Rose Bowl Flea Market

A month ago B and I went to the Rose Bowl flea Market for the first time. We've been hearing about it forever and have never gone.

I knew it was huge but I had no idea what I was getting myself into. We plan on going back when it's cool outside. It was insanely hot and I was too pregnant to walk around in that heat. Oh but it was incredible.



There are literally over 2500 vendors and somewhere between 15,000-25,000 shoppers during the one sunday a month it is open. It's been going on for over 40 years and is known as a shopping place for everyone from regular joe's like us to designers and celebrities.

The above picture is of Tori Spelling and her crew. She smiled as she walked by chatting, I was really focused on finding a bathroom and then thought.. hey maybe I should've taken a picture for the blog.

I hate taking pictures of celebrities.. it makes me squirmy so you only get her backside :) She's the one in the grey holding the frame.



I couldn't figure out a reason I needed to have this dress but isn't it adorable?!



I've never seen so much mid-century modern/ danish/ scandinavian decor in one place ever. I was in heaven and I really like that brown chair, and the grey ones but I'm not fond of the tables. Anyway, they are priced according to the popularity around here... which means not at all in my budget.



There are tons of really interesting shops to browse thru.



Some with really specific collections and some with just a hodge podge of treasures.



There are some serious book sellers and collectors in here. Looking for a specific 1st edition? I was really impressed by the knowledge of both the vendors and customers as I passed by their conversations.



A shop of all chandeliers in so many colors, shapes and sizes.



Love this school desk, the wood looked great and the red metal was the perfect accent.



Vintage kitchen things from aprons to pots and pans. If you love vintage kitchen things at very reasonable prices then you should stop by Tara's etsy shop.



So pretty, the way this shop was set-up was awesome.



Besides the fact that the tires were flat, it was a bit rusty inside, we have no room for it, it was surely too expensive and not at all child-friendly to today's standards.... I really feel that Peanut needs this car in his life.



I have never seen anything like this. I didn't see who the vendor was so I didn't gather any info but it was in incredible condition and it still had the tray attachment.

Gorgeous, no? Can you imagine me strolling around with that thing? I'd have to don the perfect outfit, heels, hat and gloves to accompany this thing. Perhaps it's good that I'm not filthy rich because God only knows the types of things we would collect!

Vintage Fashion Sketches

I found these over a year ago at an antique store and immediately fell in love. I bought them one at a time with the intent of getting a set of four. I was told to check back for more silhouettes, styles and colors.

Unfortunately after purchasing the second one I witnessed the owner being judgmental and rude to a person in the store. I vowed not to step foot in there again...and I haven't...but I still wish I could get more of these prints!

This lovely lady was my first purchase. I loved the color of the dress and sketch of the back view.

These prints hang on the wall above my dresser. Sometimes as I head out the door after pulling my hair into a pony tail and de-smudging last nights make-up, I think about how life/fashion/expectations have changed over the years. These women would never have left the house with a belly band holding up their unzipped pants, whilst sporting the world's ugliest uggs.



I can just imagine this dress in striped taffeta with velvet trim.

I'm not familiar with the year these were done or International Studios itself. A few google searches and I found several NY based International Studios (of Art, of Music, etc). A search of the address and I found that there is currently a textile designer at the same address shown.



The 2nd time around I was looking for a completely different garment silhouette and model pose but I couldn't help becoming attached to this one.



It's something about the color in her hair, the expression on her face and her red lipstick. I'm a sucker for red lipstick.

I think we should name them. As I'm currently preoccupied with the daunting task of naming my first born child, I would prefer you name these two leading ladies. Could you?

What names do you think fit Lady #1 and Lady #2?

Timeless Vixen

I found this shop on Etsy. I know you are shocked. You see, I'm doing as much Christmas shopping as possible on Etsy.

When I saw this coat I literaly gasped. I have a coat fetish which is odd considering the fact that I rarely need them here in sunny So Cal.

This shop Timeless Vixen is nothing but high end perfect condition vintage clothing.



This is a Christian Dior set from the 1962. She even has the tags and way back then it was $695.

I'm telling you though, I would totally wear this today.

I love it.



Since we are being honest here, I don't have the occasion to wear most of this stuff, or the money to purchase it.

But you know, this would be the perfect spring wedding dress for some retro lady. Someone out there could totally pull it off.

We'd see it in a magazine shoot and gush about how precious it is.



I would wear this too. It would be perfect for when B and I go to the theatre. No, we don't usually go to the theatre but we would if I had this dress.



Its soooo Mad Men. People really dressed up back then.

Speaking of dressing up and going to the theatre. Has anyone noticed that people just don't do it anymore? I find it sad that people wear jeans and t-shirts to see a show or production.

Dressing up for a special time out is part of the fun. Thoughts?

I love that this is listed under daytime dresses. Is that considered casual? She even has a sweater that goes with it.

Check out the shop as it is being updated constantly!

How often do you get dressed up?

Is dressing up something that you like to do?

My Search for Birch

I have this deep love for birch. It came up unexpectedley one day (like love often does). I'm not sure why or how I came to admire it so. Birch is not native to California. I have never even seen a bunch of birch trees together in real life.

Love is funny that way. Sometimes when it strikes you should just go with it. Let your love blossom, you know?

So I spent just the tiniest amount of time on Etsy the other day ~insert eye-roll~ and found these bircheriffic treasures. The links go to their etsy site but if you want to see that particular product just type birch into the search field.



By Allison Trentelmann of Rocky Top Studio Her work is like looking into a dream. This picture is haunting in the most delicious way.



I know you're not going to believe me when I say that I need these plates. I do realize I just received a bunch of plates. Its just that...I need these plates. Vintage Mikasa from Modern Nest.



This is a lovely Autumn painting by Kristen Dougherty which gave me the fantastic idea that I should change my living room artwork according to the season. This will happen after I win the lottery, of course.

Wait a minute. I found this while searching birch but now it says Aspen. I'm going to ignore this fact. Aspen means nothing to me. These are birch.



A passport cover by Pepperberry & Co. I never even knew I needed a passport cover but here I am only months away from my trip and left with a nekkid passport.




These are both by ImagesUnderGlass. The first has a wonderful vintage feel and the second is on a recycled scrabble piece. Thats right, if you flip it over you can see the letter its done on.



A lovely journal from Reams of Fun. You can use this to jot down poetry... or more likely blog ideas when you get struck with a thought for a post and aren't anywhere near your computer.



I just love these pillows from Sarah Smile. She has different kinds in different colors. Simple and modern in such a sweet way.



This vintage picture from Knitsandpics needs to be framed and sitting on my shelf. Gorgeous.



Oh my. This silver dipped birch leaf by My Cellar Door comes gift-wrapped for you. I love to open gifts, even the ones I give myself. Can you imagine making these to order? Striking.



A very crafty way of creating birh trees by Julie Suzanne!




Last but definitely not least are these two photographs by Gayle Ketzel Photographer. "This fine art print is formatted in the style of a TTV (Through The Viewfinder) study which is done with a digital camera through the viewfinder of an antique Kodak Duaflex camera."

Isn't it just marvelous? Maaaahvelous.

What are you into looking at these days?

My Classic Cars

I have to admit I'm not normally a car kind of girl. But when it comes to classic cars... I turn to putty. I love them. I want them. I pet them ever so lightly. I whisper to them. I gaze lovingly into their headlights.



Apparently there is a classic car show every Tuesday minutes from my house. I've only just discovered it. I think it inspired me to start playing the lottery.

Check out my post HERE about the car show and the beauties I saw.

Question of the day: If you could have an extra vehicle (one that doesn't need to hold 25 kids or car seats or get good mileage or conserve gas or be environmentally friendly or fit in your garage) what would it be?

~If you don't care about cars and are sick of my links rest assured that tomorrow I'll be showing you a sample of our wedding invitations!~

Tejon Truck-stop Treasures

Last weekend B and I drove from Sacramento back to Orange County.  Its a drive we have done many times... but this time was different.  This time I had a camera to play with.



I was getting bored and I was getting restless.  So when we stopped for gas just before we hit the grapevine I decided to wander around.


Who knew the Chevron in Tejon had such fun stuff?!



That second one is perfect for me!



Oh Bettie Page...



You sexy thang.



Um... how did this work itself in?  Can someone please explain this to me!  A self-heating meal?  I really wish we would have gotten it.  I could do a whole blog post on the trauma.  I may have to go back.  But I'm afraid they might be gone.. they were on sale for only $1.99.



There were these charming piggy banks.  Words of wisdom and truth.



OK, put the cocktail down.  Or don't.  Maybe you should continue on until this post is over.


I'd like to close with this little gems.  Creepy?  Cute?  Disturbing?  Funny?

Is that the tootsie roll owl in the background?  What are these?



Well, this one is just a tad more disturbing... I hadn't noticed the doll.  And yet, my first reaction was still "Ah,  look at these cute little.....what the heck?!"

Oh the entertainment provided at truck stops is never-ending.