Moving Sale!

Oh yeah, and this!  To make the move to my new studio a wee bit easier of a haul, I decided to slash some prices! There are so many lovely pieces in my shop right now, 30's - 70's, dresses, jackets, skirts, etc. Check it out, and pass it on if you know someone who loves vintage clothing! :)

Sketchbook - 3

I had to search back an embarrassing number of posts to find my last artwork update-- I've apparently only done it twice! Quite the grounds for some catch up.

When I was a student in Mrs. Lorenz's quite bohemian 7th grade Language Arts class, I was accused for the first time of having a future in creating. A handful of classmates, one by one would comment on a note (you know, the passing kind) or birthday card I had made someone, and exclaim something like, "you are going to make wedding invitations one day!" 

Nothing could have infuriated me more. 

All I could associate with that vocation at the time, was sitting at a desk, and being behind the scenes when all I wanted was to be on the stage. As ridiculous as that sounds now (clearly a person can do both) I was determined to not make paper goods one day-- despite my twelve year old self's forty five different hued Gelly Roll pens, paper collection and penchant for lettering. Ha.

But here I am, finally about to do just that-- or to at least begin something my middle school peers would probably pull a "told ya so" over: Of Dust and Wonder Studio.

Because it's been awhile, we really need to go back a ways. I think my drawing re-boot started with my SIL's baby shower tea, which I designed these invites for (personal info has been removed).

Then, in a flurry came some fliers for a volunteer event, and printable table cards for a friend's housewarming.  After that, I kind of just got back into a rhythm, and started making cards for friend's birthdays, doing design work for a couple friend's blogs, portraits and stationary.

Since, I've designed some simple stationary that's already for sale in my Etsy shop, and have begun creating samples for custom, lighthearted portraits.

I've still got quite a ways to go (I'm bubbling over with ideas), but I'm hopeful that I'm finally put those middle school drawing/lettering skills of mine to use. ;)

Until the next Sketchbook post, which hopefully is soon!

Here + Now

I wore this last week (or so) when we had a springy spell.  Leaving the house sans tights was lovely, though a little chilly still.  It seems nothing is consistent of late and though there are pros and cons to that, I'm okay with it.  Spring aside, there's such a feeling of anticipation in my bones the past few weeks. I know I have choices to make, and not so much a matter of if, but when.  

I am learning that the best answer to that (for me) is often now.  Sigh. 

Knowing that is not always helpful.

Details

{jacket} - Michael Kors, gift

{dress} - vintage 60's, for sale here

{sandals} - Seychelles via ModCloth

Curio Vintage: Early Spring Update

It's been far too long since I posted here with new additions to my vintage shop!  Here's what is newly listed and coming soon for Spring:

This sweet and springy 1960's peach hued dress is freshly listed!  It's effortless and is definitely a throwback to the 20's in style!  Whether you prefer mod or Gatsby, this coy number does both.

These charming 50's clip earrings are beautiful and so nostalgic, they'll make an appearance in the shop in early April!

This 1960's grapefruite wool coat is the perfect lighter weight for the last bits of spring chill.  It's most charming details are the row of pearly buttons, front slit pockets and cuffs.  I just listed it today!

Vintage strawberry earrings, need I say more?

This green 50's cashmere sweater is classic, beautiful and due to the shop in early April! 

Oh, the detail on this gorgeous 1920's peacock wallet!  It's beaded, embroidered and has wire elements, all on a velvet background.  This gem will be listed in the shop in early April!

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Keep an eye on the shop for the above and more in the coming weeks (including some adorable vintage children's clothing!) not to mention all of the other springy goodness already for sale.  

Here's to the thaw of winter '14!

Shop Update - 6.15.13

I've been a bit under the weather the past couple of days and though being sick is never fun, it's actually allowed me to get some "at home" things checked off my To-Do list.  One of these things was to list new stock in the shop, and (thankfully) I photographed three items before I got sick.  There's still plenty more to photograph and list, but here are the few from this week:

Latte 50's Cashmere Beaded Cardigan

Ballet Pink 50's Cashmere Beaded Cardigan

The sweaters are both so beautiful, cashmere has become one of my favorite things to find as a dealer.  Just seeing the variety of colors and styles these sweaters were made in is a delight.  Both of these came to me by way of  a couple keen eyed friends, I was so excited when they first mentioned them!  They are both in lovely condition, the latte one is fully lined and the pink was made in Scotland by Ballantyne for Marshall Field & Co.

Baby Blue 50's Formal Gown

I've had this evening gown for awhile, just waiting to be photographed and listed.  At first glance it's a pretty normal 1950's Evening gown, but a closer look reveals it's charming, unique details: a boned corset-like bodice and delicately crochet flowers at the bust, each with a metal stud at the center.  The flowers are my favorite part because of the play between hard and soft.

I still have more vintage that needs photographed, and even some items I've decided to alter before selling!  I'll be sure to update here when I list them.  Now back to drinking tea and the To-Do list, cheers!

Spring Cleaning

Much of my day off today was spent Spring cleaning.  For me that meant mainly organizing, and cleaning out my closet and my shop stock.  My own closet was pretty straightforward, as I pack away seasonal clothing when the weather changes.  It's always fun for me to pull out clothing I haven't seen in awhile, especially in the Spring!  So I unpacked my lighter colors and shorter sleeves, and packed away my velvet and warm sweaters until Autumn-- something I don't wan't to think about quite yet. :)

Going through my stock was a little more complicated, because honestly I've somewhat neglected upkeep on my shop in the last couple of months.  I do think I'm used to my new part time job enough now, that I can resume work on my shop on my days off-- and boy, do I need to!  I found quite a few dresses that haven't yet been listed, and a pile of cashmere sweaters that need washing (and listing) among other things.  I still haven't even listed a 50's wedding dress that I steamed and Instagramed a couple weeks ago.  Hopefully this weekend I can get some photos taken, and listings written!

As I was cleaning literally today, I started thinking about ways I can clean mentally, spiritually, and emotionally too.  I've decided to make a list of things (goals?) I want to implement, do, or otherwise acheive this Spring and Summer.  Perhaps I'll share it here when I'm finished.  

Ooo, I never thought of a blog as a way to hold one'self accountable...!  Nice.