Loving: Caravans

My parents are hosting a huge camp-out this weekend. My aunts and uncles and cousins are all coming over for a barbecue and s'mores and campfire stories. Then we're all going to get in our sleeping bags and sleep under the stars — well, in our tents under the stars but still. It sounds pretty awesome and will be the perfect way for me to see all the family I've missed this past year. However, as much as I'm going to love chatting and giggling with my cousins late into the night, I can't help but wish I was in one of these sweet caravans as opposed to laying in a sleeping bag on the ground. My parents use to have a pop-up camper that was such a gorgeous way to be in nature without being so IN nature. At least I'll still have access to running water (and a shower!). Look at how charming these caravans are.



images (from top left and across): fairway // constance // airstream // little girl peeking // cushions // couple lounging // kitchen // teepee // floral bench // blue windows // checked floor // wood paneling // scalloped cupboards // green + white // white interior // matilda // airstream + awning // in the woods // plaid curtains // quilted door // trunk // red + white // pink fan // cute couple

Look At This: Ms. Sadie North

Sometimes I feel exhausted immediately after I get up in the morning. Sometimes I don't have the energy to take my lunch dishes to the sink. Occasionally I don't get dressed and watch Law and Order SVU all freakin' day. The days when I start complaining about getting old/not having any motivation/not getting enough sleep — those are the days I come across someone like Sadie. This sweet lady is 77 years old (or was in September 1952) and is as inspiring as they come. She mows her lawn, sings in the church choir, earns her money by babysitting and as a practical nurse, teaches young women swimming, learned to ride a bike when she was 67 and now rides it everywhere, taught herself to type (and wears a visor like a newspaper editor while she composes her letters - adorable)... geez. I should stop complaining and actually go do something with my life! Sadie, you're forever an inspiration.

Does she remind you of anyone you knew/know?
(sadie images are from LIFE magazine [via Miss Moss] and the print is from natalie candlish)

Fabulous Thrift

Remember a while back when I talked about the fabulous Red Velvet Store in Springfield, Missouri? Well since that post I've been noticing more and more amazing boutique thrift stores being reported on. It got me thinking about the merchandising challenges of literally constantly revolving stock and I'm in complete awe of the talented group of people that have created the following lovely boutique spaces.




Beautiful right? Maybe I'm just a sucker for 1970s mod wall paper and rows of workboots, but I think these particular shops have really excelled in the design of their fitting rooms and merchandising of men's items. Featured shops: Red Velvet // Brass Razoo // Stock Vintage // Interim Thrift Boutique (Please check out this video that Interim put together explaining their concept. It's really well done and the message is great.)
See you tomorrow my dears!

A Vintage Collection

I love a nicely curated collection and, luckily, so does the LA Times Magazine. They've created a column that showcases 50 items in a selected category; everything from cigar bands to police badges to tokyo taxi tops. Since I'm particularly interested in vintage items, I'm sharing postcards of celebrity homes, vintage beer cans and product illustration from Noel Petter. Check out the site though for lots of other great collections.

Chicago Street Photography // Vivian Maier

I've been trying to write this post for 15 minutes and I keep deleting and trying again and deleting and, well, you get the idea. I have no words for what I'm about to share with you. These images are completely mesmerizing and breathtaking. And up until a couple years ago, no one even knew they existed.
The hero of the story (John Maloof) randomly purchased a box of photo negatives at a Chicago auction. He took these negatives home, began scanning and soon realized he had stumbled across something really special. He called up the people who'd purchased the other boxes from the auction and soon had 90-95% of Ms. Vivian Maier's catalog.
He's spent the time ever since scanning, cataloging, preserving and creating a well-deserved buzz around Vivian. Not only is he working on preserving her work but he's putting together her biography. He's learned that she arrived in America from France in the early 1930's and worked in New York. At some point she moved to Chicago and became a nanny. So far most of the photos he's discovered are from the 1950's - 1970's and were taken on the streets of Chicago. It seems that she had no formal training but she did study other photographers work. According to some previous employers of hers, Vivian was a "Socialist, a Feminist, a movie critic, and a tell-it-like-it-is type of person. She learned English by going to theaters, which she loved. She wore a men's jacket, men's shoes and a large hat most of the time. She was constantly taking pictures, which she didn't show anyone." Doesn't she sound intriguing? Just wait until you see her photos:



There are heaps more on his blog and he's updating it often. I wait with bated breath! (PS. That's the photographer herself in the last row, in the mirror.)

Now and Then

It's really fun to see an old photograph and realize that you can relate to where the image was captured—it's as if you're somehow a part of the past in a really tangible way. This would explain why I am so intrigued by this viewer-participated photo project curated by the Australian Broadcast Corporation (ABC). ABC invited everyone with an old photograph to visit the location of the picture and take another picture, with the old image in the frame, in the modern environment. I'm not doing a great job of explaining this, but you'll get the idea I promise:



Pretty great huh? See tons and tons more here. Also (as they readily admit) they were influenced by the awesome Flickr pool "Looking into the Past" which you should also check out.

Sweet Red Velvet

My friends, be prepared to punch me in the arm and then give me a big bear hug. Red Velvet is simultaneously the sweetest and most infuriating place in the whole world (or at least the whole of Springfield, Missouri). This family owned, vintage and handmade shop (oh, you know, with just the most amazing sweets shop in the middle) has been open for a little while now and seems to be doing quite well. You and I both know I'd be in there every day (maybe twice). Ugh. Why isn't this my life? Guess what else is annoying? All of the ladies involved with this adventure seem completely wonderful and charming and grateful to be able to do this. The worst! I kid. Obviously I'm excited for them and inspired by their adventure. Here are some shots from the shop (from Elsie's Flickr).


Amazing right? Get over there if you can (you lovelies in Illinois aren't that far away you know... maybe when I get back we'll pop over and beg for jobs?)
Elsie. She's the one that seems to be the spokesmodel. And why not? She's a talented artist, adorable dresser and fun interior designer. I'll prove it:



There's so much more to see from these ladies. Here's Elsie's blog and Red Velvet Art blog to get you started.
PS. Just saw that my favorite blog design*sponge did a feature on them today as well. Small blogging world isn't it? They have some great before/after shots of the shop. Check it out!

Capote's Black and White Ball

Truman Capote was a strange man: eccentric, selfish, talented and obsessed with high society. In 1966 he decided to throw an amazing and (ahem) bitchy party for a little over 500 guests—those he deemed the most important at the time. Apparently he had enough clout to be taken seriously with this shenanigans and people went bananas trying to get invited. Among those he did invite were Frank Sinatra, Candace Bergen, Mia Farrow, Andy Warhol, Sammy Davis Jr and Harper Lee. The following are pictures of the night (set in NYC at the Plaza on Park Avenue). The ladies were instructed to wear black or white dresses with white masks and gentlemen in black tie with black masks. Amazing.


I got most of my information from a great article on the hub pages website. Read it. And I got some of the images from Fashions Most Wanted blog. (PS. One of my favorite things I read was that while so many of the guests purchased couture masks that cost a fortune, Capote's black mask was purchased from FAO Schwarz for 39 cents.)

Nina's Pretty Dishes

Nina Invorm combines two of my favorite things—sweet, vintage dishes with lovely hand-drawn elements. Her addition of birds or bunting or hearts to the already delightful ceramics result in a charming piece of art I'd love to showcase. Luckily you can purchase her art at her Etsy shop.


Ugh. So stinkin cute it makes me scrunch up my face.
While I was looking at some of her other work on her Flickr page I happened across some photographs of her darling house. The interior matches her creations so perfectly.



I love the random dresses and high heels and the fact that she has her own artwork splashed throughout the space. Did you see the nursery? What a fun place to be a child!
Visit Nina's website, her Etsy and her Flickr there's tons more to see!

Pretty Little Four Eyes

I'm not a super fan of American Idol but I remember seeing Ms. Brooke White a few seasons ago and I thought she was adorable. And when I ran across her project with Ms. Summer Bellessa called "The Girls with Glasses Show" I was reminded just how stinkin' cute she is. These two lovely ladies have put together a little talk show of sorts where they interview musicians or artists and make the occasional silly video. See for yourself here.
My favorite thing about the show is their fashion. Summer is also the editor of a magazine called "Eliza" so she obviously has a great sense of style. I love the retro feel of their wardrobe—they often where actual vintage pieces which is so fun to see.


Cute right? Head down to your local Salvos and get some pink dresses for yourself. I plan to!
Or if you have a little more cash and want something brand spankin new, check out these great pieces from L'Wren Scott. They have that same vintagey feel.

Mad for... well, you know...

I sincerely miss Mad Men. I can't even buy the show on iTunes! Well, not yet at least. It's about 5 episodes behind. Also, since I'm not in the states, I didn't even see this beautiful cover of Rolling Stone featuring the ladies (and one handsome devil). Luckily the internet exists and I was made aware of this editorial. The photos are stunning. I love to get a behind-the-scenes look, don't you? It's where all of the secrets lie...



Would you just look at that gorgeous Jon Hamm? Don Draper my heart beats for you only...

Back to School

Ok, so I'm a little late. I think all schools have already been back at school for a few weeks but I thought it'd be fun to show some school-inspired decor ideas. If you happen to be lucky enough to stumble across an old card catalog or metal lockers, antique desk or vintage maps- here are a few ideas on how to incorporate them into your decor. (As if you'd need the help you clever decorator you!)



I love the idea of using an antique desk for a bedside table (did you notice that? In the red bedroom?) and those great school chairs in the kitchen. It's all very cool and modern and yet comfortable. Happy hunting!
Sources: Apartment Therapy // Re-Nest // I Wonder Sometimes // Elle Decor // Habitually Chic // Poetic Home // Erin Davis

Pretty Ladies

Neryl Walker has a fun, retro style of illustrating that I'm (of course) super attracted to. I remember seeing her package design for Bloom and Bare Escentuals and being really drawn in by the flirty and fun art.


I can't get over the Sophia Loren olive oil bottles. And I really have to agree that manners are the "ultimate fashion accessory".
Good ol' Design*Sponge featured Ms. Neryl's Melbourne house and it's just as inspired as I would've imagined. Such glorious retro detailing and fun collections.

I apologize for the late post my friends. Hope you had a great week and are gearing up for a greater weekend. See you Monday!

Retro Styling

Mad Men is back on Sunday and I'm so ready for that distraction! In honor of the shows return I thought I'd share these photos from artist Alex Prager. I don't know much about her except that she's awesome—her fashion styling and set design and perspective is all so intriguing to me. Every image tells a story (and it's usually a little disturbing). These images of hers remind me of Alfred Hitchcock and the Valley of the Dolls and Mad Men...



And these stills from Beyonce's video "Why Don't You Love Me" fit so perfectly with Alex's aesthetic. (warning: the video is a little steamy).

This is my favorite era for fashion and makeup and hair—it's all so theatrical and put together. I could never pull it off (nor would I want to do all that work every day just to feather dust my Grammy's) but boy do I love to look at it! Can't wait until Sunday!

A Few of my Favorite Things

Sigh. This is one lucky lady. Not only does she live in one of the most beautiful, charming and romantic cities in the States (Savannah, Georgia) but she spends her days doing prop styling and event design. It's kind of my dream world. Look how talented she is:

She works with publications such as Country Living, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living. (all images on this page are from Liz's Flickr, except the first image from Design*Sponge)


LOVE this circusy wedding! The striped curtains in the barn, the kissing booth, the pom-poms, those HUGE, glorious balloons! All of it is so fun and somehow manages to not be over-the-top obnoxious. She's truly talented.


I love that she re-purposes so many items that others may just put in the trash can: broken fruit crates, rusty flower arranging inserts (used cleverly as a pen holder), musty suitcases, random (but oh-so-lovely) drawers. Her detailing is so fun and clever and inspirational. The only problem I have with looking through her portfolio and noticing all of the interesting items is that it gives me one more excuse to collect and hoard random items. And believe me, I don't need another excuse! But you see how it all comes together? Let's go garage sale-ing!