Monthly Archives: August 2011

Real Life: I took a vacation from my commute.

Real Life : Dottie

I am a very lucky lady.  I love my commute. Commutes get a bad rap, which I completely understand.  But mind isn’t so bad.

Normally it is 40 minutes door to door and involves chatting with one of my dearest friends as we glide across the Bay Bridge in the commuter lane.  But this summer, I’m mixing things up as my friend takes her own vacation leaving me free to get to work any old way. So, I started taking the ferry to work and it’s really lovely-like a little mini vacation every morning.  It is so picturesque that I can’t help but take tons of piccies along the way with my iPhone, posting them on Instagram, where I post under the name Miss Dottie.

My commute starts with a sweet ten minute bike ride past chickens, a nursery the makes the air smell like rosemary and mint in the morning on a Bay trail to the ferry parking lot.

Then a 20 minute foggy ride across the bay and under the bridge.

To my San Francisco.

Sometimes I stop by the Ferry Building for a breakfast pastry.  In the morning not that many shops are open and not a tourist around.  And the Frog Hollow peach tart is divine with the most insane pastry crust.  It is like biting into summer.

And then start the 15 minute walk to work.  I love walking in the city. Such pretty things if you just take a moment to look.

And great fashion too… I love this banker with his hot pink socks and banker gray suit.

So, really, it’s a good commute. OK, it is an hour long door to door, but it’s a lovely hour where I can read or see such a pretty view.  And here’s the weird thing–for public transportation, it is incredibly clean and people are super polite and generally in a good mood too!  Which I must admit, isn’t really the case for BART and SF Muni commutes for the most part…





Do you have a commute? If so, what’s it like?




 

	

	
	


							

							


	

		
				

			Guess who’s birthday it is?
		

		
		

			Real Life : Alix					

	


		

		
Yup! Our Alix!




Right now, our Alix is driving back from Tiki-Oasis and celebrating her birthday in a car, so let’s throw a surprise birthday party for Alix!


Pretend I’m serving fabulous champagne and yummy appetizers and we can all stop by and give Alix a few Enid Collins bags, vintage Lily Pulitzer dresses and pretty shiny jewelry.


So, here’s a birthday toast to Alix:


“To Alix, a truly remarkable gal who I’m so honored to call a friend.  You can make me laugh no matter what–whether our plane is three hours late, or we’ve been pulling all-nighter or just finished the day in agony from wearing too tight shoes that are too fabulous not to wear. 


You are a powerhouse of a mama and make it all look so easy but at the same time I know the effort it takes.  Under your love Wolfie has more than thrived and turned into a most wonderful gracious, loving boy.  And you are rock star at your job, Donna Draper. You are an endless inspiration for all things vintage and a fabulous font of knowledge.  


You have this crazy gift where you could walk into any place and find a fabulous outfit.  I could drop you into the desert with nothing but a jackknife and you would come out with a vintage DVF wrap dress and an original pair of Ferragamo rainbow wedge shoes that you charmed some lady into giving you for $20. Well done, lady!


You are drop dead gorgeous and you don’t even know the half of it.  And have so many brilliant accomplishments under your belt that would wow anyone and yet you are totally approachable and down to earth.  So, on your birthday, let me take a moment to tell you that YOU ARE AMAZING and I am so very thankful to have you in my life!”




So leave her a little birthday toast in the comments and welcome her back home after all of her travels this month!


Thanks and I know Alix will appreciate it!



	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			It’s the Vintage Kiddo Retro Round Up!
		

		
		

			Kiddo Style: Vintage					

	


		

		
Oh, what a great weekend! It was a weekend of friends–what a treat! Whether it was a playdate that was planned over a year ago or a special birthday viewing of Labyrinth (Happy Birthday Rocketgirl!) or an impromptu lunch with dear friends–it was perfect. And topped with beers with my brother Sunday night.


But through hugging and kissing friends and family this weekend, I did manage to spend a bit of time finding some vintage kiddo goodies to share with all of you!


You know how we feel about vintage Irmi here at the ole MK corral, so you know were went gaga over this sweet little soldier switch plate.  Excellent find, Lishyloo!




Oh lawdy, I’m such a sucker for a good print when it comes to skirts. And this skirt’s print is KILLING me with the cuteness. From Etsy seller, In the Hammock Vintage.




I am in love with these little gingerbread man baby coveralls. Could you imagine the squeals from Grandma, when she sees that coming at her Christmas eve? From Etsy seller, Dahlia Daffodil.




I know clogs are big right now and a must buy for the tween set in particular, which makes me think these hearty beauties won’t be along for much longer. I love the worn in look of them.  From Etsy seller, Lydia Lux Vintage.




You know how we feel about the vintage Fisher Price, so you know we love this sweet house boat set that would like to dock at your house!  I love that the dog gets his own chair! Go Fido!  From Etsy seller, Toys of the Past.




Of course your little girl is a doll–so why not demand that other people see her like that too?  But seriously folks, red polka dots, scalloped edging and geez louise an attachable doll?!?!  Please someone buy this sweet romper right now!  From Frecklewonder’s vintage kiddo shop, Kid Wonder!




You know you are going to have a whale of a time with this sweet gem of a vintage shirt.  And a little heart for a fin.  So cute. From Etsy seller, Kyssa!




I know the holidays are a ways out (although I am still a bit miffed to find Halloween decorations out already…) but wouldn’t some girl ROCK this darling 1950s dress with the flocked edging? I would have killed for it as a kid. From Ebay seller, Treasures Galore Unlimited.




I am completely gaga over this sweet vintage minidress.  Even the TAG is fabulous! And the Ebay seller Uuptoo has this also available in different colors too! Definitely worth a looksie.




Dibs on Paul Lind. From Etsy seller, Junkin’ Jane.




Hee hee! Happy Monday, folks!



	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			Friday Link Hootenanny :: Cool Stuff to Browse
		

		
		

			Link Hootenanny					

	


		

		


We are back from our trip….and as I mentioned, we immediately hopped in the car and headed down to San Diego for Tiki Oasis. Oy! Vacationing is exhausting!!! But it’s loads of fun too. I have no idea how I’m ever going to get all my photos ready to share with you guys! In the meantime, here are some fun things to browse over the weekend while I’m gettin’ mah Tiki on!


1. POLAROID COOKIES



These look so cool. I’m not sure how nummy they are to actually eat, but heck, they look so cute who cares! Get yours from Manjar (found via whoreange)


2. FREE VINTAGE DESKTOP WALLPAPER



These old vintage illustrations are really fun for your desktop background. Get yours (free!) here.


 


3. THE FABULOUS LADIES OF THE GLOW





The Glow promises a glimpse into the “world of inspiring and fashionable moms.” While most of them are clearly living a chic life that is not the norm, these mamas and their children are adorable. Lovely photos by Kelly Stewart. (I have to say the name makes me giggle…anyone else remember GLOW: Glamorous Ladies of Wrestling??)


4. DIY RECORD SLEEVE BUNTING.






Jordan Ferney’s site is always inspiring. I love this DIY flag/bunting made out of old record sleeves. Clever!


5. INSTAGRAM ACTIONS



These Instagram-inspired Photoshop Actions by Daniel Box (via Pugley Pixel) are a cool way to mimmic the effects without the iPhone.


7. SF GIRL BY BAY REBOOT




If you aren’t already a fan of the infamous sf girl by bay, then get thee over to her site stat! As most of you probably know, Victoria is a lovely lady, and her site is chock full of cool design and eye candy. She just launched a brand new look and it’s really smashing. Congrats Victoria!


8. THE COOL WORLD OF KIEKEBOE







Um. Yeah. Me too. See more on kiekeboe (found via honeykennedy)


9. I HEART HULA



By now you know I’m obsessed with Instagram (you can see mine here). I love seeing other peoples photos (OPP) and one of my favorite streams is that of Andrea, aka hulaseventy. She has the most wonderful eye and every photo of hers is simply magical. I was fortunate enough to meet her this past year and she is every bit as terrific as the photos she snaps. If you are in the Bay Area in September she is teaching an Instant Photography Workshop which is sure to be amazing. But til then, add her on Instagram or visit her blog. You won’t be disappointed!




10. PAUL McCARTNEY JUDGES 60s LIP SYNC CONTEST


This video is kind of amazing. Four young girls on “Ready Steady Go!” lip sync to a Brenda Lee song….and really get into it. Oddly Paul Mc Cartney was a guest judge. Check it out….and HAPPY FRIDAY!