Favorite Things: El Vintage

I recently discovered Emily's Etsy store, El Vintage and have become a huge fan, especially because she carries so many pieces from the 1970's (a personal weakness). I just received two amazing dresses from her and can vouch for the quality and authenticity of the items she sells. And now through December 15th you can get 15% off with the coupon code--PRECIOUS. You can also catch her on her blog. These are some of my favorites in her store right now.

70's Ecru Ruffle Blouse

Doesn't this look like something coming out of J.Crew about now?

70's Oatmeal Wool Coat

What girl doesn't need a great camel-colored coat?

60's Bullocks Pasedena Silk Dress

This one was in my cart, but the measurements were just a tad too big. Must make myself a version of this one!

70's Albert Nipon Evening Dress

Wouldn't this be so pretty for a New Year's Eve party?

60's Norman Berg Evening Dress

Love, love, love the beadwork on the sleeves. Exactly the sort of detailing I love, but don't do too often because it's so time-consuming.

60's Oatmeal Dress Suit

Only for California Sophisticates--that's what the label says...

70's Retro Print Dress

This just has boho-chic written all over it.

Can't wait to show ya my recent purchases from Emily!

And about the wedding dress. I took some pics, but it was FRIGID out, so I had a coat on the whole time, and my husband said it would be really lame to post them. I disagreed 'cuz it's a really simple column silhouette and you can still see the best parts.

So, it's really up to you. Should I go ahead and post the pics I have or wait and do a spring version? Let me know.

Constructing: Stewart Dress

I've been wanting a little plaid dress I could wear black tights and a blazer with for winter, and LOVED the Marc Jacobs version (but honestly, $500 for a casual dress?)

Not happenin'.

Besides, what's the point, when I could have my own version for $9 and one afternoon's worth of work?

You see my point, right?

For the Do-It-Yourselfer's, this is a little trick I use all the time on tunic shaped dresses that I want to be a little more fitted in the waist.

--Sew one side of a grosgrain ribbon across the waist of the dress.

--Sew down the ends of 1 inch elastic under neath the ribbon (just across the back from side seam to side seam)

--Sew up the other side of the ribbon to cover the elastic.

It just pulls the back together, without having to put in a

complete elastic waist band, and ends up looking like this from the back.

I wanted to have some kind of crest on the shoulder,

but didn't have any Scottish crests just lying around and

ended up using this button and ribbon.

I'd already taken all these pictures when I spotted these

amazing silver crest buttons at Walmart, of all places,

and used one to replace the wood button.

I love this so much better.

(Kristina J. Stewart Dress, Anthro Tellicherry Belt and Field Game Cardigan, Mia Cadet Booties)

Finally, a shot of my little photographer!