Elephant Locket

(Image Credit: Freshy Fig's Etsy)

Isn't this vintage locket lovely? I've never seen anything quite like it.

An Eye for Design: Vintage Suitcases

 (Photo Credit: Emily Schuman)

I loved Cupcakes and Cashmere's retro-chic alternative to a bedside table yesterday so I scoured Etsy for the cutest vintage suitcases I could find. My favorites are pictured below. I think I might have a DIY project in my future!

 

 ($58)

($55)

 

($32)

($30)

($55)

Over the River and Through the Woods: A trip to Grandma's

After my adventure in New Orleans last week, my spring break culminated in a trip to my grandmother's. I thought it would be a few days of lounging around the house, and getting a little rest and relaxation before heading back to my busy college schedule. Boy was I wrong! My grandmother planned four full days of activity!

One of my favorite things we did was visit Charity Guild, the non-profit consignment store where my grandmother volunteers. If any readers are in the Houston area, I definitely recommend checking out this gem of a thrift store located at 1203 Lovett Boulevard.


I scored these two blouses, one Tory Burch and one by the brand Vince for less than $50. New, they would have each cost over $100.

Readers, do you shop at consignment stores? What are your favorite thrifting finds?

Spotlight on Nashville: Couture Exhibit at the Frist Center

Before I left Nashville, my mom and I made it a priority to visit the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. I always have a good time exploring the museum, but this trip was especially exciting. The Frist is currently hosting a collection of couture clothing and fashion photographs from the Golden Age of Couture (1947-1957). In a word, the dresses were breathtaking. So many of the silhouettes are as wearable now as their were in the 50s, and the level of craftsmanship in each piece is almost unfathomable in today's world of mass production.

The dress pictured above was one of my favorites from the exhibit. Worn by Princess Margaret in 1951, this Jean Dessès cocktail gown is even more stunning in person than it is in photographs.

If you're around Nashville, you really should check out the exhibit. The pieces will remain on display until September 12. For information about tickets and more images from the show, click here to visit the Frist's website.

Katy K and Local Honey

Non-Tennessee readers--sorry for all the Nashville-related posts lately. I'm trying to cram as many blog-worthy activities into my last week at home as I can! I can barely believe I leave for my senior year of college on Friday! Eek! Ok, onto the shopping.

The 12th South distract of Nashville is known as an up-and-coming area of town, full of unique stores and tasty restaurants (see a review of a couple here). Tucked away, down a residential street is Local Honey, an edgy boutique that sells a mix of vintage and locally-designed clothes and accessories. I walked away empty-handed, but not before I tried on half the store. Fit was my issue more often than not, and when it comes to vintage, if it doesn't fit me perfectly, I tend to pass. If you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind piece, I recommend the boutique's in-house label, White Rabbit. 

A little further down 12th Avenue is the iconic Katy K, home to all things western and fabulous. Seriously, if anyone has plans of being a cowgirl for Halloween, head over there ASAP. There are enough boots and hats to keep Hank Williams Jr. outfitted for the next 15 years. Again, I walked away empty-handed. Saloon chic was never really my style, but if I ever need to invest in some authentic cowgirl boots, Katy K's will be the first place I look.

Beeline A-Lines

While exploring East Nashville's Tomato Art Festival this weekend, I stumbled upon what has now become a favorite Esty site. Beeline A-Lines is the product of Meg Giuffrida, a sewist from Nashville who creates one-of-a-kind skirts from vintage fabrics. I wasn't able to try any of her products on, but they sure look cute! A-line skirts are universally flattering, and I'm certain these are no exception. Retailing at $65 a piece, these skirts would make a unique addition to any wardrobe.

Readers who are your favorite Etsy sellers?

You say Tomato

During the summer of 2004, Meg and Bret MacFayden hosted a small art show honoring the tomato and planned a handful of neighborhood events to promote their business, The Art and Innovation Gallery. Six years later, The Tomato Art Festival is East Nashville's premier summertime event. With over 100 street vendors, a New Orleans-style parade, musical performances, a tomato 5k, and of course, the tomato art that started it all, The Tomato Art Fest has something for everyone.

 (Image Credit: Delgado Guitars)

Around 10 this morning my mom and I headed over the river and through the 'hood to East Nashville's five-points area, the crux of the festival. Having attended the event since 2006, we like to consider ourselves seasoned tomato veterans. This year, we slept in and missed the parade, so we made the Art and Innovation Gallery our first stop, in an effort to beat the crowd. This year's tomato art contest winner was a beautiful mandolin embellished to resemble everyone's favorite summertime fruit. The piece was handcrafted by Manuel Delgado of Delgado Guitars.

 Pictured above is all of our tomato fest loot. My mom's piece of folk art, a tomato magnet, bumper sticker and commemorative coffee can from Bongo Java.

After making a few tomato-themed purchases, we decided to peruse the hoards of booths crowding the streets. There were restaurateurs, insurance salesmen, book vendors and clothing designers. You name it, there was probably a vendor selling it. I pocketed a handful of business cards, but couldn't commit to purchasing anything today. At 90+ degrees, it was just too hot to carry anything. My mom, on the other hand, picked up a piece of wooden folk art.

We finished the day at Fanny's House of Music. This instrument store doubles as a haven for vintage lovers. I walked away empty-handed, but there were some fabulous pieces. Now that it's on my radar, I'll definitely be going back.

If you're in the Nashville area and missed out on this morning's activities, don't fret. There are still events going on! Click here for a complete schedule. And don't think we starved ourselves during this celebration of food. The culinary experiences of The Tomato Fest deserve a post of their own. Check back later tonight for all our dining adventures!

For more photos from the festival click below!

 Every year the festival hosts a bumper sticker contest. These are some of the winners from years past.

 My mom and I both entered the "Guess how many tomatoes are in a jar" contest at Wonders on Woodlawn.

 My mom bought her folk art dove from the man who owns this van!

 The star of the show!

 Being a musical theater nerd, I thought this was hilarious!

 How cute are these tomato tutus?

We stumbled upon this fabulous vintage Lilly dress in Fanny's House of Music. The silhouette wasn't my style, but I absolutely loved the pattern!