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!!!

Share |

Taking Woodstock

Every summer my family and I stay with our long-time friends in the Woodstock area. It’s always nice to get out of terribly humid New York City and head upstate for a bit, especially when the visit is filled with homemade ice cream, grilling, and the occasional bear sighting. On the drive up we made a quick stop at Bread Alone bakery, (which ironically sells a lot more than bread) for macarons, cheddar scones, and buttercream cupcakes.

My Coach Bag found at the local thrift shop.

Last time we visited, I went to a little church thrift shop where I found a rad 1980’s black-on-black polka-dot blazer, which fed (for the moment) my seemingly never-ending obsession with all things spotted. This time however, my fashion ventures were even more successful. The moment I walked into the thrift shop I spotted the perfect handbag that looked like a hybrid of a Mulberry bag and the classic Coach. Little did I know, in actuality it was a vintage Coach bag and I had snagged it for a mere TWO DOLLARS!! I also purchased for $4 a fabulous leopard tank top, leopard collard shirt, and fleece-lined jean jacket with a Salt Lake City emblem that I'll post about soon!

40's floral blouse from my grandma, H&M high-waisted shorts, vintage belt from Zachary's Smile, vintage loafers, newly purchased vintage Coach bag.

Next door was an antique store which always makes me happy. Each nook of the store is decorated in adorable vignettes from heart-shaped garden chairs with vintage seltzer bottles or a table filled with items that were all robins egg blue color. Even the antique 1960’s car for sale outside was adorbz.

Watermelon shaved ices

In the heart of Woodstock is a fleamarket where I bought a pair of small pink earrings made to look vintage-- I could see them being sold at Anthropologie. I recently was watching “Kid in the Candy Store” on The Food Network, where the guy tried a Bananas Foster snow cone. Inspired by that summer treat I made a bee-line for Woodstock’s local snow cone stand, and opted for the watermelon flavor; perfect in the blazing heat although, I am still wanting the Bananas Foster one.

A peak inside my suitcase from top to bottom: vintage 40's floral blouse from my grandma, tie-dye Silence + Noise top, Topshop Breton stripe shirt, Silence + Noise pocket tank, Ralph Lauren sweater.

Share |

Cellardoor Magazine Feature

 

I was so honored to write a two page article for the "Summer of Love" issue for one of my favorite online magazines, Cellardoor. Since the magazine is situated in the United Kingdom, I wrote about why I started my blog and some of my favorite New York City vintage stores, boutiques, and cafes. For a real taste of NYC read the full article here.

A special shout out to Gregor Louden for his beautiful portrayal of my love for cupcakes : ) 

Share |

Taste of Summer

Awhile back I visited the Chelsea Market for its Anthropologie opening. Before hitting the store, I stopped at Tipsy Parson--one of the best brunch places I’ve ever been to. This Chelsea restaurant is quirky and atmospheric, with wallpaper designed with book stacks evoking a vintage feel. Their fruit salad with vanilla syrup, fresh mint, and crystallized ginger certainly was a deliciously unexpected spin on the classic.

I’m always on the hunt for good southern-style grits. With their stone-ground grits, spiced shrimp, and sautéed veggies, Tipsy Parson more than satisfied my craving. On the menu I also spotted “monkey bread” that I then ordered out of sheer curiosity. I can’t tell you what it is other than it was scrumptiously coated in cinnamon and tasted a bit banana-y.

I was fascinated by everything on their menu and I’m looking forward to trying their dinner. Check out Tipsy Parson here.

Share |