Crown Town and Southern Comforts, together at last

One of my favorite shops in the world is Southern Comforts Antiques in Concord, NC. Unlike most antique malls that allow stuff to pile up in a most unattractive manner, SoCo treats their shop as a boutique. They treat every single item as special and give it a place of honor in a vignette. Each tiny scene is displayed to make you think about the origin, use, and history of each item involved. Frequently turning the original purpose right on it head, to give it a whole new use. And they are quick to think up new ideas, making SoCo an ever-evolving gallery of history. It’s not unusual for them to rearrange the entire shop 2-3 times a month. In doing so, they make stuff that is literally decades old seem so fresh and new! In conjunction with beautiful furniture, vintage accessories, and the most unique retro dishware, they specialize in carrying items with the hopes of them getting a second life in a crafter’s capable hands. They search out buttons, sewing patterns, game pieces, ephemera, vintage beads, books, lace, millinery flowers, tins... ...the list goes on. All carried with the intent of catering to crafters with an unusual taste and sense of repurpose (as well as history).

They have taken this desire to involve local artists to the next level and have invited the members of Crown Town Handmade to participate in an exclusive event just for us! This Saturday (July 31) from 9:30 am – 5pm a group of us crafty types will be selling our wares to the citizens of Concord. Alongside Crown Town’s finest will be local author and historic re enactor Nancy B. Brewer, to promote her new book Carolina Rain. So join us this weekend for Arts, crafts, history, and yummy snacks. We will be having a great time, and we hope you can join us!

Luv,

Vanessa*

Oh Green World (don't desert me now)

While running errands the other day I passed a small industrial park with great potential. I will absolutely be shooting here again soon. The dilapidated brick doorways, alone will provide several unique and interesting shots. But my first time I had to use the rusting mint green steel wall.
I love the clash of industrial and organic textures.
And how the minty Aqua color contrasts my red skirt (which is actually an American apparel dress I tied around my waist. I picked the dress up at a clothing swap)

An unusual backdrop can make me playful.
Blouse: F21, Skirt: American Apparel Dress tied, Tights: rugged Warehouse, Shoes Seyshelles,
Necklace by Me.
Luv,
Vanessa*

Petal Trail

As i was photographing today, I noticed the edging of the grass. How could you not? It's bright pink! Bright Fuchsia petals made a sweet little trail adjacent to the sidewalk. I just love little beauties.I tried to get a shot with the pink trees in the background, but I would have been forced to photograph right in front of people, and I'm just not up for that yet. Too shy.
Dress Thrifted UO, Slip thrifted Banana Republic, Shoes Ann Taylor, Necklace Gift from my friend Merissa
My dress is an Urban Outfitters sheer cotton dress I picked up when I was thrifting the other day. Not too shabby for $3!
I very rarely wear jewelry that I didn't create. I'm not that self centered, it's just important when you make (and sell) jewelry that you act as your own billboard. Also people get disappointed when they ask "Oh is that one of your pieces?" and I kinda shift around in my shoes and give a half hearted "no." However, If a talented friend or kind artist takes the time to make and gift me something, I will wear and share. My friend Merissa of Merissa Explains it all made this just for me for Christmas, and I luv it. And it matched my dress perfectly. PERFECTLY! So no. I didn't make this one. But yes, it's awesome.
Luv,
Vanessa*

Teaser

I took these photos by mistake, but I kinda liked them.
Luv,
Vanessa*

Uncreative Title

A lovely rust and wood bridge lays just in view of my apartment. I have been itching to get out and photograph on it, but just haven't really had the time. I finally grabbed a few minuets to shoot this evening, and I learned a few things.
One, use the sun. I should have attempted to shoot from the other direction.
Two, shoot a bit later. If I had waited about 30 minuets or so the sun would have been a bit lower and warmer(colored).

Vintage Dress, Delias* Cardigan, Tights?, Salvatore Ferragamo flats courtesy of Southern Comforts, Necklace by Me!


Three, Have fun! The more I enjoy taking the shot the better it looks! And Smile woman! SMILE!
Last note.
It's 90 + degrees out. Why am I in a cardigan and tights?
I couldn't dress weather appropriate if I had a stylist.
So yes, I was warm.
Luv,
Vanessa*

Oh My God It's A Double Rainbow!!

This is the Funniest thing I have seen in forever. If you have a minuet to brighten your day watch both videos.

Auto Tune Remix! I want this on my Ipod!

Enjoy.
Luv,
Vanessa*

Exit Throught the Gift Shop

So I just found out about this today. Just in time too! The documentary opens in Charlotte today! It looks like it only runs through Thursday. I wonder if I can rally up some folks to go see. If you are unfamiliar with Banksey and think street art is nifty(yes, that includes graffiti) , I highly recommend you check him out. His work has really changed graffiti and how it's perceived in the art world.

Happy 4th!

all eyes on me in the center of the ring (just like a circus)

I awoke Tuesday morning at 4:00 am. I showered, dressed, did my hair, and went to work. We don't open until 10 AM. So why would I do something so batty(on my day off no less)? Because we were being featured on the local fox news channels version of Good Morning America, called Fox News Rising. Beadlush was being interviewed by Jon Wilson of Wilson's World! So besides being awake at stupid o'clock in the morning, we had a great time. I got to be on TV talking about one of my greatest passions. It was simply thrilling! You can watch a good chunk of it at FoxCharlotte.com

I was limited as to what i could wear because there are rules. No patterns, No black, no white. Other than that, go nuts.

So i opted for one of my only options. I went with Navy up top. That narrowed my choices elsewhere. I went with my favorite teal skirt (yes. I have more than one. But few plain, un-patterned shirts in colors other than black. )
Urban Outfitters navy top (gift from Mom), Skirt& Belt thifted, American Apparel tights, Seyshelles shoes (gift from John), Necklace My Design.
and embellished with my new necklace.
I was inspired by old Circus posters. Like this one. And this one. And this one. I love this one.But the majority of my palate came from this illustration of a circus poster by artist Elly Walton
I used dyed web jasper, Swarovski pearls, coral, copper chain (and findings), unikite (elephant), vintage glass, and a big sparkly Swarovski Pendant.


My circus kick is getting a little obsessive. I'm thinking Halloween costumes are in order here.
Luv,
Vanessa