Weekend-ness.....

So the weekends plans of getting up early and along to a local carboot sale to sell some household wares, were literally rained out. It's been raining like crazy on and off here for days. Of course now it's Monday morning there isn't a cloud in the sky.

Instead this weekend I took an opportunity to start dabbling with re-opening an on-line store. Some of you may remember last year I still had a madeit.com store. I eventually let the remaining handmade items run their time out and decided to close up shop. Basically my old store location doesn't allow you to sell vintage clothing items, only handmade items which is well and good. However I dabble in both areas with handmade wares I make and vintage items, and I want a one stop shop location.......so it's off to Etsy I go.

Many of you also know that I've recently tried the weekend market scene, but it's not always easy with two young Vowers for me to get along. So in between dipping my toes in here and there at the moment with markets when I can, I'm going to fill the gaps in with Etsy.

But despite all that news there, the weekend had it's inspired moments and I have yet another little project to add to my list. Time permitting this week amongst everything else, I will bring to you a little boy, turn little funky mister vest revamp for those who are interested in a little revamping and up cycling fashion for the little men in their life.

Flea Market Finds, bits of randomness.....

A bit of randomness to share with you all today. These are all other bits and pieces I've picked up recently, that deserve a wee mention in a post, and not to be out shone.

Another children's book, when I got home and checked out this book online I discovered that I had picked up a collectible title, I was rather pleased. Who would of thunk, without even trying I've started to develop a flare for nabbing collectible and semi-valuable books this year, so far. I rather like the illustrations.

What about these two sheets? I've got a bit of a project I want to start working on with vintage sheets. So keep me in mind if you're having a destash. I love the colour of them of course, greens with touches of floral.

Finally here is another little item that has been gifted to me recently, this old New Zealand souvenir scarf. I just love the imagery.

Linking up with Sophie over at Her Library Adventures.

A Vintage Affair: Sheri Bomb - Guest Post

I am so super excited about having Sheri from her appropriately named blog Sheri Bomb join me today to talk about her love of vintage. I love Sheri's style, she is a vintage frock loving lady with a love of Rockabilly and Kustom Kulture. She is ever so sweet, and has awesome ink work adorning her gorgeous self and I'm lucky enough to have met her in person. In fact she's a follow Queensland blogger, so we get facetime at blogger meet ups and I always adore how she styles herself.

So be sure to pop on over to her blog after you've had a read of her Vintage Affair and immerse yourself in all that is Sheri Bomb, Rockabilly and Kustom Kulture.

***************************************************************
What is it about vintage/thrifted pieces that sends your heart a flutter?

I have to admit, I’m prone to flights of fancy. Perhaps that’s why I’ve always been a writer. I love to make up stories. The thing that really gets me going about vintage is imagining the life these pieces had before they made it to me. The life their previous owners lead. Akin to childhood fantasies of really being a princess who was adopted by the wrong family, my vintage fantasies are probably way off the mark. But they’re romantic and fun anyway!

What's your vintage love affair for, clothing, homewares, art etc? Why?
This one is a little bit difficult although I finally managed to decide on clothing. Mostly because I love clothes in general, so it’s pretty hard to go past pretty dresses and amazing vintage clothing. That being said, I do really love vintage homewares as well. But then again I also really like nice homewares so maybe it’s just that. Oh what a complicated creature I am – don’t make me choose!

Favourite era? Why?
Favourite would have to be the 50s and early 60s although I also enjoy the 30s and 40s. The 50s are my favourite though because I am a huge fan of the fashion, the music and the cars of the era and it was also a particularly exciting time in a cultural sense. Aside from the aesthetic value, I also find the 50s a really interesting time in history.

 Is it all about vintage for you or do you like to mash up with current trends? How?
I’m definitely a little from column A and a little from column B. I wouldn’t say I necessarily keep up with current ‘trends’ I pretty much tend to gravitate to what appeals to me, on trend or not. But as much as I enjoy the influences of the 50s throughout my lifestyle, I definitely like to keep things interesting by mixing old with new and challenging myself to create a ‘retro’ look with all new fashion. There is so much great repro fashion available these days, it would be a shame not to enjoy them too. Afterall, one day we will be nostalgia for now!

 Is price an object when you find a piece to swoon over?
Oh this is a tough one! Is price ever an issue when you find THE one? I am actually a very budget conscious lass and am quite discerning about how much I will spend on what. That being said, when I find something amazing I simply MUST have it, even if it is much more than I would normally spend. Especially when it comes to vintage, it’s not like you can just walk into a shop, choose your size and voila. Sizing is different and certain styles, fabrics and silhouettes aren’t available ‘on tap’ like mass produced clothing so when you find an amazing piece that is hard to find and just happens to be in your size it’s pretty hard to turn it down.

Ringing in my ears.....

Sometimes things are just too cute not to share, no matter how big or small they are. I've never really been into novelty type earrings, just not my thing. But maybe I can start something with these, perfectly sweet little blue old style telephones.

A recent little score for next to nothing. I love them.

Speaking of telephones I'm ignoring mine, as I'm off later this morning to take my little Vowers on an adventure to a cafe near the hinterland where there are turtles, ducks and goats to feed, and all sorts of other glorious things and grassy areas to run about in.
Now to pray to the rain gods to hold off on any further showers, we need this outing today.

Hoping all your days are filled with little treasures and not just of the op shop kind.

My Wednesday Style Collective.....

So I've been thinking how much I've been enjoying doing more frequent style posts. It's not necessarily just the posting of them, I think it's more the case of how making the effort most days to dress up more makes me feel. It's so easy being a stay at home mum to make the decision to bum around in house clothes or even pjs all day long some days. But what I've noticed for some time now is making the effort with an outfit, makes me feel so much better. I feel more creative, more inspired, happier and awake (even if Little V hasn't given me much sleep the night before). It's like one of best little gifts I can give to my soul each day.

So to capture the fun I'm having, I've decided that each Wednesday I'm going to do a little collective round up post of some outfits I've had fun with during the week (Wednesday to Wednesday.......but I may creep an extra post in here and there some weeks). I'll feature a minimum of two outfits, and maximum of.......who knows (I'll keep it reasonable) per post. I hope it will be fun and inspire me (and maybe you) to try even more things with my wardrobe (but your own wardrobe of course) and making things pull second and triple duties. I want to see how I go, making the most of things.

So we are with two outfits I've had fun with this week, making the most of layers and my summer, spring wardrobe too....just days shy of winter officially starting in Australia.

Blue Cotton Jumpsuit - Gifted/Hand-me-down
Cardie - Revamped recently by me
Belt - Op Shop
Shoes - retail

I was really comfy in this outfit, which was great considering I had a play date with a friend and my little Vowers that day. Then this is another outfit I've played with a variation of twice this week.

Skirt - is an old Sportscraft brand, op shopped
Long Sleeve Basic Tee - retail
Belt - Op Shop
Leopard Print Wedges - Op Shop

So there you have it, two new combos from my current wardrobe I hadn't tried previously until this week.

Facebook Baby and Children's Sale....

If you don't follow my Facebook page you may not know that I'm currently amidst efforts to post a treasure trove of vintage Children's and Baby items for sale.

So if you're in the market for something special for a little person, please pop on over and have a look. Even if you're not in the market, perhaps you know someone that is, or you just want to reminisce about what you and your siblings wore and had.

Please be patient as I do have more to add.....clothing, shoes, books and more.

Monster sale, turns up little finds......

Saturday morning is always a busy morning in our house. It's go, go, go pretty much from the moment we wake to get to swimming lessons for the wee little Vowers on time. But this past Saturday I was determined to make the morning fuller than normal by insisting to the Big V that we would check out Lifelines $2 Monster Sale at Parklands, after swimming. You might remember I went last year, I go most times they have them on, generally it's twice a year.

With my granny trolley bumping away behind me I thought I was in for another big haul this time. But no such luck, it's ok though I was being a lot more selective this time. I was also especially wanting to nab the little ones some knock about warm winter gear for at home. But would you believe I was barely able rustle up that. I did nab this rather cute hand knitted (its acrylic wool) pullover for Little V, it's kind of too cute just for home.

 I did rustle up just a few other special finds including a vintage maxi, but overall I left with my trolley rather empty. The outing was made rather sweet though , to see the Little Vowers having a ball outside rolling and running up and down the grassy hills outside. I joined in chasing and racing them up and down to the chorus of giggles.

So I may of only come home with some little finds, especially for little people but the morning certainly put smiles on the faces of my Little Vowers and mine.

Flea Market Finds, perfectly sweet....

I have been incredibly blessed this week, with my finds, but also to be gifted some special pieces. Since I have such a varied haul of things this week I really would just like to share these sweet treasures for now that I was gifted and I'll share other finds during the week.

It actually means the world to me to have been gifted these pieces, which are now in Little V's room. They are 30 years old, and are utterly perfect for her room.

I'm particularly smitten with the pig.

There is an incredible backstory that comes with these pieces, the story is an emotional one and isn't mine to share, and I respect that. But the gifting of these treasures to me, had the giver of these treasures in tears knowing that they would coming to a home where they would be loved, cherished and appreciated.

I've missed out on Flea Market Finds a fair bit over the last month as my op shopping jaunts have been low key, but here I am and I will be linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures. I look forward to see some of you over there. But for now I'm off to flip the pages of a Mills and Boons I picked up this week, whilst sipping a cup of tea. I've never read one before (love stories aren't my thing) but when I read the first few sentences and how over the top it was with innuendo.....I belly laughed. I've just have to read it now to see how ridiculous this gets.

I'll leave you with these words:
From her bedroom window, Melody Sands looked down at the man working in the rose bed. He moved with a quick energy that intrigued her - from The Million-Dollar Marriage, Mills & Boon.

Styling my boots with florals.....

After this crazy little tale to get my boots earlier this week. I was super keen to get some action out of them. So today and yesterday I set about working outfits around showing off my new boots.

The style of these particular boots really calls for a touch of girlie to be added to an outfit to balance the style. I figured the best way I know how to do that is with florals, of which I have plenty. Thursday's outfit was far more casual and knock about.

Cardie - retail years ago and recently revamped by me
Floral Tee - op shopped
Denim Shorts -gifted
Navy Tights - retail CottonOn
Boots - retail

Then today with more floral and feeling fabulous.

Cardie - op shopped
Floral Tunic - retail years ago
Tights - retail
Boots - retail
Crochet cap - op shopped
Pendent/Brooch - op shopped a recent find, I love pendent brooches they pull double duty.

I'm really pleased to of bought the boots as I rarely indulge. The style is a great day style for me and I will likely get more wear out of them than a dresser pair due to limited opportunities to get out at night.

Have you indulged recently?

No rules in fashion.....

You know what I'm discovering? As far as I can see, where I stand, there are no rules in fashion. At least in my world. By my world, I mean what I perceive to be possible and still looks presentable as well as makes me feel good. I feel like I'm amidst a change, an evolution in my style. I'm in place where I'm taking more risks and having so much more fun than I ever have.

Here are a few things I'm thinking these days:

* Every colour goes with green, it's true look at nature and the palate it provides, look at trees, flowers, the sky up against one another......possibilities are endless it's about finding the right shades and tones to compliment one another.

* Leopard print shoes, go with just about everything, don't under estimate the leopard print.

* Black is always better with bright colours, or at least it is for me......I rarely do all black.

* Patterns with patterns look great, don't mismatch it, compliment or contrast it in appropriate colour tones......just don't screw with the rules of the colour wheel.

* Every garment has another life or purpose in it.....find it, try it, give it a go.

Most of all I'm learning that to build that much loved and wanted vintage wardrobe takes time. Love it, or don't bother with it. You aren't going to convince yourself or others unless you do. Until then work and rework what you've got, until you stumble upon the pieces that deserve a place in your wardrobe.

You've seen it before, but.....

I thought a little dress action was in need today and as I have a fair bit of running around to today between family day care drops offs, pick ups, groceries and errands I went with a bit of an old faithful, which you've seen here. But of course I can't let a cheap, basic, no iron dress be worn by itself.......I had to vintage it up, and got busy layering.

Coral 3/4 Sleeve Top - Retail, ages ago
Dress - Retail, ages ago
Short Sleeve Cardie - inherited, you might remember my Aunty passed late year and I got to select some pieces.
Brooch - Tessie Girl

Black Wedge Peep Toes - op shopped
Bag - present from the in laws
Scarf on bag - op shopped

I hope you're having a lovely day vintage'ing (yes a made up word) it up!

The lengths we go to....

Have you been to crazy lengths before to secure yourself an item that you've set your heart on? I haven't participated in any crazy antics in a long time. But recently I have found myself obsessed with wanting a pair of wedge ankle boots. It's about the only on trend thing I have wanted in a long time. The majority of my wardrobe is stocked with vintage and op shop finds, gifted pieces with retailed basics and occasionally a big ticket purchase. For example jeans, trying to find a pair that fit me in all the right places and make me feel good is a hard task. So I will happily part with more dollars to get the right fit, fitting chain store jeans is a pain in the arse literally for me.

When it comes to shoes I'm happy to stock up on several ballet flats each or every other season. But when it comes to heels and boots well I have to be in love to part with my dollars and I will search the ends of the earth for the right pair. As op shops shoe finds especially of the vintage variety are hard to come by in my size. And furthermore I don't really make retail purchases on a whim and hope that something will work for me and my wardrobe, I take those risks with op shop finds. Fewer dollars spent, less annoyance that I wasted my money if you know what I mean.

So I have recently been searching high and low for a pair of said ankle wedge boots that would be worthy of my desires. My only stipulations have been I have wanted a slightly smaller wedge than the average ones around and black needed to be avoided. It's taken forever to find a pair until a few weeks ago and I had visited countless stores on line and several in real life stores.

{pic source}

So I was out running some errands the other week and popped into Novo Shoes, enticed by the $40 boots sale sign. With two whiny Vowers in tow, I spotted a potential pair of boots. No time (which means we were near meltdown zone) to try them on, I had to leave the store. At home I pulled the shoes up on line, lusted over them, convinced myself I needed them, but would not pay postage for them. Finally over the weekend I got a chance to pop back into the store. Only to find out they didn't have any left in a size nine. Ok I thought, and asked what the sizes were like, were they true sizes. So I took the chance on an eight. I got them on, and it was clear they looked good and must be mine but in eight it was going to be a waste of my time and money. So back home I sulked, I grumbled, I really wanted the boots. So come yesterday morning after several calls I tracked a pair down, in my size. Followed by a few text messages to a friend later, a transfer of funds to her account so she can collect them from said store that is nearby to her.....and finally I have these babies coming my way.

These might not be great lengths to others to get a much desired item, but they are to me. But I'm curious what crazy lengths have you been to, to get that much desired item of yours?

Disclosure: this is in no way a paid post for said shoe company above, no free product was received either. Just a tail, of a crazy me after boots.

You love me, you really love me....

Cheesy title but hey, it's all thanks to you my sweet Vowers. I want to thank all of you who shared words of advice and encouragement last week. I've taken a lot away from all of your words. Mostly I've taken reassurance that for the main part you like what I do and and write about.

One thing I've given a bit of thought and consideration to though, is sharing more of the everyday stuff (not the boring stuff, the fun cool stuff). It's the one thing I have been struggling with, the decision to share some things here, because I also have my Journey to Bliss blog. Sometimes I cull a potential post because it's not an entirely right fit for Journey to Bliss. But often elements of my stories or post and ideas would fit here better.

My vintage, op shopping, thrifty living, old school, crafty ways are a part of my day, my every day in one way or another big or small and I'd like to share more of that with you all as well as everything else you're used to here.

Once again I am truly thankful and grateful for your words now and always. Your words have inspired me, motivated me, reassured me and meant a great deal to me. So as they say onwards and upwards hey. Things can only get better, bigger and brighter.

I hope your days are touched with kind and sweet words from those you appreciate.

Friends, fun and fairy bread.....

Friday night was a big night in this house for heaps of reasons, of which I will fill you in in more during the week. I did however mention the other day one of the oldest and best friends was caming for dinner. It was a fab night, as it always is when we see him. He came bearing gifts for all from a recent trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. I am smitten with a gorgeous gift for Little V, which looks beautiful in her room. We laughed the night away like school kids as if we were back in Ms Thiesman's grade three class, we relived old stories, drunk plenty of wine and laughed (as we always do) at anything that could be contorted into being even slightly inappropriate. However I must report back to those of you that commented the other night.......I confess that I did get a helping hand with cooking. My excuse is I was juggling a sookie Little V. The meal we cooked is here, it's simple but oh so yummy and moorish. We tweaked it up with adding bean sprouts and then garnished with crushed peanuts.

The remainder of our weekend has been spent birthday partying for a friends one year old.

Little V rocking her sweet outfit, I thought you'd enjoy seeing her scoffing fairy bread.
Relaxing, shopping, reading, movie watching and baking.
Yum, yum jam drops, with a cup of tea this evening.

I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend full of love and laughter.

I love me a cardie.....

The nights are getting colder here and slowly the days are following. I'm loving it and the weather here on the Gold Coast has been sensational to say the least. It means I'm able to don my considerable collection of vintage, thrifted and Nana cardies.

Head scarf - op shopped
Earrings - retailed ages ago, they're a regular feature
Necklace - gifted from the lovely Sue at Kitty's
Long Sleeve T-Shirt - Kmart
Cardie - op shopped, hand knitted
Jeans - old and have done the rounds between my girlfriend and I
Brown Weave Belt - op shopped
Leopard Print Wedges - op shopped
Bag - op shopped

It's a nice cosy outfit, one I'm happy to wear all day, a good thing it is, because tonight I have one of my oldest and best friends coming for dinner tonight. He is a qualified chef amongst many other vocations so I'm attempting a new dish the Big V and I had recently and I'm taking the big risk of tweaking with it a bit. The Big V seems confident with my suggested tweaks but fingers crossed I pull it off. If it goes to pits I'll take my friend and I out for a coffee and dessert once I have the Little Vowers settled and the Big V can hold down the fort.

What are your plans tonight? Good times with good friends?

Handing it over to you....

I'm about to open myself up here. I would love your feedback, your input, your comments.
I'm feeling a shift might be coming, a change, with My Vintage Vow. I don't know what the change is yet, when it will happen or if it will happen.....it kind has a bit to do with you. We're in this together, you know? I want you enjoying being here as I much as I do. But things over time must change, evolve and morph to go forwards.....right?

Be assured my little spot here isn't about to disappear, far from that in fact! I'm wanting to make things bigger and better. Perhaps even (if I can be cheeky in saying) pull a head and be a standout, one day. But to do that I have to put myself out there for the compliments and the criticisms.

I trust my Vowers, you've always been kind, supportive and honest. So I'm calling on all of you and especially those sweet shy Vowers who may of never or rarely comment. I want to hear what you like reading and seeing here. Tell me too, what you don't like. What you want to see more of! Perhaps you'd like me to chase up a story or see a particular post written.......throw your suggestions in the mix. Would you like to see and hear more about the thrifty life I live.......recipes, kids clothing and all sorts? Style posts? DIY's and tutorials? Reviews? Products? Interviews? Would you like to see me Vlog? I could go on with suggestions but it's time for me to button my lips and hand it over to you.

All comments will be greatly appreciated.

Flowers in the hair, with a winter spin.....

I know there is nothing new about crochet flowers featuring in hair accessories. But I don't know about you but I see them mainly on little girls. But I think the key to pulling it off as an adult is all about the size of the flower. Big and bold, I think is the way to go.

So thanks to my lovely mumma friend over at These Little Wagons and a gorgeous stash of assorted crocheted wintry appliqués, I set about this project and challenge in less than 5 mins. A thin stretchy hair band that best matched my hair colour, a crochet flower and needle and thread.

So simple I barely need to give instructions other than with a few simple stitches attach it to the headband. Only note would be to make sure your appliqué is the right way.....and then there you go.

I think it works well. But definitely what is key is keeping it simple without further decoration, but making it big and bold in size and colour if you're attempting this as a grown woman.

A very simple way of accessorising your winter wardrobe and look.

Nothing like your own nook.....

Well if ever there was a reason to pull myself up by the socks and shake off the funk I've been in the last week.....it's now. Yesterday afternoon I took possession of a much longed for roll top desk. I've been trying to nab one for awhile now, it's been a mission.

Once I've got a few other unfinished projects finished around home the desk will be getting a revamp with a new coat of paint......perhaps in a yummy green....but I'm wondering if the Big V will be convinced by an orange or red, perhaps even yellow. In the meantime I'm going to start test driving my little new to me nook until we can get around to painting at a later date in the near future.

I'm so excited to have a dream desk in the works, this is going to allow me so many more freedoms and opportunities to sit and write and blog when the little Vowers are contented and wanting to play solo or with one another. With it in its new location, I will easily be able to keep a watchful eye over the kids antics outdoors.

I'm so pleased and thankful especially to the Big V and my two sweet little Vowers for an awesome early Mother's Day gift and supporting my interests, goals and dreams. I'm one lucky mumma.
X

Got it all going on today.....

Well my dear you challenged me to rock it in one of my favourite winter style combos at the moment.

So here I am.

Cardigan - op shop, so soft a lovely
Basic Blue tank - Kmart
Shorts - op shop, recent score
Tights - CottonOn
Blue Suede (suede-like) Shoes - Kmart

My little Vowers joined in this morning. It was nice.

Sorry to all my loyal Vowers with my little lull in posts (other than style posts which I've only just started to do a lot more of) but I'm experiencing a little slump at the moment with mummy matters, I've talked a little more about it here. So I'm taking a slightly easier route at the moment for me and taking a little more time out here and there.

Be assured I have heaps of fun stuff lined up and I'm working on for here, I'm just having a hiatus when you're not having the hiatus. So if you notice a few less weekly posts then normal or a lot of style posts know why.

Now having said that I will likely back on deck full steam again in days, knowing me.....can't keep me down long.