Etsy Goodness: Prints

I love this print (quote from JRR Tolkien) from thewheatfield so much, it's a great reminder to always take some time out to smell the proverbial roses.

...and this one from birdAve

The Beauty Department: Josie Maran Argan Oil

I've been curious to try this African tree nut oil for a while.  I decided to try a small bottle of Josie Maran Argan oil for face, skin, and hair.  This stuff is absolutely amazing!  Oil?  For your face?!  YES.  Trust me, it works, and with thousands of positive reviews behind it, and $14 for a generous travel size bottle, it's something worth trying.  Go ahead, spOIL  yourself.

Thursday Words of Wisdom

I have to be alone very often. I'd be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel.
-Audrey Hepburn


I can definitely relate to this.  Wise words from a wise and classy lady...

Lists: Things That Seem Like a Good Idea (At First)

*boyfriend/girlfriend name tatoos
*late night chinese food
*staying up all night
*jumping into the pool with your clothes on
*jet packs
*camping
*three way mirrors
*tankinis
*harem pants
*press on nails
*perms
*beef jerky business cards.  For reals.

They Don't Make Them Like That Anymore: Bisque Dolls

I've never been one to collect anything, but these adorable dolls I recently acquired for my etsy shop have me thinking twice.  Made in the 1920's and 30's, these little toys were meant for children to play with (can you believe it?!) Usually made in Japan, these "penny dolls" were sold at candy shops and drugstores alongside the candy.  How sweet...

Puppy Love

Flapper Girls

Bunny love

Beautiful hand painted detail...

Lists: Best Foods For Your Heart

These are the best 10 foods for your heart, according to Health.com(and how I feel about them personally for a bit of biased opinion!):


*oatmeal (trying to get myself to like it)
*salmon (looove)
*avocado (loooove, especially on sandwiches)
*olive oil  (use it to cook with everything!)                           
*nuts (almonds-are honey roasted still healthy?)
*berries (jury's still out on these...unless they're baked into a pie)
*legumes (...with vinaigrette dressing, yum)
*spinach (sorry, I just can't do this one)
*flaxseed (bought some, still waiting to get up the nerve to sprinkle on my greek yogurt)
*soy (isn't this supposed to increase estrogen production?? - No thanks)

Vintage: Celebs

There are some beauty products that are simply too much of a hassle.  False lashes anyone?  If one more person says how "easy" they are to apply, I'm gonna lose it.  Oh, if only we could look as good in those lashes as Brigitte Bardot.  A beautiful person inside and out, Brigitte Bardot has been a spokesperson for the ethical treatment of animals for years.  Tres belle!

The Beauty Department: Balms

Egyptian Magic is one of those products you either love or hate.  Despite all its cult status fame, I found many negative reviews, and so decided to try for myself.  I'm not sure what my verdict is yet, but you gotta love any product that wishes its consumer "peace, divine love... and eternal wisdom." 

Now this I love.  Carmex works better than any expensive balm and you honestly can't beat the price or sweet old school packaging.

Lists: An Ode to Summer

Things I love about summer:

*warm summer nights

*sandy beaches

*sun tea

*coconut suntan lotion

*barbacue

*rompers

*bare feet

*gardenias

*reading in the shade

*bike rides

*lemonade

*eating alfresco

*iced caramel mochas

*peaches

*vacation

*popsicles

*driving with the top down

*tan lines

Wedding Season

One of my all time favorite brides...

Here're a few things any bride would love...

"And they lived...

...happily ever after"

Vintage Beaded Clutch

Vintage Rhinestone Necklace

Movie Monday

It's hard not to like this movie.  Makes me want to slip into some Gloria Vanderbilts and platform wedges.

Holding the Purse Strings

I love me a huge, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink-bag.  But sometimes you really don't feel like carrying everything with you, especially when you're going out at night or to a special event like a wedding.  Here's a cute and inexpensive idea for an evening bag look.  I recently bought a beautiful little Indian drawstring pouch at World Market for around $6.99.  Put a few flea market rhinestone brooches on, and voila!  Instant glam for under $15.

can't resist a pot metal and rhinestone brooch...

Flower Power

Etsy Goodness: Bags and Feathers

I like to look on Etsy for those special things one can't just find everywhere else.  Here are a few finds from this month, can't wait to wear them this summer!  

Vintage coin purse and crochet envelope clutch

Whimsical feather earrings

coin purse-rutabagasix
clutch-northbrooklyndrygood
earrings-FeatherObsession

Czech Please!

Prior to World war I, "czech" jewelry was mostly unmarked, and called bohemian.  In 1918, the Czechs and Slovaks united and were freed from the rule of Austria and Hungary, and the land they now lived in became known as Czechoslovakia. (A little history lesson! Who knew!).  I am always amazed at how beautifully made these pieces are.  You can find this one here.

Sparrows in Flight

Now this is more like it.  Anthropologie silk sparrow top.
I don't know why, but I've always been drawn to these little birds. I purchased these vintage/antique sparrow pins from a great little shop on Etsy. So cute!

What's Your Style?: Home Decor

I love looking through Apartment Therapy's  house tours.  It's a great source of inspiration on home decor, or even to help you figure out your "home" style.  Stripes are not my thing.  I'm not big on "nautical" themes.  I prefer less modern decor, and I know I love anything cozy.  They seem to have something for everyone.

Wow.  This house is cool.  Not totally my style, but still.  Now this is more up my alley.  A mix of vintage, thrift, and modern finds.   Very feminine and oh so pretty...

The Beauty Department: Must Haves

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for a good beauty product.  Some I'm loving right now are:

1. Touche Eclat by YSL
2. Benefit Bad Gal mascara
3. Mac studio Fix powder in C2
4. Bare Essentials mineral veil
5. Clarisonic Mia skin brush
6. Carmex lip balm
7.  Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer in Nude

What is your go-to beauty item?  The one where if you ran out one morning while getting ready for work, may tempt you to call in sick. (yeah, right!)

• concealer
• mascara
• lipstick/gloss
• tinted moisturizer/foundation
• blush
• other

They Don't Make Them Like That Anymore: Rhinestones and Beads

I've always loved vintage.  I feel like things used to be made to last.  I love anything that has a past, a story,  character.  And so I decided to open my Etsy shop were I could curate and sell all the vintage goodies my little heart desired!  Sometimes it's hard to let go of these objects, but I'm always happy to think they are going off to their next adventure, a new life.  Creating new and more interesting stories along the way...

 Antique pot metal and rhinestones brooch...so pretty

French silk beaded stole?  Yes please!

A pair of vintage hair combs and a 1930's Whiting and Davis petite purse.

Find more of my vintage treasures at http://www.etsy.com/shop/iloveluci