Peek into my Living Room

I haven't posted about Retroville in a while, so it's about time for an update! After the tree and other holiday decorations came down, it was time to move in my furniture that had been camping out in my garage. I still haven't finished -- the drapes need to be switched out for some barkcloth ones that I got an an estate sale and hopefully someday the pink carpet will be removed, showcasing the fabulous blonde hardwood floors that is underneath -- but for now I am very please and rather excited to be sitting on my own furniture!

Everything in the room that is pictured here was either handed down to me or was bought at estate sales, thrift stores, or flea markets. Here's the backstory on some of my favorite pieces.

Green Couch

A few months after I met Jesse, we were at an state sale and I spotted these two love seats at a sale we were at. They had a price tag of $20 and when I went to inquire if that was each or both, the lady stopped me and said I could have BOTH for $15! Now at the time I was still living at home and had no place to put these, but Jesse knew how much I had wanted a set out love seats like this, so he told me to buy them and we could put them at his house until I moved. What a keeper! Plus, how can you beat $15 for both! They do need to be reupholstered, but for now they work. The pillows were found a few months earlier for $5 for the pair at a flea market.

Bookcase

Mid summer this past year, I eyed this enclosed bookcase on a sale's listing. I thought for sure it was going to be way out of my price range, but as it ended up, it was $30 -- a bargain if you ask me. I would like to find another one some day to place on the other side of the fireplace. These don't seem to be that rare, as I have seen a few since I purchased this one, although in the wrong color. The fake plants are from the library that Jesse works at. They were going to pitch them, so Jesse brought them home and I ended up with them. I love real plants, but fake plants are nice too!

Sconces

The atomic wall sconces were purchased at an estate sale a while ago for the small sum of $9. I was so giddy when I found these in the attic of the home and clutched them until I was ready to check out. I am currently on the hunt for some gold glittery candles to place in the holders.

I may be a bit biased, but I feel this proves that it doesn't have to cost a lot to make your home nice. Pumpkin thinks so too! I think this also goes to show that there still are bargains out there to be found when it comes to vintage pieces. I didn't get all these pieces overnight, but if you are patient, deals are still to be had.

Emily

New Year, New Bag

This week began the start of my final semester of graduate school also known as the reason for my silence as of late. Before class started back up again, I made sure to hit the thrifts, since I might not get much of a chance to do so for a while.

On a visit to a Salvation Army, I spotted this gem while I was in line to check out. It was behind the jewelry counter and I am a bit ashamed to admit that I paid $30 at a thrift store for this needlepoint bag. I rationalized this purchase by convincing myself that I would have to pay this much or even more in a retail setting, so since it was just for me, it was worth it.

What do you all think? I agree that $30 for a purse at the Salvation Army is kinda steep, but at the same time, it is a really nice bag in perfect condition. Would you pay that much for a bag at a thrift store? Am I crazy? hehe!

Emily

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone enjoys their New Years Eve and Day! See you all in 2012.

Emily

Image found HERE and edited by me.

Last Outfit of 2011

I can't believe how fast 2011 went by for me. I guess it's true that time seems to pass faster the older we get. 2011 was full of both ups and downs, but much joy and happiness. I am really looking forward to 2012, mostly because it is my final year as a student and I will be organizing an area for an academic film conference in September.... something I am SO excited for!

I found this dress at the Salvation Army and it has been one of my go-to outfits ever since. I am guessing it's from the late 70s and I just love it. One of my goals for 2012 is to purchase less new items and to wear more vintage everyday. This dress helps me accomplish both. Plus, I love how it pairs with my hair, although this photo doesn't really show it. It was taken before I re-dyed my hair.

Does everyone have fabulous NYE plans? Jesse and I are seeing a concert then celebrating with friends at a cool little vintage-esque lounge bar in Detroit. Whatever you all are doing, have a wonderful time! And Happy New Year!!

Emily

Vintage Dress: Salvation Army

Shoes: JC Penny

Looking for Vintage?

Here is my shameless plug for my etsy shop. This is just a sample of what will be available within the next week or so on etsy. However, if you visit my facebook page, you will find an album of sneak peeks. If you see something you like and want to reserve it before it goes live on etsy, please leave me a comment here, on my facebook page, or shoot me an email and I will be happy to do so!

Thanks!

Emily

Holiday Wrap Up

Thanks for all the Christmas wishes! I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday! It was nice to take a break and spend sometime with family. On Christmas Eve, I joined my family for church and had the chance to wear my "new" 50s cashmere coat, which is pictured above. It was already dark out by the time I took these pictures, so I didn't get a good shot of the coat, but I am sure I will be wearing it again soon. The coat was originally destined to the shop, but once I tried it on, I just had to keep it!

If you follow my facebook page then you might have already seen my "Kitchmas" wreath. I bought the wreath and glittery bow at Target and then jazzed it up with a vintage elf that was in my Grandma's stash of Christmas stuff and a few small ornaments. I am pretty pleased with how it turned out and will enjoy it for years to come!

Under my coat, I wore this 40s red suit, which has TONS of buttons on the front. I wish the camera would have picked up the detail better. I paired the suit with some faux leopard peep toe heels. I just love red and leopard print together.

My tree was my Grandma's then my mom's and now mine. Its from the 60s and requires each branch to be put in separately. It's pretty fragile, so I'm not sure how long it will last, but I did enjoy having it up this year -- my first tree! I decided to use these lights, since they had a vintage feel to them and they were plastic bulbs rather than glass. For the last few years, I have been collecting vintage ornaments to trim my tree with and two years ago, found my sweet vintage glass tree topper at the Ann Arbor Flea Market. I had the hardest time tracking down some tinsel, so hopefully next year I will be able to find some. Then my tree will be complete.

Hope everyone is keeping warm!

Emily

50s Cashmere Coat, Vintage Rhinestone Earrings: Salvation Army

40s Red Suit: eBay

Pin: Grandma's

Faux Leopard Print Heels: Target

Merry Christmas!

Just popping in to wish you all a wonderful Christmas!

Vintage Poncho: Fab Gabs

Vintage Western Shirt: Value World

Changes

Can you all believe that Christmas is creeping up so quickly? I have so much I need to do before the weekend, including a lot of baking and gift wrapping. These are two things I really enjoy, so I am looking forward to the next few days filled with these activities.

I have been experimenting again with my "look." When I found this dress at the Salvation Army, I just knew I HAD to have it, even though it is not my usual 40s-60s look. Lately, I have been really drawn to 70s fashion and this terry cloth dress fit the bill. I like how the blue looks with my red hair (which I have been wearing in pigtails a lot lately!) and just the overall "fun" nature of this outfit. Sometimes changes and trying out new things are good.

I might be sparse until after the New Year, but while I am away, I will be overhauling the blog and my etsy. I am really excited about my new endeavorers selling vintage and cannot wait to share it all with you!

Don't forget about my facebook giveaway. Contest ends tomorrow at 11 p.m. Winner will be announced on my facebook page on Thursday morning.

Happy Holidays!!

Emily

70s Dress: Salvation Army

Silver Tights: Target

Boots: UGGS

Facebook Giveaway

Just in time for the holidays, I am hosting a chance to win this fantastic vintage fur collar and NOS purse. Like what you see and want to enter?

Visit my facebook page and leave a comment on the photo. This is a FACEBOOK ONLY giveaway. Any comments left on the blog as an entry will NOT be counted. The giveaway is open to US residents. All the rules for entry are on my facebook page.

Good Luck!!

Emily

Baby its Cold Outside

Is it feeling like winter by you? It sure is here!!

I wanted to answer some questions about my faux fireplace and logs from my last post. The logs are electric and are a separate piece from the fireplace itself. This will allow me to take them with me if and when I move. And, although they are pretty, they do not offer up any heat. They do, however, mock a real fire by "crackling" and slightly changing colors as the wheel turns. If you like mine and want your own, check out this listing on eBay.

Moving on, isn't this dress great? I got it for $1 at an estate sale. It was a total surprise find. I had seen the listing for the sale online, but it didn't really look too promising. But, since the sale was only a few blocks from my house, I decided to go anyway.... and boy am I glad that I did! I came away with several bags full of vintage goodies, this dress being among them. It's super warm and comfy -- the perfect winter dress.

Emily

P.S. In case you are wondering, that wonderful vintage slate tile lines the entry into my house. Just love it!

40s Dress: Estate Sale

Bakelite Bracelet: Adams Antique Mall, PA

40s Heels: Garage Sale