About Amy

Monday (thrifted) Makeover

I am happy, happy with my skirt makeover!  It was really simple and really inexpensive.

Here's the before shot of my $2 skirt.  It was a big circle skirt.

I took out quite a bit of volume by simply stitching down both sides of the skirt.  I then measured up from the bottom and cut off 12 inches.

It is an elastic waste which I'm not wild about, but I remedied that by using the excess fabric to fashion an obi style belt.  It completely covers the elastic and cinches in the waste.

I really love the high waste.  It feels more feminine.

 
That little blur in the corner was playing photographer today. 

I would love to see your thrifted makeovers.  Be sure to share a link!

More fun tomorrow.

amy   
  

Fresh new start

Phew!  That was a long and wonderful holiday weekend!  Family, far too much food, football...I'm ready for a fresh new week.

Part of our Thanksgiving was spent at my Aunt and Uncle's "farm".  Nothing's better after an enormous meal than wondering the fields, petting the horses and collecting fresh eggs.  We just have so much to be thankful for.

So back to the kreativ blogger nods...Here are my seven:

1.  My first nomination is my fantastic friend Rachel at Rachie's Place.  Rachel was my inspiration for starting a blog and she's one of my biggest supporters.  Her blog is filled with amazing ideas, incredible photos, and honesty.  It is one of my daily must-reads. 

2.  I've always known that my girlfriend Heidi was a genius.  She is beyond witty, incredibly well-read, and always has a snarky comment to share.  She finally put it out there for everyone with Kitschen Feast.  You must check it out for the clever writing, and great vintage finds and recipes.

3.  Jen Loves Kev was such a happy discovery.  A couple of creatives and seriously snazzy dressers.  Jen is a teacher that shares her garb, her home, her meals, and her crafts with the world.  I love this one.

4.  On a list of my most inspiring vintage girls, Jill from Lune Vintage would have to be right up there with the tops.  She has so many fresh ideas, she makes the most amazing screen-printed slips, her personal style is fabulous, and she and her partner opened up a studio that makes me want to go straight to Canada. 

5.  Not to be too obvious, but what would a list of creative blogs be without Freckled Nest?  Leigh-Ann is the most positive, original spirit and incredible artist.  Any time I need a jolt of inspiration, I know I can find it on Freckled Nest. She is also amazingly supportive of new bloggers and indie business owners.  

6.  I am absolutely crazy about Elsita from The Hidden Seed.  What an artist!  What a sartorialist!  What a beauty!  It is all about "self expression through style" and it is wonderful.

7.  I love, love, love Bleubird Vintage.  What can I say?  James makes me weak in the knees with her incredible eye, her bold personal style, her music preferences...throw on a good record and tap on over to her blog. 

This has been a long (and long overdue) post!  It has worn me out.  Expect some good stuff this week and check back in tomorrow for a Monday Makeover (thrifted vintage given a new life). 

Happy Sunday!

amy  
  

Winner

Hello everyone!  I hope everyone is already on vacation and won't be checking in again for another couple days.  You deserve it!  We spent the evening at "The Christmas Story" a musical.  It was great a and a perfect kickoff to the holiday. 

The big winner of the lovely cranberry clutch is...Jessie!  Yeah for you!  Jessie has a fabulous blog, the lucky stone, from here in K.C.  Jessie, just email me with the details and I'll send you the lovely vintage clutch. 

I am excited to share lots of collections and holiday love with everyone.  I have gotten a bit of a jump on the decorating this year.

I love the paper chains and paper snowflakes I've strung from old sheet music.  Yarn, doilies, and more yarn are figuring heavily into the decor.  Don't worry, I'll share.  Friday is Christmas tree day.  What's your plan?

Have a sunny Thursday!

amy

Oh!  I almost forgot my seven things.  If you're interested...

1. I'm 33 years old but have never felt younger.  It really is true what they say about your 30's.

2.  We are sending our kids to a french school where they are taught every subject in french...total immersion. 

3.  I absolutely love the movie Pillow Talk.

4.  I am actually a blonde (not so much these days) but dye my hair to cover the gray. 

5.  I am so turned off by "perfection".  I much prefer something that already has a few flaws.  I like to call it "Perfectly Imperfect".

6.  My favorite books are Pride and Prejudice and Great Expectations but I just can't help but love Twilight books.  Drat!  A serious guilty pleasure.  Thanks Rachel.

7.  My biggest goal in life?  Besides raising confident, happy kids (of course)?  TRAVEL.  Not very original, I know. 

I still need to nom my favorite blogs.  There are just so many!  Till then, eat up and enjoy your family!

amy   

7. 

Tuesday update and a BIG Wednesday

 
A big thank you to my super-wonderful friend Rachel for the Kreativ Blogger nom.  Rachel is the brilliant blogger/ designer behind Rachie's Place.

(I've seen some really cool alternative "Kreativ Blogger" badges out there...) 

So here's the way it goes and the rules...

1. thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated

I am going to split this into two parts.  Hmmm...7 things about me that people might find interesting...

1.  I am the mother of two kids: Sophia 6, and Oliver 3 1/2

 

2. I met my husband, Keith, in health class, freshman year of high school.  

  

3. I taught elementary school for five years in an urban school here in KC.

4. Keith and I LOVE live music.  Lots and lots of Dave shows, Coldplay (the kids saw them this summer!), REM, Pink Floyd (not the tribute band), Sting, U2, BareNaked Ladies, Death Cab, Chicago (seriously), The Moody Blues (seriously), Hall and Oates (oh yeah, during Big Bam Boom), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy...the list goes on and on.  

5.  I let my kids wear just about anything they want.  If you know me personally, you know my personal aversion to kids who are glammed up.  I have grocery shopped with plenty of super heroes and fairies.  My kids are not my dress up dolls.  Their behavior and worldliness are reflections of me, not their jeans.  I could go on and on and on about this. 

Yes, I think his poncho and sunglasses are ridiculus (and a little cute) but what would be my reasoning for not letting him wear it?  Ask Rachel about it-He showed up at a dinner out at a Mexican restaurant with this thing on...surprised us all.

6.  I had never read a blog besides the Sartorialist before my friend Rachel moved in next door.  She really was my inspiration for starting this blog and also opening up Nellie Loves Vintage.  Hey, thanks Rachel!  I can't believe all the talent out there! 

7.  Ultimately, I would love to have a studio space to share all my vintage treasures and handmade goods.  Someday. 

Geez, this has been fun.  I've already plowed through seven things and I have so much more to share.  Maybe tomorrow I'll do seven more things, a big giveaway winner reveal, a big shop update and wish everyone a big, happy thanksgiving.  Sounds like a plan to me!

Today I would have loved to have worn something like this...

I swiped this Philip Newton photo off Bleubird. Oh gosh, look at the details!!!  It makes me shivery.  The subtle pattern on the tights, the contrast with the shoes, the florals.  The red lipstick.  (Which reminds me.  Can anyone recommend a great red lipstick?)

Here's what I actually wore...

I VERY, very rarely wear jeans, and I NEVER ever wear white, so I don't know what was up with me.  I must really like all the detailing on this simple Anthro shirt.  (And please ignore my funky hands.  One hand was trying to hide a little remote and the other one just doesn't know what to do.)

Big post tomorrow.  Check back in for a big winner!

amy   

 

  
  

Paper

paper owls

flowers

forest

birds

more beautiful birds

lanterns

How about those Anthropologie store windows?  Ours are filled with enormous, shaggy snowballs made of paper, feathers, and cellophane.  I am now on a mission. 

Sorry for the spotty posts...I really must organize my thoughts and projects. 

amy

   

Automatic or Clutch?

I used to love the logo bag.  A confession I am not too excited to share.  Thank goodness I quickly outgrew that silly (and expensive) phase of my life.  Who really wants to wander around looking like every other jane out there?  My friend Rachie recently posted a new giveaway question (and seriously fantastic prize).  What collections do you have?  One of my personal favorites?  My vintage clutches.  I just feel undone if I'm not carrying one out the door when going out sans kids.  I can leave without makeup, I can leave without jewelry, but I cannot leave without my clutch.  Here are a few of my very favorites...

This GEM was my grandmother's (Nelly).  The detailing is unbelievable and it is the perfect size.  I carry it with just about any outfit especially those that need a little dose of earthiness.

This envelope-style is used and abused.  My absolute VIP.  It was a steal.

I love the rich navy color of this one...I really don't like carrying a black bag.  You need to jazz things up and make yourself smile. 

Look for some fun vintage bags the next time you're out.  They are usually super-affordable and one of a kind. 

So are you ready for the GIVEAWAY? 

 

This gorgeous leather clutch is yours for the taking!

Very simple, very rich fabby vintage burgandy (how about that?).  So much more fun than a plain old black handbag.  "So how do I get my hot little hands on that clutch?"  Simple.  Just comment and let me know what you can't leave home without.  Doesn't hurt if you blog about it either (it'll double your chances!).  Leave comments till Tuesday at 6:00 and I'll announce the winner Wednesday. 

I'm adding these stunners to my shop tonight.  GORGEOUS!!!

It hurts but I know I can do it.

You can't see them, but I really am wearing some lovely floral shorts under this mini.  I am going to exhaust the whole shorts and tights thing by the end of this season.  

Let's talk guilty pleasures tomorrow, shall we?  Until then,

amy   

Good evening

I did a major shop update today- way too much time with the computer.  I have some BEAUTIFUL things left to add but really need to turn this baby off for a while...we'll have to wait till tomorrow. 

I'm so excited to add this sweet little vignette to the shop.

"This is how long I will love you..."

I have a few more groupings I am putting together.  They would be perfect to gift or just display together.  How sweet would this be as an anniversary gift?

Well, I'm checking out for the evening.  

 
Giveaway announcement and handbag additions coming soon!

amy

A few random items

I kept busy today but it certainly wasn't a very glamorous day.  I powered through some serious pom-pom making.

This is a very large wreath and took many more puffs than I expected...but I love it.

The weather has been cold and dreary but just not cold enough for snow.  Blah.  I can't get jazzed up about much and certainly haven't been into getting myself ready and presentable.  If I did have the energy the last couple of days, lots of granny layers and texture would have fit the bill.  A little Parisienne perhaps.  Maybe tomorrow.  But that reminds me.  If you haven't, you absolutely MUST see La Vie En Rose.  By far one of my favorite films. 

 

Have a great evening!  I am going for a good night sleep and a major jolt of inspiration and I'll be back in business tomorrow.  Promise. 

amy   

Lazy

Please forgive me for my laziness. 

here

 My shop update will have to wait till tomorrow.  Thanks for understanding!

amy

Chapter two

I finally got the pictures I was needing and I'm ready to share.  First my projects...

The beginnings of my paperback forest.  I love how the old pages match my bleached bottle brush trees. 

When it is officially time to decorate for the Holidays, I'm going to move these to the dining room, aka, informal library.  I have a few more in the works. 

My other book project is a paper chain garland I'm making from old sheet music.  It is so simple and beautiful.  I think that any old book cut into strips would make for an amazing garland.  If you are interested in this project, I just happen to have lots of sheet music I'm willing to part with. (I would also love to make some of these using old children's picture books to hang in the kids' rooms). 

So here are a few stacks of the oodles of vintage books that are going in Nellie Loves Vintage this evening.

House and home.

In the kitchen.

For the pianist (or crafter).

For the traveller.

I will also be adding some old elementary school books to the mix. 

Tonight it's all about updating the shop and making pom-poms.  I will be announcing another giveaway later this week and also reworking a thrifted skirt.  Happy reading!

amy