Frock N Roll

A few new things in the shop this week. I'm also pleased to announce that Branchbound will be selling at Vintage Heaven this weekend in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Here's the flier:



Come say hello and check out my new...hats! Yes, I started making hats! Let me know what you think:

Shop Update: Hats, Housewares and More

I'm finally listing all the hats I've had stock piled forever (some of these hats I bought in high school!). One of these sold already, and another super awesome one sold at Vintage Heaven before I listed it.



Adolfo II Ivory Felt Cap with Gold and Rhinestone Encrusted Bow - SOLD, Georgi Gray Wool Brimmed Hat with Netting and Feather



Red Satin Princess Cap With Venise Lace and Long Veil, Betty Blue Velvet Bandeau 50s Cocktail Hat



Adolfo II Black Straw Topper With Netting, Feather and Bow, Sherlock Holmes Black and White Houndstooth Detective Hat



Ivory and Pale Pink Dooney and Bourke Leather Handbag, Black Brazilian Leather T-Strap Slingback Heels Size 7



Gal and Doll Clear Highball Glasses With Red Lettering, Five Japanese Ceramic Handpainted Penguin Mugs



Set of Three Coral Floral Snack Coasters, 50s Silver Metal Shell Ashtray or Container





I'm also giving away this navy quilted purse at Lulu Letty's blog! Enter to win, and there might be a coupon code in it for you. I have that exact purse in black, too, that will be going into the shop soon.

Returning from Larryville

If you were wondering where I was the past week or so, I was in Lawrence, Kansas visiting my boyfriend. It was a much needed vacation from my oft-stressful life in Chicago and it was nice, as always, to spend time with Michael. The weather there was lovely in the 60s and 70s the entirety of the trip. So nice to enjoy soft wind, plenty of sun, and bare limbs.

I was particularly naughty this trip and bought a lot of things. None of which were particularly expensive, thankfully, but it was still a trial getting my suitcase shut yesterday! Friday, my first full day, we hit Mass Street, the main drag. First we went to the Antique Mall, one of my fave places where we can both wander for hours (and always do). I got the prettiest silvery gray straw hat with fake leaves and flowers that fits my head perfectly, a variety of golden buttons for a project, and a cute cotton 50s dress for the shop. We then hit up Wild Man Vintage, which is really affordable and I've gotten a sailor dress I love there last summer. The boy got a couple of shirts and a pair of 50s khakis that fit him wonderfully and were in amazing condition. I (finally) got a 50s ivory cardigan with white wheat beadwork and a floral cotton shift dress. I went back the next day to get a pair of red cork wedge sandals I was eyeing. We ended the evening with Mexican food, bowling, and drinking at a couple of local bars.

Saturday outfit:



lace earrings - coming soon to Branchbound
sunnies - Target
brown shirtdress - estate sale
nude crocheted stockings - Marshall's
tan t-strap wedges - DSW





Saturday Michael and I got breakfast at Mirth. We sat outside and it was delicious food. Since this was also on Mass St we decided to continue our sauntering from the day before (we had to stop as it got chilly and we were starving). That's when I bought the aforementioned shoes and another hat at another antique shop we'd never been in. It's a lovely dusty rose colour that matches my hair with a little feather in the front! I'm so lucky I can find these hats on my trips, since I don't like buying hats online and I can never find the kind I like in Chicago.









We got some ice cream and walked to the park, where we watched animals and high school kids take their prom pictures. That night his friends BBQed for us and we chatted and watched tv/played Wii Golf. I love Wii Golf; I really want a Wii but can't justify buying one so in the meantime will just have to mooch! Michael also got this great drawing of him done by his friend Ramon:





He did one of me, too, but I wasn't able to pick it up before I left. I can't wait to get it! Sunday we just hung out, ate more Mexican food, and I watched the first two episodes of Twin Peaks! Yes, I've been under a rock and I had never seen it before. It's too early for me to have a solid opinion on it, but I enjoyed what I've watched so far.

Monday we went to Kansas City! It was really warm so I donned my new hat and dress:



straw topper - Lawrence Antique Mall
cotton 50s floral dress - Wild Man Vintage
tan t-strap wedges - DSW



Getting up was kind of a pain in the ass, as Google gave us the wrong names for the exits, but we got there eventually. We went to a few vintage shops in Westport, but the only one of note was Donna's Dress Shop. It was perfect, I wish I could live there! I got a pair of 70s denim shorts that look like pin-up shorts and fit like a dream. Our last stop was in the downtown area; we visited the giant Antique Mall there. It's 4 stories! Michael got a mustard shirt and I *finally* got a mirrored vanity tray. I...haven't unpacked it yet, but they wrapped it well so I will assume it's still intact. I almost bought this PERFECT black straw boater hat with an "under bow" but it was $22.50...and I could not fathom spending more than $20 on a hat. Though I kind of wish I did. Dang.

Yesterday was more hanging out at Michael's place until I had to leave. I was so sad to go; this was my last visit to Lawrence! Michael moves here in a few short months finally. Still, saying goodbye to his apartment was hard, so many memories there. But I had some pretty dresses and a cute cat waiting for me when I got home, which softens to the blow.

Phew! What a long entry. What have I missed? How was your weekend?

Things I Love Thursday - 10.01.09

• monthly astrology forecast - Every first of the month I think "Oh boy, a new astrology forecast!" Read yours here.



• vintage hats - Now that my hair is getting long my hatred of hats is subsiding. It might also be in part to it not being worn as curly as it can be lately, though. At any rate, I find myself searching for an everyday-yet-glamourous topper. This beret found on ebay is cute, but it harkens the DYI spirit inside of me. I wouldn't be surprised if in a few months time I have a full-on millinery hobby budding!

• fall baking - As the temperature drops, my appetite becomes more ferocious. I see more leisurely breakfasts of french toast, bacon, and coffee on my days off in my future. But aside from that, I long to have an excuse to try my hand at a pecan pie, pumpkin muffins, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, and of course whipping up my tried and true banana bread.



Left to right: birdqueen, tree & kimball, both on etsy.

• jewelry making - Another creative surge of energy I am getting is from the endless amount of inspiration I find browsing etsy looking at gorgeous jewelry. I have been meaning to experiment with that for a while, too, and am browsing supplies all over the place. Here are some of my favourite etsy sellers lately, whose work I love to ogle:
birdqueen
chinacherie
mama's little babies
ragtrader
tree & kimball

• the great closet purge of 2009 - I'm getting there! I photographed a bunch of stuff for etsy and ebay last weekend, and the etsy listings are gradually being put up. I'll have a bigger post when I'm finished, but I added about a dozen things so far if you want to have a look.