the girl can't help it

Now is the time when I am supposed to be bringing you lots of autumnal things, in dark and neutral colors. But when I look over this most recent preview, I see lots of summery color and prints. I can't help it, though. Our recent bout of suffocating humidity and heat seems to have finally broken, and I am ready to celebrate summer again.

Oh, and if you like pockets on your garment, you'll like this shop preview! There are four dresses and a skirt here with patch pockets.

(And psst! Do you read the calivintage blog? Well, you should! SmallEarthVintage is a sponsor, and you might want to check over there tomorrow for an exciting announcement!)

Here's what's coming down the pike:

Blue swirl print halter dress with rhinestone-embellished bodice, by Alix of Miami.

Wonderful Birds of Music by Ethelle of California novelty print skirt.

Pink toile print shift dress.

Pinstriped seersucker blouse, by Lucy Dale.

1950s gingham and gold thread day dress.

1950s red plaid pleated full skirt.

1960s Swirl wrap dress.

Paving stones print blouse, by Shapely Classic.

1940s pink and gray polka-dot and stripe piqué day dress.

1950s pastoral novelty print skirt.

1960s psychedelic jabot neck dress.

Menswear-inspired striped blouse, by Stella Paris.

Sunny floral and pleats dress with belt.

1950s plaid full skirt, by Sid Harris Milwaukee.

Mod plaid dress with bow at neck.

Floral folklore print sateen blouse, by Shapely Classic.

1940s rose print day dress.

1950s Pennsylvania Dutch print full skirt.

1970s flowers and geometry print jersey shirt dress, by Bayard Sport.

1950s garnet floral print blouse.

1950s seersucker chevron stripe dress.

Paisley swirl blouse, by Fligelman of New York.

Plaid day dress with floral embroidered pockets.

Red polka-dot secretary blouse.

1940s purple stripes and pockets day dress.

xo

K

keepers

I was all set to sell this great print blouse--but it fit me! It's a keeper.

Isn't the print great? It looks like surfboards and bow ties. I wore it on our thrifting trip last weekend.

I thrifted with this handsome guy. He's a keeper.

Lucy came with us. She's a trouper--and a keeper.

We didn't find much for the shop (the purpose of the trip), but we found a keeper! Andy spotted this cool folding cart at Goodwill. Once it's cleaned up with some steel wool and whatnot, I think it will make a great drinks cart for the house. Only $2.00!

And in an unusual (for me) (nowadays) spending spree, I found a few keepers of my own on this trip: a 1950s yellow print blouse, a weird 1930s child-rearing book illustrated with photographs, and a velvet tapestry purse that will be perfect for fall.

I also took this photo of a very cool old city hall building, shaded by trees.

And although we didn't find much for the shop, we had a great day: lunch and beers at Saugatuck Brewing (their Scotch session beer is delicious!), driving around the gorgeous Michigan countryside, and finally, celebrating 1000 Etsy sales on the way home with dinner at Bistro Bella Vita and drinks at Viceroy. In this business, you just have to go with the flow!

xo

K

living in the moment

...is sometimes hard to do when you are selling clothing. I can tell you that, here in Michigan at least, fall seems far away. But I know it's coming, so I'm trying to infuse some autumnal items--in color, if not weight--into the store.

I'm a thrifty gal who often wears my summer dresses well into fall and winter--carefully and smartly layered with tights and cardigans as needed. With that in mind, I bring you this week's shop preview. Summer is not over yet, and I'm betting many of these items can not only be worn now, but can also transition you beautifully into the coming cooler months.

Adorable 1950s forest check blouse and skirt set, by Joyce.

Fruit and flower print blouse.

Marigold print linen dress.

White cotton portrait collar blouse with lace trim.

1940s poppy print prairie blouse, full skirt, and belt, by Charm of Hollywood.

1950s gray chambray full skirt.

Nautical print linen dress.

1940s olive green dress, by Joan Miller Juniors.

Blue silk lace and pintucks blouse, by Macshore Classics.

1970s maroon sailor dress.

1950s colorful folklore print full skirt.

Pinstriped western style blouse and skirt, by Junior Age.

Criss-cross striped blouse with piqué collar and cuffs.

1960s pink polka-dot linen dress.

Pale yellow lace-trimmed blouse, by Glenwear.

1950s brown plaid shorts and blouse set, by Bobbie Brooks.

Striped big button pockets skirt with belt, by Sid Harris Milwaukee.

Gold floral brocade cocktail dress, by Youth Guild of N.Y.

1940s black watch plaid blouse, by Judy Bond.

1950s navy plaid dress with tie-back sash, by GiGi Young.

xo

K