Our September Elite16 Giveaway with Bonnbonn

Now that it's September, do you have the back to work blues? Our monthly giveaway might just cheer you up.  This month you can enter to win a $50 gift certificate from Bonnie's Etsy shop bonnbonn.  Bonnie specializes in vintage finds and handmade goods or something old and something new. We don't think it will be hard to find something you fall in love with from her shop.

Our September Elite 16 Etsy Giveaway runs from September 6-13 and we'll be announcing the Lucky Winner on Friday right here on the blog and also on our Facebook page!  Make sure to check out all the ways you can enter because there are many options to earn extra points- thus, increasing your chances of winning! Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Stylist Series || Go Vintage #3 with Miss Farfalla

We're rounding out the end of the month with our last Go Vintage Summer Stylist Series by Chris of Miss Farfalla.  Each of her previous 2 posts have explored a different time period - first to the Roaring 20's and then onto the Depression Era of the 1930's.  This week, Chris is peeking into the 1940's with a bit of romance in a the cigarette filled bar.  She paints the picture for us below and finishes her post with a song clip with you can almost hear playing in the background.  Each of her period selections are all available on Etsy and would make a dashing impression if anyone walked into a bar dressed with such style and mystery - all in black!

Feeling inspired on what to wear on your next night out?  Thank you so much, Chris!

A Case of Noir

She sits at the end of a smoky bar and the neon lights up her Maybelline. She wonders if he’ll be there tonight or if she should ever wonder ever again. The war’s over and maybe she’ll just leave. Jump the train to Chicago or maybe keep going… Hollywood? She was told she has those eyes. 

But for now she hears the intro. Adjusts the seams in her stockings and walks to the spotlight. Saxaphone for four slow bars. Lucky Strikes glow in the audience. Torch songs for twenty minutes… then dreams in the neon again. War’s over. Maybe he’ll be back. Maybe tonight.

Marguerite - 1940's Black Wool Hat  ||  The Mad Hat Lady
Gold Plated Vintage Cigarette Case  ||  Power of One Designs
1940's Slow Dancing Dress  ||  Wildfell Hall Vintage
Vintage 1940's Necklace  ||  Old Chestnut Cottage
Ivory Satin Silk Pumps 1940's  ||  Slate Vintager
1940's Vintage Corde Handbag  ||  Salome Vintage

“You go to my head and you linger like a haunting refrain
And I find you spinning 'round in my brain
Like the bubbles in a glass of champagne

You go to my head like a sip of sparkling Burgundy brew
And I find the very mention of you
Like the kicker in a julep or two”

Summer Stylist Series || Go Vintage #2 with Miss Farfalla

Through our Summer Stylist Series this month, we're putting the focus on vintage clothing through our personal stylist Chris of Miss Farfalla!  Each week, Chris is taking into the world of vintage fashion by putting the spotlight on a certain time period.  Her first post took us to the Roaring 20's and she selected her items accordingly.  However, she doesn't stop there!  I love how Chris incorporates a little blurb to bring out the mood of the era and then finishes off with a song clip from that time period.  Now, we can really feel the vibe!  

This week, Chris takes us back in time to the 1930's!

"So the crash came and Gatsby died in the swimming pool and thank goodness for the WPA!

What to wear to that little job around the corner now that the parties over, Dear Working Girl... well this sweet set: cotton print frock, tilt top hat, whimsical butterfly handbag and those marvelous servicable shoes... perfect for standing behind the Woolworth 5 & 10 fragrance counter all day long."

Vintage 1930s Cotton Print Pocket Dress  ||  Rococo Vintage 
1930s Vintage Tilt Topper Hat  ||  Living Threads Vintage
1930's Vintage Beaded Purse  ||   Midnight Mart
30s Woven Oxford Shoes  ||  Jess James Jake

Song Clip:

"I work at the Palace Ball,
But gee, that palace is cheap.
When I get back to my chilly hallroom
I'm much too tired to sleep.
I'm one of those lady teachers,
A beautiful hostess you know,
The kind the palace features
At exactly a dime a throw.

Ten cents a dance,
That's what they pay me.
Gosh how they weigh me down..."

We'll see you here again next week as we explore yet another block of history through fashion!

Summer Stylist Series || Go Vintage with Miss Farfalla

Our Summer Stylist Series is a super fun way to get to know Etsy.  If you've always wanted a personal shopper to help you navigate the crowded waters of Etsy, then look no further!  This month, we're taking you inside the world of vintage with Chris of Etsy shop Miss Farfalla as our personal tour guide.  Chris has been selling her fine vintage clothing on Etsy since 2009, so she knows her way around and we're excited to follow along!  Each week she'll choose 4 items, share her comments on the inspiration and then she's finishing it off with a fragment of a popular song from that era.  How cool is that?

Her focus for this week lands on the wonderful, roaring 20s!  

"Oh the unstoppable 20s!  Just hop your Pierce Arrow to the nearest Speakeasy in this sweet set.  What a glorious Deco frock!  And those fabulous satin shoes!  Add the perfect little cloche, a sweet little crochet handbag, silk stockings, garters, bathtub gin and some 1928 Standard Oil stock (before crash)... and party on Jazz Babies!"

20s Silk Flapper Dress  ||  Le Mollusque
1920 Summer Hat  ||  Planet Claire Vintage
Vintage 1920s Crochet Purse  ||  4 Birds Vintage
Silk Deco 1920s Shoes  ||  Fab Gabs

Song Clip:

"Beware of frozen funds, ooh, ooh
Stocks and bonds, ooh, ooh
Dockside thugs, ooh, ooh
You'll get a pain and ruin your bankroll

Keep away from bootleg hooch
When you're on a spree
Oh, take good care of yourself
You belong to me"

We'll see you next week for another dive into the past with Chris' creative selections!

You are invited to a Garden Party!

In this last month of Spring it's the perfect time for an outdoor soiree.  The smell of fresh flowers at dusk, drinks over candlelight surrounded by friends and family.  These are the perfect ingredients for a garden party.  I have pulled together some of my favorite finds that I think bring together a perfect outdoor celebration. Happy Spring!

Garden Party:

1. faux bois vase ❁ L & M Studio
2. peony note cards ❁ Giardino
3. 1950's floral dress  ❁ zwzzy
4. Rose Garden 8x10 print ❁ Pure Nature Photos
5. succulent wreath ❁ Eucca
6. stump table ❁ Real Wood Works
7. garden party aromatherapy ❁ Living Earth Botanicals
8. industrial wall sconce ❁ Luke Lamp Co
9. airplant in gold color block pod  ❁ Sea and Asters
10. bird feeder  ❁ The Bird on the Tree
11. bibliophile garland  ❁ Palimpsestic

Create A Classic Vintage Table Setting!

Top Vintage Table Linen Set by Lovintage Finds
Bottom Left  Set of Four Small Vintage Bowl by All Things White
Bottom Middle  Etched Gazelle Drinking Glasses, Set of 6 by bonnbonn
Bottom Right  Trio of Danish Modern Wood Turned Candlesticks by Monki Vintage 

I love the idea of pairing different styles together and have been thinking lately of a funky vintage modern decor combo.  Setting the table is often something that gets neglected in my day to day routine, but one that comes alive when friends are coming over.  I like to mix and match things and pull together a layered look through the different styles.  Here, I've created a little imaginary table setting that combines the classic look of vintage linens with the sleek lines of Danish modern.  Hmmm...now I just have to imagine what kind of food and drinks I'd be serving to compliment my table decor!

Any thoughts?  I think fresh mojitos would look amazing in the gazelle drinking glasses!

Parisian Inspiration

It's finally Spring and travel season is here. I've always wanted to visit Paris in the early Spring. I've actually been lucky enough to visit in late May ( during Roland Garros), but it was actually a bit hot.  I envision a cool + crisp morning with an espresso, pain au chocolat and an unplanned day exploring the hidden parks that dot the city. Sounds pretty perfect, right?  Since we probably all can't make it there The Paris Print Shop's amazing images of the City of Light are a pretty good alternative.  

Have you entered our April giveaway? It ends April 12th. The lucky winner will receive a set of 4 prints of Paris by the Paris Print Shop.  It's hard to not be inspired by Paris, but if you need some help we asked our amazing curators to build a collection around the prints in the giveaway. 

Do you have a favorite collection?

Collection: marche aux herbes
Curator: by Cinne Worthington

1. tea towel from bonn bonn
2. stoneware spoons by karo art
3. vintage French soap from LaManche
4. paris photography by The Paris Print Shop
5. kitchen art by Lupen Grainne
6. vintage farmhouse bowl from all things white

Collection: tres chic

Curator: lebotanicals

1. paris photography by the Paris Print Shop

2. coral color block pillow by Jillian Rene Decor

3. silver dangling earrings by O Bliss Jewellery

4. vintage dress from zwzzy

5. coral clock by Design Atelier Article

6. grey triangle tote by boohoo at home

Collection: Paris living is sweet

Curator: 88 editions

1. bicycle pillow by Delinda Boutique

2. vintage French skeleton key from french felt

3. metal urn from Lilly Queen Vintage

4. passion flower pillow by giardino

5. paris photography by the Paris Print Shop

Collection: ivory and pewter

Curator: all things white

1. paris photography by the Paris Print Shop

2. pendant lamp by Filigree Creations

3. frosted forest watercolor by Created by Storm

4. silver spike pendant by Camillette 80

5. vintage industrial lamp from LoVintage Finds

6. "fresh" porcelain vessel by Lyn Swan

Let's Be Adventurers

Love and travel. What's more exciting than exploring the world with the one you love!
Whether you are backpacking in Prague, biking in Amsterdam or exploring the Outback : do it in STYLE. With the right accessories make your next trip an unforgettable adventure.

|| Adventurous Love || 
1. Settlers Sack by may.tree.ark
2. travel journal by degno di nota
3. world map from bonnbonn
4. emerald heart ring by la chica de los anillos
5. bike shelf by Chrome LTD
6. vintage letterpress type from Monki Vintage

Vintage Freshness | Style Guide

1. vintage geometric scarf | Thrush
2. vintage letterpress Amour | bonnbonn
3. whole bean coffee 1 lb | Homesteading Roasters
4. vintage decorative wrought iron | forgotten PLUM
5. Sunset 8x10 | Pure Nature Photos
6. blue eames chair | Cast & Crew

We wrapped our January Style Guide challenge on Thursday and we had some absolutely fabulous collections.  I really enjoy seeing how everyone will put their spin on our theme.  This month it was all about New Beginnings and Fresh Starts.

Kathy of LoVintage Finds made this vintage inspired collection, entitled Freshness.  First of all I loved the eye catching color palette of blue and orange. I also loved all her vintage picks but how vintage can also be FRESH and new.

Tomorrow we will announce our Style Guide winner and you won't want to miss it. We received 106 entries and it is never easy making the final decision.  Our winner will also be our featured Guest Pinner on Pinterest in February.  We hope you enjoyed the January Style Guide Challenge and please join us again on February 16th!

An Introduction: Etsy Shop Timeless Vintage Finds

The internet brings the thrill of the hunt for vintage goodies right to your home through a click.  Sure, it's really fun to check your local paper for various yard sales + flea markets over the weekend, but you're still going to be limited to items in your area.  Haven't you ever wondered what shows up in other parts of the country?  Meet Brandi & Jason of Etsy shop Timeless Vintage Finds - your guides to Midwest vintage finds!  With a focus on industrial and retro, this husband and wife duo enjoy working together to bring their favorite picks directly to you.  With clean and crisp photography, you'll feel like you're right there with them picking through their latest finds!  What vintage goodies are awaiting a new history with you?   

Want to learn more?
Like: http://www.facebook.com/TimelessFindsVintage
Follow: http://www.twitter.com/timelessfinds
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/timelessfindsvintage

An Introduction: Etsy Shop Salt and Ginger

our salt and ginger favorites:
fridge chalkboard + spice rack
vintage syroco bird wall plaques
mid century candle holders
magnetic spice tins

As we come out of the winter doldrums + into the light of spring, you might be looking around your house and feeling like you're ready for something different.  No doubt, spring is just such an inspiring time of year + the perfect time to make room for some fresh decor finds!  What?  You don't want to go to Ikea?  Of course you don't!  You want something that's going to define your own unique style, right?  Something that has a bit of history and something that you probably won't find at your neighbor's house the next time you go over for a party.  Meet Katrina.  She runs Etsy shop Salt and Ginger where you'll find an assortment of handpicked eclectic vintage home decor + housewares.  By going vintage, you're sure to find signature pieces to define your new look!   Oh, and when you do get invited to that party next door, check out Katrina's selection of magnetic kitchen spice racks for the perfect hostess gift!  Enjoy!   


Want to learn more?
Follow: http://www.twitter.com/saltandginger
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/saltandginger

Grapefruit and Brown Sugar: A Winning Spring Recipe

Grapefruit:
1.  Grapefruit Mineral Blush by Naked Elements
2. Breakfast Bar Soap by Blushie
3. Vintage 1970's wrap skirt by Fab Gabs
Brown Sugar:
1. Botanica Watercolor by Francesca Lancisi
2. Arrow patterned knit pillow by Knit Frekkles
3. Khaki Stripe Infinity Scarf by Seven White Rabbits

How do you find inspiration? I used to flip through magazines, tear out my favorite rooms and products and then when I had free time I would organize them into design notebooks. I say used to because those precious magazines have almost all gone digital. So what's a design junkie to do? One word: Pinterest! ( Follow our Inspiration Boards)

 I was browsing through Pinterest and saw a recipe for broiled grapefruit with brown sugar and ginger. Pinterest is one of those sites that you can easily get lost in for hours and I love using for my personal inspiration board. In this case, I took that recipe idea and translated it into a Spring color collection of soft peachy pinks and khaki brown. This sweet and sour mix really look scrumptious together and make for a fresh Spring combination.  Find these items on our Grapefruit + Brown Sugar board. 

An Elite 16 Welcome: Etsy Shop Vntage Queen

So you love vintage + you wish you had more time to make a day of cruising around to different estate sales + flea markets.   (why are they called "flea" markets anyway?)  We know how easy it can be to get lost in that world + get pumped up on the thrill of possibly finding that special something.  You may not know what it is yet, but you know it's out there.  Waiting for YOU.  But listen, that takes a lot of time + time is sometimes a bit of a rare gem these days, don't you think?  So let us help you out by introducing you to Etsy shop vntagequeen.  You can still feel the thrill of the hunt as Ashley's shop is filled with a beautiful assortment of vintage finds, but it comes with the convenience of a click.  There are over 140 items to satisfy your inner treasure hunter, so go on...  pour a glass of wine + let's find that special something because it IS waiting just for you! 


Current shop favorites:
1. Gold Coral Sculpture $16
2. Vintage pair of Pottery Vases $36
3. Vintage cluster of Bud Vases $32
4. Brass vintage hedgehog $18

  

Five Questions: Etsy Shop Zwzzy

Etsy is a great marketplace for vintage decor + clothing, but the question we always hear is, "We don't know where to start!"  It's true - there are a lot of options on Etsy, to be precise... 1,906,729 items under 'vintage' and 354,906 items under 'clothing'.  Might we suggest a better way to shop for vintage on Etsy?  Unless of course you're feeling really, really, really bored + want to look at 354,906 items!


We're finishing off the month with our Five Question series - today's focus is on Jen + her Etsy shop Zwzzy!  In step with her tag line "get cute in vintage", you'll find a shop filled with fun finds from as far back as the 40's all the way to the 70's.  Her shop has 324 items, but you won't get bored here!  Engaging photography alone will entertain you, but you'll be sure to find something you'll be smitten with!  


1. Why did you open an Etsy shop?
I originally opened after my best friend told me about this new, cool website that sells only handmade and vintage items. We were stoked on how much freedom we could have with wording, and be able to have set prices and whatnot. I was done with the 'bay, and Etsy came around just at the right time to continue to share my love of vintage. :)


2. What do you think makes your product unique?
With vintage, I think almost everything is unique in itself. :) I'm a sucker for anything flashy, loud and fun, so I think those items tend to project a fun store. I try to photograph in similar styles, and love a good prop. :)


3.  Describe your studio/creative space.
My photography set-up is actually all in my kitchen! Our garage is in renovation, and I hope to have my backdrop permanently set-up there soon. That'll be so much nicer than dragging the kitchen table across the room!


4. What are your goals for your Etsy shop in 2012?
My biggest goal is to definitely have more time. I also work a 32-hour job, and work at a non-commercial radio station, so it's sometimes a challenge diving my time between all 3. Vintage is a huge passion, and if I'm not at work, you can bet I'm doing something related to Zwzzy - estate sale-ing, cleaning, repairing, photographing, editing, listing. Whew!


5.  What does a day away from the studio look like?
I'm a huge fan of going to fun places like the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, or the SF Zoo, or my favorite - Sutro Bath ruins. I'll take a relaxing day at the beach anytime! If I'm not snoring on the beach, then you'll find me at the local roller rink at disco night! :D

A Fresh Start For February With Etsy

Winter White set of four lin... giardino $40.00	Snow white crocheted heart... sabahnur $5.00	Porcelain Nesting Bowls in S... SuiteOneStudio $110.00	Nuno felted white top tshirt... Baymut $99.45
Love Letters allthingswhite $5.00	Handmade Eco Friendly White ... ecofriendlybea... $60.00	Paris Photography, Everlasti... littlebrownpen $75.00	Natural Lip Gloss in Stardus... Blushie $8.00
Handmade Maple Marshmallows whimsyandspice $6.50	White Organic Bell Earrings ... lachicadelosan... $35.00	Vintage 1950s Shoes // Whit... FabGabs $56.00	bridal headband of White lac... BeSomethingNew $45.00
Vintage Anglepoise Lamp lovintagefinds $98.00	Strainer Tie bar- sterling s... mujoyas $76.00	Vintage Metallic Dress White... zwzzy $68.00	Napkin Rings Organic Bamboo ... frenchfelt $11.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.  

As February approaches, though we still haven't yet shaken the chill of winter, we long for the freshness of spring.  Our month of February essentially means purification, being named for the ancient Roman purification festival known as Februa.  Though it is still technically winter, we long for a bit of airiness in our wardrobes and lots of fresh bright white in our decor.


We love this radiant treasury by Cindy of Yellow Bug Boutique because it celebrates this transition month of February merging the frostiness of winter with a beautiful spring freshness.  Romantic lace and hearts remind us that Valentine's day is just around the corner.  Spring brides  putting the finishing touches on wedding planning can find so many exquisite and unique touches to make their day extra special. Snowy white  decor with clean lines and a touch of drama can brighten those winter darkened areas in your home.  Let us help you usher in this new month with these refreshing suggestions!

Five Questions: Etsy Shop Kaftan Sarafan

Do you love the look of vintage home decor?  Maybe you're a weekend flea market adventurer or maybe you like to browse online.  Etsy is home to not only handmade items, but vintage as well.  Yet finding a shop with a well curated collection can be difficult if you don't know where to turn.  Search 'home decor' under 'vintage' on Etsy and you'll get 263, 558 returns + unless you're really bored, that's clearly not the way to go!


Welcome our Five Questions series where we highlight some of our favorite shops on Etsy.  We've combed through all the different choices for vintage home decor on Etsy and today we'd like to introduce you to Irina's Etsy shop Kaftan Sarafan.  You'll come to love Irina's inviting sense of style + look forward to what's new in her shop.  We especially love her eye catching recycled one-of-a-kind pillows + hope you'll find something you love as well!  Thank you Irina for sharing with us today!  

1. Why did you open an Etsy shop?
An artistic friend of mine sent me a link to Etsy around two years ago when I first began making things which met with her artistic approval. I had made my first few embroideries and recycled vintage pillow covers. So I spent quite some time reading Etsy featured seller articles (which I found very convincing and encouraging), browsing the shops, trying to get the feel of the site until one day I thought, why not, and I opened KaftanSarafan where I first listed around 10 items. It was super easy. I was amazed when my first sale took place shortly after I listed the item. I had never sold anything in my life.

Golden Bamboo, set of two pillow cushions

2. What do you think makes your product unique? 
I don’t consider anything I do particularly unique. Clearly no one is free from outside influences but one’s work may debatably be considered unique when these many many influences soaked by us throughout our life time are reworked in a manner which seems unprecedented. It’s been said many times before but remains true, it has to come from the heart to be good. I would not sell anything that I find plain, common or uninteresting. That’s why more often than not I find it difficult to part with my vintage finds! The same approach applies to my handmade items, the pillow covers, kaftans, scarves or embroideries. I collect fabrics but will only use them when I see a perfect product for the fabrics to be used in. 


 3. Describe your studio / creative space.  

I work at home and have taken over our dining room which is my studio/office space and utility room which is my storage space cum packing station.


4. What are your goals for your Etsy shop in 2012? 
As sales are picking up at KaftanSarafan I will continue my search for unique and beautiful vintage items. I also plan to develop my handmade shop where I will sell limited edition embroideries and accessories (scarves, bags, brooches), etc.


5. What does a day away from the studio look like?
There isn’t a day when I am away from the studio completely, only if I am out of the country. I spend weekends with my little family, my husband and my daughter. We either relax at home or make trips to places we like in Dublin and vicinity, the parks, forests, the beach, the farmer’s markets.