Garden Party

// Dress and Belt: Thrifted // Cardigan and Boots: Target // Ring: Vintage (stolen from my momma //

I feel like a hypocrite here because I was just complaining about eBay sellers who hack off the bottoms of vintage dresses, and here I am in a dress I chopped apart. I didn't even hem it before I took these photos! But this dress is a thousand times better short than it was as an ankle length one. I guess my thing with the eBay sellers is that they take away the choice of altering a vintage dress, plus they cut it to fit themselves or their model, rather than leaving the buyer the option to change the length according to their height and proportions. I'm all for altering dresses if need be! I have a pile waiting for their turn at the sewing machine. They've been sitting there for a while, though, but it's on my to-do list!

I wore this outfit out to dinner with Chris's family at Texas de Brazil. We were celebrating Chris's and his dad's birthday, as well as his dad and stepmom's anniversary. I hadn't been to Texas de Brazil before but I heard good things! The salad bar was amazing, but the best part was the guys who walk around with huge skewers of meat (sorry veggie friends!!). You may not know, but in all my 26 years I had never eaten beef, no hamburgers or steak or anything of the sort! But, Chris was raving about how amazing the steak was at this place, and he said if I was ever going to try red meat that this was the place to do it. So, I did! I tried filet mignon, and I have to admit, it was really good! I feel like I've ruined my chances of enjoying it again, if I tried top of the line steak for my first taste, will I ever be able to eat ~regular steak?? 

It's been raining here pretty much daily, so we've been sticking close to home for the most part. I got a bunch of orders shipped out, and I've been working on some cute new things to list soon too! I'm also itching to start a quilt but I'm also kinda terrified so I just obsess over it without actually putting any work into it. Any tips for a quilting newb??

Red, white, and mint.

// Skirt: thrifted // Top: Forever 21 // Belt: H&M // Shoes: Target // Rings: Forever 21 and Pitaya //

These pictures are from a few days ago. I haven't done too much this past week besides work, run errands, or work on Renegade stuff, so if I make it into jeans and a t-shirt I call the day a success. I did take some time out today to dye my hair, and once Chris got home we went out to get my nephew Emerson's first birthday present! He turns one on Tuesday, but his party is tomorrow. I'm super excited for it, but I'm having a hard time believing he's one already!

Renegade is officially in one week, and I'm feeling pretty good about it! Chris made my main display the other day, and other than the fact that we bought less-than-stellar wood that's a little crooked, they're absolutely perfect! I wanted to whip up a few more things, but I think I'm at a point where I'd be cool if I didn't finish anything else. I do have lots of ~finishing kind of stuff to do, like sewing, labeling, tagging, and finishing my sign. I'm getting excited though! My nerves are less "holy crap I'm gonna puke" now. Are any of you local friends planning on stopping by the show?

Garden Party.

Kaelah and I spent a little bit of time hitting the thrift shops when we were in Indianapolis. We stopped in one called Value Thrift (I think...) and poked around a little. I have been having the WORST luck with finding cute vintage dresses lately, so I didn't have much hope, but this little number jumped out at me. I picked it out and showed it to Kaelah, who loved it off the bat, but I was a little sketchy about it. The store we were at didn't have a fitting room, and I was nervous it wasn't going to fit. I have trouble with sleeves sometimes, my upper arms are a little bulky and unstretchy fabric can be troublesome. But the dress was only a couple dollars so I bought it anyway and figured I could sell it if it didn't fit. I came home from our trip and washed it with everything else in my suitcase, and promptly forgot about it. I saw it again today and tried it on, and good lord is it ever perfect! The perfect length, the perfect sleeves, pockets, the best floral pattern... I'm definitely swooning over this one!

 // Dress and Belt: Thrifted // Shoes: Gypsies c/o Blowfish //

Chris and I had a late dinner together at our favorite restaurant Smashburger, and then picked up The Hunger Games (and of course I got the special bonus pack with a mockingjay pendant!!). I haven't been this excited about buying a DVD, like, ever. We watched it while I crocheted a little before bed, and it was just as awesome as it was in the theater. I seriously love the movie, and it's making me want to read all the books again. Maybe after Renegade I'll finally find some time :)

Hope you're having a wonderful day!

Coral and Cream.

Dress: Thrifted vintage

Cardigan: Target clearance

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Gypsy Wedges from Blowfish

I wore this outfit out the other day when Chris and I picked up some plants for our window boxes and back garden! We got bell peppers, watermelon, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and squash for our little patch in the backyard. I really hope we can keep up with it, we've only ever done one container garden a few years ago in our college apartment. I love love love all the landscaping at this house, I'll definitely have to share it with you soon!

Right now we're dog-sitting for Chris's dad and stepmom, and it's been a pretty hilarious venture so far. The pup, Beauty, is hilarious. She's super dramatic- she'll jump up on the couch and just flop down and sigh, you can just hear her saying "playyyyyyyy with meeeeee!". Jeans is tolerant of her, he'll get close enough to sniff her but then backs off, and we've only had a handful off hissing matches. Right now the three of us are hanging out on the couch watching Gossip Girl and thinking about what to make for dinner. I'm seriously debating Kraft Mac 'n Cheese... :) Hope you're day is amazing!

Giveaway - $30 to Adventurer Vintage

Hello there! I've got an awesome giveaway to share with you from one of this month's sponsors Alison-Claire of Adventurer Vintage! Here she is to tell us a little bit about herself...

1. Tell us a little about yourself!  

Hello! My name is Alison-Claire and I am currently living in Washington state. I've bounced around a lot in the last year due to finishing up graduate school--I am now a certified Middle & High school English teacher! :) In the past year I went from sharing an apartment with a boy, to living with my parents, to moving to Oregon with said boy, and now back to my parents again-whew! All this moving around means I've lived out of boxes a lot and haven't had a chance to set down roots and get a REAL job. When I have spare time I love going to see live music, reading, cooking, blogging, watching my "stories" (anyone else super stoked Game of Thrones and Mad Men have just returned?!), playing with friends and most importantly, shopping!

2. What got you into vintage clothing? What do you love most about it? 

I have been an avid thrifter all of my life. My sister and I used to spend hours with my mom at Value Village. In high school, I was the girl wearing little boys shirts with my studded belts. I went to college in San Francisco and branched out into more unique and interesting vintage, rather than just thrifted finds. I grew up on a budget and know no other way to shop. Shopping for and finding deals is my passion. This past Fall, while student teaching, I had to quit my part time job--then I moved and wasn't able to find Substitute work right away. I didn't lose my love for shopping or finding deals, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it!). So, I decided to take my shopping addiction and love of thrifting plus my need for an income and combine them. Adventurer Vintage allows me to shop and discover amazing pieces while making a little bit of money at the same time :) And the part I love most? Finding super awesome shoes or skirts or what have you that would never fit my womanly frame but that would like great on you, the customer!

3. Where do you see yourself in a year? What about your shop, any big dreams and goals for the near future? 

In a year I really hope to have my own class, preferably a Freshman English class. I've also considered going back to school AGAIN and getting my Masters in English and teaching at the Junior/Community college level. The problem with teaching as a profession is that it hardly pays the bills, but I do it because I love to read and write. Selling vintage on the side gives me some expendable income and cures my addiction to shopping ;) I've often had dreams of being a stylist or owning a brick and mortar vintage shop but in this economy I've pushed those ideas to pipe dream status.

4. What's your favorite trend right now?

I'd like to say that my least favorite trend currently are crop tops : / Unless you have a very specific body type they are not flattering and crop tops seem to be all the stores are stocking. I do love midi skirts however, and I try to stock the shop with them as well. I love sandals and woven flats too. Being that I live in Washington, which is rainy and snowy, I'm basically in love with Summer wear: flowy skirts, loose blouses, cut off shorts and flats.

5. What's one crazy thing you'd like to do in your lifetime?

So many, but at the top of my list: hot air balloon ride, swim with sharks, hang out with An Idiot Abroad, meet Jeff Mangum, publish a book of poems, aaaaaand do a NASCAR race haha :) 

So here's the fun part!! Alison-Claire is giving away $30 credit to her shop!

You must be a follower of susannahbean.com to enter. Please leave a separate comment for each entry with your name and a way to contact you! Here's how to enter: 

[1] Visit Adventurer Vintage. Come back and tell me what item is your favorite!

[2] Follow Alison-Claire's blog, Wee Adventurer

[3] Tweet about the giveaway using this tweet: 

I wanna win $30 to shop my heart out at Adventurer Vintage on @susannahbean's blog! http://bit.ly/IjoYlC

[4] Add Adventurer Vintage to your favorite shops on Etsy

That's four ways to win! I'll be choosing a winner on Friday, April 13th. This giveaway is open to US and Canada only. Good luck, I just know you'll get something fabulous if you win!!

Bright and flowery.

 Dress: Thrifted vintage Belt: Thrifted (from Target)Tights: TargetCardigan: from Danielle's shop my closet last yearShoes: Sangos c/o Blowfish

I'm starting to realize that a lot of the vintage dresses I'm attracted to were originally intended to be house dresses. This dress is no exception, it's most definitely a vintage (probably homemade) house dress. But I'm a little bit in love with it, and it's now a dress I wear to look put together! I like that it has a new life :) I'm really into these gray tights right now, but this is a cheapo pair from Target that I'd like to replace with a nice pair (maybe from We Love Colors!). And my shoes... My dear little Sangos. These shoes have been worn just about every day since I got them in the mail. They're perfectly springy, and super comfortable. I fall more and more in love with them everyday!

I wore this outfit to go out to a bar/restaurant and it was the first time in a few weeks that I wore a dress out! One of Chris's best friends is in town and we've gotten together with some other friends from high school to reconnect and reminisce. It's been tons of fun, and I'm happy to have had the opportunity to hang out with these people. It's such a cliché, but it's so bizarre seeing old friends and realizing that we're all growing up and becoming adults... I'm constantly surprised by it!

I put my lip ring back in, and I've ordered new jewelry that will hopefully solve my issues (thanks, Katie, for the eBay tip!). I just don't feel the same without it, and Chris certainly missed it! Also, please don't judge my roots, I need to dye my hair really bad. The problem with my natural hair color is that when it starts to grow in, it's so ashy that compared to my dyed black hair, it looks green! It doesn't show that bad in these pictures, but in person.... Oof.

I'm getting super distracted right now so I think it's time to go scrounge up a snack and snap back into focus! Ps- check out those rad new sponsors over there on the right! --->

Under the Coral Canopy

Good morning, darlings! This is Amanda, and I have taken over Susannah's blog for the day! I have a lil’ ol’ blog and a shop over on Etsy. I met Susannah (we’ve never had the pleasure of meeting in person, but when we do, I know we’ll just thrift our hearts out together) a while back when I won the cutest ear warmers from her through a give-away. She is just wonderful! I love her style and I love her hand-made craftiness! I am a long-time reader and fan of her blog, so I was happy as a clam to write a post today!

The challenge was to take Susannah's favorite color-of-the-moment, coral, and put together a cute coral collection. I, of course, love treasure hunting on etsy. To tell you the truth, almost every dollar I make on Etsy goes right back to my favorite sellers. I am not making a profit (hah!), but I have found some amazing vintage pieces for my closet.

I also was excited about the color Susannah chose. I am LOVING coral right now! It's so fresh and feminine and super on-trend for spring.

So, here's my coral collection! Enjoy!

Farmhouse Vogue Upcycled Embroidered Top

Tart Deco from Essie

A SUPER Cute DIY from a Beautiful Mess...I can see an antler rack filled with beautiful coral blooms in my near future... [image credit A Beautiful Mess]

Vintage Enamel Daisy Brooch from Snow Farm Studios

Modcloth Yawl Come Back Dress

Coral Classy Secretary Desk

Coral Pink Vintage Day Dress from Liz's Vintage Soffitta

Homemade Karma Coral Recycled Measuring Tape Wallet

Thanks so much, Amanda! I'm seriously loving your picks, especially the dresses! You should all check out Amanda's blog and shop, she's such a sweet girl and has an awesome eye for pretty vintage!

Lemon, lace, and lilac.

Dress: Vintage

Cardigan: Modcloth (probably three years ago)

Tights: Target

Shoes: Sangos c/o Blowfish

Okay, so the title doesn't totally work with this outfit, but I like alliteration, so I went with lilac even though my sweater has a rose print. I got this dress from a local antique mall for $6 last year, and this is the first time I've worn it. I just CAN'T do high or tight necks like that, I freak out a little bit. But I toughed it out for this outfit because I felt super adorable in it. Also, can we just talk about these shoes? When it comes time to pick out a pair of shoes from my lovely sponsor Blowfish, I have a hard time tearing my eyes away from the pretty heels and wedges, but I decided I need an 'everyday' pair, so I went with the Sangos (I had such a hard time deciding on the print, but neutral will work with more outfits). So so so glad I got these, I've worn them everyday since I they arrived! They're super comfy too :)

Today I got up way early (for me), went to breakfast with Chris's dad and stepmom, and came home to clean a little and get started on a super fun adorable radtastic project :) Really I'm just making tags for my headbands, but I'm super proud of them and I might have to put them on everything I own. I've also been watching my new favorite show, Bones, while I work, so today has been extra awesome so far. Bummer I have to work tonight! Annnyway, I'm off so I can get back to work!! 

I hope you're enjoying your day!

Minty winter.

Dress: Vintage (from Tip Top Atomic Shop Vintage in Milwaukee

Turban: Thrifted vintage scarf

Belt: Thrifted (originally from Target)

Lipstick: Revlon Super Lusturous in Rosewine

I got a remote for my new camera a few days ago and I seriously couldn't wait to put it to use. Having a remote and tripod for my dslr is amazing, I can take my own photos without having to bug Chris, and I'm much more comfortable taking photos alone than with an audience (even if it is just Chris). Also, SHOCKING, I'm wearing another minty green-aquamarine dress! I think 50% of my closet is some form of this color. Oh well, if it ain't broke... :)

Today is such a gorgeous day, it's still chilly but the snow is starting to melt and the sun is out in full force. The fullest of forces, it was painfully bright when I was taking these pics! I'm spending most of this beautiful day inside, though, since Chris is at work and I need to do a bunch of stuff around the house. Plus, I have so much stuff to crochet, something exciting has just come up and I should really start getting ready! [I'll share more when I know more, it's a verrrrrry new idea!]. My nephew Emerson is six months old as of yesterday, and my sister has plans to have a little photoshoot for him. I'm making some sweet little bowties and a crocheted hat for him to wear, and I'm almost done, they just need finishing touches! Plus, I have some cute stuff to list in the shop today, I'll post an update when that happens (and you'll really wanna check it out, it's unBEARably cute!). 

Have a fantastic wonderful super rad day, dudes!

Plaid Peter Pan, and a Valentine's recap.

Dress: Vintage (eBay)

Tights and Cardigan: Target

Boots: Thrifted 

This dress is yet another eBay score that I'm so excited about. I have such weird luck with eBay, I'll go for weeks where I check my saved searches at least every other day and find nothing, absolutely nothing, and then all of a sudden a handful of fantastic things pop up and I have to choose which one to go after. This one was a no-brainer, green and blue plaid with a Peter Pan collar in exactly my size? Yes please! I do start to freak out after wearing it for a while because it's a smidge tight on my neck and I get pretty claustrophobic. But it's cute enough that I suffer through :)

I wore this dress to my Valentine's Day date with Chris. We went to Seasons 52 on Monday (we both had to work on Tuesday). Seasons 52 is a pretty cool restaurant with a menu that changes with the seasons. We indulged on appetizers and dessert (it's more fun that way!), like tandoori chicken skewers, rare ahi tuna, chilled tiger shrimp, and mussels in marinara sauce (we like seafood, ha!). We considered stopping by our favorite sushi restaurant afterwards for a "nightcap" but we were too stuffed.

I had a little surprise waiting for me when I got home...

Chris is the greatest, he knew how much I've been wanting a new camera and he surprised me with the exact one I'd been lusting after! Now I just need to get a new lens, and a cute camera bag, and make a fun strap.... :) And, if you're in the market for your very own beginner's DSLR, I'm (most likely) going to be selling my Canon rebel when I get all the specifics sorted out. Email me if you're interested in more info! I've sold it to a lovely lady :)

PS: There's still time to enter the Salvaged Strawberry giveaway! Click here!