Mamushka Marie | Daily findings, Inspiration, Life & Style

friday snippets

2011-10-21T13:37:00.000-05:00

Iowa City - Spent the first of the week in Iowa City and man it exceeded all expectations - totally great little town, lots to do & see...if you're ever in the area go, go, go! I promise you will not be disappointed (plus they have some great vintage shops)

White Rabbit - Which brings me to White Rabbit, a vintage and DIY shop. LOADS of good stuff here, dresses galore, cute cat tee's, home decor, knits and handmade wearables. AND there's a coffee bar inside the shop!!! Coffee fix and vintage fix all in one go? Yeah, it seriously doesn't get much better than that!

Vita Coco - Have you tried vita coco coconut water yet? Holy moley it's delish and sooo super hydrating it's kind of an amazing thing. I can't stop drinking it!

Packing for Brooklyn - This has been at the forefront of everything i've done this week, even w/ the mini trip to Iowa, i still have to pack for a month in New York! Overwhelming doesn't even begin to describe! After work today i'm off to a hair appointment (gotta have good hair for bkl!) and then finishing packing 'til probably the wee hours of the night...*sigh*

Dum Dum Girls - Listening to the dum dum girls at the shop this week (a bunch) and I also got to catch their show here in town last weekend...They are so pretty (sounding) and otherwise too, makes me want to wear leather hot pants. haha!

Catbird Kitten Calendar - Since I'll be in Brooklyn this coming week I've got a list a mile long of places to see and shops to visit, Catbird is one of them, and I'm going to get me this Kitten Calendar if it's the last thing i do.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! I'll be blogging from NYC when next you hear from me!

Until then,
Claire

le ballon imaginaire - stine goya ss12

2011-10-20T16:06:00.001-05:00

If it weren't for Jacque over at thecozinessproject, I might have missed (or been fashionably late) in discovering Stine Goya's spring 2012 line, Le Ballon Imaginaire. Parisian hot air balloons anyone? I have been obsessed with turn of the century aviation for as long as I can remember and the esthetic and design of Goyas work is completely inspiring. Black and whites with golden metallics and creamy pastel hues has me dreaming of soaring through the clouds over Paris circa 1909. (sigh) A girl can dream right?

autumn wardrobe

2011-10-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

{wearing: thrifted vintage cardigan, vintage silk scarf from picture day vintage, handmade vintage dress - thrifted, thrifted leather belt, vintage woven flats}

It's a beautiful autumn day and I've been all over pinterest looking for wardrobe inspiration for fall. For sure autumn is my favorite season for dressing, just wish the nice sunny days weren't so few and far between! I'll be breaking out the aforementioned Pendleton cape before you know it!

a month in brooklyn

2011-10-13T14:42:00.000-05:00

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Well, it's official...I'm going to Brooklyn NY next week for a month. You heard right, an entire month in the big city! I will be working for some friends for the month and I am over the moon about the weeks to come! Any Brooklyn bloggers want to meet up? Advice for my stay? Places and spaces that are musts? Favorite vintage shops? Cafes? I want to hear it all.

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Mostly I'm looking forward to seeing and gleaning and soaking up all that I can. I'm also elated that I will be here, in just a few short weeks! Expect lots of photos, plenty of outfit posts, and vintage shop reviews...oh yeah and OWS too.

Until then,
Claire

I want your links!

2011-10-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

{wearing: thrifted 70s dress, thrifted denim snap button vest, thrifted gold chain necklace, vintage shoes}

So here I am thinkin' this whole blogging again thing is kinda slow going...I feel like nobodies around? Hellooooooo? Are you out there?! Hehehe...then I was reminded that I need to gather links for the ol' blog-roll - starting it over again and feel like I'm missing a few (or more!) SO comment with your link(s) and i'll add those applicable (of the fashion variety) to the sidebar. Also if interested I'm gonna save some room for a few banner ad's (220x100) - free to start, so if you've got those, email them to me at mamushkamarievintage[at]gmail[dot]com - the first 5 who email me I'll put in the sidebar - then next month i'll do it again! Sound good?

shawls for fall

2011-10-07T22:39:00.000-05:00

{1. revelry.com - 2. awildatheart - 3. sennursasa - 4. vampofvintage}

Lately I've been dreaming about the perfect shawl - who doesn't want to walk around draped in a comfortable and brightly colored blanket all day!? They're so versatile too, worn belted or wrapped like a scarf, they really add that extra pop an outfit often needs. So I'm 'bout to channel my inner Stevie Nicks and get blanketed with shawls this season, you too? Thought so.

Until Then,
Claire

psychedelic acid wash

2011-10-04T22:22:00.000-05:00

New signage at the shop!

{wearing: dress: thrifted, necklace/bracelet: thrifted, velvet bow headband: thrifted, suede wedges: thrifted, vintage sunnies: thrifted}

It's been a good week. Getting back into the swing of blogging again, and can't remember why I thought of giving it up! Today I'm wearing what I like to call my psychedelic acid wash dress, can you think of a better name? I love it. Paired with my (worn twice in a row i know!) little suede wedges and my velvet bow headband w/ a little bouffant to top it all off...gah, i'm so glad summer is over! Psss...I FOUND (thrifted! pendleton!) A HOODED PLAID CAPLET (this needed to be in all caps...just wait till you see! I'm over the moon about it!)

bring on autumn

2011-10-02T18:41:00.001-05:00

I haven't done an outfit post in a while. So not surprisingly I was a bit bashful in front of the camera today. It took a walk down to the shop and the company of miss Phoebe (muse of my life!) to bring the camera front and center again.

Real life girl crush Phoebe moved to Madison by way of San Francisco at the start of the summer and never fails to inspire me when it comes to wardrobe and personal style. HOLY HELL you should see inside her closet! (which brings me to mention a new feature here at MM, CLOSET TOURS! - coming soon!) Phoebe has a winning personality to match her impeccable taste and we became fast friends since she arrived in the mid-west - we share a never ending desire to thrift (for hours) and dig for gems to the ever reaching borders of Wisconsin.

Today Phoebe is wearing an all vintage ensemble topped off with (these amaaazing!) prairie boots by madewell from Shop-Bop.
I'm wearing an animal print skirt, striped crop and new (to me) burgundy suede wedges..which I am in love with and so happy to have thrifted last week! More outfit posts to come...oh yeah, and previously mentioned - closet tours, yay!

Until then,
Claire

the meaning of things project - item no. 1

2011-09-30T14:08:00.000-05:00

A beautiful dress arrived at the shop this week. It's a printed silk stunner from the 1940s, with a full skirt, deep v neckline and side metal zipper. Dropped by the shop in the company of a number of other pieces not quite it's equal, this dress immediately struck me. A silk dress in iridescent green doesn't make it's way into the shop every day- that's for sure, so I inquired with the seller about the piece and a small story unfolded.

The dress had just made a 2,000 mile journey to the shops doorstep. Literally days before it had happily retired (years before most likely) to the closet of one late Mrs. Style (didn't catch her real name). On the boarder of Canada and Montana this piece lived its years, and was obviously well cared for as there is not a snag or stain to be seen. I like to think it's owner had an affection for this dress above the others because when it was uncovered, it was the only dress still kept in a plastic bag, with it's dry-cleaning receipt still pinned to the hanger.

The owner of this dress had others pieces that dated through the 1970s, poly shifts and rayon prints all made the journey to our quaint little shop here in Madison. Which made me think of all the vintage pieces making journeys across this globe, from one home to the next, sharing their stories and creating new ones. Fashion really doesn't get much better than that. To the next owner of the little iridescent green beauty, the story will be given and a new one will unfold.

Until then,
Claire

wants + needs

2011-09-28T17:32:00.001-05:00

{Plaid Duffle Cape - Steven Alan, Penobscot Poncho - Anthropologie, Animal Print Capelet - Top Shop

Seavees Off Shore Mid Rain Boots - Madewell, Black Suede Winter Boots - Good Style Shop, Russet Brown Oxford Heels - Generation Thrift}

Everytime I'm out on thrifting or shopping at vintage stores (or online - lets be real) I've got my mental list ready to check off wanted items as I find them. For example, I thrifted a sheer polka dot blouse last week (I KNOW! I almost fainted!) and CHECK, it's off the list! I find this to be a helpful way to monitor my thrifting and spending so I only take home things I actually want, not just like. This is really difficult if you're an avid thrifter like myself! But this system seems to be working! Which brings me to my pursuit at the tip top of the list, the perfect cape/capelet/poncho...(whichever!) This one item has been on my list for over a year now if you can believe it. So I did some online hunting and found some new capes (hooded!) and poncho's in three styles that would make the cut; plaid, native & animal print along with some needs for fall/winter (boots and proper shoes!) Now all I've got to do is save my pennies!

shades of green

2011-09-26T15:48:00.003-05:00

{1,2,3,4}
Lately I've been obsessing over the color green- whether in print or fabric (green wool sweater!? yes, please)... green is at the top of what i like to call my color chain this season. Followed closely by burgundy, berry, mustard, rust and all the rest of 'em! I just have to get my hands on a dress or bag, or whatever in the color green. Here are some prime-oh examples of green done right. I adore all of these shades but isn't that first skirt/denim combo amazing?

elkhorn flea market

2011-09-25T18:16:00.004-05:00

Today myself, Caitlin and Phoebe went out to the Elkhorn Flea Market in Elkhorn WI and boy oh boy if it wasn't a feast for your eyes! So many treasures to behold, I only wish I had brought one of those trusty laundry caddies with me...or a million tote bags because there was sooooo much stuff! When we arrived it was pouring rain, but that didn't seem to stop anyone (certainly not us!) ...as i'm sure you know, when the hunt is on..the hunt is ON. Soon enough the rain let up and we were able to fill our arms with new goodies until we couldn't carry anymore! I ended up bringing home, three new purses; one Coach ($4!!!), one Coach look-a-like and an Etienne Aigner...an adorable heart shaped pendant necklace ($3!!), suede shoes, and so much more! Now i'm kinda kickin' myself for not buying a pair of those sunglasses in the photo above. Ah well, there's always next year!

in black and white

2011-09-22T19:02:00.001-05:00

Fall and winter are upon us, I know...but finally the print version of Good Style Shops spring look-book is here! Months late, but I am so thrilled to see the originals. All the photography was done by J. Kursel, a good friend of mine and the shops. Check out her blog for more beautiful and haunting photography. She is truly one talented woman. This was the first editorial shoot I've styled, the first of many I hope!

Until then,
Claire

vintage madison's fall fashion show

2011-09-18T17:50:00.000-05:00

A great crowd showed up for this years Fall Fashion Show - Hosted by High Noon Saloon

Grace walking the runway in a sheer angel dress and adorable vintage hat

Sophia backstage

Sophia and Candace on the runway

Grace looking lovely backstage - May I say how obsessed I am with that center part!?

This year fall fashion show was so much fun! Myself and the gang over at Good Style Shop styled up our favorite fall looks to walk the runway, including some fantastic fall staples that are a must for every fall wardrobe. Can we talk about animal print for fall!? Yes please. Also plenty of metallics, aztec prints, capes and capelets, suede and sheer, sheer, sheer! For more photos of the event (including the lines by Picture Day Vintage, and Wanderlost Vintage) visit Vintage Madison on facebook!

back on the blogger train

2011-09-18T02:20:00.000-05:00

Well. It's nearly one in the morning and I keep putting this off. Chalk it up to being a bit, shall we say...blogger rusty? This train (read: blog) has slowed down significantly over the past couple months, to the point that I almost stopped writing completely.

I think, (and I want to preface this by saying that I sometimes get a little annoyed (and self conscious) that I may be falling into that "blogger sensitive" rut, you know the whole "Woe is me... I'm a blogger!" self-importance thing - it's hard to figure when you're putting your life out there on the world wide webs for all to see!) either way, I think it should be said that I lost my voice for a while there. I forgot why I started Mamushka Marie in the first place- to genuinely connect and share with others; our thoughts, our lives, our inspirations. Having done so, I stopped being myself in this space and started filling it's pages with lackluster posts for the sake of posting. Being busy and feeling uninspired didn't help either, but honestly, these past few months have been a blur and trying to revive my lifeless blogger self has proved to be rather difficult!

At first I tried desperately to come up with solutions to this dilemma, thoughts of starting a new blog crossed my mind- but when it came down to it I never really wanted to leave this (here, the last two or so years) behind, I just needed to find a reason to start blogging again, a new perspective, a new lease on the blog if you will! So here I am, sittin' up in bed at now half past 1 in the morning, writing to you, my blogger friends, saying: I'm still here! And I miss you, and I'm back. I've re-boarded this train and now it's full steam ahead...

I have some new ideas (and a new layout!) for Mamushka Marie that I'm really excited to share with you: a new project called The Meaning of Things - which I would love your feedback on and possible collaboration! As well as new (lots of new!) outfits to share (it's fall baby - layers, layers, layers!) and a few new regular features that I can't wait to get started on!
So after all that, I hope ever so, that you're on board with me.

Until then,
Claire

college dropout

2011-08-25T17:30:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite photos from the "college dropout" photo shoot I did this past weekend with the lovely Sophia! We did an impromptu shoot, was just supposed to be an Etsy shoot but it was so beautiful outside I couldn't help it. I'm pretty excited with how they turned out...now gearing up for next weeks fall fashion show! *Whew!* Where do the days go!?

pink

2011-08-24T13:27:00.004-05:00

Gotta admit, I'm pretty excited about my new (thrifted!) pink shoes!

update!

2011-08-14T16:40:00.007-05:00

pretty flowers my room mate just brought home!

Hello Everybody! It appears as if I've been a very bad and neglectful blogger lately, doesn't it? I wanted to let you know that I have plenty of excuses for this, one of which is the launching of Good Style Shop website, shop blog and street style blog for my current city, Madison WI. I'm really really excited about all this newness! I hope you will follow along, cause who doesn't want another street style website to glean from right?

crafting and coffee at the shop

my new sparkly metallic flats!

Anyway...this has been my life lately, I've been up to my neck in shop duties, events and so on and finding the time and (inspiration - more so) to blog has been a bit of a challenge. But I'm still here! Also I've been PINTERESTING like a crazy woman, if you're not on pinterest yet, I highly recommend it as it is easier to follow than a multitude of tumblr accounts...and chalked full of style inspiration!

I promise more (really exciting) updates soon, including our fall fashion show (only a couple weeks away!) and the launching of a new blog/website for yours truly! Soon, soon! Until then...

mid summer sheer

2011-07-10T16:18:00.003-05:00

I finally found it! The perfect sheer skirt...and these pictures really don't even do it justice! It's sheer goodness I tell you! ;) Also found this week: (at thee best vintage yard sale EVER) two perfect mason jars (I use for vases in the house), pendant necklace of amazingness, an adorable tea tin to add to my ever growing collection, and a great wooden crate to hang on the wall.

Sheer skirt: Thrifted

Bracelet: Yard sale find!

Buggie pin: Had forever, can't remember :)

Top: Thrifted

Shoes: Thrifted
Backpack: Good Style Shop

only love can break your heart

2011-06-16T17:50:00.002-05:00

I'm currently listening to St Etienne's cover of Niel Youngs "only love can break your heart" ...I adore this song. Both versions actually, and have been listening to it on repeat in the shop all day today!

Perfect summer drink? Iced coffee of course!

I recently thrifted this great mid length polka dot skirt, I wore it with a sheer sleeveless blouse because it's suddenly very HOT in Wisconsin.... I want to pile on the sheer blouses this season because they are so breezy for summer, but you still feel covered if you know what I mean...how is your summer shaping up?

This is an art installment that I've walked by several times on my way to my favorite Cafe, but I have no clue as to who the artist is. I love them. I'm sorta hoping a local will see this post and inform me as to who's work this is. I'd love to buy one for my living room!

Gorgeous aren't they?

george barbier

2011-06-04T19:43:00.000-05:00

photo credit: artophile

Oh how I looove George Barbier. Let me count the ways! (tattoo ideas perhaps??) teehee!

feels like summer

2011-06-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

I'm at the shop today, and thank goodness they just installed the AC! It would have been a sauna in here! Got bunches of new summer kicks and tanks for the shop this week. I'm mostly in love with this vest. Perfect for a summer day over swimwear at the beach or pool right??

chambray overshirt: vintage gap - thrifted
skirt (worn as dress) : thrifted
socks: thrifted
shoes: thrifted
accessories: from grandma :)

slice of life

2011-05-26T16:08:00.001-05:00

Life lately has been one new adventure after another. So much so that I've found it difficult to keep up with blogging. I feel like I need to breath some life into this space...and sometimes I feel like moving on all together. I'm at a loss for words, so why not fill you in with pictures? Sound good?

new dress at the good style shop

Monica stops by the shop to try on some platforms

lilacs!

the lovely Erica and her ever so cute wardrobe
faves: new platforms
moi at the shop
coffee at Sophias
Shop windows lined with our Spring Look Book shoot

New boots at the shop
Erica & Phoebe just before we head out of town on a thrift run!
♥

wild hearts can't be broken

2011-04-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

I first watched this film as a little girl and fell in love with it then - it's no surprise that the 1930s is still one of my favorite decades...and since we've been watching Boardwalk Empire most recently, I am ever so inspired to work some early 20th century garb into my look. These images are from Demure Folk, where you can find heaps more like them!

plus sized spring

2011-04-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

clockwise from left asos, dorthy perkins, evans, asos
One of my faves, Refinery29, put together this delightful set of plus sized spring dresses that I couldn't help but share - these are my favorites!

spring shoot - sneek peek

2011-03-30T13:39:00.000-05:00

{Models are Monica & Bianca, Photography (the real stuff soon!) by Jaquelin, Hair & Makeup by Alice Ezrow, Styling & Wardrobe by me - claireofakind.com! All clothing is from Good Style - and will be available in the shop very soon!}
This past weekend I had the time of my life. Never before have I enjoyed my work so much! The Good Style Crew and I headed out for our Spring photo shoot and here are just a few shots of what's to come (taken, mind you, with my crappy fixed lens! - can't wait to see the real ones, soon! soon!)

lace, crochet, macrame

2011-03-25T15:54:00.000-05:00

{lace shorts from here}
Lately I've been inspired by lingerie as outerwear - I've been known to sport a slip a time or two. Slips and lingerie can be so pretty and whimsical feeling when worn in the right way. I have a grip of slips that i'm planning to dye different pastel colors for just that purpose. Then today I saw these shorts, the lace ones first - they look a bit like underthings but are so, so cute! AND then, I came upon these macrame shorts, ooooh jeez they're adorable right? I plan on rocking as much lace, crochet, macrame and well heck, négligée as possible this spring!

love list - angel olsen

2011-03-25T12:32:00.000-05:00

I'm haunted. I'm in love. Angel Olsen has won me over. What more can I say? Just listen...
♥♥♥

lookin' up

2011-03-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

wearing: cardi: thrifted, electric dress: thrifted (bins!) spacedye tights: h&m oxies: thrifted

This may very well be the last outfit post that's in-doors for the season. As I look out the window I can see small buds appearing on the trees! I can't wait to get out there into the sunshine (whenever it appears!) I've been listening to a lot of Angel Olsen lately...her voice is amazing...haunting, beautiful. Have you heard of her? She's coming up on the lovelist later this week!

rodarte + opening ceremony = love.

2011-03-13T18:23:00.001-05:00

photos via fashionising.com
Rodarte plus Opening Ceremony. Does it get much better? I'm soaking up as much inspiration as I can for an upcoming spring lookbook for the good style shop. I'm thinking loads and loads of color, lace and macrame...and of course plenty of lipstick. ;)

floral, denim, lace and giveaway winner!

2011-03-11T15:41:00.001-06:00

The sun is shining today! Which means, pretty soon I won't have to take outfit posts indoors! I'm so ready to get out there and on my bicycle again!
Today I'm wearing a few things that you have probably seen before, like the skirt...and the lace ribbon blouse, this denim jacket is from the Good Style Shop its vintage Levis for Girls. My oxfords are old and falling to pieces, but I cannot part with them just yet...perhaps I'll break down and see the shoe cobbler about them :) last but not least, my tights are from We Love Colors. I bought three pair and plan on buying plenty more as there are so many to choose from!
AND, did you notice I settled on a pair of frames. I decided to go with my gut and choose pair number 4 (from yesterdays vote!) All your comments were quite helpful so thank you very much for the feedback!

Now for the drawing for the Good Style Shop dress giveaway....thanks to everyone who entered, look for more giveaways soon!

....and the winner is...AMY (a is for ampersand) Congratulations! Your prize will be shipped off in the mail to you this coming week!

at the shop

2011-03-09T19:07:00.000-06:00

Busting out the ensembles this week, feels good to be inspired again. Doesn't hurt that I get to work in a vintage shop and choose from so many goods! This dress I thrifted from the bins, and i love it...the doily collar is my favorite part! At 2 bucks you can't go wrong eh? :)
SO. Onto the real stuff...I need your help. I am into my 2nd at home trial try on from Warby Parker and I could use some advice. What pair of specs do you like best? I'm leaning towards the 4th pair the "Tenley Burgundy Fades"...but the others are also sooo good. I just can't make up my mind! Let me know which pair you like best? Which ones would you wear? Any help you could give me would be very much appreciated!
from left: vote 1,2,3,4,5! (I'm leaning toward #4)
Also, the winner of the Good Style dress giveaway will be announced here on the blog later this week - so stay tuned!

winter tropics

2011-03-08T19:19:00.000-06:00

Tried to squeeze an outfit post in before I went off to work this morning...still snow on the ground in March! Ahh! I'm more than ready for winters end. Suppose you can tell that from my outfit today? I'm wearing a crop tie off top that I thrifted a few days back, pretty happy with it, neutral all the way this season! :) What are your spring fashion plans? wearing:tropical crop top: thrifted
khaki skirt: thrifted
leggings: thrifted
80s blazer: thrifted
necklace: thrifted
shoes: thrifted......okay that's 100% thrifted! ;) Psst....There's still time to enter the Good Style Shop dress giveaway...closing time is 11:59pm tonight! So enter while there's still time!

good style GIVEAWAY

2011-03-01T20:30:00.000-06:00

Hello Lovelies! It is my absolute pleasure to announce that the GOOD STYLE SHOP will be hosting its very first giveaway, right here at Mamushka Marie! :) I couldn't be more pleased really...and hope you are too (aaaaaaaand! be sure to look for many more giveaways in the future - if you'd like to host them on your blogs too - so do let me know!) Today's giveaway is for this super duper amazing floral chain print dress. It is a size Medium/Large and would look stunning on each and every one of you, but there can only be one winner!

To enter, please visit the GOOD STYLE SHOP on Etsy and then come back here to leave a comment with your email address and your favorite item from the shop before Tuesday, MARCH 8, 2011 11:59 pm CST.

This giveaway is open only to the U.S. and the winner will be chosen randomly and be announced here on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 and be contacted privately for additional information.

For 2 additional entries to this giveaway, you can also:
-Fan GOOD STYLE SHOP on FACEBOOK and leave an additional comment indicating you have done so.
-Blog about this giveaway and leave a link with an additional comment below.

Good luck!

good style shop update

2011-03-01T17:11:00.001-06:00

visit the shop to see more!
I had the pleasure of working with Monica this past weekend, isn't she a beaut!? She modeled these glorious treats and was lovely as can be to work with. I am really having fun with my new work, but needless to say it's keeping me extra busy! I hope to update with more outfits soon (fingers and toes crossed!)
Been thinking lately about a new camera and tattoos...more on this later...♥

love list - effi briest

2011-02-24T13:18:00.000-06:00

Effi Briest

Theres nothing better than an all girl group with serious talent AND style, style that runs the gamut from masculine feminine to vintage dream girl. I can't stop gushing. ♥

what i've been up to

2011-02-14T19:24:00.000-06:00

...Styling the lovely Sophia for Good Style's etsy shop (these looks will be listed very soon, I just couldn't help but share!) Oh joy of joys...and the sun is still shining! Hope everyone has a glorious Valentines Day, sending hearts and much love to you...

hello sunshine

2011-02-13T19:27:00.000-06:00

I try my dardnest to not mention weather, but when it's in the upper 40's (vs the below zeros) well...I just can't help myself. Today I got to wear some light layering and pitch that parka...yep, life is grand.

hello sunshine

leopard necklace: thrifted
white cardi: thrifted
chambray mens shirt: thrifted - from the bins!
mini floral: thrifted
tights: ??
boots: my roommates

♥

good style and stuff

2011-02-09T21:48:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been just over a year since my guy and I moved to the mid-west via Texas, and before that California, and before that the east coast and before that...well, you get the idea. It feels as if I'm always headed somewhere new, and never staying put, my feet always so itchy and ready to move on to the so-called greener grasses. I think in retrospect I should have posted this for the new year when anyone and everyone was giving their annual recaps...but I didn't know then, the changes that would come.

Boy oh boy has life shifted for me, and most likely for this blog as well. (This is NOT (by the way) an end of blog post like we read so often and sadly have to say goodbye to fellow bloggers...just to get that clear. I don't want to see this blog disappear because I love it and it is a wonderful form of escape and creativity for me that has (seriously) changed my life) but I digress...Without boring you with details of the past couple weeks- suffice it to say, it looks like I'll have my feet firmly planted on the ground here in Wisconsin for at least another couple years...as a new career opportunity has come about that seriously has me bursting at the seams! I will still be around, posting outfits (probably more than any other post really) and i hope to keep up with everyone and your blogs as well --- whiiiiiiile simultaneously co-running and outfitting a local vintage clothing store (the Good Style Shop) here in Madison. WHAT!?! I know, I'm over the moon. I swear.

Besides the dream job and all that amazingness, I plan to also start a street style blog for the city of Madison (something I feel it desperately needs) Which will connect to the shop's website...so keep a look out for the launching of Good Style - Street.

So. There you have it. The news, my news and while I'm at the gushing, I might as well leave you with some photos from this past weeks work (online (below) as well as in-store) btw the Good Style etsy shop is brimming with shoes and soon to be clothing as well - so stay tuned! ♥

Shoes in the Good Style Etsy boutique!

hannah and her sisters

2011-01-31T13:55:00.000-06:00

A young Dianne Wiest (her wardrobe in the film is pretty spectacular really)

A very vintage Mia Farrow (want her hair)

I've been catching up on lots of good films lately - curling up in my favorite chair, afghan, pillows, cup of tea and netflix (won't even lie - streaming movies live is amaaaazing!) Beyond that side note though, I have to say, I had almost forgotten how much I adore Woody Allen films, he is hands down in my top three favorite director/writers of all time. The dialog in Woody's films feels so natural and free, and of course the actresses don some of the best 70s/80s style imaginable (you've seen Annie Hall no doubt) but what about Hannah and her sisters? Oh. My. Word. do I just love this movie, it's so funny and sweet, and endearing and wonderful really...and how can you not love the young Dianne Wiest and of course ever so gorgeous Mia Farrow with Barbabra Hershey supporting (not to mention Maureen O'Sullivan), yesssss so, so good.

style stimulant of the month - Arielle!

2011-01-19T18:50:00.000-06:00

A "Style Stimulant", makes you want to get out there and, dammit, DRESS CUTE!

Style Stimulant: [stahyl stim-yuh-luhnt]

-Noun
"A fashionable person, who possesses a knack for whats chic and in vogue while maintaining their own individuality and creativity."

When I first happened upon Arielle's blog, I was immediately smitten. I don't know if it was her collection of amazing hats (which she wears with such style and grace, it's like they were made for her), or her adorable kitty who shows up in a number of her sartorial portraits, but it was probably both that won me over initially. And then I began to scroll through her blog and see outfit after outfit executed with such cleverness and true uniqueness that I couldn't help but be inspired...AND I think you will too...so everyone, meet Arielle!

Name: Arielle Gordon
Age: 22
Location: Seattle, WA
Online Haunts: Arielle blogs over at oldhatdiary

Where do you find style inspiration?
I think I find most of my inspiration from characters in movies. I'm always entranced by the costumes and entire aesthetic of the characters. But if I had to choose some of my favorite leading ladies I'd have to say Katherine Hepburn, Claudette Colbert, Louise Brooks and Clara bow are the ones who steal my heart. I, also, have a dying love and obsession for Isabella Blow. Her style was truly unique and her own.

If you had to define your style in one word what would it be?
Smorgasbord.
I know that's kind of an awkward way to describe it but I have so many different tastes and attractions when it comes to my style, or style in general, that I think that's the best word to use to sum it up

Favorite thing to do on your day off?
Grocery shopping! Even if I don't need to actually buy something I still find myself going into a grocery store. I can spend so much time inside them!

Any vices?
Cheese....I'm obsessed with it. It's expensive but delicious! My taste buds or my bank account can't say no to it.

What item in your wardrobe will you never get rid of?
I have this cloche hat from the 1920's that I bought off Etsy last spring. There's something really special about holding an item that has lasted almost 100 years in your hands. I've worn it out once for a special occasion but other than that it sits safely in the box that it was sent to me in. It looks so delicate that I'm scared of ruining it!

What did you most want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?
When I was young I really wanted to be a veterinarian and to live in a giant house with hundreds and hundreds of animals! Instead, I'm working as a visual merchandiser now.
I still fantasize about the thought of buying a farm and moving to the country (maybe even getting some goats to make cheese!).

What are your some of your favorite websites/blogs to visit for inspiration?

My first three visits are usually apartment therapy, real simple and design sponge.
I've been obsessing over design and recipe sites lately. I guess that's what happens when you turn into a hermit for the winter. All you want to eat is food and all you want to do is crafts!
I really enjoy looking at street fashion blogs and All The Pretty Birds and Mr. Newton are two of my favorites right now. I love looking at My Vintage Vogue to reference old styles too

Thanks ever so to Arielle for being this months style stimulant! And of course say hello over at OldHatDiary to see more of Arielle's brilliant ensembles (oh and her hats too of course!)

here kitty kitty

2011-01-15T13:29:00.000-06:00

Nothing cheers up a January day better than a kitty wearing glasses hanging around your neck...or lovely Siamese figurines! Am I right or am I right? Winter has found me cheerful again, excited for the spring to come and making headway on my new years resolutions! How about you?

here kitty kitty...

dress: thrifted

cropped lace collared blouse: for etsy

kitty necklace: thrifted

tights/socks: i can never remember :)
shoes: rethreads

odds 'n ends

2011-01-13T15:14:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I love it when an etsy shop offers more than just clothes and accessories. Don't get me wrong, staying consistent is definitely the key to running a successful vintage shop. Your customers will then come to expect only the best from you... lets be honest, shops that get bogged down with too much bric-a-brac can be a little overwhelming. In any case, I have decided to expand my wee little shop to offering more decor and odds and ends if you will. I'd like to eventually have more jewelry as well as possibly illustrations?! (i knooooooow crazy right?) Anyway here are just a few little numbers added to the shop today, oh and a cropped caplet too, yeah that one is going to be hard to part with!

love list - best coast

2011-01-12T21:28:00.000-06:00

Nothing beats the winter blues like a little Best Coast. Ahhhh but now I'm oh so homesick for California!

white out plus winter tips

2011-01-10T15:22:00.001-06:00

Embracing winter this year has been one of the hardest things I've had to do. Last year I was all about the novelty of it, excited about my new life in a new city, the cold, the iced over lakes etc. This year, it's barely January and the doldrums have set in already! So what's a girl to do?
A few tips:
Number one, Go for a walk. Nothing beats the cold, like showing it who's boss. Saying, "I can handle this" and walking to a nearby cafe for a hot cafe au lait (which will also keep you warm on the walk home!) in the winter, getting out of the house as much as possible, is a top priority.
Number two, partake in every winter weather activity possible. Ice skating, sledding, snow ball fights, whatever...do what you can to have FUN in the cold.
Number three, don't take it too seriously. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way. Choose things that you like about the weather and repeat them on a regular basis, such as, "I love how quiet winter is" or, "The air feels so fresh!" It may sound silly, but I have found it helpful.
This concludes my talk about the weather for the rest of the year ;) (I hope!)

Onto le outfit...I ditched the parka and settled into this comfy (and toasty warm!) coat, which is light in color, so it goes well with almost anything. I thrifted a hat to match and gloves as well. My tights are from American Apparel (which by the way are my faaaavorite brand of tights ever) and these worn in granny boots - which are probably past their prime, but who cares?! I love them. The dress is vintage, from the 70s, and actually up for sale in my shop if you feel like taking a look! How about the bag too, I haven't owned one of these since I was in middle school, and I'm not sure how good of a thing that is, but what the heck, it's cute right?

If you happen to have any other winter advice - by all means, let me know, right now I'll take whatever I can get!

white out
dress: vintage- for sale in the shop
coat: thrifted
boots: thrifted
belt: thrifted
gloves/hat: thrifted
bag: thrifted
tights: american apparel

shop update: baby blues etc

2011-01-07T19:06:00.001-06:00

1. 50s seersucker dress

2. 80s leger aztec skirt

3. 60s marmalade dress

4. 60s leslie fay original

5. 70s prairie blouse

6. 80s black lace blouse

7. homesewn picnic dress

~~8. little mouse ring holder~~

staying warm in winter

2011-01-05T20:54:00.000-06:00

Because it's literally bitter cold outside, "bitter cold" defined: can't feel your face - cold... (you know..I try to pay attention to the "feels like" temp rather than the actual temp, because even though it may be 23 outside, it "feels like" zero!) I haven't made it out for any outfit shoots, I'm covered in coat from head to toe every time I leave the house! A shame right?! Well the cure-all here are some cute winter weather appropriate looks that I will have to refer to the next time I get dressed in the morning and immediately grab for my parka!

photo credits: hel looks, dam style, style sightings,

art throb - sabrina ward harrison

2011-01-03T17:12:00.001-06:00

I distinctly remember the first time I saw Sabrina Ward Harrisons work. It was my first year in California, I was 22 years old and I felt lost as ever in the world. During that time I used to visit the Bay area often, visiting friends in the city. Getting caught in traffic on the Bay Bridge became a weekend ritual, finding parking in the Haight, another. I was terrified of this new season in my life. I didn't know it then, when I accidentally picked up "Messy Thrilling Life" by Harrison at a quiet bookstore, that my life would change. I know this probably sounds like a bit much for ART, but that is just what happened. I swear it.

I was with a close friend, and we sat with our tea in our little corner of the room and poured over Sabrina's works. The color, the life in her collages were so inspiring, I was overwhelmed. I felt a knew excitement for life brewing inside me, a desire to DO THINGS, not just sit back and watch life happen. This was the very beginning of my evolution from small town mid-western girl, lost in the big city, to the girl on a mission, head held high, with so many places to go.

It has been some time since I have felt like I did that day, with a few occasions here and there where I feel like I did then. I have since come to realize that these moments are temporary, fleeting... but important...and remembering them and looking back can be just as significant as the moment or time itself. With art, it's simple...you can easily look back on it and recall those emotions...that is why art is so, so wonderful. With other times in life, it can be more difficult, but if I've learned anything thus far, it's that we should never, ever, ever forget. We must work hard to remember.
If you haven't seen anything of Sabrina's work yet, next time you're at the book store just pick up a book (or two!) ...scan over the pages and see for yourself...

after dinner mint & maroon

2011-01-02T15:58:00.000-06:00

Since the holidays are now behind us, it's safe to say there is nothing on my weekly wish-list. But I still can't get over maroon and mint as a gorgeous color combination! Little lace collars, bowler hats, deep maroon lipstick with a splash of minty goodness! I even curated a little treasury of maroon and mint inspiration over on Etsy!
And on a side note- my New Years Resolutions are in full swing...considering I haven't had to work all weekend I've been getting plenty of sleep, however I am drinking coffee as we speak! Time to go clean the house now!

amidst the melting snow

2010-12-31T17:38:00.001-06:00

Well it's December 31st and we're just about to ring in the new year with plenty of sweet libations and some super sweet friends! This new years will be memorable for many reasons, our first year in Madison is complete, there have been many small triumphs this past year and hopefully many more (and greater) ones to come in 2011! AND it's practically spring weather out (as you can see, this is me, outside, WITH NO COAT ON!) Yes and all the snow is melting ...it will inevitably be back with a vengeance before long, but it's fun to be outside and NOT be freezing my patootie off! Happy New Year everybody! It's been so much fun thus far, I can't wait to see what's in store for us next!

new rules for the new year

2010-12-30T19:00:00.000-06:00

I usually don't play along when it comes to new years resolutions...after all, one could really choose any time of the year to change old habits or take on new ones, right? But I suppose there is something to be said for the feeling of change that the new year brings, at least psychologically... so I've decided to make a few resolutions for 2011..and hopefully (fingers crossed) I'll stick with them...because when I began jotting things down, the list kept getting longer and longer, and I began to get excited about my goals! Here are a few of my "new rules" for the new year. Do you have any new years resolutions? If you don't mind telling, I'd love to hear about them!

1. Read More Books
...Too much internet and not enough of the written word...there is something so wonderful about curling up with a good book, the smell of it's pages, the feel of the binding, the stories being told...nothing, really nothing beats that.

2. Get the house in ship shape (iows: get organized!)

So many things (projects and plans) have fallen by the wayside since we moved into our house this past summer... and every time I go on apartment therapy or (for these photos) design sponge, i get little tinges of jealousy at the clean and organized spaces that people live in...this resolution means, purging the unnecessaries and finding a home (in my home) for everything that stays.

3. Addictions (in moderation)Okay, okay, okay... I have but few vices...caffeine being a major one. This year I want to cut back and keep an eye on it, perhaps switch it up with a nice herbal tea instead of my daily double espresso...and so on (I'll let you know how this one goes) ;)

4. Get more sleep
...Go to bed a little earlier and hopefully wake up more rested. Enough with the night owling already!

5. Hone my skills
This one is the biggie for me this year. I'll admit it...I'm one of those people who likes to start a lot of projects...but gets distracted and never quite finishes them before I move onto something new. This year I want to finish the projects I start and also perfect my craft(s)...with some research, study and dedication I may even get that jewelry project I began last summer completed! haha! Who knows, perhaps even do a tutorial or two for the blog, which is another thing I'd really like to do!

So that is that, there they are...here's to the new year, yay for 2011 and wish me luck won't you!

Image credits from this post: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

that mustard coat & a shop update

2010-12-29T15:17:00.000-06:00

Guess I'm all about the shoes lately! I did manage however, to add a new vintage dress into the shop too, soo cute! It a lovely floral 70s number ...and remember the mustard coat?!... well it's up in the shop now too!

style stimulant of the month - Beatrice!

2010-12-26T12:58:00.001-06:00

A "Style Stimulant", makes you want to get out there and, dammit, DRESS CUTE!

Style Stimulant: [stahyl stim-yuh-luhnt]
-Noun
"A fashionable person, who possesses a knack for whats chic and in vogue while maintaining their own individuality and creativity."

Most of you are probably already familiar with this months style stimulant...and if you're not - well then you'll be happier and more inspired having read this post I should think! Hailing from the west coast, Beatrice has got to have (I don't know how many) closets for all those clothes!...and inspiration for all her creations to boot! Read on to learn more about the lovely Beatrice!

Name: Beatrice Cuevas
Age: 22
Location: Orange County, CA
Online Haunts: Blog: DearBeatrice Shop: DearBeatrice shop

What most inspires you when it comes to fashion?
A lot of things inspire me, from street style to books to beautiful places around the world. Lately I've been really inspired by the 1960's mod style.

How did you dress as a kid?
I have always loved fashion and was, like I am now, very eclectic. I used to wear colorful clothing whether it was a dress or floral leggings. I always wore some type of scrunchy or bow on my hair and just like now, I loved shoes!

Favorite thing to do on your day off?
I have lots of favorite things to do on my days off, since I only have two a week. I love to of course go shopping, reading, sew, and watch HSN or QVC with my mom and sister.

Worst pet peeve?
Tardiness! I'm a very punctual person.

What item in your wardrobe will you never get rid of?
My Salvatore Ferragamo patent leather Vara pumps! They were pricey but a great investment; I wear them all the time.

What did you most want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?
I wanted to be everything just like Barbie, but I'm only one person so I choose one career. I am now a designer at Tulle clothing.

What are your "top 3" websites/blogs to visit for fashion inspiration?
Here's Looking at me Kid, Cali Vintage, and Mademoiselle Robot in no particular order!

Thanks ever so much to Beatrice for being this months Style Stimulant! Now be a gem and check out her blog to see more of her oh-so inspiring creations and ensembles, you'll be glad you did!

and the shoes have it

2010-12-22T19:19:00.000-06:00

So I finally managed to add a few new shoes to the shop! Stay tuned for more shop updates very soon!

1. vintage suede strap ankle boots

2. vintage creamy brogue slip ons

3. vintage slouchy suede cowgirl boots

ornaments of a certain era

2010-12-21T14:49:00.002-06:00

Stephen and I went to visit with my Grandparents yesterday for the holidays. I love visiting my Grandparents. They tell the lovliest stories and my Grandma almost always sends me home with a treasure or two! This time she said "Now Claire, there are two red boxes in the basement, will you go get them and bring them upstairs please?" I promptly went down into the basement and found the boxes - which low and behold, were filled with vintage ornaments!
These are just a few of my favorites ♥

Hope everyone is having a lovely and sunny winter solstice!

shop girl

2010-12-19T14:31:00.000-06:00

Being shop girl at my favorite vintage store sure has it's perks! And when there's nobody around, I can take pictures...hehehe! So these new specs are Warby Parker frames (I heard about the at home try on trial thingy over at Calivintage (thanks Erin!) - and its totally awesome by the way) I thought for sure I was going to love the "fillmores", but the more I wore these, (the "miles") the more I liked them! What do you think, should I go for it and get the "miles" in my prescription? Or keep looking? You see, I have this awful habit of loving glasses momentarily and then never wearing them again...so I gotta be sure to commit this time ♥

shop girl
the new specs: warby parker
dress: my friend Jess's shop wanderlost vintage
belt: target (remixed)
top: thrifted
tights:??
boots: borrowed off my room mate!

nice & N.E.E.T.

2010-12-16T17:55:00.000-06:00

Looks like Christmas came early this year for yours truly, as I really couldn't be more delighted to share that I have been featured over at N.E.E.T. the blog as a "N.E.E.T. blogger"! Head on over to check out my lil ol' interview... ♥

a winter walk

2010-12-15T22:49:00.001-06:00

Look at the size of those icicles!

Just finished off my work week and went for a stroll down my street to take in what sunshine there was left for the day! It's funny here, you get used to it being so frigid that when it gets above 20 degrees it feels "nice out"...almost all my holiday shopping is complete, just a few more stocking stuffers to buy and i'm done...*whew!* What about you?

Lucky me, I thrifted this sweet mustard coat this past week (at a new secret gem of a thrift store!!)... but annoyingly, it doesn't quite fit me...to which i say, PAH! I will wear you anyway, at least once...for this outfit! This entire outfit is thrifted actually, not that that's much of a surprise anymore ;)

oh the weather outside is...

2010-12-14T18:07:00.002-06:00

"Frightful" would be a good way to describe it I suppose...but it's quite beautiful here none the less!

art throb - pretty girl prints

2010-12-12T18:39:00.001-06:00

1. Matou en Peluche
2. Poppop Portraits
3. Amanda Atkins
4. Caitlin Shearer
5. Clever Nettle
6. PeggyWolfDesign

Please visit the respective artists to see more of their lovely work

Recently, I was one of the lucky winners of a gorgeous girl print by the super sweet and talented Amanda Atkins, this particular giveaway was hosted by Kat over at FritzyMarie - (who is ever so lovely and hosts thee best giveaways by the way!) I chose the "tenderfoot" print and once it arrived I immediately hung it in my living room amidst my other little framed treasures...where it now hangs and is darling as can be! I have always been a lover of these pretty girl prints - and Etsy is chock full of some spectacular ladies in print form that you can hang in delightful arrangements in any room of the house! ♥

Vintage Madison - (the holiday) POP UP SHOP

2010-12-09T16:32:00.000-06:00

As promised, here are some photos from this past weekends Vintage Madison Holiday Pop Up Shop hosted by the Project Lodge...It was an amazing weekend and I can't wait for our next event this spring...Vintage PROM! You heard right, and since so many of you said you'd make a road trip for our next event - i'm going to hold you to your word! I'll keep you posted!

weekly wishlist: vintage ornaments, earmuffs & duck boots

2010-12-07T18:40:00.000-06:00

You know that feeling? The feeling of winters slow creep suddenly smacking you in the face? Yeah well that just happened, by that I mean winter...and all I want this week is some lotion to sooth my oh so dry skin, as well as snow&cold accessories galore, including a (but not limited to one) pair of earmuffs!
The Vintage Madison Pop Up Shop came to a close this past Sunday and I managed to keep all of the vintage ornaments I had put up for sale in the shop...and, I'm not at all sad about that! The more the merrier, I actually have TWO trees in my living room right now in order to hold them all!
Thanks for all the love over the Vintage Madison photo shoot, there were so many good pictures I could hardly choose which ones to post!
Hope you're all having a great week!
♥

Vintage Madison - POP UP SHOP... the preview

2010-12-03T21:26:00.000-06:00

Victoria in a red dress

Merle the girl all dressed up, Erica & Victoria all wrapped up :)

Erica choosing one of the delicious cupcakes from local Daisy Cupcake Cafe

The girls looking Gorgeous!

Going on as we speak, is the 2nd event for Vintage Madison. A pop up shop, featuring Mamushka Marie Vintage as well as Picture Day, Good Style and Wanderlost Clothing. A few weeks back the girls and I got together and did a holiday photo shoot to promote Vintage Madison, featuring the lovely Erica and Victoria (who bears a striking respemblace to Betty Draper don't you think!?) I've been wanting to share some photos from the shoot for forever but thought I'd wait until after Thanksgiving! The event is currently going on and I've been busy playing shop girl all week, so much fun! More photos soon of the actual pop up shop too!
Hope you're all enjoying the first weeks of December and I'm sure making out your Christmas lists...I know I am...♥

style stimulant of the month - Natalie!

2010-11-28T13:07:00.000-06:00

A "Style Stimulant", makes you want to get out there and, dammit, DRESS CUTE!

Style Stimulant: [stahyl stim-yuh-luhnt]

-Noun

"A fashionable person, who possesses a knack for whats chic and in vogue while maintaining their own individuality and creativity."

Yep. It's that time again... time to announce another Style Stimulant of the month here at Mamushka Marie! This months fashion inspirations come from none other than down under in Australia! I know i'm not the only one who is enamored with her style, colorful wardrobe and the way she and only she can rock a vintage dress...so everyone meet Natalie of ponyandpink!

Name: Natalie
Age: 23, getting ever-nearer to 24
Location: Canberra, Australia
Online Haunts: PONYANDPINK

Where do you find style inspiration?
I tend to find style inspiration through the act of digging through old clothes, the different textures and colours and shapes - it's a kind of archaeological process!! Other places include various paintings in books and galleries, birds & their feathers, old family photographs, particularly of my stylish grandmother; my brightly-hued gypsy housemates, and of course my morning ritual of trawling through vintage & style blogs.

If you had to define your style in one word what would it be?
Eccentric.

Favorite thing to do on your day off?
My perfect day off involves a cup (read: bowl) of coffee in bed and several hours working knee-deep in paint in my studio. It's nearly summer now, so other favourite things to do are to go swimming in the river in a 50's bathing suit, turban and red lipstick; and to go and watch outdoor screenings of films in the evening. Bliss!

Any vices?
Caffeine, red wine, very pretty men ... and dresses. Dresses are my biggest, most wonderful vice!

What item in your wardrobe will you never get rid of?
There are two, neither of which I get much opportunity to wear, strangely enough: One is a 1940's rhinestone showgirl costume, which was a gift from my mother. The other is a blue Adidas track jacket, which is very not me, but was purchased by my highschool sweetheart, who has one exactly the same. I'm a pretty sentimental girl, when it comes right down to it.

What did you most want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?
I wanted to be a poet and an adventurer who rode horses around the world. These days i have both an English degree and a Fine Art degree behind me, but I am currently painting, selling beautiful skincare and working as a Painting tutor at a university. Poetry and adventure are in the near future, though, I'm sure!

What are your "top 3" websites/blogs to visit for fashion inspiration?
I particularly love Style Bubble, because of both the incredible way she puts things together, and because she lives in my favourite city in the world! Although she doesn't post very often, I love the wild thing Franco Fernandez! I also love the "My Style" section of Refinery29 ... they interview some amazing individuals with style that just floors me.

Thanks ever so to Natalie for being this months style stimulant! And of course say hello over at Pony And Pink to see more of Natalie's beautiful art and ensembles!

a friendsgiving feast & foxy pie

2010-11-26T17:19:00.000-06:00

It's a FOXY apple pie!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Last night was our friendsgiving feast and boy was a glorious night! I am so thankful for all the lovely people in my life...and of course last but not least Miss Boo the cat who thinks she is included in the people category and wants to eat leftover turkey...or pie, whichever comes first!

weekly wishlist: fresh nutmeg, mark twain, & a slice o' pie

2010-11-23T17:42:00.005-06:00

The first volume of Mark Twains long awaited (like 100 years! uh-huh, a full century!) autobiography has finally been published and I can't wait to get my hands on it (whilst curled up in my reading chair drinking my favorite dark roast Kickapoo coffee)
Lately at the cafe where I work, we have been shaving fresh nutmeg on top of drinks, it smells so delicious! I'm so excited for Thursday too as my room-mates and I will be hosting a "friendsgiving" dinner, complete from Turkey to Pumpkin pie... yummm! What do you wish for this week?

a lace dress in november

2010-11-19T19:50:00.005-06:00

there are pretty berries still lingering on the side of the back shed...

Gearing up for the winter months by wearing this lace dress on the last possible day I could (and then quickly running back indoors for a proper coat!)
Hope everyone has a Happy Turkey Day!

a lace dress...

dress: vintage, thrifted (with black slipdress worn under)
belt: vintage, thrifted
handbag: vintage, second hand store (a new [secret] discovery!)
shoes: vintage, thrifted (will be up for sale in the shop soon though...How I wish I could keep them!)

OH yes, and in case you missed it...Rebecca was the winner of the Softspoken giveaway! Congrats to her! I announced the winner yesterday (live) and I'll for sure be doing more giveaways like this past one very soon!

and the softspoken giveaway winner is...

2010-11-18T19:36:00.009-06:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Softspoken lace wrap giveaway...
be sure to stay tuned for more gorgeous giveaways like this one...
I did the giveaway drawing live, so you'll have to watch my cheesy video to see who won! Good luck!

love list - the living sisters

2010-11-14T21:54:00.004-06:00

The Living Sisters

It's pretty obvious to see why The Living Sisters make this weeks love list... based on aesthetics anyway - but if you didn't immediately notice their adorableness, you will when you watch this video... yep, cuter than cute!

Psst...don't forget the Softspoken giveaway below is still open for entries until the 16th!

a giveaway ala softspoken!

2010-11-11T17:26:00.004-06:00

As you've probably already surmised, I am a huge fan (I mean huge fan) of the Softspoken shop on Etsy...like I stated in a post not long ago: "I'm convinced I could use about 5 more bubble berets - one in every color!" I myself am the proud owner of quite a few gorgeous handcrafted pieces by Rachael of Softspoken (seen here, and here)... so obviously I couldn't be more excited to play host to a Softspoken giveaway this week! Rachael is giving away this beautiful Lace Wrap ...and it could very well be yours!
To enter, just jump on over to the Softspoken shop and choose a favorite item (besides the lace wrap of course) then leave a comment here stating your name, your favorite piece (or pieces) and an email where you can be reached if you win!
This giveaway will be open for 5 days and will end at 5pm central standard time on November 16th. The winner will be chosen at random using the "name out of a vintage hat drawing" by yours truly and announced here at Mamushka Marie... (giveaway also open to international entries!)
Good luck everybody!

Visual Treasures, (season one, episode two)

2010-11-09T13:13:00.002-06:00

via marcinethequeen

via cepetitcoeur

via marina_marina

via sherbetone

via nemres

Visual Treasures is a weekly curated art & photography post, featuring 5 stunning images from elsewhere on the web ~ to inspire, delight and rekindle your fashion intuition.

Please visit featured artists and photographers for more where this [loveliness] came from...

dreary days are a-okay

2010-10-25T21:23:00.002-05:00

I spent my day rearranging the furniture in several rooms of my house. It all started with a trip to the thrift store and THREE count them 1,2,3!, new pieces for my living room including a yellow dresser, and two adorable floral chairs! Ah! I couldn't help myself! Let me tell you I am just one of those people who has to rearrange the furniture once a month. I like the newness of the space I have now, even though I will inevitably change it again in a few weeks time!
Boo my cat, slept through most of my shifting and lifting. She even stayed on the bed as I shoved it from one side of the room to the other! Oh to be a cat...that really IS the life.

Sometimes I swear she thinks of me as her personal assistant slash massage therapist rather than her master! I suppose I am though, I have the hardest time telling her "NO", I mean, look at how cute she is! At this very moment she is curled up next to me, purring away...

the view from my window...on this beautiful dreary day...

Like I said in my last outfit post, the weather here has been uncommonly...shall we say, summery? But, finally, today it was dreary, rainy, and oh so beautiful. I tossed my pastels into the back of the closet and pulled for something more seasonal...ahhh and lace! I've been waiting to wear this skirt for what seems like forever now, and I'm so glad to finally fit it into an ensemble! No big plans for a Halloween costume (yet?), I really can't think of a thing to be! Any suggestions? What are you going to be for Halloween?

dreary days...
top: dress worn under, vintage
blazer: thrifted
belt: swap from this months style stimulant Mandi!
skirt: thrifted
tights: Anthropologie
shoes: Good Style Shop

style stimulant of the month - Mandi!

2010-10-19T15:06:00.006-05:00

A "Style Stimulant", makes you want to get out there and, dammit, DRESS CUTE!

Style Stimulant: [stahyl stim-yuh-luhnt]

-Noun

"A fashionable person, who possesses a knack for whats chic and in vogue while maintaining their own individuality and creativity."

If it were up to a vote...or I stepped into a time machine and was in high-school yearbook, or better yet in yearbook for the graduating blogger class of 2010, next to "most likely to succeed" or "most memorable moment" I would without a doubt cast my vote for this months Style Stimulant, Mandi as "best dressed". Mandi not only has a keen eye for fashion (specifically thrifted fashion - my favorite!) but she's also just the nicest person ever, so I'd have to write her name in for that too! ;)

Name: Amanda ("Mandi") Johnson
Age: 24
Location: Canton, Ohio
Online Haunts: blog: Here's lookin at me kid shop: Fine & Dandy Vintage

Where do you find style inspiration?
I love Google Reader! I cannot express this enough. I follow so many fashion blogs, and by favoriting posts and reviewing them later, it's helped me so much to define what I truly love and want to emulate in my own way. Also, as most of what I wear comes from the thrift store, I must say that necessity is the mother of invention. I find random things at the Salvy or Goodwill and find a way to make it work. It's quite challenging and so much fun!

If you had to define your style in one word what would it be?
Eclectic (is that cheating? heh)

Favorite thing to do on your day off?
The day begins by me waking up and reading everything in my Google Reader while sipping some fresh brewed coffee and letting an old movie play from Netflix. Next.... why, more coffee of course! I head to my favorite coffee shop in Canton, Muggswigz, and meet up with my friends who are bound to be there as well. We smoke a few cigarettes and then decide to head to the thrift store to see what we can find. After loading up my car with freshly thrifted goodies, we head back to the coffee shop and play board games and exchange lots of giggles. Later, we grab drinks at the local dive bar, Georges, smoke more cigarettes, and then head out dancing until 3am.

Any vices?
Oh my, if you read the previous answer, you might figure out it's coffee and cigarettes. And shopping.

What item in your wardrobe will you never get rid of?
Oh my. This is very difficult. Probably the yellow plaid skirt that I wear entirely too often.
Seen HERE or HERE

What did you most want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?
When I was growing up, all I wanted to be was a fiction writer. Or an interior designer. Now I write daily, although it's only on my blog. I did get my degree in interior design, and do some freelance design work, write for Apartment Therapy, and try to be creative in my wardrobe choices.

What are your "top 3" websites/blogs to visit for fashion inspiration?
Can I pick four?
Some of my favorites: calivintage - ashleyording - fancytreehouse - sallyjanevintage

Much love and thank you's to Mandi for being this months Style Stimulant!

don't feel much like raking leaves

2010-10-16T18:16:00.009-05:00

All the leaves in the world and no rake to rake them with....oh well! They look prettier on the ground anyhow...

We've been unbelievably graced with the loveliest weather here lately...high's in the lower 70s and upper 60's and we're well into October? This is crazy, or so I'm told.
Ah, but enough about the weather...

This dress is a thrifted gem I found a few weeks back and I've worn it 3 times over already
(you can tell - it could take an iron but I'm too lazy for that)
I'm also so pleased to be wearing my very own Softspoken bubble beret from the lovely Rachael's Etsy shop!
I have wanted one forever and finally buckled down and bought one, now I'm convinced I need to have about 5 more, one in every color will suffice I think :)

paisley dress: thrifted, vintage
denim jacket: UO years ago
tights: H&M
platforms: Steve Madden
beret: Etsy, bubble beret by softspoken
necklace: vintage, antique store

love list - kime buzzelli

2010-10-12T17:52:00.001-05:00

photocredit c/o Kim Buzzelli ARTWORK

I've been drooling over Kime Buzzelli's artwork for what seems like forever now, this girl is at the tip-top of the heap when it comes to all that makes up artsy love. Love'r, love'r, love'r.

In other (reasons I haven't written lately) news...My big brother got married, my computer crashed and I got a second job (all true stories!) But I hope, in spite of the insanity, to keep this blog up to date and current...Thanks everyone for sticking around, I've missed you ya know? :)

if at first you don't succeed

2010-09-26T15:00:00.006-05:00

I've been seeing loads of sheer, chiffon, floral, colorful, wonderfulness out there on the street style blogs recently and just had to hit up my closet for the closest thing to it. This dress is ala Zip Dang boutique and at first I didn't like it, not one bit...but clothing is like the age old truth- if at first you don't succeed (that dress appears uuuugly)...try, try again! Also, I found these floral knee highs a while back and they've literally been screaming at me from the back of the drawer "WEAR ME!" to which I respond "WITH WHAT?!" I think I've come up with an answer...what do you think?

...if at first you don't succeed
magenta dress: vintage, zip dang
scarf, necklace: vintage, thrifted
floral knee highs: vintage, thrifted
shoes: vintage, thrifted
floral bag: vintage, thrifted

Visual Treasures (season one, episode one)

2010-09-24T18:52:00.003-05:00

via: n a t a l e a

via: hellomrfox

via: persephassa

via: a journey round my skull

via: declare independence

Visual Treasures is a weekly curated art & photography post, featuring 5 stunning images from elsewhere on the web ~ to inspire, delight and rekindle your fashion intuition.

Please visit featured artists and photographers for more where this [loveliness] came from...

swoonathon - chelsea magazine

2010-09-23T21:35:00.004-05:00

When I first happened upon Cat Party, I think I almost purred. I was immediately overcome by the sheer amount of Kitty-liciousness that is the cat party blog, from fashion and art to a "cat of the moment", this blog is filled with colorful kittens and inspiration galore. Check out these fashion "kitteh's" (yeah that's LOL cats with a sense of style! drawn by the ever so talented Elizabeth Moch) from said blogs online publication Chelsea Magazine - which you can preview online or buy in paper for a mere 15 bucks! As if the blog wasn't enough eye candy already, Chelsea Magazine is pure sweetness.

all we grow

2010-09-20T17:00:00.003-05:00

The leaves are changing and I couldn't be happier...I'm staring out the window and listening to S. Carey's All We Grow, and falling a little more in love every second.
Also - Life is too short to wear boring outfits - seriously. Since I spend most of my days waiting tables and serving up hot coffee, when I come home, I wear platforms. These are new Seychelles platforms! Woowee, new and NOT thrifted! On a side note - I've been sewing more and working on a new project I'm really excited about, which I will get to soon.

P.S. Did you notice the new banner ^ up there? Emma - the most wonderful, talented, beautiful artist ever, designed it! Pretty pretty eh? I'm so pleased. :)
Well I'm finishing up my work week now - looking forward to some days off and more shop updates - I have TONS and TONS to add to the shop this week (think: TEA TINS!) - I hope I can fit it all in...How is your end of summer season going?

All We Grow
Sunnies: The Dollar Store (I knoooooow!)
Hooded Jacket: Thrifted
Dress: Vintage
Tights: who knows?
Platforms: Seychelles
Necklace: Vintage, thrifted

Vintage Madison Part III

2010-09-19T17:22:00.004-05:00

Suzanna strutting her stuff

Kylie and Melanie backstage before the show

The adorable 50s dress that Melanie is wearing is now in the shop!

walking out at the end of the show (that's me on the left!)

photocredit: Rachel Dolnick Photography

As promised the final installment of this past weekends Vintage Madison Event - featuring the 60s inspired fashion show - big hair, faux lashes and plenty of scarves! This was my first (and definitely not last fashion show) that I have participated in and [I think] it turned out super cute! I'd love to get involved with styling more runway looks - perhaps next time around; wearable, fashion forward vintage runway? Who knows!

love list - sally seltmann

2010-09-17T21:24:00.003-05:00

Dear Sally,
your sweet, soulful and cheerful (yet melancholy) songs - just make my day.

have a listen to Sally (formerly of New Buffalo)

Vintage Madison Part II

2010-09-15T19:51:00.002-05:00

photocredit: Rachel Dolnick Photography

As promised here is part two of this past weekends Vintage Madison event, next up post: the runway...
♥

Vintage Madison

2010-09-13T15:23:00.005-05:00

Well, today marks the end of a busy (and I mean busy) weekend for me! Recently some local vintage sellers and I got together and put on a vintage shopping event with a fashion show here in Madison! And sheesh, it was so much fun! The event featured yours truly of Mamushka Marie Vintage (by the way -become a fan!), Rebecca of Picture Day Vintage, Indra of Good Style Shop, and Jess of Wanderlost Vintage (who got the whole ball rolling to begin with) :) We were even able to pull off a 60s style fashion show, with the help of the beautiful and talented Miss Alice Ezrow and her team (fashion show pictures soon!) Here's a glimpse of yesterdays festivities...(with more posts and pictures to follow!)

style stimulant of the month - Eline!

2010-09-09T12:32:00.007-05:00

A "Style Stimulant", makes you want to get out there and, dammit, DRESS CUTE!

Style Stimulant: [stahyl stim-yuh-luhnt]

-Noun

"A fashionable person, who possesses a knack for whats chic and in vogue while maintaining their own individuality and creativity."

I thought it would be appropriate to start Style Stimulant interviews off with the definition of what a Style Stimulant is from now on. I don't know about you, but I feel like it's easy to lose your individuality and direction sometimes when involved in the online fashion community. From constantly posting outfits or trying to put new ones together for future posts, to keeping up with sometimes hundreds of fashionable friends who are doing the same, it's only natural to get a bit lost sometimes. Lets face it, we are almost bombarded with images and information in the fashion world and sometimes it feels like we're caught up in a whirlwind of input. So much so, that at least to me, it can become a challenge to trust my own instincts. This is why I started these interviews, not only because it's fun to learn about other fashionable ladies and/or bloggers out there, but also because sometimes we might just need a little shot in the arm. For creativity's sake.

So, who other than Eline of A Fluffy Blog could supply us with a strong dose of fashion know-how and inspiration?!
It wasn't too long ago now that I stumbled upon Eline's blog, and was immediately smitten with her colorful, creative outfits, and her informative, from the heart blog posts. I believe I left her some gushy comment right then about how awesome I thought her blog was and how adorable her ensembles were. These sentiments remain and have only increased every time I visit her blog.
There is a saying, something along the lines of "we admire in others that which we wish to see in ourselves" or something to that effect. I have total admiration for Eline and others like her, women who are absolutely genuine in their take on fashion, and have a strong, independence about them that is present on their blogs. That, my friends, is anything but fluff. ;)

So. Gushing aside - It is my pleasure to introduce to you this months Style Stimulant, Eline!

Name: Eline
Age: 22
Location: Belgium (soon Switzerland for a while)
Online Haunts: A Fluffy Blog is my fashion/outfit blog and everything else is on emu memu

How did you first get into fashion?
I wasn’t always in love with fashion, but I’ve always been mad about dressing up. I remember draping rags around my body and concocting a whole story around my outfit at an early age but being pretty averse to actual clothes up until I was about 10. I can’t remember what got me interested in fashion and clothes but these two fantasy worlds (fashion and a kid’s) are never far apart in my eyes. I guess I naturally grew into it, obsessively even.

If you had to define your style in one word what would it be?
I’m going to take the easy way out and say eclectic!

Favorite thing to do on your day off?
I guess one of my top priorities would be lounging around with my cats and a book, but it also includes hanging out with friends as they are probably all my cat-adoring, glitter-worshipping, cocktail-sipping soul-mates.

Any vices?
I could name so many things yet the only thing that is an actual vice to me, and a thing I hate is sloth. I suppose it often has to do with that thing called potential and me being afraid I don’t actually have any. Also, napping is fun.

What item in your wardrobe will you never get rid of?
Definitely my first thrifted purchase which is a wicked and strangely classy leopard coat in this velvet-like fabric with a 90s, kind of 60s vibe. I pretty much wore it 24/7 back when I first got it but still frequently put it on because it’s just beyond awesome.

What did you most want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?
Probably a fashion designer! But as I grew older I started to learn more about the fashion world and realized it was not my kind of world at all. Plus, textiles have never, ever been my medium. I’ve accepted plain old simple paper and pen/pencil/brush as my medium and I am now studying to be an illustrator and couldn’t be happier about my choice.

What are some of your favorite websites/blogs to visit?
I cannot possibly begin to pick favourites as I feel like the sublimation of my google reader and tumblr is like internet heaven. I love the random stream of images in tumblr and I adore everything about my collection of blogs in my google reader because there are so many superfly people out there from all over the world. I love the internet.

Loads of thank you's go out to Miss Eline of A Fluffy Blog for being this months Style Stimulant!

Labor Day shop update!

2010-09-05T18:09:00.002-05:00

~~vintage oxford ankle boots - sold~~

vintage floral print "batwing" top

vintage pillbox hat

vintage flutter sleeve floral dress

lot of 2 vintage clutches

vintage Leslie Fay foliage dress

vintage woven straw tote

vintage floral print tee

vintage alarm clock

vintage 70s floral panel dress

vintage tea tin

The more the merrier! Boy, I love seeing the shop not empty!
My guy and I are heading up to a cabin in the woods tomorrow! We'll be celebrating our day off by getting away from the city...going to do some canoeing and guitar playing (not simultaneously), and spend some time by the fire!
Any big plans for the Holiday? Whether you work or not, I hope you have a terrific Labor Day too!

autumn jubilee

2010-09-03T19:44:00.002-05:00

Is it possible that with the coming of September the Autumn weather has already arrived? I woke up this morning and all I wanted to do was layer up, thinking to myself how silly I am to sweat all day for the sake of fashion. You can imagine my surprise (and delight!) when I went outside to find it a blustery 60 something degrees with the temps continuing to drop!
Autumn is SO my favorite season.
Spent the day at my favorite (secret) antique shop and picked up an entire mason jar full of vintage pendants, cameos, lockets, brooches and necklaces! What a score! When I got home I sat on my front porch eating cherries (my favorite) and rummaging through my new found trinkets! Now it's time to curl up with a good book and a nice warm cup of tea...

love list - joanna newsom

2010-09-02T23:32:00.004-05:00

Who else but Joanna Newsom could top off my love list this week!? She's most definitely one of the most fashionable songstresses ever...hey, she even pops up on Street Style Blogs on occasion! I remember when I was still living in San Francisco I used to frequent this particular vintage shop on Hyde Street that I heard she went to, always hoping to catch a glimpse! If I had to pick one style icon (I always have trouble with that question) but, if I had to pick one, it would certainly be her. I'm off to listen to her latest album now...

wanna know whats N.E.E.T?

2010-09-01T12:28:00.004-05:00

...being featured in N.E.E.T magazine's September issue! I am so excited to have been featured not once but twice now in my most favorite online publication! Flip to page 301 to see me and the other lovelies take on global fashion! Thanks N.E.E.T!

lulu letty guest post (psst...it's a D.I.Y!)

2010-08-31T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Lovelies! Just a quick note to let you know I'm guest blogging over at Lulu Letty today, and its my first D.I.Y! Exciting eh!? So head on over and check it out!

a (well overdue) shop udate

2010-08-26T23:32:00.004-05:00

50s sorbet dress

60s pink tent dress

50s white chevron dress - reserved

~~70s burgundy floral dress - sold~~

~~70s "danelle" clogs - sold~~
button up blouse

60s animal print mini
~~vintage western buckle boots~~ - sold

Finally! I squeezed in a shop update this week, with new items in the shop as we speak! Happy weekend everyone!!

teen dream

2010-08-22T19:04:00.003-05:00

Hello lovelies! I feel like every time I sit down to write a post these days I chastise myself for talking about how busy I am, while simultaneously kicking myself for not making the rounds of all your gorgeous blogs. Just so you know, I haven't forgotten you ;)
I have posted previously about my wonderful friend Caitlin who just moved here to the Midwest from our old stomping ground California (miss it!)...Well I'm pleased to announce that she will be making regular appearances here on the blog now! So everyone, meet Caitlin! Isn't she a beaut!?
Lately I've been playing around with styling outfits not only for myself and my figure but also for others and well, ALL figures really. Today Caitlin and I played dress up in the Lady Room and went out scavenging for good photo op's around the city. There are so many cool old buildings around here! Both outfits are (almost) completely thrifted and vintage, and styled by yours truly! Also featuring some of the new line of Mamushka Marie Jewelry, which will soon be up for purchase in the shop! Thanks everyone for your encouraging comments about the jewelry too, change can be a bit frightening, and I don't want to bite off more than I can chew ya know? I feel much more confident now to make a go of it, and we'll see where it goes from here.
Coming up this next month (and what has me a bit in a frenzy!) I will be styling a Fashion Show here in Madison (with a few other lovely ladies from the area) as well as selling Mamushka Marie Vintage at the big event! *Whew!* Lots of posts on this to follow for sure!!

teen dream
(cause I simply cannot stop listening to Beach House!)
Caitlin's Ensemble:
Cardi: thrifted
Tank: UO
Skirt: vintage, thrifted
Shoes: thrifted
Necklace: Mamushka Marie Jewelry
My Ensemble:
Blouse: thrifted, vintage
Denim vest: thrifted
Belt: thrifted, vintage
Skirt: thrifted, vintage
Shoes: vintage
Necklace: Mamushka Marie Jewelry

love list - first aid kit

2010-08-19T14:42:00.004-05:00

When I first heard the adorableness that is First Aid Kit (another Swedish love - of course), It was back in 2008, when they were just two gorgeous voices heard out in the forest, donning their plaid in perfect harmony. They were covering a Fleet Foxes song and were doing it justice, which in my opinion -is no easy feat. Now they are a duo that has gained the attention of the world...and for good reason. Not only are they young and beautiful (sisters too!), but they write their songs with a wisdom that supersedes their years. Their songs tell stories with depth and intelligence which are a welcome listen these days, compared to your typical boy meets girl, boy leaves girl, girl cries over boy sing along. One of my favorite songs is "Hard Believer", it's so lovely and thought provoking, and I just so happen to be of the same mind.

status report - jewelry, yes no maybe so

2010-08-16T12:34:00.006-05:00

So i'm thinking of branching outside the vintage clothing world...ahhh! I've been working on a new line of Mamushka Marie Jewelry over the past few weeks! So far these are just prototypes. Thought I'd show you a few! What do you think? I'm really such a fan of statement necklaces with charms and trinkets from the past, as well as just a simple charm necklace...
Listening to S. Carey (Bon Ivers drummer's) new solo stuff...it's reeeal good my friends...real good :) Hope you're all having a lovely week!

swoonathon - czechoslovak artists

2010-08-12T11:49:00.005-05:00

Image Credit: Terry-Posters.com

Want to know my current obsession...complete and utter obsession? It's terry-posters.com. ACK! I love, love, love the old film and movie genre posters, children's animated film posters, and especially most of all ever the Czech artists posters. Inspired now?

plum & pear

2010-08-10T18:05:00.007-05:00

Oh my goodness gracious, it has been one of those weeks (months really)...and I feel like le ol' blog has been put on the back burner. Sorry blog. I am however, inspired again - just a few minutes perusing street fashion blogs usually does the trick. I found this skirt out thrifting last week (deadstock!) and the blouse is actually a dress which was a gift from my boyfriends Mom!
This week my friend Caitlin and I made a pear & plum pie (just for kicks) which was delicious. The plums were from the Cafe I work at and the pears were from the local Co-Op (the crust was my Grandmothers recipe!) Spent some time this week hanging new plates on my ever growing plate wall, mailing packages...and dressing up! Sorry if I haven't had time to visit all you beautiful bloggers and your bloggity blogs out there, I promise I will be back on track soon! Cross my heart.

plum&pear
top: (dress worn under) a gift
necklace: vintage, thrifted
skirt: vintage, thrifted
belt: swapped (from the lovely Mandi of here's lookin at me kid)
shoes: vintage, thrifted

zip-dang grand opening

2010-08-05T15:06:00.006-05:00

It's official! The Zip-Dang boutique, owned by Natalie of orangyporangy (featuring mamushka marie vintage!) is now open for business! The last couple weeks have been busy, busy, busy with parties galore (which if you ask me, is the best kind of busy!) and my favorite of the bunch was the Zip-Dang grand opening shin dig! We spent the evening meeting new people and general artsy crafty purveyors whilst sipping champagne and eating (delicious!) cupcakes! All in all it was a glorious success and I can't wait to see what the future holds!

style stimulant of the month - ellie loughran

2010-08-01T17:01:00.009-05:00

Hello everybody! It's that time again, "Style Stimulant" time that is, and this months edition comes from all the way across the pond! Every time I visit Ellie's blog or see her adorable vintage (and non vintage) finds (this girl knows how to snag a bargain, let me tell you!) I keep wishing she lived in the states, because I'm sure we'd be friends in a hurry! Ellie not only knows how to put an outfit together but her blog is totally inspiring and really informative. This girl's got goooood content, which is sometimes hard to come by in the blogging world. Smart, witty, and adorable eclectic style? Yeah, I "pretty much" can't get enough of this girl...
So! Meet the cuteness that is pretty much penniless' Ellie Loughran...

Name: Ellie or Eleanor if you are my mother.
Age: 23
Location: London, England
Online haunts: blog: prettymuchpenniless shop: le nouveau noir vintage

How did you first get into fashion?
I'm not sure there was ever a specific time when I clicked with fashion. My mother used to drag me around the thrift shops when I was little, I hated it! She would always find something fabulous- a sixties shift, a seventies maxi, a modern designer piece, always ridiculously cheap. Now it's the other way round and I am verging on obsessed. I go to car boot sales and jumble sales (UK version of garage/yard sales) every weekend and spend most of my wages on things my boyfriend endearingly calls 'my old tat'. I know there has been a recent vintage backlash, but for me- whether it be clothes, home-ware or random curiosities- it's all about the treasure hunt involved!

Current girl crushes?
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Eva Green, Juno Temple, Kathleen Hanna and my best friends, always.

Favorite thing(s) to do on your day off?
Shopping in thrift stores and haggling with market sellers. Making things from paper ephemera- my latest project was business cards! I love watching film trailers, I could spend all day on You Tube watching new ones.

Any vices?
Cigarettes, unfortunately. And caramelized onion marmalade on toast. Old episodes of CSI Vegas and a British show called Gavin & Stacey. My collection of Oxford Brogues currently stands at 10 pairs, so you could say that was a vice I guess.

What item in your wardrobe will you never get rid of?
I'm not married, but one day my answer to this question will be my wedding dress, preferably a vintage one. My biggest regret is not stopping my mother throwing away her original Ossie Clark wedding dress from 1978. She shrunk it slightly in the laundry, but it still would have been beautiful. For now, I'll say a 1950's leopard print doctors bag I picked up for £5 (approx $12)

What did you most want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?
I am still dreaming of becoming self-employed, I've always wanted to own my own shop. When I was five or six I had a little toy sweet shop which I played with (and ate from) endlessly. A combined vintage homeware and tea-shop would suit me nicely, with shelves full of vintage china and servings of home-baked treacle tart.

What are some of your favorite websites/blogs to visit?
Yours darling, of course! (awww!) and ...

Vagabondiana - Because Ellen is a contributing editor for LULA magazine and I basically want her life.

Wolf Whistle - Because Amy is my real life soul sister.

What Katie Wore - Because Katie always wears an explosion of patterns and colours and a mix of modern and vintage, and pulls it off with ease!
And Etsy, for allowing everyone access to ultra-talented people across the world!

Thanks again so much to Ellie for being this months style stimulant! For more Ellie adorableness visit her blog and say hello!

bicycles, sailboats and champagne oh my!

2010-07-29T14:48:00.011-05:00

Caitlin 'n Claire - bicycling the day away around the city, crosswords and coffee on the terrace & plenty of site seeing...

dress: 90s -thrifted (shortened)
necklace: thrifted
belt: caitlin's (friends share!)
shoes: vintage, thrifted
new specs: vintage

Well it's official, my wonderful friend from San Diego is currently residing in Madison! She brought "boo" the cat along for the trip too! Now my cat and bff are living with me again and life just couldn't be greater (or busier) (fellow bloggers, how on earth do you keep up!?) I looked at my bloglovin' a minute ago and felt the stress of being lost in a big city, oh my word, so many lovely posts and there is just no way I'll be able to make it to all of them! Tonight is the (much anticipated) Zip-Dang grand opening party (with cupcakes and champagne!) which I couldn't be more excited about (pictures and full post on this soon) and tomorrow we are throwing a lil shin dig for Caitlin since she's new in town, Saturday is a 40's hanger party at the airport that I have no clue if I'll make - on top of picking up extra shifts (waking up at 5 am) at the Cafe! Good thing there is plenty of coffee or I don't think I could make it through the rest of the week! Hope I'll be coming up on a slow zone here soon but for now it's full steam ahead!

love list - alphonse mucha

2010-07-25T18:22:00.004-05:00

Thanks google, for letting me know it was the 150th birthday of a major favorite Alphonse Mucha. And now I want more tattoos, please and thank you.

day time distractions

2010-07-21T17:41:00.005-05:00

Yesterday my guy and I went thrifting for necessities. You see my dearest friend and soon to be room-mate is heading east as we speak, road tripping here with my cat in tow! (Many feline pictures to follow this post I'm sure!) So somehow I convinced her to cross multiple state lines and move from sunny San Diego to the lovely Midwest! Obviously I want her room to be as cute as possible when she gets here, so I went on the hunt. I did find some delightful treasures for her new space too, including some awesome lace curtains and a sweet vintage dresser (on top of an awesome pair of vintage 70s clogs for the shop!) This is what I wore out thrifting, you've seen this skirt before, but the top (which is a dress worn under) is something I have had for a while and never quite got into a wardrobe post...love these flats too, they are soo comfortable! Oh yes, and new vintage frames that I was so pleased to have found at a garage sale this past week and shall hereby replace my old specs!
♥

day time distrations
top: dress worn under, vintage - thrifted
skirt: vintage - thrifted
belt: vintage - thrifted
accessories (ring, necklace, bracelet): vintage - thrifted
purse: vintage - swap from the gorgeous Izzy of yeye style blog!
shoes: vintage - thrifted