Adventures in Etsy

Picnic in the Park

1. "Rosegarden" notecard via Sockmonkey Cards, $3

2. Vintage Paris Patch Applique via Tesoro Viejo, $2

3. Wicker Picnic Basket via Busy Beaver Attic, $13

4. Green & White Gingham Collar-dress via Caramelized Vintage, $65

5. Brown Loafers via Pudding Store Vintage, $39

6. Old-fashioned Bicycle Notebooks via Ruth Bleakley, $9

7. Chanel Sunglasses via Dolls and Guys, $20

8. Denim Vest via 10th Avenue East, $30

If you follow my Twitter account, you'd notice that I have a deep fascination with Etsy. For those of you unfamiliar with the site, it's a plethora of vendors selling adorable handmade items and irresistible vintage--Like "Buy it Now" on eBay, but infinitely better. My friends all buy well-priced cute clothing on Etsy, but I was always intimidated by how large the site is. After all, Etsy opened in 2005 and already they have hundreds of thousands of sellers spanning more than 150 different countries worldwide!

My general reaction? Frazzled to say the least; I just didn’t know where to begin or what to search. I decided to face the challenge head-on by searching for things I wear (or would want to wear for that matter) like loafers, retro sunglasses, straw beach bags, mod dresses, etc. My best friend even suggested I type in names of well-dressed celebs like Alexa Chung. I’ve scavenged and divvied up my most-desired items among themed collages so hopefully you will discover some wonderful vendors to keep going back to as well. 

This first set is dedicated to items perfect for a picnic. Note: each one of the sets features a sock monkey notecard from a company I discovered on one of my annual vacations to Portland, Maine who apparently has an Etsy account... See! All the cool kids are doing it! 

Day at the Beach

1. Tortoise-shell Cat-eye sunglasses via Diver , $11

2. Straw Costa Rica bag via Locale Vintage, $9

3. "Beach Babe" notecard via Sockmonkey Cards, $3

4. Cobalt Blue Silk Sea Shell Sarong via Zoebe ,$75

5. Vintage Seaside Embroidered Espadrilles via Paper Poppy Vintage, $5

6.  Vintage Vogue Magazine circa April 1964 via Fishstique, $39

7. Retro Hawaiian print Bathing Suit via Mousevox, $34

 I adore the idea of making beach-wear glamorous. Cat-eye sunglasses worn with a retro tropical print bathing suit will make for a perfect day basking in the summer sun and taking in the scenery. I also found this spectactular Vogue from 1964 on Etsy, in mint condition. I couldn’t tell who was on the cover… an Audrey Hepburn look-a-like for sure. Seaside embroidered espadrilles and a "Costa Rica" straw bag were just the things to go along with my retro collage. But actually, my favorite beach item I found was this silk sea shell sarong in cobalt blue, because it seems so versatile. It has the potential to go from day to night: tie it around your hair or turn it into a scarf for a classier look—I’m enamored with it!

Getting into School Mode (While Still Holding onto Summer)

1. "Daydreaming" notecard via Sockmonkey Cards, $3

2. Plaid drawstring backpack via Bluegrass Booty, $40

3. Red & white striped romper via By George, $25

4. Miss Dior Cherie sunglasses via Chicsovintage, $135

5. Vintage Typewriter key necklace via Freshly Fig, $24

6. Straw sun hat via Pudding Store Vintage, $39

7. Quilted suede flats via Action Vintage, $40 

Fall seems too close and I’m not willing to give up my routineless weeks for school. This is a set of looks that transitions into fall, yet still holds onto the carefree vibe summer exudes. I’ve been looking for a pair of Stubbs & Wooten-style shoes for the longest while. These quilted suede flats with a crown emblem sold at Action Vintage are just as charming (if not more) and are exceedingly more affordable than the originals. Bluegrass Booty is one of my favorite vendors that I stumbled upon during my search. From a wide range of ankle booties (including one very special pair embellished with embroidered emblems) to the ultimate purses.

I hope you enjoyed my favorite Etsy vendors and items. I’m always on the hunt for great vintage and I’d love some suggestions. Leave the link to your favorite Etsy vendor in the comments!!!

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