Pink Mackaroon

His Eye is on the Sparrow

2017-03-05T12:02:00.001-08:00

I did something yesterday that I swore I'd never do. I got a tattoo. I've never thought tattoos were morally wrong but I hated the idea of having something that permanent on my body. However, life has a way of changing our beliefs and desires sometimes.

I'm going through some very difficult things in my life right now- things that I swore would never happen to me. I have scars on my heart that the world will never see, but the world CAN see this swallow engraved on my back. I chose a swallow because it represents freedom and hope. In the days of sea travel, sailors tattooed themselves with swallows to denote long distances traveled. "...Legend holds that since swallows return to the same location every year to mate and nest, the swallow will guarantee the sailor returns home safely. A sailor would have one swallow tattooed before setting out on a journey, and the second swallow tattooed at the end of their tour of duty, upon return to their home port"(taken from wikipedia.com). Life is a long hard journey, but God's care ensures that we will return safely to Him someday.

The process of tattooing involves puncturing the skin with needles and injecting ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin below the epidermis. Tattoos are permanent because they are embedded deep in the skin. Getting a tattoo is painful! It not only hurts during the process but for days afterwards.

Much in the same way, God often has to puncture our hearts beneath the surface, deep into our souls, in order to refine us. The trials He gives us hurt deeply, but it is the trials that hurt the most that teach us the most. I like to think that God is tattooing a beautiful design on my soul, and that even though the pain right now is almost unbearable, someday His beautiful design for my life will be finished and my pain will end.

Hear Me Roar

2017-01-29T11:26:00.002-08:00

Today's look is all about animal prints! I snagged this super faux fur coat at Miracle Hill last week. The dress and boots came from Safe Harbor Resale Shop, where I just started working! That's right, I'm working at a thrift store(big surprise right??). Safe Harbor isn't just any thrift store though. It is a boutique style resale shop with a curated collection of pieces including designer brands and vintage! Safe Harbor benefits women coming from abusive situations. I'm so glad to be working for this cause and am absolutely loving my new job.

70s faux leopard coat: Miracle Hill

70s knit dress: Safe Harbor Resale Shop

Modern Rampage boots: Safe Harbor Resale Shop

Peggy Sue

2016-12-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

Usually my posts focus on life-size fashion but today's edition is on a much smaller scale! My grandmother passed down her treasured childhood doll to me a few years ago and I decided that it was time to share this darling with you all. Here is her story, told in my grandmother's own words.

I think I was around 7 years old and we lived at 2535 Warren St. Covington, Ky. She was a Christmas gift. My parents and grandparents always opened their gifts on Christmas Eve when I was SUPPOSE TO BE sleeping but it was hard to sleep so often I crept down the stairs part way to take a peak. They were always around the dining room table opening gifts and the gifts under the tree were all mine as I was an only child for 10 years.They told me Santa brought them and I always left hot chocolate and cookies on the breakfast nook table for Santa. Of course he always ate them.

Well she was a treasured doll for me. I may have gotten the doll bunk beds that year also. Anyway, she has her original dress and apron on. We had to replace the shoes and she had pig tails but her hair got so bad over the years we had to get her a new wig.l I always tried to take good care of her. I had the doll clothes wardrobe which you or your mom must have. It came with only 3 wooden hangers built in and over time I had more clothes which I had made and some were bought, but no way to hang them up.

My Grandpa Gordan Wesley Setty ran a bicycle store (Wesley Supply Store) at 1730 E. 5th St. Dayton, Ohio and I often watched him put wire through the hole in long rubber tubing for tricycle, wagon and baby buggy tires. He cut the ends and pressed them together on a machine which he had invented and made up for that use. He kept big rolls of wire hanging in his shop so one day when I was visiting my grandparents I asked Grandpa if he could make me some clothes hangers for my doll clothes. He looked at a full size hanger and then at the wooden ones and the clothes and came up with doll size clothes hangers for me.

Then Grandma said "You know those might just sell in the store" so he made up several more and painted a sign which said "Shirley Ann Doll Clothes Hangers." It was red and blue. I can't remember the price but it was something like 3 for 5 cents I think. He put them in the front window of his store and sure enough they went over very well. I still have the original sign at home in Ohio and copies of the hangers in my genealogy book.

Grandpa was very inventive and made several tools like spoke tighteners (for bicycle wheels) and hand tools needed in his business.

I guess that is the story of Peggy. I named her that because I just thought with her pig tails she looked like her name should be Peggy.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas weekend!

Sarah

Collaboration with Aerial Jay Photography

2016-09-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Several months ago a barista (who also happens to be a photographer) at my local Starbucks mentioned that he would love to capture my personal style on film. Anyone who knows me knows that I would never turn down an opportunity to get dressed up and immortalize my vintage dresses on film! We created a collaborative photo shoot and it was such a fun experience! Paul is not only a great photographer but also a very kind person with a passion for people and their stories. Special thanks to Hannah for helping me pose my best!

Here is a sneak preview but please go to Aerial Jay Photography to see the entire shoot!

Photographer: Paul Jacala Aerial Jay Photography

Posing: Hannah Lyn Roe

Film Noir Look

1940s Dress: Wayward Collection

1940s Hat: Ivy Mae Vintage

Vintage gloves: Kate DiNatale Vintage

Summer Citrus Look

1950s Catalina Dress: Simplicity is Bliss

1970s shoes: Capsule Vintage

1950s needlepoint box purse: thrifted

Folk Style

2016-07-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

For today's post I'm wearing a German Trachten dress that I found at a thrift store a while ago. I don't think it's vintage but I fell in love with the 50s silhouette and detailing on this dress as well as the print. Trachten dresses are used traditionally for equestrian events and worn sometimes at Oktoberfest, probably with a blouse underneath but I love it as a sleeveless dress! This dress was made in Italy- I've found a few other modern made in Italy dresses in thrift stores too and I have to say that they are always very well made!

In other news, we just adopted another puppy! She is a sweet black lab mix named Luna and we adopted her from our animal hospital. It's a little (ok a LOT) crazy having two dogs! Hopefully things will calm down soon.

Let me know what you think of my German folk dress! I also finally found the perfect fringy bag(way to go Target!).

Summer Solstice

2016-06-25T20:45:00.001-07:00

Wheewh! It's been hot this weekend. Nevertheless Nate and I went to Sunrift Adventures and bought some bikes so we can do some trail riding! My sweetie was nice enough to snap some outfit pics of me while we were out. This dress was for sale in CarlaSue Vintage for several months but I thought it was such a shame that it was just sitting on a rack collecting dust all summer so I decided to keep it...ooooops. I mixed navy and black accessories (I love breaking fashion "rules") for this outfit. I have another black and navy outfit I'm dying to share! Hopefully soon. Hope everyone stays cool!

1950s Dress: CarlaSue Vintage

60s raffia clutch: Hey Roxanne Vintage

Hat and shoes from Target.

Photos by my sweet husband.

This dress is a fantastic number made by Loomtogs- something about it is so timeless and I love it! Loomtogs specialized in women's sportswear; this dress definitely has an easy quality about it. The fabric is glazed cotton- glazing was a popular technique in the 1950s-60s and makes the fabric wrinkle resistant (and yes, it really is practically wrinkle free!)

Biltmore Estate

2016-06-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

I went up to the Biltmore Estate with my friend Emily of Great Glen Vintage today to see a period movie costume display! It was gorgeous. My favorite pieces were definitely the gowns Keira Knightley wore in The Duchess. We both wore pieces from Kate Dinatale Vintage that we bought last weekend at Native Clique, a new fun vintage festival in downtown Greenville.

Emily's outfit:

50s Swirl Dress: Kate Dinatale Vintage

80s Clutch: CarlaSue Vintage

Sarah's outfit:

60s Top: Kate Dinatale Vintage

Skirt: self-made

Box Purse: Kate Dinatale Vintage

A Match Made in Heaven

2016-06-09T12:35:00.001-07:00

It's such a beautiful day today! Perfect weather for debuting this outfit. I found this 50s teal knit sportswear top at the thrift store a few weeks ago and started searching for the perfect skirt to go with it. I couldn't believe it when I found this amazing 1950s skirt from Two Old Beans! It is the PERFECT match! Seriously, it was just too easy.

This outfit is pretty comfortable but still stylish. I've come up with a very simple recipe for summertime outfit success: take a cotton dress or skirt and top, add wedges or leather flats, finish off with a hat and bam! This is the perfect vintage modern balance for me in everyday life. Also THIS BAG goes with everything. A bit of a splurge(graduation gift from my parents years ago!) but worth every penny.

Top: vintage 50s

50s Skirt: Two Old Beans

Bag: Kenneth Cole

Sharing the Love

2016-05-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

This is my first ever guest post on my blog, and I would like to introduce you to Selena of Blu Butterfly Vintage! I met Selena at a vintage trunk show a few months ago and since then she has been organizing monthly vintage pop up shops at her store in the Village on Pendleton St. Her store is a wonderful blend of bohemian and classic vintage styles so there is something for just about everyone! She has such a sweet spirit (and such a sweet little boy named Aaron, as you can see!)

I interviewed Selena and she was kind enough to let me take some photos at her store as well. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and love of vintage with my readers and I!

All photos taken at Blu Butterfly Vintage.

Why do you love vintage?

My love for vintage started as a little girl in front of my grandmothers vanity set and all her 1950's dresses, hats, purses, gloves, pearls... and shoes! I was in the drama department in high school in the mid 90's and that's when the collection began. My friend Rosita and I would go thrifting (we were supposed to be picking up props for the next play) but instead we would find ourselves spending countless hours buying vintage pieces lol! By our senior year in 1995 we had our closets filled with some amazing pieces from the 60s and 70s lol!

Do you have a favorite vintage decade?

I'm very partial to the 40s 50s because of the pride and quality of the clothing during those eras but I also absolutely love the 60s!

Besides vintage, do you have any hobbies/past times?

My favorite past time is journaling about what God is doing in my life. I hope to write a book one day about my life in hopes it would encourage other women entrepreneurs. My hobbies are painting with acrylics and making hemp jewelry.

Who is/are your style icons?

I'm a huge 80s music fan so when I think of my absolute favorite style icons, I think of the B-52s! Kate and Cindy have amazing style and not to mention the music is fun. As a kid, I always loved watching them perform just to see their outfits. love love love them.

How long have you lived in Greenville?

I was born in Easley/Greenville area, raised in Orlando and moved back to the upstate in the late 90's. I love it here!

When did you start selling vintage?

I started selling vintage on Etsy in March of 2012. Then I opened my first brick and mortar shop in Downtown Easley on June 1st 2013. I left my corporate career in Human Resources to pursue what I love... and that's vintage fashion.

When/why did you choose The Village in Greenville for your shop?

I was magnetized to the village area a few years ago when there was a huge write up in the Greenville News about the natives making it an arts district. I could foresee it being a little Asheville with neat shops, arts and dining.

Do you have any advice on styling vintage in a modern way for girls who are looking to add some vintage pieces to their wardrobe?

I always have clients who come in the shop and they are unsure of how to mix vintage with modern. This is why I started styling all of my clients who come into the shop. My advice that I always give is be true to who you are first. Nothing is out of style and it's all about how you carry yourself. And secondary, mixing some fun tops and scarves with what you already have in your closet is easy to do. Thirdly, all of the pieces at Blu Butterfly Vintage are curated, prayed over, repaired, handpicked and are ready to wear when they walk out the door.

Do you have any long term goals/visions for Blu Butterfly Vintage?

Right now I'm getting ready to launch my sustainable clothing line in the fall of 2016. I've been working on it for three years and have finally gotten it all in order to do. We are also getting involved in the community and starting some outreach programs for the kids and the homeless in Greenville.

Greenville seems to have a growing market for vintage lovers/selling vintage. What are your thoughts/opinions on this?

I think it's great that it's finally catching up here in the upstate! We need that here because it's a big city idea. I've lived in the city (Orlando ) before and there is always a central hub by or in the downtown area where like minded individuals come together and congregate. I foresee the village having more vintage shops, a record shop....a great taco shop. I'm a visionary so I what I foresee happening I'm sure will happen in Greenville. We have already had comments about it being a little Asheville and that's exciting!

Any other comments you would like to add?

I've been a vintage curator for over 20 years and love what I do. I love the fact that I can help women everyday find their true unique self, to be different and set apart. I thank God for opening the doors of opportunities to be all he's called me to be. Romans 12:2.

I'm participating in a pop up shop THIS FRIDAY from 6-9 pm

Blu Butterfly Vintage 1279 Pendleton St. Greenville, SC.

Please stop by and check out local food vendors, music, and vintage sellers!!

Art Deco

2016-05-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

Miami is such a paradise for art deco and mid-century modern lovers! Pastel colored hotels line Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, each with its own little personality. I happened to buy the perfect dress from Cheshire Vintage months ago for our Miami trip and recently picked up an amazing hand-painted signed box purse from Kate DiNatale Vintage. Kate is a local seller in the Greenville area and opening a new shop in The Village later this summer!

50s Dress: Cheshire Vintage

50s/60s box purse: Kate Dinatale Vintage

Sunglasses: Amazon

Photos by my husband and I

Miami Must-See

2016-05-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Nathan and I took a little trip to Miami this past weekend! It was the first time either of us had visited, and we planned to spend some time at the beach and to see as much Art Deco architecture as possible. Rain interfered with our beach plans however, so I began searching for an alternate activity. In my Google search, I stumbled across Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. What a gem!! A sort of tropical Biltmore, Vizcaya is a breathtaking Mediterranean style villa nestled on the edge of the sea. It has the most beautiful, classically balanced tropical gardens I've ever seen. In fact, as gorgeous as the interior of the house itself was, I truly enjoyed the gardens more. This is a must see for Miami visitors! Admission was very reasonably priced.

Standing Without Apology

2016-04-29T11:16:00.001-07:00

It's 7:20 am. I've just slipped into a skirt that's 2 sizes too big for me so that it will sag lower on my hips and reach the bottom of my kneecaps. I pull on a pair of pantyhose, grab my coffee and race out the door. 20 minutes later I reach the front gates of campus, where I turn down my rock music to a barely audible level so nobody will hear the drum beats from the sidewalk. I park my car, grab my violin and my school bag and practically run to class, tugging my skirt down to my knees the entire way to avoid being shamed and given demerits for a dress code violation. This is the start to my day as a student at Bob Jones University, and the way I lived my life for 23 years.

I'm writing this post in response to an Instagram post I made recently regarding my stand on Target's new "genderless restroom" policy. I am uncomfortable with the fact that legally, a man can walk into a women's restroom. I am not going to subject myself to the possibility of being raped or spied on. Although I do not condone homosexuality, gender confusion, or transgenders, the purpose of my post was NOT to attack any of these groups. I also do not think that it is really that likely that I will be raped in a Target restroom. The principle of the matter is what bothers me. Also, to clarify, I am not worried that a homosexual, transgender or gender confused person will try to attack me, rape me, or make me uncomfortable in a restroom. I am concerned that perverted straight males in America will take advantage of the situation.

When I finished my master's degree at Bob Jones University, I felt something I'd never felt before: freedom. Freedom to wear what I wanted, listen to what I wanted, to drink alcohol...the list goes on. I spent the next several years of my life exploring my personal style, personal tastes in music, and in general just figuring out who I was as a person.

Social media has played a huge role in my life the last few years- I've found a vintage community of girls out there who like me feel like they were born in the wrong era. I've been able to use Instagram to connect with these girls and to promote my etsy shop. However I've slowly felt social media take control
over me. I am afraid to post my views because people might not like me or they might unfollow me. I'll admit, I've gotten sucked into the mentality that social media approval matters. I love that feeling of getting "likes" on photos and feeling accepted. But you know what else I feel? The same paralyzing fear I did when I was a student at Bob Jones. Hiding my views to avoid conflict, feeling trapped by people's opinions. I don't want to feel that way ever again. I couldn't go to the movies in highschool. I couldn't wear pants to Walmart. I didn't have my first drink until I was 23. But despite my differences with BJU I agree with them in many areas and one of those areas is standing without apology for what you believe. So this is what I believe. Homosexuality is wrong. The Bible clearly condemns it. You know what else it condemns? Pride and anger, both of which I'm guilty on a daily basis. I don't think I'm better than homosexuals, transgenders or gender confused people. I don't hate them. I just don't support their lifestyle.

Will I lose Instagram followers because of this post? Probably. My etsy sales may suffer. But I'm OK with that because I'm standing without apology for what I believe. And that is a liberating feeling.

Shop Updates and Vintage Trunk Show

2016-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in a vintage trunk show tomorrow! Please please stop by and visit my booth! There will be several other vintage vendors selling clothing and housewares as well. The event details are:

Vintage Trunk Show

Friday, April 1

6-9 pm

10 Central Avenue Studios

Downtown Greenville

10 Central Avenue Studios is a cooperative art gallery housing several local artists and you can browse their work and see their studios at the trunk show.

Here are some recent items I've added to my etsy shop which I'll have for sale tomorrow! Hope to see you there!

1950s Teena Paige Dress

1960s Gabar New York Swimsuit/Playsuit

1970s hand embroidered folk dress

70s does 30s Cape Sleeve Floral Dress

1960s Mod Dress

1950s Ship 'n Shore Blouse

How amazing is this?? That's the original advertisement for this blouse on the right!!

Easter Blues

2016-03-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

I found the most beautiful dress for Easter this year from WhenDecadesCollide! It's a 1950s dress by R and K Originals(my favorite brand!) I've started collecting R and K dresses... when I told my husband I'd like to own every dress they designed from 1955-1963 someday he got a little pale(; Hope everyone had a lovely Easter despite the rain! I wanted to take photos yesterday and the weather didn't permit but I just had to commit this lovely dress to film so I put it back on this afternoon(which was not hard to do! This dress makes me feel amazing).

Dress: When Decades Collide

Earrings: 50s porcelain from an estate sale

Three Coins in the Fountain

2016-03-20T12:56:00.001-07:00

In December I entered an Instagram giveaway for a free vintage dress of my choice hosted by Sara of Cheshire Vintage and I actually won! I couldn't believe it! This is the dress I chose: I am so in love with this dress! It suits my personal style perfectly and fits me like a dream. Thank you Sara!!

A while back I did a blog post on wearing vintage in a modern era and I think this is a great example of how I feel vintage can be modernized: I paired a vintage dress with a clean and simple 1960s handbag and modern shoes and sunglasses. I didn't use any jewelry or other accessories to keep the look from going costume-y.

Wonderful photos taken by my sweet husband.

1950s dress: Cheshire Vintage

60s handbag: thrifted

Retro Betty

2016-03-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

I'm still trying to find the perfect balance of vintage and modern in my style but I feel like I'm finally in a place that I feel comfortable with. A complete head to toe vintage outfit is beautiful and some girls dress like that on a daily basis and love it. To you girls, keep it up! I just don't normally feel comfortable dressing like that so I mix vintage and modern together. Generally, I either wear a vintage dress with modern shoes and accessories or vice versa. I'm busy photographing a bunch of new pieces for my etsy shop so I decided to take advantage of my backdrop and do a little photo shoot of my own! In news, I'll be selling at a vintage trunk show downtown for First Fridays in April and I am so excited! Stay tuned for more details.

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer

Belt: Vintage 70s thrifted

Shoes: TJMaxx(they are made in Spain and sooo comfy! )

earrings: vintage 50s from an estate sale

All photos taken by myself.

Mixing Decades

2016-01-27T12:30:00.002-08:00

One of the perks of my husband's job is leasing BMWs and he brought this one home for me today! I got to custom design this Mini Cooper S 2016 for myself and I love it! I decided to mix decades with this outfit post, mainly because I'm still growing my hair out. I can't wait to be able to pin curl my hair again, but I like how this mix of 20s and 40s turned out. The star of this outfit is this wonderful 1940s coat of course! It has been for sale in CarlaSue Vintage for some time but after modeling it today I decided that it needs to stay with me...at least for a while:)

20s style hat: from Free Kittens Vintage

40s coat: from an estate sale

Shoes: Gianni Bini

Summer Muse: Lolita and QsDaydream

2015-12-29T07:35:00.001-08:00

In my last post I shared one of my Summer Muse Contest winners. Here is the second winner, Quincy of QsDaydream! Quincy's inspiration came from the 1997 film Lolita, which is full of fabulous 1940s fashions! I couldn't find a good photo of the dress she loved so you will have to watch the movie! The dress has a peekaboo bodice and is a blue-green color in the movie but Quincy decided on pink and I love it! She has a darling daughter named Hazel and I couldn't help but make a mini version for her hehe..

Summer Muse: Sophia Loren and The Sixties Twist

2015-12-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

Last summer I hosted a "Summer Muse" Contest. Participants shared their style inspirations and a "dream dress" they would love to own. I chose two winners and worked with each to create a custom made summer dress! One of the winners was Liz of The Sixties Twist. She was inspired by Sophia Loren's bombshell look. I love the inspiration she chose and she looks so beautiful in the dress I created for her. Thanks for sharing these photos Liz!

That Sentimental Feeling

2015-09-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in ages! I've been a bit lazy I guess, just sharing outfits on Instagram. I just had to do a quick post on this amazing 1950s shirt dress that I thrifted yesterday though! I get this "feeling" sometimes that something is waiting at the thrift store for me so I always follow my intuition and sometimes my thrift store search is fruitless but often I score something awesome! This dress was an exciting find...I don't come across pieces like this in thrift stores very often but this dress is proof that if you search long enough you will find something!

Finding Flipper

2015-07-02T15:28:00.001-07:00

Nate and I just got back from a trip to Charleston! We did the usual beachy stuff but we also tried something new this year- a dolphin tour. It was so much fun! We rode a boat on Folly River to Morris Island. Along the way we saw water fowl, "pluff" mud(used in mud masks at spas) and of course bottle nose dolphins! I've always loved dolphins...if I could be a sea creature I would be a dolphin for sure. From Morris Island you can view a historic lighthouse and beachcomb- lots of shells and driftwood to be found! The island was full of so many beautiful, interesting textures. If you are looking for something to do in the Charleston area, I highly recommend this tour, done by Flipper Finders. It is well worth the price.

Top and shorts: made by me

Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress

2015-06-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

I hosted another vintage party this morning! We had a swell time...I wore this beautiful 50s/ early 60s dress to hostess. I received it as a gift from my lovely friend Quincy of QsDaydream. She received it a few years ago from her friend Aya of Strawberry Koi! I love that this dress has traveled from one vintage loving gal to another! Maybe someday I'll pass it on too.

My party sale is still going on! Through midnight tonight all vintage items in my shop are %30 off.

Hope everyone is having a great Saturday!

xxxSarah

Polka Dot Dolly

2015-05-23T08:08:00.001-07:00

I've been waiting not so patiently for the weather to warm up so that I could finally post this swimsuit from Red Dolly Swim! In an earlier post I shared Heather of Red Dolly wearing a black playsuit I made for a trade with her. Well, this is what she sent me! I'm in love with this suit! The fit is perfect...it feels secure and form fitting without being uncomfortably tight. Red Dolly also makes a one piece version as well as maternity and baby swimwear! And Heather is such a sweet person. Check out her website for your summer swimwear needs.

Photos by my husband

Designer Spotlight: R and K Originals

2015-05-21T06:31:00.003-07:00

For my next designer label spotlight I am choosing R and K Originals!

R and K was established in the late 1930s and was based in New York City on Broadway. The company produced fashionable but affordable clothing for women and used the slogans "Personally Yours" and "For the Girl Who Knows Clothes". The company was a division of the famous Jonathan Logan brand(another post on this later!) until the Logan brand was sold in the 1980s. The R and K label is still in production today.

The labels are so fabulous!

I have a few R and K Originals for sale in my shop right now:

One is this classic black 40s dress.

The other is this darling 50s gingham set(which sadly did not fit me!!)

xxxSarah

Bomb Girls

2015-05-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

I recently started watching a series called Bomb Girls! It's set in WWII and follows the story of several girls working in a bomb factory. The plot is a bit ridiculous at times but I don't care! The clothes are just fabulous. I was inspired to try a bomb girl factory worker look today. The series is on Hulu so if you can give it a watch!

Romper: made by me

70s does 40s blouse: thrifted

Headscarf: thrifted