Monday, March 29, 2010

Rainy Day- Etsy Inspirations!



...i came across this beautiful print by Etsy artist Kecky the other day and it inspired me to create a rainy day outfit.  i love the vintage cartoon look of this print and the subtle neutral tones.  the detail is amazing in this drawing and the hat is just adorable!

...i thought i could add just one thing to my rainy day outfit, a pop of crimson! 

...looks like it will be raining here in Boston for a few days and i know how much the dreary grey skies can get a person down. so why not add a little pop of color to your rainy day ensemble?! not only will you feel a little bit happier but it may also bring a smile to someone else's face.





... clockwise from top left: Leighton, Bubble Umbrella
~just a hint of red on this clear bubble umbrella, so stylish and fun!

...couture by UntamedMenagerie  ~this necklace is just the cutest, handmade and cut from acrylic in a unique design.  i'm so impressed with this shop, their items are fabulous!  i'm eyeing up a few... and so reasonably priced, "Couture" or any of their pieces would be a show stopping, eye catching, unique and trendy accessory!

...vintage silk kimono scarf by janetexcat ~this scarf is just lovely.  made from a vintage kimono, the colors and pattern are exquisite and it looks very well made.  a luxurious re-purposed silk scarf with a history of it's own, this is sure to be something worth cherishing for years to come.

...summer rain earrings by joojooland ~these earring are simply adorable.  visit joojooland's shop for more wonderfully charming accessories and ohh and ahh at the quality of her product photographs.

...skirted ruffled water-resistant trenchcoat by chezkevito ~this rain coat adds a splash of color to any dreary day.  i love the ruffles and the extra long belt.  a well made treasure good enough to take you through many chilly wet seasons.

...english rose ruffle dress by Lirola ~more simply divine ruffles! this grey dress is sleek, retro with a bit of modern romantic, i think.  best of all, it is made in your size, the color of your choosing and you can add sleeves if you wish!

...vintage miu miu red rubber rain boots from pupule ~vintage, red, italian and good condition.  need i say more?  visit pupule for more great vintage finds.

...1920's cloche by bonniesknitting ~handmade grey wool hat with a vintage czech glass buckle, this hat is made from vintage wool.  lightweight and super soft, perfect to cover your tresses from the stresses of a windy, rainy day.

~monica

Saturday, March 27, 2010

The Green Dress

...shortly after the winter holidays i had mentioned that i would show you a few pictures of the green dress i made alongside Katherine Penfold over the holidays. well, here it is!




...we had about 1 week to complete the dress so that katherine could wear it to a performance, she's a singer like i had mentioned before. i have not had many opportunities to make clothing and was a little nervous but thought it would be a fun project, especially with help. then katherine mentioned she'd rather not use a pattern because that's the way she always goes about making all her dresses!



...we were heavily inspired by a dress worn by Keira Knightley in the movie Atonement. we lucked out with the fabric, finding a very low priced source in vancouver, where we were at the time.



...we also had a lot of help from Holly, my mother-in-law whose help was paramount in the design and construction of this garment. hopefully katherine will be able to wear this dress a few more times.



photos by Lucas Starbuck

~monica

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Small Pleasures

...sometimes just the simplest things can bring about a sense of joy and calm relaxation.

...today my small pleasure is a $5.00 bouquet of pink ranunculus . i don't even have a proper vase but i like the quaint look of this jar, the lace ribbon complements of grace.




...a smile spirals and swells from deep within, a long and cooling breath of fresh air, just close your eyes and feel the sun wash over your face.

...p.s. i heard somebody just bought her first house, hopefully she'll tell us all about it!

~monica

Thursday, March 18, 2010

First Sign of Spring!

....i'm so happy and i don't mean to rub it into grace's face, but it really is spring here. ooops, shhh... hopefully i didn't jinx it.

...i went for a walk yesterday and saw flowers! i wore capris and a 3/4 sleeve length jacket. today it's supposed to go up to 22 degrees celsius.

...i heard it's going to snow in winnipeg. sorry you can't be here with me grace... :)



~monica

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

And the winner is....

Monica and I are pleased to announce that Alysa is the winner of last weeks blog contest! AlysaRichie has won a $25 Gift Certificate for our Etsy shop.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for our next Blog Give-away!

~Gracie and Monica

Thursday, March 4, 2010

my alice in wonderland wish list

...this weekend I plan on going to the movie theaters to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. I'm so excited that I decided to share some alice themed must haves.


...alice in wonderland canvas print by: alysakiwi


...a chair for alice by: SeaUnicorn


...alice's adventures in wonderland and through the looking glass by lewis carrol, available here: Penguin Classics


...through the looking glass print by: booksontape


...alice in wonderland pin topper set by: GigiMinor


...off with their heads tote by: CubistLiterature


...alice growing collage set by: WonderlandShop


...in a teacup brooch by: TillyBloom

~monica

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Inspired! with a hint of blue

today's soft vintage-feel inspiration set comes from two separate etsy artists: AliciaBock and LolasRoom.

...i love the soft shades in each of these photos especially the light ethereal blues.

...these photos are happy, cheerful, young and fresh and could work very well all together on a wall, or beautifully just on their own.

...lately i have the blues. not the stingy, melancholy blues, but the cheerful and fresh blues!




...top two photos by AliciaBock:
pendant and bubble gum

...bottom two photos by LolasRoom:
self and sugary sweet

~monica

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Spring is Just Around the Corner.... celebrate with our FIRST EVER GIVE-AWAY!!

After a long Canadian winter (just 2 more months to go!) I find it inspiring and comforting to start looking towards some of my favorite aspects of Spring. Although I long for long walks, cycling and simply going outside without a jacket, my favorite thing about this season is that after a long, dreary Winter you suddenly find yourself completely surrounded by life & color!

Here is a little bit of inspiration!


Red Dress: I am and will always be a complete sucker for a full skirt! This little beauty can be found along with many other wonderful vintage finds in HillBillyFilly's Shop. Great selection and great prices. Be sure to check her out!

Flower Necklace: This powerful accessory was created by ShopPleasThankYou. Similar items are available by custom order. This would be a great necklace for a Spring bride. All of the pieces available in this store are one-of-a-kind treasures.

Blue & Red Earrings: These earrings are available from RoseBudBeads Shop along with many other reasonably priced lovely accessories.

Decorative Quilt: I fell in love with this amazing piece of art as soon as I saw it. (Upper left hand corner of my collage). This quilt has such spectacular detail and was all constructed and stitched by hand. In order to appreciate it fully, please visit CLappQuilts Shop and check out a larger picture of this item. CLapp is new to Etsy and I wish her the best of luck. Amazing work.

Hand Made Felted Beads: These colorful hand made felt beads would make a wonderful addition to any crafters already overflowing craft cupboard. They would add a wonderful splash of color to any craft project. This collection along with many other colors are available from Piril's Shop. Great gift idea for a creative child!

Seed Packet Set: Looking for a great for a fellow garden lover? Look no further. This Color Seed Packet set available from VintageGreenLimited's Shop includes 6 numbered seed packet pouches, 6 numbered identification sticks and 6 information cards. A great house warming gift!

Illustrated Print: This beautiful print of a girl amongst nature would be a beautiful addition to a childs room although Spring brings out the child in all of us. Available from Elsita's Shop along with countless other original works.

Spoon Ring: Who wouldn't want a beautiful ring made from their favorite flatware pattern? I know I would! This great ring is available in Goorsendjewelry's Shop along with many other patterns and pieces. I know I'm hoping to get my hands on one of these before the summer is through, and for less than $15 there's no reason not to!

Ceramic Bowls: Truly the inspiration for this entire blog post, these wonderfully colored ceramic bowls from LynnCardwellPottery's Shop are simply fabulous. I can just picture them on my patio filled with little treats on a warm spring day. These are available by custom order. Be sure to check out the rest of the items in this shop too!

THE CONTEST:

We invite you to enter our give-away by becoming a follower of our blog and posting a comment about what you are looking forward to the most this coming Spring! You will be entered to win a $25 Gift Certificate at our shop: EmenGeeDesigns on Etsy. One comment per follower, winner will be chosen by a random draw.

Contest Ends Saturday March 6th, 12:00am CST, so get your comments in now! Winner will be announced in Monday, March 8th's post