la bonne femme

So long and thanks for all the fish

2011-05-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! Not to worry, all of our favorite posts have been moved to our new blog as well.
Please join us in our new digs~

No Carnations will be hosting a giveaway soon for all of our new and old followers!

Thanks again!

Kuddos to vintage

2011-03-31T11:04:00.001-07:00

The top is a recommended outfit from the newly updated BHLDN and the bottom is a great alternative available in No Carnations. Don't you just love vintage?

The Long and Short of it ~ Part 2

2011-03-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Some more 70s goodness! Can't wait to put these into the shop starting this weekend~
The last one is my favorite with a subtle bamboo print and beaded shadow neckline :)

The Long and Short of it ~ Part 1

2011-03-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Photographing quite a few things from the 70s lately. Here are a few sneak pics from a photo-shoot on Saturday morning with my dear friend Sarah. The bottom two are already in the shop! Part 2 coming later today~

Handmade Jewelry inspiration

2011-03-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Some more recent pieces that I have made, coming to the shop soon! Keeping busy on too many projects. It's nice sometimes to make jewelry. A very short time frame goal, easily achieved. Instant gratification...yes!

Never to late ~ Shop update

2011-03-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

A black and Gold shop update in Spring? Yes & let me explain. I have many closets full of vintage. Each one is dedicated to upcoming shop updates & approaching months. For instance, there is a closet filled with Spring colored dresses in beautiful shades of sorbet set aside for the months of April/May. There is another closet filled with 70s vibe denim shirts, leather accessories, nautical clothing & Tribal jewelry for June. At the end of each month most items are gone to their new homes but for some reason I have ended up with tons of leftover black and gold. Maybe because I hate photographing black or maybe it was my mood, I am not sure. So, here it is. Lots of black in the middle of March. St. Patrick's day none the less!

The fearless Irish in me!

Black and Gold. A new favorite color combination I think. I will admit that the traveling dress of Marquise de Merteuil's is never far from my mind...

Spring Garden shop update

2011-03-07T14:45:00.001-08:00

A huge shop update today inspired by watermelon radishes from a local garden and the beginnings of shoots, tendrils and sprouts that are beginning to push their way through the blanket of leaves on the ground.

A 1960's Wedding

2011-03-03T09:19:00.001-08:00

...with all of the trimmings, for a Thursday morning shop update. Why not?
Add loose long tresses, pictured in front of the church with a Karmen Ghia in the background...ok.

No Carnations Handmade

2011-02-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I have been making jewelry for the last 12 years. Mostly beaded, some wire wrapped and some using textiles. When I joined Etsy I never really thought about putting my jewelry in the shop because, well frankly, the market seemed swamped. The kind of jewelry that I was making was exactly the kind that everyone else was making too.

But then something happened...my vintage shop kind of took over my artistic outlet and time. I started making jewelry less and less. For the last ten years I have been selling my bracelets, necklaces and hairpieces in a little shop downtown called The Garden Gate. I'd go through stints when I got the jewelry itch and the ladies of TGG were extremely nice and happy to sell my wares on these occasions. Recently however, I made a hard decision to discontinue selling at this little shop. So when all items were sold, I bid them adieu and parted ways.

I can't tell you the relief I felt! No more tagging, no more taking inventory or figuring sales! I didn't know how stressed out I was, but what to do about that itch? Well, more than one thing has changed over these last couple of years and now when I get the itch, I will be adding these items to my shop and they will no longer be like anything else on Etsy. These pieces will be one of a kind...truly. Inspired by museum collections, old textiles and vintage lovelies, no two will be alike, nor could they ever be recreated. They will incorporate vintage beads, finding and inspiration. I hope you like them.

I want Spring ~ shop update

2011-02-21T11:13:00.001-08:00

Just a few pieces I picked up over the weekend, all going into the shop today. The weather is killing me, one moment it feels like Winter is over and the next the temperature starts dropping. From 88 degrees to 30 in two days...that's not natural Mother Nature!

So today's update is a bit of both seasons, a decidedly Spring dress to wear with a gray wool 40's cropped jacket and mink accessories. Take that!

A true lady and her hats

2011-02-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

So last week, while scouring a local antique mall, I rounded a corner in the back to see a pretty hat box on top of a display case. Curious, I looked inside and came across the hat above with the blue and pink roses. Of course it was instant love, and I was so overwhelmed that it took me a moment to notice all of the other hat boxes completely filled with hats sitting around this particular booth.

In my price range, I began looking through all of the boxes of hats and becoming a bit unglued...each one was prettier than the last! There actually are only so many boxes one can carry, so I began taking all of the boxes up to the front desk. On my way back to the booth, I spied someone else moving the hats around. I thought " oh, great, competition for my hats!" As I got closer the gentleman says to me "oh, I am so happy that you are taking some of these hats".

I say, "Well, two things...1.) I am taking ALL of these hats and 2.) Is this your booth?"

Yes, it was his booth, he says and further goes on to say, the hats were all his mother's. Her name was Pansy Valentine and she was born in Saraland, Alabama and she married Cooper Brougher . They lived in Lexington, Kentucky. His father traveled a lot and bought hats for Pansy Valentine. She loved hats. She always wore hats. Some of these boxes are from Stewart's in Kentucky and some of them still have the original tissue and receipts in the bottom of the boxes. I started crying and he helped me carry the boxes to the front.

Ranging from the 1930's to the 1960's, I have been working to restore these hats. A gentle cleaning, some steaming and re-shaping and Voila!, above is a sneak peek into Pansy's hat collection. I think she would be happy that these are going to good homes and hopefully to some ladies that love hats as much as I do now. Thanks for reading!

An outfit for Valentines Day

2011-02-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to show you this sweet little number in the shop right now! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Violet shop update~

2011-02-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

When I was in the fourth grade, me and my friends formed a little gang. We called ourselves the "Purple Pearls". I don't think we did much gang-wise, no knocking over fruit stands or anything but we managed to elect ourselves a mascot (the mythical Unicorn) and get together on weekends to show off our Lisa Frank sticker collections. Point is I think there is a time in most girls young lives when purple is just the thing. Its not pink, its not blue...its just Goldilocks right.

As an adult, I admit that neutrals are more my style. But sometimes when Winter has its hold on me and I am getting a little restless, and Spring seems TOO far away, purple might once again be just the right thing. It feels close enough to gray to keep me from feeling like a rainbow and its color palette moves towards the season that I long for the most. When merely looking through seed catalogs makes me cry for the sight of Dog-tooth violets, Wisteria, lilac and sweet peas. Purple is a great color for February and lets face it, a little whimsy may be in order when you want to feel like a kid again.

Victorian MacGyver

2011-01-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, I came across these images of Victorian Chatelaines in an old issue of Country Living Magazine. I have seen certain pieces like the scissors and measuring tape, eye-glass holders and ketchalls but I had no idea of the range of cool gadgets these Victorian women carried around on their necks or hips. It seems they could be ready for anything like say...

~ Crossing a muddy street in an unseemly part of town when a kind gentlemen accidentally steps on your petticoat and rips the lace. Embarrassed he offers to pay you for the damage, but only has half of what he deems as a necessary payment, so he gives you the name and address of his tailor and bids you farewell~

No problem! Here are a few things you might need~
Acorn perfume vial- Acorns were a symbol of fertility during the Victorian era
Retractable lead pencil~ Pretty much the same design used today
Celluloid and Silver Notebook~ Pages could actually be wiped clean and used again
Umbrella Needle case~sewing notions were often kept at the ready
Nail file~ We all still carry these!
Matchbook case~ because you never know and MacGyver would be proud
Shoe hook~ have you seen all of the buttons on those boots!
Dress clip~ I really like this one and if ever really long skirts come back into vogue...
Compact Mirror case~ with amethyst glass dial

Other popular chatelaine accessories are the change purse, magnifying glass, thimble and thread holders, vinaigrette, glove clamps and whatever else may have been of use to your station or profession. Needless to say is that I will be on the hunt for a few chatelaine pieces from my favorites above. Which are your favorites?

New to the shop!

2011-01-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

New items in the shop right now, all with a kiss of color. Smoky Lilac, Stone-fruit, Amethyst,
Ballerina Pink, Mother of pearl and Truffle! Yum!

Happy Friday~ Valentine DIY

2011-01-21T10:44:00.001-08:00

I know Mommy Dearest! No Wire Hangers!

But maybe this can be the exception to the rule?

On occasion I forget to recycle my hangers back to the dry cleaners and so with the few ones I had on hand I decided to create some personalized paper covered hangers using salvaged book pages, ribbon trim, slightly stained vintage circular doilies and sparkly bits that I have collected.

It's fairly easy to cover each hanger in your choice of paper (I used an old playbook of "A Midsummer's Night Dream" that was water damaged) and add decor of your choice.
These shabby, pretty pink ones have already gone to market, but the paired down simple rustic one with just the brown paper is more my style so I will be making more of these as I naturally accrue hangers.
Tip... glue pens work great here, and double sided tape, but not glue sticks and really not hot glue gun! These make really beautiful 20 minute gifts for friends who have pretty things to hang on display, also a great gift for Spring brides to give their bridesmaids!

Happy Birthday to No Carnations!

2011-01-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

It's my 2nd year anniversary in the shop! I am too excited and wanted to thank everyone for their support over the last two years!

To celebrate~above is a little something I made for the shop as another way to display jewelry and spaghetti strap tops or dresses, and then below is a present to myself~ Ralph Lauren Platform saddle heels~ I am too in love and wore them all day when they arrived on Monday~

Lastly a future outfit for the shop I think~ 1930's evening dress with vintage abalone shell bracelets, lace and rhinestone hat and of course a hat/lapel pin of your choice from the above collection! Coming to the shop soon~

Tuesday~ shop update

2011-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

~ Nautical style cotton blazer with Lions' Head buttons and gold trim

~Fresh Creme Secretary Bow blouse

~ 1950's Navy Wool Sailor's Uniform
with wide leg pants and pullover top

~ 1950's leather clutch with Black and White Honeycomb beading~ NOS

~ Gathering Warmth~Black Rubber rain boots

~ A small Tuesday shop update to continue with January's focus ~
Now I am off to decide on how best to celebrate the shop's second year anniversary!

BOOK SALE!

2011-01-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

We are having a book sale in the shop, Saturday and Sunday only...40% off with Coupon Code

JANBOOK2011~ Lots to choose from, start your instant collection now or grab some pretty books for a Valentine's gift!

Inspired shop update~

2011-01-14T11:38:00.001-08:00

My first shop update since January...Can you believe that? A little inspiration provided from the Grey Citadel Jacket that has already sold, but I just had to show you a picture...it was amazing!

January's focus in the shop will be Winter/Spring separates with a touch of the uniform code such as Equestrian styles, Military influences and yes...the marching band.
Find these items in my new shop section that will change each month according to season, style and whimsy!

Winter Morning

2011-01-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

~Loving my pillows from Enhabiten~ Thanks for the custom work Liane!
and the U.S.army blanket picked up while thrifting with mom.

~Waiting for the Snow-bells to put on blossoms.

~Being the photographer for the windowsill catwalk.

~Saying goodbye to the jonquils and hello to the amaryllis.
~Suggested reading via LittleByrd "etc" by Sibella Court- that woman makes me want to collect barbed wire...and I just might.
~Photographing vintage jewelry for the Valentine push.
~Enjoying Christmas presents now hanging on the wall.

A good night

2011-01-09T18:28:00.001-08:00

A fire is crackling, snow is falling, and I continue to have an online love affair with Billy Reid.

I know that the majority of this line is for men, but I also know that this will come to pass, because the things for women are sooooo good! Wingtip wedge oxfords, little jackets made from jersey in a men's style from the 40's and 50's...asymmetrical pockets and buttons...love them!

As always the Florence, Alabama designer likes to keep up American traditions, this year they have a line of hats and caps from Stetson and canvas utility bags for women from Levi's.

Can't wait to again visit their brick and mortar location in Dallas...maybe this week?
Read more about my infatuation here.

New Collections

2011-01-04T06:18:00.001-08:00

A few new collections started for 2011. Well, these are collections that I just realized I had begun with no real purpose or intent. But there they were grouping themselves together and whispering their secrets.

I especially love the dried pumpkin stems with the long tendrils and unexpected shapes. The "extra button" envelopes are kept with their brothers in a large glass footed jar on my desk. My favorites are the ones with the gray font and little inscriptions from previous owners...the black coat...Emily's dress...

Does anyone have any idea what the last ones are? French ceramic tiles with food related script.
or What they might be used for?

What are your favorite unexpected collections?

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

Finding my center

and breathing in the ever present green

that can always be found at home.

May your new year be filled with wonderful, if but, small moments like these!

Swap and Shop

2010-12-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

Whew, the Holidays huh? Enough said about that! I did find some time this last Tuesday to host my second annual Swap and Shop. The perfect way to rid your closet of unwanted items and to swap them for someone else's things! So I invited all of the girls over and we had a lovely brunch and then we shopped my living room and my bedroom for great vintage and beyond.

I got a great vintage orange swing coat for myself, some 1940's collar pins, 1940's shell bracelets, a pretty 1950s blouse for the shop and a pretty pair of black pumps.

In the end we drank all of the Mango orange mimosas, ate all of the broccoli potato frittata and the yogurt parfaits and cleaned out the clothing racks! Awesome ...Free..Fun!

Mo, Sarah, Kendyll, Candis, Colette and Nicole~ We Missed You!

Accessorize your Holiday

2010-12-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

All of these wonderful vintage accessories coming throughout the day at No Carnations!
How are you adding luxe to your Holiday?

The Dallas Flea & a December weekend

2010-12-04T13:38:00.001-08:00

A beautiful Saturday spent in Dallas at the second annual Christmas Dallas Flea. Lots of great things and met some more local Etsians. Always a joy!
I snagged a couple of prints(fox and mushroom) from Red Tile Studio and drooled over more prints like the be-spectacled bear at Pamela Michelle.

Some other favorite artists were ~f is for frank with their tooth and sea sponge jewelry
~The House of MacGregor millinery with beautiful hats of burlap and straw
~Signifying Not with quirky Printed tees, paper goods and medals, their blog is delightful as well if you have a taste for the comic macabre!
and last but not least a great vintage display where I found lots more of these mid-century beaded ornaments from Peace Traveler vintage. I can't wait to get a tree tomorrow and start a little Holiday decor, Have a great weekend!

Silly me

2010-12-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

After having taken these photos to list a lot of mid-century Christmas ornaments, I have gone and fallen in love with all of them! It was the blue 50's pin and bead ornament that did it. I have never liked these before & now I am on an Etsy hunt to find the prettiest ones for our tree. It is fitting after all, it will be our first Christmas with a real tree in a long time, in our new Mid- century modern home. Damn you blue muse! I was supposed to be making money, not spending it!

Black Dress Preview

2010-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

All of these lovelies coming to the shop soon! Number 2 and number 9 are already listed!
I am in good company, I believe, when I say that its hard to not make my entire front page black right now... must filter in a little color.
My favorites above are the 1930s French Cuff dress and the Side of Diamonds strapless dress,
or maybe its the 1940s Black Wool suit, or...

If anyone needs any info about any dress in particular, let me know.

Which one is your favorite?

Icing on the cake

2010-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jeremy: [needs something to impress a female crow he just met] Mrs. Briz! Mrs. Briz! Gimme the sparkly! I gotta have the sparkly! Mrs. B, I gotta have it! Girls can't resist sparklys! Oh, please? PLEEEEEEEZ?

~Dom DeLuise as Jeremy in The Secret of Nimh~

a little bit of sparkly coming to the decidedly festive front page of No Carnations!

Giving thanks

2010-11-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

For wonderful friends and family, for our new home, our first fire
and way too much food. For boardgames, good wine and an entire day of laughter!
Thanks so much!

Holiday Market

2010-11-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

Whew, I have been so busy getting ready to deliver lots of my handmade goodies to the Holiday Market for Friday, I have barely had time to keep up! By tomorrow morning all will be done and I will treat myself to a much needed 3 hour break at the movies to see Harry Potter... finally!
Then, its a whirlwind of fun for 14 guests at my house, dessert baking starts tonight.
Here are some of my favorite things I have been working on.
~ Specimen shadow boxes for handmade jewelry
~vintage inspired Advent Calenders
~adding sparkles to anything that sits still
~Pumpkin vine handled cloches
~zipper flowers for adorning vintage pate jars of buttons, beads etc
~Vintage Flower Frog Christmas Trees
~Handmade cards of Yo Yos and Vintage Paper Garlands

I hope your Holiday is a blast...Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Warm Wishes No.2

2010-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here are the Christmas photo cards that I made from this weekend with friends. It was a great way to spend the last morning of our get together. Everyone received a pair of socks and piled on the bed! Now each couple will receive their very own pack of cards to spread even more Holiday cheer. A gift to cherish that keeps on giving.

I use brown masking paper from the hardware store for most of my wrapping. It is ten times stronger than tissue, weighs about the same and only cost 2.99 for a 180 ft. roll! You can find it in the house-paint supply aisle.

Happy Friday~ Don't forget to enter my Harry Potter giveaway from The Daily Witch!

Super Magical Giveaway!

2010-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Are you a Harry Potter fan, or do you know a little one who is? Well if that is a yes, then you are in luck! In Conjunction with tonight's midnight release of The Deathly Hallows is a super magical giveaway of one of these Photo prints from The Daily Witch!

You will receive your choice of any 8x 10 above! Millicent, from this new Etsy shop, is a third year student at your favorite witches and wizards school and she loves taking pictures with her muggle camera. She has fallen in love with photos from her everyday life and is sharing them with you {my lovely readers}!

The giveaway is open to the entire muggle world and you have the chance to enter six ways...
1~ leave a comment here
2~ tweet about this giveaway and leave a link below in your comment
3~ Follow this blog and leave a comment
4~Tag The Daily Witch as one of your Etsy Favorites
5- Re-post this giveaway on your blog!
6~ Follow No carnations on Twitter

Winners will be chosen on Sunday afternoon and announced right here!

Favorite things I have sold~ The 1940's

2010-11-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

The second in the series, the first was the Sentimental collection that you can see here, and coming tomorrow....(drumroll) A SUPER DUPER LABOR OF LOVE GIVEAWAY!

Sparkles starting now!

2010-11-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

Most of these sparkly, shiny, be-ribboned lovelies are already in the shop, save for the last two which will have to wait until I get back from a quick excursion!

Getting dressed for the weekend

2010-11-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

Top images from Toast

Long vintage skirts for cool days
Left to right, Top to bottom- Click below for more details
~Canyon Run Skirt
~Leaf Silhouette Skirt
~Calle Skirt
~ Country Plaid Belted Skirt
~Vintage Wiltshire Skirt
~Prairie Revival Skirt
~Chevron Knit Skirt
~Pendleton Hounds-tooth
~Pinstripe Skirt

Warm Wishes

2010-11-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

Some more pics from the weekend. It took a little planning, but a digital collage has been made and Christmas Cards have been ordered for all of the socks pictured above!
Warm Wishes!

Lets cuddle up

2010-11-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

A few warm and cuddly things in today's No Carnations update as well as these lovely vintage quilt tops in La Bonne Femme. Anyone need another project? I am so in love with the fabrics from these would be blankets but have decided that I just don't have the time to finish them.
Maybe pillows would be easier from them, but then again I also don't have the heart to cut them up!

November Weekend

2010-11-09T06:39:00.001-08:00

Visiting best friends in an enchanted setting. The weekend could not have been more perfect!

Bright Blue and the fading golden warmth...

2010-11-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

...in Texas. As soon as the air turns chilly then it seems like it is immediately Winter. Autumn is a short length of time as is Spring.
I just realized how many hats have been in this three part update. I hope you likey!
I had another dream about finding lots of hats last night, so if intuition serves me well then I really hope you like them. I just found a new old hat form to help me with all of the photos!
Happy Thursday!

Autumn Skies Update continued

2010-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

In the shop now, with more coming this week...to be continued again!

Autumn Skies Preview

2010-10-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

Whew! Just loaded over 400 pictures for my next VERY LARGE update. Begins tonight and last probably well into next week! Here is what we shall begin with...

Snoozer Loser

2010-10-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

Completely in love with the Birdcage, Sea Fan and Scissors prints from Snoozer Loser. They also carry some quite drool worthy jewelry like this vintage Quarter Holder from the 60s and lots of pincushion pendants. I think I found my first item for a Holiday wish list!

Saying goodbye to Summer

2010-10-27T10:33:00.001-07:00

For most of you the farewells have been said for weeks now, but in the deep South it takes a while longer, just like everything else! Here are some of my favorite pictures from my short travels this Summer. I seemed to have picked quite a few sunny ones, maybe that's because the chilly mornings have begun to set in and I think they will be around for a while.

A new favorite!

2010-10-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

I found this amazing silk crepe and silver thread 1940s dress on the Halloween rack in my local thrift the other day. Yeah!...and aarrgghhh!

Its in excellent condition. Too bad my curvy self could not fit into this lovely piece.
Anyone a size small with a weakness for a vintage dress in the prettiest shimmery shade of green ever?

~Coming in the daylight hours tomorrow in the shop~

Page seven

2010-10-21T08:01:00.001-07:00

Ok, I know that it is not even Halloween and I really hate those places that advertise and decorate their storefronts for a holiday that skips over at least 2 holidays that haven't even happened yet, but folks, my time is about to be seriously hampered. If I don't start adding things to the shop now that I want to sell in December then there is just no way I will have the time to
catalog, photograph and list all of the clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry and handmade items I have stored away. You can see my collection so far on the last page of No Carnations or simply go here.

Plus, who could have hate for these darling Holiday dresses...which one is your favorite?

A New Love Affair

2010-10-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

So about those 3 cases of vintage books from the GIANT estate sale, here they are, grouped into 9 categories; The French Collection, Winter by the Sea Collection, A Primitive Collection, a Botanical Collection and so on...available in the shop now, here and here.

Unrequited Love

2010-10-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

I just spent the morning photographing 3 cases of books that I hastily bought at a giant estate sale. I couldn't help it. I have a new love affair with these particular books. It occurred to me that I only have five pictures on Etsy to get my vision of each collection across to my customer and this might mean that no-one, save for the wonderful person who buys them, will ever get to see the inside book plate. They are works of art, in and of themselves, and very few will ever know. I feel lucky to have seen them and to record my love. So here for you are some of my favorites. It was hard to choose even these...sorry for all of the pics!

Bridles and bits and everything else

2010-10-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

A small equestrian themed update coming throughout the day today in No Carnations vintage.

Western and English riding, but more importantly...let me ask you a question.

The hanging dress form with the black coat...Do you think its OK to use this particular dress form as a model for tops only such as this or she does look like a lady who forgot to wear pants.
I haven't decided if I am ok with it or not. I know a lot of dress form ladies go topless on Etsy and in many places on the web... topless virtual beaches are one thing but going commando in public is quite another? What do you think?

Second Glance

2010-10-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing from today's photo shoot. At first glance this may seem like a simple yet beautiful gray wool full length coat, but at second glance you may see something a little more special. The wind blows hard and picks up the hem, or a gloved hand is removed from the pocket, and there it is...RED, like fire engine lipstick or a fresh blood stain. Yes, this elegant coat has a little unexpected flourish for something so necessary, a very un-necessary full red lining. Love that!
...coming to the shop tomorrow with lots of other goodies

Seeing Red

2010-10-11T09:28:00.001-07:00

The leaves are starting to turn shades of red and so is the shop! These updates coming throughout day, you know in between the grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning the studio, taking the dog for a run...Happy Columbus Day!

Thank you for the Thank you

2010-10-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Above images via {The Vintage Wren}

So I just wanted to say thanks to Carrie from The Vintage Wren! Her too cute appreciation photo

(love those boots, and the shirt looks fabulous!) inspired me to look through her shop again today. She has the most wonderful collection of mid-century glasses and while I was picking my favorites, a sudden theme popped into my head...The Sound of Music! There certainly is a crispness to the air this morning and the lighthearted carefree vintage goodies at The Vintage Wren is just the perfect thing to get me going today~

So Thanks!

The Good Woman Wednesday

2010-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another Wednesday shop update at La Bonne Femme~ Cooking, crocheting, doing the laundry and serving up some great vintage housewares style

Shopping with the boys~ Part 3

2010-10-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have a little crush on this first Menswear collection from Toast, especially the older model and

all of the locations of the shoot! I'd love to see a matured woman so distinguished as this guy in the same kind of media. My vote is for Lauren Hutton or Isabella Rossellini.. those ladies could sell me beachfront property in Montana. You?

The Fuzzy end of the lollipop

2010-09-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite movies, I watch it every month when I am just having a girls moment! So sad to see that Tony Curtis died earlier this week, what great memories go with him...Men dressed in drag, great 1930's 40's clothes, the mob chasing after you, a day at the beach, a yacht...what's not to love?

9 Work-horses for your wardobe

2010-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Look for menswear inspiration, animal print accessories and never out of style classics right now and throughout the season in the shop.

Top row~ Snakeskin bag with chain strap
~ Grey Micro-suede Swing trench
~ Cheetah print cowhide belt
Middle ~Wingtip heeled lace-up oxfords
~ Oatmeal wool blend sweater vest
~ Chunky metallic chain necklace
Bottom ~ High-waisted trousers in black
~ Fitted Hounds-tooth wool blazer
~ Ikat Print Silk Scarf

Shopping with the boys~ Part 2

2010-09-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

Head on down to the local hardware store for some of these wonderful
Tool bags by KLEIN. You know they would last forever and make great Fall "everything" bags. You can give that Summer tote (you know the one) a bit of a rest. My Tool Store is the perfect website for perusing through boys' stuff . You can find stylish bags and organizing tools to give your studio and home a slightly rugged equestrian feel for this time of year. It also yielded this gorgeous jewelry box/valet. I do love a good hardware store!

Shopping with the boys~ Part 1

2010-09-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been to Lena Hoschek's upcoming online store then you must go right now. I am absolutely in love with her Fall collection and its menswear look. Always taking cues from vintage her catalog is simply amazing. I can't believe I haven't found it before. Summer is still up for viewing if you want to see what you missed and the Dirndl collection is divine as well. Now if we could get some stores stateside, that would be the cherry on the cake! Must wait for the online shop!

La Bonne Femme update

2010-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

A small update for the La Bonne Femme shop. I haven't been paying too much attention to the namesake of this blog lately and I feel rather guilty about that. I do have so many ideas for the Winter Holidays along the lines of vintage supplies for cooking and sewing etc. So I have hope for a rejuvenation in listing more items. Maybe this is a start!

Favorites

2010-09-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

{A few photos from a little day trip on the Texas Oklahoma border}

Litany

You are the bread and the knife,

the crystal goblet and the wine.

You are the dew on the morning grass

and the burning wheel of the sun.

You are the white apron of the baker

and the marsh birds suddenly in flight.

However, you are not the wind in the orchard,

the plums on the counter,

or the house of cards.

And you are certainly not the pine-scented air.

There is just no way you are the pine-scented air.

It is possible that you are the fish under the bridge,

maybe even the pigeon on the general's head,

but you are not even close

to being the field of cornflowers at dusk.

And a quick look in the mirror will show

that you are neither the boots in the corner

nor the boat asleep in its boathouse.

It might interest you to know,

speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,

that I am the sound of rain on the roof.

I also happen to be the shooting star,

the evening paper blowing down an alley,

and the basket of chestnuts on the kitchen table.

I am also the moon in the trees

and the blind woman's tea cup.

But don't worry, I am not the bread and the knife.

You are still the bread and the knife.

You will always be the bread and the knife,

not to mention the crystal goblet and—somehow—the wine.

Into the woods

2010-09-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

A small woodland themed update found in the pages of the shop. I have a feeling I might be continuing on this theme for a while~ Off on a little day trip this morning, I hope. How was your weekend?

All in the family

2010-09-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

My Mother has three Etsy shops...count them~THREE
Where she finds the time I have no idea, but she has some really great things and the above items can be found in her shops right now! My favorites are the Toile gift bag set (7 bags) for $14
the stitched stationary sampler set for $12 and the milk-glass collection for only $18!
Check out her shops~ Dogwood Flower Designs
~Southern Touches
and ~ Vintage Treasure Anew
For great End of Summer deals!

~You can check out No Carnations {favorites} as a direct link to these items~
Happy Friday!

A rare glimpse

2010-09-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

So I may have mentioned before about not loving the other side of the camera. However friends and body forms can only do so much when there is TONS to be photographed. This morning I decided ~What the hell~ I need to get some Fall hats done! So my hair happened to be washed and I found myself alone in the house and this is what I got. I even put on some makeup for ya!
I can't wait to list these hats, they were a lot of fun!
Happy Thursday!

Fall photo shoot

2010-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few items that were photographed for the shop yesterday from my Fall collection.

Us girls had fun putting outfits together and playing dress up all day. Look for these and SO much more starting the end of this week. Let me know if you fancy something and I can give you the skinny ahead of time!

une petite collection française

2010-09-13T16:16:00.001-07:00

Some decidedly French inspired pieces from a shop update this afternoon~
Bon Jour!

September Weekend

2010-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Went to the Community Farmers market on Saturday, found local dates, some fellow local Etsians and wandered over to the town square for the Arts, Antiques and Autos. I love most vintage cars, but of course my favorite was the Rally ready Mini!
The best spinach and garlic pizza in an old downtown warehouse to finish. Great weekend!
How was yours?

A tropical storm and a treasury

2010-09-08T10:35:00.001-07:00

OK, so it is pretty much a monsoon outside. It's not fit for man or beast! Tropical storm Hermine is letting loose on Texas so I am staying inside until I have to go to work. Here is a treasury that I just made(click above)...Have you made a treasury lately? Yeah, me either. Who has time to stay up or wait around for that perfect moment. Well, no longer. You can make a treasury any time you want, as many as you want! Did you know that? Go have fun and please share. Etsy admin could choose your treasury for the FP any time!

Rainy day around the studio

2010-09-07T13:00:00.001-07:00

Rainy day here, hanging around my newly painted studio, listing a few things and trying to find some inspiration. Thought I would snap a couple of pics in the natural light. Two of the walls are almost all window (which need washing badly!) and here on the second story I feel like I am in the trees. Off to package up sales from the Holiday weekend and to re-organize my packaging closet! Pulling out the 'Rainy day to-do list'!

A home for Rose

2010-09-06T14:08:00.001-07:00

When I found her she had been thrown up on top of a thrift sales rack. Someone had looked at her and decided she wasn't good enough. Most of the time I pass up dresses from the 20's through the 50's that need a lot of work, but Rose's fabric lulled me in, her cut mesmerized me. The fact that she needed lots of love to bring her back into this world didn't really seem to matter.

She had been torn and repaired and then torn again and BADLY repaired and somewhere in the middle she was altered(poorly) as well.

I brought her home and gave her a good soak. I then began with trembling fingers to un-stitch all of the repairs and see exactly who she was and what she was meant to be. I began again to repair all of her pieces with as little altering to her original design as possible. She had some doozies, but over all I think she looks great now. It was a two day process of the smallest hand-stitches and lots of patience. She is wearable, she is adorable and she is ready to be loved!
You can see her here!

Free Reign

2010-09-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Anthropologie is a staple source of inspiration, and even though the Spring and Summer lines often become a bit too tween looking for me, Fall is always a sure thing. Relying once again upon the equestrian prep look for some reason never gets old. It's easy I know, but it is also functional, affordable, comfortable and works well with vintage and modern pieces.

Living in Texas is a plus when it comes to this look. For many around here, this is not a fashion statement, this is a way of life. I am gladly and hopefully looking forward to finding some of their cast offs(leather belts, boots and riding clothes) at the thrift and antique stores this Fall.
Maybe I'll find a few pieces for the shop! I hope you are having a lazy dazy Sunday dreaming of your Fall inspiration!

Labor Day Sneak Peek ~ a weekend shop update

2010-09-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

A great shop update featuring a few 1930's dresses and some beautiful hats! All perfect for a holiday weekend or Labor Day parade. So many new things...update starts today and goes through Monday. Have a good one!

Daisy deserves her own day

2010-08-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

A small shop update featuring this amazing vintage dress from the late 1920's early 1930's
Her name is Daisy for obvious reasons(print and Gatsby) and she is in truly excellent condition. She has an accompanying scarf/sash that she likes to wear a few different ways.
You can visit her here!

Thanks so much!

2010-08-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Recently my vintage Etsy shop reached a milestone. 1000 people {heart} me! I know it may not seem like a lot, more than others, less than some. But I am really excited!

I wanted to thank some of the vintage shops who have me in their favorites. Here are some of my favorites from their shops as well.

Top to bottom-Click on shop name for link
Row 1~JulesAtelier~the Punched Saffron dress is divine!
Row 2~PassionFlowerVintage ~ SO into these animal accessories for fall
Row 3~ artichokevintage ~ delicate peach ruffles, shadow lace dress~lovely
Row 4~ hulagypsyvintage ~Dance Hall and Beaded bow Purses from the 40's
Row 5~ tasteofhoneyvintage ~ I love the photo of the photo!
Last row~ auntsuesoldnewlovely ~ This shop is simply astonishing

Thanks a bunch! XXXOOO~Sheena

Vintage re-do

2010-08-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Chelsea from Italian Postcards introduced me to the wonderful world of polyvore by asking :

Do you polyvore?

Do I what? Well I didn't, but now I do. I SO do. My first collage of items above featuring Tory Burch Leather frame handbag, Roberto Cavalli Serpent Bangle and my favorite 40's inspired pumps, re-created in vintage below. Going into the shop today! Like I needed another way to lose some real world time!

A girly polka dot skirt paired with a mens wear soft as all get out chambray shirt. Lots of timeless vintage accessories and
a little serpent brooch with ruby eyes for a touch of edginess.

Happy Thursday!

Housewives are the new muse- photo heavy

2010-08-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Louis Vuitton Fall runway 2010... I love the mix of wool and lace with the small vintage details of black ribbon belts, Framed doctor's bags, bow front flats and long gloves.

Images via Louis Vuitton

Get the real vintage look from my favorite shops on Etsy!

Left to right - top to bottom - each row
scroll over shop name for link

1. Tapestry doctor's bag-NeldasNook
2. Sequined top-FASHIONRERUN
3.Long white kid gloves- Latrouvaille

1.Black lace illusion dress- craftycrowvintage
2.Tweed coat-TheVintageZone
3.Wool plaid skirt-LandPiranhaVntg

1.Blushing lace dress-DearGoldenVintage
2.Black bow flats-asyoulikeitvintage
3.Cream lace top with black full skirt-clevervintage

1.Patent bow pumps-heyheytiger
2.Auburn Croc frame bag-wunderlustvintage
3. Cream wool skirt-shopREiNViNTAGE