Hi everyone! I just wanted to stop in quickly and give you an update about what's going on over here in SJVland. I've acquired a new computer (yay!) and I'm still working on getting it all set up with software, recovering files from my old computer and all that other not-so-fun stuff that technology demands of us. I should be back in the regular swing of things by... the beginning of next week? I sure hope so! 'Cause I've got lots of good stuff to add to the shop and photos to share with ya'!
A special note to my lovely sponsors... if your banner is scheduled to begin or end in the next few days, please bear with me while I get this computer stuff sorted out. I don't think I'll be able to get everything updated before at least Monday. Thank you so much for your patience and know that if I don't get your banner up on the date we had planned, we'll just delay the end-date for your sponsorship so that your banner still runs for the allotted time.
I'll be checking email via Tom's computer over the next few days so if you need to reach me you can still do so by email. Oh, and of course the shop is still up and running as usual. Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you next week!
- listening to: Starsailor - Love is Here "Poor Misguided Fool"
This weekend was filled with pretty mundane things like trips to Lowe's for more paint, watching lots of World Cup soccer and eating Auntie Anne's pretzels at the mall. Really, those are the best kinds of weekends aren't they? Now I'm back to work taking photos for this week's Etsy update. I've been doing a major closet clean out so expect lots of dresses from my own collection for sale this week.
Update: Hi everyone! Just checking back in quickly to let you all know that my laptop has officially kicked the bucket. I'm working on getting a new one in the next day or so, but until then it'll be radio silence around these parts. I'll be back in a couple of days with lots of new items for the Etsy shop and regular blog updates. See you then!
I already have each item label by size in the description and in the tags. All you have to do is search by size under "this shop" in the Etsy search engine. For example, if you're looking for size large clothing just search the word "large" or the letter "l" in my shop and it will find all of the size large clothing for you. Search "xs" for extra smalls, "s" for smalls, "m" for mediums and so on. Make sense? Hope so!
- listening to: My Morning Jacket - Z "Wordless Chorus"
It seems to be becoming a bit of a habit for us lately... going to ride ferris wheels and such while having terrible carnival food like nachos and cheese and funnel cakes for dinner. This time it was on a much smaller scale as we attended a local high school's annual summer carnival. It was a beautiful evening and I think we were just looking for a good excuse to get out of the house!
Hmm... at first I was a bit hesitant about reposting these photos of The Like because, well, I don't really like The Like. There's nothing wrong with their 60s style girl band tunes, it's just that I like my music a bit more dark and moody. But, there's no denying that these gals have style! And that's really what this post is about... not their music.
Reading the article that accompanied these photos made me a bit nostalgic for vintage shopping in LA! I used to frequent Ragg Mopp on Sunset (never found much there) and Squaresville in Los Feliz (loved that place). I also love that they're wearing that kind of eyeliner that always looks good in photos but when worn in real life makes you look like you just got punched in the eye. It makes me want to play around with make up in photos a bit more (or wear some, period).
My most favorite color that occurs in nature has to be the color of a robin's egg. That's what inspired today's Etsy shop update.
- listening to: Radio Birdman "What Gives?"
On Tuesday Tom and I headed out to Roots Market for the first time this summer. It's held every Tuesday out in farm country and it's sort of a farmer's market/flea market. This week we were on the lookout for a couple of things for the house; something to hold my collection of vintage umbrellas and a hat/coat rack to put by the front door. We didn't find either of those things but I did end up buying four packs of vintage playing cards with dogwood blossoms on them to use as tag for my Etsy shop items. We also came home with a bag full of fresh fruit to have for breakfast this week. Yummm!
Here's a little sneak peek at the pieces I'll be adding to the Etsy shop tonight!
- listening to: Band of Horses - Infinite Arms "Compliments"
Flashback! I just found this post saved as a draft and realized I never published it on my blog. Oopsy! These photos are actually from our last trip to Alabama. Um... better late than never? I remember that it had been raining earlier in the day and when the sun came out it got super hot and humid. Just like the south should be I suppose. This is one of the few times Tom and I have been out taking photos and I got to turn the camera around on him for a change!
And speaking of Alabama, I just booked my flights for a solo trip in July. I'll be spending a week roaming around 'Bama and visiting my sister in Georgia. I'm super excited! There will surely be lots of thrifting and antique hunting, eating vegetables straight out of the garden and the possibility of a kayaking trip. And of course, lots of photos to share when I return.
This afternoon Tom and I headed out for a little walk around our neighborhood. Even though we've lived here for nearly a year, there are still out of the way places we're still discovering. A friend told us about a hand made furniture warehouse just a couple of block from us that we'd never heard of before and we wanted to check it out. It turned out to be really great! It was an old tobacco warehouse that had been converted into a business with living space up above. I love those kinds of spaces where the light pours in through big warehouse windows!
Today was also the first day I've ventured out of the house in my new Swedish Hasbeens. Even though I've seen them on other gals on street style sites and always love the way they look, I wasn't convinced I'd like them on me. I still think I'll like them better in the fall with tights.
And I've saved the best part for last! Kristen from Kdikio Vintage was sweet enough to send this beautiful vintage rose cameo brooch to me for a giveaway! It's a really lovely piece and perfect for wearing on a blazer or jacket to class up any outfit. Even better, it has a little loop on the back so you can string it onto a chain and wear it as a necklace as well.
If you'd like a chance to call it your own, just click over the Kdikio Vintage and have a look around. Then leave a comment on my blog letting Kristen know what you see in her shop that catches your eye. I'll pick the lucky winner in a week!
And a quick congratulations to Eliza from Mess Your Hair Up for winning the Yellow Birdd Giveaway!
Here's a look at today's Etsy shop update! And yes, if those brown boots fit me, they would be mine all mine!
Sometimes I get a fashion craving that comes on quickly and unexpectedly. This week I suddenly realized that my wardrobe is missing a pair of perfectly beat-up brown ankle boots. I wanted to slip on a pair of boots with a floral dress and all my black ones made the outfit a little to grunge for my liking. A pair of brown boots seems to be the answer to all of my current wardrobe woes. I was hoping to find a pair at the thrift store but had no luck. Instead I found the perfect pair of little boy's plaid shorts that I want to wear rolled up with a simple white tank top and... brown boots!
I pretty much want to steal those boots right off of the Nasty Gal model's feet. They are the picture of what I have in mind. I get pretty picky when it comes to these cravings. The heels need to be not too fat and not too skinny. The toes need to be pointy but not too pointy. The color should be brown but not dark brown. Laces are good, as would be a little buckle at the ankle or some fringe on the toe. So far I've had no luck finding the perfect pair. Any size 7 suggestions?
Here's a little glimpse at today's Etsy shop update!
- listening to: Broken Bells "The High Road"
I've just returned from a meeting that means some exciting things are in store for SJV in the upcoming weeks. I can't say too much yet (I hate being so vague, but mums the word, for now) but I know that you're all going to be very excited too! I'll tell you more as soon as I'm able.
On Monday Tom and I both took the day off to spend some time at Hershey Park. It was my first trip and I was super excited because I'd heard so many fun things about it. It did not disappoint! Mostly we walked around and people watched and rode a few rides; the ferris wheel, the swings, the old-timey cars. Tom doesn't really do roller coasters but he was a real trooper and rode the Comet with me. Like I said before, I'm a bit of a roller coaster junkie and Hershey Park has a ton of them, but I only rode the Comet and the Storm Chaser. Whoa... the Storm Chaser. Let's just say I had no idea what I was getting myself into with that one. It shoots you like a rocket from 0 to 72 mph in two seconds! Then up 18 stories, then straight back down. Then a loop and some barrel rolls. Then I thought I was going to pass out. Seriously, my hands were numb when I got off the ride!
After that, I was all roller-coastered out so we ate a nutritious lunch of cheese fries and funnel cakes and headed over to Chocolate World. It was all I expected it to be! It's mostly a super corny ride complete with creepy animatronic cows singing about the virtues of milk chocolate. Then they let you off into a huge gift shop filled to the brim with every sort of chocolate treat you can think of. On our way out, we were stopped by a guy that asked us a few strange questions and then told us we had been chosen to do a secret taste test of a new product! That pretty much made my day. We were escorted to a back room and given saltine crackers and water to eat to cleanse our palette. Then we had to eat a new kind of chocolate and give our feedback. It was really good!
Here is a little collection of recent street style photos that I've collected. I think these photos are a pretty good representation of how I'm feeling about getting dressed these days. The days are getting hotter and hotter and I'm feeling more and more casual. I'll never give up my vintage dresses but I'm not feeling very motivated to wear them right now. Cutoff and t-shirts? Yes. 90s-style florals? Yes. Maybe it's the heat, or maybe it's just a little shift in style. I dunno yet.
- listening to: Depeche Mode - Songs of Faith and Devotion "Walking in My Shoes"
Over the weekend Tom and I stopped in front of this Amish dairy farm to snap a few photos right as the sun set. This is a pretty typical view of what Lancaster looks like when you get out of the city. It was such a beautiful day and the Amish were out in full force on their horses and mule drawn plows. You really start to feel a bit like you've stepped back in time when you're out there surrounded by it.
Today I'm venturing out for my very first trip to Hershey Park! I've always been a bit of a roller coaster junkie so I'm pretty excited. I think we're also going to make a stop into Chocolate World. I keep hearing about this place and its kitschy ride so I'm pretty curious to see it too. I keep picturing Willy Wonka's factory in my head. Perhaps I'll come home with one of those gigantic one pound Hershey chocolate bars?
A completely gratuitous post featuring people (some famous, some not so much) wearing sunglasses. Just because.
1. Visit www.ChinnyLuLu.etsy.com and comment on this post with what your favorite item is from the shop!
2. Follow Sally Jane Vintage Comment if you are a new or old follower!
3. Blog or Tweet about this giveaway and comment with a link from your post/tweet!
Laura of The Time Has Come was the lucky winner of the Revolving Styles necklace.
Kayleigh of Fiber Sketchbook was the lucky winner of the Salvage Life gift certificate.
Thanks so much to everyone for reading this blog and entering to win!
If pretty florals aren't your thing... perhaps you'll like these bold printed vintage dress that I've just added to the Etsy shop!
- listening to: The Alarm - Standards "The Stand"
Wednesday was Tom's birthday and we had plans to go out to dinner to our favorite Mexican restaurant. We tend to gravitate towards little hole-in-the-wall family run places and happened upon this one last year when driving down towards Delaware. Seriously, the best guacamole I've ever tasted in my life! And the salsa bar... don't even get me started. Tom and I are both sort of salsa addicted so the place was pretty much perfect.
So... you can imagine our crushing disappointment when, after thinking about this guacamole all day long, only to arrive and find that the place had suddenly shut down! Argh. We were so hyped up on eating at this place, nothing else even sounded good. We took the extra time we ended up with to shoot a few photos for the blog. The absence of guacamole in my life is probably why I'm looking particularly dour in that first photo. I was not really a happy gal. All ended well as we called a friend who recommended another local Mexican joint. While not quite as good as our original destination, temporarily cured me of my salsa withdrawals.
I also want to take a moment to thank Naomi for including me in her RockStar Interviews series on her lovely blog!
It's been some time since I've seen a collection that I love instantly. Usually they have to grow on me for a while. Not this one! I'm instantly smitten. From the sweet summery dress to the perfect for fall trench coat. I love the nod to the 60s and classic Chanel. And I LOVE (yes, all caps) the straw hats.
Now that the jury duty debacle is officially behind me, I can finally get back to business. Here is a peek at yesterday's Etsy update (which I'm only getting to right now). Better late than never? Later this afternoon I'll be adding six more lovely dress too!
From the looks of the photos it may seem that we had a chilly day to walk around the capital, but it was actually quite hot and sticky. A few rain showers interrupted our day but over all it was quite nice. Mostly I wanted to wear something that would be comfortable, keep me cool and dry out quickly in case we got rained on. This romper was good for all three!
The first part of the day we spent walking around Georgetown. We took a walk along the canal, visited the staircase from The Exorcist and did a little shopping. I had a UO gift card that was easily spent on a couple of dresses and a hat for Tom. Photos of those later! Luckily all of the rain came while we were shopping so it was easy to duck into a store whenever called for.
Speaking of ducks (har, har)... after tiring ourselves of shopping we headed over to the mall for some touristy action. We'd planned on going to the top of the Washington Monument but didn't end up with enough time so instead we looked on from afar. The reflecting pool was full of ducks and ducklings which was enough to entertain me for the rest of the afternoon. I caught this little guy showing off some of his super-cute-baby-duck-moves.
As for The National show, the whole reason we were there to begin with... it was amazing! I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. They played tons of songs (nearly the entire new album) and sounded great.
Oh, and thanks to everyone for the well wishes on my jury duty experience. I have good news! After hours of waiting in jury-duty-purgatory, the case I was called in for was settled at the last minute. Yay! That means I was dismissed for the week and can't be recalled for another three years. Whew!