Secrets from a Stylist

Last week I caught a rerun of the show Secrets from a Stylist on HGTV, hosted by Emily Henderson (serious girl crush alert).  Since it's the season of holiday decorating I was excited to watch as she transformed a family's space into a holiday party wonderland.  While the color scheme for this family's home does not match my own, I still came away with tons of ideas for decorating. There were lots of DIY projects for making your own decorations and tips for picking up pieces at flea markets and putting them together in creative ways that make a space feel personal and unique.  I've already taken on the yarn-ball-as-tree-ornament project and plan on tackling the old-book-pages-turned-mini-trees next (you'll have to watch the show to see that one).  And can we talk about the vintage-globe-snowman-family?  So cute.  If you don't have a moment to watch the show, you can check out the Holiday Guide magazine that includes not only a lot of photographs from the episode, but also lots of other crafty ideas and gift guides that have led me to many new and fun places on the internet. 

Street Style Favorites

Stockholm Street Style, Vanessa Jackman, Sartorialist, Fancy Fine, Shop Lawrence, Hummingbird Girls, Stockhom Street Style, Sartorialist

You may have noticed a lack of outfit photos on the blog lately.  I just haven't felt much like stepping in front of the camera.  I'm sure it's a phase and it will pass but until then, rest assured that I'm still getting dressed on a daily basis.  Ha, ha.  When I'm feeling a bit stuck and I'm not quite sure what to wear, I often consult the "outfit favorites" folder on my computer for inspiration.  These are some of my favorite favorites right now: lots of neutral colors, layering, longer length skirts and ankle boots.  That pretty much sums up what I've been wearing. 

As soon as I saw these scans from Elle Decor France on Moodboard, I saved them to my "home inspiration" file.  So good!  A few things I'm taking note of;  must get kilim pillows to throw on the couch, be on the lookout for more vintage etched mirrors to brighten up dark spaces, a random assortment of baskets collected on a shelf makes great storage and fresh cut flowers on the table are lovely any time of year.

Etsy Update: A Touch of the Holidays

winter solstice dress ... merlot lace holiday dress... silent night chiffon dress

audrey lace dress ... ruby wool wiggle dress ... sheer noir lace dress

silver fox stole ... scarlet cape coat ... persian wool coat

crossing lines cardigan ... peppermint knit cardigan ... ahoy sailor sweater

hidden secrets skirt ...brick corduroy skirt ... ebony knit skirt

bonnie tweed vest & skirt ... british isle cape & skirt ... queens plaid vest & skirt 

wool ski cardigan ... geometry sweater ... snowflake sweater

elegance velvet skirt ... charcoal notched skirt ... holiday velvet skirt

netted party dress ... garnet velvet dress ... metallic wiggle dress

cranberry wool coat ...first snow plaid coat ... macintosh red wool coat 

appleseed belted dress ... folk music dress ... half and half dress 

New Pretties in December? Oh yes.

 
In our largest monthly updates yet, we just added some 31 vintage and antique pieces at Past Perfect Vintage, covering a 140 year span. Not bad, I think. Today let's look at the Victorian and Edwardian pieces. We are showing an 1840s print cotton wrapper/house dress, an 1860s brown silk damask 2 piece dress, an 1870s to early 1880s natural silk 2 piece bustle dress with wonderful buttons and

Photography: Andrew Nuding

I wish I could remember exactly where I first saw Andrew Nuding's photography so I could give credit where credit is due, but I can't so it will have to suffice to say that I'm quite taken with these images.  Right now I'm partial to the ones that portray a seemingly cold, grey winter sky.  It seems Old Man Winter has finally arrived and I'm digging in my heels in preparation to ride out another long winter.  These photos are serving to remind me that I can do so in a fashionable way and not just wrapped in flannel pajamas and quilts as I'm tempted to do. 

Hiking Boots

I've been thinking about a pair of completely practical, sturdy boots for stomping around town or the woods.  Luckily I found a pair of brown hiking boots with red laces in the boy's section at the thrift store but if I hadn't, I may have sprung for this pair or this pair.  I plan on wearing them with rolled up jeans and chunky cableknit sweaters for comfy days.