Thursday Tutorial: Colorful Summer DIY Agate Earrings

I've actually been holding onto this one for a little while because I wanted it to coincide with the opening of my second Etsy shop! However, life likes to get in that way a lot of times and I've been really behind on getting it all set up, so please visit it...at a later date. This one is just going to be things that I make, mostly jewelry since that's what I like making the most, and then Stranger Than Vintage can stay as solely vintage clothing, housewares, and accessories.

Anyway, I've written up a tutorial for this pair of fun dangly agate slice earrings for summer that are for sale in the shop. If you want to make your own, I'd love to see them! If you'd like to buy a pair, I'd be ecstatic! So let's get this tutorial started!

What I Wore Wednesday: The Happy Birthday Edition!

You guessed it! My birthday is coming up this weekend and this outfit post is all about what I'm going to wear to the extravaganza! I'm super excited about it and I hope it'll be a fun night. Most of my friends and I work completely opposite hours so I don't get to see them too much - should be a good time! Anyway, I also invited a lot of my co-workers out to come and party it up with me, so I didn't really want to go out skanking it up (like I normally do ;), but I wanted something light and fun since it'll probably be 90 degrees on Saturday. When I saw this dress on Ruche I knew it could be perfect so I scooped it up!

Now I'm a shop-online-aholic and I knew that there was a possibility this dress was going to look terrible once I got it in. Luckily that did not happen! I love it! It's got coverage, but is just a touch see-through to give a little something sexy. Perfect for a birthday dinner and drinks! This was actually the first time that I had ever ordered from Ruche, but I was very happy with their service. They're on top of it on Twitter and I actually say this dress as a part of a lookbook and couldn't find it on the site right away. I asked them on Twitter and they got right back to me! How's that for customer service? (Yes, I'm addicted to Twitter, let's be friends.) Also, scroll to the bottom of this post for a super special birthday surprise for YOU!

Tuesday Trendspotting: 50s and 60s Never Die

I know, I know, you've barely started working on that tan and here I am talking about Fall/Winter 2012. Well I'm sorry, I know it's hard to accept but Fashion does not wait! So neither do I. Ok well, I do. As in, I wait to buy but not to look. So check it out. 2012 is bringing back the beehive! I talked about before how that sweet picnic in the park 60s style was coming back for the spring (I failed at making it the theme of my spring wardrobe unfortunately) and it did in a big way, but it seems that the beehive, cat-eyes, pencil skirts, and capris and in it to win it. The retro craze may have started with MadMen, but it's taken on another life now and I couldn't be happier! I mean I always saw myself as a greaser's girlfriend at some point in my life. That point should be now.

The Fall/Winter 2012 collection from Dsquared2 borrows heavily from that punky, Rebel Without a Cause attitude while combining it with some very classic pieces of the 50s housewife. A little tough and a little sweet, my favorite combination. Obviously, I want every single piece in this collection.

What do you think? Love the 60s style or hate it?

Monday Design: Castello Di Vicarello

Please do not mistake this for complaining, because it is the farthest thing from it, but it is HOT. It has been swelteringly hot all weekend and I couldn't be happier. However, after a Chicago winter, it's taking me some time to get used to the 90 degree days. This little heavenly getaway in Tuscany looks like just where I would want to be wasting away these lazy summer days. The Castello Di Vicarello is definitely a dream. I love how is keeps the essence of Mediterranean living but adds modern pieces into the rooms. The dark rooms are not only inviting, but perfectly set up for afternoon siestas. And if you're ever missing the views while inside one of those dark, cool rooms, just take a peek out of the window. Sounds perfect doesn't it?

 I adore the feel of this room. The paint job looks rough and unfinished yet warm and inviting at the same time. I love that sponged look on walls. No matter how interestingly you paint a wall it's almost always going to be one of two things - glossy or matte. Adding the sponge texture gives it a little something that very few other rooms would have otherwise. 

Again here, the texture in the paints adds to the character of the bedroom. I love how the burnt, unfinished orange mimics the color and texture of the headboard.

Wouldn't you love to get lost in this southern sunshine?

Sunday Moment of Zen: The Little Slide Dress

Okay, this is maybe a little less zen and a little more awesome, but I had to share it with you guys! It's was kind of exploding all over the internet last week so you may have already seen it, but I think this Little Slide Dress is just the coolest thing! It speaks to the photography nerd and the fashion nerd in me. Do you have some photographic memories you want to show off? What better way than in this glowing slide dress? Think about it.

Hope you're having a great weekend! 

Photo Friday: The Great Gatsby

This editorial from Elle France hits right at the heart of me. It combines three of my most favorite things in the whole world - vintage fashion, literature, and fashion photography. Oh! AND is was in Elle France of course and I am obsessed with all things french. So basically, this whole shoot was meant for me to drool over and it was a success.

I actually didn't love The Great Gatsby when I read it the first time in high school. It didn't grow on me until I had to read more Fitzgerald later on in college and I just became enamored with the Fitzgerald style. Now, I am more than excited to see the movie. Anyway, this fashion editorial is gorgeous. I love that opulent 20s glam and ease they captured. There is no denying the outfits are gorgeous and who wouldn't want to be at this party?

What I Wore Wednesday: The Leopard Love Edition

So I may be a tiny, itty-bitty bit leopard print obsessed. Just a touch. I mean I only own two pairs of leopard print pants and 4 pairs of leopard print shoes. Only. That's not bad right? I am not ashamed! I firmly maintain that there is nothing wrong with a little bit of leopard print...in every outfit. No, just kidding. But seriously folks, a little bit of leopard print can change an outfit from boring to a little bit funky, a little bit rock and roll, which is why I think I have always beed so obsessed. Thinking I was so cool and punk rock in high school may have had something to do with it in the beginning too, maybe.

Anyway, when leopard print was coming back in a big way last year, I couldn't be happier and I decided that I absolutely, 100 percent NEEDED a pair of leopard print pants. Where did I go before you could find a pair in every hipster-centric store on the planet? The thrift store of course! I new I could find a workable pair of leopard print pants and then get them adjusted, which is exactly how I got these. This is year two of the leopard print pant for me and do I get funny looks walking down the street? Not as much as I used to. Do I care? Of course not! I look good. (If you're going to be wearing anything that's kinda crazy and verging on tacky, you really have to own it. Really.) Unfortunately, (or maybe very fortunately?) they seem a little big on me this year and I think I'm going to have to take them in a bit again. This means I'm not entirely happy with the following outfit shoot, but I like the outfit in general so I hope you guys do too!

Tuesday Trendspotting: Bikini Season

Oh you know it's here already and if you're a big slacker like me, you still haven't picked out your new swimsuit for the season. I know this isn't a new trend, the retro 50s style bathing suit has been all over catalogs and websites for a few years now, but I still don't have one! ::despair:: Well, I'm changing that this year! Maybe. I hope. Well, it's on my wishlist anyway.

So in preparation of sinking about $100 into a bathing suit that I promise myself I will wear at least once a week this summer - I am horrible at keep promises to myself - I picked out a few styles of retro bathing suits that I absolutely love and would be my dream to find for cheap. Warning: some of these are by no means affordable, I pulled them mainly for their shape and style.

Net-a-porter

Ruche

Ruche

This is actually my current most likely candidate. What do you think? Fun or too maternity? 

Seafolly

Anthropologie

Modcloth

Modcloth

Brown's Fashion

I have to say that this is my dream retro bathing suit and I've been hunting down something like this for almost two summers now. Unfortunately, I still have not been able to fine one like it in my price range. What a bummer.

What do you say? Retro bathing suits: yay or nay?

Monday Design: Handsome English Interiors

Hey all, today's Monday design is a little different as it's a guest post from Joanna of Arcadian Lighting. They were super nice to reach out to me about writing a guest post about English style interiors and I happily agreed! I mean, you want to do my work for me? Who am I to say no? I like the examples she picked out and I hope you guys do too!

Hello, I'm Joanna. I write guest posts for Arcadian Lighting, a wonderful source of lighting fixtures for all styles of decor. I am so fortunate to share my love of interior design with Stranger Than Vintage readers! In particular, I have an affinity for European decor, similar to the designs below. I hope you enjoy this post, which features handsome English style spaces.

Known for their history and tradition, the British bring this aspect of their culture into their interiors. Many homes are a mix of periods and styles boasting a conservative, sophisticated design. These stately interiors never seem to go out of fashion. Below, you'll find a collection of handsome English style rooms.

This eclectic English living room is a mix of styles with its casual and formal elements.

Minty green, florals and stripes dress this formal English living room. Asian-inspired black elements add nice contrast.

A sophisticated living room is divided into two sitting areas with matching English style sofas. Two tall table lamps visually separate the space. A large formal rug ties the reds and gold of the room's accents together.

A more casual English style creates a comfortable and welcoming decor. Stripes, florals and the rug's design works nicely with the neutral sofa and chairs.

A mix of traditional and modern adds interest to this English music room. The abstract art above the piano, works as a focal point bringing the colors of the space together.

An English library gets dressed up with a flowing skirt and ornate arm chairs. I can just imagine spending an afternoon reading and learning in this lovely space.

Another English library features built-in bookcases, piles of books and modern art. The monochromatic furnishings create a comfortable place to spend the day. A light fixture above the table would offer a nice touch to the space.

A formal English space is a dressed up version of the other rooms shown here. It boasts layers of pattern, texture and rich color. A convex mirror acts as a focal point above the marble fireplace surroundings.


Image sources 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

What do you think of these English inspired designs? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to go here for a brilliant pendant light or wall sconce to brighten your home!