Art Deco Inspiration

In a random perusal of the internet tonight, I came across these gorgeous art deco inspired covers on Penny Sparkle. The designer, Coralie Bickford-Smith, created an entire Christmas collection set of F. Scott Fitzgerald novels that I would love to have as I imagine they're even more stunning in person.

I'm also loving the Gothic Horror and Boys' Adventure series she designed in paperback. Although I've only actually read one of the books from those two series, her design alone brings intrigue to each novel. I think a few new books have just made their way onto my reading list.

In the Shop

I know I said I wasn't going to blog on the weekends anymore. But today I can't help it, I'm just too excited about these party dresses and wedding dresses from the 1950's and 1960s. Aren't they gorgeous? I'll be listing one today and the rest over the next few days. If you see a piece you can't live without, let me know and I might let ya' pre-shop!

A Little Music Mix

Several weeks ago, my mom and I hosted a lingerie shower for my cousin, Carrie. I put together a little mix with music from some of my favorite ladies for the occasion and meant to share it that week. Oops! Better late than never, I suppose.





And...Last week's giveaway came to a close last night. Congratulations to Lynda on winning the $50 gift certificate to the shop! I just got back from a buying trip where I swept up tons of new vintage goodies. Lots of black velvet. Lots of party dresses. And lots of cuteness will ensue shortly so stay tuned!

A Few Changes

Things have been quieter than usual around here over the past weekend and surrounding days as the last minute details of my cousin's wedding were in full swing.

I had planned on documenting it to share, but alas, that didn't happen. Too many things to do! I managed to snap a photo of her while hiding from the chaos in the bathroom about an hour before we headed to the chapel.



Doesn't she look gorgeous? Hopefully I can snag a few photos from the photographer and other folks to share. Until then, this is all I've got.

On another note, I've been steadily working on a few changes in the shop, namely the photography. Here's a sneak peak of the new look. I've still got some kinks to work out, but it's going quite well. What do you think?



Oh, and before I get back to work, don't forget to enter the $50 giveaway I've got for the shop. Happy Monday!

Bits of Love

exploring collections
(entering the minds of others)



taking morning coffee
(after waking late Sunday morn)




mornings with best friends
(catching up on cuts and bruises)



wearing lacy details
(with antiquated rhinestone buttons)

photo credits: briannajayde photography, , le portillon, valitova, still got legs

Dalena Vintage $50 Giveaway (CLOSED)

It's finally cooled off down here in Texas and I feel like sharing the love! I'll be giving away a $50 gift certificate to the shop to one lucky lady (or gent). Entering is easy as pie.

To Win:
1. Check out the shop.
2. Leave a comment below on what vintage beauty you would snag with your $50.
3. Done and done. So easy!

Want an edge? You're allowed one extra entry by liking our Facebook page. If you already do, great! Just let us know and be sure to leave an additional comment staying you do or have done so. Giveaway is open until Thursday, October 27th at 10 PM CST. Good luck loves!

Lemon Panna Cotta

I've been wanting to make dessert lately but baking a cake for one seems a bit excessive so last night I opted for something a bit more reasonable, a yummy lemon panna cotta that my mom makes every now and then. Light in taste and small in portion, it's a great dessert for a family of one.



Here's what you'll need:
1 package gelatin
1 cup milk
1 3/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
Lemon zest
Raspberries

Here's what to do:
Mix the gelatin and milk in a bowl and set aside. Pour cream, vanilla and sugar into a pan. Add lemon zest and the cinnamon stick and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for about five minutes. Add the milk mixture to the pan, stir and let cook for about two minutes.

Strain the mixture into a bowl and set on ice. Stir until the mixture begins to set. Then pour into your serving container and refrigerate until firm.

I chose to serve in a tea cup with raspberry and mint garnish. But that's just because small daily bowls don't exist in my house! What's your favorite light dessert? Recipes and advice welcome.

In the Shop

This weekend I rescued the sweetest 1940s hats from a life of possibly never being worn. How tragic that would have been? And good news, they're already up in the shop, so head on over if you like what you see.



And on the colorized side of things, these beauties will quickly be making their way into the shop as well: A 1950s demure black lace dress and a 1940s prim rose eyelet dress. Lovely, no?

Bits of Love

keeping secrets
(lips sealed til death)



bobbing for apples
(hungry and blindfolded)



playing in shadows
(creating mysterious shapes)



in between moments
(in crinkled sheets)

photo credits: , benjamin cerffond, lissy elle, robert moses joyce, katherine squier

In the Shop

Such a lovely lazy Sunday it is! Just sipping on a cup of tea and listing a few 1950s dresses and hats over in the shop. Enjoy!

A Little Music Mix

I want to dress up. I want to dance with my girlfriends. I want to listen to this.

Sessun AH 2011 2012

Not only do I love Sessun's laid-back, easy-to-wear clothing, I've also got a crush on their Automne-Hiver lookbook. The photos make me want to slip on the few (you know being a Texas girl and all) subtly sexy sweaters I own and gab incessantly with my girlfriends.

Weekend Life

I know I've been awfully quiet the past few weeks, posting sporadically here and there. The truth is I've been working part-time as a cashier slash waitress at a local Thai restaurant to make ends meet until I...Wait for it...Go back to getting a full-time job.

Have no fear, ladies and gents. I still plan on running the shop, it's just that, well, as it turns out, nonchalantly leaving the country for seven months doesn't exactly make for great business. It's taking time to get things rolling again and in the meantime a girl's got to pay the bills.

That said, for me now, weekend blogging does not exist! Instead, I've decided to share a little bit of my weekend each and every Monday. Oh, and please do hold me to it! Here we go...










Visiting antique shows. Searching for vintage clothing. Driving past (and stopping in) tiny churches. These are some of my weekend adventures. As was co-hostessing a lingerie shower for my cousin, Carrie, who's getting married in just three short weeks.

My mom ordered the most adorable bra and panty cookies for the occasion, and I picked up roses and eucalyptus for our arrangements. Sadly I couldn't help prepare the food due to work, but my mom baked an incredible tomato and feta quiche among other tasty dishes. Yes, it was a good weekend. How about you?