Etsy Finds: Vintage Love

I came across these two stunning finds while in the midst of my daily Etsy "finding." I'm looking at Etsy content throughout the majority of the day for my work in merchandising, so when something stops me in my tracks, I know I've just got to share.

1. How clever is this repurposed vintage locker console? I've been dreaming about using vintage lockers as creative & decorative storage options but would have never thought to turn one on it's side. It's the little things like these that seed mainstream trends - yes you can call me on that one when these start popping up everywhere!

2. I've already got a thing for vintage dress forms. Lately, I've been on the hunt for an antique version with a solid bust just like the one above. It retains all of the vintage character but still leaves a clean palette for jewelry & styling photos. Too bad this one's reserved but I'm happy to keep the hunt alive.

944 Magazine's First Ever Wedding Issue

I love how this guest curator piece for 944 Magazine's first ever wedding issue came out. What a fun piece to collaborate on - not to mention having the opportunity to tout why Etsy is a great destination for covering all the little details concerning the big day.

I love 944's fresh take on nuptials and how they seemed to create not just another wedding zine. Find the extended feature on page 14 and view the full flip book here.

Trendspotting: Trompe l'oeil Stockings

Building upon last year's polka dot hosiery trend, this year's versions are taking it a step further. In keeping with that nod to the past - these hotter than hot stockings are boasting trompe l'oeil garters, exaggerated lace, and larger than like polka dot patterns. It appears a short skirt and coat falling just above the hemline are the perfect pairings for these showstoppers.

What do you think about these accessories - would you try them on for size and where would you wear them? I'm thinking they would have been perfect in my early 20's (restaurant years) and might be better suited for a First Friday nowadays.

Looks via Lookbook.nu
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Bow Stockings
Garter Stockings
Lace Stockings
Thigh Highs
Polka Dots
Garter Triangles
Lace Hosiery
Classic Polka Dots
Large Polka Dots

Trendspotting: Blazers are Back

I've never been a blazer kind of gal, but I'm starting to wonder if this just might be the year.

Piggybacking on the menswear looks trending as of late, these simple cuts and clean lines might sway me into the land of the fashionably preppy.

Looks via:

Black Leather Jacket: Lookbook
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Studded Collar Blazer: devaniweaver, Etsy
Gray Capped Sleeve Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Blue Fitted Blazer: wanderlustvtg, Etsy
Black Riding Jacket: Lookbook
Black Fitted Jacket: Urban Outfitters
Gray Blazer: 13bees, Etsy
Pink Blazer: H&M, via Lookbook
Gold Balmain Jacket: knight cat

The sequin butterfly shirt

I'm just going to come out and admit it: I have a little bit of a thing for those notoriously tacky vintage sequin butterfly shirts. Are they even a shirt really, or more of a poncho? In any case, every time I come across one in Etsy's Vintage category, my heart flutters a little - pun intended. It's even gotten to the point where I've started searching for them instead of stumbling across them. I love how some versions seem fairly tame and then others are just blatantly out of control.

While I've never broken down and bought one, I've definitely given the idea more than serious consideration. I think I still just need to get to the stage where I convince myself there are plenty of places it could be worn.

I could totally rock one of these gaudy butterfly ponchos, right? No question.

Trendspotting: Studs

Each season as the stud trend comes back rearing it's rough & tough head, I've never seemed to consider the idea of incorporating them into my own style palette. However, as we get closer to fall, select versions of these softer interpretations cropping up are something I think I could get along with.

These stud inspired looks can be found via Etsy and Lookbook.nu.

Main Image, Studded Sweater: LookBook
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Pyramid Earrings: michellechangjewelry
Studded Headband: LouiseRose
Studded Vintage Flats: PrincessSamy
Studded Bustier: LookBook
Black Studded Bag: DesignsByLakouri
Grey Studded Wedges: LookBook
White Studded Bag: VerseauVintage
Black Studded Dress: LookBook

Antique Industrial Laundry Carts

As of late, industrial and commercial grade essentials of the past have been at the top of my decorating frame of mind. One detail I've been fixating on for months is an industrial size canvas laundry cart complete with casters. Not only would one be great for actually doing the laundry, but just think of all the unique storage solutions one of these babies could solve: bathroom towel display, cleaning supply cart, a magazine and afghan caddy for the family room...oh the possibilities.

Find a newer version in production carried at Restoration Hardware, or snag a rare antique original version right here on Etsy. Both versions have been made in the USA. Know where I can find more of these laundry carts? Let me know where in the comments, I'd love to take a longing look at other varieties.

Trendspotting: Etsy Designer Vintage

If you weren't in the know already, I want to let you in on one of Etsy's best kept shopping secrets: designer vintage fashion. Vintage looks have been topping the best dressed lists across red carpets this season and won't be going out of style anytime soon; think classic, rare, and timeless. It's practically a cat fight to the checkout button in the marketing corner of the Etsy office anytime one of us comes across a newly listed vintage designer bag, dress, pair of tall boots or pumps.

Find the full post on sniffing out the designer brands in Etsy Vintage along with a smattering of my current finds on Kaboodle.com.

Etsy Vintage Pictured
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YSL Sunglasses: VintageStore123
Ferragamo Riding Boots: nstylevintage
Red Chloe Military Jacket: VonlenskaVintage
Hermes Silver Ring: BackThennishVintage
Ungaro Quilted Jacket: closetcaseVNTG
Roberto Cavalli Jumpsuit: closetcaseVNTG
Green Vogue Couturier Cocktail Dress: TimelessVixenVintage
YSL Polka Dot Dress: TavinShop

Trendspotting: Fingerprint Jewelry

One of this season's hottest jewelry trends emerging via Etsy designers is personalized fingerprint jewelry. You heard me right, there are an exclusive selection of jewelry designers working to preserve your own (or a loved one's) true fingerprint permanently in precious metals including silver, gold, and platinum.

These one-of-a-kind pieces are truly something unique that is sure to leave your stamp in time for generations to come. I'm seeing them being carefully created for events and special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, Father's Day, and Mother's Day. There are even a couple versions capturing the paw or nose print of those furry family members!

See my full post on Kaboodle.com to find my favorite fingerprint jewelry designs on Etsy right now.

Announced: Guest Blogging for Kaboodle

This week it was announced I'll be guest blogging from the Etsy perspective for Kaboodle. Find the Q&A intro to the new series here and stay tuned for Etsy exclusives, insider tips, and trendspotting from yours truly over on the Kaboodle buzz blog each Thursday.

Find the first installment of the series on Kaboodle's buzz blog leaking where to find the Etsy jewelry highlighted in this season's The Bachelorette. I'm so looking forward to spreading the Etsy love with Kaboodle and hope to see you over that way!

Trendspotting: The Open Back

Open backs and barely-there-backless numbers lend a whole new meaning to sultry: an unexpected peek of flesh, and curves of a different kind. Classy and completely sexy.

The open back inspired looks can be found via Etsy and Lookbook.nu.

Etsy: Lisette White Dress
Etsy: What a Gem Black Dress
Lookbook.nu: South Heaven Bodysuit
Lookbook.nu: The Glow Backless Top
Etsy: Sailor Cut Out Dress
Lookbook.nu: Spin Me Round Again Bodysuit
Etsy: Striped Shirt
Lookbook.nu: Marry Me Black Dress
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Lookbook.nu: Peculiar Ways Black Dress
Lookbook.nu: Oceans Suit
Etsy: Vintage Bow Black Dress
Etsy: Coco Chiffon and Lace Dress
Lookbook.nu: Carousels Black Dress
Etsy: 1950's Silk Cocktail Dress
Etsy: Knitwear Stripes Top
Etsy: Multicolor Swimsuit

Antique Egg Scale

Among other industrial farm related equipment that keeps cropping up on the trend radar, these vintage egg scales are so captivating to me. A tool in which I'm sure was used routinely at farmer's markets, I guess we just take "egg size" for granted nowadays with the cookie cutter grades we're accustomed to. Needless to say, I'm itching to get my hands on one of these "jiffy-way" versions.

Being that today is a day often symbolized by the egg, I had fun learning something new about the different types there are out there to choose from in our own groceries and markets. See E.A.T.'s latest post all about the egg.

Antique Egg Scales via:
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Red Jiffy Way Scales: daisyspix
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Industrial Egg Scale: TopsyDesign
Egg Grading Scale: ethanollie
Acme Egg Scale: AboveJewels
Green Jiffy Way Scale: TheVintageCabin

Trendspotting: Over The Knee Stockings

Variations on the ideal length of socks and stockings seem to be forever changing from one whim to the next. The "just over the knee" look seems to be cropping up as the new sweet spot this season. Not quite a knee sock, not quite a thigh high, but just barely over the knee.

The sock inspired looks I found above are via Etsy and LookBook.nu.

LookBook.nu: White Knee Socks
LookBook.nu: Grey Vintage Socks
Pinstripe Socks: poppyswickedgarden
LookBook.nu: Navy buttons Socks
LookBook.nu: Plum Socks
Tattoo Socks: post
Silver Thigh High Leggings: BabooshkaBoutique
Neon Socks: bewakeful
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LookBook.nu: Grey Knee Socks
Black Stem Socks: undertheroot
LookBook.nu: Red Bow Socks
Sock Garters: SWANclothing
LookBook.nu: Pointelle Black Socks
LookBook.nu: Black Bunny Socks
LookBook.nu: Sheer Heart Stockings
LookBook.nu: Black High Socks

Love: Hunter Wellington Boots

I tend to fixate on certain finds I convince myself I need. A current preoccupation has been geared towards a pair of the original green Hunter wellington boots. This brand is made in the UK and has been a classic field staple since the 1850's when the first factory began production. I keep dreaming up imaginary "field situations" in which I'll need to wear them, hence saving the day.

Each of the looks above via Lookbook.nu.

Oh Hunter wellingtons, one of these days we'll be the best of old pals.

Oxford Inspiration via Etsy

In tune with the menswear kick I've found myself touting, one particular element keeps teasing my fancy: the oxford. I'm enthralled with the diverse varieties and takes on this shoe style, especially the transitional appeal they seem to carry from one season to the next. Today's collection was inspired by the larger menswear Etsy Finds collection I curated over on Etsy's blog today.

Oxford Inspiration via Etsy
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Tobacco field flats: huxleyrye
White oxfords art print: TheLightFantastic
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Spring green oxfords: axandapple
Burgundy suede oxfords: MyGmasCloset
DKNY black oxfords: womyn
Brently Italian Oxfords: SkinandWood
Black and white oxfords: SnowJaneVintage
Olive green oxfords: GirlLeastLikely
The Hyde Park, New York oxfords: bopptybopshoppe
Brown suede and leather oxfords:margaretpearl
White leather wedges: bootmeister

Trendspotting: Menswear

Trend: Debonair Classic, Menswear

Fitted blazers, micro vests, button down shirts, and trousers. Tweed, hounds-tooth, and pinstripes. High waists, thick belts, oxfords, and fedoras. Androgyny at it's best, give me more.

Each of these looks can be found via LOOKBOOK.nu.

Trendspotting: Uniform Chic

Haven't we all heard the cliché of finding a man in uniform irresistible? I've begun to notice stylized versions and hints of the classic uniform trickling into fashion, accessories, and home decor designs. Time to suit up and put uniform chic on the style watch. Each of the finds above came from Etsy, see more of my finds suiting this trend and the sellers they came from in this article on Etsy's blog.

Valentine Inspiration via Etsy

Love inspiration via Etsy
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Pink Ruffle Tank: SoulPretty
Heart Brooch: ThePitbullBarNGrill
Double Fingerprint Necklace: fabuluster
Love is All You Need Photograph: Kristybee
Bearfurcated: everyeskimo
Vintage Bowling Pins: bluebellbazaar
Vintage Heart Cookies: whippedbakeshop
Miniature Heart Sampler: MiniatureRhino
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Diamond Band: kateszabone
Vintage Pumps: persephonevintage
If I Only Had a Heart Brooch: Schmutzerland
Pink Baby Bear Hat: simplybasicdesigns
Anatomical Heart Necklace: MarKhed
Flower Bud Shirt: bchildrenswear
Silhouettes Necklace: LostAndFawned
Keyhole Watercolor: GollyBard

Wishing a happy Valentine's to you and yours. xoxo

Trendspotting: Polka Dot Hosiery

I've noticed these saucy little stockings cropping up everywhere and have to say this is one emerging trend I'm falling for. There's just something a little nostalgic, classy, and flirty about these polka dot hosieries. You could say they possess that perfect touch of je ne sais quoi...

I stumbled across an exemplary pair while on the hunt for some to add to my own collection.