bags, boots, baubles and boys!

Here is a preview of some fab vintage accessories and menswear for your holiday parties and wishlist.

Silver crushed glitter evening bag.

Cocoa evening clutch with amazing giant bauble clasp, by Maxim.

Tooled leather horse and acorns wallet.

Orange leather clutch.

Vintage Coach honey leather tote.

1970s rust red leather clutch.

1980s Charles David riding boots.

Frye cowgirl boots.

1970s LL Bean leather boots.

Two-tone leather Nocona cowgirl boots.

Velvet cocktail hat with grosgrain ribbon and lucite decoration.

Electric blue marabou hat.

1960s Schick razor, mint in original packaging.

Metal and enamel floral brooch.

Chunky butterscotch lucite bracelet.

Demi parure of faceted jet beads.

Vera Neumann chiffon leaf print scarf.

1960s abstract art Vera Neumann scarf.

Silk abstract print Vera Neumann scarf.

Silk blend floral Verasheer chiffon Vera Neumann scarf.

1970s fringed Vera Neumann floral shawl.

Blue wool plaid Pendleton shirt.

Castle print Quintessa disco shirt.

John Deere reindeer print sweater.

1970s crazy floral print western shirt, by Tem Tex.

1960s bronze sharkskin plaid lined raincoat, by Campus.

Bow ties!

xo

K

homey

Lucy and I are relegated to the bedroom and other parts of the house today while Andy uses some kind of toxic stuff to get the gunk off the living room floor in preparation for painting it. The bedroom is completely painted, and completely undecorated right now, a minimalist look that I'm rather enjoying for the moment.

My mirrored perfume shelf is up, but empty for now. This old deco utility lamp was used in the office previously, but I think I like it up here now (especially since we've removed the Brady Bunch-era hanging lights).

This accordion rack is something I tried and failed to sell on Etsy. Now I'm glad I still have it. It's perfect for jewelry.

Antique marble-top furniture, passed down from my grandparents.

I've had this sweet little rag rug since I was a child. My grandmother made it. I wish I had a bushel of these for all the rooms of the house, now that all the carpet is gone!

Naturally, I've been doing a little Etsy window-shopping, which means the minimalist look won't last long. I put this treasury of items together that pretty much perfectly sums up what I need. Click the image to be taken directly to the treasury and links to all the fab items in it!

I also found these cool silver pine cone bookends while searching, from seller SweetLoveVintage (already in my treasury with the pine cone metal tray). They would make a GREAT (hint, hint) Christmas gift for me. Ahem!

And the tearing-up of the carpet has made me area rug-obsessed. There are so many amazing choices on Etsy, I think I will leave it for a separate post. However, I have to show you this cool example from my friend Pegg's shop, fiveforty. Her shop is closed at the moment, so I stole this photo from her sold items. Isn't it amazing?

xo

K

mon oncle

Mon Oncle is Jacques Tati's 1958 Academy Award-winning film about Mr. Hulot, an eccentric bachelor whose sister and brother-in-law, the Arpels, are always attempting to force him to live by their own bourgeois values. Monseiur Arpel tries to get Hulot to settle in to a job at his rubber tubing factory, and Madame Arpel invites Hulot to parties at their modern home in an attempt to set him with with one of her neighbors. The Arpels have a young son, Gerard, who prefers spending time with his wacky uncle to the sterility of his parents' home.

The film is a statement about consumerism and modernism, but it's also loads of fun. There's little dialogue--it's nearly silent--but the stylish sets and slapstick-y physical comedy make it a feast for the eyes. Oh, and bonus: lots of totally cute little dogs!

The Arpel home, which looks like it was made of giant Legos. (Click on my screengrabs to see the photos larger.)

Here is Hulot--so eccentrically stylish in his nerd pants, striped socks, and khaki raincoat--at the Arpel home.

The film showcases some fun women's fashion of the time. Madame Arpel is generally dressed in either a neutral day dress or in a hilarious lime green, apparently vinyl, housecoat. But neighbors and friends wear brighter colors and bold prints, and hats play a major role.

I love the shots of primary color here, livening up the Arpel's sterile white modern home. This cool yellow rocking chair plays a part in a funny scene.

The rather intimidating offices at Monsieur Arpel's factory.

I love this scene. The Arpels take their fancy modern chairs outside to watch the television (which is inside) al fresco.

At night, the bedroom windows function as eyes, with the Arpels as the pupils.

And here, in contrast to the ultra-modernism of the Arpel home is the charmingly ramshackle building where Hulot has his penthouse apartment.

I highly recommend this charming film if you haven't seen it before. It's currently available to Watch Instantly at Netflix.

xo

K

the frost is on the punkin

Actually, it looks like it's skipped straight to snow! Time to start thinking holidays, I guess. Here's a link to my new favorite seasonal tune, "Time of the Season" by Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan.

The song inspired me to make this pretty little Etsy treasury:

xo

K