise I am savin' up for this baby. So cool.

Mod Monday- Tips for buying vintage clothing

I am pretty comfortable buying a antique/vintage piece of furniture. I got the mad skills/tips/insight handed down to me from generations of women in my family. My aunt is an antique dealer after all. But one thing I have never felt terribly comfortable buying is clothing. Don't get me wrong, I can pick out a gem, but sometimes I am a little rushed and can't try something on so I hold it up, and go "yea, I'm that size" then I get it home and WRONG, it is not the right size.
That is where my friend Angelica comes in (that's her up there in the vintage Pucci, jealous?). She is a master at buying vintage clothing and the last couple outings I have gone on with her, she has taught me some tremendous tips. So I asked Angelica to pass this knowledge on to you.

Without further ado... Angelica's tips:

Vintage shopping can be quite an ordeal for some of us. How many times have we vintage fashionistas uttered the phrase, "That would never fit me...women were just much smaller back then!" Well, women back then used cinchers, corsets, cone bras, and other undergarments meant to tuck and nip every little flaw. Now, let's be reasonable. Most of us simply don't find practicality in these things anymore. With fashion being more comfort-oriented these days, the vintage clothing can be constricting, matronly, gaudy, and really hard to shop for. So, I am offering a few tips to help make it easier!

1. A good seamstress is everything! Take the time to find yourself a trustworthy seamstress. Most vintage clothes can be altered to fit well, but it is essential that you find someone who has experience with vintage fabric and clothing, and can help you get the most out of your purchases. Often, a simple hem, shortening of sleeves, or widening of a neckline is all you need to modernize and freshen up a vintage frock. Which brings me to my next tip...

2. Use your imagination! Sometimes, vintage shopping requires you to think outside the box. Long, bulky dresses can be shortened, necklines can be altered, stains can be removed, buttons can be replaced, and rips in seams can be repaired. Re-styling is also an option for the more matronly, outdated vintage pieces. Again, a good seamstress can help in this department. If you love the fabric or pattern on a piece that is unwearable, it can be re-used to make something new, like a headband, a belt, jewelry...there are lots of possibilities!

3. Know your measurements! Vintage clothing sizes don't run the way modern sizes do. In fact, just ignore the sizes on the tags. Often, they don't reflect current sizing standards. It's essential to know your measurements (bust, waist, and hip), and to carry a tape measure with you when going shopping (this works great at estate sales, where there is no dressing room). This way, you can measure the garment, and know whether or not it will likely fit, saving you time in the dressing room. You can allow a little leeway for the more stretchy fabrics.

4. Bring a Good Friend! This is one of my favorite tips. Shopping with an extra set of eyes can be both useful and fun. You can give each other honest opinions on the fit and look of a garment, and advise each other on those super-hard decisions. Having a gal (or guy) pal with you that knows your style and dress habits can increase your chances of walking away with some great pieces, as well as walking away from a potentially unwise purchase!

So, what are your tips? Please share!

photo above taken by Rachael Laine 

I might have a turquoise problem

I was so excited to order and receive my new little froggy cocktail ring from INpink. He's pretty awesome and I have gotten compliments all day on him. but when I put him in my jewelry box, I realized that I might have a turquoise ring problem... I mean there is NOT much diversity there. however, you buy what you like, right?

I guess my mom had a point when she bought me one of my all time favorite children's books, Sue Likes Blue.
And obviously this isn't the first time I had an affection to blue, as evidence from my house post here.

Some other rad booths at the Vintage Show

Vintage Junkys, these girls had a super fun booth to shop and had that 50's high waisted bikini they suggested I try on fit me, I totally woulda bought it. Something tells me these chicks with style are gonna find another one for me soon. Their Etsy shop is here.

Janet at Skip to my Lou was blowing my mind with her jewelry creations. Each piece is handmade by her from vintage pieces. Her merchandising on vintage photos was pretty cool too. On the back of each photo it tells the story of each item that went into the piece, plus a story about the photo... Art all around. Skip to my Lou isn't on the webs but you can call Janet at 903-825-3757

  Beads by Sandy was like a candy store for jewelry makers. Old keys.. Check. Colorful beads... Check. Bracelets with bugs in them? Check. Hilary and I both got bug bracelets and joked they were our "grown-up" friendship bracelets. Nothing says BFF like dead bugs captured in lucite.

 Nova at Collective Nest, had some really great items including some lovely vintage lingerie and get a load of that blue dress!! And her Etsy shop is open all the time. Vintage shopping at 2 am? Sure!

What do I do with my hands?! Oh, there. And the jumpsuit I never bought. But I did get that cutie citron 60's dress. Vintage Martini had the mother load of any vintage brand you have ever heard of including the Pucci dress none of us got. Oh well. Check out the Dallas Vintage Jewelry Show homepage for all the vendors. So worth it.

Mod Monday- Countess Mara

"Tell a man you like his necktie and you will see his personality unfold like a flower"- Countess Mara. I was a total newbie to Countess Mara neckties before this weekend. I attended the VintageJewelry and Clothing showin Grapevine over the weekend and saw some pretty amazing local vendors. I was pretty excited about a lot of them, but today for Mod Monday I am featuring Bess & Evie's Vintage Kalen old me all about the Countess Mara ties and although she started designing men's neckwear in the mid 30's the 50's designs are obviously pretty mod. I picked up that navy blue one with the carriage design and skyscrapers for Ben. Bess & Evie's also has those awesome cuffs made out of vintage teacups... So cool

You're invited to a Posh Party! sponsored by @Poshmarkapp

So what is Poshmark?

Poshmark is a fun and simple way to buy and sell fashion – straight from your iPhone.
Buying on Poshmark is fun and simple. Discover fashion lovers with great style and follow them so you can shop their listings. The more people you follow, the more exciting items you see. Shop this ever-changing collection of items anytime you’d like from your iPhone.
Selling on Poshmark is fun and simple too. First, take a photo of the item you want to sell. Then, simply transform it into a gorgeous Covershot. Share it with your followers and you’re done!

Saturday night at Texas Style Council attendees will be uploading their party dresses live from Austin at the Poshmark Posh Party for you to buy! You don't have to be there physically to attend the party too. All you have to do is download the Poshmark app from the iTunes store (it's free!) and create an account.On Saturday the  in-app shopping party will be from 8-10pm CST, log on at 8 and join the party. 

My username is little_e  Follow me and see what I'm selling.  

Leave me your username in the comments and I will be sure to follow you back!

See ya Saturday. 

Follow Poshmark on Twitter: @poshmarkapp

ABC Kitchen

 We popped over to ABC kitchen for lunch yesterday. Good food, great atmosphere and Beautiful space. Then of course we popped in for a really quick walk through ABC Home. When in Rome, right?!
I love the paint textures on the walls... swoon.

A lovely Sunday in NYC

Sunday we had a day off in NY since the building is closed so Seth and I decided to go play in the city.  Started the day with this lovely view from our hotel window... you can see the Freedom Tower being built in the middle at the very back of the photo. Then we met my friend Jen and went to the Guggenheim to see the Maurizio Cattelan exhibit. Pretty dark and humorous stuff, totally interesting and I highly recommend it.

Then we went for a run/walk through Central Park where we got to make these GIANT bubbles...(the photo below is our demonstrator... the guy runnin the bubble show).

 

The morning of athletics was quickly ruined when we stopped for Pop Burger then headed to Brooklyn to wander around... including SmorgasBrewery at the Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg. 

 

 We rounded out the day with a pop into one of my faves Artists and Fleas (where we had an unexpected participation in the filming of the web documentary Failure Club). Then onto a lovely dinner at the Two Door Tavern with Jess.

A Cape... makes me feel like a superhero

I ordered this really awesome cape from etsy shop FM908 for my upcoming trip to the UK. I got it right before Thanksgiving and I have worn it almost everyday since. It is warm, cute, fun and functional. And the coolest part? It is handmade!! You can go to the shop and pick out one of the capes that are in stock... or customize your own. Pretty rad. I can't wait to gallivant around London in this number.

Even if Ben calls me a Hobbit and not a superhero when I wear it. :)

A dress... for my hat! and I need some opinions PLEASE!

I bought this super fun hat for a wedding that I am attending in Scotland in December. It is a Ryan Wilde piece that I scored in Brooklyn this summer. BUT... here is my dilemma, I have no dress to wear with the hat. 

So friends, I have narrowed it down to a few choices and need some opinions. keep in mind, it will be Scotland in December... so I will most definitely have on tights and a wrap/sweater/shrug type deal. and maybe some boots or booties.

I am trying to keep in the theme of the feathers so green or black was my thought.

From left to right starting at the top: black wrap dress, green origami dress, black lady dress with cool neck, green heathered dress, black dolma sleeve dress, one shoulder green dress.

Also, I will probably buy this super badass gold gator claw from Georgia Varidakis (she is friends with Ryan and sold me the hat + she cast the necklace from the same gator claw that is INSIDE the feathers on my hat). so cool....

Wanna know what makes the hat EVEN cooler?! It was worn by Iman in VS. magazine (I apparently have it on backwards in my photo above).

Score!! Charley Harper poster for CHEAP!

I got on FB this morning to my top news feed, to find a tip from Retro Renovation about US government stockpiles of Charley Harper posters for... wait for it... under $20!! AND no tax and FREE shipping. What the what?!!? I'm in. I got the Rocky Mountains one above because I liked the colors.
Here is the US government bookstore link: http://bookstore.gpo.gov/actions/GeneralSearch.do

TIP: they don't show great images so you can google image search the name to see better up close photos before you choose.

Global Views Warehouse Sale

Global Views

Warehouse Sale!

Furniture, decorative accessories.

75% off Retail or More

Sale Dates:

Tuesday, October 11th

9:00 - 5:00

Wednesday, Oct 12th 9:00 - 12:00

Easy Directions to Global Views (from downtown Dallas):

Take I-35N from downtown Dallas

Go North to Mockingbird

Go West (left turn) on Mockingbird (away from Love Field) one block

We are at the corner of Mockingbird and Ambassador Row

7301 Ambassador Row, Dallas, TX  75247

Enter 2nd Global Views driveway and enter by dock door #4.

If you are tax exempt, please bring a copy of your re-sale certificate.

Missoni Madness!!

This morning, I did wake up early for the Missoni at Target only to find their server must have crashed... And for the record, so not cool that as of 10 pm, it is still not up.
I headed out the door to arrive at 8 (when the store opened) to watch over 100 people walking into the store. EEk!!!
I had a couple things in my head that I was looking for, the pink cardigan and the shoes. I ended up with Waaaaay more than I should have gotten because the peer pressure to start grabbing stuff kicked in. I mean seriously guy in line in front of me that had NO idea what you were buying until you started to sort through it in line and then when you saw the tray I had you jumped out of line to go grab it?! I ended up returning the tray with a couple other things.
I do think I made out pretty well, and for just over $150 (I got a couple other things not pictured cause they are gifts). :)

My alarm tomorrow morning is set at 4 am... so i don't miss this::

I have been counting down the days and saving my pennies for this event. Missoni has always been just out of my reach but i LOVE the designs, pattern and color. So Friends, come 4 am and I will be doing some online shopping!!

Wine, BBQ and I'm ENGAGED!!!!

Our most lovely and gracious friends Mark and Sandra invited us along on their Labor Day weekend trip to Wimberley. After a minor pet mess situation in the car and Blair witch situation after midnight looking for the rental house wen had a most Fabulous and memorable weekend. We set out for breakfast to Kate's Place where we then stumbled upon Market Days... Everyone was so confused when we told them we weren't in town for that. But whatever, onto the wine tasting!!


Over the course of two days we ate at 2 BBQ restaurants, went to 7 wineries and bought lots of local food to bring home.


But lets get to the exciting part... BEN asked me to marry him!!! I said yes. :) we were at the 2nd winery on Saturday, Driftwood checking out the amazing view and jammin on some lovely viognese and mozzarella. As I commented how awesome the day was and beautiful the weather was I looked over to B pulling a ring out of his pocket, getting down on his knee and asking me to be his wife. After much shock and literally asking "is this a joke?!" 8,000 times, I said "of course" and started crying. Mark got it all on film. :)



Here are the wineries we went to in order:
Wimberley Valley Wine
Driftwood where we got engaged!!
Duchman Family Winery
Sunday:
Bella Vista Ranch
Bell Springs our fave... And not on the map
Solara Estates
Dinner and tasting at Salt Lick

It was a great trip, thank you Mark & Sandra!! You guys are amazing and we are lucky to call you friends. And lovely serendipitous moment when our good friends Nico and Sarah #4square stalked us to join the party.... I love you guys for that.

Let the planning begin!!!!

Vintage DVF

Tonight we were out at Lula B's East looking for an outfit for Ben for a themed party on Saturday (more on that later), when literally this gem jumped out at me. I loved the print, color and style first. Then I went to check out the price, when not only did I notice it was DVF, but it was my size AND $20.... Mine!! We did find an outfit for B too but if I show you, it will give away the party. ;)

I wish I lived in LA... and a great Philosophy

Emily Henderson had an awesome source guide on her Blog today... but it is all in LA. Soooo if you are there, check out her awesome list.
BUT:
My favorite thing about her post was her philosophy on sharing sources. It's genius and something that I believe as well. In fact, I just had this conversation with Sam the other day.

Here it is:

"A lot of people are secretive with their sources, but when it comes to mainly vintage the more business they do the more they can buy, its not like they will run out of vintage, they will just be able to turn over more, and charge less.  And its a recession people.  A lot of these stores have suffered, so the more you help them the better. Let's put good design in the hands of the people.  It's like i want to be the Trader Joe's of design." 

Agree? Disagree?

Tweet-up Thrift outing (a better re-cap)

I don't think I did the tweet-up outing justice on my post from yesterday, but Tonia told us to keep the word "mum" on where she took us so the secret didn't get out. Yes, we met the Mayor. No, we did not believe Tonia when she said that this place was amazing. YES, it was SUPER fun and I can't wait to do it all over again.

So, Thank YOU Tonia!! I still have a super crush on your shoes! You can read Tonis's recap of the adventure over on Chic Modern Vintage. Then at least I am keeping my word to stay quiet. ;)