A Vintage Birdie Told Me

There is a lot of talk around here (here being our nation's capital) about the national budget (like that we don't have one) and lots of people (say, journalists and John Boehner) are throwing around the idea that there is going to be a government shut-down (hello, 1995!), which means that people who work for the government (such as yours truly) might not get paid for weeks until they (they being John Boehner) work the whole thing out.

And weirdly, all this does is make me want to shop. And dream of far-away (and expensive) locales where I could spend an extended (unpaid) hiatus.

So imagine my luck that today I stumbled upon this little online vintage retailer, Bleubird Vintage. There are duds for the whole family (papa bird, mama bird and baby bird), plus shoes, accessories and home items as well. A few of my favorites.










And, you'll fall a little more in love once you read owner Miss James' blog. Talk about darling and uber-hip children. Can I be them?

What did you think of Bleubird Vintage?
Find any favorites?

Before and After

I am listening to rain drops falling on the rooftop here, which is the perfect recipe for curling up in bed with a good book or a good movie.

In case you are in the same boat, might I recommend "Coco Before Chanel"?

It is highly possible that I am a Johnny-come-lately to this particular film, but in case you haven't seen it yet, you must! Those classic suits seems so much more interesting when you know the story of the woman behind them.

Let me know if you decide to check it out.

And for those of you who have seen it already, what did you think?

You'll Lovely Love This

In my epic efforts at blog-stalking, I recently came across Ruth Schultz and her blog, The Mom. As in the mom to three adorable boys and one adorable baby girl, Davy Jean, who also happens to be one adorable survivor of a cleft lip, cleft palette, a congenital heart condition and a few other things I can't name or think about without wanting to cry.

What the title of her blog doesn't tell you is that Ruth is also The Wife to Scott Schultz, creator of a little television show called Yo Gabba Gabba. Heard of it? (Even kid-less me has heard of it, so I am guessing yes.)

Now, let us also bring in this mix one Etsy shop artist named Merrilee, who also happens to love The Mom and Yo Gabba Gabba and is currently selling her Yo Gabba Gabba-inspired prints with all the proceeds going to Scott, Ruth and their little bird, Davy.

Here is the lovely (love) print.



You can score one of your own at the Tuesday Mourning Etsy shop.

And, as if this story (and this day!) could not get any better, buy this print through the end of the month and get any other print from the shop for free. Yes, free. What the what?!? I am quite partial to this a b c Print myself.



I think I have done enough talking for now, so you just get out there and do what you love best. And let us know what you end up with, won't you please?

StyleSpy: Think Early Spring

Hello, friends! I'd like to introduce you to a new friend, namely Jaime Rasmussen who is going to be joining us regularly with fashion musings and styling tips from the big New York City. Take it away, Jaime!

Hi there,

I'm Jaime. Nice to meet you. I am delighted to be a new contributor to the Shabby Apple blog.

You'll be hearing from me from time to time on what fashion has caught my eye and given me tunnel vision. I get it all the time. I say that a lot because I tend to get fixated and determined when a new (sometimes, to me) fashion arrow strikes. I live in New York City with my Mr. R where we are raising three little monkeys-- the real New Yorkers in the house. I find fashion inspiration everywhere-- this city oozes creativity. I am eager to give you a peek into my NYC world. Yes, it is manic. Glamorous? Uh, no. Fashion-hungry? Definitely.

My style is classic, tailored, and, ideally, timeless. I love a look that lasts. Lipstick is the best accessory and so are painted toes. I am trying to add more jewelry, scarves and belts. I also want to stretch my money with versatility so I have lots of options when I look in my closet. I don't get off-the-beaten-shopping path too often. I grew up in the mall and still feel very much at home there. That being said, I live in the land of small, eclectic, and wildly unpredictable boutiques-- they are so much fun to discover! Our home is small and the closet is even smaller, so anything unnecessary is unwelcome and quickly given away or put on eBay. Every piece counts, so I take my time, and return often, until I get just what I am looking for.

Is winter wearing you down? Just a little? If so, I am right there with you. I can't look at another cardigan, knitted faux trapper hat, or knee-high wellie. Well, maybe a bright and colorful wellie would be OK. Don't even talk to me about how much snow we have gotten. I am blocking it out. Two days of 40-plus degree weather last week was enough for me to pull out a pair of cute flats and go sockless-- bad idea. Those two days allowed my little hibernating body to get excited for Spring. Needless to say, all things lightweight, nautical and Springy are so delectable. I want to eat them up.

Hey you there, Spring! I know you have to arrive inevitably, so this is what I am eager to prance around in as soon as the temps hit 50 degrees. OK, at least 45. I am ready for a little pre-Spring-- maybe one less layer or a little less dry, cracked hands. Thank heavens the season change. I love that feeling of being so ready and eager to welcome a new season. In that spirit, here is some pre-Spring eye candy to get excited. A little pre-Spring sale (hint, hint, big retail people) would be perfect just about now.

Please tell me what captures your eye in fashion right now!

cardi, shift dress, blouse, espadrilles, sunglasses, scarf, jeans, capris, blazer, necklace, umbrella, wrap dress.

Sweets For Your Sweet

For those of you looking for a last-minute Valentine's Day treat, check out this recipe for brownies from D.C. bakery Something Sweet.

I don't see any reason why you couldn't cut these little guys into hearts once they were done baking and hand them out to everyone you love. Let me know if you give them a try!

Something Sweet’s Brownies

Makes about 20 brownies

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped
21 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (2 8-tablespoon sticks of butter plus 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon) butter, cut into pieces
3½ cups sugar
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 eggs
2 tablespoons instant-coffee granules
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
Optional: 2½ cups walnuts, whole or chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray.

Combine both chocolates and the butter in a medium-size bowl and heat on high in the microwave for 30 seconds. Take the mixture out, stir with a rubber spatula, and repeat heating in 30-second increments until the chocolate and butter have melted, about 2 minutes total. Set aside to cool.

Place the sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and coffee granules in a large bowl, and mix with a large whisk until the ingredients are blended.

When the chocolate mixture has cooled (it can be slightly warm, but not hot, to the touch), slowly pour it into the bowl with the eggs while constantly whisking until the chocolate is incorporated. If using walnuts, stir them into the mixture.

Pour the brownie mixture evenly into the greased pan. Bake it for 17 minutes, and then rotate the pan and bake for another 17 minutes. Set aside to cool in the pan.

Featured Favorite: Sundance Kid

Do you ever take a few minutes to sift through your closet and drawers a little more carefully than usual, and come up with a hidden treasure you forgot you owned and loved? Well, we feel like Shabby Apple is one big closer for you and for us, and I want to help you find the gems you might have overlooked.

You're very welcome, I'm sure.

Today I'd like to introduce you to Sundance Kid. Take a closer look.




See those on-trend structured shoulders? How about the military-inspired gold buttons and the uniquely detailed lapel? Now, imagine this dress neatly accentuating your waist before playfully flaring out into a flirty and flattering tulip skirt. And now ask yourself how you could resist a dress with practical side pockets, made of easy-to-care for cotton poplin.

Oh, and did I mention it's on sale?

Are you with me so far?

I thought so.

But, wait. There's even more!

You can take this dress casual (and show off your legs!) with a simple mid-calf cowboy boot and some crocheted tights.




Or you can make a more dramatic statement with a more boldly patterned pair of tights (how do you feel about peacock feathers?) and a contrasting wedge.







Do you have a sense of the possibilities?

Excellent! Now grab your Butch Cassidy and make it happen!

Nothin' Like A Dame

I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous of everyone living in places that keep getting hammered with snow. Mostly because they keep promising us bad weather here, and I keep getting my hopes up about sleeping in and working from home and then I wake up to sun and 50 degrees and that is, frankly, something of a let-down.

But I am betting all of you living in those places would rather forget about winter and not see it for a long, long time. And boy, do I have just the thing to help you do it. Namely, a preview of the latest and greatest from Shabby Apple. I give you, South Pacific!

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, imaging you are sipping coconut milk in an island paradise. And then take a look at these stunning dresses.

I'll take one of each, thankyouverymuch, plus a tropical getaway.

How about you?