redhedgingerbread

favorite summer

2011-10-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

A quick hello!

2011-03-09T13:07:00.001-08:00

...from the depths of more than 4 months back..... I have neglected you, my poor little blog. Part of this is because... well... I'm not even redhedgingerbread anymore! I'm blonde. Just for a little while! I do this about every 3 years or so; go blondie for a bit and then go back to red with bangs. I give myself 2 more months, max, then I can be officially 'redhed again.

Life has been busy! The vintage shop is doing fantastic, so that keeps us hopping and constantly
( I mean CONSTANTLY! ) out looking for stock. Also - I'm getting married! Planning for that has been a little all-consuming as well. August is the grand event, and we're trying to keep it simple and easy. You would think that would be a simple task. It ain't. Very, very excited about it though!!

So a little "hello!" from Portland and a little well-wishing to all of you! I might actually start doing this again. It was kind-of fun! xoxo

Wish List

2010-10-10T11:21:00.001-07:00

Greetings from too much to do land..... I believe that this little blog will be defunct pretty soon; and a new blog/website for the vintage store will take its place. It has proven too difficult for me to manage a "personal" blog consistently. I eat, drink, sleep, shop, shop, shop for the store - so rolling it all into one is the best thing. Coming soon!

In the meantime, here are some things that have crossed my radar while pricing vintage items online.... I think I need one more coat this season; I only have 14 in my closet at the moment. More, more, more!

vintage fur trimmed cape by Kami Sue Vintage

Late 40s Lilli Ann coat from the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery

East West leather jacket by Vintage Devotion on eBay

Celebrity Alert!

2010-09-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Pretty much all this blog post has to say is......

SELMA BLAIR CAME INTO OUR STORE YESTERDAY!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!

Of course, I totally missed it - but Travis got to meet her and chat her up.... she's in PDX filming a comedy series. Complete, 100% awesomeness. I know this has nothing to do with vintage clothing, but man do I love "Hellboy"!!!!!

Sunday; Literally

2010-09-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sure we can all agree - it's spectacular to sleep in on your day off and open your eyes to sunshine streaming in through the windows. Warmth and light waking you up is SO much better than a little alarm buzzing in your ear! It has started to feel quite Fall-ish here in Portland the last couple of weeks, so these last little hurrahs of summer are very welcomed.

Today was all about the sun; it's still warming up my arm as I sit typing this late in the afternoon. Still trying to sneak in the last fruits of the season too - had fresh, local fruit filled breakfast of sourdough french toast with yogurt (super yum!).... a highly recommended day off treat! Here's some little snippets of treasures found thrifting recently, taking full advantage of the sunshine for some photos. I am so in love with the ultra-tacky Italian ceramic "fruit basket" of avocados and mushrooms it's not even funny.... and the little clay wall flower is a piece by Robert Maxwell that I found in a top secret, mega cheap place that never knows what treasure they actually have.

Hope you had a wonderful Sunday, too!

Still Kickin'

2010-09-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

Still here in Portland, 200% consumed by the store (hooray!), severely lacking in blog posts.

Went home to the mitten state for a handful of days; my BFF got hitched, spent some time with my family, did not have time to go vintage treasure hunting while there (sad face), got back here and the whirlwind ensued.

I am anxiously awaiting permission to post photos from the wedding - they are doing it all over AGAIN next week in Italy, so no photos until after the Italians get to experience the nuptials too. Fair enough! It was, indeed, a most gorgeous wedding and happy event.... can you imagine planning two weddings? At least she gets to wear her dress twice!!

Here are some pics of the shop in full gear for Fall 2010; I am sporting a sweatshirt and warm socks this very minute. Oh, Summer 2010... where did you go to? We have been selling coats like crazy this last week. Hard to believe, but I suppose it's (grudgingly) time. Off to check up on all of you - hope all is well!

What Day Is It Again??

2010-07-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hello! Been crazy busy and adapting to a little change on the side.... no complaints, everything is good. I did have the unfortunate experience of having my little car window smashed in by some hooligan last week; but I'm over it now. Lesson to thrifters - make sure you cover EVERYTHING up in your car if it's full and you leave it for a moment; I've never had a problem in the years and years I've been piling stuff into my car but I guess all it takes is one crazy person to break the cycle of luck. Happened in broad daylight, in the parking lot of a thrift store on a super busy street.
At least they did not steal my whole car - that happened to me when I lived in Arizona!!

Store has been doing great, keeping us busy-busy; and next week I am going home to Michigan for my best friends wedding! SO EXCITED! I have two dress options - not sure which I am wearing yet. I'll be sure to post lots of wedding photos since I am positive they will be spectacular. Until then, I will bombard you with some favorite photos of her and the lucky Italian guy she's getting hitched to (hi Francesco!) and of course, some cheesy ones of the two of us :)
Have a good weekend!!!

It's the little things...

2010-07-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Floral Applique Belt

I am 100% positive I've had a blog post titled the same; but this one is strictly about accessories listed in my Etsy shop right now. It is indeed the case sometimes - the little things make the outfit, the "look". How cute would a plain old solid colored dress become if you added the bright little belt above? Darn cute.

Chunky Wooden Necklace

How about pairing this wooden bead necklace with a simple white or black summer tank? Instant chic!

Knights Ride 40's Scarf

Toss this lightweight 1940's rayon novelty print scarf around your neck and it instantly takes "charge" of your outfit..... OK, OK, bad horse humor......

Bright Metals Mega Chain Necklace

In the mood for some major bling? Add this and you are sure to reflect some rays of light onto others..... Have a spectacular day and make sure to accessorize!

Summer Dresses Are In The Air....

2010-07-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

p

I don't know about you ladies, but on an 80+ day, all I want to wear is a summer dress. Breezy, sleeveless, yes. I have stocked up on them for myself all year and I am sooooo excited to finally be getting to wear them! They are such an effortless form of dressing - throw one on and you're good to go with pretty sandals and your hair tied up. Especially since I have sworn off shorts pretty much for the rest of my life - everyone has a body part they can't quite get along with, mine is the knees and thighs. They do not take kindly to shorts.

The first one is my FAVORITE. Wore it yesterday in the blinding 96 degree Portland weather. I actually bought it to sell in the shop, when I tagged it and went to hang it on the rack I realized that it would fit me. Hooray! It's a late 40's cotton gingham adorned in gigantic buttons. Love!

The second one jumps forward a few eras..... 70's polka dot dress with the cutest little bows at the shoulders and flattering fit. Wearing it today and it's a little cooler, which makes polyester a little more bearable. Thank you summer dresses for existing! You save me.

Shoes!

2010-07-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

In the past week I've added a bunch of shoes to the Etsy store - I can't choose my favorite pair!

It's been busy, busy around here... I'm aiming to get more Etsy shop updates posted this weekend. Since summer has officially hit Portland now (in the 90's the past two days!) it's been especially easy for me to get distracted with things other than work. Although, as any one that's self employed knows well, I'm pretty much always working so I deserve a break! I've been catching myself day-dreaming about a vacation lately..... ahh.... vacation.......

In the meantime - I'll be posting more and more in the shop, which you can check out here. Bye!

You Are Being Enlisted!

2010-07-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

To help, that is - with a very worthy cause.

I automatically assume that everyone in the vintage blog world has heard of Dear Golden, because she has a super spectacular vintage shop on Etsy, and a super spectacular blog. If you have not however, you should - she has some of the most amazing pieces EVER. This blog post is about one of those pieces, one that was unfortunately stolen from her. There is a darn good possibility that this dress will end up being sold - and will show up somewhere online or in a shop. Here is her post about this lovely little dress, and above is the missing dress itself.....

....keep it in those memory banks! If you stumble across it online I am positive that she would love to hear from you.

Where I'm From

2010-06-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

(That's my dad on the left, with my uncles and tiny me. I like to refer to this as their "lumberjack" photo)

Good morning! Happy to celebrate two parental events today - Fathers Day and my mom's birthday. My mom is actually flying in from Michigan this afternoon to sepnd the week out in Portland. This will be the first time she's seen our little shop - excited to show her! She's been to Portland many times and super-loves it here; she also LOVES going shopping with me for the store. She has a great knack for finding hidden high-end items..... one of her last trips here she found me a $700 Danish Modern teak dining table for $40. Thanks mom!!!

Treasure hunting most definitely runs in my blood - my dad has "the gift" as well. He collects and restores old Harley's, and spends many a weekend scouring swap meets for buried pieces of motorcycle history. He also used to always find crazy stuff when he was working (retired now) as a surveyor outside; both of my parents can spy a needle in a haystack. Or mud puddle, or sidewalk crack, etc. I still have these really cool old glass marbles he brought home for me when I was younger - he found them at an old train track.

Here's some photos of them that I especially love - sending a bunch of love to them as well. Happy Father's Day dad! Happy birthday mom!! Thanks for making me ;)

New Etsy Shop!

2010-06-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Poetic Wrap Ankle Boots

Hello to all of you, and HELLO! to the sunshine that is finally gracing us out here the last couple days!! I was seriously thinking we would not have summer this year in Portland... but of course we will. This is, however, the first year that I've lived out here and felt like I could not take one single more day of rain. Whew!

Switched some stuff around on Etsy... we now have a Living Threads Vintage store and Redhedgingerbread is closed for business. Trying to streamline every thing - 'ya know? Anyway we have some exceptional items listed, with more to come (as always! never ending....). Here's some of my faves:

Leopard Print Ponyhair 50's Springolators

French Fleur di Lis Balzer

Natural Cork Purse

KJL Lions Head MAJOR Neck Decor!!!

...click on the titles to take a peek. Feel free to "heart" my new little shop on Etsy... hint-hint.... see you soon!!!

Channeling Mary Poppins

2010-05-27T16:20:00.001-07:00

It's true, I have been told that I look like the "Spoon Full of Sugar" Disney character more than once. It's always when I am wearing this coat, lace up oxfords, and my hair up in a bun. One time I was wearing a blouse with a high, frilly collar and a good friend joked I looked just like Mary Poppins... later that same day I was thrifting and what should I find right on top of a pile of books? Yep. The pink, Disney edition of the book with Julie Andrews smiling from the cover.

I think it's hilarious, I am not offended at all - I like Poppin's style! I should try to find a hat to complete the look :) I was actually in a grade school production of the play as well; but I was a chimney sweep!! I was also once the Christmas Tree in 3rd grade, but that's another story.....

Look at my latest jewelry treasure! So in love with it. Chock full of Austrian crystal rhinestones and a very charming shape. You can't tell so good by my photo's, but it is the loveliest pastel spring colors! Now if it will actually make it feel like spring here in Portland.

coat - thrifted by Travis for me (!)
shoes - thrifted
dress - thrifted (you can't see it, but it's a lovely I.N.C. silk number!)
scarf - thrifted
brooch - thrifted and expensive, but so worth it!

Owls, Orchids, and Danish Modern-ness

2010-05-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

What treasure filled days! I am officially cut off from shopping this weekend, so good thing the past week yielded a bounty. Most of it is all for me (hooray!) - but the owls are for sale in the shop right now :) I've been watching eBay for a set of Danish Modern flatware... found a monstrous 80 piece set for $12 at a thrift store on Monday! Woot! Made in Holland, teak handles - smitten. Also found a beautiful little vintage flower pot crafted in Italy; and the owls mentioned are a little sugar bowl and creamer set.

My favorite treasure was actually found in a downtown garbage bin last night while walking home.... Someone ditched a huge, gorgeous orchid plant on top of the garbage. It was done blooming, but the plant is in great health. I imagine someone had it in their office and thought it was dead when the flowers died off; lucky me! I have about 10 orchids, and all of them have come home to live with me after people (or the place I used to work) thought they were garbage once they were done flowering. Some orchids require 6-8 months of "resting" before they will bloom again. Most all of my little orchids have graced me with another bloom cycle, I have one that has not blossomed in over 2 years - but the plant is healthy and I quite enjoy having them in our greenery-filled apartment.
I found this interesting bit about orchids on wikipedia: The number of orchid species equals more than twice the number of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species. I wonder what kind my little guy is!

A Gentle Gray

2010-05-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm usually a person that gets up and immediately starts running around doing "stuff" without really enjoying waking up into the world. This past Monday I decided to sit with the birds (Petey & Max, you've met them before!) by the window while I ate my breakfast slowly and drank my tea. We were all having a grand old time when all of a sudden Petey (the cockatiel) flipped out and started beating his wings and squawking.... 5 seconds later I saw something hit the window outside with a little thump... it was a little fledgling Mourning Dove! Poor guy was fine, just a little startled - but he hung out on the windowsill with us for close to a half an hour. He was very intrigued by the birds on the inside of the window, and kept cooing to them.

My birds were thrilled to have this visitor and could not stop talking to him. So cute! I missed when he actually took flight again - but I hope he was more successful than the previous attempt! There are lots of tress outside of the window - I wonder if it was the first time he left the nest. It was a nice little moment.

I found these dove themed goodies on Etsy; inspired by our little visitor!

Pair of Vintage Dove Candles - The Aviary (appropriate!)

Vintage Porcelain Dove - Finding Fabulous

Dove Grey Dress - Volenska Vintage

Vintage Pentik Clay Dove - The Pink Room

Buried Treasure

2010-05-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

Vintage Flower Pins

Little Handmade Shell Earrings

On Sunday I stopped into one of my favorite neighborhood thrifty haunts... I always look in the jewelry case and see the gigantic, spilling over glass vases stuffed with odds and ends of jewelry staring up at me from the bottom of the case.. but I always ignore them. They are always priced something crazy like $49.99 - and even if you are getting a grab bag (okay, vase) full of jewlery, who knows what's in it? All I can ever see through the mardi-gras plastic beads is 80's watches and ugly xmas pins. However on this trip, I noticed a smaller one priced at $14.99, with a sweet little 60's flower pin right on top. I also spied what appeared to be an old hair comb..... OK, OK, for $14.99 I can take the risk. IT WAS SO WORTH IT! I might be addicted now, to buying these and rushing home to dump them out on the floor.....

There were tons of icky things to dig through like 8 billion old gummy bracelets, broken cheap glass beads, and a bottle opener key rings (I actually needed one of those!). Here's my ultra-treasures!!

3 Vintage French Hair Combs - one is missing a stick,

but one has pink rhinestones to make up for it!!

Sterling Silver Choker + A Little Glass Pig

In the middle of it all was this teeny tiny bear with a rhinestone necklace - she's all the way on the right. She perfectly balances out my collection of little critters perched on top of a picture on the wall! She's bitty - only 3" big.

Late 30's..... Swoon!

2010-05-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

Travis found this video online - big fan of the late 70's band Suicide; this was a video for one of their songs in the 80's. The song is "Diamonds, Fur Coats, Champagne" and the clip is from the 1939 movie The Women. Wow.

Have you seriously ever seen such extravagant clothing!? I am 100% in love. The film was black and white, but featured a 10 minute "fashion parade" filmed in technicolor. Double wow. The outfits are all designed by Adrian Adolph Greenberg, who designed costumes for over 250 films including The Wizard of Oz (the little ruby sequined slippers? yep, that was him). He worked with many legendary screen beauties - including designing for Joan Crawford on 28 occasions. I cannot fathom the amount of imagination required and exquisite detail put into all of the dresses in this video clip...... swoon!!!

Thanks Travis!

Giveaway Alert!

2010-05-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

The lovely Sadie over at Suki takes it off (again) is having a vintage giveaway! Since it is equestrian themed, and anything horse related is AWESOME... I thought you should probably know about it. Enter to win a vintage silk equestrian patterned scarf, and a lil' horse necklace made of repurposed vintage pieces. Check out their Etsy shops while you're there; I found some goodies!

Super loving these green apple vintage bowls....

...and these strappy black gladiator sandals...both from Tigercult.....

...and here is a 50's Irish Wool embroidered horse vest you can find in my shop!

Golden Raspberries

2010-05-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

...titled for the rosy pink hued items in the ol' Etsy shop, and also for this magnificent gentle gold dress and jacket that just walked out the door from the ol' Living Threads Vintage shop!! The golden dress was deadstock, hand tailored with fabulous detailing even on the inside of the jacket. So glad the woman that tried it on fell in love with it, since tailor-made clothing is sometimes a bit tough to get to fit "right". It looked like it was made for her! Should have snapped a pic, darn :/

The 50's raspberry-watermelon colored dress is all hand crocheted and super gorgeous! They just don't make 'em like they used to. Little twiggy mini dress is a bright mix of trees and florals, just in time for a little sunshine! Well, if it ever pokes it's head out here in Portland again.... such mixed weather and cold. I started to switch my closet from warm cozies to spring things last night, but needed to dig out a long sleeve T to layer with this morning. Watching a spring rain falling outside too... could be worse, like snow!
I'm including a few other little dresses up in the downtown shop right now, too. Come on, SPRING!

Online poll #2 - The Unicorn Sweater

2010-04-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

So I already did an online poll for this little treasure on Facebook..... I still can't decide what to do! I found this sweater nearly a year ago, and it sat patiently in a wash pile until I cleaned it up, then sat patiently in my closet while I debated whether or not a 32 year old could rock this. Now it is sitting patiently in my Etsy pile, awaiting it's fate. I am 100% in love with the cheese-factor / unicorn awesomeness of it..... I seriously can't let it go for some reason. Probably because I have never seen anything quite like it, and because I (like many little girls) was completely unicorn crazy when I was young. One of my tattoos is a unicorn horn going down my spine! Ha! I seriously could not wait until I was 18 and could get it. I crack myself up :)

I was just about to list it on Etsy, but thought I'd ask you all first. What should I do!? If I do end up selling it, I can guarantee it won't be cheap. A hand made, pastel, puff sleeve, UNICORN sweater? Come on. At Anthropologie this would be like, 200 bones.

His little "X" eye is a bit odd - a FB friend pointed out that it could possibly be a drunk unicorn. Hmm. Even more intriguing. So awful that it's AMAZING. I kind of feel like watching "Legend"...

A Break from Big City Life

2010-04-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went on the mini-est camping trip ever... just for one night and the morning, but it was absolute heaven. I really needed a break from sirens, crazy downtown characters and trying to find parking on our street! Travis and I woke on Sunday morning to a little song sparrow singing his heart out, and a woodpecker as our alarm clock. We spent the morning having a campfire feast and walking along the river. While we were packing up to head home we had a spectacular visit by a moma deer and her little one! Such a treat! ...look close in the last photo and you can see the red crest of our campsite woodpecker.... all the gorgeous green mossy trees are one of the first things that made me fall in love with the Pacific NW. All the forests are like fairytale settings. Heaven.

It was also nice to not care about what I was wearing for the day... as you can see by my very unfashionable fireside shot :) Hope you all had a great sunny weekend as well!

Big Jewelry, Big Temptation

2010-04-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Always, always I have had a "thing" for jewelry. Recently my love for gigantic adornment has been revived - mostly due to this super fabulous late 60's necklace. My love for jewelry in general was most likely sparked by my mother.... I have many fond memories of digging through her earring "drawer", old jewelry boxes, and the rack of necklaces on the wall. In fact I have the same exact necklace organization employed today - a vintage wall-mount hat rack, works perfectly!

We have some extra amazing big jewelry in the store right now, and I have to tell myself daily that I don't actually need to own it - I can appreciate it here until it sells.... but then I won't get to look at it anymore! I figure if that's one of my biggest worries in life, I should count myself pretty darn lucky ;)

LOVE this monstrously huge cut glass cocktail ring... the color is so pretty, but I know how clutzy I am, and I would definitely injure myself wearing it (because I would not wear it just for cocktails!). This Whiting and Davis gold mesh necklace is also tempting.... and these zodiac pendants! One is even an Aries! Oh!

I am also kicking myself for NOT giving into temptation long ago and snatching up one of the Razza Ram necklaces (Aries thing again) online when they were still semi-affordable for my meager budget. I have coveted one forever, and then I saw one on the gorgeous Sea of Shoes blog recently and immediately decided that yes, I do in fact need one of those... only to find through online searching that they have seriously gone up in value! I actually can't even find one on Etsy or eBay right now. Darn. But good for treasure hunters that dig one up!

Extra Special Etsy Update

2010-04-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Charles Jourdan Jacket

Hand Embroidered Long Wrap Skirt

Well.... the start of one! Been meaning and meaning to get all these listed; you know how it goes. These are some extra special gems that need to be online, rather than live-in-person. I have quickly learned since opening the store that some people can wreak havoc on vintage clothing. Last weekend I had a group of three teenage girls come in and try on almost everything in the shop - of course with zero intention of actually purchasing anything! I really want to make it a welcoming environment for anyone that wanders in, but have definitely lost my patience on a few occassions already. I guess people will be people.

So, here are a few of the too-nice-for-the-general-public items going in to the ol' Etsy shop tomorrow. The Charles Jourdan jacket is sooooooo tempting to keep! Softest leather I've ever felt in my entire life - seriously. Hot!

Travilla Summer Dress

Velvet Princess Dress with Embroidery

Little 70s Halter

Also please check out this little link to our store, Living Threads Vintage. The gracious Anne of "Lulu's Vintage" added us to her fabulous website listing all the vintage hot-spots in the Portland metro area.... she has a wonderful online store here, and a great blog here. Check 'em out!

The Sun is Out!

2010-04-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

a little guest on our windowsill, hanging out in the sun

Today the sunshine is peeking through the clouds occasionally here in PDX, and it could not have any better timing. That's because I am the happy recipient of the the Sunshine Award from Janis at Pinecone Camp, and also from Bree at Shadow Dance - Thank you ladies!!! Both of these are lovely blogs you should definitely checkout.

Here's the low-down on the Sunshine Award:

* Put the logo on your blog or within your post. * Pass the award onto 12 bloggers. * Link the nominees within your post. * Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog. * Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

So, here are some more lovely blogs to check out... and that I pass the Sunshine Award onto!

* Shell
* Vintage DeniseBrain
* Adventures in Dressmaking
* Noontoon & Cocoabean
* The Daily Coke
* Not Enough Time for Everything
* Caramelized Vintage
* Portland Garment Factory
* 13 Bees
* Alex Keller
* Bombshell Bettie's Vintage
* Small Earth Vintage

How fun! Here's my most favorite sunshine filled photos to welcome in the warmth even more!

my cockatiel Petey sunbathing!

monkeys @ the Portland Zoo (yes, they did have heads!)

Last day for a Worthy Cause!!

2010-04-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hello! Please take a moment to sneak over to the lovely blog of Denise Brain, she's having a sales promotion to help save the manatees. I found the most exquisite miniature 20's purse in her Etsy store, and she also has many items in her online store and on eBay. Always nice to find find the perfect little vintage treasure - and help with a worthy cause!

While perusing her gorgeous online store, I found yet another drool-worthy peplum crush. This little 50's suit is divine. So saucy in red snakeskin print... hot! This gal has fantastic vintage picks and looks so adorable modeling her finds. Definitely a ray of sunshine. Oh! Speaking of.... watch for a round of "Sunshine Awards" coming soon..... I am the very happy recipient of one from Janis over at Pinecone Camp. Thank you, thank you!!! Fitting that the sun actually is making an appearance in dreary old Portland today. Go check these bloggers out!

Vintage 50's Snake Print Suit

Bricks, Belts, and First Thursday

2010-04-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Last evening Travis had an art opening at Pearl Gallery & Framing in NW Portland. The weather finally decided to clear up for one day, but it's back to a drizzle this morning.... Lots of folks meander around the galleries on each First Thursday - and there was a pretty solid turn out. There were a couple wine mishaps, and the sweetest little girl that gave her honest opinion on each piece (pretty! cute! scary!). Travis let her chose a brick to take with her - she went for the one with the most pink ;-)

The bricks deserve a little explanation - it was actually a painting he had done on an entire wall in a house he lived in when we first met. The owner was going to remodel, and let him take "the wall" with him when he moved out... it's those flat, skinny bricks that are just for the look of a brick wall. He painstakingly chiseled each one off. Each one makes a wonderful, individual piece of art now. Love them.

I am still amazed by his work - even more so because I witness the process and transformation each painting goes through while he's working on them. Some of these started out entirely different than what we see now.

I love any excuse to dress up, and have been wanting to wear this dress... just a seventies polyester maxi dress - but I super love the way it fits. Jazzed it up with my latest favorite belt; wide suede with a little puffy stitched heart and beaded detail. Swoon! A wonderful evening indeed, as you can probably judge by my rosy cheeks and wine in hand.

Travis Taylor Artist Statement

Art, for me, is not about building or creating something. It is more about taking something apart. Chiseling and hammering away at the subconscious rocks; looking for fossils, looking for clues, looking for anything that I can find. As an artist I would rather raise questions than to please instantly. Once a judgment has been made about a piece of art, favorable or not, I believe it to be a very final thing. The longer it hangs in the balance of uncertainty, the more potential there is of a lasting impression and connection.

A peplum, please

2010-04-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Cascading Peplum 40's Dress by Capricious Traveler

Currently I am addicted to any piece of clothing with a peplum. Seriously, truly addicted. Such a charming, simple detail that adds a very feminine touch. I think it may be another instance of my 80's youth creeping up on my current style; go figure. The peplum as a dressing detail has been around for quite some time, however, and I keep finding gorgeous little piece from all eras. Too much temptation!

40's Rayon Peplum Dress by Exquisite Bones Vintage
(love, love, love this!!!)

Alpine Dream Skirt @Anthropologie

OK guys.... and this is probably not very nice of me.... but who the heck are these people that can sell a nothing super exceptional actual 80's velvet peplum jacket for $420??!? I stumbled on this one in an online store that does vintage clothing, and it just seriously still blows my mind that 80's stuff can go for over $100. This was the era that clothing really started to be made cheaply overseas. I do understand, being in the vintage clothing biz, the value behind certain labels, fabrics, etc, etc. But, WOW. I saw a couple of 80's dresses on the site that I honestly have had and sold (for like, $16) and am forced to wonder if they shop the Portland market like a lot of Japanese vintage dealers do. More power to you for getting higher dollar value.... I definitely feel "dated". Kind-of like the little elderly ladies that come into my shop and exclaim "$38 for a blouse!?". Well, yes - it's vintage 40's, linen, painstakingly hand tailored, and actually on the low side of pricing. I am positive that someone would have a justifiable explanation for me for pricing 80's gear, in my state of mouth-open sticker shock as well. Whew! I need to expand my clothing consciousness.

Off to searching for more peplum cuteness!

Abundance of Cute

2010-03-29T21:24:00.001-07:00

For the last week my poor mother has been couch-bound, due to a bad knee and bad back. Poor momma! Never one to miss an opportunity to do something creative, she's been churning out all these Easter themed cuties like there's no tomorrow. She told me over the telephone that she'd been busy... I had no idea how many tiny creatures she's created in the last week until I saw this pics yesterday!

She used vintage wool sweaters that she felted; and no pattern. She has always amazed me by her ability to just make anything!! It's always been a dream of hers to make little stuffed animals, and toys for children.... she will be retiring soon from teaching and if I know her - she'll dive right into this idea. Go mom!

Here's a photo of some little pickles she made for me and my best friend (who is a pickle connoisseur!) out of a pair of green fleece gloves....

...and a little cat she made for me when I was tiny- so this cat is over 30 now! Still darn cute. I'm trying to get her to start an Etsy shop - I'll keep you posted on the unfolding cuteness.

Shop Update!

2010-03-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

A few photos of the little treasures that have made their way to the sales floor.... mostly shoes, because I am obsessed...

Have a peek, and if you're in the Portland area - come on over!

Euro Week on Etsy!

2010-03-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Cranberry Bliss Necklace

Oh boy!! Another excuse (like I need one) to showcase my beloved, bestest friends Etsy shop!

This week is Euro Week on Etsy; sellers from all over Europe are being featured AND some great sales and deals on shipping abound. You can get a little snippet of some sellers here , and you can find my BFF's shop here. It's called A Thousand Joys, and in it you will find many little beautiful handmade treasures.... creating and selling jewelry has been something she's dreamed of since we first met long ago in high school art class. She's doing it! And, she now lives in Italy doing it - lucky girl. Here's some of my favorite pieces in her shop right now - enjoy!

Happiness of Being Earrings

Moroccan Memoirs Pendant

Plump Little Robin Necklace

DVF for my ELD

2010-03-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

OK - to set things straight right off - "DVF" refers to Diane von Furstenberg, and "ELD" refers to my Extra Long Day. Saturday's will prove to be a get-up early, shop, off to work until 7, then shop some more day..... but I love it! Who knows what treasure awaits!?

Remember last post I mentioned changing the lady mannequin in our window? She is looking smashing in a 70's Diane von Furstenberg dress, and she inspired me to wear my DFV 90's pink plaid skirt and jacket set today. Love it! It is so very comfortable and makes me look all dressed up without much effort, something her pieces accomplish so well.

My earrings were lovingly handmade by Travis as a gift. They have little envelopes addressed to me from him, with an actual little letter inside the envelope!! My mystery love note is encased in glass and framed with painted wood. Oh, how they make my heart skip a beat....

...time to close up shop and SHOP!

Take a picture, it will last longer...

2010-03-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

This blog title applies in a couple different ways to my day. For what seemed like an eternity this morning, I struggled with changing one of the mannequins in the window.... and boy, do people like to stop and watch you undress a mannequin! Weird. I politely ignored them, except the one guy that actually tapped on the window to wave. Double weird. The title phrase kept running through my head, but I'm glad no one actually did take a picture! Being downtown, many tourists go by and our mannequins have indeed had their picture snapped more than once. What can I say... they are pretty darn well dressed ;-)

As far as pictures... I have super-duper been lacking in outfit posts!!! I took a (still blurry - need that new camera ASAP!) couple today in the "angled, absent head self portrait" style, since that's what I felt like. I love, love this bright blue linen day dress, I've had it for about 3 years and get a fair amount of use out of it. It is very fade and wrinkle resistant and is a favorite. I did take a picture of my head, just because.

Check out my outfit from a few days ago... crazy! I have this gorgeous military inspired, navy blue St. John knit cardigan that I wanted to style with a skirt, but could not find one in the black hole of my closet. Settled for high waisted pants and oodles of belts. After I looked at this picture I immediately thought of Michael Jackson. Not the look I was going for, but that's cool.

Tomorrow I will attempt an outfit photo with a pretty background and such. Take care until then!!

Shoe Frenzy!

2010-03-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

Have a peek at some of the many, many pairs of lovely shoes we have in the store! Those silver beauties are from the forties and screaming for some glamorous event, don't you think?

We have lots-o men's shoes as well; check out those mod boots..... nice!

Flower on the Wall(paper)

2010-03-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hello! A while ago I found this roll of vintage wall paper, and I have just rediscovered it as I've been rummaging through boxes piled high in the back room of the store. Well, the "backroom" is just a tiny little staircase that leads to the rest of the building we're located in.... but it is indeed packed full!!

Just found one roll of this little floral beauty, and I am trying to decide it's fate now that it's in my hands. I am thinking of just using it in a window display; suspended and draped down from high... hard to explain so that you get a good visual. I will take a photo if it comes to fruition. I am a wallpaper fan for sure, even though we can't put it up in our rented apartment. I have several rolls that are "waiting" for something grand. I even have some photo samples of wallpaper stored away on my computer - apologies that I do not remember where I got them from. I search eBay lots for amazing wallpaper that I never buy..... I especially love the Mayan glyph printed paper. It would not match any decor I have, but I love it!

I snapped a pic this morning of the wallpaper by the front door of our apartment building. I imagine it used to be a very different color and much more vivid; the building was built in 1910 and this wallpaper is quite old, but I'm not sure if it's original. Pretty intriguing, regardless!

Any fun suggestions on how to appreciate vintage wallpaper sans walls?? I'd love to hear them!

Take a Walk, it's Good for You

2010-02-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

One of the things that has been a bit of a re-adjustment for me the last few weeks is walking. Yep, plain old walking. I am now able to walk to "work", and I am completely in love with it. Of course, it helps that it is Portland in the springtime.... all the tress are flowering and smelling delicious, and the spring flowers are making their appearance. Heavenly!

I get to notice all the details on old downtown buildings that I don't have time for when zipping around in the Geo Metro. Let me tell you there are some beauties! Definitely will be needing to purchase a new camera soon - the one we currently have has begun to take blurry pics and is not that easy to lug around. Each day I'm walking I see little goodies awaiting their photo op.

While I do not have any photos to share that I am responsible for, I do have some that my little brother snapped while visiting me a couple weeks ago, and one that I found online similar to one stuck forever on my cell phone (the blog it is borrowed from is defunct) looking over the waterfront downtown. I live right on the western most edge of the city of Portland, where Washington Park and the world famous Rose Test Garden reside. I will be sharing the rose garden with you when it's in full bloom as well, but I actually love how mossy and green it is currently. Oh, do I love the Pacific NW! Hey Brian (that's my brother), get your booty back out here and take more pictures for me!!

Off I go for my walk to work - highly recommended.

Treasures to Enjoy.....

2010-02-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hello! Starting today, I am making a real, true effort to actually start posting again. I love to, and I have just let the rest of my world take over. Opening the store has engulfed me; but I knew that would happen :-)

I am loving the store - we have had a fabulous first couple of weeks, and are thrilled to be a part of the downtown Portland shopping scene. It's still a little too early to tell exactly what our customer base will be in this part of town, but the majority thus far has been tourists (we are centered amongst several huge hotels - California folks love us, and we love you too!), and adorable little old ladies that are ecstatic to take a walk down memory lane.

I met the most amazing woman yesterday - when she walked in I thought "Wow! I want to look exactly like that when I'm older!". She was very striking with a huge pouf of erratic white hair, HUGE vintage Christian Dior glasses (seriously the biggest frames I've ever seen!), elegant long black coat, great jewelry, and beautiful little black and silver flats on her pitch black stocking feet. Quite stunning! She tried on a few items, and politely asked me if I could assist her in buttoning the collar of her dress. What a dress!!!! Gorgeous lilac and pink weave with a high collar, fitted waist, and full calf grazing skirt. This woman had her style down, and you could tell she had for many years. She told me the designer - a boutique in San Francisco in the seventies.... and I am soooooo mad I did not write it down!!!! I was too awestruck to really take in anything audio - too much visual data to record! I look forward to her stopping in again.

All in all I am super happy with this venture, and definitely busier than I've ever been in my entire little life. We are still stocking like mad, and I've taken a few pics to show a little more of what we have...... Enjoy!

Whew! Store is OPEN!

2010-02-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello! Oh, how I have missed you all - many apologies for my lack of posting and keeping you updated on the store happenings.... my brain was absolute mush the last two weeks. The store is OPEN for business! Whoo hoo!

1008 SW Taylor, in Portland, is the home of Living Threads Vintage. Wow. Can't believe we actually made it happen as quickly as it all happened. Thank goodness my little brother flew out from Michigan to help (thank you!!!), and that he remembered to photograph the chaos... 'cuz I sure did not. I will indeed be snapping lots more pics to post on here, but these give you a good idea of the whole thing. We opened on Friday, a little late due to last minute credit card machine issues and had a fabulous first day. I am so very excited to be in downtown Portland; there is a great mix of people and I can actually walk to work now!

Thank you eternally to everyone that helped out with this grand mission - the labor, the visitors, the support sent from afar. THANK YOU!

Off to catch up on what all you lovlies are up to.....

Getting Closer to Complete Chaos

2010-01-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

I will first state that I should have done a specific post about the fact that I will be mostly absent from blogging for the next couple weeks. I guess this is it, a bit later in the game. Things in general are going amazingly well, and they could not be going as smooth as they have been without the help and support of Travis..... he is king of making important phone calls, building things we need for the store, making sure I'm eating healthy, and reminding me to not get too hunched over with stress! I'm a sloucher :-) It has been indeed getting more and more chaotic, however this is expected and I feel we're both pretty prepared for it - bring it on! All the excitement that goes along with knowing the outcome is our very own little store makes the craziness just "there", not really too impending or bad.

Things came to a bit of a halt yesterday when he broke his left wrist pretty severely while skatin'. We went in for scheduled surgery this morning, and after talking with the doctor we decided that we'll do a follow-up appt. next week to see how it's healing up..... they said there's a 20% chance a little bone could slip out of place, but it was set really well in the E.R. He is not allowed to carry ANYTHING (says me) and will be forced to watch tons of movies and dress in pj's the remainder of this week (says me, again). This will be a good excuse for us to sit down and get all our merchandise tagged, and I do love watching movies!!! This is a photo of him from a summer time session, hopefully back to it soon enough.

Still on schedule with everything, including squeezing in a pretty fun photo-shoot for our flyers a couple days ago; getting them off to the printers today! We got some fun shots, including one of me doing my patented goofy dance after we were done. I totally need to figure out how to do that photo thingy where I can use both pictures in one and make it animated. I think it has high potential to be hilarious, don't you!?

Movin' right along.... see you in a few days!

Not Enough Time for Everything (but not what you think)

2010-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hello! I am sure you have guessed by my total lack of blogging that I have been swallowed whole by getting ready with the store... yes! There is so, so much to do and set up - and this is even before we have access to the actual space. Insurance, accounts, signage, tags, etc, etc. Not to mention marathon SHOPPING! I am set on opening with "new" merchandise (even though it's all vintage) and have been searching high and low to add to my store stock. It also took me a total of about 5 hours to sort out all those lovely mannequins :-)

I have been thinking, rather sporadically, about blogging. While I'm driving around I suddenly think about a blog post, then forget it. I wake up in the morning with an idea, then get sidetracked. Well, yesterday something wonderful and inspirational happened. I got the best mail!! A while ago I won a blog give-away on Not Enough Time for Everything. I was (still am!) soooo excited by this, and yesterday I recieved my amazing gift in the mail. Hooray!

The gal behind this blog is truly amazing, and you should know about her. Haruna is one busy lady, with two Etsy shops filled with a broad spectrum of mediums from jewelry, clothing, gorgeous prints, and the cutest little handmade purses. I was lucky enough to win a little bird purse and coin purse. Double hooray! You already know how much I do love anything "bird"........

Find her at Lunatepetal and also at htwprint on Etsy. And look at my cute little owls she included, too. Thank you, thank you!!! Oh, and please excuse my dark pictures... it's totally gray weather here in Portland today and I am anti-flash. See you soon!

little love ring @Lunatepetal

woodblock print @htwprint

Insanely Major Mannequin Score of 2010

2010-01-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

Wow. Wow, wow, wow. I am speechless since about 3:40 this past afternoon. The boyfriend called a "historical place" here in Portland (we were sworn to secrecy by them) a few days ago, on a mannequin tip we never followed up from months ago. Ever so glad he remembered!!!!!

Remember when I said I was up to somethin' a few posts back? Well. It's looking pretty solid that in February we will open our own Vintage store in downtown PDX. AAAAHHHHHCCCKKKK! So, so excited. This will mean a monstrous change in my current schedule, but I'm ready. I've dreamed about this for over 15 years now, and this is too good of a thing to pass up. The vintage "mall" scene here in PDX has served me well - been quite good to me in fact, but I am ready to take things completely into my own hands. I am quite lucky to have the full support and help of my partner. One of the latest phone calls he made was on these beauties....

All original 1975 Decter mannequins. I think 12 in all. Wow, wow, wow. There is no way we'll be able to fit all of them into the store, but I could not pass up these collectible mannequins for the scream-worthy price they were. True, we have some sorting and putting back together to do - but I don't care!!!!! They are gorgeous!!! I have to go back tomorrow to pick up the rest - it was so fun driving in the little Geo Metro with it packed full of "bodies". The group photo was them waiting on our buildings front porch to get carried inside. It's super fun carrying mannequins around - you get all sorts of funny comments and questions. I highly recommend it sometime.
I'll keep you posted on the unfolding dream!

Pretty Pictures and More Portland Love

2010-01-08T22:51:00.000-08:00

Seriously. Everyday I stumble on something new in this city that makes my little heart go "thump". It usually involves traveling that fine line that runs through everything; interconnected, if you will.

For example, this savvy woman I know here in Portland by the name of Britt Howard founded and runs the Portland Garment Factory. It's the only production house in PDX for local designers. Pretty cool, huh? I was perusing her website, only to discover that she has her own line of bebe attire that is so darn cute it makes me smile out loud. I did not even know! It is called Babooshka. It is certified adorable.

I also had the pleasure of looking through her client list (you can too) and finally checked out the collections of local designers I hear about constantly. I've been out here about 5 years now, but I am still discovering new shops, new people, new neighborhoods daily. It's a big ol' city!

Kate Towers is a local (iconic) PDX designer that just made me pleasantly sigh and daydream about visiting the Oregon Coast, and Sauvie Island. Her collections are titled such, and the on-spot photography is so perfect at showcasing the clothing and locale. I had to share! Def gave my heart the little flutter. If only it weren't in the forecast to rain buckets this weekend... Sauvie Island is only a 20 minute drive from PDX. Le sigh. I can always wear the clothes no matter the weather, right? Well, as long as there are proper shoes and coats to go along. I have a feeling I will be bombarding you all with more local fashion tidbits in my future posts. Brace yourselves for more pretty pictures.

Today's Texture is...

2010-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

...fuzz! As in, the camera's taking blurry pictures. I'm wearing a new obsession - velvet. Travis sometimes has amazing textured "morning" hair. We're all warm and fuzzy over here today, which is great since it's COLD outside!!

The photos do zero justice to this lush, chocolate brown silk velvet top I got from a fellow vintage gal, Charlotte, here in Portland. It drapes perfectly and is so soft, it's all I want to wear. I do wish the color showed up a little better! So rich! She just opened her own store in South East PDX - called PALACE. It's sure to please.

Go check it out if you're in the vicinity of SE Belmont, which also has one of my favorite little shops NOUN. They have a darn cute blog, too. Portland is my favorite!!!

First "Me" purchase of 2010!!!

2010-01-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a little behind, it's almost been an entire week of this new year thing... but this morning I finally purchased this 100% completely amazing, very unique sweater from kennedyholmes on Etsy! I have been looking at it daily for the last couple of weeks. *LOVE* I realize I also missed the boat with the whole sequins for New Years thing - and I am usually quite hesitant to wear them, but this piece basically calls to me. It's sequined peacock feathers, for goodness sake! *DOUBLE LOVE* The seller also has an amazing blog you can check out here.

Here's some more feather gems found on Etsy, oh-so cruelly tempting me....

Azure Hairpiece @ Jennypickle Designs

50's Cashmere Beaded Peacock Feather Sweater @ Greygardens Vintage

Swirls of Feathers vintage hat @ The Vintage Maven

Long Maxi Peacock Dress @ Spun Sugar Vintage

Fresh for Etsy!

2010-01-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

A little weekend shop update, mostly that glorious fashion essential called "shoes". Enjoy!

All can be found at Redhedgingerbread on Etsy, here.

Thrifting, for the Birds

2010-01-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

Of course this year is staring off like the last few... immediately going thrifting!! Many stores in my area had New Years Day specials and I hit a few favorites. Have not done an outfit post in a while, but yes, I am still wearing clothes (whew!). Yesterday was a call to comfort since a lot of digging was sure to be had. Unfortunately I could only get fuzzy pictures of my shirt - but it's so completely awesome! It's this graphic of warm fall leaves and colors... with upside down mermaids drifting through! Weird. I love it. Definitely designed under the influence of seventies drugs.

As you can see, I still have not touched my hair, but it is getting increasingly annoying to me as-is. So undecided.

I found soooooo many goodies yesterday, including a couple of charming bird themed kitchen wares to add to my collection. A wooden bird bottle opener! Old silver toned fancy pants bird
S&P shakers! My taste is so all over the place (danish styled simple vs. extravagant embellished) but at least the theme is the same... birds! Oh, how I do love them.

I also found a brand new Tuleh polka dot mini. Um, yeah. Thank you thrift store for $9.99 - I love you. Watch for it in a more spring themed post!

The Comeback Kid

2009-12-29T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hello! No, I have not morphed into a hardcore punk band, or an 80's TV show - but I do feel like I'm making a bit of an appearance after thoroughly neglecting my blogging for many days. I was swallowed whole by the holiday, traveling, and consuming massive amounts of chocolate. Seemed to be a gift of choice to us from relatives...... I can literally feel the cavities forming.
Time has been taken up as well by some possibly-maybe exhilarating stuff that just might eat up even more of my time if it comes to fruition; but I can't spill the beans just yet! Oh, the suspense. Oh, the possibilities.
To distract you from my vague description of what I've been consumed with - here's what I got for Christmas!!! Thanks everyone!!

Whoo hoo! Subscription to my favorite mag!

Little Twig & Bird Necklace from my brother - purchased at MDsparks on Etsy!

My brakes fixed on my Geo Metro! Hooray! Mine is actually blue, not red like this cutie. Believe it or not I've hauled a Lafer couch, a monstrous 1970's electric organ, and many a long lowboy dresser in this puppy. Just not all at the same time.

And... yes, I'm a dork but this is the thing I did not get for Christmas that I really want. An 80's Toyota Van Wagon. It would help greatly for lugging mid century furniture around in, and it is soooooooo bad ass. I obviously adore the boxy look in my vehicles. Maybe next year!

Nice to "see" you all again and now I'm off to catch up reading everyone's blogs.....

Oh! ... Aslo an Etsy Update!

2009-12-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

Too worried about my hair, sorry. Find this authentic Givenchy knit top, Equestrian scarf, Adorned fancy top, and Puff Sleeve sweetheart blouse @Redhedgingerbread on Etsy!!! ......blondehedgingerbread? Does NOT roll off the tongue......

Wrestling with a Blonde (Ambition)

2009-12-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

So. Here I am again.

About once a year I have hair meltdown. I get really tired of my current 'do and wish for something else. Short, layered, long, bangs; whatever I don't have. At least 5 times, I've gone all out and bleached the holy hell out of my hair. The first time I did it I did not warn anyone I was going to, and it was SOOOOOO fun! It's only hair, right? Why not!? I went to an Aveda salon, since I knew I was going to fry my hair and thought they would probably do it the most gentle and "natural" way possible.... boy was I wrong.

I ended up losing about 5 inches of hair because the gal literally did fry my hair. It was super bleach blonde (see first photo) and was fun for a few months. Then I went red again, then I have been doing this blonde thing every so often. I do it, end up chopping my hair, get tired of it, then try to grow my hair out back to what it was until I was like, 14, and first had my hair cut.
Long and red!

I am impatient. I am unsatisfied. I am unruly.... why the heck would someone with a blog titled "redhedgingerbread" change her hair color? Because, it is just hair after all, and my fiery headed nature and pink complexion will scream again at some point for red locks. It always happens. But ever since I first tried blonde.... that happens too!! I am currently in the midst of this cyclical obsession. Ahck.

I need help. Blonde again for a while and blow the whole premise of my blog title (which BTW my momma has called me ever since I can remember)??? Or patience and let it be..... or maybe I could just chop it and that's that. I've posted a pic of me with the short and red thing here.

Life should not be this dificult. Joking. Advice, please.

Vintage, The Final Frontier

2009-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

Phase two of the Etsy shop update.... kind of. These are some goodies that won't actually make their way into the shop until tonight, but I'm excited to get them out into the world! Also, I don't really have any grand execution plan going for stocking my little online shop - but it's rather fun to refer to getting something done as a phase. Pretending like I do actually have a schedule or something ;-)

All of these seem rather futuristic to me. The two wool dresses are 60's mod and the cranberry one literally SCREAMS Star Trek, no? If it were not wool it would be mine, mine, mine to keep. I had to hold my breath and yell internally while trying these on for photos, wool does a crazy number on me but some of the best vintage clothes are composed of the warm stuff. Sigh.

I took more than 100 pictures yesterday (close to 200!) so I'm pluggin' along and will keep you updated on my, ahem, phases. See you soon!

It's the Little Things...

2009-12-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

Oh my, have I been crazy busy trying to get caught up here from being gone for a week (which was almost a whole other week ago!).... no time this morning for getting pics of an outfit or any online finds.... So, here are some random photos saved on my computer.

Each of these makes me happy for different reasons - the little lion toy was mine when I was little, my mom just recently found it and gave it to me all over again (thanks mom, I love him!). He's a little music box that dances when you wind him up. *love*
Then there's this random bug picture from late this past summer... we were walking up the stairs to our apartment building and noticed this praying mantis hanging out on a cement pillar. We moved it to the courtyard on a big old plant and spent a long time watching it "watch" us! These little creatures are so cool; a little creepy how they turn their heads to look at you - unexpected for an insect.

The paintings were done by my man, taken at an art show he was in a few months ago. I think I'll do a post on it soon - it was quite a production with over 100 artists in an old retirement home being turned into artist lofts. The birdman one is definitely one of my favorite works of his.

Of course, no random picture/ happiness post would be complete without one of my favorite things in the universe... plants!! These are the ones living on our dining room table and windowsill.

Back to more fashion and vintage topics tomorrow, have a wonderful day!!

Time For Some Tweed! (and other stuff)

2009-12-13T00:04:00.000-08:00

Whew! Finally did phase one of my Etsy shop update planned for the weekend... Portland was under a "Severe Weather Watch" today but nothing really happened... except for me finally staying home and listing. Ha.

Here's some of my favorites, starting with the most scrumptious warm toned Harris Tweed skirt pictured above...

Diane Von Furstenberg Seventies Blouse

Swedish Wool Tweed Suit

Chocolate Velvet Polka Dot Blazer

Pink Victorian Styled Crochet Collar

THE BEST Pendleton 49er Jacket

Watch for many more vintage items coming soon!

Mamma Mia, Via Spiga!

2009-12-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

I have a habit of getting stuck on certain brands that I love. I seek them out on thrifting adventures and sometimes with a bit of luck and persistence, it's like I can will them to me. "Via Spiga shoes size 8.5-9, come to me!!" Obviously, Via Spiga is one such brand.

Italian made and always gorgeous, these shoes are quality crafted and many styles exude a little pointy-toe thing I can't help but LOVE. Such is the case with my two most recent scores; the braided leather gems I'm wearing today came from the Goodwill nearest my apartment, and the ones that came in the mail while I was away. Oh! Mustard yellow suede and soooooo comfortable.... I might wear those tomorrow. Thanks go to Etsy store Splendor in the Trash for these beauties. And they were a great price. Thank you!!

I found some recent styles online that i am tempted by, including these royal blue booties that have been an eBay search of mine for a long time now. And these stone grey lovlies on Zappo's right now, double oh! Off I go to consciously use my subconscious for designer fashion treasures at the thrift stores......... wish me luck!

Holiday Gear!

2009-12-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Michigan.... I've been consumed with getting ready for my trip home and the actual trip home; so I've neglected my blogging a bit! I wish I had pictures of all the amazing stuff I stocked my spaces in Oregon with - hopefully it will sell during the week I'm absent, but if not I'll feature some on a blog next week. Ahem, Ingmar Relling Highback Siesta Chair.... if you are still there when I return I maybe would like to have you come live at my house.......... I still can't believe I found one!!!

On to the topic of this overdue post - the Holidays! I am plopped in a recliner at my parents house currently, using my little brother's laptop (thank you!) and glancing out at the pretty little christmas tree my mom has on the back porch. I'm actually shocked that there is not an overabundance of holiday gear up around the house - my mom has been in the floral business since she was 15 and goes ALL OUT on holiday decor. She is however, the busiest woman I know and has been especially busy this year. Usually there are 3, yes 3, christmas trees up in the house! I have zero decor up at my house - honestly have not even thought about it except for the lovely features I have seen fellow bloggers post. It dawned on me that I have few "holiday-esque" items up for sale in the ol' Etsy shop and time's running out to feature them!

So, here are my Etsy shop picks for the holidays... enjoy! You can find them at redhedgingerbread, of course. Actually that sounds a bit holiday themed in itself, eh?

"...for those of us who knew her, she will be remembered as a hell of a girl"

2009-11-29T00:47:00.000-08:00

Still on my "vintage" 80's kick....... I have watched Wim Wenders 1987 movie "Wings of Desire" a few times, the most recent being a couple nights ago. If you have never seen this movie I highly recommend it; my boyfriend introduced me to it and it gets me every time. Definitely not action packed, most of the dialogue was written by avant-garde Autrian novelist Peter Handke. Absolutely gorgeous. There's also a bonus appearance by the one and only Nick Cave if you're into that - which I totally, completely am.
The German-French actress Solveig Dommartin is astounding in her role, and I've always admired her but tonight I decided to look up a bit of info on her. I was sad to discover that she passed away in 2007.

She has this very approachable and delicate beauty. In this movie she stars as a circus trapeze artist and I just learned that for this role, she learned the art of the trapeze in just 8 WEEKS and did all her own stunts. Our household just declared her our own personal hero. Can you imagine??
I only featured images of her from Wings of Desire - however she was in several movies (note to self to go rent them!). I found this article online that struck me at once with the first line.....

"She was the beautiful trapeze artist who enticed an angel down from heaven in Wings of Desire, but for those of us who knew her, she will be remembered as a hell of a girl."

Hello! ....c'est moi

2009-11-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, oh boy! I received my first "tag" from Gina at Huzzah! Vintage......and I AM SO EXCITED!! I'm still pretty fresh to this online world of blogging and this just makes my little day. Thank you! Do you see all the exclamation points I'm using here? Here goes:

1. Your hair? inspired my nickname (redhedgingerbread) given to me by my mom, actual hair inherited from my dad.

2. Your favorite food? baked beans; seriously.

3. Your favorite drink? Earl Grey Tea with soymilk - like clockwork every morning.

4. Your dream/goal? living it! still pinching myself, too!

5. Your hobby? pretending I'm a race car driver, but only on back roads :-)

6. Your fear? falling down. I have a really hard time going down stairs/escalators/hills without talking myself through the process.......

7. Where were you last night? Washougal, WA with my man's fam.

8. Something you say all the time? probably should not repeat it here (I've a sailor's mouth)

9. Something that you're not? demure

10. Wishlist Item? original, pristine early 50's ranch house. Oh, yeah.

11. Last thing you did? took tons of Etsy pictures employing the amazing set-up my honey crafted for me!

12. What are you wearing? a smile from being tagged, and the remnants of a scrunched brow from talking to the guys at the car shop (the Geo's currently there; no race car driving any time soon)

13. Your pets? Max & Petey, peeping away right now

14. Friends? each and every one is too far away; different states, different country (hi Joy!) - all have been treasured since the good ol' Adrian High School Days.

15. Missing someone? Joy

16. Something you're not wearing? gloves?

17. Your favorite store? can't tell; it's an endless source of vintage treasures and the Portland market is FIERCE.

18. Your favorite color? royal / electric blue

19. The last time you cried? can't remember

20. Whens the last time you laughed? this morning

21. One place that I go to over and over? *see #17*

22. Where do you eat? at home, on the couch. most meals are had in the Geo, however.

Whew! OK, I tag these fine people:

Rebekah at Shell
The Ladies at Blaubushka
Brianne at BrianneLee
Mel at Curious Mel
The Ladies at Xtabay Vintage

Art Nouveau, Arizona and Oxfords

2009-11-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

Today is all about the accessory side of life; pretty neutral attire in a black blouse and caramel colored skirt and not enough time to edit those pictures to look halfway decent. So! I'll showcase my all time favorite necklace and my most comfortable little shoes.

My dad bought me this necklace in Jerome, Arizona when I moved out west several years ago. Jerome is this amazing tiny town perched in the mountains that was a mining town, then abandoned, then revived with artists taking up residence. This beauty was in a little silver jewelry shop and I do remember near-actual drooling when I spotted her. My dad bought it without me seeing and presented her to me later. Thank you dad!!!!

I shortened the chain a bit since it was pretty long and I always wear her on a black top to showcase even more. The shoes - not so fancy but essentially basic and deliciously comfortable! Hope everyone has a lovely day!

Kind-of Officially an Autumn Color - Pear!

2009-11-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

dress 1 - seams classic, brooch - hardpan poppy, dress 2 - the eves like us,
earrings - maryandjane handmade jewelry, bag - living doll vintage

So - I was eating this super delicious, perfectly ripe d'anjou pear today and admiring what a gorgeous hue of green it was. I want to wear this color! It first strikes me as more of a spring time color, but pears are usually harvested late summer into fall and winter.... so I am deeming it (for my own wardrobe, anyway) an official autumn color. Even though it's almost winter. Yum! Found lots of pear themed accessories as well. It was a fun search, all done on Etsy!

Comfort Clothing

2009-11-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

The skirt I am wearing today I found a few weeks ago while thrifting; and it is just the thing I need today. Warm textured wool with the most magnificent weave; super seventies styling and pattern, and I love it. Matched it with a comfy top and more coziness in the form of a thrifted Banana Republic cardigan. This outfit called to me after a little bit of sleeping in before starting my day and after an intensely weird day yesterday. Without going into too much detail it involved several things, including:

1. A customer that was one of the most perverted old men EVER. The truly creepy part is that there was an older woman with him, stone faced while he was doing not so nice things. Ick.

2. (Good part!) an amazing art show in NW PDX titled "Speakeasy", a collaboration between two local artists that are damn good.

3. Drunken person at the art show "performing" and stepping on my boyfriends super expensive Roland 505 in the name of "art". He also commented that he thought it was a cushion. Nope.

4. Said drunken person yelling in our face and startling my boyfriend and myself, causing beer to spill all over my "new" vintage silk polka dot dress. That I love, that now has to be dry cleaned and is hopefully (fingers crossed!) not completely ruined.

Uhg.
Not really a fashion post, but my cozy skirt does makes me feel better! Thanks for listening!

Etsy Hats Galore!

2009-11-19T11:15:00.001-08:00

I have made a tough decision. I am parting with two of my most absolute favorite vintage hats, that I never have actually worn except for pictures. I do enjoy wearing hats as accessories (and think everyone should help revive this wardrobe accent!) but I always seem to wear "darker" ones in browns and black. These beauties deserve a truly loving home where they can breathe a little fresh air and enjoy perching on some lovely head... instead of waiting patiently in a hat box in my closet. Sigh.

I am keeping (for now) this "dark" hat.... it's a real true Lilly Dache!!!! Eeeeee! It's black velvet with white leather trim and fits so comfortably. I'm diggin' the almost Amish vibe of it; that's what it makes me think of anyway. I had to keep blinking when I found it and looked at the label. Stoked.

Etsy is such a great resource for vintage hats, and modern crafted ones as well. I catch myself searching all the time for more. My absolute favorite hat shop on Etsy is Emilliner; every one is jaw dropping and finely detailed. The photography (shown below) is gorgeous as well. Oh!
Moral of the story - Hooray for hats!!!

Fresh for Etsy! (finally)

2009-11-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

Playing major catch up with adding a few new things to the Etsy shop... these lovely jackets were just a little too nice to put out for the general public to paw over. So, instead they are currently living on Etsy (actually, i guess they are shacking up in my apartment) where they are a bit more safe from 15 year olds drinking soda.
No offense to anyone that's fifteen! However, if you are indeed a fifteen year old girl that has spilled soda on vintage clothing at a store and left it to dry and damage, thinking no one saw you - shame on you. I've seen it happen and it ain't pretty. ....but these new listings are!

New Knit Obsession

2009-11-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

I found this sweater when my mom and I went thrifting last weekend. I am completely, utterly in love with it. Extremely soft and comfortable, heavenly fit, and the best little fuzzy mohair strips down the arms and side. This yummy caramel color has been one of my favorites since forever; I'm especially drawn to it in the cooler months since I turn super white.... it helps to add a little warmth to my pale demeanor.

Last night I went to see "Everyone Who Looks Like You", a production by Hand2Mouth Theatre based in Portland. It runs through November 22nd in PDX and then will tour to New York in January. Highly recommended!!!

sweater - thrifted
jeans - CK and thrifted!
jewelry - thrifted
bags under my eyes - genuine lack of sleep

The Same Thing, But Different.....

2009-11-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

This morning I'm still on this bird kick, as my little guys chirp away in the background....

I found these amazing birds on Etsy! Something I love just as much as things with feathers are things that are made of felt. Last year for Christmas I bought a hand felted bird from Tracye Chin Mueller for my mom and she absolutely loves it; it was packaged beautifully too. I visit her shop often to peek at her new creations; she makes all sorts of beautiful goodies including some fabulous jewelry.

You can also find this tiny original bird painting in my Etsy shop.

My Finely Feathered Friends

2009-11-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

Birds, birds, and more birds..... I know most everyone loves birds and I do too. Growing up my mom would always point them out and identify what kind they were, and give a little whistle or other example of how they sound. I am grateful for this knowledge now, and especially think of her when I hear a little chickadee or song sparrow. My mother actually taught my pet cockatiel the phrase "Wanna kiss?" followed by little smoochy noises, and I think of her when I hear him say that. Fortunately he has not picked up some of the on-purpose annoying phrases she tried to teach him... whew!

My cockatiel's name is Petey and he is insane. Everyone has their own little personality quirks, birds included. He is the grumpiest guy I have ever met, makes chicken noises each morning, loves pasta, and loves kisses on the head even though he is a grouch. I also have the most adorable monkey-keet in the entire universe. Max is a parakeet that uses his bird feet for ringing any bell he can get his "hands" on. When we first brought him home he tried to copy everything Petey did, and pulled off these crazy little flips and climbing feats that only a half monkey / half bird could do. They are the best!
Even though I've always loved outdoor birds and bird themed things, I never was a pet bird person. That is, until my mom and little brother gave me a lovebird when I moved out of the house. His name was Tabouli and he was the bird love of my life. He lived with me in Michigan, Arizona, Oregon, and even rode on a plane with me back to Michigan. I enjoyed his company for close to 8 years before he passed away.

Today I sported my most special bird jewelry! I found this heavy glass beaded necklace at one of the vintage malls I sell at - another vendor had it for $14!!! I love the falcon-like features of the birds, and the warm colors of it. It almost has an Egyptian vibe. Birds are truly special and enchanting little creatures, I think everyone should continue to appreciate them. What's your favorite bird thing?

Tabouli eating pancakes with hemp seed and veggie sausage - yum!

Head to Toe

2009-11-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

Today only allowed me to do a couple 'a those "hold the camera out and hope you're in the frame" pics. These are currently my absolute favorite shoes - they are vintage Italian suede beauties. When I found them I thought they surely would not fit me (most older shoes are teeny tiny!) so when I slipped them on and they did.... whoo hoo!

Not the best picture of my little cap, but it's a gem too. Coincidentally it's also Italian vintage (Joy in Italy, if you're reading this, I think you've aided a new fashion addiction!). I found it a couple of years ago when I went home to Michigan for a visit. It was alongside a gorgeous vintage Adolfo wool fedora; not the usual find in the little nitty gritty city I'm from. I still wonder how they got there. Of course I grabbed up both.
This little cap is one that basically perches on your head. I think wearing hats in general makes one stand a bit more straight, when you keep your head back it pulls your posture up naturally. All day I was thinking of a story my mother told me a long time ago, about her sister, my aunt Beverly. She was wearing a little cap of some sort and my mom asked her how she was managing to keep it on her head.... "Will power" was the reply.
Off to those Etsy listings I keep putting off........

Hello!

2009-11-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

My mom has been visiting me out here in Portland, and I have so enjoyed her visit!!! Right now we're drinking tea, gabbing, and deciding where to go for breakfast. I have missed the blogging world, and am anxious to jump back into it after a couple days of neglect..... my mom gave me some great ideas for posts that I'm excited about!

I've found a few exceptional clothing pieces over the last two days of shopping that will go on Etsy soon (like, hopefully tonight!). I will at least get a preview on here if nothing else. It's been a busy-busy week with lots of excitement and a few things I'm still bummed out about. One thing in particular that has been really maddening this past week is an extreme amount of theft at my brick and mortar vintage spot. Someone even went so far as to steal the hands off of my mannequin!!! She was (is?) an all original 1960's Belgian beauty. I was ecstatic when I found her and completely heartbroken when I discovered her missing hands. To put it bluntly, people suck. I'm glad my mom was here to help kind-of keep my temper in check....

This is the outfit I was wearing (all thrifted) when I discovered a pair of stolen Ferragamo's - another victim of people's suckiness. These were at the beginning of the day, note the smile :-) I LOVE this blouse! Royal blue, rust, and green in silk that's sooooooo comfortable. The necklace is vintage faceted glass, pretty heavy but pretty exceptional. OK - off to breakfast!

Procrastination + Appreciation

2009-11-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

Man, oh man, I am slow to get to my planned posts.... they seem to be straying from the original plan of updates on thrift store finds. Here's one that does stick to the original blog framework, meant for Monday and appearing on (almost) Wednesday. Sunday evening Travis and I stepped out to a North PDX bar and had a blast. Here's what our second hand laden closet provided:

dress - oh! not thrifted, but mega clearance at Forever 21
black leather and chrome snake belt - the Bins!
cowboy boots - thrifted
jewelry - thrifted and gifted

vintage wool army jacket - thrifted
tee - thrifted
Levi 501's - thrifted
shoes - Van's

I am incredibly lucky that he loves thrifting as well; he even has a space at Vintage Pink selling men's vintage. He is so dang good at it, too!! His eye for detail and actually finding mens quality pieces amazes me. Today we drove to Vancouver to visit our favorite spots there - the Geo Metro is full and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow pricing and emptying the car so I can pick my momma up from the airport at night. Happily, all she wants to do while she's visiting is...... go thrifting. Of course, she's who started me on all this in the first place! Thanks mom!

OMG

2009-11-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, wow, wow!!!! I just stumbled upon the most amazing vintage online store, and am positive that I am waaaaaayyy behind the times and everyone else must surely know of it.... however if you do not - you should!

Stocked with the most amazing selection of awe inspiring pieces I have ever seen, Dorothea's Closet Vintage is the type of experience that makes me question my place in the universe - wardrobe wise, that is. Why do I even own jeans?

I used to play this game when I was little girl (OK, I still do) that whatever I picked out of a magazine would magically be shipped to me the following week. I had to be very selective about what I chose, and I could not skip any pages or change my mind. Sadly, this wishing game never actually resulted in a gigantic shipment of parcels addressed to me full of clothing and home decor. I just caught myself playing this imaginary game while perusing Dorothea's Closet. I want everything! So lovely.

Thanks to LuLu's Vintage Blog for turning me onto this gem! OK, back to on-line dreaming...

Fresh for Etsy!

2009-11-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

Gosh darn it, if I didn't forget I bought a showcase spot on Etsy for today!!! Spent all morning actually taking a day off and not running back and forth between the two brick and mortar locations I sell vintage wares at........

It was actually a lovely morning and I don't regret it - but I did intend to load up the little Etsy shop with goodies! C'est la vie. I got all of three new things listed, and my pile of items needing photo's and listings is whispering to me loudly from across the room. I thought it was next weekend!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend and a safe and super exciting Halloween. Take care!

My "Creepy" Hat

2009-10-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! No big plans other than the usual Saturday thrift-fest.... but I decided to wear something a little festive. This hat is to die for, but I usually get "that's creepy" comments when I wear it, so it seemed Halloween-ish enough.

My pics do it no justice what so ever; it's handmade from vintage silk scarves and ties with an exquisite little bird skull and a perfect plume of shiny black feathers. It's on loan to me from my friend Brooke Weston, and the lovely person that crafted it for her is Alicia Justus - both are local Portland artists. Both ladies (along with my man) show their work at the NW Portland Gallery Cannibal's. I encourage anyone in the vicinity to go check this place out - it will change you! Absolutely packed full of art, it's almost like a museum more than a gallery. The exquisite woman that owns and curates it, Pamela Springfield, is like no other, she is a delight and knowledgeable about every piece and everything! Trust me, you NEED one of these hats. Utter perfection. Each one is unique, hand made, and being made of silk - weigh nothing. As far as I know they are exclusively available at Cannibal's.

*BONUS* right next door is the owner's other shop, one of Portland's oldest vintage clothing stores "Keep 'em Flying". Jaw dropping assortment of pristine clothing for gals and guys!

Please take a moment to watch these clips of Alicia (the hat maker) and Pamela (the gallery owner) to restore any faith you may have lost in the potential for humans to be divinely stylish creatures.

Alicia Justus *** Pamela Springfield

More Shameless Promotion of My Best Friends Work

2009-10-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

OK - so I've posted before (and I know I have not been doing this too long) pictures of my best friends jewelry. Her work is so breath taking however, that I just have to show you again! Her name is Joy and she moved to Florence, Italy several years ago. Here is a link to her Etsy store, A Thousand Joys. I miss her greatly, but I know she is happy and doing what she is meant to be doing.

We've been friends since high school. At first viewed as "competition", I would always see this freshman (i was a sophomore) wearing the COOLEST vintage. We had an art class together finally and the rest is history. She had this bad ass old blue Chevy Corvair we had lots of adventures in, and what seemed like an endless supply of amazing clothing from her grandma's house. We've known each other for many lifetimes, I am sure of it, and always seem to be in synch with what life hands us. Currently, it's nurturing our passion for what we've talked about wanting to do since we first met. I always wanted to make a living selling vintage. She always wanted to make jewelry. And what a glorious job she is doing!

The first jewelry photo is a custom piece my boyfriend had her make for my birthday. Exquisite little sterling locket for me to place my treasures in. You can imagine that this was pretty much the best present in the entire universe; created by two of my most favorite people. Every time I see a new piece she's created I want everyone to see it, so please have a look. Lovely, no?
Love you so much Joy!!!!

A belt is a flexible band, typically made of leather or heavy cloth, and worn around the waist.

2009-10-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

Belts! I've been pretty into them as of late, and yesterday (I'm developing a habit of posting a day behind...) my day was all about my belt. My mom thrifted it for me in Michigan a few months ago. She has a keen vintage eye, that momma of mine. It's gorgeous, supple tooled leather with a perfect fit and equestrian feel. Naturally, the 'ol riding boots had to be a part of this day as well.

Today is going to be filled with steel wool, orange oil, and Brasso (restoring a mid century serving cart) so my get up is hardly post worthy, but it does include this little vintage felted wool belt. LOVE! It's hand embroidered with the most perfect tiny flowers; made in Switzerland. Do any of you ever head straight to the accessory section at your favorite thrift store? Sometimes I think fellow vintage enthusiasts forget about the divine little treasures to be had here..... shh, don't tell them!!!

Vintage 'Do

2009-10-25T21:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I wore this gorgeous bright, bright teal I. Magnin silk dress thrifted recently. I spent seriously close to a half an hour steaming the dang thing in the morning, only to put it on, climb in my car, and promptly set wrinkles in it for the day. Le sigh.... Anyhoo, I had been planning on wearing it for a couple days (I do indeed have daydreams about outfits) and thought a sexy, curly hairdo would go nicely. However! I have relatively short hair and always seem to forget that when I use a lot of curlers on it - I get poodle hair!!!

I worked with it, and it turned out alright. Reminded me vaguely of a 20's style 'do, and each and every time I think of the roaring 20's... I think of the eighties! Again with the eighties, I know. Why? Because of the TV sitcom "Down to Earth". Does anyone remember this??? I so completely loved this show (even though it was horrible), and the theme song is stuck FOREVER in my noggin. It was about Ethel, this flapper from the 1920's that got squashed by a trolley, sent to heaven, and then sent back to earth to help this 1980's family out. Included a link, so that the song may be stuck forever in your noggin as well.

On the Home Front...

2009-10-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Today, like yesterday, is starting off pretty rainy and gray here in PDX. I am about to venture out with umbrella soon - but yesterday I was completely uninspired to do anything clothes related, including getting dressed until well after 3pm. I consider this a day off; however there was a lot of dusting, sweeping, and plant tending involved.

I was inspired to take pictures of my clean apartment and am hereby inundating you with pictures of my home space. Being in the vintage biz means my poor apartment is constantly changing furniture pieces. I find things I like a little better than what I already have frequently. It's getting closer and closer to "forever" pieces, but we still need more space to even accommodate what's already here! The walls are COVERED, since many friends are artists, and my boyfriend is an artist. I've already mentioned the plant situation.

Our apartment building was built in 1910 and is a historical property on the most western edge of downtown PDX. I included a web found image of the building from a little sunnier day than today! Love, love, love it here but the daydream of owning a home continues........

I Can't Help It Sometimes....

2009-10-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

...that I find myself dressing out of the eighties! I was born in the late seventies, so my awareness of clothing and style blossomed around the same time the Swatch hit it's peak. Several years in a row for Halloween I dressed up as Cyndi Lauper. All through middle school I wore tons of abstract leggings with a little tiered lace skirt over them (guess I didn't really need to wait for Halloween!). Or with over sized T-shirts. Pony tail with scrunchy hung low. Polka dots. More polka dots. At least 50 gummy bracelets on each wrist, along with my pink and purple Swatch; wish i still had it!

So, at times even in my "adult life" I put on some clothes, look in the mirror, and think.... "Ha! I look like Molly Ringwald was my stylist!"

Today was one of those days. I have this amazing French wiggle skirt I found at the bins, that I always seem to end up wearing little 80's suede booties with. Then I needed some color. Then I needed a belt. Then, a darlin' little handbag - this one i got just yesterday. It's a 1950's, perfect condition black matte velvet with lucite clasp. I LOVE IT! ...and it fits in with the whole 80's does 50's revival thing. See? It just happens. I can't help it.

The Weekend Bounty

2009-10-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Finally did some shopping this weekend... Started out a little dry and disappointing, but my last stop on Saturday was like a little vintage cornucopia! Unfortunately I want to keep everything. There are a couple pieces I am 'fer sure calling mine forever, including this heavy Danish teak chair with leather straps. SO COMFORTABLE! I love, love, love it and it was only $7. Oh, yeah.

I also found this crazy dress with these little birds, owls, and foliage. It's pretty trippy, and my style is an off balance mix between classic pieces and bizarre. So of course I have to keep this dress. Plus it kind-a screams Halloween / Autumn to me so it was perfect timing on finding it!

I snapped a picture of a past treasure found at the PDX Bins (I will dedicate an entire post to this insane place in the future... any Adrian, MI readers that remember the little "secret" Goodwill over by the fairgrounds - imagine that times 200!). It's a Laurel Mushroom Floor Lamp that I have been smitten with the past year. My new little chair complements it beautifully, and I am now more in love with my apartment. Hooray! Now, if every weekend this fall can be a repeat of this one..... I will be one perma-grin sporting gal!

Seeing Red

2009-10-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

Today I realized something. I need a pair of red shoes! I have enough of it in my wardrobe that it would be the perfect accent on my feet. I am pretty unpredictable in my color choices (I do catch myself wearing a lot of blues and browns), but deep reds seems to be creeping in more often lately. I just spent the last hour on Etsy searching for my ruby slippers and found some amazing options. I am tempted to commit to all of them!

top - Heeled Mocs @ Lucky Vintage Seattle
middle - Oxfords @ Lisazein
bottom - Mary Jane's @ Pineapplemint

Officially Funktified Feet

2009-10-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I found these Miu Miu shoes this summer at the thrift store on the corner (my favorite one). I was saving them to sell with fall shoes at my brick and mortar shop.... but they went with my outfit today! They are not a style I am usually drawn to, being monstrous heels. They are definitely not vintage and have ultra modern styling... pretty funky. However, they are crazy comfortable and make me feel somehow "official" since they are Miu Miu, after all. I'll give 'em a whirl today and see if the feeling lasts. Bye!

dress - thrifted
jewelry - gifted and thrifted
shoes - thrifted for $12.99!!!!!! (!!!!!)

My heart skips a beat...

2009-10-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

...each time I look at these shoes. These are the type of shoes I would build an entire outfit around. Perfect, pristine condition. The type of shoes that are comfy enough to wear anywhere, and will surely fetch comments anywhere.

Alas, they do not fit me. My poor heart.

Just listed on Etsy.

Sigh.

Portland = Pendleton

2009-10-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Living in the Pacific Northwest and being an avid second-hand shopper means that I find TONS of Pendleton goodies. I recall finding a cropped Pendleton blazer in my Michigan high school days; my mother mentioned "that's a really nice brand".
Now that I am in the homeland of this label, I can fully appreciate how amazing Pendleton goods are. Classic, well constructed, warm and super stylish. I found these great old advertisements for them (I have never found matching Pendleton family pieces... but can you imagine??), along with a couple fabulous pieces available on Etsy right this very minute.

Pendleton Long Cardigan @ NodtoMod Vintage

Pendleton Plaid Coat @ Triple Gemini

....and does this new collaboration / collection from Opening Ceremony & Pendleton make you drool or what? I am so ready for chilly weather!

Fresh for Etsy!

2009-10-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

Just listed this oh-so-gorgeous vintage wool skirt set on Etsy..... I wish I could wear wool!! It is the PERFECT fall material of hounds tooth in caramel, cream and black. Lovely little details and mod fit.

Off to find more.....

Biker Chic

2009-10-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

My dad has collected and restored old Harley's for as long as I can remember - my brother and I got to ride on them (with him) a handful of times; but they are museum quality pieces so he doesn't really burn rubber on 'em too much. Recently he sent me some pictures of his 1959 Sportster and other bikes, along with with some old pictures he'd found online of the same model motorcyles. They just happen to include these fashionable ladies. He titled the picture with the more approachable looking gal on the old Indian bike "In fashion for 1938". Love it!

I looked at them this morning and got inspired to wear these extra tall black leather boots I thrifted last month. They are perfectly worn-in and comfy. Buckles, studs and bad ass.

top - new (on sale!)
jeans - David Kahn, thrifted
boots - thrifted
jewelry - thrifted and gifted

Hurry Up and Grow!

2009-10-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Last few days have been pretty hectic and rushed; lots of hurrying around town. This morning is starting the same - but I really truly want to make this blog part of my daily happenings....

So here is a quick little post with zero fashion material - featuring the jungle known as my apartment. My mother taught me to appreciate all life, plus she's a Horticulture teacher. This results in my inability to toss out any little leaf or stem that breaks off of a plant, and to take super good care of them. At last count there were over 100 plants in my tiny downtown apartment. They live in old cookie jars, retro dishes, jars and glasses of water. It is indeed a jungle. I love it.

Hope they make you smile!

Fresh for Etsy!

2009-10-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, my. Seriously one of the most exquisite garments I've ever touched - this little number just went on Etsy this morning. It is insanely small (24" waist!), and destined for a pixie sized gal.

The pictures in no way do it justice. It's Parisian made; labeled with "Le Grand Maison de Blanc".... all I could find on Google for this label is that they were a fine linen producer in Paris, but my search was short lived so I intend to dig deeper tonight. I actually found several pieces with this label at an estate sale, I imagine the prior owner to be quite the refined lady!

If anyone has knowledge on this piece beyond what I do - please share!! Thank you!

Got 'Ya Covered

2009-10-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

LOVE this hat! Wool with little suede accents. I think someone added them, and I love them for it. I think I will just wear this today and then it will end up in one of my shops. Why? Oh, I have about 20 hats already..... but isn't this one outstanding?!

hat - thrifted
sweater - thrifted
jewels - gifted and made by moi

Art Show!

2009-10-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Last night was First Thursday in Portland; all the galleries in the Pearl District are open with new shows up and it's basically this huge art walk. Travis had work in two shows - at Pearl Gallery and Framing and Cannibals. Each was a Halloween / Day of the Dead themed show, with several artists participating. Here's some little snippets of his work... and him!

I've been itching to go thrifting... I think I may venture out today! On the hunt for fall clothing and boots, boots, boots! Wish me luck.

Brr!

2009-09-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Alright, alright..... now I give in. Autumn finally hit Portland. Fine. However! Now I can wear one of my most favorite things; scarves made by my mom. This one made it's 2009 appearance last night when we went out for some late night grocery shopping. I love every single thing my mother makes for me (she is one of those universally talented humans - she can do anything!), but so far this is my favorite, favorite oh-i-love-it scarf.

The texture. The colors. The warmth. The love. Yep, this is it.

Also featured are some new things for Etsy! just took the pics, the listings will happen tonight. The pins are from the 60's. The kitties are vintage Murano glass from Italy STILL IN THE BOX! Oh, treasure.

Whale Hunt

2009-09-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

First of all - I completely 100% do NOT support whale hunting! In the form of a small wooden vintage stapler however, my opinion can be swayed. Found this little guy a couple days ago, but he was buried beneath other goodies until this morning when I finally unpacked the bag. Got the little warm fuzzies of finding it all over again.

This dress was an exceptional find at an estate sale - $6!!! It's silk and has a small matching bow belt. It was the only piece of clothing left; I think because the hem was out. Who cares!?

Fixed it up (thanks mom, I really did pay attention to you showing me how to hem!) and tried it on today...... great find!

Summer Endures

2009-09-23T10:39:00.001-07:00

So much for the first few days of Autumn.... it's 87 degrees in Portland! I am definitely not complaining. I keep sneaking more and more little sweaters and jackets out of storage, but there really is no need for them yet.

I have always and forever loved Art Nouveau; I found a couple of seventies revival art pieces this week and got inspired to recreate the look. I especially love this dress because of the ease and comfort of wearing it.... a little like pajama's!! I am a bit in love with the rainbow that showed up on my armpit. (!)

dress - thrifted
jewelry - all gifted

Fresh for Etsy!

2009-09-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some coming attractions to the Etsy shop - this next week is scheduled for TONS of picture taking and listing. My poor closet has been so full for so long of clothing I've been waiting to list..... what am I waiting for? Sheesh.

Enjoyed a nice Sunday not doing too much; I did not even buy anything! OK, well maybe a little blackberry tart from Grand Central Bakery..... yum. A girl's allowed a treat every now and then, right?

Strange Days

2009-09-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

What a trip September the 18th was. Good things; bad things. First, I found some treasure including the teeinest tiniest yellow feather from my little parakeet Max. Then I found this amazing old picture album filled with black and white shots from the seventies. Unfortunately all of them (including the plastic cover pages) are stuck for eternity to the album..... but they are so cool! I included a couple of my favorites and there are lots more, including some outdoor party where everyone is sitting on Herman Miller shell chairs! Sigh.

Also included is another earring feature; these were lovingly crafted by my boyfriend, Travis. They are like miniature picture frames for the ears - sandwiched between glass is another little stack of glass and love notes. Double sigh. They were a gift when we first started dating over 3 years ago.

The icky part of yesterday was that Travis had a bicycle stolen from the vintage shop we both sell at. Boo! I get so utterly and completely mad when theft occurs - being an Aries Horse combo I think I was actually more upset about it than he was...... still am! Oh well, que sera sera. Bring on today!

spectacular!

2009-09-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

OK - since I was wearing those lovely silver earrings yesterday, it prompted me to take a peek at Joy's shop on Etsy to see what she's created most recently...... exquisite! I am so proud of her and think everyone in the entire world needs to see these beauties! Each piece is breath taking. Have a look-see.

A Thousand Joys

busy bee

2009-09-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today went totally not as planned; but was quite productive! Originally set for doing some out of town thrifting, I ended up completely rearranging one of the spaces I sell at. As I was dropping one table off, another sold! Hooray! However, any time a large piece of furniture sells it leaves a huge gap in the flow of retro-ness. I included a couple pics of my space at Vintage Pink on SE Hawthorne in Portland. It's a little bit of everything!

Here's my "game face" for today...

Blouse - part of a skirt set; thrifted
Pants - Levi's vintage "Sta Prest" Italian gems; thrifted
Shoes - thrifted
Earrings - hand crafted by my best friend, Joy http://www.athousandjoys.etsy.com

Procrastination be gone!

2009-09-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

What better way to spend a rainy Wednesday evening than finally getting a blog started? I'll start with the basics..... Hello! My name is Christine; I have lived in Portland, Oregon for almost 4 years. I hail from Michigan and even though I am often caught dissing it, I've been accused of having some pretty fierce pride for the place. I live with my boyfriend, Travis (love of my life) and two birds. I have an intense love of hummus, carved wooden animals, tea, and silver jewelry. I'm a vintage peddler and have sold in one form or another for a span of over 10 years. It's been my full time gig for the last year and a half and I LOVE IT. Hence, a blog. I will be sharing my treasure hunting stories, pictures and other random bits starting now. Whew! Did it!