For My Closet

I've been extra good lately about putting things in the Etsy shop rather than in my closet but there are a few pieces I snagged for myself with cooler weather in mind. That first dress in a 70s era Lanz one that was big and poofy but I really like the bandanna sort of print and thought it could be reworked into something I liked. It took a day's worth of sewing and seam ripping but I finally got the hem shortened, the sleeves de-poofed and made a belt out of the leftover fabric. Now I can't wait to wear it with boots and a beret.

I think one thing that makes me like fall/winter clothes the most is the fabrics. Corduroy! Tweed! Wool! The next two dresses are wonderful examples. The corduroy jumper is actually an Etsy find I've been holding onto waiting for cooler weather (the pockets are the best!) and the 60s tweed plaid shift dress is a thrift find (also with lovely pockets!). The sweater is the sort of thing I always find and end up selling in the shop so I never have one for myself. I fell in love with the colors of this one so I'm sure I'll be snuggling up in it quite a bit this winter.

Also on the fall wishlist are carpet bags. I thrifted these two recently and will be keeping them for myself for a bit until they (maybe) end up in the shop. The tote bag is perfect for fall trips to the farmer's market. The other bag has a fun story behind it and I have to send out a big thank you to Lauren for so generously letting me keep it.

One day a couple of weeks ago I stopped by a local thrift store while running some errands. I'd only been in it for a few minutes when a gal approached me and asked if I ran a blog... I said yes and she let me know she was a reader that lived in the area. It was the first time I'd been "spotted" in public so, Lauren, I hope I wasn't too awkward! She was sweet as pie and we chatted about the blog, our favorite thrifting spots, the best place to get Thai food in Lancaster and, of course, the weather. She had just picked up that lovely carpet bag and said it reminded her of me and wanted to know if I'd like to have it. Of course! Thanks so much Lauren!

Etsy Update: Cinnamon

Here's your first look at the cinnamon hued Etsy shop update I've got in the works. I think autumn is beginning to take hold around here (at least I hope it's around to last) and I'm really ready to start adding wool dress and sweaters to the shop. I'll hold off just a little bit longer, I think.

Give me a reason to get out of the city...

- 70s dress
- thrifted J. Crew cashmere cardigan
- vintage hat
- Jeffrey Campbell shoes
- thrifted belt
- listening to: The National - High Violet "Lemonworld"

I wasn't sure I was happy with how these photos turned out when I first looked at them. They're a bit grainy and hazy but honestly, that's just what kind of day it was. There was a light mist falling the whole time I was taking these and by the end I was all damp. After all the hot days we've been having I didn't mind at all!

Etsy Update: Smilin' Gal Vintage

It feel like forever since I've updated the shop! I've been working all day on taking photos and have the first batch almost ready. I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek at what I'm working on. All of these items will be in the Etsy shop tonight.

Built By Wendy Fall 2010 Collection

With the debut of the Built By Wendy Fall 2010 Collection, I think my fall inspiration folder is complete. I like the muted color palette and the slightly 70s vibe of the jumper dresses and boots. The first dress below is a favorite; I'm always a fan of stripes and pockets on a dress. I'm not sure about the velvet(?) overalls but they strike me as one of those things that could really grow on me.

Stranded in a fog of words...

- 30s silk chiffon blouse from 1385
- vintage skirt
- Jeffrey Campbell heels
- vintage hat
- vintage Coach purse
- listening to: Feist - The Reminder "I Feel It All"



Yesterday I stopped by Rock Ford Plantation to take a few photos for the blog. Since it was a Sunday evening I knew it would mostly be abandoned since all the guided tours stop earlier in the day. Well, all the people were long gone but I wouldn't really say it was abandoned! I was treated to quite a show as the does and their fawns wandered down from the hill to feast on the ripening apples hanging from the branches in the small orchard that sits on the property. If you look super close you may be able to spot a couple under the trees in the shot above. I hung out with the resident house cat on the porch for a bit while more and more ran across the field and gathered under the trees. At one point I counted 15 in all... 12 does and 3 fawns. My photos certainly don't do these graceful creatures any justice!

As for the outfit, this lovely blouse is my latest acquisition from Francesca's shop . I literally gasped out loud when I tried it on. It's that wonderful. My only regret is that it's so delicate I can't wear it every single day without risking its ultimate demise. Oh, and the shoes! I finally got my hands on a pair of Jeffrey Campbell Splendids. I don't normally wear heels this high, but I have to say I feel like these make every outfit about a hundred times better. Expect to see them bunches... especially once I can wear them with thick tights this fall.

Madras by A.P.C. at Urban Outfitters

If things have seemed a wee bit on the quiet side around these parts for the past week, there’s a good reason for it. Tom and I spent the better part of the week on a road trip to Massachusetts and hanging out with good friends around the Boston area. Usually I’m so excited about our upcoming trips I can’t help but blab about it all over the blog, but after reading about a couple that tweeted about a vacation only to have their house broken into while they were away, I decided that mums the word from now on while we’re traveling. Thus, you’ll be learning about our adventures in hindsight from here on out. Not that there’s too much to learn about this trip… it was all hanging out by the pool, eating tons of amazing veggie food, playing with adorable pets and just general relaxing. We also gave the camera a bit of a rest. The only photos we came home with were ones of Potato and Raisin, our friends’ pugs! We’re home now and things will be getting back to normal with lots of shop updates and some outfit photos now that we’re getting a little hint of fall in the air.

In other news, a little birdie told me that one of my (and probably yours) favorite collections will soon be available at Urban Outfitters as of the 20th; Madras by A.P.C. I’m pretty excited about seeing exactly what pieces will be carried.

Pictured: photo 1: A.P.C. Madras Dress; photo 2: A.P.C. Madras Marled Cardigan; photo 3: A.P.C. Madras Chemise Blouse, A.P.C. Madras Elastique Skirt; photo 4: A.P.C. Madras Skirt