Here's lookin at me kid

Vintage Typewriters

Raise your hand if you like vintage typewriters. Now keep your hand raised if you actually use vintage typewriters.... That's what I thought. Just a few of us. It's okay, they're pretty to look at. Some people use them for decor these days. I use them for scrapbooking. And if you're super artistic, like little Cathie here, you can even find a typewriter in your favorite hue to match your favorite sweater ensemble!

I rounded up a few fun typewriters on Etsy for your shopping pleasure. Or for your viewing pleasure. Whichever your budget allows.

Top; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5

(image credit: elena-lu)

Post holiday decor

Doesn't home seem so empty after the holidays? I usually add decorations for Christmas, but when they're taken down afterwards, it always seems like there is a void I need to fill. So, I've been thinking of some fun ways to add a little something extra to our decor after the sparkley lights and garlands are taken down.

I love that old salon chair and the industrial pieces laying about this apartment. It would be so lovely to find something completely useless but utterly enchanting like this for our own home.

Check out that blue cabinet! Not only does it match the wall, but the color adds a lot of whimsy to an otherwise ordinary piece of furniture. I have a couple of cheap thrift store pieces that I've been considering painting. Maybe it's time I think a bit more seriously on the matter...

Now, I'm not quite sure if this one is doable... But I've been wanting to wallpaper somewhere- anywhere!- in our house for quite some time. I'm just not sure how my landlord brother would feel about that.  Annnd I'm not sure how long we'll actually be living here. Maybe I should wait until we get our own home. But I can barely stand waiting any more!

I've been known to add little bits of 1960's kitsch in our home, but in the winter, it might be warming to add a few more fun pieces! Something easy to change out as the mood strikes me. Such as this afghan coverlet and the 12 Angry Men movie poster.

These drawer shelves really make me want to try a new vintage DIY project. I love the little touch of turquoise lace at the top as well. I'll have to try to find a way to make my own project a bit less girly, though, or it might garner complaints from the menfolk.

So, I have a couple more weeks until my next semester of school begins. Maybe I'll manage to accomplish some of these projects by then! Ah, I just don't know where to begin.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Fashion Inspiration

Due to lack of shopping funds, I've been trying to look at my wardrobe in new ways. Mixing and matching is key in saving my bank account from disaster.

One look I really love is lacy layers. Lovely vintage pieces with lots of character are fabulous under vests and sweaters. I love these tops paired with black tights and leggings. I seriously need to invest in some black sweater tights!

Another look that has been catching my eye is the little vintage jacket. I know oversized jackets are so hot right now, but you can never underestimate the power of a little stylish number. Patterned and boldly colored ones are so easy to dress up or down. The only problem is... winter. Do you wear jackets under your heavy coats? I sometimes do. I simply remove my coat when I arrive at my destination, but still stick with the jacket. It's kind of bulky, but I just love jackets too much to abandon them in the colder months.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Fashion Inspiration

You know you're a bit of an unusual gal when you take your fashion inspiration from a 1940's movie. The Shop Around the Corner is one of my favorite holiday movies. (It's so good that the plot was recycled in 1949 for "In the Good Old Summetime" and in 1998 for "You've Got Mail.) As I was watching it last week, I realized for the first time that Margaret Sullavan was incredibly styled for her role.

First of all, I love her ruffled polka dot blouse, but if you look closely, her skirt has wide suspender straps! Adorable. A look I am totally going to try. And that hat? That hat!

And speaking of hats, look that this lovely straw number. I had always thought straw hats were for the summertime, but this hat paired with a velvet ribbon is quite nice for chillier months.

Lately I can't get enough fur collars. You can mix and match them with any outfit. But now I think I need a fur coat. Not real fur, mind you... but look how chic she looks all cuddled up with her leather gloves and felt hat!

Now if only I had the funds for a little vintage shopping trip...

1960 something

Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to have lived during the 60s. I wonder if I would have worn pretty dresses and attend proper social functions. Or if I would have worn cigarette pants and rocked out at The Who concerts with my dad. Maybe I would've been a political activist. What would you have been doing in the 60s? Or maybe you were already there. I just think it was such a fascinating time and I wish I could have seen it firsthand. Good thing they took pictures.

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Inspiration from last weekend

Last Saturday I shot my first ever solo wedding. I also saw, for the first time ever, the most gorgeous paper flower designs!

The bride handmade three bouquets as well as various boutonnieres and corsages.  Out of paper!  I couldn't believe the detail and textures.  I couldn't wait to share it with you!  Wow.  I am still in awe.

Le Office

For those of you who follow me on twitter, you know I've been working tirelessly with my brother on completing our office renovations.  For some reason, this little room is taking much longer than the rest of the rooms in our house.  We ended up compromising on a lot of our original ideas, and right now the room is still a bit of a mess.  But as I'm getting my desk organized, I've been trolling the internet for some inspiration.  Here are some of my favorite home offices spaces that I've found...

(source)

(via Living etc)

(via Living etc)

(via living etc)

(via Living etc)

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(via sfgirlbybay)

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Want to peek inside my head?

Sometimes I find it rather overwhelming keeping up with all of the blogs I read. Using a blog subscription service, like Google Reader, has seriously changed my life. What would I do without it? I have my favorite blogs organized into categories and catch up with them when I have some free time.  Another great thing about Google Reader is that I can share my favorite blog posts from around the blogosphere with friends like you.

via Snippet & Ink

It works like this...  When I'm paroosing my favorite blogs on Google Reader and come across a super inspiring post, I click the share button.  Then those posts are added to my shared stream.  You can follow my shared stream if you have Google Reader.  And if you don't...?  Well, what are you waiting for, silly?  It's my favorite way to stay up to date on my favorite blogs... and, of course, a great way to become further addicted to the blog world.  Here are some images from the latest and greatest posts I've seen out there in blogland...

via Bloesem

via Design Sponge

via Poppytalk

via Notpaper

via Mint

via Happy Cavalier

via Apartment Therapy

via Decor 8

Lovely

I'm so charmed by Kris's super adorable illustrations. And... they're done on kraft. Super fun, ja? (I also just adore her wry sense of humor.) See more here.

Inspirational Clutter

Perhaps it's me trying to live amongst all of this construction... Or maybe it's the creative soul.  Artists always are messy... right?  Right?  In any case, I thought these less than pristine photos were awfully pretty.  Cluttered can be pretty too, ya know.

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