Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Miami Pics!

I'm finally out of vacation mode and drug myself to the computer to do some work today. I don't know about you, but it takes me at least two days to get back into the swing of things! I spent five glorious days driving around in my father in law's vintage red Miata convertible with the top down, tanning on South Beach and drinking... a lot! I managed to sneak in some shopping too but hubby insisted that I actually relaxed on this trip. What he doesn't get is that thrifting IS the ultimate relaxation for me.

Anyhow, the thrifting was pretty fantastic and I came away with some nice things that will hit the shop soon. Keep an eye out for my guest post on the Market Publique blog within the next week and I'll fill you in on where to look!


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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Hola from Miami

New York City can have the rain this week, I'll be boozing, tanning, and conquering uncharted vintage territory until Saturday night. Cheers to flying the coop and landing in a sunny destination.

Monday, May 9, 2011

My crocheted dress masterpiece!

Despite eight years of sewing lessons, I hardly ever sew a garment from start to finish. I rarely have the patience or the time for projects that last longer than a few hours. Believe it or not, this dress only took me an hour to make from start to finish!

Of course, I didn't do the crochet work, but I did draft a pattern (quite simple) and sewed the dress together. I used a 1930's bedspread for the material; a queen size made two of them actually (the other is for sale if anyone is interested). I love the look of crocheted clothes, but they are so darn expensive to buy in stores and usually the pattern and material looks cheesy compared to the real vintage deal. It felt sacrilegious snipping into months worth of some woman's incredible handiwork, but after I saw the results I think she'd approve. What do you think?

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Friday, May 6, 2011

Warm Weather Beauty Must-Haves

Finally, NYC is heating up and I am totally excited to wear cute clothes again and actually do my hair and makeup. I don't know about you, but freezing weather makes me want to give up; especially towards the end of winter!

I'm finally coming out of my parka slump, and I wanted to share some of the genius beauty products that I love. I'm pretty unfussy, and I don't like to wear a ton of makeup; this is especially true for foundation. Warm weather means I can actually wear my hair curly without getting an insane humidity afro... but it still needs a bit of help. For spring and summer, I've been wearing a lot of loose, bohemian clothes and I feel like fresh makeup and natural hair match that look the best. Here are some of my absolute favorites:

MAKEUP




This stuff is made of clouds, I swear! It is light and creamy, goes on totally smooth and is completely matte so powder isn't necessary. It provides light-medium coverage and is not the least bit greasy. Use it in place of foundation and powder! Available in most drug stores.

This mascara is magical. It plumps and lengthens like false lashes and the brush provides great separation. The best part is that when you wash it off, it kind of just peels off your lashes instead of smearing everywhere. You will never have racoon eyes again! I don't know what they do different with the formula, but the way it comes off is genius!

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Truly the best orange ever made. Pile it on thick for a hot, intense matte look or dab it on for a flush that looks like you ate a popsicle. Get it at most major department stores or Sephora.

HAIR

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Best iron ever for 25 bucks. This baby gets hot as an oven in no time flat and adds some definition to my crazy ringlets, making them look a lot more polished than air drying.




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I thought I had to cut my damaged hair off until I discovered this line of hair products. Not only is everything organic and has a lovely, fresh smell; products are aloe based instead of water based so they provide deep moisturization. They don't contain harsh chemicals found in most and though expensive, it will save your hair from the edge of ruin. This stuff is hard to find outside salons, I usually get it off Ebay.

Tanning





I don't tan unless I can't avoid it. I'm terrified of being wrinkly and spotty by the time I'm thirty. I'm Mediterranean, so I'm light olive and never get too pasty white, but I like to have a little color in the summer. This stuff gradually builds a natural looking tan and moisturizes at the same time. Just be sure to wipe down your knees and elbows after you put it on to avoid dark spots. Find it in your local drugstore.

I know this post wasn't about vintage, you can't put on a fabulous dress and not get ready!

xoxox
Giana

Monday, May 2, 2011

Summer Wedding Party Dress Picks, Part 1

Almost everyone I know has a summer wedding to attend. It never hurts to have a couple good dresses on hand- one for night time affairs, and one for more casual day weddings. If you are looking for a perfect dress, I think I might be able to help. Check out these little gems, all going into the shop today. More to come later in the week as well!


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50's embroidered graduated lilac dress- perfect for day or night!

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50's cotton ascot neck dress- perfect for a day time outdoor wedding

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60's silk chiffon Austrian crystal beaded gown- for the most formal of affairs!

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50's chiffon illusion neckline dress with blush liner- perfect night time LBD!

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50's Ivan Fredericks cotton wiggle dress- add an ornate fascinator and some heels!

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40's impeccably draped rayon dress- versatile enough for any occasion!

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late 40's/ early 50's cotton rhinestone embellished dress- sweet and pretty for summer!