Hello, My name is Lisa and I'm a Shop-aholic

Yes, I've been at it again. Spring makes me shop. I do it every year without fail. The spree will die down by June. It always does...

I've bought some more fabulous dresses in the last few weeks. I can't wait to wear them!!

Notice me holding the back of the dress so it appears to fit me!

I bought this lovely 50's dress at Ruby Slipper. It's a little big at the moment. I'll have it taken in. I just couldn't resist the cute crosshatch gingham-like fabric and knife pleat skirt. Plus, it still has it's original matching belt!

I lucked out with this one and bought it at Value Village. It was by no means a deal at $20 and needssome dry-cleaning, but it fits and the fabric is just gorgeous! The photos do not do this fabric justice. I want to call it sharkskin as it is two toned gold and green, but I'm just not quite sure if it actually is. Nonetheless, this dress is stunning (Betty Draper anyone?) and I'm praying for a formal event in my future so I can wear it.

This is another VV find. Perfect for hot summer days, espadrilles and a jean jacket in the evening. Love the border print.

This lovely set is from Vintage Glory (cue angel choir! Aaahh!!) It's from the same estate as the dresses I showed you here. That woman and I are sartorial soul mates. She has great taste!! Can't wait to wear this dress. And the bolero will be so cute with jeans and a tee.

Two more, non dress items:

Lovely 60's/70's's does 20's cloche fedora. It's in great shape. I've already worn it out a few times.

And, 70's suede shoes. So not my style. Too awesome to leave at Value Village. They do fit me. Who knows. Maybe I'll wear them.

So there it is folks. More stuff in my closet. Maybe it's time for an intervention. Or to set up my own shop somewhere! Haha!

Lisa.xo

Spectacular Sputnik

A while ago I posted a little To Do list for my dining room here. Well, I can cross off one major purchase from that list.

If you can't guess what it is from the title of this post well....I don't really know what to say.

We bought a Sputnik Chandelier!!

And not from Z Gallerie as I was anticipating. I found one here in Winnipeg at EQ3!

Here it is in all it's glory:

I feel the need to include few notes on these photos. The chandelier looks a little out of place at the moment due to the fact that we have not painted any of our furniture (check link above for more info on that). I personally think the chandelier is hung about 4 inches too high and it's too close to the far wall. We have plans to center it on the table and lower it a little when we're not so busy around here.

You may have also noticed I moved the bookcase from the side wall onto the feature wall. I like it there. I think it's got great impact in the room. Simpler, more streamine shelf arrangements are needed though. I'm trying. I'm usually a more is more kinda gal.

It's still a work in progress, but it's come a long way.

The dining room as we were painting

In livable condition, before we hung curtains. (See the rods in the corner?) 

And how it looks today.

What about you? Do you have any decorating projects in the works? Any big, exciting purchases?

Lisa.xo

Sunglasses

I love a good pair of sunglasses. (btw...lamest post name ever...I just didn't know what else to call this one) I wear mine all year round. Summer is a no brainer, but I've got to have sunglasses in the winter too. Too much light reflected off the snow. Makes me squinty.

I tend to buy cheaper sunglasses as I am hard on them (I like to throw them haphazardly into my purse when I'm not wearing them...it's bad, I know...I can't stop) and go through a pair or two a year. Sunglasses are also a great way to update your look without spending a fortune. And I like that.

I showed you my newest pair yesterday. I'm quite smitten with them.

They reminded me of two very stylish ladies:

What would you have named this post? Happy Tuesday!

Lisa.xo

Good Books are like Good Friends

I went to the book store a few days ago and bought a few books I've been dying to own for some time.
I just love books. Like good vintage clothes, I can never seem to get rid of them. I love the way they smell. I love the look of a beautiful coffee table book. Books are calming. *Sigh*

They are lovely though. I bought the newest edition of Flea Market Style (this is actually a magazine, but who's counting). You know how much I love decorating.
I also bought The Fashion File. Which is the styling book by the costume designer of Mad Men, Janie Bryant (did you know she was also the costume designer on Deadwood? Love her!). I've already read it cover to cover and I bought it two days ago.
And finally, I bought Vintage Handbags by Marnie Fogg. This has been on my radar for a while since I already own Vintage Fashion and Vintage Shoes.

Have you bought any good vintage related books recently? Or, have you bought any of these books? What did you think of them? I'd love to know!

Lisa.xo

The 'Ol Switcheroo!

So a few days ago I tempted you with this photo sampling my outfit for my Step-Dad's 60th birthday party.

Well...I didn't end up wearing that at all...

While out shopping for The Boy's costume I happened upon the most perfect mod 60's mini dress. I HAD to buy it and wear it to the party. It was serendipitous!!

Just to keep you in suspense a little longer, here's the original outfit:

Excuse the lack of hair and makeup. I took this photo today. We got home late last night!

Red 60's Dress: Thrifted, Goodwill 

White Tights: Le Chateau

White Purse: Thrifted, Value Village

Navy and White 60's Shoes: Thrifted: Value Village

This outfit is pretty cute, but the mini dress I bought the other day was just TOO perfect to pass up! Here she is:

White headband: Dollarstore

White Earrings: From Mom!

Mod 60's Cotton Printed Mini Dress: Thrifted, Value Village

Purple Tights: Walmart

Silver 60's Pilgrim Pumps: Thrifted, Goodwill

I'm not usually one for the shapeless dresses of the mid to late 60's, but I am totally enamoured with this dress. It only has one pocket! haha! Just one! I think that's so funny...I don't know why.

I may end up wearing this little cutie this summer. Trapeze mini dresses are in right now. Might as well make it vintage! We'll see what happens.

P.S. Welcome to all my new readers! Thanks for following!


 

Lisa.xo

Here's What I Bought

Wednesday is currently ranking pretty high on the unofficial "Best Vintage Shopping Trip Ever" list.

For just over $100 I bought the following:

A set of small green ceramic dishes from Goodwill ($6 for the pair). I am addicted to painted ceramic dishes. (Or coloured glasswear! This addiction is hereditary. I get it from my mother) This addiction is also hightened if the dish happens to be green. I couldn't resist these guys. And I don't even know what I'll do with them yet.

I bought this stuff at Salvation Army.
Two blouses. Same blouse. Different colour ($3 each). Love the peter pan collar and the pintuck pleats in the front (please take note: more green). I can't wait to wear these tucked into a cute skirt this summer.

Banana Republic Camel Trench Coat ($20). I've had my eye out for something like this for quite some time. This is just perfect. And I love the colour. Plus, who can resist a great label at an awesome price? It's in great condition. Looks like new!

Couldn't resist this little cloth clutch ($2). I just love the closure on it.

I'm wearing this neat watch brooch today ($5). I'm hoping I can get the watch to work. I plan on taking it to a jeweler to get it cleaned and looked at. I'm totally enamoured with it.

I bought these dresses at Vintage Glory.
They made my day. Seriously. We walked in, Doug the owner was in and we exchanged hellos. He then told me he had been to an estate sale on the weekend where the entire second floor was like walking through a time machine into the 40's and he had dresses. Lots of dresses.
Then he let me into the backroom to see all of the stock he had bought at the estate sale before it hit the floor! Eee!! So good!

Pink 40's Sheath Dress with Matching Belt ($20).

Doug told me that the woman's husband was a tailor. Most of the dresses were hand made. They were/are just gorgeous. I tried on a few more dresses, but these ones spoke to me. I had to take them home.

50's House Dress with Patch Pockets ($20). I just love a good cotton summer dress. This print is just too sweet.

 

Navy 40's Sailor Style Dress and Matching Jacket ($30)

Not bad for $109 huh? I would have ended up with WAY less had I spent that at the mall. Plus, no one will be wearing the same thing as me!

Hello my name is Lisa and I'm a vintage addicted.

Lisa.xo

Goodwill is my Favorite Thrift Store

I made another little trip to the Goodwill in my part of town a few days ago. And as you might guess, I brought home some goodies!

This belt was $1.50. I'm not wild about the back of the belt (it's in rough shape), but the sequin front is great! And it's in good shape. I can imagine this as a flapper headband, or even as a belt on a black dress with the rope replaced with something else.

The handle on this patent clutch kept me from leaving it at the store. It's just so cool and unique!

But by far the best thing(s) I brought home were these kitchen canisters. I've always wanted a set like this. I am constantly on the lookout for a nice set of vintage canisters. They always seem to be missing one from the set or they're dented or they smell funny or any other number of issues.
But this week these beauties were waiting for me! I've already got them all cleaned up and filled!

They're practically perfect! I'm just so excited to have found them! And for a mere $4.40!! For the set!

Plus the pinky copper on the tops look so great with my kitchen table.

And that's why Goodwill is my favorite thrift store! Happy Sunday!

Lisa.xo

The Rest of the Goods

I hope you all enjoyed my luggage yesterday.

Here's the rest of the goodies I brought home:

I'm starting to amass a collection of enamel flower pins. I just love them.

The beaded clutch on top was $1.50 at Goodwill. I'm still learning about dating purses and clutches. I think this one may be 50's or 60's.
The one on the bottom I just couldn't leave at Value Village. It's a little dingy, but I just love the embroidery and the shape of the flap. This one I'm sure is 40's. The zipper and lining are a dead give-away. Maybe I can research how to clean it up a bit. Or maybe I should just leave well enough alone...I'm torn. It looks a lot better in the photo than it does in person.

Oh you fashion bloggers influencing me! It seems to me that everyone has a cute pair of vintage ankleboots that they wear with tights or socks and a dress. I've been on the hunt for a pair. The hardest part has been finding the right pair for my average size 8 1/2 feet. These are just PERFECT!! Everything I've been looking for! They will need to be re-soled soon, but I will probably wait for a few months. They also need a good cleaning as you can see. They're a bit dusty. Maybe some new laces too...
(P.S. you can see my suitcases stacked in the background!)

This wool skirt was a real steal at Goodwill. $5. I just love thier prices! The size is perfect. I love it! Can't wait to wear it! And it's reversable!!

Voila:

Two for one!

 The tags.

It's a size 16! It's a small 16! Even for a vintage skirt! I'm usually a vintage 12.

I actually bought one more thing I didn't photograph for you yet. I bought a very cute secretary-like 60's dress. I'll wear it soon and do an outfit post for you.

Lisa.xo

EDIT: I'm Packed!

Yesterday after work my Mom made me go shopping (well that's not true actually...she told me cherries were 99 cents a pound at the grocery store which happens to be right next to Value Village so I went to both. Then to Goodwill...)

It's a good thing I went! I bought some great stuff! Today I'm going to show you one of the things I bought. A fabulous vintage briefcase. $3!! Here I've got it stacked (it's the top one) with my other two vintage suitcases:

The two suitcases are pretty special. They both belonged to family members. I've had the one on the bottom for years now and the middle suitcase was gifted to me this week. I knew I wanted a third piece of luggage to complete my stack, but I never knew I'd find it so fast!!

 Here's my new briefcase. It's in great condition! No holes, the leather isn't brittle, all the pockets on the inside are in good condition.

I've got the first initial, but those other two aren't mine!

This suitcase was given to me by The Boy's Mom this week. Isn't it just darling? I was so flattered that she gave it to me. The Boy's Grandma brought it with her to the hospital when she had all of her babies and The Boy's Mom brought it with her to the hospital when she had her boys. That is easily the best part about this suitcase. It just makes me swell when I think about it.

This suitcase is also pretty special. It belonged to my Dad's grandfather. It was given to him when he retired from Manitoba Hydro. I've actually used this suitcase many times while traveling. It's got SO much space. Really! And it's tough as nails. The only downside is that it is HEAVY when it's full of stuff.

The Boy told me yesterday at dinner that I don't need anymore old suitcases! haha! I think he's afraid I'll start another collection! Who could blame him...they are lovely...

I of course, bought more stuff yesterday. I'll show it to you tomorrow. The thrifting gods were smiling down on me I'm telling you. I bought some awesome stuff!

EDIT: I had a interesting comment from wolfsong this morning concerning bedbugs and how I protect myself from them while thrift shoppig. Winnipeg seems to be experiencing a bit of a bedbug epidemic right now. Walmarts and thrift stores seem to be part of the problem. Let's just say I've been thrifting a lot less since the news came out (a lot less...). I actually left this suitcase out on my deck in a gargage bag over night to try and freeze out anything that may have been there. I also look over everything I buy very meticulously. I also wash and disinfect everything that can be washed when I get home. So far I've been able to avoid them. 

Want to learn how to spot the gross little creatures? Check here.  

I hope that helped answer your question.  

Lisa.xo