2013 Summer Hats…

I have been reading A LOT about sun protection lately and honestly, I find myself more lost now than ever. Apparently,  it’s not as easy to keep your skin protected as I thought it was.  In the past, my mom would just go to the drug store, grab the first thing that said the word “Sunscreen” on it and hope that it had at least an hour of water resistance! So, naturally, this is how I went about shopping for myself as an adult. I mean, sunscreen is sunscreen, right…..

To read more of this post and to discover some very fashionable vintage and modern hats visit my new blog at grlfashionista.com!

Your Summer Maxi!

There is always a constant that clutches at the hems of the fashion industry; rejuvenating itself time and time again refusing to be stuffed into a Manhattan Mini Storage Box to be forgotten forever.  The latest culprit in my book? The Maxi dress. A style that has ceased to find its way to the pearly gates of fashion heaven and since the 70s has remained on the runways in some shape or form.  You may or may not agree with me, but you have to acknowledge the fact that this fashion trend is in desperate need of a makeover….

To read more of this post and to discover some very fashionable vintage and modern Maxis below, visit my new blog at grlfashionista.com!

Grlfashionista Has Moved!!

That’s right! I have moved to a new website! I have taken the next step in my vintage venture and to make it simpler for you vintage lovers to find me, you can now go to grlfashionista.com! If you are recieving my email subscriptions, please register on my new site! As always I appreciate all my readers and I hope to be entertaining you shortly with my vintage finds!!

Bring Spring In!

With Spring in the air, the time has come for backyard barbeques, afternoon gardening sessions and hour long bike rides with your beau. And for those of you who love to decorate as much as I do, you may even take the time to spruce up your back decks with a coat of fresh paint and a set of brightly colored patio furniture.  You may even get around to planting some of those delicate Tulips to line your perfectly paved walkway! And while we tend to spend most of our time outside underneath the warm rays of the sun, competing with our neighbors for best curbside appeal, what about the inside? Why not bring the Spring in? Isn’t the inside of our home just as important as the outside? Is this not where we spend our evenings with families, rainy days with close friends and personal time relaxing on our chaise lounge with a good book? It seems to me that the outside of our home should be an extension of the inside. We should feel as much happiness and glee as we do outside, inside and important attention should be paid to the chi of our humble abode.  That said, with Spring comes bright colors, floral patterns and whimsical home decor.  Check out some of these home decor options perfect for your Spring home!
1. Spring Floral Plates from World Market… 2. Cancun Floral Pillow Cover from West Elm…3. Plum &  Bow Half Dot Rug from Urban Outfitters…4. Gray Vintage Floral Reading Chair from World Market…5. Test Tube Chandelier from PaniJurek

Crafturday’s New Way to Accessorize..

In such a time of economic uncertainty comes the overwhelming need for re-invention. That is, one must find a way to express ones self and take on the burden of independent creation. In lamens terms – you must adapt to survive by creating for the masses something new and exciting which will be sought in high demand and thus spoil you with riches OR in the very least, help you pay you rent.  The latter is what my endeavors usually lean more towards! BUT, with this talk about re-invention and discovery, comes my main purpose with sharing my voice with you today.  That purpose would be an advantageous and imaginative Vanessa of Crafturday.
Re-purposing and creating jewelry since college, Vanessa has taken her craft in a new direction combining her love of vintage aesthetic with modern details such as fringe and studs. While this may sound familiar to you, Vanessa’s jewelry, unlike many other retailers, is not crafted for the usual limbs such as your ear, finger or neck, but for a more unlikely culprit – your arm.  Yep, that’s right, your soon to be tanned bicep is getting a makeover.  And why not? You accessorize every other part of your body! And Vanessa’s fringed armlets are the PERFECT summer accessory.  How stellar would you look sporting your crop top and high waisted cut off vintage Levi’s with one of Crafturday’s studded fringed armlets?  Or perhaps strutting on the sand with your new ruffle top bikini with a dyed fringe armlet? I mean, who wouldn’t shoot you a look and ask you where you got that fabulous piece of jewelry on your arm? I know I would!
I know I have you interested now or at least curious enough to keep scrolling down to view some of Vanessa’s creations and my interview with her! Enjoy!

When did you get the idea for Crafturday?
I came up with the idea for Crafturday while in college at UC Santa Barbara. My favorite days were always the ones spent making things with my hands. In the beautiful and always sunny Santa Barbara, I’d spend hours outside on the lawn with my friends letting my creativity run wild. My boyfriend and I dubbed my Saturdays spent crafting as “Crafturday”.

How long have you been making jewelry?
I’ve been making jewelry since junior year of college. It started out as something just for fun, and then by senior year I was doing consignment at a local boutique. I love taking trendy elements and twisting it into something new. It makes it unique, different, and have a one-of-a-kind feel.

How did you come to the idea of armlets?
I’ve always felt that armlets are very bold and powerful looking. They draw attention to a woman in a good way when wearing a tank top!

What materials inspire you the most?
Right now I’m feeling fringe. I love using recycled materials as well—old chains, stones and shells. I really am getting into dying as well. It’s been so fun thus far mixing different colors together and dip-dying the ends of the fringe for an ombre look.

Do you have a “creative process” or do you prefer to just begin creating and see what your project turns into?
I usually start with a basic idea, but it often transforms. I think it’s important to set a couple hours aside to just create and try out a bunch of different concepts.

What do you want your jewelry to say to your customers?
I want it to say above all FUN, whimsical, and light-hearted. I’ve never been a believer in fashion being super serious. The best part about fashion, to me, is the creative and handmade aspects involved. I love figuring out different ways to pair accessories and knowing that an individual made it with their own hands is a huge plus.

Who do you see wearing your armlets?
These armlets are best for girls who are fashion-forward and fearless! They are also a great look for festivals because they’re bold and bright. Look for me at Sasquatch at the end of May!

 Where do you see Crafturday going as a company?
I would like it to evolve. Armlets are a style I’m digging right now, but in the future I’d like to incorporate different materials and expand my accessories line to jewelry as well.

 

Warby Parker Introduces New 1922 Collection

If you’re anything like me, you tend to live in your contacts 24/7. Unfortunately that means sometimes accidentally falling asleep in them at night as you are watching a marathon of Law and Order SVU! Now, if you had a pair of high quality, fashionably eclectic glasses to slip on before you slipped into your comfy footy pajamas (you know you have a pair!) and cozy up to the devilishly handsome Elliot Stabler, it would be a different story. I know what you’re thinking, “Sure, that would be a good idea, but what about the money?” Problem solved, my friends. You can finally have your cake and eat it too!

Introducing the fabulously fashionable and AFFORDABLE Warby Parker and their new vintage inspired 1922 Collection!  Founded by four close friends, Warby Parker holds fast to the idea that quality crafted eyeglasses and sunglasses don’t have to cost the consumer an arm and a leg.  With glasses, both prescription and non-prescription, starting at $95, Warby Parker offers both men and women contemporary frames fitted with high-end, anti-reflective polycarbonate lenses and best-in-class polarized lenses.  Both of which are included in the cost of the frame.  Why is it so inexpensive, you ask? Because Warby Parker takes on the design process themselves and sells directly to you, cutting out the middleman. And of course, quality is NEVER sacrificed.

Now that I have you hooked, perhaps it’s time to take a minute and check out their new vintage inspired 1922 Collection.  The 20’s of course was a time of re-discovery and individualism.  A time cloaked heavily in rebellion and internal turmoil.  A decade of artistic revolution that defined an era and helped shape art as we know it today.  What better an era than this to craft a piece of iconography from? Dramatic and glamorous, Warby Parker’s new collection for men and women includes three new styles crafted from lightweight stainless steel and custom acetate.  Each style includes both an eyeglass and sunglasses version and comes in a variety of colors. With fashion ever changing and evolving, Warby Parker’s 1922 collection serves as a constant for your wardrobe, promising never to go out of style and to always serve as a form of self expression.

*Duke in Gold for Men, Women : $95 | Duke in Silver for Men, Women: $95
*Joplin in Silver for Men, Women : $95 | Joplin in Gold Men, Women: $95
*Porter in Whiskey Tortoise for Men, Women: $95 | Porter in Gimlet Tortoise for Men, Women: $95
Porter and Joplin available in additional colors…

Find out more about Warby Parker and their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program!

D.I.Y Your Vintage Crate…

If you are anything like me, you never tire of a good d.i.y project. Especially when the tools for that project can be found in any junk shop or antique store! Since my wedding I have been infatuated with antique wooden crates.  Not only did they decorate my dessert table which propped up such goodies as mini cheesecakes and fruit tarts, but which also housed handmade programs and other rustic decorations. But, besides weddings these vintage boxes are perfect for home d.i.y projects which even the most unhandy can do! From shelves, bookcases and even tables, vintage crates add unique character to your home.  Get inspired with some of the original uses I found for old crates on Pinterest below or if you’re strapped for time and want to have a touch of rustic in your home you might just love some of the designs I found on Etsy! And if you’re really ready to start your project, I have something in store for you too!

1. Crate Shelves via From Scandinavia With Love….2. Fresh Lavender in Vintage Crate via LaurenConrad.com…3. Bathroom Crate Shelves via HGTV…4. Crate Fixture via Project Decor…5. Crate Fixture via Ebay…6. Crate Wall Storage via Pin For Your Home…7. Vintage Crate Stairs via Impulsive…

1. Antique Wood Box Crate Table via SimoneandBros…2. Shipping Crate Side Table via Modernarks…3. Crate spice rack via WoodenCrateGallery…4. Six Drawer Pine Crate Storage Bin via TheShadeTreeCrafts…5. Wine Rack via RchristoperDesigns…6. Nautical Wood Crate iPhone Dock via UncommonAndNice…7. The Picasso via DavisCratesandCo

1. Sealtest Sheffield Dairy Shipping Crate from AgeAndBeauty…2.  Kirkman’s Borax Soap Wooden Crate from RaggedRustyVintage…3. Vintage Soda Crate from Brimfieldfinds…4. Old Coke Crate from AngelPaws6…5. Vintage Pepsi Crate from Thevrose…6. Dr. Pepper Wooden Crate from Midtnantiquesuniques

Time to Crop that Top!

Yep, they’re back! Crop tops! A style forced into the spotlight by Madonna in the mid-80s and worn by teeny boppers everywhere in the 90s; courtesy of pop stars Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. Mothers everywhere are cringing I”m sure at the thought of cut-off tees and tight bustiers on their darling daughters.  But, honestly, I’m sort of digging this upcoming trend and am even debating purchasing a crop top of my own.  I know, some of you are screaming at the computer right asking me, “WHY? Why would you do this!?” I actually asked myself that same question.  However, when I started scoping out retailers sites I found that while some crop tops were defiantly too young and, for lack of a better word, too trashy for me I did find some that were more mature while still exuding a fun, free spirited exuberance.  Likewise, these tops can be easily molded to suit your personality. If you are a more traditional girl, but still like to add a little zest to your outfit, pair your bold top with a solid high waisted skirt.  More of a bohemian? Go for loose and flowly; perfect for your active lifestyle. Check out some of my top choices for summer crops and click on their image for more info….You might be more into it than you think!

Killer Closet Via Tobi…

Scouring Facebook as I burned time before work, I happened to stumble onto an ad for a fun, urban clothing company, Tobi.  Curious by nature, I decided to follow the ad to Tobi’s homepage and what I found made me happier than a kid in a candy shop!  Not only are Tobi’s clothing and accessories current and eclectic, but amazingly well priced. With constant sales, a girl can always find a great deal without sacrificing style! And being that trends seem to change overnight, Tobi gives a girl a chance to keep up.  Honestly, who wouldn’t love the chance to refresh their closet with trendy new clothes? I’ll be the first to admit that I would! Which is exactly what I did! Well, virtually that is! Check out some of the fabulous items from Tobi I added to my virtual closet….

I don’t know what it is about Southwestern prints, but I gravitate towards them like a fish to water! Maybe it’s the Native American in me calling out to the robust tribal prints or it could just be that their unique, eclectic nature adds personality to any plain tee. Which is exactly what this black and white skeletal  image does for this basic muscle tank!  Can’t you see yourself sporting Tobi’s  Southwestern Vibe Muscle Tank with tattered cutoff shorts or skinny jeans complete with black moto boots and feathered hair clips? You know you love it…

Trendy or not, oversized sweaters are my thing.  I can’t give it up! It’s the one style that sticks with me through each season.  They’re perfect both in winter when all you want to do is cuddle up with your love and sit by a warm fire or in spring when all you need is a light cover up over your cut-off Levis.  They’re versatile, comfortable and I highly doubt that you don’t have atleast ONE in you wardrobe.  And if you don’t, maybe you should give it a try with Tobi’s Striped Envy Sweater. Light and easy, this stylish sweater with colorful arm stripes can be dressed up with pumps and skinny jeans or even used as a cover up for your new bikini. However you use it, I guarantee your friends will want to know where you got this trendy top from!

Let me be the first to say that I am just as surprised as you are that I am posting about acid wash jeans. But, the more I see them store after store, the more I find that they have a certain mysterious appeal. However, it is important to mention that shopping for the perfect acid wash jeans comes with some extremely important rules.  NEVER buy acid wash in any cut but skinny otherwise it will look like you borrowed your mom’s jeans from when she was in high school.  NEVER buy a light acid wash jean unless you want to look like someone from the boondocks.  And lastly, NEVER go vintage when it comes to acid wash. I know, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to bust your vintage bubble. Adventurous enough to try them? Check out this pair from Tobi.

I am in love with Tobi’s Twist Open Dress in mint! Available also in red and white, this dress appears simple from the front, but flip it over and it is a completely different dress.  Slit down the back and the twisted to the side this dress is not only practical on a hot day, but emits from its unassuming shape a sexy confidence. With open arm holes, this dress pairs perfect with a simple accessory such as a thick bracelet or a single pendant long chain necklace.

The Thunderbird; a symbol of strength, grace and resilience. A perfect charm to adorn your neck as you take on the challenges of the day.  Available in antique silver and gold this lovely pendant will add a little pepper to your sizzling outfit! Check it out here!

So, I’m thinking there is a reoccurring theme here! I honestly am not trying to go Southwestern on you here, I guess it’s just my style.  Which is why I am probably doting on these Etch Pick Earrings from Tobi.  This arrowhead shaped earring features geometric engravings and comes both in antique silver and gold.  A powerful design, these earrings are for those ladies who aren’t afraid to show their more brazen side!

While I am usually more into moto boots, I have to say that these Chinese Laundry Booties  are absolutely adorable! What I like most about them is that you can sport them with anything in your closet.  Whether dress, skirt or jean, these lilac suede boots will match perfectly.  Lighthearted, whimsical and really, just plain fun, these booties might be your next perfect accessory! And lets be serious, the accessories are what make the outfit.

Fringe With Benefits

Summer is fast approaching and I’m on a mission to find the perfect bathing suit to bask in.  That being said, I decided that I am in the market for an unique bathing suit.  I mean, nothing super crazy, but something that I’ve never tried before.  I have so many of the same boring solid halter top bikinis whose bottoms now dawn a resemblance to my nephews soggy diapers.  Not the most attractive of looks I dare say! My research however led me to a trend that not only adds a bit of spice to your normal everyday suit, but also reflects your adventurous, fun loving side! The trend? FRINGE! I know, we had a preview of this textured style last year, but this season it’s hit the ground running! So, don’t be to surprised if you see a fellow beach bum sporting this tasseled trend. But, to keep you ahead of the games, here are a few unique styles I found for your summer of fringe…

Love this fabulous fringed one piece from PacSun.  Code name Malibu by Lira, this one piece is both adorable and sexy! With a low V-cut adorned with matching lengthy tassels, this onesie also features an open back and adorable hip-side bows.  Just think how cute you would be taking a walk in this sensuous sun suit! Check it out here!

Purple, Tye-Dye and Fringe oh my! How could I not want to purchase this bathing suit immediately? My favorite color and awesome design styles? This is really a no brainer.  Not to mention that this is also a bandeau top, which is one of my personal favorites.  It may not be the best for you more endowed ladies, but for someone like me who was not as blessed, this top is extremely comfortable.  Visit Swell to view some more specs on this beach beauty!

So, I know that this royal blue onesie is similar to Malibu by Lira, but I couldn’t help but feature this exquisite swim suit.  I adore how designer Monica Wise of L Space embellished the fringe around the plunging neckline and like Malibu kept the suit’s back open.  This suit however, definitely requires a lady who is a risk taker and unafraid to try something a bit more adventurous! If you think you are her, check out this gorgeous suit at Urban Outfitters!

This multi-colored bikini just screams fun to me! Maybe it’s the tasseled bottom or the psychedelic print fringe, but either way I wouldn’t mind sporting this halter bikini! What I love the most? The extra long fringe looks great paired with cut off shorts or maxi skirt! Check out these contemporary suit at Macy’s!

Boys and Arrows hit a home run with this hippie bandeau top! How much do you love the creamsicle color? I know I do? Another cool thing about this top?  The thick cut fringe continues all the way to the back! With a braided feature along the top and removable straps, how could you not see yourself frolicking in the sun in this bright bikini. Check it out on Swell!

Basic with a twist would be the perfect way to describe this halter bikini by L Space. You can’t really go wrong taking an already comfortable shape and adding a bit of sizzle to it! Next to the bandeau, this is my favorite type of swimsuit. Easy, uncomplicated and the best thing is that you don’t have to worry about it coming down when you get hit by a killer wave! Check out more about this suit here!