Party Girl

My husband's corporate holiday party is looming, it's like a grown up Prom and I always go with a never fail little black dress.  This year I'm going to be brave and amp it up a bit.  Sleeveless dresses seem counter intuitive during a Midwestern winter, but they can always be paired with a pretty cardigan and vintage jewelry for a little sparkle.

Clockwise from the top:

Linen Party Dress by larimeloom, $175.76

Vintage Weiss Earrings from jeanjeanvintage, $32

Tulip Hem Dress by alisondahl, $228

Vintage Silver Tassel Necklace from allencompanyinc, $24

Vintage Christmas

"Christmas is a time when you get homesick, even when you're home." - Carol Nelson

The holidays are when we long for home, for tradition and that deep sense of belonging we get from time with family.  Vintage decorations help create this warm environment, each object is infused with it's own history and yet they are ready to add to your own.

What are your holiday memories?  I remember as a child banging away on the keys of our piano, playing my own choppy version of I Saw Three Ships.  I loved when my mom would take a break from the kitchen, sit down and play Christmas carols from our faded and dogeared book of holiday sheet music.  There's nothing like the sound of real music in the house.

Clockwise from the top:

Vintage Wooden Christmas Ornaments from lovintagefinds, $24

Vintage Christmas Tip Jar from KingsDownRoad, $24

Antique Sheet Music Bundle from VintageScraps, $6

12 Red Vintage Shiny Brite Ornaments from RobertaGrove, $12

Holiday Hostess

Hosting a holiday party is so much work, I like to make sure to thank the host or hostess with something special.  I love bringing a handmade gift to show how much I appreciate the invite, the party and all the work that goes into the holidays!

Clockwise from the top:

Holiday Wreath by eclu, $59

Set of Four Hand Painted Espresso Cups by simplyprettyprints, $44

Cascade Tea Towel by jennarosehandmade, $15

2012 French Fine Art Photography Calendar by littlebrownpen, $22

Cozy Mornings

Some of you got snow this weekend, we haven't been so lucky.  We wake every morning with heavy frost and low lying fog.  Makes me want to crawl back in bed with my morning cup.

Clockwise from the top:

Beige and Black Wrist Warmer and Hat Set by elde, $60

Extra Large Dog Bed Duvet Cover by BowWowBeds, $40

Unisex Socks by RGideas, $34

Vintage Shenango Cups from oldschoolfarm, $17.50

Autumn Arrives

The past week was in the 80s and I hate to complain about non-freezing weather, but with my recent hot flashes I could have really used some cooler temperatures.  The cold front moved in tonight bringing rain followed by a rich pink sky. 

Dress Yourself in Handmade: Suit Up

Menswear is still hot this season, with all it's sharp angles and leather.  I need another rain hat to protect my freshly straightened hair too.

Clockwise from the top:

Sting Jacket by threelittleducksaust, $220

Briefcase in Java Brown II Leather by jennyndesign, $232

Women's Rain Hat by moaningminnie, $55

XO Posts by foundling, $45

Dress Yourself in Vintage: Fall Farmers Market

The outdoor farmer's market is ending soon and with these chilly mornings I need to add a layer and maybe some boots.  We're very lucky in Geneva to have a winter market hosted by Inglenook Pantry, I can't wait for all the fall cheeses and root vegetables!

Clockwise from the top:

Vintage Pendleton Wool Sweater from meadowlark, $43

Vintage French Leather Drawstring Bag from bOmode, $79

Vintage ID Bracelet from jeanjeanvintage, $32

Soft Tan Leather Boots from OceanSwept, $94