From Anthro to Etsy- Eyelet, Crochet, and Lace. Oh My!

I've noticed that Anthropologie has quite the selection of blouses right now that have either crochet, lace, or eyelet details. Although not typically a fan of these types of details on my clothing, I have found myself drawn to the Lingering Hours Blouse, although, understandably enough, not to the $148.00 price tag! I decided to peruse Etsy to see if I could find any similar items for much less. Didn't find anything that matched exactly to the Anthro pieces, but some that featured the same details. Here is what I discovered:


Anthropologie Inspiration Piece:

Lingering Hours Blouse - $148.00

Found on Etsy:

Vintage Gypsy Lace-Trimmed Blouse - $25.00

Anthropologie Inspiration Piece:

Oversized Eyelets Blouse - $98.00

Found on Etsy:

Romance Crochet Blouse in Ivory Knit Jersey - $75.00

Anthropologie Inspiration Piece:

Wreathan Blouse - $78.00

 Found on Etsy:

1960s Vintage Crochet Top - $32.00

Vintage Doily Open Hand-Knit Top - $32.00

1960s Vintage Crochet Blouse - $32.00

What do you think? Worthy substitutes or inadequate knockoffs?

The Return of Betty, with a Cry for Help

I'm back! Possibly. After finally finishing the planning for my sister's baby shower, I have some more time on my hands to pick up some of my old "hobbies" again. We'll see how long this lasts...

I am excited to tell you that I went on a much-needed shopping trip this past week! I am not fortunate enough to live in an area with many shopping opportunities. In fact, our shopping is quite limited; the nearest (decent) mall is about an hour away. But I was out visiting my mom this past week and able to make a quick trip to her nearest mall (about 45 minutes away!). I only visited a select number of stores (Target, Old Navy, and American Eagle, to be exact), because I am still unemployed and therefore still on a tight budget. This was a trip for some necessities.

On my shopping list:

1. Artist jeans from American Eagle (specifically these because I already have pair in a dark wash, love how they fit and wanted a second pair. Not to mention that I currently only own two or three pairs of jeans, one of which is nearly worn through).
2. Pajama pants (I split the back of mine one morning when sitting on the couch. Oops!)
3. Shorts (I only own ONE pair of shorts-really not a shorts type of girl)
4. Bathing suit (would it depress you too much to learn that the last bathing suit I purchased was nearly 5 years ago? Two children and 15 pounds ago? Yeah. It was about time for a new one).
5. Shampoo
6. Face wash

 I am happy to report that I found all of the items on my list, and then some! I'll share all of those purchases in separate posts later.

Before I do that, I need everyone's help! I also recently purchased a vintage shirt from Etsy. I made the mistake of falling in love with it through a photograph, and was slightly disappointed when I finally received it (refunds not accepted!). Unfortunately, being a vintage shirt, it also came with a vintage smell. And I can't get rid of it. Two washings later. Any tips?

I also had to have it altered to fit me the way I wanted it to, and luckily I received it just in time to take to my mom who was able to fix it for me, although not completely the way I wanted it to look. That was through no fault on her part, but rather due to the fact that the style of the shirt ended up looking different than how it did in the photo. And speaking of which, here is the shirt:

Cute, right?

I had contacted the seller prior to purchasing, and she did say that she was pretty sure that she had pinned the shirt to the model, so I was expecting it to look differently on. However, I wasn't entirely prepared for it to be the length that it was, but that was a mistake on my part for not paying attention to that part of the measurements. But anyway. Long story short, I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out how to style this shirt and would love for some ideas. (It would also be worth noting that the "white" parts of this shirt, in person, are more off-white, or rather "old white", as in a discolored looking white. The fabric is also fairly stiff).

I would love to be able to wear this shirt, seeing as I paid for it and all, but am lacking inspiration. Someone please help a girl out!

My Etsy Trend: Pears and Plums

I was scrolling through my favorites list on Etsy and noticed a definite color scheme happening. Many of my items were pear green or a deep purple. I have always loved purple, so that color wasn't surprising to see, but I had never really considered myself a huge fan of green. I suppose it's starting to grow on me. Here are a few of my faves:

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I love, love, LOVE these ottomans! It may be due to the way the seller is displaying them, but I think that they are gorgeous.

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This leather journal is actually already sold, (they sell really quickly, so if you see something you really like, you have to act fast!), but I still had to share it. Every now and then the seller puts this one back up for sale. Check out the other journals available. They are all really awesome!

I really love this canvas bag. I think I came across it while I was doing a search on canvas grocery bags. As an extra bonus, this one has a plum lining inside! This seller has many bags on my favorites list, and although I question how "handmade" these might be, I'm still in love with them.

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In my dream house, I would have a purple-themed guest bedroom (I already have the perfect quilt). This pillow would have to be a part of it. I am a little disappointed that this is only being sold as a cover, (because really, who wants to have to go searching for the right-sized pillow to put inside of it?), but I still love it. This seller has some really unique pillow designs.

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This is another item that has unfortunately sold, but I'm keeping it on my list because I love the colors. I'm hoping that the seller will make another one of these some day.

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I'm not really sure why I like this purse. Maybe it's the two colors together? Or the cute butterfly decoration? Ideally, I would prefer this to be a brighter purple, but this works too.

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I like how the seller chose to refurbish this vintage candle holder. The color works for me. I wonder what color it was initially?

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I love these thank you cards. This seller has actually inspired me to (eventually) try my hand at card making to sell on Etsy. (I've made Christmas cards in the past for friends and family).

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Here's a cute little photo album that uses both of these colors.

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Every now and then I find myself drawn to some grape-themed items. I'm not sure why, maybe it's the purple color that comes along with them. (I have some great vintage purple grape salt and pepper shakers from Etsy!)

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Last but not least is this awesome vintage bathing suit. I realize that this one isn't pear green, but I love it nonetheless and had to share it with you.

Fabulous Friday: Violetvile Vintage I

I was perusing through Etsy the other day, as I am apt to do, and came across the shop Violetvile Vintage. As stated on their page, they specialize in high-style, designer vintage clothing. It offers a vast selection of clothing from the 1920s-1980s. I fell in love with MANY items. So many, in fact, that I am making this FF a two-parter. Today's will feature dresses, tops, and skirts, while next weeks will be outwear. Be sure to check out this shop and the great items available!

BILL BLASS skirt and coat suit...$159.99

This was the outfit that first caught my attention and brought me to this shop. Call me crazy, but I am loving this vintage 1960s skirt suit, and typically I am not a fan of 60s fashion or polka-dots.

Also in love with this burgundy 1970s knit keyhole shirt.

Vintage 1930s black party dress...$179.99

I think this dress is absolutely adorable, and in such great condition! If only it came in my size!

Check out this 1950s black embroidered party dress.

Sheer 1940s black lace and white slip skirt...$89.99

This skirt is a perfect party skirt. The model shows it with and without the white slip underneath,which unfortunately for me, is a little reminiscent of Gretchen's look at the season finale of Project Runway. But I love this with the slip worn with it!

You cannot miss seeing this dramatic 1930s Art Deco dress. It screams Hollywood glamor!

Electric Blue 1940s/1950s wool knit skirt...$79.99

I could definitely see Emma Pillsbury sporting this skirt on an episode of Glee. I would imagine that she would have to pair it with a cute cardigan and killer shoes!

See a velvet fruit-embroidered black cardigan from the 1950s here.

1940s/1950s navy blue wool dress...$124.99

This dress makes me think of my grandmother, but in a good way. She always gave off a stylish and sophisticated vibe and never left the house without a skirt on. I'm also feeling Kate Beckinsale in Pearl Harbor with this one.

Here is an adorable 1950s spring green hourglass dress.

1940s taupe linen bolero jacket...$124.00

I wish that the model had show what this bolero would look like with the top button hooked. However, I still think it looks cute. 

Check out their 1950s pink, beaded bolero here.

Be sure to check back next Friday for the even better variety of outerwear from this Etsy seller!