We're Going Swimming, Retro Style...

Guess what? I can't think of anything sassy to say.

The meds are really starting to affect me. Or it could be lack of sleep. Yes we are on day #8 of illness in our house (as in everyone) and this bug is a DOOZY. Even though my sense of taste and smell are on vacation (A.K.A. the most effective diet on the planet) I am still able to shop online and share my picks.

I am DIGGING this retro 1940's style swimwear thing that's been going on. I myself found a cute, adequately covering, retro-inspired black with white polka dot bikini swimsuit. SUPER excited about my find. The only problem? I can't find it online to show you. (Hangs head in shame.) And don't even think about asking for a pic of me wearing it. SO not happening.

However, I've had fun finding some vintage/retro'ish swimsuits online. Here are some of my fave's found online for under $100:

The Jantzen "Vamp Maillot" for $98:



It also comes in black or fuchsia.

The Coco-Rave "Beach Blanket Stripe" Bandeau top and Ruffled Skirted Bottom, $44 for the top, $50 for the bottom:


(Don'tcha just love how I look in this picture? I always pose like this on the beach, don't you? You should. And HELLO! There's a huge flower pin in her...er...I mean MY hair!)

Oh, and for uber-cheapo polka dot fun, here is the Norma Kamali Bandeau Tankini Top and Dot Skirted Bottom from Wally world for $15 each piece:


(hello, awkward space in between pictures! I'm pretty certain they aren't in proportion, but it looks mightly familiar to what I see in the mirror.)


Also from Wally World, a Red Shirred Halter for only $30:



But, of course, if you really truly want vintage inspired swimwear, each one under $100, you need to go HERE:





SO cute.

And you betcha I'll be making a ginormous red flower to wear in my hair with my black and white polka dot bikini. Throw on some huge Jacki O. white rimmed sunglasses, paint my lips red and I'm good to go.

But the wedge patent leather red heels? I think I'll pass. I'd just trip in them anyways. The last thing I want is to do is introduce my face to the deck floor in front of hundreds of people. Especially while wearing a bikini. And a huge red flower in my hair. I'd probably break my huge Jacki O. white rimmed sunglasses and smudge my red lipstick. See? SO not worth the red shoes!

Happy swimsuit shopping!

A

A Blossom Here, A Blossom There...

A bit o' retro red and white stripe:



A SASSY bright yellow:



Polka dots are never fail:



Two new reserved baby/toddler headbands:



Two sets of Custom Reserved Bridal Flower Hair pins:





And an unveiling of the adult flower headband in gold:



And deep plum:



with more in the works. Mama's been busy!

A

Up - Decorating Lil Chick's Room...

Be still my heart.

I'm getting all twitchy with visions of repainting furniture in sassy colors and sewing ruffles onto....well...everything.

I found a nursery tour over at Ohdeedoh.com and promptly fell in love with it.

Wanna see it? OK then:


(Posted with permission from Jodi Mockabee)

See the entire room tour on her blog, The Bee Hive, HERE.

Big fat puffy heart love it.

I love the colors, the sass, the touch of vintage (of course!), the craftiness, the RUFFLES and the complete non-cookie cutter style.

Ya know what I mean? I want my kiddos rooms to have individuality, not just look like I bought a 29 piece room decorating set at the local Tar-shay... which is pretty much what I did for Lil Chick's nursery. And as much as I love me some Pottery Barn and Land of Nod, I don't want their bedrooms to look like page 14 out of the PBK catalog.

Now, I know what you are thinking.

"Uh, Amanda!? You are on your soapbox preaching about stylistic individuality yet you are saying you LOVE this nursery that SOMEONE ELSE has and WANT it? UM.....".

Yeah, I know. I don't want a copy cat of this nursery, just the essence of it. Take some stylistic ideas and give it the ole Vintage Dutch Girl stamp of creativity and spunk.

RULES for up-decorating (Kinda like up-cycling, but in the decoration genre. Basically, it means improving on the current look and style.) Lil Chick's room:

1. I may not spend mucho moolah. Translation: I'm dutch and on a budget so let's keep it cheap.
2. I must have rick-rack. I don't know where, but it must exist in her room SOMEWHERE.
3. Also polka-dots. Polka-dots rock my sassy world.
4. I must infuse color. Pink and chocolate brown do NOT consist of a complete color palette for a little girls' room. MUST HAVE ACCENT COLOR.
5. RUFFLES. Do I really need to explain this one?
6. Sweetness. After all, she IS my sweet baby girl.
7. A chick. Lil Chick needs a chick in her room, right? It's only fitting.
8. Vintageyness. Duh.

How am I going to accomplish this gorgeous up-decorating of Lil Chick's room? I have no idea.

But I do believe it will involve up-cycling, recovering, repainting and repurposing multiple items from inside my house and garage.

Stay tuned...

A

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