Faux-tage

I'm with Bex-- real vintage is better, but some of the stuff the kids these days are making is just too darn pretty to pass off. And, if we keep this stuff long enough it will be vintage, eventually.

Case in point. These wall cards from Webster's. I love the idea of decorating a nursery with these-- perhaps as a border around the ceiling, lining the back of a door, or in a series of frames spelling out the child's name? The price is right, and they are so quaint!

Judging Books by their Covers

I know it is pretty hard to beat the loveliness of a dusty old hardcover book with beautifully embossed cover, but Penguin is starting to publish the classics in a new line of some of the prettiest hardcover books I've seen, rivaling those old vintage covers (designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith). I hear they sell out all over, but Amazon is releasing this set at the end of this month. Wuthering Heights! The Picture of Dorian Gray! Pride and Prejudice!

Doesn't it make you want every one of them lined up on your bookshelf?







(order them on Amazon here)

I dunno. On one hand, I'm glad that we are producing beautiful products (I mean, if you are going to own the classics, they might as well be really pretty, right?) but on the other, I feel like this is another case of ripping off the perfection of the past and making it easy to own these vintage inspired covers without all the hard work of searching for the real vintage books. I feel like many people would still argue that the old books are more unique and maybe preferable to these new ones. What do you think?

Renegade Craft Fair - A Few Favorites

Okay, okay. This is the last post about some of the gems that the Renegade Craft Fair held. Just wanted to pass on a few of my favorite items that I saw, lusted after, and then went home without. (sigh)

Altered vintage portraits from Treatzone:





Handcut leather jewelry from tomgirl:




Still kicking myself for not buying any of these new "wearables" from the Black Apple, since she will probably never have any in stock in her online store since everything sells out so quickly:

Shop Launderette: the Shuffleboard

We have some lovely and talented friends down in SoCal that are trying their hand at launching their own clothing line, Launderette. The first item they have ready for market is a cute little vintage inspired scooter dress, with perfect pleats, a dropped waist and crafted from a lovely lightweight material.


And, at just $35 apiece (with shipping included) I feel like we must be ripping them off somehow. Pick one up. Your summer wardrobe will thank you.

Sale! Hayden-Harnett

Oh dear. Hayden-Harnett is having a huge 50% off sale full of all the things my closet wishes it needed. Shoes. Purses. Wallets. Swimsuits. All in the fun colorful HH patterns and classic designs. I'm broke, but maybe you aren't:

Maker Faire 2009 highlights: Bazaar Bizarre

I went to the Maker Faire in San Mateo over the weekend, and walked around the whole time with mouth agape, coveting bikes and screenprinting machines and staring at the amazing things people have figured out how to make.

They always have an impressive Bazaar Bizarre craft fair section as well, and these were a few of my favorites locals that were out selling their wares:

DoubleParlour:

Aside from the obvious Animal Head connection, I think these guys make really pretty paintings and sculptures out of polymer clay, and then paint them with the most lovely and woeful expressions.



Xylocopa:

They make this delicate wooden jewelry with awesome, moveable gears.

Ruffled T-Strap

I visited Imelda's over the weekend (my favorite Portland shoe/accessory store, despite their encouragement of rampant overspending with taglines like "this is why credit cards were invented"), and found the shoe of my dreams! I know the ruffled t-strap style has been around for awhile, but the ones I have seen seem to either be flat gladiator-esque sandals or teetering heels that I will never be able to walk to work in.

Behold! The Jeffrey Campbell Tab style shoe, in black and pewter:


The heel height is ideal for comfortable city walking, and the peep toe is just the perfect twist on the basic t-strap shoe. There is also a lovely brown pair out there that I debated over as well.

(hint: this eBay store is selling the black/pewter shoes for a little over $80, with free shipping.)

Bathing Beauties - inspiration for summer

Everyone is doing the round up of summer swim, so we should probably throw our picks into the pile. I always allow myself one new suit every year, (I generously allow myself as many vintage suits as I can find), and this year decided to splurge on this cute suit from Anthro. The skirted bottom is so perfect.


I am loving that for the past few years it has been so easy to find modern suits with vintage cuts. My American thighs (and butt) appreciate a little extra modesty.

orla: (a little splurgey, but so so cute)

Hayden Harnett:

Paul Smith:

popina

kiminchi and blue:

betsey johnson

Modcloth:


And of course, no beach trip is properly accessorized without one of these:


There is no place you can buy one, so you are on your own to find yours this summer.