February, thus far, has been a pretty craptastic month.  My husband got his hours cut at work, our car broke down (which resulted in us renting the stinkiest rental known to man!) and my hormones are making me cry at anything.  I have had 3 food related meltdowns in the past week–I cried on Saturday night because I didn’t know what to eat and when I say cried, I mean like hysterical swollen face cry. (it’s pretty funny in hindsight, but my poor husband just looked scared!)

The future is looking brighter already; I have a long weekend ahead of me, one of my bestie’s and her husband and are going to be in town and we are one day closer to spring!  Can you feel it?

I decided to just post a cute outfit that Iwould like to be wearing today.  (I have wanted the shoes for months, but because my lovely friend and co-worker Renee already owns them–I refuse to be a copy-cat.)

I have a story that is just too good not to tell.  I mean most of you already know that I am prone to ridiculous circumstances, right?  I mean it is like bizarro scenarios just follow me around and wait for me to walk right into them.  So I was back home in Ohio this last weekend visiting with the fam and my step-son, Milo.  I begged my sister to go shopping with me because she has an eagle eye for deals and things that will fit me perfectly.  We did some second-hand shopping and some maternity shopping looking for things to fit my in-between body. ( I found maternity tights for $8!!)

We sauntered over to the shoes because this particular store always has good vintage dead stock and quality stuff.  As we were walking down the isle, I began telling my sister how the last pair of shoes that I got there had actually started to disintegrate while I was at work–it was summer and kind of hot and I had these BEAUTIFUL navy blue and white spectator heels on.  I was just minding my own business sitting on a conference call when I uncrossed my leg to find half the shoe was stuck to my calf. ha!  Totally gross.  It was right about this time that I found a “brand new” pair of black, wedge spectators.  They were in perfect condition and ready to be mine!  So I swooped those little suckers up.

Let’s progress to Tuesday–The morning started with me battling my dress slacks and literally bending the metal clasps to make them fit.  Then snow, so I wore my mountain boots to work.  Finally I got to put on the new shoes and a new blouse and look mildly presentable.  It wasn’t until about noon that thte shoes started to feel a little uncomfortable.  I ignored it because I have a weird (oddly shaped) foot and shoes hurt a lot.  Then I noticed that I kicked my file cabinet shut and it left huge scuffs on the door.  hmmmm….  That’s weird.  I invetigated and sure enough the leather felt uneven and kind of rippled from kicking (it was more like lightly pushing the cabinet shut).  Next I am sitting in a meeting and look down to notice that my heel fell off the one shoe–mind you this is a wedge–how does that happen?  The final straw came an hour later when I looked down under my desk to realize half the sole of the other shoe had completely fallen off.  I looked around and realized there was shoe debris all over my entire cube area.  How embarrassing!

I had actually thrown the shoes in the garbage when my friend Jess mentioned that I should do a post about it.  Sadly I have no before pictures because I didn’t honestly think this would happen to me once let alone twice!!  My sister said I jinxed myself by mentioning it while we were shopping–I think that particular shop may just store mass products in hot storage allowing lovely vintage to dry rot while maintaining it’s adorable exterior.  Any theories?

The pics are from my iPhone, but should give a pretty good indication of  the damage.  I actually cleaned up the floor before this photo, so the remains are just a fraction of the destruction.

Lately I have been feeling the urge to accessorize again.  As a young lass I took accessories a little overboard, i.e. I wore like 5 rings at all times, had 4-5 earrings in one ear and one perfectly placed little nose ring–this on top of necklaces and who knows what else.  I started collecting vintage jewelery when I was probably about 11 and I have a pretty decent collection of stuff.  It had all been stored away, safe and sound and just the past couple of weeks (as I have been trying make myself feel prettier) I have wanted to retrieve a few gems.  One of the gems I am speaking off is my beautiful pendant watch given to me by my g-ma.  It’s just nickel silver with a plain chain, but the face of the watch is so gorgeous–it has so much character and the quality would kick the butt of most modern day accessories.

That brings me to Swell Vintage and their amazing re-designed and re-purposed vintage jewelry. The proprietor of this lovely shop, Frankie, is absolutely adorable as well.  I follow her on twitter (@swellvintage) and she is quite the treat.  Below are two versions of her pocket watch necklaces that are a slightly larger version than mine, but just what I have been in the mood to accessorize with.

Okay, this is possibly the coolest thing I have seen in a while.  A website dedicated to highlighting vintage shops nationwide.  I know that most of us want to keep our favorite places secret, so all the girls that can shop during the day on weekdays don’t go and reap all the goods.  But after seeing my beautiful sister’s boutique Rockin’ Rose fold last year because sales were so low, I now understand that to keep the shops thriving we need to help promote them and stop being selfish (this is really just directed at myself.)

Jessica of What I Wore appears to be the mastermind behind Vintage Where? and I am so excited to see that someone took the time to do this–it is such a great idea.  So please fill in your favorite hot spots!

Yeah, I said it!  I’m putting a little Christ back in the season.  This year especially–I just haven’t been feeling well and haven’t gotten into any of my normal routines.  It is Dec 16th and I haven’t even filled out one Christmas card or wrapped one present.  It’s absolutely painful to think about how much still needs to get done.  My only saving grace is that I bought a poinsettia and hosted a dinner last weekend for friends that looked  mildly seasonal i.e. green goblets, white plates and red flowers.  *sigh*  Is anyone else having this problem this year?  Am I all alone?  I swear that I want to be more motivated, I just can seem to ignite the fire.

I almost posted pictures of pretty parties and food that I found online, but thought that might be a little soul-crushing if anyone is in the same boat as me.   Instead, I am sticking with the paper theme and posting some lovely retro holiday cards that will, hopefully, inspire me to get my sad carpal tunnel stricken hand a writing this weekend.  Please feel free to taunt or make fun of me–I usually find these methods motivating.  Or you could tell me how much you have already completed and maybe I will feel compelled to catch up?

I love paper!  I have loved everything about it since I was a kid–the crisp feeling between your fingers, the smell and the tingle of excitement that comes from flipping through a stack of finely crafted Italian card stock.  Is that creepy?  I used to play secretary as a child and my grandmother would get pads of Rx brand paper from her neighbor for me to “take my notes.”  My collection of paper has dwindled over the years because I found it very hard to move and store when I lived in NYC.  When you have no place to put food or clothes in your studio, that box of stationary you’ve had since you were 9 seems less of a priority.

I have been slowly trying to build my collection back up.  I am due for some personalized letterpressed note cards with my married name, but those are a little pricey to request as a gift.  I also need to up the ante with my thank you cards, the dollar bin at Target always has these really cute note cards that I keep grabbing, but the quality is a little lame.  I thought I might add the journals below to my holiday wish list this year.  I like that they have a retro vibe, but are modern and covered in cloth.  I found them in the Bust Magazine Shop.

I told you I had another gorgeous bride up my sleeve, didn’t I?  I have been waiting with bated breathe for these photos to arrive in my inbox from my friend Mandy.  I was able to hear all the details from the big event while I was visiting last week, I truly cannot stop staring at her dress in these photos! It’s funny after you get married and then you see other people do cool things at their wedding and you want to kick yourself for not thinking of it.  Please note the 40’s shoes and navy blue tights on this bride and you may understand my feelings.

Location: DUMBO, Brooklyn

Matt and Mandy met through their church, and became friends when Mandy found out he lived in Brooklyn Heights.  She was curious about his apartment and invited herself over for a visit – they became friends immediately, and continued to spend time together for the next 6 months, until Matt asked her out.  They were married on October 3, 2009 on a chamber music venue called Bargemusic, an old refurbished barge docked next to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The wedding day was made special and personal by all their friends who helped with different aspects of the ceremony; from the aisle music and hair/make up to flowers, decor, and food.

A little about the dress: Lisa Ventuso, the brides good friend and bridesmaid, offered to design the dress for her, so they went to Anthropologie one afternoon and Mandy told her everything she liked about dresses in the store (the collar of one, the skirt of another, etc) and she designed the wedding gown based on that one trip. Shortly after, Lisa moved to California, so Mandy rounded up a couple of other friends that helped her pick out fabric from Mood, and recommended a seamstress.

She found a pair of navy shoes at Shoegasm, and really really wanted them to go with the dress, but everyone told her they were too casual. Three days before the wedding, when Lisa got back in town, she decided that sheer navy tights from American Apparel would bring the dress and shoes together. Mandy was skeptical, and didn’t even get to try everything on together until the afternoon before the wedding!!! Luckily, it worked and made the whole outfit feel more unique (just like Mandy!) She decided to forgo a veil in favor of a beaded headband, purchased from the seller LittleWhiteDresser on Etsy. The look could not have been any more perfect (in my opinion.)

While I’m at it, I should also give a little love to her hubby Matt (FYI, the best husbands are the ones named Matt!) He is a lovely talented photographer and I think you should sneak a peek at his blog.

Yes, that is right my sisters…I am offering up to you the first of three lovely brides today.  I mean it only seems appropriate that I post on the beautiful and stunning friends that I have, especially when they are  rockin’ vintage-inspired bridal looks, right?

So with no furthur ado, I give you the ballad of Renee and Eric:

Couple: Eric Esper, artist and Renee Posdal, executive assistant/office manager

They met one fateful night at Gold Star Bar on Division Street in Chicago. Renee was with her friend from work, Eric was with some buddies from Michigan. She noticed his handlebar mustache, he noticed her bright red shoulder length bob (thanks to Manic Panic!).  Although the union was short the first time around, a trans-Atlantic move to London for Renee, a few different relationships for each, the reunion led to a lasting relationship. They now live in Logan Square (Chicago) and share a pug named Monster.

Married October 3, 2009 in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Dress: BCBG Max Azria

Veil: Something Bold with fascinator from Claire’s Boutique

Bracelet and Earrings: Nanda on etsy

Boutonniere: Ardesign on etsy

Now I have spoken of my love for magazines in the past, but  have I described the bizarre nature in which I go about reading them? I read magazines from back to front, the first time only looking at the photos, then I read a second time and read through and dog-ear the pieces that I like, then I usually put the magazine down for a week or two and pick it up later to find things that I may have missed.  What?  I like to get my money’s worth!

I think this is also a bizarre habit learned after years of being a publicist and looking for client mentions.  There is nothing worse than telling a client that they didn’t make it into  a pub that they were slated to be in, only to realize later that you missed the inclusion.  So re-reading became pretty standard practice and now that magazines are no longer required reading, it has spilled over to my personal life.

So I was re-reading my recent Bust Magazine and looking at the stinkin’ cute Ellen Page(and Alia Shawkat) piece when I saw my cake stand!  Now this is not really a big deal, I guess, but it made me happy.  Ellen page, cupcakes and my super-cute cake stand (purchased by my friend Melissa for my Bridal Shower last year)….Awesome!  This is one of my favorite gifts of all time because it is the cake stand I used for my wedding cake!  (Now I promised that I would do a wedding post this month, so this should tide you over until I pull together the real deal.  Also, I must confess I haven’t even looked at 1/4 of my wedding photos…it was too overwhelming, so I plan to take this on soon.)

*If you would like to purchase the cake stand for yourself, you can pick it up online at Fishs Eddy.  It comes in 3 sizes too!

So I must say it is a little bitter sweet to see the end of this Mad Men season.  In the course of this season I have seen the popularity soar.  The Etsy stores labeling Mad Men garb went from less than a hundred to a few thousand–it is absolutely insane!

I fluctuate between Joan and Peggy being my favorite characters.  Both are smart, savvy and forward thinking.  I decided to end with a Joan post though because for what she may lack in book smarts she compensates with street smarts.  She is a fighter!

To complete the season 3 Joan look–this wiggle dress (I wish it were on a model) has great texture and color and would highlight curves beautifully.  This is actually the length I like, not too short, not too long and the brocade is stunning.  And as we visualize Joan taking it up a notch in her career I thought a retro typewriter would be the perfect accessory.  This one is in beautiful condition and even has a decent ribbon.  Both of these items are around $50, so you can get a little Joan for $100 to keep you going until the next season.  Enjoy.