Outfit Post + Review: eShakti

(Sorry, we've been on yet another blogging hiatus where we sit around and ponder: "To blog or not to blog, that is the question.Whether 'tis better...etc. etc.).

I've seen eShakti reviews on several other blogs and read a lot of good things, so of course, when they reached out to us, I jumped at the chance to check them out. I'd been really wanting a new summer dress, something a little fancier than your basic sundress. And eShakti's selection definitely delivered (it was almost impossible to choose just one!).

I picked this navy and black eyelet dress...I did think it was 100% black on the site, but in person (and in my photos) the contrast is easy to say. I ended up loving the mix, though, a little bit softer than pure black.

The details of this dress are amazing: it's fully lined, has a beautiful small keyhole and button at the back as well as a sidezipper, and there are even little snaps to hold your brastraps on (this is a detail of vintage dresses that I have only occasionally seen that I love!). It fit perfectly because I could buy directly according to my measurements...which was good because this dress is 100% cotton (awesome!) and it has very little give.

My favorite part of the dress is obviously how the lining stops at the knee and allows for the sheer eyelet panel at the bottom. Super sexy! This dress is also super versatile: I will definitely be wearing it with cardigans and cute heels in the fall/winter. For summer, I chose to pair it with some vintage slides and added my favorite typewriter brooch for some vintage flair.

This dress, not on sale, is a very reasonable $99.95 (It also, unfortunately, looks to be already sold out on the site!). For the quality of the dress and the fact that you can basically get it tailored to your body (and shipping was very fast), that's an amazing deal.

Even better, eShakti is offering our readers a 10% off coupon using code misbelles through August 16th. Here are a few of my favorites on the site right now (plus there are TONS of amazing things on sale, some as low as $25!): 1 /// 2 /// 3 /// 4 /// 5 .

eShakti, I will be back!!

xo,
Amanda

Disclaimer: The dress was provided for me by the good people at eShakti, but the opinion is my own

Falling Colors

It's the MOST wonderful tiiiiiiiiime of the year!  Finally.  Temperatures are dropping and leaves are falling and the shop is stocked with every color of bright yellow rusty orange, burnt red, and crispy brown.

Vintage Brown Ankle Strap Heels, $40

1970s Orange Macrame Bag, $20

Vintage Red Silk Blazer, $35

1950s Yellow Floral Circle Skirt, $48

Enjoy the prettiness! (Outside and in the shop!)

xo,

Amanda

Collection: Vintage Brooches

I love vintage accessories of all kinds, but brooches are on the top of my list. They add a little sparkle and flair to sweaters, blazers, and dresses.  And with so many varieties, I use them to express my personality and style.  My collection really started with a hand-me-down family piece, and now, I try to pick up a few every year. As we speak, I have a sweet little cherry brooch coming my way that didn't make it into this photo! But I'm sure I'll share it soon in an outfit post!

1. Red and White Polka Dot Flower-  Gift from Q for my birthday this year!
2.  Mini Scissors- To express my crafty side.
3.  Rhinestone Lipstick-  Because you all know how I love a red lip and cosmetics.
4.  Rhinestone Typewriter- my newest. This was a congratulatory reward to myself upon finding out my first short story is being published this fall (stay tuned!).
5.  Enamel Anchor-  Because any aspiring modern pinup girl needs a nautical brooch in her life.
6.  Pearl Flowers-  I think this came from a random grab bag of vintage costume jewelry somewhere along the line.
7. Bakelite Star Brooch-  This is actually crafted from recycled bakelite pieces. I bought it from an artist in West Virginia last summer on our family vacation.
8.  Rhinestone Lizard- a Christmas gift from my mom and dad.
9. Red Rose-  a gift from my student teaching mentor. It belonged to her mother.
10.  Round Opal Brooch- This belonged to my great grandmother, and it was handed down to me after she passed away.

I have been gifted quite a few brooches, but I have also gotten good at finding what I want on eBay and Etsy.  Be sure to check both places to find the best price and condition! It's amazing how different people will charge things for the same pretty little pin.

Besides the cherries in my near future, I'm also keeping an eye out for a 1950s umbrella--like this one, a real 1930s Bakelite animal or fruit pin (these can be absurdly expensive-$700?! Really? They aren't diamonds!), and A, M and Q monograms. Plus, I never can pass up those pretty enamel flowers from the 1960s, though I love giving those as gifts!

Hope you enjoyed a little peek into my collection!

xo,
Amanda

Sister Dreamrobe: Summer Daydreams

We're all about being thrifty around here, but that doesn't mean we can't dream of beautiful vintage things that are just a little (or a lot) outside of our budgets.  We wanted to share a new little blog feature where we scrounge Etsy for our perfect outfit, as though money is no object (nor pregnancy bellies, in Amanda's case). So here, we bring to you the first installment of Sister Dreamrobe:

1.  1940s Sundress with Pockets, $85 via CreatedandCollected /// 2.  1940s Enamel Cherry Brooch, $42.99 via QuiltsETC /// 3.  1940s Telephone Cord Clutch, $55 via VirginiasVice /// 

4. 1940s Red Heels, $78 via therobotparade

1.  1970s Mini Dress, $58 via caramelizedvintage /// 2. Vintage Jade Cuff, $59 via mkmack /// 

3. Vintage Market Tote, $48 via FarmsteadVintage /// 

4. Vintage Leather Boho Boots, $93 via mustlovevintage 

Of course, our personalized styles come through--Amanda's pinup vibe and Jayme's bohemian flare.  This is just a small taste of the great vintage you can find on Etsy (sadly, it's mixed in with a lot of not-so-great or not-authentic vintage).  We hope you see some things you might dream of--and start saving for--too!

xo,
J&A

The Big Flea + A Little Shop Preview

This weekend was the DC Big Flea Market (which isn't really in DC, but rather, out in VA), and Q and I decided to have a little adventure with our girls. I had already been there once, and remember it being very cool, but a little overwhelming. It was the same this time. The cool thing was that the stalls stay the same for vendors (in the same area), so I hit up my favorite places from last time, ignoring other spots that I knew were overpriced, etc. And I came home with some sweet things (mostly for the shop!) You can see a few pics on my Instagram of the market, but I wanted to share my find for the house and some things coming to the shop this week:

For us:  new Pyrex for the collection (perfect for re-heating food, and I don't have any red yet!)

And for the shop, I found 5 vintage spring dresses and some awesome jewelry (which I already photographed, so I thought I'd share):

1970s Brass Crescent Moon, Vintage Rose Locket (never worn), 

1970s Silver Mushrooms Necklace, 1970s Capricorn Medallion (no chain)

I could have spent a few more hours there (if I wasn't exhausted from lack of sleep), but everyone else  was overstimulated. The only cure:  diner food for lunch. So that was our Saturday--and it was a good one.

Hope you all had a great weekend! These goodies and more, coming to the shop this week!

xo,

Amanda

Partner with Us in December

December promises to be a huge month for us--between the new blog design, our awesome giveaway, and the approaching holidays for the shop, there is so much going on. We would love to promote your blog or small business--we work with you, and we try our best to get creative!

Check out our ads page for more info...small ads start at just $5.  We've already partnered with some amazing folks who have quickly become friends. Of course, we're always open to more virtual pals. That's what it's all about. :)

We are thankful for the amazing response to our giveaway--so many new readers who we're excited to meet! If you have a blog, we're also open to ad swaps if it seems like a good fit for our readers--just drop us an email!

xo,
J&A

Amanda's Fall Wardrobe Must-Haves

I posted a wishlist a few weeks ago for my dream fall wardrobe, but today, I thought I'd post a few versions of my favorite fall things that are already in (or about to BE in) my closet. These are the vintage things I can't live without when the leaves start to fall.

1. Aztec Printed Wrap Cardigan, $40 (I have a very similar one!)
via The Arbor Vitae
2. Mustard Silk Blouse, $25--a great basic...and a STEAL for a silk top!
via onefortynine
3. SPLURGE! Schoolgirl Dress with Mustard Tie (WANT. SO. BAD.)
via Vintage Frocks of Fancy
4. Heeled Oxfords, $60--I love menswear-inspired shoes, but I still need a little height!
ia Time Bomb Vintage
5. Flowy Autumn Floral Dress, $32--throw it on with a chunky cardi, tights and boots: DONE.
via LuxVintageApparel
6. Camel Corduroy Blazer, $82 (I have one I adore, but this one: this one has elbow patches.)
via pineapplemint   (one of our favorite Etsy shops!)
7. Pendleton Full Plaid Skirt, $68 --such a pretty color palette on this one.
via Sweetbeefinds
8. Pendleton Wool Blanket, $125 (I own this very one--and a cobalt blue one!)
via JointCustodyDC
9. Picnic Set   SOLD before I could post! (I have a basket set, but this one is really cool.)
via Westland

What are your fall wardrobe essentials that stand the test of time?

xo,
Amanda

Shop the Look: Vintage Beach Babe

Jayme and I are quite excited about a long weekend getaway with our family later this month.  Traditionally, our family has spent many summers together at the beach, but this summer, with two walking, talking toddlers on our hands, we're trying something a little different (even though there will be some beach time involved) by taking a little trip to West Virginia for hot springs, art galleries, hiking, biking, etc.  At the end of the summer, Q and I and the girls have our yearly family beach trip to Cape May--even though it seems so far away, I am already dreaming of morning breakfast bike rides, books on the beach, naps, and catching some rays.

The shop is stocked with some very cute beach-appropriate clothing and accessories at amazing prices. I put together this look for a day at the beach, from day to night.

With Fourth of July being our next big holiday, I went with a color palette of red, white and blue with neutral accents. For day, throw on the gingham shirt dress over your bathing suit, slip on some red flat sandals, fill up your tote with snacks, magazines, your iPod, a good book, and some sunscreen, and don't forget your hat!  After a day in the sun, slip out of your suit and into this gorgeous bohemian floral sundress and bring along a beachy, oversized clutch for all your necessities. Dust the sand off your red sandals, and you're ready to go (seafood, perhaps?).

SHOP THIS LOOK

chevron bathing suit (medium to large), $18

gingham shirt dress (medium), $28

red sandals (size 8), $23

woven tote bag, $33

straw hat, $15

floral sundress (medium), $33

oversized clutch,  $16

CLOSED-Handmade Spotlight + Giveaway: SteelTeeth GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! Thank you to all who entered and made Steph feel so loved.

WINNER will be announced Friday, October 15th!  

We're so excited to share our first giveaway with you!  And we're even more excited that the giveaway comes from the lovely Steph of SteelTeeth.  Get to know a little about Steph and her shop, and enter to win this amazing, one of a kind, handmade piece in the photo below (if we could win on our own blog, we'd be entering!).

 

What does your life outside of Etsy/blogging look like?

For as long as I can remember, I have collected vintage sewing notions - buttons, fabrics, trims, patterns, pin cushions, needle cases, thimbles, and the like.  My parents collected antiques and as a child I spent weekends at old country auctions and flea markets.  My mother would keep me busy by purchasing old button jars and boxes filled with sewing notions for me to sort and gather.  I would spend hours in the back seat of our station wagon pondering craft projects and hand-stitching little works of art. 

Today, my love of vintage sewing has lead me down many creative paths.  Currently, I am recycling the old metal-tooth zippers I have acquired over the years and turning them into unique, whimsical designs with an edge - literally!

Aside from collecting and crafting, I am a mother of two boys aged 4 and 7.  My fiance, Tom and I just bought a cute, cozy lakeside cottage in Eufaula, Oklahoma where I am in the process of setting up my dream studio - vintage chic style!  

Describe yourself  in three words.

Enterprising, creative, obsessive

Fall piece you can’t live without:

A few weeks ago, I altered an old jean jacket into a more fitted and flirty number with ruffles - I have worn it every day since.

Most recent fashion-related purchase:

Yesterday, I bought a huge stash of vintage 1960s painted metal flower pins at the Goodwill.  They are big and crazy colorful!  Love them!

 Do you craft/make anything else?

In addition to sewing, I love to knit.

Any pet peeves?

Before I started using zippers to create jewelry, they were the bane of my existence.  I have sewn my entire life and still have trouble attaching zippers to garments and pouches!  That's probably why I have so many hanging around my sewing room waiting for a different use!

Bad habits?

I am a total procrastinator and get easily distracted.

Desert-island food?

Chocolate-covered almonds.

Three bands/singers you can’t get enough of:

Yikes.  I haven't purchased music since I was a teenager... and back then it was Zepplin, Doors and Pink Floyd! Yes, I am THAT old!

Another blog you follow regularly:

I love, love, love reading http://www.ponderandstitch.blogspot.com/

What made you decide to start a shop?

I have been selling my zipper designs as appliques to local artists who add a pin, or hair clip, alter them slightly and offer them for sale in local boutiques.  They have been selling really well and I finally thought... I can do this!  Etsy seemed like the best way to go!

Significance of your shop name?

Well, the little grippers down the side of zippers are called teeth.  These days, most zippers have nylon teeth.  I prefer the hard, industrial look of a good steel tooth myself.  So, I named my shop "Steel Teeth".

Favorite item in your shop right now:

I really love these "running stitch" designs the best.  I love the ruffles on this rose:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58085095/red-ruffle-zipper-rose-brooch

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SteelTeeth Giveaway

Win this gorgeous statement necklace!

How to win:

1.  Become a follower of our blog and let us know in a comment below (if you're already a follower, skip to the next step). 

2.  Visit the SteelTeeth shop, and link to your favorite item in a comment below.

For additional entries:

1.  Tweet this giveaway! (Let us know in the comments.)

2. Link this giveaway through your blog or Facebook page (and let us know in the comments too!).

This contest will run until October 13th--one week!  The winner will be chosen through a random number generator.


Good luck!