Thursday, December 30, 2010

A New Year's Toast

My grandparents Abe & Pauline with my aunt Trudy, 1957
Below Left: My great aunt Ann and uncle Izzy
Below Right: My great great aunt Bessie and uncle Isidor


80's Slingbacks from EG Vintage

Blue Sequin Dress from Wanderlustvtg

Vintage Top from Victorious Youth


"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let each New Year find you a better man." ~ 
Benjamin Franklin

Monday, December 27, 2010

A Reminder of Home


In just a few days, I will be heading north to Vermont to ring in the new year with Robyn - my college roommate, great friend, talented writer and world traveler.  She is Bermudian, and rarely stays in one place for long, so I am excited to spend a few days with her stateside. 

We caught up the other day and got to chatting about our blogs (she's my blog mentor. You can read hers here).


I asked her about the things she's "borrowed" or collected over the years and she came back with this - the vintage Bermudian flag her uncle gave her before she left for boarding school in New Hampshire (a little reminder of home).


"I know that it has cigarette holes in it and it's old, but I love it," she said.  "It reminds me of him, JP, who I lost this year in April." 


Robyn displays her flag proudly even now that she's home.  A simple reminder of friends and family. It hangs unapologetically with its burns and fades but it is none the worse for the wear.  I think it's beautiful.  

What reminds you of home?

Flag Curtain from Shelter Pop
Vintage Poster from Galerie Montmartre

Patriotic Photo by Images of This And That


Harley Davidson Helmets

Monday, December 20, 2010

Some Christmas Spirit


Here it is - my obligatory Christmas post.  Luckily, I have the perfect photo to include.   Thanks to my great grandparents Lena and John Boyce and one snazzy looking Christmas tree.  (Actually, this post should be titled "Father, May I Borrow..." since these are his grandparents, but let's not harp on details).

A friend of mine told me it reminded her of the greeting cards with old photos on the front and really sarcastic messages.  Totally. 

At any rate, it really put me in the holiday mood.   So put on a fancy party dress or your best pair of argyle socks and spread a little cheer.  I wish you all the best - whatever or however you celebrate.  

Stay warm and well!  

XOXO, 
Lauren

Vintage Party Dress from Mills Design Co.

Don't forget to raise a glass!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Something Beach-Inspired

My Grandmom Pauline's Sterling Silver Sand Dollar Earrings

I'm not headed anywhere warm anytime soon, but with the heat on high and in just the right light, these earrings almost make me feel beach-ready.  Almost.

I can't say I remember seeing my grandmother wear these, and to my knowledge there's no special story behind them.  Just a great pair of earrings I love to wear... and wanted to share.


Check out these other beach-inspired items:


Image courtesy of Flickriver

14K Sand Dollar Necklace from Classic Designs

One of my favorite blogs: Beach Vintage

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Your Cloisonne Bracelet


I've always been drawn to Asian styles of decorating and I love this red cloisonne bracelet that I recently "borrowed" from my mom on one of my visits home.

Cloisonne is an ancient decorating technique for metal jewelry and other objects.  The earliest known Cloisonne objects date all the way back to 12th century BC Cyprus!

Here are some other fun cloisonne-inspired items:

Cloisonne Vases from Left Coast Luxe