You Light Up My Life

Really wish I had an excuse to buy this cork lamp...I have such a soft spot for them, and this one's a real beaut!

Mountain Man

And now it's time for a post that is not related to anything vintage at all! Yes, this is something fresh, brand new, popping -- the best band I have heard in a long time, to be exact. Even though they are making new music in the here and now they sound incredibly out of time, like they rose from the ashes of the Carter Family, et al. I think you will probably like them too, if you don't already. They are called Mountain Man.

Listen here if you like:

(p.s. they hold hands while they sing onstage, always.)

"Mouthwings"



Truly awesome, right?

"Animal Tracks"



"Soft Skin"



"Babylon"



This one really gets me cause it reminds me of listening to Don McLean with my mom as a kid and being so moved, and, more recently, of this incredible episode of Mad Men. It gives me chills, and I always love a round, don't you?

I can assure you they sound even more beautiful in person.

And if you are really curious to know more, I did an interview with the ladies back in February you can read here.

Renegade Craft Fair SF

Is anyone going? I am not sure if I can make it or not -- may have some last minute camping plans that get in the way. Last year was awesome though, and if I can make it work I'm gonna!

Wild World

After suffering some personal disappointment today in the job realm, this song popped into my head.

And as for right here, it also ties into the fact that I have been looking all summer for the perfect piece to add some tribal goodness to my routine, whether it is a dress, top or accessory. I love this early 90s revival that has been going on -- and though flannels and plaids have never really left my clothing repertoire, I am ready to walk on the wild side with some crazy throwback patterns! Haven't quite found the right thing yet, but here are some contenders. (I coulda been a contender! ;)






















This dress is heavy on neutral pattern.






















Love batik in all its forms! Has it ever gone out of style, really?

















Love this bag via the always-impressive Astral Boutique!






















This dress is my fave, but strapless?? Not really sure if I'm up to that!

P.S. The "summer" we're having in SF has been just as cold as winter, even chillier than our usual gloomy summers! Not exactly feeling as tropical/sunny as these pieces! But I can save 'em for our ol' reliable Indian summer in Sept/Oct.

Candy

One of my favorite shops in SF is the Candystore Collective.

They have amazing independent designer clothing, jewelry, cards, and vintage housewares. And yes, they have candy for sale as well, displayed beautifully behind the counter in large glass jars.

It's all kind of out of my price range, but from time to time I have indulged in their sweet treats. Especially when they have sales!

This top above is so Stevie Nicks! I love it.

And this dress below is too adorable!

Black Velvet

Ok, first of all, this song cracks me up because it reminds me of one of my favorite people in the world, Mr. Brent James, and now also RuPaul's Drag Race and Jujubee's flawless lipsync for her life!

Moving on, thanks to Miss Amber of Violet Folklore, I purchased (way too early) the all-important centerpiece to a Christmas-worthy ensemble, and now in fact, have completed my outfit! I feel really silly to have done this in July, but I've been wanting a gooooood velvet dress for over a year and I couldn't pass this one up. Velvet is the perfect fall/winter fabric!

The dress:






















The fabulous belt:















The shoes:

I got mine years ago though, before Vivienne Westwood slapped her label on 'em (and around $30 extra bucks too)!

Now I can sit back and let the season rush toward me without a worry or care! Ahhhhhhhhh...

Horses

Ok, today I am dying over this sculpture... It's ancient yet mid century, it's a touch folkloric; it reminds me of a statue we had in our library in elementary school...the patina is so gorgeous.

My birthday is very much right around the corner...is it ok to buy something so frivolous for one's self at this time? It doesn't really "go" anywhere in my house that I can think of as of yet but I can't help but love it!