the little things

Lately its been the little things, materialistically speaking, that have had me in a good mood. I definitely will say that "things" don't make me happy, but every now and then I come across something that brightens my day. It could be fresh flowers for the house or a new vintage find. 

Here are some of my favorite things right now...

My new beautiful, buttery, leather Valise Journal via Anthropologie. I chose the yellow because it makes me happy, but they also have a gorgeous teal/green color. 

Saltwater Sandals. I've always been a fan of this sandal, but never owned a pair (at least past the age of 5). After Chelsea (a lovely blogger I follow on Instagram) posted a few photos in her classic black Saltwaters I decided to buy a pair. They're SO comfy. I'm very happy with these shoes!

 Two vintage dresses I thrifted for Ella. Those polka dots really got me, and the red nautical buoys? C'mon now...too much.

Lastly I was so excited to find this buffalo check table cloth (which I also thrifted). It fits Ella's kids table perfectly.

Anything that you're fancying lately?

thrift store haul

Today I'm sharing a few new additions to Ella's vintage/handmade wardrobe. All these items were thrifted while we were on vacation in New Hampshire or at our local store here in town. Each item was also under $3.50, can't beat that!

 The sweetest smocked flower print vintage dress. 

Orange + teal citrus flower print w/ ric rac AND eyelet?! So sweet. 

Blue + red plaid dress with red ric rac. Sized perfect for next summer's Independence Day.

Long sleeved mushroom + polka dot top. Perfect addition to her Fall wardrobe. 

There are SO MANY great finds out there, you just have to have a keen eye, and my #1 thrifting tip, GO OFTEN!

what i wore wednesday

I'm back from vacation! Today I'm linking up to What I Wore Wednesday and sharing with you all this beautiful top I've been rotating a lot in my wardrobe lately. A few weeks ago I got an invitation from Anthropologie to attend a Fall preview fashion show. How could I say no to a night without the baby and some shopping at my all-time favorite clothing store? I couldn't! So I grabbed a girlfriend and we headed out to dinner and the event. 

The fashion show was great! Lots of color, knits, skirts, and teased hair were featured. Of course I couldn't leave empty handed so I picked up the top below and a few pieces of jewelry. I think that it will transition into my Fall wardrobe well and I've already had tons of compliments on it when I've worn it out. 

I pair it with jeans and heals, and it's pretty much a no fail outfit. Easy peasy, no thinking. Love that. 

not me, i wish! :)

Sewing For Fall

Here it is, outfit/item #2 in the Sewing For Fall series I'm doing. At the end of the series like to have at least 8 pieces made for Ella's Fall wardrobe, a few tops, dresses, bottoms, accessories and maybe even a sweater. This simple peasant dress is similar to the cap sleeved tunic  (item #1), but with a full sleeve and elastic casing around the neck and arms. I didn't use a pattern for this dress, but again it's similar to this free tutorial and this pattern.

I think that it'll look darling with leggings, and I love the combo of polka dots and the funky strawberry print. (I can't find the names of the fabric, but they were ordered online. If anyone recognizes what they are please email me or leave a comment with the names.)

Since this is the second top/dress, I'll be doing a pair of bottoms next. I've been thinking about working with knit/jersey fabric on the next project, and leggings seem like a good addition to Elle's fall wardrobe. I've never really sewn with those types of fabrics, but I've been seeing a lot of great tutorials using jersey/knits. 

Are you doing any sewing for fall? Please share!

{embellished kids tank tops}

On a recent trip to Target I was browsing through the sale section of the children's department and found a yellow tank and striped tank on sale in Ella's size for only $1.12 each (can't beat that!). I couldn't pass up such a great deal, so I snagged them and knew I could do something fun with them. 

I decided that a simple embellishment of yoyo's would be perfect to jazz them up, and because I have a fabric scrap stash the size of mt. everest yoyo's were a perfect option. 

If you've never made a yoyo, here are a few great tutorials on how make them:

Tutorial #1

Tutorial #2

And the finished project? Two cute summer tops for Ella! This is also a great project for repurposing thrift store finds, or any clothing/accessory that needs a little extra something.