Skip, skip, skip to my Lou

The photo sequence of me skipping was quite comical upon review.

Oh the fun one can get into during a 10 second self-timed photo shoot ;)

Anyway. This is my new favorite shirt. I had been looking for a vintage Levi's button up (men's or women's) on and off for about 5 years. I say on and off because sometimes I remember to look for them and sometimes I don't. I recently spotted two women's button ups at a Salvation Army I don't frequent very often. One was a perfect brown and purple plaid, but unfortunately had an enormous tear in it that seemed near impossible to fix and fix well. The other was rainbow plaid. Yes, rainbow plaid. It was so gaudy it was almost cool. To be perfectly honest, it made me think of Rainbow Brite meets Little House on the Prairie. Yeah, picture that in your mind's eye! Needless to say, I passed. Then, lo and behold, I was at my favorite Salvation Army not too long ago and was making my way out when I felt the urge to check through the men's department. I can't explain it, but I knew there would be a Levi's button up there that day.

It was windy out on this particular day. I smartened up after a bit and pulled my hair back. Much better!

Shirt: vintage Levi's Colorgraphs button up (men's), Shorts: self-made from old Levi's, Belt: secondhand,
Rings: secondhand, Wedges: Target, Sunglasses: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Giveaway with CSN Stores! CLOSED

I am excited to announce that I've teamed up with CSN Stores to host a giveaway for my readers! Are you familiar with CSN Stores and all they have to offer? Comprised of over 200 online shops to visit and browse, you're sure to find just what it is you're looking for. Or maybe a little something you didn't know you were looking for! Whether you're in the market for a new handbag or a bathroom vanity, they seriously have you covered. Simultaneous shopping has never been more fun!

On to the giveaway!



CSN Stores is generously offering this set of bookends from the Roebuck Studio line. I couldn't resist this adorable pair of chicks with their fluid design and beautiful rich color. I hope you like them, too!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment here on this post. Perhaps you could tell me what books you'd display between the bookends? Please remember to include an email address (if your link does not direct to one) where I can contact you upon winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only and will run until Tuesday, August 3. A winner will be chosen at random the following day.

This giveaway is now closed. The winner is Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys.

Sheep Meadow

I was recently contacted by the kind people at Shabby Apple to review one of their dresses on my blog. Have you visited Shabby Apple lately? I'm convinced that their online boutique has the loveliest selection of women's dresses available all in one quick and easy shopping destination.


For my review, I selected the Sheep Meadow dress from the Central Park collection. Isn't the name utterly adorable? While browsing through the site, I was instantly drawn to the playful combination of white and kelly green stripes. That in itself would have been good enough for me, but throw in some subtle pleating, airy cap sleeves, and a navy blue sash and I went from merely interested to absolutely smitten!

I felt very ladylike as soon as I put the dress on. I think the full circle skirt had some kind of effect on me because all sorts of good ideas for wearing this dress began swirling through my head. An outdoor tea party! Running through a field with a butterfly net! Reading poetry in the grass!

Dress: courtesy of Shabby Apple, Wedges: Target

Thank you again Shabby Apple for this opportunity! I am extremely pleased with this dress. Not only is it perfectly pretty, but cool and comfortable as well. And we all know that those are the best qualities in a dress!

Shabby Apple would also like to extend a 10% off discount to Resplendent Tranquility readers! While the dresses are great, be sure to scope out everything from their handbags and aprons to their swimwear and accessories! Upon checkout enter the discount code Resplendent10off. **Discount has expired**

Still-life

I came across the artwork of Holly Farrell in the Sept/Oct 2009 issue of Frankie Magazine that Ana B. of On Dressing Up so graciously shipped over for me several months back. A self-taught painter, Holly Farrell creates exquisite and stunning still-life and portraiture paintings of common everyday items (often of the vintage variety).

I love how when I look at her paintings it seems as if I can reach into the canvas and feel the real texture of the subject. Each piece of work is so lifelike, so vivid. Oftentimes at first glance, my brain is tricked into thinking it's looking at a photograph instead. She's that good. Among some of my favorite pieces are those that feature vintage wallpapers and juice glasses, like the following that were featured in Frankie:

A few others from the artist's website that have delighted and tickled my fancy:

Head on over to Holly Farrell's website, have a look through her archives and let me know which paintings you like!

Photos 1-3 are my own. Photos 4-8 can be found here.

When your favorite white shoes become chew toys

Can you tell by the title where this post is going? Yeah, no subtly there. Meet Bebe, my brother's new puppy. After adopting her from a local animal shelter a few weeks ago, our home has been energized with her presence. It's been great fun having her around. At seven months old, she's a very sweet-tempered and well-behaved pup. Such a bundle of love!

So, miss Bebe and I had a funny little mishap one morning this past week. After waking up, I took her for her morning walk and upon returning in she resisted going back into her dog crate. I don't blame her really, even though there are nice blankets and dog toys in there for her. With one look at her pout-y puppy face (what can I say, I'm weak), I threw up my hands and let her roam the house while I took a shower. When I emerged a few minutes later, I found her chewing happily on my favorite pair of white flats (pictured here). Oh, they were pretty. Nice and sturdy with a slight raised heel, a rounded toe with sweet perforated detail and a little bow to top them off. It was my own fault, I know, but I had to ask her, "Bebe, why did you have to chew on my white flats? Why not the black ones that were lined up right next to them?" She didn't answer. You see, I'd been wanting to replace my little black flats that are rather flimsy for a pair like my white ones - made of sturdier material and more sophisticated looking. I couldn't justify it though as said black flats are still serviceable. Sigh. What else can I say? Bebe has good taste.

Now, I'm (unfortunately) in the market for new white flats. Do you know how hard it is to find nice white flats? Hard. Maybe I'm just too picky. Here are several I've found so far:

Lace up flats from Aldo

Two-tone wingtip skimmers from Urban Outfitters

Cutout oxfords from Urban Outfitters (in white, of course)

What do you think?

P.S. I'm still terribly behind on reading, commenting, and returning your visits. I'm working on it. Expect to hear from me soon!

P.P.S. I have some more good things in the works for you guys! Be sure to check back soon! :)

A locket and stripes, part two

Flannel in July? Is it summer or is it autumn? If you were dropped in upstate New York today without ever having been here you might have found yourself scratching your head at the weather. With temperatures parked in the 60s, I could have worn tights if I really wanted to. Ahh, it was perfect. I'll be savoring today and tomorrow to their utmost as high heat and humidity are lurking in the near future. Thumbs down, forecast, thumbs down.

Flannel: Shaun White 4 Target, Shirt and shoes: H&M
Skirt: thrifted, Locket: gift, Sunglasses: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx

You've heard me profess my love of vintage mugs and teacups before, so what am I doing with this modern and rather large beaker, you ask? We have this ridiculously great set of stoneware dishes with loons painted on them and well, seriously, what's not to love? Not only is this mug my personal favorite, but it also matches today's outfit. Unintentional, I promise. What's inside? Yorkshire tea!

Drip drip drop little summer showers

My father has been busy putting a roof on our back porch. Once finished it will be perfect for those summer days of intermittent rain showers when you really want to be outside but don't particularly want to get wet. Much like today. Ahh, I can't wait to be able to sit outdoors enjoying a book and a cup of tea all whilst being protected from the elements.

Top and shorts: H&M, Cardigan: J. Crew
Locket: estate sale, Minnetonka moccasins

The locket I'm wearing has a sweet illustrated cabochon in the center that I couldn't photograph for the life of me. I'll work on that. It was one of several small goodies I picked up at an estate sale this morning. I also stopped by a vintage store in Albany that was having a ''fill your bag for $10 sale." 'Twas a good day for rummaging.