Love Charles Vintage

Daily Outfit: Corduroy

2012-01-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

Pants: Reconstructed | Sweater: h&m | Blouse: Vintage | Shoes: Dana Buchman | Jewelry: Vintage necklace, JGood ring, InPink ring.

How to recycle stretchy old flares? Turn them into skinnies! These were 5 dollar pants from an outlet mall that I bought when I was 15. You can't even tell they used to be so terrible looking. I'm working on a tutorial today on how to do this so dig up some old stretchy pants and get ready.

Daily Outfit: Take it easy + a winner

2012-01-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

Just a simple outfit while I avoid going out in the cold. A vintage sweater and a black skirt is a basic throw on outfit for me.

Sweater: For Sale | Skirt: From etsy

p.s. winner of the shopbop giveaway

Short hair

2012-01-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

I always laugh a little bit when I hear the word androgynous towards someone with short hair. I never look at it as an insult if someone comments saying that, it's just a term you hear a lot. It is not a bad one, and can be used towards anyone going for a "menswear" look, short hair or not. (Do guys with long hair get called feminine often?) But let me tell you, jokingly I've been called a boy more times than I can count. I don't really like hair in general, I don't want feet of it getting in my way, and that's not going to make me dress more feminine or dress any differently than exactly how I want.

Here are a bunch of ladies sportin' a nice short cut. Click the image to go to the source.

Etsy Update: Valentines

2012-01-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

Not too late to order something special for valentines day. Also the whole store is currently 20% off!

Click the image to see the listing.

Daily Outfit: Worship the sun

2012-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

I am so beyond sick, I haven't felt this awful in a long time, so I'm sorry I disappeared for a little bit. Luckily I forgot to post these photos from awhile ago when I felt great and it was nice and sunny out.

These were taken in downtown grand rapids. The loopy metal things are just a fancy version of two cans and a string.

Etsy Update

2012-01-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

A quick update of some of the things that went into the shop this week. Click the photo to see the listing.

Vintage galore!

2012-01-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

Today I acquired two racks of nearly mint condition vintage clothing. Basically what that means is I am going to be very busy! For the rest of january I will be updating my shop daily with new items. I have so many gorgeous wool skirts and I have a coat collection I've been waiting to list! I'll also be posting a lot more of my daily outfits and styling tips on modernizing vintage clothing if everything goes according to plan. Here is a sneak glimpse at the clothes I got today. Be sure to follow along! Should be an excellent start to the year. Etsy | Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter a

Thrift finds

2012-01-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

I'd go thrifting everyday if business was lucrative enough. Nothing makes you feel better than sorting through tons of junk.
Here are some finds from this week.

Handcrafted leather moccasins that fit like a dream, yes please.

I cried a little bit when these were just a little too tight. They are in my etsy shop.

Daily Outfit: Sixties Go-go

2012-01-19T12:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I find really cool vintage pieces but they have tiny little imperfections that can't be fixed so I don't put them in my shop. (Probably just an excuse to keep stuff). When I wear this dress I'm much more worried about it being way, way, way, too short than if anyone is noticing the tiny little hole near the neckline. (Shorts, guys.)

60s mod dress: Vintage
Sweater: Simply vera
Wedges: DSW

Do you stop wearing your stuff if it has a little unrepairable issue? Or keep wearing it until it's falling apart? (Or have you found the sacred middle ground?)

Love Charles Revamp!

2012-01-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

I took over 1500 hundred photos this weekend and I am happy to show off my new and better looking store! It's much easier to browse, and I have better lighting on all the garments so you can see every little detail. I hope you guys like it, it took a long time but was well overdue. I am celebrating by adding new stuff all night.

Head on over to shop!

An outfit, winter wonderland, and a contest.

2012-01-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

For two days everything had a layer of snow on it. It was absolutely gorgeous out so my roommate and I drove to lake michigan because she'd never seen it in winter. We went to the lake, we went in the woods, and we stopped on a nice looking road because I yelled out how pretty it was and that we had to stop.
Now here are all the photos-

Sweater: Vintage
Jeans: Levis
Boots: DSW
Ring: JGood

Two things.

First - That ring? I am mildly obsessed with it. I bought it from JGood which is an online jewelry store that is just starting out. I was not asked or compensation to post about this ring, I just love it so much that I wanted to. So far I haven't taken it off since I got it, and hurray it hasn't turned my finger green or worn down to some cheap copper base like most rings that are available these days. So support this new site if you are able! I intend to.

Second - The reason we wanted to go to lake michigan was so my roommate could enter a contest that I was just informed about. One of my affiliates Anastasia of Beverly Hills is having a contest to fly one winner out to L.A to get a little make over. The contest is called Wish you were here (Click that to read the official rules) and all you have to do is take a postcard picture of yourself by a local landmark and e-mail it to them. I enter contests all the time, and I am always running around telling my friends to enter certain ones haha. Anyway, worth a shot!

If you guys got through all of that you're a champ.

CLOSED Shopbop and Tory Birch $100 Giveaway

2012-01-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

Shopbop has again offered up a 100 dollar gift card to one lucky Love Charles reader.

The items shopbop is currently highlighting are...

Tory Birch Clutches Tory Birch Dresses Tory Birch Booties

However, the gift card can be spent on anything on the site!

Mandatory Leave a comment below with your favorite trend for spring to win.
+1 Follow this blog
+1 Follow Shopbop on twitter
+1 fan Love Charles on facebook
+1 Follow Love Charles on twitter
+3 Post this giveaway on any social media site

Open worldwide, ends 1/29

Daily Outfit: Pretty vacant.

2012-01-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

These are a few days old, because currently theres about 4 inches of snow on the ground. Finally winter!

I apologize for looking like a braindead zombie in the last photo. I was thinking about something really important, I imagine. (That's a joke)

Coat: Goodwill outlet, 50 freakin cents
Dress: Thrifted

My Memories Scrapbook Giveaway CLOSED

2012-01-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

My Memories is offering a reader to win their digital scrapbooking software. I figured since a lot of you guys are interested in crafting, and also run blogs of you own, this would be fun software to play around with! I am currently trying to put together a few pages of Love Charles stuff, and when I do I'm sure they will be incorporated into some blog posts. So far I've noticed there are tons of ways to customize just about everything.

To win - Just visit My Memories and let us know in the comments what you'd use the software for.
+1 Entry for being a follower of my blog.
+1 Entry for fanning their facebook page
+1 Entry for following their Twitter

Ends 1/20/2012

Daily Outfit: Crochet

2012-01-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's really bizarre to me to have 60 degree days in january. But I just got these shorts so I felt like wearin' them. I got them for free via the wonderful reward program on chictopia. Now its rainy and we're supposed to get snow today or tomorrow. I hope! I am ready for winter to be here.

Shorts: Chicwish via chictopia (A lot of chic)
Sweater: Thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted
Necklace: Garage Sale

Etsy Update: Secretary Dresses

2012-01-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

Click the image to see the listing. Most dresses are under $30. The tan turtleneck is my favorite, super comfy and with pockets? If I ever start wearing light colors I'll regret selling it, but for now it's needs to find the right closet.

Interview with MarMar Vintage

2012-01-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be interesting to get to know some fellow female vintage sellers and help support the people that I want to support! So I did a little interview with Maria of MarMarVintage to see how she incorporates being a vintage seller into her life.

Granted, I need to work on my ability to be a good interviewer, but the great photos of Maria taken from her blog will spruce this interview right up.

What got you interested in vintage?My vintage interest began when I was little girl shopping thrift stores with my mom. I have a fond memory of jumping into bins and searching for decent vintage items. My mom told me that someone needs to rescue these beautiful garments.

Do you see yourself selling vintage in the next 5 years? Yes, I do see myself selling vintage in the next few years. I am planning to expand my store and sell vintage garments for the entire family. There is a huge market with vintage children clothing. It has been difficult to find quality children garments because parents tend to discard these items.

Do you support yourself through etsy? I'm trying my best to support myself from etsy store. It has been difficult but I am still working on capturing more customers.

Other than selling vintage, what do you do? I'm currently looking for a part time job. I took a break from working the apparel industry. I want to focus on my online store for a bit. During my free time, I'm testing out different vegetarian recipes and working some DIY projects. My DIY projects are revamping old tables that are discarded on the street. After a few coats of paint, these table are revitalize into shabby chic gems.

What do you think are the benefits of buying vintage instead of modern day clothing?The benefit of buying vintage clothing is recycling and revamping your wardrobe with pre-existing fashion. With your unique threads, you can stand out in the crowd. Also vintage garments were built with better quality of thread and fabric. You will be saving more money over vintage purchases than buying modern day clothing don't last after two wears.

Thanks, Maria!

Please Email me if you are a vintage seller and want to chat!

Philippa Bywater

2012-01-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

These photographs by Julian Marshall are beyond gorgeous, I wanted to share. All of his photos are great so I recommend flipping through the website, but due to her cute haircut I had to post the ones of Phillippa.

Daily outfit: 50s red sweater

2012-01-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

I needed some color, but for the sake of not kidding myself, I'm probably gonna stick with dark and dull colors for the rest of my life. I felt like a sore thumb in a bright color. It is however a pretty fantastic fox logo cardigan.

Skirt: Vintage
Tank: Vintage
Cardigan: Vintage
Shoes: Steve Madden

Melancholia

2012-01-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

I saw this a couple weeks ago but I am ready to see it again. Like most Lars Von Trier films I needed some time to think about it, and then I need to view it a second time. Have you guys seen this film and have any thoughts? I don't want to say very much for people that haven't seen it yet. But it's about the end of world, to give you the most vague description possible.
The cinematography was gorgeous, and as far as fashion goes Charlotte Gainsbourg and Kirsten Dunst were styled very simply and they looked amazing.

Daily Outfit: Shop around

2012-01-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

I accidentally cut my bangs too short, so I am awkwardly waiting for my hair to grow back a little bit. But today it was 52 degrees and I was running around without a coat. Pretty insane for january in michigan! I expect blizzards and freezing wind.
One of my 2012 goals is to blog frequently, if nothing else I know looking back on this blog will be an excellent timeline so I need to get cracking.

The sweater was around 20 cents at the goodwill outlet. I can’t tell if it was meant to look like it does, or if it’s some kind of accident. One side is shorter than the other, the sleeves are both completely different, and it seems like it would fit no one.
Naturally I love it, and am happily giving it a new home.

Sweater: Thrifted
Jeans: Levis (best jeans on the planet)
Boots: Vintage
Necklace: Vintage

and here is a super gorgeous mid century floral dress that made its way into the shop. Which by the way is getting slowly tweaked to perfection lately. I put a ton of stuff in the $10 sale section and I've been messing around taking new photos all day. Can you tell I'm bored after graduation? Speaking of graduation, I had a nightmare last night that 'I forgot' I had another semester to finish. Talk about horrifying.

Daily outfit: 1-1-12

2012-01-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

First post of 2012. It's finally starting to snow a little bit so I am gonna stay in my house all day and hopefully finish my current book and start a new one. Seems like the perfect start to a new year.

The dress is an old yellow silk nightgown that I dyed in brown and black. Similar to the blouses I make!

Black sweater: H&M
Dress: Handmade
Shoes: Calvin Klein
Necklace: Vintage

Daily Outfit: NYE 2011

2011-12-31T16:09:00.000-08:00

These photos are gooofy, by goofy I mean slightly forced haha. I've worn the same dress for nye for the past 3 or 4 years, I try to wear other things but it just doesn't happen.
I still don't even know what I wanna do tonight, and I am already getting tired. uh oh.

Look at the great glitter effects I've photoshopped in to make it really obvious these are holiday pictures.

Shoes: DSW
Dress: Vintage
Rings: Vintage and camera ring is from Luce & Alati

2011 Style Recap

2011-12-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

Most valuable lessons I learned while maintaining whatever style I've got- Keep hair short. Don't ever live in Allendale, MI. Avoid the mall.

Overall its been an eventful year. Moved, graduated college, started making quilts, fostered 3 dogs, participated in my first craft fair, had my bike stolen, started paying all my bills via etsy sales. Hopefully 2012 brings more traveling, and more business undertakings.

Do you guys have any resolutions you can share?

Etsy Update: Jewelry

2011-12-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

Daily Outfit: The blues are still blue

2011-12-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

Shirt Dress: Thrifted

Shirt: H&M

Boots: Vintage

Things to do today-

Watch rugrats on netflix

Make burritos

Fix some broken jewelry

Update Etsy with non-broken jewelry

Play Just Dance on the wii I bought solely to dance

Busy day!

Daily Outfit: Snakeskin

2011-12-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ralph Lauren snakeskin wedges, I think I got them for 18 bucks at DSW.

JC Penny Skirt
Thrifted Tights
50 Cent Sweater

Christmas was excellent, very relaxing. Hope you all had good holidays!
New years is coming so I'm figuring out all the new projects I want to take on.
I'm also working on planning some trips! I need real vacation, and to explore some new areas. I think portland will be in the near future.

Daily Outfit: 70s sparkle

2011-12-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

I went to a holiday party the other night and since I don't have a good ugly christmas sweater I just wore a sparkly dress. Same thing. My friend and I made sure to situate ourselves near the chips.

Dress: Vintage
Necklace: Ebay
Shoes: Dana Buchman

Have a good holiday, guys! I am about to drive home to visit the fam.

Blogger Links, Favorites of 2011

2011-12-23T07:55:00.000-08:00

These are the bloggers I have most enjoyed over the past year. Check them out and take pleasure in the endless inspiration that will overflow from your computer screen.

Happy Honey and Lark
Mousevox
District of Chic
Hummingbird Girls
Light Witch
Cuillère à Absinthe
Missing Lovebirds
Q's Daydream Vintage
November Grey
Off Of Broadway
La vie c'est yeye
Dalena Vintage
Flattery
Doris Anne
Another Day To Dress Up
Lemondrop Vintage
Hannah And Landon
Stylish White Female
Marguerite Gisele
Dresses on a Clothesline
Constance Victoria

Daily outfit: Penney's for pennies.

2011-12-21T15:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I promised outfits so here we go.

Shirt: a.n.a from jcpenny
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: DSW
Coat: BCBG Thrifted for 4 bucks!

Not much to say, tee and jeans.

Speaking of thrifting, check out some of the cool stuff I've been finding lately! I'm going book crazy and working on expanding my puny library.

All those books ran me about 10 bucks total. Not bad for some of my favorite authors. Normally browsing books is too overwhelming, but I'm forcing myself to look now and it's paying off.

A gorgeous 50s dress drying after a good soaking. Should be listed soon.

A military button up I found at an estate sale this weekend. I think I want to keep it!

Also I had to spend 2 bucks on this tacky poodle letter holder. It looks like charlie, and matches my poodle salt and pepper shakers.

Etsy: Solids and Sunglasses

2011-12-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

ugh, I'm sorry. I'm the worst blogger ever. BUT, I am gonna get my act together, 2012 resolution. Outfits tomorrow, I can show you guys my art show, and also I've got reconstruction and DIY projects in the works to post. Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun???
The reason I haven't been blogging is that I have been organizing every object I own. I decided to become obsessive compulsive after graduation, I'm sure I'm not the first. I cleaned out my closet this weekend and got rid of a ton of stuff, and also thrifted like a maniac to find new things for the store. Awesome, great, fun times.

Here are new goodies in the store. I am really excited about all the stuff I have been photographing lately.
This update is all sunglasses and solids, but I've got crazy prints coming, 50s lace dresses, and tons of secretary dresses from the 70s and 80s. Enjoy! and thanks for sticking with me.

Click the image to see the item listing!

I ain't mad

2011-12-11T11:59:00.001-08:00

Hey, I have one week til graduation, so I've been absent. Too busy quilting and fostering cute little dogs. I've got an art show to hang tomorrow, and I'm far from being ready. But at least I had time to thrift this great sweater for 50 cents yesterday.
50 cents seems a lot better than paying another 80 dollar heat bill. I assume that I will wear it far too much, because it will go with everything I would ever purchase.

Sweater: Salvation army
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: DSW
Jewelry: Handmade necklace and rings
Scarf: Liberty

Daily outfit: reconstructed checkers

2011-11-29T07:57:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a good holiday break! I am back to the grind, two weeks left until I graduate.

This dress was a couple bucks and I hemmed it to give it a modern slouchy look. It goes perfectly with my saggy hat. Hemming a dress takes about 30 minutes, and opens up a world of possibilities. I can't wait to start doing before and after pics! I already have a couple revamps in the works.

Dress: Salvation army

Boots: Old Navy

Sweater: Thrifted

Necklace: Antique Watch

Advertise with Love Charles in December!

2011-11-27T18:16:00.001-08:00

As Love Charles is growing I hope to work with more businesses. This month is the first time I have decided to offer space to sponsors. Rates are starting very low, and will grow as my blog does. I am also interested in trading ad space with other blogs!
I believe in supporting creative individuals and small businesses, and want to express that to my readers. Ads that are pertinent to the subject matter of this blog would be sized 100x100 and placed in the sidebar for 1 month time. If you are marketing to independent young women, interested in style, and creativity then this is the right audience for you!

For larger companies I am open to hosting giveaways, as well as give honest reviews, or incorporate my own style to a garment or accessory.
I am active on style websites and also actively advertise giveaways on appropriate sites.

Please e-mail Lily at lovecharlesvintage@gmail.com for rates and questions!

You can see my press related links here, and companies I have worked with here.

Secondhand Swap: Black Shorts

2011-11-26T20:29:00.001-08:00

I think this is the last of the swap items that I sent off to Breanne.

These shorts were seriously a quarter. I bought them by the pound at the goodwill outlet. A good wash and they were like brand new shorts, and they are nice quality too. I am amazed what you can find for next to nothing.

I paired them with a golden sweater vest that I thrifted and my favorite oxfords. Can't see what the rest of the ladies do with them!

Daily outfit: Grandpa cardigan

2011-11-24T12:04:00.001-08:00

The other item I got from the local clothing swap I hosted was this giant oversize old man cardigan. I knew i'd need some extra layers so I snatched it for staying cozy this winter.

Shoes: Steve Madden
Jeans: Secondhand Shop
Sweater: Clothing Swap
Necklace: Handmade

Swapped roses and jewelry reviews

2011-11-21T08:09:00.001-08:00

On saturday I hosted a big clothing swap in downtown grand rapids, a bunch of people came out and donated goods and got things like winter coats and hats. It made me really happy to see so many people that were interested! 5 huge bags were donated after, and tons of people got new things. I'm already excited to plan the next one. They are very easy to host if you just find a building to house you.

I luckily refrained from taking many clothes. I got a great 80's frumpy cardigan and I snatched this dress up. I do kind of think it looks like drapes, but it fits perfectly and sitting in it all day while I wrote my thesis paper did make me feel a bit better.

I also thought it was pretty fitting for the new jewelry I have from Sheyna which is a great store for getting gifts, considering you can go so far as to customize every aspect of your piece. Don't know how to make jewelry? Don't need too!The earrings I took apart and put on some vintage screwbacks, they were lovely as is, I just don't have my ears pierced so I wear screwbacks. (With two seconds and pliers, you can do that too!) And good news is, tomorrow I will be posting a giveaway for a gift certificate to Sheyna so someone can customize their own piece of jewelry or get an excellent christmas gift for someone!

Daily outfit: Woodsy fieldtrips

2011-11-19T18:55:00.001-08:00

Yesterday it was sunny out so my friend and I went to the woods so she could practice with her first SLR that she just got.

I took these photos with the gorilla pod wrapped around a tree. (The coolest trippod.)

The sweater was a putrid baby pink, but I tossed it in the washer with some dye and got this perfect fall hue.(Another thing I will start taking before and after pics of with simple instructions on how to do easy alterations.)

Sweater: Thrifted

Skirt: Thrifted

Shoes: DSW

Necklace: Vintage

Thats Kathleen in her adorable red hat!

Etsy Update

2011-11-18T18:44:00.001-08:00

New things in the shop! Sale is still going on.

Click the image to be directed to the listing.

Secondhand swap: Plaid shirt

2011-11-17T22:24:00.001-08:00

These photos are the pits, I was freezing when I took them. Got a little glimmer of snow today.I took a two mile walk, and froze, but was ultimately satisfied with that decision.

Anyway.Plaid shirt is part of the swap. I am all about button ups of any pattern, they go with just about anything.

Jeans: Kohls
Boots: Vintage
Sweater: H&M
Plaid Shirt: Thrifted
Necklace: Handmade from vintage parts

Secondhand Swap: 80's Blouse

2011-11-16T09:47:00.001-08:00

I found this 80's blouse at the thrift store, loved the print but often the sleeves are too short on me. I did a quickie hem on the sleeves and now have a breezy top to throw on. It is on it's way to Breanne along with a couple other things I will post soon!

Blouse: Thrifted
Skirt: Thrifted
Necklace: Thrifted
Shoes: Old Navy

(No, I am not much for ironing. Is it obvious?)

$100 Shopbop and Wilt Clothing Giveaway

2011-11-15T07:46:00.001-08:00

This shopbop giveaway is focused on loung wear. I've found some comfy looking things to loung around in, while still being ready to run out of the house. Shopbop has free shipping, and tons of sale things, so this 100 bucks can be spread pretty far if you'd like.

So Low Wilt Clothing Splended Clothing

To win the $100 Gift card simply leave a comment below with what you like to wear when you're lounging around. (me <-- Giant purple bath robe. )
Followers of this blog always gain a second entry.
Also theres an additional entry if you make any sort of social media post about this giveaway. (Reblogging this tumblr post counts)! That's 3 chances to win! Get busy!

Ends 11/26, Open worldwide. (Please leave a way to contact you)

Resellers on etsy. Sometimes I just want to rant.

2011-11-14T09:43:00.001-08:00

I just reported about 10 resellers on etsy that are all selling this cicada necklace that can be purchased from wholesale suppliers, and they have all labeled it as handmade. It's a cool necklace, no doubt, but not handmade. I think I may snag one off ebay for a penny.

Of course, with the millions of sellers on etsy, a few will slip by.

But then there are sellers like toofashion2010. That have 25 pages of "handmade" jewelry that can be found on wholesale sites, and all over ebay for a quarter of the price.

If you can get though all the awful photos regretsy posts, you will read informative articles like this one that highlights this very seller and gives multiple examples for proof. I don't think with 7500+ sales that this seller has slipped by etsys radar. I imagine it will take awhile for etsy to maintain the integrity of the site, while the fees are being collected. However, since the report button is for just that reason, integrity, I implore you all to use it. Sell supplies, sell pendents, we all buy them from michaels and joanns anyway, but labeling them handmade is lying, and lying has got this reseller over 7k sales. That would be like me saying a target dress is "cool cheap retro 50's" and labeling it vintage. Unacceptable! I think etsy is great, I think resellers that are still in business on etsy are not great.

That's all I've got for you today.

Daily outfit: Gorillas

2011-11-13T08:24:00.001-08:00

This black dress was a pretty typical 90's dress and I chopped the hem off to give it a really subtle fishtail hem. Super comfy slip on dress and now it's more modern.
Any thrift store find can be fixed up in a few minutes! Hopefully after December I'll have more time to post tutorials and before and after pics for a lot of the simple reconstructions I do.
Dress: Salvation army
Tights: Simply Vera
Boots: Old Navy

Also, this thing is ridiculously cool.

It's a Joby Gorilla pod and it can wrap around a tree, or really anything at all, and hold your camera there. I just got it (Thanks, dad) and have only had one nice day outside to play with it, but seems like it will be the perfect thing to travel with. I was skeptical on it's ability to hold up an SLR, but that's what it's made for and it worked great!

Grand Rapids, MI Clothing Swap!

2011-11-11T21:47:00.001-08:00

For all the locals, I am hosting a clothing swap on saturday the 19th. Bring your unworn clothes to trade for new things! Or just clean out your closet and drop stuff off, all leftovers will be donated. I think it's a great way to recycle clothes and avoid a trip to the mall.

And for etsy, a bunch of prints! Lots of dresses that are work appropriate. (Plus a crazy hawaiian one!)

Etsy and a Sale

2011-11-11T15:07:00.001-08:00

I am doing a serious revamp of lovecharles over the next couple months. New stock, new photos, new styles.
I am having a sale for two reasons.
1. November is notoriously slow for me every year.
2. I have way too much stock and need to downsize!

The code is "MOVINGSALE" and you'll get 15% off your entire purchase, even including the 10 dollar sale section! Christmas is around the corner, so it's a good time to pick up some gifts as well.

I'm also slowly adding some new things to the site while I work on the new look.

Secondhand Swap: Floral Skirt

2011-11-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

This skirt concludes the first batch of swap items. The second batch will be coming up this weekend.

I sort of lived in this outfit for a little while, floral skirt, and some sort of chunky knit. Once I winterize it, i'll probably live in it again.

Skirt: Reconstructed by me
Sweater: Thrifted
Necklace: Thrifted
Boots: DSW

The skirt was just a classic long 90's rayon thing that I would normally never look at twice, but I chopped up the hem and now it can be worn asymmetrically or as a fishtail hem, and if I do say so myself looks much more interesting now. A pretty simple reconstruction to!

I knew breanne would look awesome in this skirt, and she does!

My poor halloween decorations have been blown all over the neighborhood.

Etsy Update

2011-11-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

Just trying out the new lighting situation. I am very happy with the results, but of course I will continue to tweak obsessively.

As always, click the image to be directed to the etsy listing.

It's my birthday!

2011-11-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

The ol' 23. I celebrated the day with my parents visiting and it was lovely. I've also got a brand new pair of studio lights so LoveCharles can get a bit of a revamp! Super excited to start getting better vintage photos.

This is another outfit with a swap item! The striped shirt is traveling all over the globe along with the skirt so it should show up on some more blogs soon. (You can see all my swap outfits by clicking the link on the side of my blog.)

Skirt: Thrifted
Shirt: Thrifted (For 50 cents!)
Shoes: DSW
Purse: Thrifted
Necklace: Handmade

I thought this shirt was perfect for the swap because almost everyone has a striped tee, and also almost every thrift store has them for sale. It'll be fun to maybe get some new ideas on how to wear such a basic piece! The bag is awesome and I was so excited when I saw it. Looks like a fishing bag or something.

Bag of bones

2011-10-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Although I am going to class all day this is still my favorite holiday and I can't wait to go buy a ton of candy when it goes on sale.

I have always wanted to be a skeleton, but I've never believed in buying my costumes, it's just not part of my holiday tradition! So I found this black bodysuit at the goodwill and I stitched on all of the bones out of cut out pieces of felt. It took forever, but I am so happy with it! and now whenever I need a costume I'll have a go to one in my closet.

I did paint my face for one night of events, but that only lasted about 15 minutes. Cheap face paint is the worst thing ever.
What were your costumes? Play any good tricks on anyone?

I am entered in two halloween DIY contests, so if you guys like the costume please take a second to go show it some love on Lookbook and on Chictopia!

Etsy update

2011-10-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update of a couple things in the etsy store. I think they would make an adorable outfit though!

Click the image to be directed to the listing.

Secondhand Swap: Green Vest

2011-10-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

The second garment from the swap that a bunch of bloggers are doing! It was a 50 cent 70's sweater vest, and although it is rather tiny I loved the color too much.

Vest: Salvation army
Skirt: Last seen here
Sweater: The limited, thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted
Necklace: Handmade

This piece is also headed to Breanne, so keep an eye on her blog. Also there is a link in my sidebar to see all the swap garments I have posted so far!

Daily Outfit: Vintage Warehouse

2011-10-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Prior to going to philly I heard about a 6,000 sq foot vintage bulk warehouse so I obviously had to check that out. It's open to the public on saturdays, and you dig through big boxes of stuff. Surprisingly it's all organized by style and date, and although a lot of stuff is in need of repairs or is stained, I feel like it would be hard to go through and not find a few special items. Incredibly cool to see so much vintage, and worth checking out for anyone in the Philadelphia area. It's all at wholesale prices according to the vintage market in philadelphia, so that makes the dig worth it.
The ladies there were nice enough to let me snap a few photos of the place.

I bought 4 things and one of them was this amazing Anne Klein sweater.

I paired it with an Ann Taylor skirt, black tights, and my favorite thrifted necklace.

These shoes are one of my favorite brands BC footwear and I was lucky enough to stumble upon them at salvation army!

Philadelphia, Occupy, Jersey Shore

2011-10-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

I spent more time in the car than I spent in philadelphia, but at least I ate amazing falafel.

I just wore this for 4 days. Occasionally when I travel I have no desire to take anything with me. The lack of options is much more freeing.
Shirt: Goodwill outlet
Sweater: Thrifted
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: Early birthday gift, old navy, on clearance, and I highly recommend them.

I wandered, I checked out the occupy movement, I went on a good vintage adventure (to be posted tomorrow). But the best part was actually Selinsgrove, PA where I went to a homey little restaurant called Kinfolk and the sidewalks were all brick and the fall colors could really be appreciated. The whole trip just made me want to camp in the woods. If you're ever driving through PA, I'd recommend Selinsgrove for sure. I tried to check out Jersey Shore but nothing there enticed me to get out of the car.

Jersey Shore, PA.

I highly recommend Maoz for falafel in downtown Philadelphia.

Occupy Philadelphia.

Daily outfit: Sun streaks

2011-10-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Sweater: Thrifted
Pants: H&M Super clearance
Scarf: Someone left it in my house and no one I know claimed it.
Shoes: Thrifted
Necklace: thrifted
Puppy purse!

Mostly thrifted! The pants were 5 bucks on super clearance. (My favorite part of h&m.)

Hey, tell me fun things to do in philadelphia. Best restaurants, flea markets, used book stores. Please!

Secondhand Swap: Houndstooth Pencil Skirt

2011-10-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

So, I've arranged a swap with a bunch of other fantastic bloggers and the first few thrifted garments got mailed today! I found everything at either salvation army or goodwill and what we want to accomplish by doing this swap is showing how versatile a thrift store piece can be! It's important in this day and age to buy secondhand and I couldn't think of a more fun way to express that!

The first garment is this houndstooth pencil skirt. It was 50 cents because I went on sale night, and whether houndstooth is your thing or not, thrift stores have an endless supply of pencil skirts just like this one, and are often one of the cheapest garments in the store.

Sweater: Vintage
Blouse: Paul and Joe
Shoes: Steve Madden
Necklace: Barn sale

This skirt is off to travel the globe, so we can see how everyone else styles a basic pencil skirt.

The other bloggers participating. Check them out and get ready to see some amazing outfits!
Flattery
Happy Honey and Lark
District of Chic
Hummingbird Girls
Mousevox Vintage
Missing Love Birds
Selective Potential

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Kit Review

2011-10-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

I was asked to do a review of a brow kit by Anastasia of Beverly Hills, and since I have never tried anything other than a drugstore pencil I was naturally curious to try one.

It comes with stencils that you are supposed to use, they are hard to get used to holding but they do provide a nice shape. I used the smallest one possible, and I wish there were more options on the same scale. Comes with a brush and wax as well, and I like using both of those. The only strage part is holding up the templates, I've been testing it for about a week and a half before writing this review and I am starting to get better at using them. Overall with the kit I still like to use a brush and pencil to finish off the arch, I know this company sells those but they do not come with the kit. It's a nice product to use when I feel like spending a little more time getting ready, but again I think with time it's gonna end up being a quick process. The one thing I noticed a big improvement on is the tail of the eyebrow looks much nicer with the kit template than drawing one on. Comes with eyeshadow that I like a lot, and tends to last all day, that's about all you need out of makeup. I don't think there is much of a market for my demographic (low income college student) but judging from the two times I've ever been around department store makeup that this doesn't seem very expensive in comparison, and is nice to have a kit instead of lots of separate pieces. It was fun to try a product like this. My favorite part of the whole thing? The case closes with a little magnet and so it would be super easy to travel with. Meaning this could probably go in your purse and would tide you over if you didn't want to pack a sack of makeup. The dark brown could totally work as liner, and you'd have a simple natural looking face. I better take a trip and test it out.

Daily Outfit: Rusty rivers

2011-10-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

This skirt is part of the independent study I did over the summer in printmaking.

I made 5 of them with different patterns and dyed them each differently. This one ended up being my favorite! Its so nice, especially in school, to be able to develop your own idea and just run with it. No guidelines or assignments. I recommend everyone trying an independent study if you have a professor you work closely with.

Leotard: Thrifted
Snake Necklace: Handmade
Skirt: Handmade
Shoes: Steve Madden

Fixing the spider webs.

Daily outfit: Dog Tapestry

2011-10-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

Probably most people under the age of 70 would think this dog tapestry purse was a little corny, but it's my new favorite purse. I'll have to get a better photo of the design, it's amazing all the breeds on one little bag! It cost 30 cents, I love the strange junk you can find at the Goodwill outlet.

I guess I didn't mean to be looking down in every photo, but I am teaching my friend kathleen the ins and outs of the camera so all I have are photos or me looking down or really ridiculous laughing photos.

Jeans: Levis
Shirt: Thrifted
Necklace: Thrifted
Shoes: Amazon. I traded an old text book for these bad boys.
Purse: Goodwill outlet

Daily outfit: 50 cent sweater

2011-10-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

It's been 80 all weekend, yet it looks perfectly fall outside.
1. I love the show storage wars. It makes me really anxious when I watch it though.
2. I've been thrifting up a storm finding items for the blogger swap.
3. Toby got adopted to a great couple.
4. This sweater cost me a whopping 50 cents.

50 cents! I love the color and the length, and for 50¢ I don't even have to think about it.

Sweater: Thrifted
Dress: Vintage
Shoes: DSW
Necklaces: Thrifted and handmade.

Daily outfit: Indian Summer

2011-10-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

It's been 80 degrees today, a little too hot for october but i'll take one last day without a jacket. I celebrated the day by having thai food in the park.

If you hold up some old 70s sunglasses to the lens of your camera you'll get an instant vintage effect without any photoshopping. What else could I take a picture through? I'm gonna go experiment.

Dress c/o Chictopia and Threadsence.
Black Leotard: Thrifted
Shoes: Steve Madden
Necklace: Handmade

Check out cute little Toby today, he will probably get adopted tomorrow!

Also I am super excited to say that I'll be starting up a blog swap soon with some very stylish ladies. Flattery, District of Chic, and the Hummingbird girls are all on board so far. We'll be showing all the versatile ways secondhand clothing can be worn, to promote buying used instead of new. If you want to get involved send me an email lovecharlesvintage@gmail.com

La fenêtre

2011-10-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

I found some 60s tulle nightgowns at an estate sale and couldn't pass them up. Couldn't pass up the light going through this window either.

Check out this little pipsqueak I am fostering for the week! I named him Toby and he is currently sleeping on my couch in the tiniest ball. He was rescued from the shelter so he would have a longer time to find a home.

Currently listening:

Daily outfit: Abstract

2011-10-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sweater: Hand me down
Jeans: Garage sale
Shoes: Steve Madden
Purse: Vintage

"Going green" has become a marketing campaign. Maybe you purchased an eco friendly cotton t-shirt but it's still something that was recently produced and lets face it, the world is full of already made t-shirts. I found out that Patagonia, a clothing company focused on outdoor wear, started a campaign to buy and sell their used gear via ebay. Hows that for a green campaign? Thats another reason why I love thrifting and buying vintage. I care about fashion, and dressing well, and there aren't many other options for being sustainable. The ready to wear fashion world is about consumerism, you can slap as much green font as you want on your marketing campaign, but it's still about replacing perfectly good clothes with new ones a few times a year to stay "on trend".
Fashion blogging has it's awesome examples of sustainable fashion practices, like clothing swaps to meet the need of showing off ways to style new garments to your readers, without having to go buy something from the mall. Or showcasing independent designers. Sure, buying new clothes is fun, fitting in is desirable, but there needs to be a point where we take some time to think about where our products come from. I'm not trying to preach, because this is something I have to make myself conscious of as well. Being self employed means very little disposable income, so I can never go buy the Jeffery Campbells shoes every other blogger is wearing so I can feel like I appear "fashion forward" to my readers, and my situation doesn't afford me the ability to support the independent designers that deserve it. Instead what happens is when I do go buy some item from the mall (rare, luckily), it ends up being cheap materials and probably from some country with cheap labor. Frankly I just want to be backwards at this point. I am sick of that little twinge in the back of my head that tells me I want something I don't need because I see it all over the place and I feel like it's an important aspect of being a successful blogger, or you know, a successful human! It's ingrained in our brains as consumers to buy, and new things make us happy, and I am trying very hard to break myself of the destructive side of that and replace it entirely with thrifting, vintage, and swapping clothes. I feel like I am being manipulated by a ghost, how did these thoughts end up in my head to begin with and why can't I just make them disappear? I'm clearly at that point where I'm figuring out how I can carry out whats important to me in the things that I do. I've been thrifting for 10 years, and I try to do it by selling vintage and supporting myself with something that I believe is fun, and sustainable, but I often forget that's enough. Good grief, I just wanted to write about patagonia, but I ended up with this novel. Soo, I will just exit with a grin.

Daily outfit: Mom jeans

2011-09-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

Shirt: DIY
Jeans: For Sale on Etsy
Shoes: I can't remember the brand but they are great little satin oxfords that are beaded.

I have been wearing tons of old 80's jeans, both regular and cut off into shorts. But I am still always reminded of the SNL skit for mom jeans every time I have to zip up that extra long zipper.

And for the recipe portion of this blog-
Basil infused water is simple, and probably the most refreshing beverage I've ever had. I first had it at a little mexican restaurant in chicago and I went nuts over it for some reason.

All I did was put basil in a tea bag and let it sit for a couple hours, I also tossed in some lemon juice to be extra refreshing.

Daily outfit: lazy sunday

2011-09-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say these were outtake photos, but no, it was just a lazy, goofy day.
Shorts: DIY
Shirt: 90s? wide and cropped, must be.
Shoes: Meijer of all places

I cleaned all weekend.
What a glamorous, interesting life I live.

On the bright side I found out amazon will exchange old textbooks for giftcards that the bookstore or textbooks.com wont buy back and in exchange I can buy shoes, other books, or just generally anything because amazon really has no limits. So that's my two cents for this week.

Black on black

2011-09-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

I am sitting around waiting for a foster dog to show up at my house. This is what a printmaking student wears when they don't want to look completely scruffy, yet still not ruin any clothes with blank ink.

Check out charles running around the beaches of grand haven.

Daily outfit: Frank

2011-09-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for halloween, I've already put little ghosts in my front yard, and I've been browsing all the halloween racks at every store I go to. (Favorite holiday, afterall.) All I want to do all day is bake pumpkin flavored snacks and make halloween crafts. But really all my time is consumed with school and my 9 hour a day schedules. I'm working on a quilt, and lots of silk clothing, so at least it's exciting. Contemplating opening up a store for handmade jewelry and prints, why not add a little more to my plate.
It's simple, it's for errands, but it's still more interesting than a t-shirt and feels a heck of a lot better. I dyed a bunch of silk blouses and will hopefully be listing them within the week.
Silk blouse: Dyed by me
Black top: TJ Max
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: Thrifted
Necklace: Handmade
Mask: Family Dollar

Etsy Update: Mad about Plaid

2011-09-11T16:53:00.001-07:00

Lots of new items for sale all featuring plaid print! Click the image to be directed to the listing.

Etsy update: The blues are still blue

2011-09-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of blue items! My favorites are the two applique dresses.

Click the image to be directed to the listing.

Fishtail

2011-09-05T18:37:00.001-07:00

I've been reconstructing so many vintage skirts so they have fishtail hems. It's a good way to have a more interesting outfit with the same amount of ease and comfort.
These photos were taking in a little hut I stumbled on in the woods.

Skirt: Reconstructed
Blouse: Reconstructed
Shoes: Simply Vera

There are a couple listed in etsy here and here.

Pink lace

2011-08-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

I've been finding so many treasures lately. At the funky junk flea market I got a lace table cloth for 75 cents that had a bunch of rust stains. Since I do adore my Rit dye I cracked open a box of mauve and tossed it all in the machine.

Much too pink for me, I only like my colors if they are muted and subtle.

Toss it back in with a box of taupe and I have a perfect dusty antique color.

For now I stuck it up as a curtain.

So i get to wake up to gorgeous patterns on my floor every morning.

Some recent finds.

All those for a buck!

(In the shop)

Coming soon to the shop, 1950s plaid suit.

Daily Outfit: Graves

2011-08-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

I had a garage sale over the weekend and barely sold anything. It's because today was garage sale day or whatever and there were 25 sales around. I obviously should have had my sale today but instead I shopped. I'll post the finds tomorrow, but this leads up to a dress that my friend had in her bag of clothes to sell and without asking at all I snatched it the day before the sale, chopped it up and made a super cute dress. (I knew she got it for about 25 cents and would be excited to see it turn into something wearable.)

Again, I am reminded how even 80s clothing can be super easily reconstructed for people that want a more modern silhouette. Vintage works for everything, enough said.

To be a little more specific, I cut the sleeves off at the seam and put in a tiny little rolled hem to prevent fraying. I hemmed the skirt about 4 inches, and I took in the sides of the blouse about an inch. Overall I'd say I spent an hour on this dress cutting, pinning, and sewing.

Necklace: Handmade
Shoes: (my walkin shoes!) Thrifted

Lets wrap up with a cute photo of charles.

The Beach

2011-08-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

Some photos from when my friend and I went and visited a private beach. You have to hike up a huge sand dune to get there, but since there are no people, it makes it worth it.

Outfit: 1960s bathing suit, and some borrowed sunglasses from my friend kathleen.

All photos taken by Abby Fiscus

Quinoa Tabbouleh

2011-08-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get a big bag full of veggies from my parents so I am doing a lot of fresh cooking this week.

1 cup parsley
half cup cooked quinoa
half a lemon
a handful of cherry tomatos
half a cucumber
one small onion
some garlic salt
some olive oil

Chop everything up as tiny as you can, and toss in a bowl.
The best, most refreshing salad, and chip topper.
I stuck mine on some pita with falafel.

I know this is more of a vintage/fashion blog but do you guys like recipe posts? I always like to share simple recipes and fun easy things to make. Cooking is such a good way to be creative! and I like to encourage people to toss things in a bowl and see what they get. If this is something you'd like more of, let me know!

Winners!

2011-08-22T16:54:00.001-07:00

Sorry for such a slow update, I am visiting my dad for his birthday and haven't been on the computer.

The winners of the two giveaways are as follows. (I had my grandma pick randomly, random.org is overused.)

Winner of the 25 gift certificate is sandyandcosmo

Winner of the Get Super Giveaway is LilyBiscuit!

I hit the big one

2011-08-20T05:15:00.000-07:00

I went garage sale shopping for 6 hours yesterday with my mother upon my return to metro detroit. Almost all the sales we went to were overpriced boring junk, include an "antique seller" who I remember having a very nasty experience with a couple years ago and I vowed never to give a penny to. Heres a tip to all sellers, don't be a jerk to potential customers, (I know you guys couldn't have figured that out on your own).
But really, we finally hit an estate sale and every time I asked the guy to price something for me he kinda scrunched up his face and said "a nickel", okay, SOLD. Craft supplies, antiques, cool boxes and tins, I took an arm full and my total was a dollar.
I did find a few things at other sales, which of course we more than a nickel, but all in all I have a pretty great haul.

(For the string light collection)

Soup banks!

You can't really see from this photo but I keep going to thrift stores and garage sales and finding these clear tea cups, but I only ever find one, (not including the 3 I dropped and broke at the goodwill outlet) and I am slowly building my collection. I currently have 3, and I have no stoping number, I'll stop when I quit finding them. I think an entire wall in a kitchen with these guys hanging on hooks would look sensational.

(okay, that roll of string for 5 cents? I got two)

The anomaly of the day.

I become infinitely more chatty when I start writing about garage sales, and it's 8:30 am so I better get to some more!

Garage sale finds

2011-08-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Fit in a couple quick garage sales today with not much luck until the very last one which was nothing but cheap antiques which I cannot resist.

These two paintings were the highlight! I couldn't resist them and lugged them all the way home on my bike.

Here are a couple of my recent decor additions. The circular print is one I made and the tapestry I found at the goodwill outlet for 30 cents.

10 dollar sale!

2011-08-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Tons of stuff got added to the 10 dollar section because it's stuff I've had for years and I'm ready to see it go and put up new items!

Check out the etsy.

Daily Outfit: Cutoffs

2011-08-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

When I went back east I got to make cute high waisted shorts out of a ton of pairs of 80s jeans. Some were bleached, some have uneven hems, and they all made their way to the shop for cheap. (Except the ones I couldn't part with of course.)

And of course I got a little shoot with Charles!

He looks good no matter what.

Shorts: In etsy!
Floral top: Vintage (Found in my basement)

Click the image to be directed to the listing

Black bean and tomato quinoa

2011-08-16T11:23:00.001-07:00

My roommate gave me a bag of quinoa and I'd never heard of it, but I cooked it in a pan just like rice and it was nutty and fluffy and I love it!

This dish includes lime juice, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, cabbage, rice wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. It's a perfect light salad to go with anything. (I had it with salmon.)

Next I am going to try quinoa tabbouleh.

Daily Outfit: Miles and miles

2011-08-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

(Slouch)

I got this dress a couple months ago and it was a real splurge for me at 25 bucks, but I wanted something for being extremely lazy and comfortable in and this works pretty well. (Even has pockets!).
These photos were taken at the local farmers market which looks pretty cool once everyone has left for the day.

Dress: TJ max
Shoes: Thrifted
Necklace: Handmade

Recent thrift finds

2011-08-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

I was dabbling with the idea of starting to document some of the garage sales I go to. While I find a lot of neat vintage finds, theres always the wacky stuff that doesn't get shown. I think some photos of the actual hunt would be fun, and it would show the sort of junk you sometimes have to weed through. If that's something you'd be interested in reading let me know! It'll be a better reason for me to get going on it.

Until then, this is some of the stuff I've collected in the past couple weeks.

Probably one of my favorite thrift finds ever. If I could have a wall of these I think it'd be the best interior decorating move of my life.

Couldn't pass on this goat head.

This is a dart board and I believe the brewing company is one from london. I found this piece for 30 cents and couldn't resist it as wall art.

A 1940s plastic shelf for the bathroom, made to look like wicker. It's hard to pass up something that kitschy because I know someone will love it.

Part of a tapestry I found.

That orange silk top was also a recent find!

I just love reading about what people find at thrift stores and yard sales. My new favorite show is American Pickers because it's just a couple guys that adore the hunt. I wonder if there are shows in other countries about the same stuff. Collecting so much junk and hoarding I feel like must be an American thing, where else do people throw away so many of their objects making it possible for people to get warehouses full of objects? Picking in europe would be amazing to see though because of the possible age of some of the things that could be found. Now I have to go watch Pickers while I have my morning coffee.

Perricone Super Skin Care Giveaway!

2011-08-11T07:46:00.001-07:00

Perricone is a company I have worked with before and I've also given their products a whirl and been very happy with them so I thought it would be fun to have another giveaway featuring the new Super Skin Care products by Nicholas Perricone. It's a great opportunity to treat yourself even if you're on a budget like I am!

Win any product valued at $150 or less, visit GetSuper.com and leave a comment below stating which product you'd like to win and why, along with a way to contact you.
As always followers get an extra entry.

Lush lips .................................................................................................................... Capsaicin chili supermodel legs

Us and Canada only, giveaway ends 8/19

Daily Outfit: Armada Flea Market

2011-08-10T09:47:00.001-07:00

My favorite flea market to date has always been the armada flea market. They have puppies, bunnies, clothes, jewelry, and every knick knack you could ever desire. I haven't been in about a year so I made sure to visit when I went east.

I ended up walking away with some vintage earrings but not much else.

After I went and visited the old abandoned house I shot last years lookbook at and it's still wide open and great to explore.

As for the outfit to do this all in I opted for a very loose and lightweight dress to stay cool in.

Dress: Thrifted
Shoes: Steve Madden

Daily Outfit: LGD

2011-08-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

I found this dress at a thrift store and hemmed the sleeves short and it's a really cute dress for summer. The green bled onto parts of the white, so I may end up dyeing them with a fabric marker, but for me strolling around Grand Rapids I'm not too picky.

Same steve madden shoes, they're the only ones I took back east.

Vintage Road Trip Giveaway!

2011-08-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

I have teamed up with a bunch of other etsy vintage sellers and we are all offering giveaways!
It's a road trip theme giveaway and you get to make a bunch of stops along the way to try to win some fun prizes.

I am giving away a 25 dollar gift certificate to the Love Charles etsy store.

All you have to do is pick out the item(s) you would spend the certificate on and leave a comment below! (Please include your e-mail)
Followers as always get an extra entry.
(Twitter) (Facebook)
ends 8/18

For your other stops along the way visit..

Lemondrop Vintage to win a $50 shop gift certificate.

Out Of Order Design for a $25 dollar gift certificate.

Two Birds Vintage for two necklaces, a purse and a scarf.

Wayfaring Magnolia Vintage for a $50 gift certificate.

Dean and Bettie Vintage for a $25 gift certificate.

That is a lot of vintage up for grabs so get busy entering and checking out these great ladies shops!

Daily Outfit: Took a little too much

2011-08-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

I tried to hem a dress into a cute mini but accidentally cut it much too short. No matter how many hems you do, it's still a possibility. Luckily, it makes a cute top as well.

Top: Reconstructed
SHorts: Thrifted
Shoes: Steve madden

I got to go visit my hometown last week so I'm back in front of the original garage!
This is just a quick catchup post but I've got lots more posts to come and a couple giveaways!

Sheer

2011-07-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

My new favorite thing to do now that I have a sewing machine again is chop off the sleeves of button up blouses to make the perfect summer tops.
This one was a black sheer top with pleats down the front and it makes an excellent breezy summer tank.

My bug collection is growing, i'm going to have to buy more dollar bottles of wine soon so I have more bottles to put them in.

Etsy Update: The basics.

2011-07-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to get an outfit post today but I was too busy sewing and updating the shop. I've got lots of cute vintage reconstructions coming up!

Todays etsy update was all about basics. Simple wardrobe pieces that will go with statement items.
Click the image to be directed to the listing.

I've been struggling with the idea of getting a photo backdrop, I love my new house but the lighting just is not bright enough! Photos are bound to change as I experiment way too much with possibilities.

Etsy update: Shorts

2011-07-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

These button shorts are so comfortable for summer! And the print is just about the best I've seen.

Also added some cute cutoffs to the store.

Click the image to be directed to the listing.

Daily Outfit: Marios favorite fabric

2011-07-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've been chopping up 80's jeans lately to make the perfect high waisted shorts for lounging around in.

For some reason these shorts just remind me of being a kid and my older sisters crazy 80s clothes she wore growing up. (Even though these shorts are the last thing i'd call crazy.)

Leotard: Kissing Cousin
Shorts: Vintage
Shoes: DSW

Daily Outfit: Garage door

2011-07-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Dress: Thrifted
Purple Top: Thrifted and dyed purple
Shoes: BC

This little floral dress is one of my favorites in hot summer weather.
I've been sewing a lot more lately and I have a lot of fun ideas for vintage reconstructions I can add to the store. Currently I am working on dying high waisted shorts, and also hemming some to have an asymmetrical hemline. Summer is the best time to get creative! The top I am wearing in these photos was a white tanktop, after getting it I noticed the underarms were slightly discolored. Not being much of a fan of white anyway, I just dipped it in a dye bath of rit dye and now it's one of my favorite pieces!

Etsy Update: Maxi Dresses

2011-07-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Some maxi dresses for summer, a mou mou, and one 1950s dress.

Click the image to be directed to the listing.

Art Market

2011-07-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

Last saturday I did my very first fair. Downtown grand rapids has a market they do once a month and I decided to sell some vintage clothing. It was fun but the customers seemed to want more inexpensive items they could buy without much thought, trying on clothes is a bit rough on a sidewalk. But I did have some success with earrings I make so I will be creating some more for the market on august 13th! It was still a lot of fun and I'm glad I finally cracked down and experienced one. Do any of you guys have market experience you can share? Tips, etc.

Grand rapids locals should be sure to come to the next one! Lots of good local art up for sale!

Add some color to your wardrobe

2011-07-12T19:43:00.001-07:00

Some fun pieces that incorporate color just added to the etsy shop.

As always click the image to be directed to the listing. (and how good are those tan shorts I found at salvation army? (They are actually swim trunks!)

New in the shop!

2011-07-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

A slouchy button up blouse, perfect for the office or going out.

Can be found on etsy HERE.

Paired with shiny stretch pants from H&M'
And Dana Buchman Ankle boots.

Hana Blow Dryer Review

2011-07-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

I've never been asked to do a review of a product before so I was excited to give it a try. I initially thought, whats the difference in a hair dryer? but when you've been using the same 20 dollar options your whole life then of course there are no differences. Misikko contacted me and they sell a variety of ceramic flat irons, and professional hair dryers.

First off it was packaged nicely, and came with a few little goodies like shine protector and shampoo.

As for using it, its far more high powered than i'm used to so it dries my short hair in about 2 minutes. I've noticed a huge difference in how dried out and fuzzy my old hair dryer used to make my hair feel, compared to the Hana air dryer.
For a college student it's a bit over budget, but for people that can spend a little more I think it's worth it to get a professional hair dryer. I've really liked the results that I have seen.

And my household tip for everyone is put a nail in your bathroom wall and hang up your dryer because then you have loads more cabinet and counter space!

Daily Outfit: Downtown

2011-07-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

America

2011-07-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

The one and only day this dress is acceptable and mandatory.

Happy 4th of July, Americans.

Home decor

2011-07-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a few photos of my (work in progress) new home decor. It's always fun to see what people do in their homes and I especially love DIY projects.

(My friend enjoying the sunlight)

(The candles have doubled.)

Do you guys know of any good websites that have fun DIY projects for the home?