p.s. the shoes were part of a Lucky Break from Lucky Magazine, so they are insanely affordable!

If you are lucky enough to call the LA area home, then I will say that you have to attend  an event being pulled together by Clever Vintage Clothing in Culver City. The vintage extravaganza brings together over 10 vintage clothing designers/dealers and sounds like the perfect place to finish off your summer picnic dress purchases.

If you happen to be a midwestern dweller (like myself) or an east coast crooner (which is probably 50% of my readership), I ask that you do not fret.  The affordable finds of Clever Vintage are also available on Etsy!  You heard me, a California vintage boutique, filled with carefully curated pieces and amazing prices is right at your fingertips.  I have my eye on this little number.

So this week’s dress is just screaming summer.  And unfortunately I can’t articulate it any better than the lovely sales description offered up on the Shabby Apple site:

Leave a trail of admirers basking in your glow as you stroll through manicured gardens or down main street in this sunny, breezy frock. Made for a chic fashionista, this frock is all scallop and show, with a row of flouncy ruffles descending from the left shoulder across the chest, flutter sleeves, and a cinched waist. Pair it with dark heels and an antique hat for the classic Lulu look, or sweet flats and a silk shawl for a sunny, relaxed look. The light and airy cotton blend is the perfect answer to getting dressed up in the summer’s heat, and the length keeps things ladylike when you take a seat on the grass to people watch.

But back to why they are so cool, again.  I have been torturing myself in the world of baby registries and stroller shopping.  It is so sad that most of the mainstream products are mass produced garbage.  I mean how much plastic is really safe?  The only place you can find the really good stuff are boutiques and the prices usually match the quality.  Who knew a jumper for a 12 month old could cost $109!?!

In my constant search for stuff that is more me and will hopefully be more Madeline (did I tell you we chose the name?) I look at every magazine, blog or book I can.  Yesterday we were at the bookstore and I found the mother load of eye candy and her name was Milk Magazine. Unfortunately, the whole magazine was in french, so I just looked at the pictures.  It appeared to be a cross between Elle Decor, Nylon and Parenting magazines.  Every page was voyeuristic delight for me–cool homes, cool clothes and oh yeah…some kids thrown in there too!  I mean, even if you don’t have kids, but you love style…this pub is worth checking out.  I could so rock a few of the outfits those 8 year olds were wearing!

If you google the site you can also translate the content, which is helpful.  My favorite part was The Sartoralist style photos of kids on the street like this one:

I don’t think this image is doing it justice, but this was my favorite.

Let’s get back to the post at hand and a little Zooey.  I took all of your advice last fall and I have been diligently trying to grow my hair out (it’s almost there) to get her look in lieu of the Amelie bob.  And how cute is she in this stinkin’ video? I love the vibe of this album, perfect for driving around with the windows down on a sunny day.  Summer is almost here!  Bicycles, farmers markets, and ice cream, yay!

p.s. This video really makes me miss my cute little blouses.  I am really over stretchy material and elastic waistbands!!!  ha.

Please enjoy this moment of Zooey Zen.

The larger question here is if I should fake it?  I have had my eye on the Eamer RAR Rocker for months now and I really need to make a purchase before this baby comes.  But you also know that I am a bit frugal.  The real deal is just shy of the $500 mark, which for a piece of designer furniture that will last for decades to come does not seem unreasonable, but the knock-offs are not only more affordable ( I saw one for $100!) they are also made out of a more eco-friendly fiberglass.  Eeck!  I feel like this is a moral decision, I genuinely feel torn.  I mean, no one likes a poser!  What do you think?  And do you love it, too?

*p.s. The site has some super cute spring/summer dresses up!

So it looks like I have a new commuting bag after all, thanks to Mandy!  I couldn’t find the exact graphic that she got me, but the company is called Envirosax.  They make these adorable, eco-friendly bags that are spacious yet completely light-weight!  Do you love them too?

Last night was my Etsy night.  I choose to plunge in and keep my search terms very vague so I could cast a wide net. I went with the generic “mid century modern” and wow, that term sure delivered page upon page of loveliness.  One store, in particular, caught my eye and it’s called The Sunday Times Market.  The couple that host the shop sound just about as cute as can be and if they lived in Chicago, I would totally make them my friends (even though they don’t like kimchi!)

I picked a few of my favorites from their line-up; but with all the colors, quality vintage and amazing photography you will see that it was hard to choose just four items!!!  I also suggest that you check out their site for good measure.

p.s. My coffee press broke this morning (again?!?) I had to use a sieve to drain my stinkin’ coffee. Why does this keep happening to me?