Today’s Vintage Treasure: March 7, 2010

{Perhaps it’s the fact that the temperature here is sitting at a very pleasant (well at least when compared with the fiercely snowy days we had just a couple of weeks ago!) 10°(C), or the wonderful thought that before the month is up, spring will have sprung once again, whatever the case may be, my mind has already turned to thoughts of summer.

With such daydreams comes the reality that our little apartment sorely lacks air conditioning! Naturally this means that once the temps begin skyrocketing, we start flicking on the fans in a hurry. Whether you have (the luxurious joy of) AC or not, this strikingly lovely vintage industrial fan would look just as gorgeous as an objet d’art as it would as a means of beating the heat. This sturdy industrial tabletop fan is fully operational and can be had for $68.00 (US) – which is surely less than the cost of the all ice cream you’d have to eat to stay cold without it :D – from etsy seller Lucky Little Dot.}


How are your weekends going, my sweet dears? I have joyful news to let you in on a smidge in advance of the actual announcement post...tomorrow I’m going to be kicking off the start of a new (and if I may say so myself, absolutely awesome!) blog giveaway contest. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but I will give you a hint by mentioning that the prize relates to vintage fashion.

February was a bit of a touch month for me as I sought solace and time to sort my thoughts out during a mini blogcation, and a great many of you were there for me every step of the way, roviding me immensely helpful comments, caring words and excellent suggestions. For both that and all of the terrific comments you’ve left lately on various posts, I felt the least I could do was hold a new blog giveaway as a way of expressing my sincere thanks to all of you.

Wishing you each a blissful (Oscar night) evening and a week ahead that bursts with an abundance of sunshine and serenity!

Five for Friday {July 17, 2009}

Today I thought I would try something new for Friday’s post, and have decided to list five different things that caught my attention recently, and that I think would be perfectly suited to the upcoming weekend (sometimes the five items will be random, other times they’ll share a cohesive theme).

This delightful idea occurred to me after viewing similar weekly lists on some fantastic sites (such as ~*Just Add Glitter and Stir*~, Christine Mason Miller, and National Geographic’s My Wonderful World Blog), and deciding that it was too fun a concept to not take advantage of.

At this stage I’m not sure if I’ll compose a “Five for Friday” list every week or just when the mood strikes. Either way, I’m excited about adding a new, ongoing post to the blog and truly hope that you’ll enjoy, and find inspiration in, the handful of items, creative ideas, and images that will be nestled in my thoughts as we cap off each week.




...This weekend calls for serenity, invigoratingly refreshing products, foods consumed straight from the fridge, and no less than two leisurely naps a day...

{To make the heat more bearable}

{ An intricately beautiful Japanese silk kimono to wear around the house when the weight of anything heavier than a delicate wisp of cloud feels like it’s suffocating your skin. Geisha motif vintage silk robe, $29.95 (US) from etsy seller Tea At Home With Olivia.}


{To take on your travels}

{ Should you be heading out on a jaunt of any sort this summer, I can think of few things even remotely as cute as this vintage inspired tin of wee little grooming products to take with you on your travels. Beauty kit, $18.00 (US) from Dumpling Dynasty.}


{To help wash away your worries}

{ Think of the tranquil sound of willow boughs dancing in the breeze and pair that with the crisply invigorating sensation of a mouthful of sake, and you’ll have a good idea of what this lovely soap smells like. Taiyo brand willow and sake bar soap, $10.00 (US) from 1spa.}


{To nibble off of – and admire for its earthy, pristine beauty}

{Sweltering nights call for foods consumed at room temperature or cooler, such as sushi. What better – or more beautiful – way to dress up your dining table for such a meal than with this five piece handmade, green glazed sushi set for two? $52.00 (US) from etsy seller Just Mare.}


{To duel it out with summer’s relentless wrath}

{A deeply gorgeous hand painted vintage paper fan to you keep your cool on even the toastiest of sun drenched afternoons. $12.00 (US) from etsy seller Emma Dear.}




I hope that you liked this introductory Five for Friday post, I’d love to know your thoughts on this new blog segment (as well as what items are toping your inspiration list this week).

Wishing you each a deeply peaceful, sweetly enchanting weekend!

The divine beauty of pale pink {Monday Muses, June 8th}

Perhaps it was the rose bushes that laced the fence in our little backyard growing up, maybe it ties back to the gentle hue of strawberry ice cream eaten on the beach, or it could have to do with the adorable little sundresses my mother placed me as a child, whatever the reason there is something about the onset of June that always makes me think of the softer shades of pink. Those sorts of hues that call to mind a kitten’s nose, antique bedspreads and Gooseberry patterned Pyrex.


{Gathered from the pages of Flickr, each of these marvelously sweet, serene, beautiful images inspires me and instantly enlivens my mood. 1. Pink dress and turquoise shoes, 2. pink tuesday..., 3. pink dress - detail, 4. 05.04.09 {birthday fun}, 5. a ribbon addict, 6. i <3 girly and sparkly things, 7. Pink vintage millinery dress form, 8. my little favorite corner, 9. ooo, 10. ♥ 1950's Pink Rose Print Day Dress w/Tiny Lace Details ♥, 11. 50's Pink Junior Dress, 12. 1950s Pink Embroidered Dress, 13. PINK White Gingham Check 50s 60s Corset Tie Dress - View 1. Click on a link to see a larger version of a particular image and/or for photographer information.}

From weddings to sunsets, pink suddenly seems to flourish this time of year, as if brought back to the world through a kiss from the sun. As such soft shades of pink are my Muses this week, inspiring me to send letters on floral print stationery and reach for the gentlest shade of pink in my lipstick arsenal. The following are an array of images and items, each imparted with the graceful beauty of pale pink that have made my heart flutter lately.


{Lovely as the cosmetics in this vintage ad from sugarpie honeybunch’s Flickr stream are, I think it’s the models ever so gently pink satin gloves that steal the show here for me!}


{Skip a pricey trip to the salon for a manicure and opt instead to give your nails the loveliest hint of pink at home with this subtle shade of Essie polish. “Not just a pretty face”, $8.00US.}


{Strikingly realist looking, this stunning silk rose clip from Flowerclip.com – which sells for $34US – would add an incredible dose of elegance and summery beauty to any outfit.}


{While I tend to favour the modesty (many) one piece bathing suits provide, the incredibly cute, itsy-bitsy polka dot pattern on this pale pink, vintage inspired swimsuit would be exactly what I’d reach for if I was in the market for a bikini. If you’d like to add one to your summer wardrobe, you can do so for $134.99US on Mod Cloth.}


{Whether you want to stay cool during the day or heat things up at night, this fun pink feather fan (that measures 20 inches when open) from the Red Hat Society’s online shop is sure to bring a smile to your way. Pluck one up for $12.00US.}


{Black flowers dance across a sea of pale pink and white gingham on this wonderful 50s style halter dress from Vivien of Holloway. One of which can be yours, if you so fancy, for £59.00 (UK pounds).}


{Dusted with light peachy-pink accents, these charming vintage looking heels from Mod Cloth would work extremely well with everything from skirts to slacks, bathing suits to garden party dresses. A pair can be yours for $49.99US.}


{A deeply pretty example of the perfect shabby chic, pink injected kitchen, discovered via Just a Gal’s wonderful pages.}

The mere sight of pale pink as the mercury rises somehow seems soothing, relaxing, and enticing. I want to cloak myself in the tint of a blushing carnation from head-to-toe, meander through a garden of salt water taffy pink flowers, and conclude each meal with pale coral coloured meringues.

Don’t the items and photos above seem to positively burst with sweet, summertime joy, thanks to their cheerful pink hues? I certainly think so! Do you associate June’s ushering in of summer with pink or another lovely shade?