Sunday, January 30, 2011

A Cheerful Mixing Bowl

Until recently I have spent little time in the kitchen, but these brightly colored, cheerfully patterned bowls actually make me want to cook.  Yes, mom, I said it.  

Evocative of all things wholesome, you can almost taste the imaginary cake batter swirling around inside.  Or cookie dough...

Like many, my grandmother had several Pyrex pieces.  Unfortunately, my mother is not yet willing to part with them.  Lucky for me, you can find great Pyrex almost anywhere vintage items are sold.  Sure, you have to sift through pieces with fades, cracks and scratches, but Pyrex is pretty durable and there are plenty of good ones still out there.  

So, until my mom changes her mind, I will gladly use this surrogate collection: 



Although, I found so many wonderful pictures putting this post together that I'm tempted to expand to patterns.  Then I'll really need to cook more. Anyone have any good cookie recipes? 

Photo from Miss Lillibug

Monday, January 24, 2011

Your Black & Gold Cocktail Ring


I never used to be a fan of gold.  When I was old enough to buy my own jewelry, I always went for silver. I'm not sure if gold is an acquired taste or something that develops over time, but these days my preference is for the yellow stuff.  

So, you can imagine my excitement when my mother asked if I wanted to keep or sell this black & gold cocktail ring. 

Keep please. 

There's just something about this color combination that seems elegant and fun at the same time.  Playful opulence.  

Whatever it is, I'm a fan.  Thanks, mom.  This ring and I are going to get along just fine...


Old Gold & Black Necklace from shopREiNViNTAGE

80's Sequin Dress from maxandchichi

Zig Zag Pillow from Bonanza


Photo courtesy of Plumb Pretty

Sunday, January 16, 2011

A Colorful Strand of Beads


I've always been drawn to primary colors.  Especially all mixed together in one place. So when my mom offered me my grandmom's multi-color beaded necklace, I scooped it right up.

The beads appear to be some type of small nut and the paint has a muted whitewashed effect.  I just love them.

I've been meaning to find a jeweler in Philadelphia that will re-string the necklace as a precaution.  It probably hasn't been worn in 20+ years and I'd be devastated if it broke.  (If you know of a good jeweler in the Philly area that can do this, please let me know!).

I wear this necklace with just about anything.  Doubled, tripled, knotted.  And I usually get a question or compliment.  I think that's what I love most about these old pieces.  That they all have a story. And when someone stops to ask you about them, you get to relive the memory, the person, and all of the wonderful emotions that come with them.

And while I don't have a specific memory of my grandmother wearing this necklace, I love that separated by a generation and a plethora of fashion trends, we share a similar taste.

And apparently a love of primary colors.

Metallic Strappy Heels from Atticville

Vintage Dress from Maeby Maeby Knot

Tagua Nut Coin Necklace from veronicarileymartens

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Sylvia's Black Purse



Every girl pines for the perfect LBD (little black dress), but what about a LBP?  Yep, a little black purse.  I inherited mine from my great aunt Sylvia.

Unfortunately, there were no tags inside so I didn't know anything about the bag. I did a little digging online and discovered that it's a vintage Ruth Saltz handbag from sometime in the 1970s.

Here are some more Ruth Saltz bags like mine:

Photo courtesy of Moodboard




LBP?  Who am I kidding.  The color doesn't matter at all.  The perfect go-to purse can be any color, size shape or material. 

Gold chain bag from Little Tuna

Patent bag from Dear Golden Vintage

Bright red vintage bag from La Boisita

Faux ostrich purse from Cherry Pick Vintage

Cashmere navy purse from the Red Velvet Shoe

Photo courtesy of Junkyard Doll

Do you have a vintage bag? What's your favorite go-to purse?