Simplicity is Bliss Vintage

While mindlessly shopping online for dresses I am never going to buy I stumbled upon an Etsy shop called Simplicity Is Bliss. It's a fully vintage shop with over a hundred articles of clothing. The dresses above are only a few of the pieces that ended up in my shopping cart. I love the simple, flattering cuts of these dresses. When I (*fingers crossed*) find an affordable sewing machine I'm going to try and mimic these patterns. I also can't get over how gorgeous the textiles are. The patterns are so detailed and the colors so vibrant. Any pick of these would be the the centerpiece of a perfect summer outfit.

Find the shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplicityisbliss?ref=top_trail .
The Simplicity is Bliss Vintage blog is also worth taking a look at: http://simplicityisblissvintage.blogspot.com/ .

Story of Decay Part 1

In photography class, I was asked to document a still life over a three week period. The purpose was to capture the changes that occurred due to time alone. I placed a bouquet of white tulips on my windowsill and waited it out. The time of day I decided to shoot had a major effect on the feel of each photograph. Warm afternoon sun kept the flowers alive while the cool morning light was perfect to expose the death and decay of the three week old bouquet. I want to find a unique way to display my final storyboard; perhaps in the foyer of my dream home...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! One of these years I will be in charge of hosting our family's Thanksgiving meal. When that day comes I plan to serve my mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables on the loveliest autumn tableware. After much online shopping I have decided that this Anthropologie table set up above is going on my wish list!  

Celerie Kembell for Schumacher

A couple of years ago, I interned at the Schumacher showroom in Washington D.C.'s  Design Center. I spent the majority of my time returning textile and wall-covering samples to their original showcased locations. As monotonous as the task was it gave me the chance to really get to know all of the different lines Schumacher carried. Celerie Kemble always proved to be my favorite. Her products are so rich and textured they become the heart of the life in a room. I recently stumbled upon her new wall-covering collection that successfully marries boldness and femininity in a uniquely modern and luxurious way. 

Kemble Interiors was founded in the 80's by Mimi Maddock McMakin. Mimi's sensational whimsy initially rocked Palm Spring interiors before gaining national recognition. Following in her mother's design-oriented footsteps, Celerie expanded the company and opened a New York City office just over a decade ago. Both women have an incredible knack at creating quirky spaces that are decadently layered in texture and color. 

Click the slideshow below to see a more of my favorite wall coverings and the best Kemble Interiors:

Celerie Kemble for Schumacher ">http://kembleinteriors.com/

Crochet Infinity Scarf

I have been a loyal knitter most of my life but recently learned how to crochet. I only know one stitch but it's so addicting! I wanted a chunky new infinity scarf for the season and this is what I created. 

I used two balls of chunky Wool-Ease® yarn by Lion Brand® and a 6.5mm crochet needle. I started with an 8(ish)" chain in one color and utilized the treble crochet stitch until just a couple feet of yarn ball was left. Then I tied on the second color and continued in the same fashion. I crocheted both ends together then cleaned up the edges. Check out my easy to follow pattern and try and to make your own variation. 

Decoupage Box

A couple weeks ago, I was visiting a friend in Denmark. She had these fantastic decoupage boxes on her dresser that she kept her cosmetics in. They were from a Danish store called Sostrene Grene. The boxes looked so simple to make yet the store was charging an astronomical price for each individual box. When I returned home I decided I would try to make my own. This is my first set that turned out 100% successful! 

I only needed a couple of materials to make my boxes: cardboard boxes(decent quality ones are sold at most craft stores in packs of 3), some fun paper(the softer the better-construction paper wont look great), glue(I highly recommend modge podge), and scissors. Follow my guidelines for the neatest look!