Embroidery is the perfect summer craft.  You can take it just about everywhere, it requires very few bells and whistles, and it is calming.  I have been enjoying the craft for years, but admit that sometimes I get bored with it.  Well just in the nick of time, Sublime Stiching has released some lovely new stencils for your fun crafty ways.  I totally want to take these babes to the beach.

If you are new to the craft you can also check out the starter kits on the site.  I think the Le Petite Kit is adorable and practical for traveling!

So I received some very strong emails and texts about my “about me” photo (apparently, I looked like a hunch back?) and the volume was just too large to ignore. I will be trying out some new photos until I find one that does not garner so much attention.

Wow, so it is officially one week since my launch date and Budget Retro has already received some praise.  Check out this link to my former employers blog to see what they have to say about the site.  I am flattered!  It is nice when you receive compliments for something that you planned, prepared and invested in, but to receive a profile on a company site is amazing (again, this is my previous employer–how often does this happen?)

Thanks, Val!

This is my first summer living in Chicago and that means the world is my oyster.  Coming from New York, I thought it was going to hard to adjust to Chicago. New York always has something going on at all times–any hour of the day you can find something to do.  Well unlike New York, where everyone leaves in the summer, Chicago summers appear to be the reward for lasting through the cold winters.  I am amazed at all the fun stuff to do here.  This weekend we looked up our little Time Out Chicago and decided to go to the Chicago Antique Market (part of the larger Randolph St. Market Festival.)  I really had no expectations going in, just wanted to see what was on offer.  The market was okay, nothing really that great if you are comparing it to flea markets.  The booths were all very professional and with that pretty overpriced.  I thought Matt was going to have a heart attack when he saw the vinyl prices for random 70′s and 80′s vinyl.  (Oh and did I mention it was $10 a person to get in?)  I won’t dwell on the negative aspects, as I did manage to find an amazing dress.  I had one of those freak experiences where you see something you like,  try it on and it fits perfectly.  This is not something that happens that frequently for me as I am curvy petite gal. But drum roll…..check out this little sassy number…

I found this dress in the lone cool, yet not overpriced, booth. The dress was $18!!!

The gal, Jen, that sold it to me also has a site that hosts her ebay posting on her website JenStyle.

Please let me know if there are any other flea markets in this area that you think I should know about.  I like getting down to the nitty-gritty and finding rare treasures, as opposed to finding a display of found, polished and overpriced goods.

I have always loved rompers.  As a kid they provided a fast way to get dressed and they were always comfortable.  The adult versions that are hanging around these days appear to offer the same amount of comfort , but a whole lot of style and all around loveliness.  I popped around this week online to a few of my regular sites and Anthropologie appears to have the cutest (at amazing prices!).

I love Anthropologie so much!  I can always find something on their website that I love–sadly they are usually overpriced.  I plan on checking out a few of the locations here in Chicago, but I think they will pale in comparison to the SOHO location in NYC.  I had the luxury of living a block away from it a few years back and managed to score so many amazing deals!  Now I must keep them bookmarked and check the site frequently to get my fix.

My husband and I moved to Chicago in January of this year.  We arrived bearing loads of stuff and very little furniture (albeit a TV that is the size of my previous studio in Brooklyn).  As the months have past we have acquired some additional pieces, but the debate keep coming on whether we buy what we can afford right now, or if we save and buy some investment pieces. The couch is the big issue—we find ones we like, but haven’t made the commitment.

Right now we are using a love seat donated by my mom when we moved.  It’s 1980’s Ethan Allen (see below) and definitely not our style.  I have been moderately obsessed with getting rid of it and have been trying to wear down poor Matt to let us finally make our big purchase.  This weekend I had a bit of a change of heart.  As I watched Matt and Milo (my step-son) play wrestle mania on the loveseat—dirty feet everywhere, elbows cramming into cushions, nails digging into fabric, I realized…I might not actually be the kind of person who purchases “investment pieces”. Sigh

The next best thing I can do is buy a replica of what I really want.  I have been dreaming of a beautifully restored and reupholstered mid- century modern couch with deep honey brown wood and nice simple lines.  The picture below is our backup.  What do you think?

Payless had been up-ing the ante quite a bit these last 2 years.  They are securing high profile designers to create styles for multiple seasons.  I have a pair of Alice + Olivia houndstooth wedges from last year that garner endless compliments every time  I wear them. The shoes were under $40 and have lasted a lot longer than more expensive shoes I own.

Well this season is no exception.  Check out two styles from Lela Rose and Alice + Olivia that I would like to add to my summer wardrobe.

Available at Payless

Seen anything this cute?  I have a habit of spending hours on etsy checking out artists and crafters–there is just so much out there and the opportunity to snag someone’s work before they get big is huge. This little number is fabric and removable, so you can mix and match. I would love to have little versions of my outfits made so I could put this in my closet and choose my outfits everyday.  ha! I planned on posting this on Saturday, but the day was too nice to stay in the apt and now they have sold out!  I still think that the artist is worth checking out.

I would like to be wearing these two lovely pieces of clothing. The dress is the perfect mix of vintage details and modern cuts. Not to mention that I have a pair of pale pink patent leather heels that I never seem to have a chance to wear. (although, that might be overkill, huh? okay–lets visualize nude peep toes instead)

Not much needs to be said for this bathing suit–it is just splendid! The halter helps promote a nice bust line and the well thought out rouching can hide any (ahem) imperfections.

Both available at Modcloth

My very first post for Budget Retro! I can’t tell you how excited I am that this blog has come to fruition. I have high hopes to finally get all of my ideas, hobbies and likes all in one organized little home.