japanese dioramas

I have been collecting these funny Japanese dog (um, cat?) dioramas for a few years now. My collection is still tiny because they are nearly impossible to find. I'm not even sure what era they are from. I've seen similar dioramas on Pinterest and elsewhere marked as being from the 1950's, but they seem more late 1960's or early 70's to me. Does anyone know?

Ever since moving in with Christopher I have made a concerted effort to curb my (sprawling) collection of kitsch. Not because he asked me to, but because I liked the idea of combining our styles and seeing them evolve together I will always have that soft spot for silly tchotchkes, especially when they are in the form of fake food, but somehow it doesn't seem to fit anymore. Regardless, the dioramas are here to stay and even Christopher has taken a shine to them. If anyone comes across any like these please let me know and I will love you forever!

a shop update

I have quite a pile of newness for the Fancy Fine Vintage shop and I'm working on photographing & mending today. A few goodies were just listed, and there's many more to come. I love the way this particular pile of vintage looks together, such a perfect combination of rusts, baby blues, creams, and tiny floral prints.

floral & stripe

dress  zara
scarf  asos
tights  hue

It's funny taking photos these days and having the background be a forest instead of the usual city streets. This was taken right outside of our house in Maine, which shows you just how forest-y our life is at the moment. We are in a mountain valley, perched on a hill that overlooks a lake and endless trees. When the sun sets at night we have the most amazing panoramic view I've ever seen, almost unreal. Add to this the unseasonably warm weather this coast is experiencing and you have one very thankful girl.

fresh pickings

I added a few more pieces to the Fancy Fine Vintage shop this week, including this sweet little straw bag that I'm tempted to keep for myself, the perfect classic Barbour jacket in a magical shade of pumpkin, and a few pretty dresses straight from my own closet. There is plenty more to come, so keep your eyes on the shop!

new in the shop

I have finally set up a little studio space for myself and just updated the Fancy Fine Vintage shop with a few treasures that I'd been hanging onto, including several dream dresses that are difficult to part with. But I have so many pieces that I never wear anymore, so it's time for them to find new homes and live new lives outside of my crowded closet. Keep an eye out for more shop updates soon!

november bits

Florals from my last round of arranging, an outfit for a (super) windy day, and some beautiful silk ribbon that I've been collecting for the wedding. I may use the ribbon for my bridal bouquet, because I love the idea of all that raw silk hanging long in different colors. So far I've had my heart set on a white/cream/green color theme (which you can clearly see in my obsessive wedding Pinterest board) because I love the simplicity of it, and I want the textures and details to come through without lots of color muddling things. But there's something compelling about certain shades of copper and pale mushroom brown and faded rust, which makes me think I may need to consider adding an accent color. The wedding may be seven months away (!!!), but I'm completely immersed in all of the tiny details and I'm loving every second.

miniature

A few mini arrangements made with leftovers flowers while Golden Girls played in the background. I've been strangely inspired by the colors of that show lately, not to mention the interesting plants and flowers (and feathers in vases!) that decorate their home.

autumn bouquet

coat  vintage
dress  vintage
tights  need supply
shoes  vintage

Alright, I'm obsessed. Here's another bouquet I made for absolutely no reason, with a bit of brown chiffon tied on because that's how I do.

dictionary of flowers

I found this amazing 1972 flower and plant dictionary at a very cool used bookstore in Portland (Maine) yesterday. I love the layout (pre-Instagram style) and the fact that it lists so many different species. I'm admittedly a bit clueless still when it comes to identifying certain (er, most) flowers and plants, but I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible. On a side note, it occurred to me that this new obsession means I'm officially becoming my mom. She's quite pleased.

glittering woods

vest  j. crew
brooches  vintage
blouse  vintage
trousers  tome
shoes  opening ceremony

I broke down and bought a boringly practical puffy vest for layering under my vintage coats when it gets cold(er). This is not a purchase I ever imagined I would make, but I figured it would serve me well for a frigid winter in Maine. Naturally I couldn't resist pairing it with a glittery 1970's blouse and these magical rose gold lamé trousers from Tome. I may live in the woods for the moment, but I still brought all of my glitter and lace and vintage weirdness with me.

a philly love letter

photos by Carina of Love Me Do Photography

first look

dress  vintage

scarf  vintage

shoes  j. crew

second look

vest  zara

top  zara

skirt  pixiemarket

brooches vintage

sunglasses  anthropologie

shoes  j. crew

Right before leaving Philadelphia I had the pleasure of shooting with the lovely and sweet Carina of Love Me Do Photography. The photos in the red dress were shot on Quince Street, which is full of the most charming historical row homes and makes me miss the city just looking at them. The second set of photos were shot in the middle of busy Broad Street in front of City Hall, which was quite a trip. It was difficult to concentrate and not make silly faces with so many cars rushing by on both sides, but somehow we pulled it off (for a few minutes at least). I loved my three years in Philadelphia and I will always think fondly of that period in my life. I'm also excited that I will get to go back for a week when Christopher and I get married just outside of the city. Philadelphia, you're the coolest.