Friday, September 20, 2013

OOTD: Orange at the BrewFest & Introducing the "Events" Page

Shirt : Victoria's Secret
Skirt: Forever21
Clutch: Marshalls


Today's post is an OOTD (Outfit of the Day) from earlier in the summer.  Now that fall is only days away, it seems like it was so long ago.  The picture was taken in the parking field of the NOVA Brewfest, summer edition.  It's a fun event where you get to drink all kinds of different beers in one place!  I had literally been outside for maybe two minutes, and already my hair was falling flat (didn't keep my curlers in long enough)!


It was the end of June, and so dang hot, so I knew I had to dress light and a skirt was the way to go.  This is a pretty causal outfit, but I still tried to give it a vintage feel.  I got the skirt at Forever21.  Now, their stuff is not always the most well made, but they do have some cute things at great prices, disposable fashion at it's best (or worst)!  It's the perfect circle skirt, flowy and light and the polka dots give it a retro flavor.  I felt like I needed a colorful shirt, so I went for this V-neck from Victoria's Secret.  I actually like their clothes a lot more than their bras, and I have this super comfy tee in a few colors!  And of course, orange and brown look great together in my opinion, so I went for my orange clutch that I got at Marshalls.  They're hard to see, but my sandals are also blue.  And my pearls :)


Also, I thought that since we're talking about fun events, this would be a great time to roll out the new "Events" page on the blog!  Here you can find retro and pin-up type events, vintage and antique events, and then just some other fun local events if your in the DMV area.  I'm trying to now add events to this page as I find out about them, so it will be updated frequently and always have new and exciting ways to have a good time.  You'll see the new tab at the top of the page.  As always, please let me know what you think and if you have any events to share!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

And Now Those Etsy Parties!

The Activities for the Party
Now, don't think I forgot about the parties!  I was trolling EventBrite as I sometimes do (I know, I'm a total loser, but sometimes...) and I saw a local Etsy party.  What was an Etsy Craft Party, I wondered?  Being an Etsy addict, I knew I had to check it out and meet some other local Etsy nuts.  Apparently, Etsy Craft Parties happen once a year, all around the country, wherever there are Etsy artists around.  Etsy is really into the community of bringing artists and consumers of art together, and the Craft Parties are a perfect venue to bring local artists together.  I thought it was cool that the theme for this year's party was "Craft for Community", focusing on how artists can use their crafts to improve their communities.

I had a great time, met some local artists selling their wares on Etsy, some local Etsy hounds like me, and just some great, friendly people. 


Some of the ladies I met, including Etsy shop owners: Jennifer (left) & Renee (right)!
 
Jennifer


I also discovered two cool local businesses that I never would have found otherwise: CraftyStitches.  It's the business run by the two leaders of the Etsy Craft Party, Jennifer & Nicole.  Jennifer teaches sewing classes, sewing parties, Girl Scout troops, and sells fabric, of course!  Since the party, she's also upgraded to a big, new space in the local shopping center (check out her blog for pics and updates).  And in her Etsy Shop, she's Queen of the Travel Jewelry Rolls!


Nicole











Nicole, owner of Finch Sewing Studio (who also teaches classes in the shop), opened her home office area for the party, and it was just beautiful!  She helps run the boutique sewing studio and specializes in offering the best selection of beautiful fabrics around.  Take a look at some of the pictures I took of her adorable space!





Cute wall arrangement!
 


Don't you just want to live here?!?



 If your in the Northern Virginia area, and sewing is your thing, I suggest you check these ladies out!  Also, if you want to support some hometown businesses, follow these links to some other locally owned Etsy shops to see their wares and join the ranks of those of us who "Buy From Real People":