Such Pretty Things

Target Tuesday: Vintage Vanity Jar

Hi All!  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!  We took advantage of some glorious weather and the girls' Spring Break and headed to the beach (more on that another day), but I did manage to fit in a quick trip to Target. And I'm so glad I did because I found this beautiful vintage-style glass vanity jar...

It's part of a new collection from Rachel's Simply Shabby Chic line.  There are several other pieces, but this was my favorite.  I actually have some old antique vanity jars just like it and this reproduction is spot on!  Lots of pretty details like the delicate etched glass and filigree top...

I think it makes a very nice addition to my vintage vanity tray.  :-)

Happy Tuesday!

XOXO

Jessica

Miette, San Francisco

If you love pretty candy, delicious gourmet cakes, and gorgeous packaging then you will absolutely fall in love with Miette in San Francisco.  Miette has several locations around town, but I especially love their shop on Octavia Street.

This stunningly beautiful store is a true feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach. From the lovely papered walls to the rows of sparkling glass candy-filled jars.

The displays are so whimsical...featuring lots of pretty cakes stands.

Miette offers many unusual and hard-to-find confections from all over the world. Each one prettily presented...

The beautifully decorated cakes look like they are straight out of a Thiebaud painting...

And the packaging is so sweet...

So, next time you are in San Francisco, be sure to check out Miette!

:-)

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Lace Tank

Lace embellishments are all the rage in fashion this season. Lace is so pretty and romantic, but it can also be hip and modern.  Here's a fairly simple project that even a beginning sewer can tackle - a sweet lace tank top with a modern edge.  Here's what you'll need: a tank top in a pale color (mine is a creamy white from Target),a lace scarf (or any large piece of lace will do), matching thread, needle (or sewing machine), and sewing pins...

I found this beautiful scarf at Target for $12.99.  It's a gorgeous pale pink color - perfect for Spring.

Yes, it was a bit painful to cut this beauty up, but the good news is that the scarf is really long (almost 6 feet) and there is plenty of lace fabric to make several of these tanks - so grab a friend and get started! First, lay out your lace scarf on the front of your tank and neatly cut off a piece that is about one inch longer than the length of the front of the tank.  Now, trim out the ruffled, center section of the scarf.

Begin pinning your lace in place.

I chose to put mine centered, straight down the front of the tank for a clean, modern look, but you could also place it horizontally or off to one side. My best advice: use lots and lots of pins.

They will keep the lace straight and in place as you sew.  When you get to the top and bottom of the tank, make a hem by neatly folding the edge under twice - about 1/4 of an inch each time.  Pin in place.

Now you are ready to sew.  If you don't have a machine, you can also do this by hand.  First, sew the top edge.  Then, just work your way down one side. I sewed about 1/2 an inch from the edge of the lace - down an existing seam.  Next, sew down the other side.  Sew the bottom last.  Once you've done this, add a few stitches down the middle - this will hold your lace in place and give it added durability.  Now, if you are really scared of sewing, you could use fabric glue - I just can't guarantee how well it will hold up. As for washing, I recommend hand washing in cold water and laying flat to dry.  A cool iron is OK if needed. And there you have it, a pretty (and inexpensive!) lace top for spring!

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica

Spring? Maybe.

We have been having the most mercurial weather so far this Spring.  For example, two days ago it was 40 degrees and rainy, today it is supposed to be 85 and sunny, and tomorrow rainy and cold again.  It's driving me absolutely crazy because I am sooooo ready for spring already!  And it's made even worse by the fact that I just love all the delicate floral patterns and lace embellishments that seem to be everywhere this season.  I am just chomping at the bit to wear them!  I was always that kid wearing her wool jumper and tights on the first day of school - even if it was 80 degrees out.  No patience at all. :-)

Sadly, until the weather cooperates and I can finally put away the winter coats, I guess I am just going to have to focus on my spring accessories instead.  In that spirit, I thought I would share a few recent springy finds. Don't you just love these new shades of nail polish from Essie...

They are so pastel and pretty.  My favorites are "Muchi Munchi", the perfect soft pink, and "French Affair", a gorgeous pale Lavender.

I also found these sweet little floral hair clips at H&M...

They were only $2.50 for two!  In the perfect shade of minty green.  Not into wearing flowers in your hair?  Try clipping them onto a pair of ballet flats.  And how adorable is this little necklace from Forever 21?

It's a replica of a vintage hand mirror!  And the mirror is real.  A major bargain at only $1.50!

And finally, I LOVE this pretty pink lace scarf from Target...

Wear it "as is"...or tune in tomorrow to see what I do with it. :-)

Happy "almost" Spring!

Jessica

The Cake Decorating Party: The "Cake"

I can't believe I almost forgot to show you Mini-mini-me's cake from her birthday party last month...

Isn't it a masterpiece!  I just love her sense of color and form.  I'm just sorry I didn't get a good picture before a slice was taken out!

The bakery where we had the party (Just Cakes) did an incredible job. They provided each girl with her very own cake to decorate.  They were shown how to ice the cakes and then they were given a zillion pastry bags filled with prettily colored buttercream (the real deal!).  Each bag had a different pastry tip, so they could experiment with making different shapes. The girls were also shown how to work with fondant and how to make buttercream roses...a little advanced perhaps, but if you look real closely, you might see Mini-mini-me's first attempt at a rose!

The girls all did a beautiful job and really seemed to enjoy "sampling" the buttercream. And if you think Mini-mini-me may have over-done it a bit with the icing, I can assure you that she showed more restraint than most. :-)

Happy Weekend!

Jessica