Fall is here...

I don't love cold weather, but when it starts getting chilly, I can't help but get excited--it's sweater time. I love sweaters. I feel like my wardrobe doubles in fall and winter with the addition of cardigans, boxy wool sweaters, acrylic gems, and the celebrated Christmas sweater. I've had a bad flu/cold this past week, and nothing makes me feel better than good soup and an oversize grandpa cardigan. Lovely.

the most thoughtful gift

My husband has taught me to love giving gifts. Giftcards, while valuable and good in their own right (I love keeping my itunes stocked) just aren't the same as a gift that has been personally selected. Now I love finding gifts that I genuinely think the recipient would enjoy. My only complaint is not having enough money to give my #1 choice. (Some day!)

For me, a found vintage gift is sacred. It means someone thought enough of me to give a one of a kind gift, something that they could have kept to themselves, but didn't. My favorite gifts I give are ones I would rather keep myself. The sacrifice is tough, but it makes me feel like I'm giving a piece of myself to the person. Not all gifts have to be vintage, or handmade, local, organic, green, all that stuff I feel like I'm reading about every two seconds. They are all good as you consider options, but to me what's most important is giving someone that "This is exactly what I wanted!" feeling. Practical, impractical, expensive, cheap, handmade, store bought--it doesn't matter.

Is it too early to talk about this? Maybe, but its been on my mind lately.

dress addiction

I love dresses. It's my first stop at any thrift store--I get the shakes otherwise. I love how a dress can be personalized to fit anyone's style. This dress is a seemingly common silk-like belted dress, but the rich blue color and asymmetrical button closure give it a unique flair. You can pair it with bright purple tights or a boxy cardigan, chunky heels or a beanie. You create a different look every time you wear it. (I like its working girl secretary vibe!)

I found this dress in Boise, my hometown and one of my favorite places to hunt for treasures.

one of a kind!

The moment I saw this, I knew I had to have it. At the estate sale I just gripped it and couldn't let go. The fake deer head (so in right now) and the fact that is has a thermometer covered in slightly bubbled glass? So awesome! I wasn't sure when this was made, but it looks like the 60s or 70s. It would be such an interesting and practical wall piece! The people that lived where I bought it had some interesting taste. They had some great furniture, with a sign indicating that vintage playboys were available. They seemed like an interesting couple!