Coolest Antique Store

Here's a little montage of an antique lighting store Tom and I discovered in Hollowell, Maine on our recent East coast trip. I don't know why I didn't take any photos of the outside-- it's an unusual Gothic style building adorned with stone gargoyles and a large golden Buddha head. The prices are steep, but I doubt you'd find such an amazing collection of lights anywhere else in the US. --L

Florida-Themed Finds

I have a bit of catching up to do on the blog-- it's been a busy summer of travel so far. Here's a smattering of vintage bits, most of which I just got on a work trip to Maine. There seems to be a Florida theme going on here with all the pastel colors! Perhaps it's my subconscious hungering for real summer weather. It's mid July now and I'm still wearing sweaters!


I really tried not to spend money in New England unless it was on items I could re-sell at the antique store. I spent a whopping one dollar on a bucket full of treasures acquired from this voluminous warehouse of junk in Paris, Maine called "Pic n' Paw", and I must say, there was a heck of a lot of pickin' and pawin' to do at Pic n' Paw! The photos just don't do it justice. --L

Hat for Baby Julian

Here's my gift for the new little one in the family. Our cousin Tristana and her husband Mike are the lucky parents. I finished it in the Spring, but I didn't want to post it until the gift was sent off. Tom picked out the colors as well as the pattern and I knit it, so it was kinda a team effort. I hope they like it! --L

Warmin' my toesies

I'm lovin' my new slippers! They are so darn cute and comfy. I knitted these up thanks to a pattern by Stephanie of tiny owl knits. If you too are a knitter too, I highly recommend you knit these up, if only to read her totally hilarious instructions. hee hee - S

Baby Bear for Lil' Julian

Finally finished with my hat for my cousin's first baby - Julian Arthur. They're over in England so I thought a little hat will be just the thing to keep his little head warm. Plus I wanted to incorporate Polar Bears. What could be cuter??? - S

Check us out on Etsy!

Well, it's about time! I've been wanting to start an etsy shop for so long, but never seem to focus on one idea. So, I have decided to at least get started with a vintage clothing line. I'm selling pieces that I've collected over the years and feel like I could part with. I really hope this goes well, I would appreciate any feedback. Like, how are the pics? Do the prices seem reasonable? Any other suggestions??? Please check it out: VogueVigilante
Thanks,
-S

My Rather Regency Shrug

After a wee hiatus, I finally have a contribution for the blog! I just finished knitting this little shrug today, my first sweater-y item. Actually, I still have to crochet a contrasting border, but it can be worn as is. I like it, it's very Jane Austenesque! Sabine (aka "Beeners") helped me weed the garden. Thanks to Tom for taking the pics. Here's a link to the free pattern by Stefanie Japel. --L

One Buck Hat

Look what I found at a local garage sale!!! Not only is it the perfect lil' summer vintage hat, but I also snagged it for only one measly little dollar. That's what I'm talking about!!! -S

Summertime Hosting

The Rea sisters & Tom hosted a little dinner party the other night and pulled out all of the vintage linens & tableware for the occasion. The dinner was small but elegant and of course 100% vegetarian. The food itself wasn't terribly fancy but very tasty: chili & rice, corn bread, hummus with veggies, and strawberry rhubarb crisp for dessert. I think we need to have some friends for tea soon especially if just to use the beautiful pink teapot (birthday present for last year - sister to sister). -S

Hidden Kittens & Homemade Bread

I've recently made a return to my hometown in Michigan where my sister & her husband have been living too. While I try to decide what I'm doing next with my life, which is the purpose for my time here, I intend on taking full advantage of the beautiful summer days. We've even formed a little bike gang, which we need help coming up with a name. Any suggestions? I finally got around to baking homemade bread. The recipe was recommend by my friend Kelly, it's all vegan, which I like, but I think I'd like to try something with a bit more "punch" next time. We have also been feasting on the fruits & veggies from my father's garden. Here you can see little Sukie peeking through the Rhubarb leaves. So cute! -S

Druidess Beret

Well, I'm back in "the mit", as some people ever so fondly call Michigan. I finished this little mohair beret in flight on the way to Bend, OR where I spent a few weeks working and visiting old friends. I like it in spite of the mistakes. I still have to block it to make it look more like a real beret. More posts of new treasures to come... L

Martha Likes My Hoodie

I HEART MO!!!! And props to the Lil' House theme song. -S

Treaured Books

These are a couple of my most treasured books, both of which belonged to my dear mom. Although they are not in the best condition, I think you can definitely appreciate the beauty of the vintage-ness. Also, the illustrations (especially in the fairy tale book) are stunning! They offer up some good fashion inspiration. - S

Ain't no stoppin' my 40's craze!

Without appearing to be too vain, I thought I'd display more photos displaying my new 40's inspired hairdo obsession. I apologize for the poor photography, but it's all I got for now. Let me know what you think. Oh, and of course I've been listening to my favorite 40's crooners all the while (Bing, Billie, and Frank - to name a few). -S

Sweet Deals

The Vogue Vigilante ladies decided to start a KAL with this sweet sock pattern. I had a tough time finding a solid color yarn that was the right fiber & weight & cost. But thanks to the lovely ladies of Gauge Knits, I found this nice Merino Wool/Nylon yarn at a discounted price.
My other find this weekend were these adorable (100% Vegan) Madden Girl shoes found at TJ Max! I had my eye on this brand when I found them online and realized they weren't actually leather. Then, there they were just waiting for me at their amazing TJ Max price. I know I shouldn't be making any purchases, but how could I resist that cute blue button, please! Besides, I know I'll get some good use out of them. And won't they look smashing with my new lacey knee high socks:) -S

Retro-fantastic hair!

I was inspired to try out some new 40's style hair. I rarely take the time to make my hair and make-up look super fantastic, but it's so fun to do. The top two pics I took today after checking out some retro styling tips from Casey Brown's blog. The bottom pic was from a few months ago when my good friend, and most amazing hair stylist, Alyssa, came to visit and gave me that tres chic cut. It was so cute, but without a hair straightener, it was hard to keep up with. I think next I'll have to post some classic high school photos when I had (and still do) a 1920's obsession. -S

Eco-Elf shoes with DIY laces!

I got these comfy Simple brand shoes the other day (which are made with all re-cycled materials) and I loved their eco-animal-elfin friendly style, but I wasn't too crazy about the grey laces. I envisioned ribbony lavender laces. I checked around town, but there were none to be found (thanks, Dr. Seuss!). So I stitched up a pair from leftover yarn (crochet chain stitch).  My friend Aaron very politely said they looked a tad like bowling shoes.  The pink laces are a bit bulky, I'll admit, but hey, they're homemade! I'm still keeping an eye out for some pretty lavender ribbon. Here's what the shoes looked like before and after the DIY makeover. --L

Hoo's calling?

Here's the other side-- sleeping owl. I also added a beak that looks more like a nose to the "awake owl" side. I've never embroidered before but I can tell it would be a fun little art/craft to get into. I did this while watching Little Dorrit on Masterpiece which I'm LOVIng right now! --L

Owl Cozy

Here's my first, very simple attempt at knit design-- a cell phone cozy! I also wanted to try out the owl cable. Can you see it? Next time I'll use a solid color yarn so the owl will be more visible. I'll have to make it bigger too, since it's a wee bit too tight for my phone. --L

Elven Treats

During my browse through the chocolate isle at Whole Foods today, I came upon these adorable chocolates! I'm a total sucker for buying things based on their packaging, but come on, this is too cute for words! It's also pretty tasty. I think it's that Norwegian elf in me that finds these so enduring. -S