old hat diary

2011-01-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so unbelievably excited right now!! I booked a flight to San Francisco today for March 10-14! I can't wait to roam my old neighborhood and see old friends. I've been missing that city for awhile now and it will be incredible to be inside it again. I've had the most amazing experiences there and gained so many silly stories to tell when I'm older. I can't wait to see what this visit will entail.

I had a pretty eventful weekend too. Friday night was my boyfriend's birthday, so we headed to the Virginia Inn for drinks and appetizers. I've never been there before and I really liked it. It was a very quaint spot with a quiet atmosphere. We ordered the cheese plate, which was pretty delicious (that can be a deal breaker for me). The plate included a sharp cheddar, humboldt fog and a blue cheese. We ended the night in a completely opposite style-eating fried food at a dive bar called Canterbury.

The photographs below are from a Saturday night filled of debauchery. One of the co-workers my roommate works with had a birthday last night and another co-worker hosted a birthday for him to celebrate. The night included limbo, dancing, a penis piñata and a lot of wine. Needless to say it was a lot of fun.

I ended my weekend with dinner at my parent's house and watching An Affair to Remember. This was the perfect post-surgery week.

Update!

2011-01-20T19:18:00.000-08:00

the hat I'm wearing is a Christmas present from my boyfriend. It's this amazing vintage hat made out of feathers!

I picked up this cute pin while visiting Port Townsend

My new watch...if you look closely you can see a small sketch of a kitty inside

My sweet roommate picked me up this hat while visiting Anacortes

1920's bonnet I bought at the Puyallup antique expo

I went thrifting today and found this dress for $6

also this purse for 50% off

and 2 last minute vhs purchases

I picked up these cuties about a month ago for only $30

I went cheese crazy tonight -

from left to right:

buche maitre sequin, parrano (aged 5 months), humbolt fog, goat cheese with truffle, la tur

Feature

2011-01-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how flattered I was when Claire of Mamushka Marie asked if she could do a feature of me on her blog. I've been a follower of hers for such a long time now, even before I had a blog myself, and even when she showed an interest in my blog excitement ran all through my bones. I told her yes, of course, and I'd love if you could check it out!

I've been carrying around this disposable camera with me for probably 3 months now and I finally finished it two weekends ago and got it developed today. The surprise and anticipation you get from getting a roll of film develop is one of those simple pleasures in life ( I know I'm cheesy). But it is one of those silly things you get really excited about.

I'm No Angel (1933)

2011-01-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

I've been bedridden the last four days due to getting my wisdom teeth out. It's been nice being able to take some time off from work to catch up on blogging and reading. But the best part is all the films I've consumed my time with. I just finished (literally) watching I'm No Angel starring Mae West and Cary Grant (a big crush of mine next to Jimmy Stewart). Immediately after watching it I felt the urge to blog about it. I've never seen someone exude so much glamour, sex and vivaciousness the way Mae West does in this film. What a babe!!

BOWIEMAS 2011

2011-01-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

For seven years now, there's been a group of people who have been putting together this outrageous event called Bowiemas. Basically every year, on David Bowie's birthday, Seattle gathers together for a night of glitter, debauchery and drag to celebrate and honor the man himself. I remember going to the second annual Bowiemas (where then it was hosted at this fairly small artist loft) there were so many people crowded into the second level space, that from downstairs it looked like the floor was about to cave in. Over the years the party has gained more and more popularity and has become somewhat of a tradition to Seattle. Living in San Francisco the past three years I've had to miss out on all the past Bowiemas'. But now that I'm back I made sure I didn't miss this year's celebration.

I decided to portray David Bowie from the 'Diamond Dogs' album

Sundays

2010-12-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

New Beginning

2010-12-15T20:08:00.000-08:00

Oh, hi....remember me?!

I've been without a computer or internet for the last several months and all I can say is I've missed you and this blog! But I'm happy to say that after a long hiatus I'm finally reconnected again with the outside world. I hope you all haven't forgotten about me. I sure haven't forgotten you! I'm hoping and wanting to get this thing back and running again as soon as possible. One thing is for sure, I haven't stopped documenting the few adventures I've been on over these last few months. Having said that, I'd like to finish up this entry with a long photo sum up of what I've been up to over the last several months.

exploring one of our favorite antique stores- Seattle Antique Market

antique and vintage expo in Puyallup

Thanksgiving at my parents' house

all of our cats

Seattle Vintage Fashion show

day trip to Port Townsend

The Public House for lunch

we went to this amazing vintage shop (whose name I've forgotten) that had all these wonderful dresses from the twenties to forties but the best part was this little room filled to the top with hats! tears in my eyes..

we met "Gothic" Hello Kitty on Halloween

we had a little skyping party with one of our close friends living in Shanghai

Forty-Four

2010-10-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

I love carrying around a disposable camera in my purse to have handy for those kodak moments. Some times I'll have it for 2 or 3 months and it will travel with me through all those forgotten and silly kodak moments. It feels like Christmas when I finally develop it; not remembering what I took pictures of that past month. It's such a quirky and handy tool to have and I hope they never disappear.

Forty-Three

2010-10-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this hat at Value Village yesterday while trying to find wigs for the window display at work. It was awkwardly sitting in the Halloween section there, waiting for me to purchase it.

Forty-Two

2010-10-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

Oh my, oh my! So many great costume ideas commented in my last post. I can't wait to see everyone's final photographs. Adding on to my last post-I stumbled upon this gem earlier today and immediately had to purchase it! This add Clara Bow all written over it..

Forty-One

2010-10-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

Halloween Plans:

My costume was mostly inspired by all 1920's silent film actresses. But as I collected more and more photo's for costume ideas, I realized that there was one actress that stood out amongst the rest-Clara Bow. Leading to my final decision to be her for Halloween. What are you all planning for your Halloween costumes?

Forty

2010-09-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was my 22nd birthday! I took the weekend off and it was so nice to relax for a second, even though it literally felt like it only lasted a second. My mom and I met up that morning and went to Pike Place Market to pick up some yummy cheese, fresh veggies and salmon for dinner that night. I lucked out on having beautiful weather that day despite it being groggy and rainy the last couple of days. Later we went for a massage and then came back to the house and sat out on the deck nibbling on cheese before dinner. I ended my birthday by sitting out on the deck all night, talking with friends. I couldn't have asked for more. Better yet I spent that Sunday moving into my new apartment in a cute, little neighborhood here in Seattle called Queen Anne. My friend Stacie and I got a two bedroom apartment and now share it with three cats. Were still working on fully settling in (i.e. living room furniture & decorating). But I'll be gradually posting photo's as we move in!

my parents surprised me with a little gift when I came home

a peek into the room of our new apartment

new dish-ware

Thirty-Nine

2010-09-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of the lucky finds I took home with me from my Labor Day shopping adventures and the shoes are actually my mom's platforms from her disco dancing days.

Last night we went to the Garage Billiards for a couple of games of bowling. I had never been there until last night and I was quite impress with it. I was reading on their site that the 1928 building used to be a Plymouth dealership and automotive garage..pretty snazzy for a bowling alley.

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Thirty-Eight

2010-09-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

There's only about 2 weeks of summer left until it is officially fall. However, Seattle has already begun to embrace the fall weather but I don't mind it. I'm excited for this next season. I have a big post coming up next with some fall goodies I found on my thrifting adventure this past Monday. But before I jump ahead of myself I wanted to do one last farewell post to summer. These are photo's I've collected over the past month and I've finally come around to posting them. The outfit above was one of my favorite summer choices this year. The jacket, hat and shoes are all thrifted while the blouse and shirt are items I scored in the sale section at Urban Outfitters for $10! The kitty brooch is a gem I found at the Fremont Flea Market in Seattle. It even has a little bell that rings when I walk. Even though summer seemed to come and go within seconds I really enjoyed myself and feel satisfied enough to welcome in the next season.

Day trip to Olympia, WA:

We were amused by their 'produce happy hour' special. I wish more grocery stores would catch on to this idea!

One of my favorite pass times this summer (actually all the time)-eating cheese!

My mom and I have been spoiling ourselves with yummy cheese and champagne all summer. In the picture above starting from the left in the back is a goat gouda, to the right is San Andreas Bellwether and the middle one is a Valezan Beaufort

Thirty-Seven

2010-09-08T06:48:00.001-07:00

Mistinguett, born Jeanne Bourgeois, was a French entertainer, singer and actress. She appeared in shows at the Casino de Paris, the Folies Bergere, Moulin Rouge and Eldorado. She was the highest paid entertainer and most popular during her time. She hypnotized her audience with her risque routines and was known to have scandalous love affairs. I think my favorite fun fact about her is in 1919 her legs were insured for 500,000 francs which was a lot of money during those years. Every time I look at photographs or watch video clips I'm just in complete awe of her. She exudes French beauty, and glamour. If I could go back about 100 years I'd like to think I would have lived a life similar to hers.

Thank you everyone for the sweet and welcoming comments. I was glad to know I wasn't forgotten so easily! I hope you all were able to enjoy your labor day weekend. I was lucky to have Monday off and took advantage of those Labor Day sales and went thrift shopping with a friend and had a very, very successful day! I'm making sure that my next post is dedicated to all the lucky finds I took home.

Thirty-Six

2010-09-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hello old friends!!! I've missed you dearly. I'm sorry for my unexpected absence this last month. I haven't had the energy or motivation to give my blog the TLC it deserves. For awhile there I was working two jobs and came upon some personal issues that I needed to deal with. Overall I needed a personal vacation from the blog world. But I'm back to having just one job again (had to let one go due to conflict of interest) and I'm finally getting to a steady point where I feel I have time to blog again. I really enjoy blogging and reading your blogs. I'm always so inspired by everyone's post and hopefully now I can get back into the routine of things.

until then here is an old roll of film that was taken over the last 2 months of summer that I finally finished and developed-

Thirty-Five

2010-08-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Thirty-Four

2010-08-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

BLOG AWARDS!

First off, I want to thank the wonderful Sonia for the "I ♥ Your Blog" award. I was very flattered to know I was on her list, especially since I've only had this blog for such a short time.

Now I want to return the favor to some of my favorite bloggers!

1. Sonia of Tous Les Garcons et Les Filles

2. Avalonne of the girl from hk, ldn, & sf

3. Anne of A Cup Full of Sunshine

4. Ashley of Candy Kawaii Lover

5. Daria of Daria's Collages

6. Chloe of Dirt on Your New Shoes

7. Alina of Goodbyestockholm

8. Hannah of Hello Mr. Fox

9. Kelly Lauren of KELLYSHOESTRINGS

10. Natalie of Natalie Off Duty

11. Mitzi Cocoa of Night Lights

12. Eri of Pretty Portobello

13. Lisa of Starship Narcissus

14. Lula of Lulu and the Locket

15. Hayley of Threadbearer

16. I'm cheating and adding one more person because they are too many of you that I adore and I wanted to make sure to include Lay Rosa of The Clothes of Roses

If you have time, please share your love and give this award to those blogs who you heart by following these steps:

1.Thank the person who gave you the award
2.Copy the graphic of this award to your blog. In other words: BLOG about it.
3.Pass on this award to 15 other blogs.
4.And lastly, TELL the beloved bloggers about their award.

Thirty-Three

2010-08-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO:

Here are a few photo's from my going dinner in San Francisco at Sushi Hana. It was such a good last goodbye and I already miss these people so much. I'm not going to get all sentimental on here and go into in-depth stories. Instead, I'll keep the words short and let the pictures do the talking.

My friend Sean surprised me by dressing up as me in drag. I think it's safe to say he had it down to the t! They even snuck into my apartment while I was out and grabbed one of my signature hats. It was the best going away present anyone could ask for.

SEATTLE:

The weather has been exceptionally nice here since my arrival. Today's heat wave has left me with droopy eyes and a dysfunctional brain (I blame yesterday's heat too for my current condition). But I can't complain when I just came from a city that had an average temperature of 60 degrees and high winds. I've been sure to take advantage of this beautiful weather with strolls around the city, picnics on Bainbridge Island and laying out on my parent's deck while feeling completely relaxed for the first time in a long time. I know at some point this short-lived vacation will have to end soon and any second now reality will be waking me up with a nice slap in the face. But until then I'll be relishing in every last enjoyable moment.

Tuesday: I went out for drinks and appetizers with two of my closest friends at 611 Supreme, this adorable French creperie/bistro lounge and restaurant. The atmosphere inside was very relaxed and intimate. They even had live jazz playing and very yummy food! I want to go back for brunch some time and much on crepes.

Wednesday: Yesterday was my close friend, Stacie's, birthday! The plan for the day was a ferry ride out to Bainbridge Island for a picnic. We started the morning off with a trip to Pike Place Market to pick up some fruit, cheese and a much needed cup of coffee and pastry.

We feasted on home-made potato salad, fruit salad, cheese which was a cypress grove truffle de tremor and rollingstone anise chevre with lavender blossoms and anise seeds

I baked home-made chocolate chip and hello-kitty sugar cookies

Stacie made yummy homemade cupcakes and frosting!

main course called for honey marinated chicken kabobs with peppers and onions and some corn on the cob

finished the day with a round of apples to apples

Today: The lovely view I woke up to this morning

Thirty-Three

2010-08-03T09:21:00.001-07:00

WE MADE IT!!

After a long, stressful two days we finally made it to Seattle late Sunday night. As soon as I walked in my old bedroom I had an immediate settling feeling and sigh of relief. Not just because I had sat through a 12 hour drive or two days of packing and moving hell but also because I knew this was the start of a new chapter in my life.

P.S. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful comments in my last post and hello to new friends/followers! Forgive me for my absence the last couple of days but now that I'm finally starting to settle in and I'm past all this madness I can start focusing on my blog more and giving it the love it deserves!

Thirty-Two

2010-07-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

And so begins my last week in San Francisco.... (Part 1)

Sunday:

The week couldn't have begun better. I started it with brunch with my aunt at Cavallo Point in Sausalito, right over the Golden Gate bridge. I'm so glad I was able to see my aunt before I left for Seattle, she's such a wonderful woman and such a fun person to be around. I always say that I'm going to be like her when I'm older (as in the wild, fun and loud aunt). Later in the evening I met up with Avalonne, Ashley, and Raina for some shopping, food and coffee. I've been trying to be good about not spending money but I couldn't help but buy the blouse that I'm wearing the in the very last photograph from Forever 21 and a hat from Urban Outfitters that was on sale for $10..I mean c'mon!

bing cherry galette with cheesecake ice cream

Monday:

Spent the day packing, packing, packing! Then headed over to my friend Sean's apartment to take a breather and watch Private Benjamin.

Tuesday:

Swimming and Barbecuing in Marin with all my favorite boys. These are probably the people I will miss the most when I leave. My most fun and memorable moments are with these boys!

Wednesday:

Had a picnic in Union Square with my good friend Lauren and then we went for pedicures afterwards at a nearby salon. Unfortunately, my only documentation of this is on my purchased disposable camera, which you will have to wait to see once photos are developed. But it was a wonderful day altogether! We spent most of our pedicure being hassled by the pedicurist's there; trying to get us spend more money on things we didn't need. We were amused by it. Below is the outfit I wore today though.

Thirty-One

2010-07-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

MAD HATTER MONDAY

(1940's)

This has to be one of my favorite era's as far as hats go. They really begin to define an entire style and become the icing on the cake to each one of these outfits photographed.

I know you're all very familiar with this hat by now but I can't help ending up styling it with so many outfits..it's the perfect match!

Thirty

2010-07-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

I've recently become fascinated with bento box art. I came across a couple of photographs of some bento boxes people put together and I couldn't get over how adorable and amazing they were! I immediately went to the Japan town here and purchased some supplies to start creating my own bento boxes. I can't remember the site I was reading about them on but it explained how Japanese Mom's take pride in their bento boxes and are very competitive in having the best presentation. I have yet to get started on it but as soon as I do I promise to post some photo's on here! I doubt they will ever compare to the photo's below but still it will be a fun attempt.

my supplies!

Twenty-Nine

2010-07-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

I survived the week! I didn't know if I was going to make it near the end after spending Friday night working from 8pm until 9:30 AM the next day! We had to re-merchandise the store and give it an entirely new make-over. Despite the delirium and restlessness I was left with afterwards, the store looks beautiful and it was in need of some TLC. I'm glad the week is over though, all I did was work work work and I am excited to say that this will be my last week at my job before moving/transferring to another store in Seattle. I still have two weeks left in San Francisco and I thought it was important to spend my last week here not occupied with work and be able to enjoy my last days in the city. I have so many places to visit and people to see and I want to make sure I fit it all in!

Twenty-Eight

2010-07-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

This week has been so long and grueling. I've been slaving away at work basically every day and night now and it's not even over. It's just been the cat and I snuggling into bed every night and falling asleep to an episode of Pushing Daisies. I'm slowly making my way back into the real world. But that's not what's important here! What I really want to say is thank you to Starr, of A Thought Is The Blossom, for letting me feature a giveaway on her site and to everyone who is participating in the giveaway and has become a recent follower! I've only had this blog for a little while now and it excites me to see that people have taken an interest to it. Once this week is over I'll get back to my regular routine of posts and keep this thing updated with fun photographs and outfits.

images above courtesy of The SF Style

Twenty-Seven

2010-07-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update for today...

I went to this Designers and Artists-All Things Vintage event a few backs ago with Avalonne, who you know from the girl from hk, ldn & sf, and her friend Carolina. The photograph above is of the pair of pants I picked up at the event for only $15! I couldn't believe my eyes when I realized they were actually pants and not a maxi skirt. There was no hesitation in that purchase. I had such a wonderful time at the event and with those two ladies! My life has become so hectic suddenly between this move and work. My work schedule next week consists of two store meetings (one for merchandisers and one for the overall store) then a store overnight, which usually has me working until 5-6 in the morning. Luckily I plan on taking my last week in San Francisco off from work before being transfered to the downtown Seattle location. Needless to say, I'm starting to feel more and more overwhelmed with each passing day.

Carolina, Avalonne and I at the Designers and Artists-All Things Vintage event

Twenty-Six

2010-07-07T17:37:00.001-07:00

I'm making a big change in my life in about 3 weeks-I'm moving back to Seattle!! I've run into some financial issues and after a long discussion with my parent's, all three of us came to the conclusion that it was best for me to move back. I'm actually really excited about this and ready to start a new chapter in my life. I've lived in San Francisco for almost 4 years now and I feel like I've come to a dead end here. This city has given me all that it has to offer and I'm very grateful for all the wonderful people I've met and the amazing experiences I've had here. This city truly changed me for the better and will always be my second home. I already have so many big plans for myself when I get to Seattle, especially since I'll be able to save up money! The first thing on my list is getting a house with 3 of my closest friends in the photo below:

Anyway..I'm getting sidetracked! The real reason for this post is that I'm trying to sell all the furniture in my apartment before I leave. So, if any of you in San Francisco want any of it or know of anyone that would please let me know! I'm selling everything for pretty cheap prices. When it gets closer to my last days here, I'll be doing another post for all my kitchenware and anything else I don't want to bring back with me.

Computer Desk-Free (top drawer is broken)

Chair-$10

Kitchen Table and Chair-$15

~~Chair-$20~~

~~magazine stand-$10~~

~~Dresser-$30~~

Side Table-$10

~~Coffee Table-$10~~

Twenty-Five

2010-07-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Mad Hatter Monday

1930

Twenty-Four

2010-07-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July everyone!!

I'm heading over to my friend, Sean's, house in a couple of hours to enjoy a yummy veggie feast! Sean is making us all dinner using only the ingredients he picked from his grandma's garden. Then we're heading down to the waterfront to watch the fireworks while drunk on champagne. I love Sunday's and I love the holiday's! I hope every one is having just as much, if not more, fun today.

twenty-three: Seeing Red

2010-07-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

I've fallen in love with red heads these past couple of months and all I can think about is how I need to dye my hair red and get a perm immediately! To be frank, this whole obsession started when I viewed the Chanel resort line for 2010. There was no turning back after that..

P.S. I purchased new sunglasses today!

twenty-two

2010-06-30T07:24:00.001-07:00

A few photo's from the past week and some from my visit to the Alameda flea market..

P.S.

I was both flattered and excited to see that I had made the main page of Chictopia today!

I hope summer is treating the rest of you well!

Twenty-One

2010-06-28T07:04:00.001-07:00

Mad Hatter Monday

1900-1920

1916

Jule Andre-Vanity Fair 1927

Olive Borden

Corinne Griffith

Lilyan Tashman

Twenty

2010-06-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

While I was in Seattle I was lucky enough to stumble upon a few photo's of my grandma and grandpa on my dad's side of the family, as well as, a senior photo of my Dad from 1972. My heart stopped at the sight of my grandparents when they were younger. My grandma had such an elegance and natural beauty to her that I feel is really captured in these few photographs and my grandpa was absolutely handsome. Though I don't think I say it enough, I've always really admired them deeply. Sadly my grandma passed away a few years ago and I'm always sadden by the fact that I didn't get to know her better, especially in my older years. I still have the blanket she made for me when I was born and even brought it with me when I moved to San Francisco; I'm always comforted by it. Anyway, I just want to dedicate this post to them and to my father as a late Father's Day tribute. I love you!

Grandparents (1953)

how amazing is my grandma's outfit! (1971)

My Dad and his date

Dad with a rattlesnake he killed

my dad is the one sitting down in the second row, on the far right, behind the first girl sitting in the front

Nineteen

2010-06-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Eighteen

2010-06-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

Pacific Northwest Part II

I'm finally back in San Francisco! After a long two week vacation in Seattle, it feels nice to be back in the city. I've missed my cat! Luckily, I had two friends staying at my place every other night, taking care of him and keeping him company so I knew he was in good hands. When I came home I was surprised by a bottle of champagne sitting in the fridge left by my friends and tons of kitty kisses. I couldn't ask for a better way to come back! The last few days in Seattle were wonderful though. I drove to Portland with three other friends but before heading off we went to brunch happy hour at Toulouse Petit. I settled for a mimosa and egg white scramble with shiitake mushrooms, asparagus, and fresh herbs (MMmm...). After a delicious brunch we headed out. The weather was beautiful and as soon as we arrived to our destination we rolled down every window and opened up the sun roof to take in all the sunlight. We expected to have an epic shopping day but spent the first few hours wandering downtown and getting different directions to the same place from every person we talked to. Finally, frustrated and short on time, we got into our car and set off to find the vintage stores on our own (using our handy mapquest guide of course). We ended up going to two stores, one including a giant warehouse of vintage goods and other nic-nacs, and I left satisfied with my purchase of vintage blazer (photo's soon). To end our long journey we went to Voodoo Doughnuts, which isn't your average doughnut bakery. They have all kinds of odd flavors and names to go with their doughnuts, including the bacon maple bar. My last days were spent barbecuing, laying the park and a last goodbye at Broadway Grill for happy hour.

a little snack before our meal arrived-Toulouse Beignets with a coffee flavored sauce

Egg 'Forestiere' with Shiitake Mushrooms, Asparagus and Fresh Herbs

goat gouda, delice de bourgogne and cybress grove midnight moon gouda

REUNITED!

Seventeen

2010-06-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

A hat for every occasion.

Sixteen

2010-06-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Pacific Northwest Part I

Finally arrived to Seattle! I was lucky to have an entire row to myself, I couldn't believe it.

unpacked goods

First stop on the list-Seattle Art Museum. They were showing two really good exhibitions on
Andy Warhol and Kurt Cobain.

Afterwards, My Mom, Grandma and I went to happy hour at Daniels Brolier. One of our favorite spots to eat at in Seattle. MMmm

The best Ahi Tuna dish I've tasted so far.

The view from my parent's house

Gas Works Park

Locally homemade honey lavedner goat cheese chevre

the tag read-sperm cell

Fifteen

2010-06-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm on my last week in Seattle and I have to say it's been amazing so far. I'm originally from here so it's been nice to reunite with old friends and see my family. I've already purchased 3 hats since I've been here! Once including a vintage Oscar De La Renta hat for only $30! Also, a vintage 1960's coat and a cute, light teal blouse. I'm hoping to take photographs of all these gems today. It's raining outside (surpised?) so I've decided that today is relax/catch up on my blog day! I'm planning on going to Portland this Friday for the day and I can only imagine all the goodies I'm going to come back with. I've been sure to keep an eye out for good thing to collect for my future etsy shop. This is just a small post but I have a big one coming up later today, so expect a heavy picture post next!

Fourteen

2010-06-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the absence of my usual "Mad Hatter" Monday post yesterday. I'm leaving for Seattle tomorrow for the next 2 weeks and had to take advantage of my day-off by running around all day finishing up some last minute things. I, also, spent an accumulation of 6 hours of walking on Sunday between 2 flea markets (not counting the inventory shift I had later that day from 7-12am). So, by the time I got home yesterday my legs ached and my body shut down and there was no leaving my bed. The one good thing about this was I watched The Young Victoria with Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend. I am so fascinated by history and her story is not one I've really explored yet. The film did bring an interest in me to her story and I already want to run to the nearest book store and pick up a few biographies on her. But it wasn't just her story that was inspiring; the film aesthetically was beautiful between the costumes, the detailing of braiding in the hairstyles and decorative bonnets.

The Real Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

Prince Albert, Queen Victoria and Their Nine Children

An older Queen Victoria in her Diamond Jubilee

(all images taken from Wikipedia)

(Expect a flea market post later today! And I promise to reply to comments once I'm off work today, sorry I've been slow about that)

Thirteen

2010-06-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

What Saturday looked like:

I'm heading off to the Alameda Flea Market in an hour!! This is my first time going and I'm jumping for joy. My co-worker always comes back with so many gems. I'm keeping an eye out for quality vintage clothing to collect for a future etsy shop! And a few hats for myself....of course

(expect pictures soon!)

Twelve

2010-06-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Remember that amazing 1920's cloche hat I found on Etsy? Well it finally arrived yesterday! All I can say is I am a very very satisfied customer, the hat is even more beautiful in person. The dress I'm wearing in these photographs is another amazing find that I stumbled upon at a vintage expo here in San Francisco. It's from the 1930's and was marked down from somewhere around $500 (can't remember the exact price) to only $85! I had to ask the lady selling it to me if that was the actual price because it really did seem too good to be true. I've had a long streak of good vintage luck and I've been sure to take advantage of it.

closer look:

Eleven

2010-06-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Movie Night

Ten

2010-06-02T17:42:00.001-07:00

and a taste of my summer soundtrack-

Nine

2010-06-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

Eight

2010-05-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

This weeks Mad Hatter edition is dedicated to an etsy artist/shop I stumbled upon awhile ago:

zaracarpenter

You can't deny your love for her use of playfulness and humor in her hats. They are both adorable and a statement piece to be worn. As soon as I dedicate my time to being a hermit and fully giving up my social life to save a few dollars (the only way to in San Francisco) my first purchase will be that deer piece!

Seven

2010-05-30T11:25:00.001-07:00

Six

2010-05-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday

It's become a weekly tradition now between two of my good friends and I; where we trade off getting together at either one's place to rant about our lives, watch movies, snack on cheese and other goodies. This week I hosted. I love being able to throw together a little party, even if the guest list only reads two people. I get a kick out of putting together food dishes and it's nice to be able to enjoy good company amongst good food. I have to give all the credit to my Mom for showing me how to be a good host (Thanks Mom!). Whenever we had company over my Mom always made sure the house looked its best and the food was at its best. When I was young I would take mental notes as I watched my Mom prepare the house for company and I still use what I learned today.

P.S. new haircut courtesy of Vidal Sassoon

Five

2010-05-27T07:36:00.001-07:00

Four: Evening

2010-05-25T16:36:00.001-07:00

Four

2010-05-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

New Etsy purchase and another gem to add to my collection

Vintage 1920's Cloche Hat

Three

2010-05-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

There's nothing I adore more than a beautiful hat. I think the appreciation for millinery work has gone missing and unnoted over the last few years. There's something absolutely special and unique about hats. They say shoes complete the outfit but for me, it's hats! Honestly though, when I travel I pack more hats than shoes. They are a piece of art to me and to show my appreciation and love for them I present the first weekly "Mad-Hatter" Monday. Basically it's a post dedicated to those lovely hats from the past.

Two

2010-05-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Attire:

San Francisco weather can be very deceiving. Anyone from here will tell you that you should always leave the house prepared for any sort of weather conditions. One block could be warm and sunny while the next is windy and cold. You'd think by now I would have learned my lesson but that wasn't the case yesterday. I saw the sun shining through my windows and immediately gravitated towards a pair of peach trousers, light blouse and sun hat, expecting summer to be waiting for me outside. Instead, it was cold and the wind was blowing so hard I literally thought I was going to go flying with it. Anyway, a friend of mine recently gave me their tempur-pedic mat for their bed (they're moving to LA and couldn't bring it with them) so as soon as I got home I snuggled up in my bed and drifted in and out of 10 minute naps for the next few hours. Having that thing has made it very difficult to get out of bed. Finally, feeling guilty of wasting my day-off in bed, I headed downtown to try and amuse myself with a little bit of shopping. Another lesson I haven't learned-don't go downtown on a Saturday. But I can't say the trip wasn't worth it, I ended up leaving with a pair of pants from H&M and a $10 blouse on sale from Urban Outfitters. Later that night I met up with friends went to a private birthday party at a friend's gallery. It was a pleasant and enjoyable weekend and I'm hopeful for what's to come in the future. The last couple of months have been very uneventful and dull and I'm ready for some excitement to enter into my life again.

Sunday's Attire:

Pants purchased from H&M

they are unbelievably comfortable

kitty brooch purchased on etsy.com

vintage "mirror" ring I found at the flea market

view from my apartment window

One

2010-05-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

The school semester has ended and summer has finally commenced, so what better time to start a blog than now? I've always been iffy about starting one of these because of my lack of time or dedication between trying to balance a full time schedule of both work and school while barely making time for an outside social life. But now that my days are clearing and I'm finally scratching that summer itch, I'm feeling confident I can keep up with this thing. Expect much more from me soon!