T-D off?

Would you belive that my super cool wrap around top used to be a sleep shirt, formerly discarded by the boyfriend? How did i make this transformation? Well wouldn't you like to know. Well? Wouldn't you?
It's your lucky week! Next Thursday night (September 30th) I will be teaching this shirt (and two more) at the lovely Patchwerk Playhaus (located in the back of Century Vintage) for Crown Town Handmade's monthly Make Out session. Each moth we meet and join the community in crafting for craft's sake. In other words, sharing and learning new skills because we all love creating! Here's the details.

T-d Off? Revamp your T-Shirts! It's time to add some flair to one of the the most underappreciated workhorses in your closet, The T-shirt! Try your hand at up to three different techniques to change the way you wear and look at tees. Bring at least one fitted tee and one a bit loose. Bonus points for funny (or unintentionally funny) T-shirts! If you don't want to cut anything up, there will be items to zazz up a boring basic, or enhance one of your favorites.
When: Thursday September 30th 7:30pm
What :Make out session!
Why?: Why not? What else are you gonna do on a Thursday night!
Join Us!

(Vintage shirt that belonged to my mom (until i stole it), Anthropologie skirt, Old Navy Shoes, Vintage millinery floral pin (purchased at SoCo Antiques), lastly the wrap shirt and earrings made by me!)

See you then,
Luv,
Vanessa*

Carnival

Last Saturday night, I went to the Carnival. But not the one you would think. I attended my friend Amanda's 28th birthday bash, for which she had decided upon a carnival theme. I had a friggin blast!
There were Games, real cotton candy,
a fantastic band (Crystal Bright and the Silver Hands They were AMAZING!), Yes. She is playing a saw. Amazing.
corn dogs and popcorn, home made caramel apples, A DUNKING BOOTH(!!!), pie judging,Late night (legal) Absinthe, a napping blanket :),
and good people.

I went dressed as the midway fortune teller. Everything came right out of my closet just as is. Hmmm...(Vintage scarf, thrifted jacket, target v-neck tshirt, David Meister (thrifted) silk skirt, target sandals, Jewelry all mine.)

Amanda was wearing the cutest dress! ( i meant to ask her where she got it but i forgot) She was asked if she was going in the dunk tank. Her reply? "No way! This dress is dry clean only!" Ha!

There was nothing missing! I don't think I had that much fun when I went to real carnival!

I swear I will make a real post soon.

Until then, enjoy this.

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*