pretty crafty thing

Oh sun why did you leave so soon?

Well, all of us Bay Area friends sure were spoiled for the last several days. I couldn't help get a little pouty when I awoke to the rainy, chilly day. I had been day dreaming about wearing cute little springy numbers, soaking up day cocktails and riding my vintage Motobecane (but of course, not in that order). Now it is only January and we certainly have a few more months of winter and I have some more time at the gym to prepare for what will be my awesome new warm weather wardrobe. While searching through some old files, I found this great post from one of my favorite fashion inspiration - Snail and Cyclops. This photo of her with another of her great vintage finds totally mirrors what I hope from this upcoming summer. I won't be blond but I will be sporting some really great duds.

A little extra something

Super cute flower corsage on a pretty ribbon. I love the idea of wearing it as a belt against a simple dress. They are available in a couple different colors and types of flowers- the spider gerbera is my favorite. By Grey Goat

How about a lemon twist

It was a perfect Sunday in the city. Started with a nice hearty brunch at the German gem Suppenkuche and then a nice stroll through Hayes Valley finest boutiques. I just love that neighborhood and I am excited that next week I will be moving, yes once again, just blocks away. One of my favorite parts of the day - a visit to Lemon Twist. My friend Jeanine tried on the most adorable 60's style peter pan collared dress that looked like it was just made for her (I still have my fingers crossed that she'll run back and buy it). A husband and wife team run this gem of a place. She is behind the clothing design, he behind the graphics and I am pretty sure they are one of the most adorable couples in the Bay Area. Walking in we were greeted by his great big smile as he gave us a little store background info and tour - one of the nicest boutique experiences I have had in a while. I'll be back and I'll bring my friend con credit card.

Vintage Queen

The Snail and the Cyclops is one of the blogs that is very dear to my heart. Pretty much every piece of clothing she wears instigates a "one my #$% that is soooo cute" reaction. Her website 1385 is now live and it is mentioned that there will be some new vintage goodies on Etsy soon. Yes! 

Just around the corner

Almost time to pull out the wool coats. Oh what, you mean the one I have been wearing all summer in San Francisco? No just kidding, this summer was pretty darn warm. Scary almost. This is my favorite time in the Bay Area Indian summer and instead of the looming fear I would feel throughout the fall months in New York, I am filled with relief. January, February - not sooo bad. Instead of the endless searching for a fashionable yet super duper warm winter coat, I know I'll be fine in a short much more comfortable wool blend stylish little number (like this gorgeous coat by Little Houses). I love that the collar can be worn up for the chilly walks through Golden Gate or down for the sunny days in the Mission. Has to be adjustable for the micro climates of our lovely city. Sadly, this incredible coat is not available in the pretty fabric you see here but there are three other fun blends to choose from.

Having a field day.

Field Day Wearables has some adorable bamboo and organic cotton tee dresses posted on their website. They look super comfy and host really cool screen print designs. Trinity Cross the designer behind Field Day is also the Co-founder of Patchwork Press Collective, a family of recycle friendly artists and designers in Oakland.

Gauzy cotton, shantung too

Easy, breezy incredibly unique designs from Larimeloom. A little extra ribbon, corseting and beautiful colored fabrics are all part of her "wear it however you want" fashion. I have a long list of favorite pieces from her collection - I am just smitten with the watery blue.

My journey back

Wow, it seems like its been a while! Hopefully the apartment search is officially over, double fingers crossed and I can get back into my daily blogging routine. I've missed it. During the last two weeks, I also did a small renewal cleanse (awesome timing Shelly) that was very difficult but perhaps in a weird way a very good idea. I couldn't hide my stress behind a tub of Ben and Jerry's or a bottle of vino verde so there it was front and center. Anywho, it will all come together soon!

I did get a chance to make a very quick stop at the Renegade Craft Fair on Sunday. I had to fly through but I was overall very impressed by the selection. Often, you see the same things over and over again but this time I did get to meet some new people and picked up a bunch of business cards for future shopping. Some really great letterpress cards, pretty frocks and cool illustrations. Not sure if this rebe dress to the left made it to the show but I found it on their website today amongst  several other wonderful pieces. What were your favorites?

Fancy Schmancy

I want a fancy party outfit. I do, I do ...especially if its made with "100% vegetable-dyed tussah ("peace") silk" or organic cotton lace.  By Habitude.

Acajou

Friends, I want to apologize in advance for possibly sporadic postings over the next month. Your Pretty Crafty Thing is lost amongst all the San Franciscans that are looking for a happy place to call home. My mornings, afternoons and nights have been spent searching for apartments so sometimes the desire to spend anymore time on the computer is nil. Know of a 3 bedroom apartment for rent or someone who needs a crafty little roommate??? Please feel free to let me know - my hair is graying, my nails are gone. Its not pretty. Thank heaven for beautiful little crafty things such as the wristlet to the left to help a girl in a funk.

One of Acajou's wristlets might just be the perfect way to carry my things to the many summer concerts I plan on attending. Sturdy and small enough for all my dancing and carrying about. So stylish and hip - it will improve any outfit. The contrasting lining in all of her bags adds a nice little "pop" and the bag is fully functional with two pockets and key ring. I also love her kite bag designs for those days that you have a lot more "baggage". Thank you Acajou for donating one of your wristlets to the Snog: A Singles Party that Doesn't Suck event There will be a very lucky winner!