Ephemeratopia

I spent more time at this site than I probably should have this morning, browsing through this amazing collection of ephemera: antique trading cards, old advertisements, postcards, etc. I've always been fascinated by these sorts of treasures, and it's nice to see so many quirky, unusual ones all in one place. Lovely blog. A few of my favorites:

My Favorite Things

Isn't this the most precious logo you've ever seen? The Sound of Music is one of my all time favorite movies, and when I saw the lovely silhouette of the girl in the white dress with the blue satin sash, I just had to share this fantastic blog full of great finds and inspiration!

Peacock Chair

When I become queen, I'd like for this to be my throne please. Isn't it amazing? Created by artist Victoria Fang , when you sit on the chair a sensor is triggered and the peacock feathers gloriously open up behind you. How regal!

(via cup of jo)

Darling Clementine

Aren't these just, well, darling? I have to confess, I'm a sucker for stationary, although these cards are so adorable, they would most likely end up framed and hanging in my daughter's room. Darling Clementine is the work of two Norwegian artists, Ingrid Reithaug and Tonje Holand who claim a vast well of inspiration: "from the costumes in Hercule Poirot to old Czech animation, Bauhaus, flea markets in October, vintage table wear, contemporary fashion, camping and things made out of felt." I'm most smitten with the Marionette series, pictured above, which reminds me of old-style cartoons. They also offer sweet, whimsical holiday cards, such as the ones pictured below. Check out their etsy shop, where you can find their collection of cards and super cute canvas totes. Too sweet!

I Want.....

1. That bicycle
2. That perfect little black dress
3. Those snazzy shoes
4. A trip to Copenhagen

(Ellen Page via Cycle Chic from Copenhagen)

Elle Moss Photography

My latest visual obsession: Elle Moss Photography. I'm completely captivated by her dreamy, whimsical images. The colors and textures are rich, yet subtle and simultaneously give off both a vintage and completely modern feel.

I've also been pouring through the archives of both her blogs, Elle Moss Photography and Diary of a Mod Housewife. I love the fact that in addition to showcasing her own incredible work, she offers so many links to other amazing photographers and artists that inspire her. I love folks who share the love!

Vintage Photo Converter

I have a longstanding love affair with old pictures, so it comes as no surprise that I'm completely obsessed with this website that converts your photos to vintage styled pictures. Fair warning: this is a majorly addictive time waster. I spent an hour there this morning, before realizing my daughter was still in her pajamas and an entire shelf of books had been strewn across my office floor. But it was worth it. I love the faded, blurry quality of old pictures and this site replicates that well, especially considering it only takes a few seconds to do. The site is in Japanese, but it's pretty self-explanatory (if I was able to figure it out, believe me, your chances are good).

Mallard Tea

Further proof that tea drinkers really are more civilized than us coffee hounds. Aren't these lovely? Mallard Tea Shops are exclusively in the UK right now, but I just love these pretty little to-go cups.

(via Oh!)

101 Salads

I hate turning on the stove in the summertime, so salads are a staple at our house during the warmer months. Besides, during July and August, the abundance of ripe, juicy, farm fresh ingredients renders cooking pretty much unnecessary. Here's an awesome collection of 101 salad recipes from food writer, Mark Bittman. Yum!

(via cup of jo)

70 Reasons to Buy Handmade

The degree to which 21st century technology has enabled us to go back to an economic system of an earlier time by promoting and encouraging the handmade movement never fails to amaze me. Before I discovered the blogging community, my handmade purchases were mostly limited to festivals and fairs in my area. While I still advocate buying locally as much as possible, I love the fact that now I can still enjoy the merits of buying directly from a craftsman even if they happen to be in a different country. I don't have to depend on commercial middlemen who cheapen and debase human effort, and I get to enjoy one of a kind, heartfelt, unique products.

(laresident)

One of my favorite design blogs, Poppytalk, is running an on-going series featuring 70 reasons to buy handmade and vintage. This is definitely worth checking out. Lovely and inspiring! Some of my favorites:

No. 10. Encourages independent thinking that breaks corporation's homogenizing tendencies. Chikabird and Ladies & Gentlemen

No. 17. When you buy vintage, you connect with a larger story of a well-made item that deserves to be used instead of thrown away. It is green, it is resourceful, it is creative, it is romantic. Vintage Butterfly 94

No. 31. Buying handmade is win-win situation : You enrich your life with beautiful handmade goods, and you enable an artist to continue following their creative dreams. Stephanie Levy.

No. 41. When you buy handmade, you buy from the producer. You aren't lining the over flowing pockets of some corporation or distanced executive. You are taking part in a process of revising our economic model to one that rewards hard work, talent, creativity, initiative and personal responsibility. Key Lime Design.

(berdandbee)

Cassette Tape Portraits

What a creative use for all those obsolete cassette tapes lying around collecting dust! This flickr stream features portraits of musicians and other pop culture icons created using old cassette tape reel. I love it!

(via Oh!)

Boden USA

It's no great challenge finding cute clothes for girls, but this amazing line from the UK is just too sweet for words!

I'm completely smitten with their autumn line, which features vibrantly colored cool weather favorites like velvet, corduroy, and cozy knits accented with quirky appliques and fun doodle drawings silkscreened onto tees.


Perfect for brisk autumn hikes and pumpkin patch ramblings!

Garance Dore

I wish I had enough nerve to start up a street style blog for my city, but I would never be able to just walk up to people on the street and ask to take their picture. I'm so glad other people have no such shyness to overcome! Garance Dore is one of my favorite street style blogs at the moment, so I thought I would share a few faves from the inspiring site with you today.
I am love, love, loving yellow right now, although now that I think about it, I don't believe I have a single piece of yellow clothing in my closet. I've just never felt that yellow was a good color for me, or maybe I'm just scared of it, but I'm thinking that should probably change. How bubbly and cheerful is this flouncy mustard colored blouse? And I just love that little green wicker clutch!

This is just the epitome of elegance. Simple, understated, ladylike. Granted, if my mother saw this, she would suggest the addition of a slip, but what can I say? We're from the south. I think the dress is absolutely beautiful, and I adore those black strappy tie sandals. Exquisite!

Also, in a bit of blogosphere gossip (although this news is so ancient by now it may be obsolete), I read an old article today and learned that Garance Dore and Scott Schuman (the Sartorialist) are dating!

Fashion History

Check out this charming collection of clips from the Huntley Film Archives showcasing fashions from the late 19th and early 20th century. I just love the big, ostentatious hats and elaborate hair styles.


(via marmeecraft)

Bayan Hippo

I recently discovered this sweet little shop. I'm loving these gorgeous, vibrant messenger bags that are big and roomy enough to serve as cleverly disguised diaper bags, for those of us who haven't yet succumbed to the fashion prowess of Winnie the Pooh fabric.

On the cutesy side though, I do love this adorable cow jumper. My 17 month old daughter has had a longstanding fascination with all things bovine, so I think one of these might be in order for Miss Kate.


(via soulemama)

Lisa Mayock

I love this girl's style. From her casual reference to the "Salvation Armani" as a favorite shopping destination to the fact that she keeps a lifetime supply of 99 cent Polish lipstick stashed in her freezer, Vena Cava designer Lisa Mayock is my type of gal. Only infinitely cooler.

Initially, I chose to include the photo below because I'm absolutely in love with that yellow sequined dress, but then I saw the blacklight poster lurking behind her and howled! She said that the theme for her recent apartment makeover was "things I like" which I think is pretty much the best decorating (and wardrobe) advice ever.

(via Refinery29)

Personalized Puzzles

Isn't this a fun idea? These personalized jigsaw puzzles are a snap to make. Just follow the simple tutorial here. I suppose technically this project is geared toward kids, but I can't help but think this would be fun for any age or occasion: birthday parties, bachelorette parties, baby showers! The possibilites are endless and simple fun really is sometimes the best!

(via ohdeedoh)

A Room of One's Own

Virginia Woolf would be pleased. At the top of my "things to acquire if I ever get filthy rich" list, is a private studio: a room (or building) of my own that I can fill with books, artwork my huband would deem weird, and a huge desk that is exclusively full of my stuff. Can you just imagine being able to retreat to this amazing private library/writing studio in Long Island? Walls of books, huge windows, ample space to think, dream, and create! If you can't write the great American novel here, it's probably not going to happen.

(via Re-Nest)

Cartoon Character Closets

Who knew nostalgia could be so trendy? Are you flirty and whimsical like Minnie? I adore that glittery pink bubble skirt!

Or is your style more exotic and aloof like She-Ra? It's not something I could ever pull off, but the asymetrical dress on the left is so elegant!

It just doesn't get more glamorous and sophisticated than the ever elusive, but always chic Carmen Sandiego.

(via Refinery29)

Taza and Husband

A few months ago, I had the brilliant idea to do a couples' blog with my husband. Unfortunately, it was immediately rebuffed upon presentation. It's not that Mark is internet incompetent or anything. Actually, he's my inhouse computer specialist with a knowledge that far outreaches my own (okay, not like that's hard). But, my husband just isn't really into the whole blogging/digital social networking scene. He has a Facebook page (which I created for him) that he logs into about once a month (when my nagging finally gets to him), but he's old fashioned at heart and prefers to live and interact exclusively in the 3D world.

So anyway, with my own dreams of a fun, cute couples' blog unrealized, I was thrilled to discover Rockstar Diaries, a darling blog created by Naomi and Josh, also known as Taza and Husband. He is a proud Colombia grad who likes strawberry poptarts and hates slim jims. She is a recent graduate of the Julliard School who likes tea parties and Holga cameras. They live in DC and their blog is a sweet journal of their travels and adventures together.

(via The English Muse: photos via Rockstar Diaries)