Sample Sale: Dear Creatures

We are huge Dear Creatures fans, and the Billion Dollar Babes currently have a sample sale going on with a lot of the pieces from the Fall season.




The sale is up to 70% off items, though most things are priced around 45% off original price ($50-$70 ... except those shorts are a steal at $35) - the sale is good for the next day or so only, so get shopping quick.

(and, if you order more than $100 worth of stuff, use the promo code "HOLIDAY09" at checkout to get $20 off your order).

You're welcome.

DIY: Colored Chalkboard Paint and Vintage Frames

I was excited to see all the new, pretty colors that Hudson Paint is offering in their chalkboard paint these days - bright blues and pinks and greens are a nice variation on the classic black or gray.

I like the idea of getting a big ol' ornate vintage picture frame or wooden window/door frame, and then framing a bright chalkboard inside to hang in the entryway or above a desk.


(images from design sponge, bluebellbazaar, sempernova)

Alternatives to Polaroid

Jordan over at Oh Happy Day posted about some fun alternatives to the old polaroid cameras now that it is harder to find film for them (snif).

She made me want to own both of these cameras:

Vintage Polaroid 600 SE
Apparently you can use Fuji instant film with it, and it takes really really stunning pictures. They have used Fuji FP 100 B with it.




(Photos by the ever talented Jonathan Canlas)



Fuji Instax Mini
Takes instant credit card sized photos and uses a special film.

Vintage Finds: Mini Gillete Razor

Another estate sale score: a mini travel razor and carrying case! The little razor handle unscrews for easy storage. Never been used to cut a hair!

I immediately took it home and gifted it to a certain boy I know that can grow a mean beard. I think it makes a fun gift for the dapper man that has everything?





I'd never seen these before, but a quick etsy search found a similar one here, so maybe they aren't that uncommon. But they sure are cute. You really can't beat vintage packaging.

Vintage Finds: Dennison Gummed Labels

Maybe I had labels on the mind, which is why at an estate sale last week I was so delighted to find these lovely vintage Dennison labels. I love office supplies anyway, so when they come in beautiful old packaging made to look like mini-books, I find them completely irresistible!

DIY: Print Your Own Labels

There are lots of fun, free label templates floating around the internet, though this morning I stumbled onto some vintage inspired ones that motivated me to actually blog about a few of them.

The labels can be used as gift tags, mailing labels, notecards, seating cards, jar labels, etc.

To use:
Just download the labels and then print them onto full sheets of self-adhesive paper. Use a straightedge and a utility knife to cut out the rectangular labels; cut out the round labels with a pair of scissors or a round punch if you have one. Just click on the following links to download.

Vintage-Inspired Labels from Suzee Que:




Simple Scribbled Labels from A Print A Day:


Graphic Blue and Grey Birds and Graph paper from Creature Comforts:

Scalloped Bird and Colorful Garland Labels from Wolfie and the Sneak:


Lovely Bright "to/from" Labels from love. obsess. inspire.:


Most are available in PDF format (you will need Adobe Reader). All images free for your personal use only.

Color of the Year: PANTONE 15-5519

Happy New Year! Did you know that PANTONE chooses one color a year as THE color of the year? Twenty-ten's color is the PANTONE 15-5519 (aka Turquoise), which they call "an inviting, luminous hue."

I don't know about their claim that "Turquoise Transports Us to an Exciting, Tropical Paradise While Offering a Sense of Protection and Healing in Stressful Times," but I do know that I've been into bright jewel tones lately, and a strong turquoise or teal could really scratch that itch.

I scoured some lovely vintage finds on etsy, and have a little color inspiration for the year. So much pretty turquoise and other shades of blue and green!



iloveswift, $38 | thefancytail, $440 | 13bees, $58
seaglassvintage, $14 | 23burtonavenue, $35 | hautecountry, $120
TheVintageCabin, $24 | johnnyvintage, $60 | vintagejane, $89