Renegade Craft Fair: Romance & Durango

{ Little Ocean }

I hope you’ve been enjoying our coverage of Renegade and don’t mind that we’ve spread the posts out a bit. We’ve got just a few more features left, and next up are some craftsters who were workin’ one of my favorite trends: the southwestern motif! Now, I realize that referring to the traditional designs of an entire culture (or in many recent cases, an amalgamation of different cultures) as “trendy” is a bit asinine, but I’m referring more to it’s somewhat recent resurgence in popular culture (I’m looking at you, Urban Outfitters, with your suede fringe moccasin booties). All the absurdity of popular culture aside, I’d like to introduce you to a few southwestern-themed booths that really caught my attention. I’m buying into this trend quicker than a tourist in an Arizona hotel gift shop!

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Westervin Wear: Bloganista/o

I’m not sure if boys are allowed in the Bloganista group, but I made Brian play, too…

On Sarah — Blouse: Vintage; Skirt: Urban Outfitters; Shoes: Vintage; Pretty Pyrite Necklace: The Vamoose; Engagement Ring (you can barely see it peeking out): One Stone New York

On Brian — Shirt: Vintage; Jeans: Urban Outfitters: Levi’s; Hipster Astronaut Shoes: Swear

The Shopping Sherpa: Jump(suit) for Joy!

If I’m not mistaken, last week’s romper posts seemed to go over well.  And really, I’m not surprised.  The very name implies fun and carefree joyousness.  So I’m continuing the theme and the inseam to bring you some happy jumpsuits — the pants version of the romper.  You love it!

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The Shopping Sherpa: Vintage Rompers

I come bearing gifts.  Vintage rompers!  As promised.  These are just a few of my faves from Etsy, but there are plenty more to choose from.  And don’t be afraid to go hunting for a bargain romper at your local thrift stores.  This isn’t a new trend, people.  The romper has been around since before you were born (probably).  Now go get your romp on!

ROW 1:  Tropical Orchids Romper from Bethakabetty; Neutral Tone Floral Romper from Vintage Grime; Peacock Floral Onesie from Natty Paint

ROW 2:  Stars in Your Eyes Romper from Bombshell Bettie’s Vintage; Khaki and Teal Romper from Beta Boutique; Cream Military Romper from Allen Company Inc.

ROW 3:  Ethnic Print Romper from Agnusdei; Apple and Velvet Romper from Bottle of Bread; Purple-Blue High Waist Romper from Ma Petite Amy

Westervin Wear: A bloganista at work!

Well, day two of work left me a little frazzled without the previous administrative assistant to guide me.  And it certainly didn’t help that I’m partially deaf in my left ear (thank you ear infections).  But everyone else in the office has been so helpful and patient with me.  And I was dressed to impress!  Are you seeing this necklace from Tree & Kimball?!  It’s my new best friend.  It’s made of vintage lace, vintage glass beads and the pure sweetness of budding friendship (Lisa, who makes them, is my new pen pal!)  You can be jealous… or you can try to win one of these necklaces (a slightly different design, but with all the charm) for yourself in our current giveaway.  OR you could just buy one, because $18–$30 is how you spell affordable!  And adorable!  And that rhymes.  Have I convinced you yet?

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Daily Pretties: Wisdom

{ Wisdom Tooth Sculpture by Jessie Bean }  { Tooth T-shirt from Hand & Shadow }

The Shopping Sherpa: Blue Moon

“You saw me standing alone… without a dream in my heart… without a love of my own.”  Sing it with me now!  “Blue Moooooon.  You know just what I was there for.  You heard me saying a prayer for… someone I really could care for.”  Don’t you just love singalongs!  Don’t you just love it when you can’t get a song out of your head, and then you start singing it out loud, and then people around you start humming it, and before they know it… it’s stuck in their heads too!  It’s a little game Brian and I play with each other.  Why, just last night he planted a seed with a little hum, and before I knew what was happening, I was singing the titular line from “Eye of the Tiger” over and over for a solid hour.  I didn’t even know the rest of the lyrics (btw, I just looked ‘em up… what the hell does “cream of the fight” mean?!).  Thanks Brian.  And today, I have a gift for you.  “Blue Moooooon….. ta-da-da dum dum da dum dum… ”

ROW 1:  Hello Greeting Cards (I feel like that card really means it… it’s happy to see me.) from bklynstitch; Handwoven Navajo Inspired Earrings (I love me some macramé.) from Moshi Moshi Designs; Vintage Coffee Canister from Olive

ROW 2:  Hip Hippo Necklace (It’s Hippo-awesome-mus!  Don’t cringe.  You love my puns.) from Velvet Seahorse Jewelry; Kimono Cardigan Dress (It’s East meets West meets sweet memories of my mom’s closet.) from Riordan Roache; Flight Pattern Hoop Earrings from Noble Gnome

ROW 3:  Cornflower Blue Vintage Slingbacks (Only $23! Oh babies, if only you were a size larger.) from Vintage Shoe Love (If you love vintage shoes, this is the place for you.  I mean, obv.  It’s in the name.); fancy cancer ex. b Original Watercolor with Frame (This makes me want to be a sea anemone.) from Ryan the Wheelbarrow (No relation, I’m sure, to Willy the Wheelbarrow, who belonged to my grandfather.); Navy Classical Pattern Wristlet from Kelly’s Keepsakes

Daily Pretties: Color Bomb

Nothing like an explosion of color to wake you up, eh?  Like the toothpaste for kids that’s bright blue or green.  I need some of that.  Too bad coffee doesn’t come in bright colors.  That’s how I’d like to start my day.  With a bright purple cup of caffeine!  I think I’m on to something here.  Excuse me while I write a letter to Starbucks…

{ 20-21 by Erica Wells }  { Untitled by Lotte van Raalte }

The Shopping Sherpa: I’m So Edgy!!!

JK.  I’m actually more like the opposite of edgy.  I’m a big proponent of hugs and baby animals… and hugging baby animals.  But that doesn’t mean I can’t look edgy right?

P.S. I realize that some of these items, a ceramic mug, for instance, may not appear “edgy” to some.  Just go with me on this.  It’s all about the color scheme here.  K?  Thanks.

ROW 1:  Organic Black Hair Triangle Tee from Coma and Cotton; Dreamcatcher Necklace from Erma; Paisley Drums Hair Clip from Paisley and Brass by Ashaloo

ROW 2:  You’re a Winner Pennant Necklace from Super Duper Things; Magic Triangle Magnetic Necklace from Color Blind Smarties by Tamé; Triangles Unisex Crew from Jessalin Beutler

ROW 3:  Arctic Series Moleskin Notebook from The Blackbird Sings; Neighborhood Mug from Dovetail; Black Lace-up Rain Boots from Vim and Vigor Vintage

Today I Love: Lazy Oaf

Lazy Oaf is not for the timid.  This London-based creative label will shock you with color and tickle you with silly graphics.  I think I’ll take one of everything!