Real Simple

I like the simplicity and versatility of the outfit I wore the other day.  The temperatures here are finally down to the bearable degrees.  Summers are very hot and humid in Tennessee and I'm always glad when Fall comes around.

striped tee - Target

jacket - Target

wool maxi skirt - thrifted at Goodwill

hardware necklace - DIY

new watch - Casio; deer ring - Target

leather nude flats - thrifted at Goodwill

nails - Sally Hansen's Commander in Chic

Have you noticed my new Casio watch?  I've been coveting it after seeing one on Natuka Karkashadze (one of my favorite Georgian fashion bloggers) and some others too.  Strangely, after I ordered this new watch online, my old one quit on me :)

Speaking of real simple, let me show you my impromptu arrangement for our back porch table.  I picked dried Queen Anne's Lace flowers on my walk the other day.  I tried to spray-paint them in gold first, then in white.  But after all that trouble, natural is my favorite look.  How about you?

natural look with dried up Queen Anne's Lace

spray-painted in gold

spray-painted in white

Queen Anne's Lace in a watering can, some vintage pottery and silk flowers from the Dollar Tree

Snackcessory Challenge 10 Finalists

No, my little Snackcessory did not even make the finals.  Honestly, I am disappointed but hey, I'm not going to let this ruin my day. 
For those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about...  General Mills had announced a DIY challenge and the Grand Prize winner will get to go to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York in February of 2013.  Here are the 10 finalists:

Tool of the Trade

The Anti-Cookie bag

Pearlfection

Snackcessory Monster

Yummy Snackpack

Healthy Garden

Snack Attack

More is More

Mixed Metallics

Oh Say, Can you Snack

Congratulations to all the finalists.  I am voting for the golden Snack Attack.  You can vote here.

My own submission did not make the finals, but I thought at least I'd show it off here.  The title for my Snackcessory was Fashionably Healthy.  Here is my little submission piece:

Fashionably Healthy

The inspiration behind my Snackcessory is Baroque motif in current fashion. I painted a tin pencil case with black acrylic paint first, following with brass color. Next, I applied crackle medium for an interesting texture. The baroque style decoration on my Snackcessory is simply wooden applique gold leafed by me and glued with the strong craft glue. I also glued brass button to the top part for the faux closure effect. Healthy snacking is very important to me as it prevents overeating. That's why I am looking forward to carrying FiberOne bars in my Snackcessory everywhere I go.

I took step-by-step photos but am not in the mood to post the detailed tutorial now.  However, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me.  I'll be happy to share.

DIY: Star Print Denim Jeans

Ms. Fancy Pants

I'm sure there are tons of star-print denim tutorials online especially inspired by Current/Elliott jeans.  I think the key is to make your stars look pale or faded.  For that reason I made my own mix of acrylic colors.  I mixed white, blue and a touch of black.  Add the textile medium to the mix to be able to use on fabric.  I also made my own stamp from sheets of foam (I'll show you how next week), but you can buy a star stamp at any craft store.  And finally, last tip: make sure not to overload the stamp  to achieve the faded, barely there look.  In fact, I recommend spreading your paint mix on a piece of paper towel first. 

Target jeans star stamped by me

I stamped the back side first, let it dry, then finished the front side.  After all is dry, heat set with the household iron for about 10 sec.  Our inspiration for this project was Mini Boden and Current/Elliott:

star-print shorts and pants both Mini-Boden

Current/Elliott star-print jeans, ASOS $351.80

Tara's Antique Mall (Part II)

Tara's Antique Mall is located at 120 North Main Street, Goodlettsville, Tennessee; phone 615-859-4331

 

 As promised yesterday, I'm now posting the rest of the photos from my visit to Tara's Antique Mall in Goodlettsville, Tn.  

gorgeous Famory beaded dress, vintage size 8 ($48)

stunning Laurence Kazar sequin silk top ($25)

Asian inspired blue and gold boudoir coat probably from 1920's (top center, and top right)

vintage wedding gowns

antique cream-color dresses that would look amazing on a modern vintage-loving bride

beaded purse

tapestry purse and wooden shoes from Philippines

beautiful Victorian purse and beaded black purse

this Walborg purse is clear plastic with pastel raffia (?) flowers reminds me of LV Spring 2012 collection

vintage jewelry

hats and hair accessories

vintage dish towels and aprons

pottery and art

porcelain figurines

whiskey jags from Tennessee area

vintage toys

 Do you have a favorite piece?  I think my favorite pieces are cream color dresses.  They belong in a museum.  I also love the Asian inspired blue and gold boudoir coat that probably is from 1920's.   

Tara's Antique Mall (Part I)

Tara's Antique Mall is located at 120 North Main Street, Goodlettsville, Tennessee; phone 615-859-4331.

the shop owner Claude Bellar (right) and his assistant Nancy Pennington (left)

 A first time visitor to Music City once said how surprised she was to find out that Nashville was a great place for vintage shopping.  Not a surprising fact at all, if one knew of Tennessee's rich heritage.  There are lots of antique shops in Nashville and surrounding area, but Tara's Antique Mall is my favorite place that can satisfy anyone's craving for vintage whether you need a large piece of furniture or some nick-knack collectible.  All at the reasonable prices.  The shop owner, Mr. Claude, greets you from his rocking chair as you enter the shop (which by the way is open 7 days a week 9:00 to 6:00).  There are three levels in this shop all full of antique furniture, lamps, kitchenware, vintage tools, and even toys.  I took so many pictures during my last visit that I have to divide this post in two (Part II will follow tomorrow).  See if you can spot an antique coffee grinder in the photos below (hint: it's gigantic).  While I was browsing, I had a privilege of listening to the sweet music their tall Edison gramophone made (by the way, it's now sold).  If you ever visit Nashville, this store is a must see for any vintage lover or for anyone who wants to experience thrilling travel in time. 

the giant stand with wheels on both sides is an old fashioned coffee grinder (top row, center)

beautiful lamps and chandeliers

an impressive canopy bed and buffet sideboard

this bedroom suit just arrived and is not put together yet

dressers

collection of milk glass (my current obsession)

Coca-Cola bottles, milk bottles and of course Mason jars

Detroit Jewel stove that still works and old fashioned kitchenware

more kitchenware

Tomorrow I will be showing you the most exciting things (their vintage clothes and accessories).