Bright spot

For almost the entire time I have been writing on this blog, Laura Trevey has been a complete bright spot!  From the very beginning she would log on and post friendly, encouraging comments.  We all know how much those comments can brighten our day, especially during those first few weeks when it feels like you are talking to no one but yourself!

When I first visited her blog, Bright, Bold & Beautiful, I was completely taken by her pieces - they are absolutely gorgeous!  Each watercolor features the most amazing colors, and they all seem to have the unique ability to bring me back to a certain moment in life.  Below are a couple of my favorites, and a little snippet about the memory they evoke.    

Belle of the Ball.

This piece reminds me of waking up on my wedding day.  All of the dresses gorgeously hung up, the bright colors, and the lovely happy feeling that you have knowing what a special day lies ahead of you! 

Ruby Fields.

This brings me right back to fall in Connecticut, which is where I grew up.  There is nothing better than the Autumn leaves in New England. 

Hosta Leaves II.

I live in Oregon and my back patio is completely hidden by large Doug Fir Trees.  Nothing grows, aside from hosta!   This year, I had my first successful shade garden in the back and the hosta was the absolute star.  This reminds me of quiet mornings with cups of tea and the newspaper, relaxing and looking out over the garden.  

Connections.

In the Oregon winter, the rain creates the most beautiful pixelated images.  Most people think that Portland is miserable in the winter, but there is a really beautiful, cozy feeling that all of the darkness and rain bring with them.  This image does that same thing for me! 

Thanks so much to Laura for her gorgeous work!  Visit her shop to see more her pieces.  You can find them at http://www.lauratrevey.etsy.com/. 

Its the small things

I finally hit 50 followers this lovely Thanksgiving weekend!  And while that is a ridiculously small number in blogland, it is a perfect little milestone to lead me into the dreaded Monday following an amazingly relaxing four day weekend!  Thanks so much to everyone who follows and comments!  It's great fun to log on everyday and read the thoughts of others out there in the universe, especially when they leave little notes & ideas on something you have written on your own little blog.  

My 50th follower is Jane and in checking out her sites, I found her super-fun etsy store Art Conductor.  I love a good wall decal - they're such a fun alternative to traditional art - and Jane has some seriously great ones on there.  Here are a couple of my favorites:  

I live in Portland, so my love for bike related items is almost in my blood. 

This decal is my favorite out of the bunch!

I'm not really a phone person, but this is so cute and has a fun retro feel.

The shoe decals are so great, and that floor is mesmerizing! 

You know I can't help myself when it comes to birds!

This looks perfect with the rustic bed.

How cute would this look in a little girl's room or nursery? 

Happy Monday back to work - hope its a good week!

Speaking of traveling...

I found these adorable gift ideas while poking around the internet.  They're inexpensive stocking stuffers for the travel lover in your life! 

Recycled map stationary.  Dote.  Four cards and envelopes for $10.00.

Four NY subway map coasters.  She gets bored. $12.50.

Circumnavigation - 4 eco-friendly globe prints.  The Spotted Sparrow.  $18.00.

Marble magnets - Cities of Italy.  Pretty Originals.  9 magnets for $8.75.

NY City street map clock.  Gifted Papers. $23.50.

Eyeful of birds

As you may know, I have a total thing for birds.  I found the loveliest photos this morning from eyeful.  Thought I would share.  Hope you are enjoying the weekend!

Up bird in flight.

Wanderlust.

Summer.

Many and one.

One.

Adorable stripes and sock lust...

I am in a bit of a rush today, but had to share a few new items I am probably going to put on my Christmas wish list.  I am having a striped moment and am craving them for my wardrobe. 

I just saw this adorable sweater dress.  I think I might be in love - cozy and cute! 
Darling Deetz Dress via Modcloth.

It's a socially acceptable fanny pack - who knew! 

Striped in Sand - Kinies ruffled waist purse.

(this is totally perfect for riding your bike, too!)

Nanette Lepore Will-O-Wisp Dress.

How comfortable does this look?  The back has adorable pleats, too!

Heather gray striped loose top via Ruche.

Complete sock lust on these ones.  Those buckles are awesome! 

Modcloth buckle socks.

Seaplane

Are you one of those people where being anywhere close to the ocean just seems to calm you down?  I am.  Just the thought of heading out to the coast (or the shore, as we native New Englanders like to say) evokes an overall feeling of vacation.  Aaagghh.  It's one of those 5 senses things - the smell of the air, the beautiful views, the sound of the waves crashing and seagulls cawing, the salt you can taste when the wind whips around, the sand in between your toes.  You know how it is!  It doesn't even matter what the weather is - stormy, sunny, somewhere in between...the sea always has this way of making me happy and warm inside!  I discovered these prints by Frances Seward over the weekend and they seem to do the same thing.  I am thinking of getting a couple for my office - they're absolutely gorgeous!

Coastal Hues III

Inner Calm

River Stream

Moonrise

Distant Light Source

Morning Light

I love how there is this sort of natural base, but an almost fantastical feeling as well....at least to me!  I guess that is the beauty of art - it is completely open to your own interpretation.   

Don't you just want one of each?  Hope you are having a lovely Monday morning!

To spat or not to spat

I pretty much wear dresses or skirts every day.  Not because I am anti-pants or anything, but because a dress takes way less thought in the morning than sleepily pairing an outfit together.  You roll out of bed, brush your hair & teeth, throw a little dress on with some tights and a pair of boots, and you're good to go.  Now that winter is near (did I mention how chilly it is here today?), I decided to do a little research into some fun new options for keeping my legs warm on the way to work.  I fell upon spats.  You know, those things people wear in the military and in marching band to cover the tops of their shoes.  I might be behind the times, but I think they're coming back.  Maybe as a dressed up version of the leg warmer?  They're pretty cute....

~Bella McBride~

~faitavec~

~Miss Mayfair~

~StraightRazorSlasher~

~Monjio Creations~

New items at A Perfect Peach Vintage!

For those of you that have been following my blog, you know that I started a little vintage shop on Etsy.  I am pretty much an antique shop, vintage boutique and estate sale junkie.  I get a serious high when I find a treasure.  I never thought that I had an addictive personality, but I think this might be my one, big vice.  Luckily for the most part, it is not draining my bank account.  It's basically a fun way to spend the weekends or pretty much any downtime that I have. 

The idea for a vintage shop started because I was always discovering these amazing items, but had to deny myself the buying high because they weren't in my size or didn't necessarily fit my own individual style.  A Perfect Peach Vintage is a way for me to justify my habit, and is hopefully a way for me to spread the joy around.  I try to find lovely pieces, in excellent condition, to sell at a bargain price.  I am adding a bunch of new finds to the shop in the next couple of days and thought I would share a few of my favorites with those that are stopping by the blog today. 

I am having a hard time not keeping these for myself.  They are in amazing condition!  
Enzo Anglioni camel brown and white brogues. 

I'll be seeing you. $40. 

This is perfect for fall.  It is a little snug on me or I would probably keep it for myself. 

Lush red velvet with lovely little flowers.

You made me love you.  $30.

Gorgeous 100% silk wrap style dress.  A nice saturated and fun color palette. 
So sweet latered with a colorful slip underneath. 

Slowboat to China.  $30.

You see the problem, right.  I love them all.  I just hope some shoppers do, too!  

Happy Sunday - I hope it is as lovely where you are as it is here in Portland.  We're getting the last glimmer of summer and it is beautiful! 

A Perfect Peach on Etsy!

It's finally open!  A Perfect Peach is now on etsy!  I have been planning to put my vintage finds online for awhile now, but things have been so hectic lately it has been taking a tiny bit longer than I wanted it to.  I know, I know - no excuse, right!  But, you know how it can be!  September is a busy, busy month.

There are only 10 items up right now, but I thought I would still give a little peek.  Call it a little shameless self promotion, if you will!  I am adding things all the time and have some seriously fun items just waiting for their online debut - check back often and leave a comment.  This is brand new for me and I would love to get your feedback!  

Come dance with me.  $30. 
Checkered sequin top, sexy low back, and pencil skirt bottom.  Love it! 
I think I mentioned that I am headed to a friend's wedding in a couple of weeks.  If this one hasn't sold, I might have to steal it for myself!

California.  $25. 
Fun and flirty with flutter sleeves.  Adorable!

Devil Woman.  $28.
Classy 80's rocker, if you know what I mean!  Sequin flame detail on the waist band!

Anywhere, Anytime.  $30. 
I love this dress - so simple and goes with anything! 

Thanks for looking!

Clutch me

I love clutches.  They're conveniently palm sized, a perfect fit for under your arm, are large enough to carry the bare necessities, and are still small enough so you can't lose your keys in them.  You can throw them in your carry-all on the way to work, and then ditch the big bag when you head out to happy hour.  I just got a bright new yellow one from my mom for my birthday (thanks mom!) and I love it, but I am always on the hunt for more.  I am headed to a girlfriends wedding in just a few weeks and need the perfect one for my outfit.   

Hmmm, am I feeling wild?  These Judith Leiber Minaudieres are an eye catcher for sure, but are also seriously out of my price range.  Is it me, or is $5,000 too much to pay for a purse? The details, though, are amazing.

Echo.  $4,995.

Pigtail. $3600.  A serious conversation starter.

Red Delicious.  I love the color of this one!  $3495

These are much more my style, and are a bit more affordable:

Be & D Ruffle Portfolio Clutch. $595.
I am pretty much into anything with ruffles.

J. Crew Lexi Clutch.  $225.  Grey is the new black for me right now.
So chic, and can be dressed up or down really easily!  The tassle gives it a little edge.

Kate Spade Le Pavillon E.B.  $175.
Another thing I am a sucker for is some good ol' black & white polka dots.
Adorable & fancy.

Cute and extremely easy on the bank account:

I tend to wear lots of black, so adding a fun pattern like this one would be perfect! 

The Kelsey Pleated Clutch.  Gracey  Bags. $60.

Retrospettive Liberty Peacock Feathers Clutch. $60.

Clutch buy of the day! 

Forever 21's Charisma Croc Clutch.

$9.80 - seriously can't beat that!