Vintage Collection Summer 2013

Here it is! Finally: my 2013 vintage summer collection is here! I'm really excited about these pretty pieces, and to share them with you! I'm just going to jump right into it:

My first piece is a 1980s yellow floral handmade sundress. It had a cut-out back and zipper along with a sash.

Next is a 1970s teal sundress. I'm unsure of the material. It zips up the back as well.

A BEAUTIFUL 1970s handmade pink gown, wonderful for a summer wedding!

Next is a 1970s handmade blue floral skirt, button down with pockets!

A 1990s button down floral skirt!

1990s Pleated skirt!

1960s Yellow Gingham apron with chicken cross stitch

And there we have it! I hope you enjoy these, they are all up in my shop right now!!

Please have a safe and wonderful memorial day weekend! Justin and I are going to a cookout down the road. I'm trying to decide what to wear. Pink Gingham sundress? Beige floral sundress? Any of my massive collection of sundresses? :)

Mondays

I swear, no amount of coffee or fresh blueberries will wake me up today. I barely got any sleep last night, and I work from 8 to 4:30. Is it bad that part of me is hoping this supposed thunderstorm knocks out the power at work so I can come home and sleep? I love my job but I'm just sooo tired....The average American workday is brutal. Did you know in Japan, falling asleep on the job is acceptable because it shows how hard you're working, and some Japanese people pretend to sleep so it seems like they're working harder than they really are? Why can't we have that rule?

Anyways, this week, beyond working my 8 hour days, is dedicated to photographing my Summer 2013 Vintage Collection! I'm really excited about it, and I'm hoping to have everything done by the weekend.

I'm also embarking on a "frugal living" sort of project. I don't know if my job is going to end up being seasonal or not, and I don't want to be up the creek without a paddle. I get paid weekly, so I'm experimenting with $100 dollars a week, minus when rent and bills are due. Honestly I don't think it's going to be that hard because I don't have TOO many expenses beyond rent and bills.

Well, I can't lollygag on my blog anymore. I gotta get ready and make myself look pretty. Hard to do when this humidity is making my hair look like a 1980s frizzed-out mullet-perm (I don't have a mullet, just lots of layers).

Summer 2013 Vintage Collection Sneak Peek!

Just a little tidbits of what's to come...

I hope you're as excited as I am!

Getting Things In Place

Okay, as it may have seemed from the last few posts, I'm not COMPLETELY crazy, just stuck in a rut.

So I did some meditating on the subject, and realized, I'm getting angry for all the wrong reasons! I keep blaming society's standard for how I'm living my life, but no one said I HAVE to live like that. Yeah, I have student loans to pay back, but there are so many ways to begin payments.

Justin and I are working together and making plans for our future. We think we have it figured out, but everyone says that. We have a shell of a plan and are saving up. I don't want to give away too much before anything happens, but I really think we've come up with a plan to make our lives better and to be happier.

I have been putting together my summer vintage collection for the past few weeks, and I am SO excited! I hope to have everything photographed and in the shop by next weekend. It's focused on a juxtaposition between hippy/girly and grungy. I'm stoked about it, for real, and I can't wait to share!

Today we had a homemade brunch! All I have is a blurry Iphone photo, and please excuse the messy table. We live in a VERY tiny place, and have been in the middle of cleaning/purging/rearranging so things are a bit cluttered. The window cleaner was not part of the brunch haha!

I made deviled eggs, bagels with cream cheese, ham, and onions, and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella. We also had blueberries, juice, and a spot of wine in place of mimosas. It was super yummy and a great start to Saturday. After we just laid around until it was time to run errands and clean.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Losing my mind, maybe?

I am the worst. No, not really, but I don't know why I'm so obsessed with change, starting fresh, blah blah blah. Maybe it stems from a lifetime of constantly moving from state to state and never really being able to keep a town for myself.

What am I getting at here? I feel like making a clean start with this blog, AGAIN!

in 2009 I opened Falling Fruits, my first Etsy shop, which featured my handmade stuff like scarves and hats and some vintage odds and ends. A year or two later I went into the vintage game full-swing and never really looked back. Last year I relaunched under InkFlower Vintage, and now I want to do it again. I want to keep my name but just...start.......over.......

What do I do? Delete old posts? Or should I just announce it? Maybe I'm going crazy (PMS will make a woman cray-cray) but a new phase of my life is beginning and this blog, though recently somewhat neglected, is really important to me, as is my shop. I'm staring at a folded stack of my newest products to put out soon, and wondering if I should just announce a clean start tomorrow when I hopefully have them photographed and ready to go.

Input? Advice? Words of wisdom? Ehrmahgerrd herrlp merrr!

Hi!

Whew! My third week at work has been crazy!
It's awesome to be working in my field though. I'm getting great experience and learning tons of new stuff!

The sale is still going on in my shop indefinitely. I really want to clear it out to make room for the new stuff I have, which is a lot!

I've been trying to organize my time lately and it's actually pretty difficult. I find myself regretting how lazy I'd become over my six months of unemployment. I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of a changing world - my changing world - and I don't know where to go from here. It's scary, but if I stay positive I think everything will work out just the way it's supposed to.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

New Job

Once again, it HAS been a while since I've blogged.

Mainly that's because I FINALLY scored a job. I am a graphic designer at VELUX America. It's been pretty great so far, but I've been constantly tired...trying to get into the swing of things.

Rest assured, InkFlower Vintage is not dead.

I'll be back soon!

Too Long!

I need to stop not blogging. Seriously.

Between scouring job listings, going on interviews, my new crush on Josh Gates (Destination Truth) and working with my internship at Asymmetrical Press, I've been pretty busy.

I wanted to check in and say that the sale is still going on in my shop. I want to clear everything out for a fresh start for Spring!

Pretty soon I hope to give a substantial update. Stay tuned!

Sale!

Hello everyone! I meant to have this up yesterday but the internet was being finicky and I am currently sick and did not have the energy to drive anywhere with WiFi.

So, I have some news...in an attempt to organize my shop even more (online AND here at my apartment) I am having a....SALE!!

So...enjoy the sale! Hopefully I'll be able to clear out enough stuff to make room for the new. I have so much stuff to add, and I just don't want it to seem cluttered.

Anyways, how is everyone's New Year going? Mine is going well, even though I'm sick at the moment and still unemployed...-sigh- I'm sure that will change soon enough. I hope all is well in your worlds!

Justin just made a wise crack at me for being lazy because I am a sick mess right now. Lets see how well he does in the mornings before he has to go to work if I DON'T get up an hour and a half before him to make coffee, do dishes, feed the cats and dog, and make him breakfast. Lets just see.

Love,

Stephanie

Happy New Year!

I sincerely hope everyone had a fun and safe New Years!

Mine was great. Just stayed in, lit off sparklers, watched Archer, and drank wine. Low key and safe!

What did you do?

No one bought the skirt and slip combo, but they are both still up in my shop as separate items! Now, I don't know much yet, but I think I feel a sale coming on...

After a night of welcoming in the new year, today I clean the apartment and prepare for my job interview tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Shop Update with a Christmas Treat!

Wow! It's Christmas Eve! How is everyone this holiday? It's raining here in Charlotte and Justin has to work until six, and I need to do dishes but I promised new items, and I am delivering! Tomorrow we leave bright and early for my parents' house in Pickens, SC. I am really excited! Tonight we are having our own Christmas Eve with venison, mashed potatoes, and garlic green beans. I feel very blessed this holiday season. It's my first Christmas out of school and unemployed, but I feel like it's going to be the best one yet. 

Before I talk about the items, I wanted to mention a REALLY cool contest Modcloth is hosting on their blog. If you are a Star Wars fan, go on over and post a comment about your geekiest obsession and your best quote/moment involving it for a chance to win a Star Wars Cookbook Kit!!! I entered and I really want to win, but I also like sharing and if someone else can win and tell me about it, that's just as awesome. 

Okay! So, this is a beautiful 1950s - 1960s red pleated polka dot skirt from Cos Cob. 

Isn't absolutely lovely? Because it is the holiday season, I am offering a vintage Nancy King black slip along with it!  

Now, even though the skirt says size 7/8, it's actually an extra small/small. The waist measures 12.5 inches across (25"). The same goes for the slip. It's labeled a large, but measures 11" across (22") with stretch. 

I am offering the Cos Cob skirt with the free slip included until January 1!! Grab it while you can!

I also have this pretty gold Trifani brooch.

It feels so awesome to have new items in my shop!

I really hope everyone has a great holiday. Be safe please!

Doggie Date

Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale is amazing. I thought I'd lead off with that.

Anyway, today I had originally planned to clean the apartment with Justin and then take some photos of items for the shop.

I ended up cleaning the apartment with Justin and having his sister and her boyfriend over so our dogs could play together!

It was a lot of fun. We have an Australian Shepherd named Bodhi and they have a Siberian Husky named Seven. Bodhi is three, and Seven isn't even a year old. But she is seriously tough and they hit it off like crazy (except for Bodhi trying to...assert his dominance, to be diplomatic).

Anyways, I've had this shop update planned for a while and it seems like it keeps getting placed on the back burner. However, not for long! I promise that before Christmas, there will be new items in the shop.

For now, here is a photo of a Siberian Husky puppy chasing a full grown Australian Shepherd.

Improvement

I've been trying to think of ways I could improve this blog. Obviously, I need to get organized when it comes to updating my Etsy shop. But what else could I do?

There are a few other projects I'm working on, like cross stitch, altering a vintage dress, and creative projects. Would people be interested in seeing those?

For example:

Is that something you would be interested in hearing about?

Also, happy Sunday Funday!

Consideration

So, even though I haven't gotten much feedback/comments on my blog, I know people read it.

I've been considering importing this blog over to blogger.com. I love Wordpress, but I have hosted a few blogs on blogger and I found it to be better for views and such. I have jumped around a lot with my vintage shop, such as rebranding myself and beginning this blog after the new name. I don't see it as being indecisive, I see it more as making the best moves for myself.

Does anyone have advice? Pros, cons, etc? It would be greatly appreciated.

So Will The World End Tomorrow?

It's raining pretty hard here in Charlotte. Fitting, ominous weather for the prospective end of the world.

Personally I don't think it's going to end. I mean we had Y2k, "the rapture', and lots of other doomsday threats. If it does end, well at least I was able to accomplish one thing.

Remember my post about Portfolio Show and being done with college? Well, a few days ago I actually graduated. Cap and gown, diploma, the whole shebang.



 

Please excuse my dirty mirror and hairspray.



Also excuse my messy apartment. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to play a banjo. But, I really enjoy that in order to get confirmation of my education, we are forced to wear robes and a silly hat.
These would be the wonderful graphic designers I spent four years with, minus a few who decided not to walk. The pretty lady standing behind me in the black dress is Erin. She's probably one of my closest girl friends. The kid in the front, with the glasses, got like every single honor and award possible. Graphic Design wizard, yo.



 

 



 

I got to wear a white thing cause I got a Bachelor's degree.



Mom and dad drove all the way up from Pickens to come see me :) Unfortunately my siblings couldn't make it, but they congratulated me.



 

My and my mommy :)



 

Sorry they're sideways. I didn't feel like going into Photoshop to flip them. But, behold my diploma! Yeah. I'm awesome. After we went to a restaurant called Halcyon. All the ingredients are local and organic. We got a bottle of white wine, a cheese platter, and then my dad had something crazy and I split a burger with my mom. It was delicious but I was scared the burger wasn't cooked because it was SO red in the middle. But I ate it because it was awesome and did not get sick. Justin had scallops.

I didn't get the job in Nashville :( but it's okay. We finally have internet here and I can continue looking while Justin works. We're thinking about looking for a house in the Fort Mill/Rock Hill area.

Unfortunately, he's sick right now and I'm trying to nurse him back to health with soup and tea. I can hear him coughing from out here :( Poor boy. Well, until I get photos of my newest vintage products, that's really it for now. Hopefully the world will still be intact.

 

Chicago

Oh Lord, I have not blogged in a long time.

This is not due to me being lazy. Justin got a job so having photos taken is a wee bit more difficult. Also, no more internet at my apartment. And my camera is mainly broken. I'm a tiny bit limited on where to go for free WiFi. The only reason I'm online now is because I am in Chicago, visting my sister and her fiance! Unfortunately all I have are iPhone photos, but it's okay.

It's been a while since I had been in Chicago, having used to live an hour and a half away by train before I came back to the Carolinas. I forgot how different they are. Not in a bad way, just as a different way.

Their apartment is in a building that was built in the 1890s. They have wood floors and vintage doors/doorknobs and an exposed brick wall in the kitchen. I, personally, absolutely love it (except the awkward bathroom, I'd change that around a bit) but they don't seem to like it much.



That's the back porch. I love it. The stairs are insane though!

I got in Thursday evening and we went and got Thai food from downstairs (they live above a Thai restaurant, a grocer, a coffee shop, and convenience store. I'd become a complete and total recluse omg) my sister Cat and I had wayyy too much wine! No regrets...

Yesterday Chris had to work so Cat and I went down to Clark and Halstead, which is basically hipster central. If you're reading this from Charlotte, imagine Central Ave, but about 300 times bigger. We went to a store called Rag Stock, which I had been to before, that I wanted pretty much everything. Peplum dresses, gauzy shirts with collars, flower pants... you name it. I can't pull off floral pants until I lose about 15 more pounds.

We went to The Chicago Diner after that, a 100% vegan restaurant (meat free since '83!). We shared a vegan Reuben, vegan mac and cheese, and sweet potato fries. I decided I would either move across the street, kill myself, or kill the chef. It was way too delicious to ever be shared or be too far from.



I mean just look at that. I love my meat and cheese but once in a while...damn. A good vegan meal will make me very, very happy.

We walked home and after Chris got back we went to Spencer's Jolly Posh Foods, a tiny little British food store I absolutely fell in love with. Chris got super excited when he found out they had back bacon. I just loved it all, especially the owner, who had his adorable little baby with him.

Chris then decided to make the most amazing meal ever. Asparagus soup in boule with smoked bangers. Please excuse my language, but holy. shit.



I mean just look at it. I actually got really sad because I was so full I couldn't finish it.



That's Karma, their crazy German Shepherd.

And these were the past two mornings:



Today we are hopping all around the city, ending with a trip to Christkindlmarket! I hope to have more to blog soon!

What I Saw Today

Hello!

It's been a while since I posted. My days are filled with applying to jobs, cleaning, caring for my dog, etc.

But today I saw things I didn't appreciate. Justin's dad came up to visit us and we decided to take a trip to The Sleepy Poet, one of the most awesome antique malls in the immediate area of which I live. I love The Sleepy Poet; going there always inspires me and I get lost among the booths and displays. The first time I went I swore I had traveled through time. I wish I could live there.

Today they were having some sort of event. There was a food truck and people were set up outside. There must have been at least 200 people there. Normally there are not that many and it stays the quiet little spot that I love.

I'm claustrophobic. I don't like crowds. But I sucked it up and went in because the selection of clothing is enormous and beautiful. Luckily there weren't many people looking at the clothes so I stayed there.

Then these women meandered over. They dove into the racks of clothes as if they were in a department store. They tried on shoes, beautiful vintage shoes, pulling them over their feet as if they were in a shoe store. They pulled through the displays of delicate handkerchiefs and hats. And I wanted to scream.

The clothes there are delicate and well-preserved. As are the shoes and accessories. My heart was beating so fast because one does not handle vintage and antique products in this manner. I wanted to scream but I refused to make a scene. I watched in horror as a woman pulled a beautiful aubergine 1920s dress from the rack as if it were a rag doll.

I hate when people treat items like this. To me, a vintage/antique product is something to be revered. Yes, you can wear them, as long as you CARE for them and handle them with respect. They survived this long for a reason, and it is not because they were handled like mass-produced department store crap.

Don't even get me started on the 12 year old girl who started clanging a pre-20th century bell like there was no tomorrow. It actually caused me pain. Enormous pain.

I had the issue a bit ago of my things smelling like cigarettes, and I addressed it on my Etsy shop. I have since very carefully washed every single item after researching how to care for them. I keep everything on a clothing rack in a pet-free room in my apartment. I care for my items, I care about my customers, and I care about this business. I may be small, but I am happy for each and every sale I make. I am happy to provide people with quality vintage clothes. I love this and I plan on going forward and learning even more. I know most people in the business care and respect their shops and items, but consumers need to know exactly what they are doing as well.

Vintage and antique clothes are not toys. They are jewels of the past. Owning them is not a convenience but a luxury. You are holding someone else's memory. Remember that the next time you think a vintage clothing rack is the same as something in Macy's or Dillard's.

I don't want this post to sound mean or bitchy. I'm just trying to make a point.

Please visit Kitschy Cool Vintage. They supply The Sleepy Poet with the majority of their vintage clothes, shoes, and accessories. They are amazing and beautiful, and I wish I owned them all!

Event Announcement!

Hello!

If you're in Charlotte, come on out and see me at the Queen Bee Flea Market on Saturday. I'll be there from 8 am to 4 pm. It's off Nation's Ford Road.

All items, listed and unlisted, will be available for purchase. And if you don't have cash, don't worry. I have an iPhone Square :)

Hope to see you there!

Suddenly, 50 Degrees!

Well Charlotte took a turn towards Fall/Winter...months of sweltering weather gave way to me needing scarves, boots, and coats. I'm not complaining in the slightest - This is my favorite weather. I guess I'm high maintenance and prefer a gradual change instead of, "HEY, HI IT'S ME FALL!!"

I guess I'm a bit old fashioned...but hey, it was literally overnight. I had barely any time to switch my closet to Fall/Winter clothes. The Carolinas are finicky I guess.

So, I have a shop update for you! Yay! Shop update!



 

First up is a 1960s Sears brand top. It's super comfortable. I kind of don't want to sell it but alas, I must!



 

This late 80s early 90s number is super interesting. Personally, I hate turtlenecks but, I did really like this print. It also has little beads sewn in over the lines!



 

Now this one I'm pretty sure is a mens but...we're going to call it unisex. It has some holes and such but I couldn't pass up how "70s Varsity" it was.



 

1960s house robe. That is really all I think I need to say here. I mean, just look at it. Look at the GLORY!!



 

This is a vintage men's shirt from the Fox Collection!



 

These beauties will make you feel amazing. I know, because I tried them on. There is a tiny flaw to them as well; the insole is a bit detached and the stitching on the right instep is a bit undone.

So these are up in the shop right now! Super exciting.

Life as a college graduate is difficult in that I'm having trouble finding a real job...I may just go down the the cupcake place near my apartment and see if I can work there until I find a big girl job.

How is everyone doing?

Exciting News and also, I'm Back!

Dress from ModCloth
Photos Courtesy of Joshua Nagy at Alter Frame Productions

What's that? Who is that? Is that me at the 2012 Portfolio Show? Is that me graduating from college? Why yes it is!

That's right. My hiatus paid off. Four years of hell and hard work, and I have a Bachelor's degree of Graphic Design to show for it. It has been one hell of a ride but it's over. I can finally begin a new chapter of my life.

That is me and my dad! After the Portfolio Show, my parents took me to my favorite restaurant, The Wine Shoppe. It was a wonderful day and night. Aside from the gift of graduating and my parents coming to see me, my friend Julia gave me something very special. One of my best friends, Landon Hill, passed away last Thanksgiving. Though I have pulled through the tragedy, I think about him every single day. He had been writing an autobiography before his death, and Julia gave me a copy of the parts that she had saved from his emails. His cheeky, clever words will be coveted by me forever :)

Now, onwards to the next part! My hiatus is over and I will be blogging and returning to my Etsy shop. As of now I only have two items to list, because my life was hectic up until a day ago. However, I will be posting these two items in my shop today!This 1980's button down red polka dot dress reminds me of a grown up Minnie Mouse, and I love it! It's super comfortable too, and somehow slipped through the 80s shoulder pad trend.

More 1980s!I love this oversized blouse. It has an eyelet print, but is not real eyelet unfortunately. Very comfortable and casual (also no shoulder pads!)
So these will be in the shop today! Coming up, more adventures in learning to sew and maybe some other things!