A Little Brighter

Cape Coat Kwassa Kwassa

2011-02-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

Cape Coat: Vintage, Thrifted

Bag: Vintage, Thrifted

Tights: Thrifted

Shoes: Vintage, Thrifted

I'm alive! I swear. I'm so sorry for my huge absence. My boyfriend Caleb usually takes all my photos for me on the blog and he has started a very demanding 7-6pm job. I have been run off my feet scouring shops for vintage for my store and keeping all up to date with that, leaving no time for the blog. I have decided to make sure that I update more though. I'm sure I will be able to find time, maybe less mindless TV watching in the evenings, so I can make this all a bit more interesting for you all!

Like I said I have been super busy with Trade Me, so a friend of a friends wedding on Friday was the perfect way to unwind..especially after a few too many free wines. I don't have any pictures (I always forget my camera), but if any surface I will be sure to share, it was amazing!

These pictures are from last night. We were supposed to go to a big Classical event in the park, but I wussed out by being worried that it was going to start raining half way through and it would turn into a big mud pool. Instead we grabbed dinner in Christchurch city and had a wander around the town square.

I don't know if everyone is aware, but there was a huge earthquake in Christchurch while I was in America. A lot of the beautiful historical buildings are getting torn down, but thankfully our symbol the Cathedral was strengthened before it happened. I wish we could have gone inside, it is such a beautiful place. You can climb right to the top and lookout. I haven't done it since a primary school trip, but I must try again!

I have been absolutely thrashing the life out of these loafers I found them for $2 and they are by far my favourite shoes. I have this terrible habit of walking completely strange and wearing down the sides of the heels in about 5 wears. I have already almost ruined the boots I am wearing in my last post. I think I need to go get orthopedic insoles or stop walking like a T-Rex .... The cape coat was from one of my favourite thrift stores. I had been searching for one ever since Rhiannon's post in New York (where I found out they existed!). I think I may now be nursing a sudden and unlikely obsession with tweed coats.

Oh before I forget, I made a Facebook page for my auctions I would love for you to join it here, even if you don't live in New Zealand!

Step In Time

2011-01-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hat: Vintage, Thrifted

Jacket: Vintage, Thrifted

Dress: Vintage, In my shop!

Bag: Vintage, Thrifted

Boots: Vintage, Trade Me

There was a pair of boots that I bought when I first got into 90's clothes back in 2008 that were my absolute favourite. I wore them every single day, scuffing down the heels so far that I would be lopsided when I walked. I got them from a thrift store in my hometown. Eventually I of course ruined them completely and had to throw them out.

Finally a pair, three years later popped up just last week on Trade Me and they were in my size! I don't think I have watched anything so closely and I got them for a steal too. They have been glued to my feet since. I could not be happier to be reunited with my favourite shoes and all the nostalgic memories they bring back. Especially when paired with a 50c acid wash denim jacket I got around the same time, but that's a different story!

We took these photos down the street at this lovely park in front of a huge beautiful home. I will show you that another time as the sun ruined all my pictures of it and it will look so much creepier in different weather.

Thankfully we got there early enough this time so we could take photos before families came to take over the playground and sneak into the back of my photos. Caleb and I went to the mall after that for lunch, I lusted over a pair of clog sandals and then we went back home for my Trade Me duties.

I don't think I have mentioned my store on here before. It is on the New Zealand version of eBay called Trade Me and the dress I am wearing in this post (and now really want to keep) will be up tonight along with a bunch of other stuff you will have to pry from my stone cold hands, including my favourite high waisted 1960's swimsuit and the prettiest swiss dot ballerina dress. I plan to keep the tapestry bag for myself until guilt takes over and I list it. I have been looking for one forever and this is the perfect size!

Hello to all my new followers! I hit 200 the other day and couldn't believe it! Thank you so much for reading and I am trying my best to reply to all of your lovely comments. Also I got tagged by a few people to share some facts about me, but that will be in my next post I promise!

The Secret Garden

2011-01-04T02:00:00.000-08:00

Coat: Vintage 1960's, Thrifted

Dress: Vintage, Thrifted

Satchel: Vintage, Thrifted (a gift from Caleb)

Heels: Vintage 1960's, Thrifted
Bow: Vintage, Thrifted

I got out of the house more than usual this week which is a nice change, but I'm exhausted now. On Sunday night I went to my dear friend Lydia's house in Ashley for a party she was hosting. Her house was so amazing. It was nestled in a forrest and she had the most darling vintage style swing hanging from a tree and also the biggest and scariest rope swing I have ever seen. We stayed awake until 4am drinking a little wine rolling down hills, spinning around in circles with her younger sister until we fell over and were covered in bruises. It was one of those nights you will never forget, where everything seemed magical, especially the early morning swim in a pool 15 or so of us snuck into.

The next morning, after two hours sleep I rushed over to my friend Camilla's house to go with two car loads of people to Hamner, a town about 3 hours away that has the best hot pools. We spent all day there, I ate far to many chips and got horribly sun burnt shoulders (it looks like I am constantly wearing a white singlet now).It was so lovely to be in the company of such entertaining people and I got to hang out with Camilla before she deserts me for Australia in a few days.

Today I relaxed with Caleb, tried to have a sleep in then took these photos as it began to pour with rain. I am going to add a collar and lace hem to this dress soon (I cut it too short). It will soon remind me of one of the lovely TBA dresses I have been fawning over for months, but can not afford. The coat is another from my endless collection. It is the perfect 1960's little boy school coat that reminds me of Alexa Chung. It has a fur lined hood and tartan lining. It was love at first sight.

Before I head to bed I would like to thank all my new followers and old too for leaving the loveliest comments, thank you so much. Each and every one makes me blush.

Dear 2011

2010-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Dress: Vintage, Thrifted (thanks to Caleb)

Shoes: Vintage, Thrifted

I took a few snaps before going out last night. It was almost nightfall and I'm so glad they didn't turn out too horribly. I have been so incredibly busy lately that I have been struggling to keep up with everything this blog included, I will try harder though. I haven't made any resolutions, I never do I have always had the mindset that if I don't like something I change it right away, that way an impatient person like me doesn't have to wait for results. I just hope for this coming year that I continue to live a happy life, filled with all the people and all the things I love. What more could I want than that?

Caleb was so sweet yesterday. He had a very long day and still didn't whine about me asking for this dress to be altered for me, he is much better at sewing than I am- hope he doesn't mind me saying that-. It was huge when I thrifted it, so he cut it short and took it in, in just a matter of minutes! Now I can proudly say it is one of most favourite dresses, If just for the collar alone!

I got my hair done too, It is much darker with thicker bangs, my never ending quest for Zooey Deschanel's hair is finally getting closer to what I want. Now if only I could magically make it grow long and elegantly tangled. Does anyone know how to make a blunt cut fringe not so blocky (bangs for the Americans reading) I often worry mine has a sort of lego hair quality about it.

Hope everyone enjoyed their New Years! Mine was quite short lived and I got to bed pretty early for me, like the wee nana I am sometimes. Happy 2011!!

P.S I would just like to introduce you all to my friends the hose and the potted plant (pictured) I hope they don't make regular appearances in the blog. I am a little confused as to why we have a hose anyway, our little courtyard is all concrete...

Forgotten Treasures

2010-12-18T01:42:00.000-08:00

Headband: Vintage, Thrifted

Dress: Vintage 1950s, Thrifted

Shoes: Vintage, Thrifted

I can get a bit lazy sometimes with my sewing pile. Some dresses, like this one can sit there for about a year before I even decide to do anything with them. I had always adored the print, but the colour ended up not suiting me when I was blonde so it stayed at the bottom of my sewing basket for far too long. I am so glad I rediscovered it. As it turns out I somehow managed to not realise the fact it is actually a 1950's dress, the first one I have ever thrifted in New Zealand!

I adore 50's dresses, they also happen to be the best on my body shape, that is at times a very unforgiving pear. This dress has such a wee upper half that I have to shallow breathe a little when I wear it, but for the life of me I just can't part with it! I discovered another hidden 50's dress this week from about a year ago too and managed to thrift two in America so I am currently in heaven!

I found the shoes on one of my many thrifting trips I go on during the week. I had been looking for a pair just like this as my twin pair got worn to death last year when the sole came off. I am so excited that they are black and not brown like my old lovelies too, something about black pointed toe shoes get me every time!

Thank you so much for all the comments, sorry I have been terrible at replying this week I had a crazy amount of work to get through. Every single one of them makes me smile and I really appreciate it!

My Royal Grandma Coat

2010-12-13T00:45:00.000-08:00

Top & Belt: Vintage, Thrifted- New Zealand

Shorts & Jazz Flats:Vintage, Thrifted -Oklahoma

Coat- Vintage, Thrifted, New Zealand

Headband: Random scrap of fabric

In some sort of cruel twist of fate I have been coming across my dream coats one after the other as we in New Zealand are heading into hot summer heat. I am such a big fan of fitting coats that look like the queen or a lovely old lady would wear. This is my blush coloured princess coat. It is my favourite so far.

I have not only thrifted this lovely masterpiece but also three perfect camel pea coats (one is a 60s juniors coat and has short arms, the sort that Alexa Chung wears), a perfect 60's look leopard fur number, a 70's plaid burnt orange and brown coat with a huge hood and Orla Kiely/ Dear Creatures style shoulders, a tan and cream cape and about a billion more!

I am dreaming about fall weather as the outerwear I'm finding stacks up. I can't wait to be able to wear a new coat each day and be able to layer. I have had to put half of them in storage as my coat closet is overflowing. I know as soon as I get colder weather though I will dream about lazy summer days and those beautiful warm breezes. I'm fickle like that.

I love hazy under lit photos this is my attempt. I want the type that blur when you move. I know I haven't mastered it, but I think the colours always look so lovely like this. This lace slip top has been my everyday piece the last week it is so light and floaty. I am so drawn to romantic looks lately I kind of like how messy my hair is in these too, makes me think I should lay off the straightener for awhile and just let it go wild.

Christmas In Summer

2010-12-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hat: Vintage, Thrifted

Dress: Vintage, Thrifted

Shoes: Vintage, Thrifted (free)

Yesterday my boyfriend Caleb surprised me by asking if I want my Christmas present now or later. Of course I picked now and lucky I did as I don't know how he planned to hide a beautiful vintage bike from me for more than 2 hours. It is the best present I have ever received and I am sure it stems from me going on and on about how much I adore vintage bikes.

Everything about it is perfect, not only is it the prettiest green colour, but it has the sweetest little bell. I wish I could record the sound it makes because it makes me smile every time. I always wanted a bike with a little wire carrier on the back too. I am hoping to thrift some saddle bags for it, or I may cave in and look online.

It was also such a thoughtful present as I am 21 and I am still to nervous and scared to drive. The one time I attempted ended in a battle between me and a fence and I can assure you the fence won. I freak out in the car often even though I am just the passenger, so being stuck between cars on the motorway in rush hour even in tiny little New Zealand is my worst nightmare. Oh goodness I have issues don't I?

We took the bike for a wee spin before we had to go out for the evening. I wish I could have found a prettier location, but we were in a hurry and I wanted photos! The shoes I am wearing I got for free from 'The Free Shop' (strangely enough). They are made of black suede, have a lace up front, winkle picker toe and a size too small, but I love them. My dress is one of my all time favourite thrift finds (from New Zealand of course). It used to be two layers and down to the ground in scalloped netting, so I hacked the bottom off and it was the perfect length. I promise I will try an outfit post next time that isn't a dress, they are just so perfect.

p.s Hello to my new followers! Thank you so much for all the lovely comments you are all too kind. To answer many of you yes I do get the Zooey Deschanel comparison a lot, even random strangers down the street. I'd never complain, I love her dearly!

p.p.s I started a tumblr and would love some friends! http://alittlebrighter.tumblr.com/

Crown Of Flowers

2010-12-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

Floral Crown: Made by me

Singlet: Vintage, Thrifted.

Today has been one of those lovely lazy days that I adore. Caleb and I packed a picnic lunch and drove up the hills to relax and enjoy the sun, then I spent the afternoon making this flower crown that has been on my mind for longer than I can remember. Hopefully next time I will be able to make a more delicate piece with little blossom flowers. I have special a surprise brewing for my Trade Me followers that I have been working on for weeks. All will be revealed in my next shop update. Oooo!

Tweed Coats and a Hair Cut

2010-12-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

Coat: Vintage 1960s, Thrifted

Blouse + Bow: Thrfited

Culottes: Glassons (on sale)

Shoes: Thrifted

I wasn't going to share these pictures at first. I thought they took away from the summer feel of my previous
pictures. Spring also has drizzly overcast days though and I have acquired an insane amount of beautiful coats these past few months. I thought I may as well take the opportunity to show you one before the heat kills me.
I have been dressing so simply lately- hair down with dresses and boots - that I found myself a bit overwhelmed with all this layering, fuss and having my hair up that I went home a bit early on date night to change.

This coat was one of those finds at a thrift store that you protect like it is your child. I don't know about you, but I often worry when I find something really beautiful that it will be the one day someone steals it out of my cart while I'm in the changing rooms. That didn't happen of course and I can now add it to about 15 wonderful coats (and one cape) I have found in the thrift stores since America. It makes me even more excited for fall than I already am knowing that I have stock waiting to be sold that I am in love with. The Alexa Chung look of it is an extra plus too!

The shoes were a recent find too at a church thrift store that not too many people know about. I have been so drawn towards things that look almost royal lately. These along with a fur collar coat I found remind me also of 'A Little Princess' and so although they are a little small for me I will suffer for them!

I forgot to mention in my last post that I got a hair cut. Not that a fringe and dye job is drastic, but I thought I would show you all a quick shot of it anyway! (sorry for the weird facial expression I'm no good at this mirror photo buisiness)

Beaches, Fields and Sunlight

2010-11-28T22:49:00.000-08:00

Dress: Vintage, Thrifted

Bag: Vintage, Thrifted (Gift from Caleb)

Bow: Vintage, Thrifted

Boots: Vintage, Trade Me

I'm so very sorry for my absence lately. My cherished laptop was not only falling to bits, but having trouble connecting to the Internet, full of cracks including both hinges snapped off and cellotape held the screen on. I finally have a shiny new desktop with a big ol' monitor and I'm pretty sure this is the end of laptops for me all together. The colours on the screen alone are just incredible!

Yesterday, after a lazy day of ice cream eating and movie watching, Caleb and I took advantage of the sunset and drove up to Sumner (about 5 minutes away) to take some photos at the beach. We had taken a midnight stroll along it the night before and I thought it was such a pretty place! I especially wanted to come back for the sunset. I adore taking pictures as the sun is going down. It casts the most perfect light over everything and it seems for a brief time that everything is just a little bit magical.

We had to go to a nearby field after the beach to get a picture of the outfit without my hair in my face or me awkwardly trying to hold my skirt down. I swear I have never been in a place that has been so windy in my life. With the unfortunate exception of a few years ago in my hometown when I was wearing a below the knee 1950s day dress. I stepped out of a store only to find myself with my whole skirt above my head revealing my undergarments for all the world to see for a good 10 seconds. Needless to say I wanted to crawl in a hole and die.

The dress I'm wearing in the photos is one of my favourite finds ever. I sold it on Trade Me only to discover a horrible stain on the back. I almost threw it out until I took it to the dry cleaners and now it is perfect! It reminds me so much of the lovely dresses in the Twelve by twentysevennames summer collection. My mind is always far to guilty to shell out so much money for one dress, so I was amazed when I found it. The boots were another random find, but on bought on trade me and at first I didn't like them. I intended to resell them, but something about the creepy Edward Scissorhands vibe means they go with all of my dresses and I can't argue with that!

Beneath The Secret Trees

2010-11-12T00:33:00.000-08:00

Vintage Dress, Belt, Bag: Thrifted, Christchurch, New Zealand

Vintage Bow: Thrifted, Rangiora, New Zealand

Vintage Boots: Minx, Athens, GA

I'm so excited that I have finished telling you all about the wonderful road trip I had in America. Now I can start blogging in real time back here in New Zealand. I have been hard at work getting back into the business and relearning all the things I had forgot. I can't wait to tell you about the changes I am going to make after I get settled in again. It is nice having my own space back with all my clothes hanging up, my own bed and not living out of a suitcase!

Lately the sky has been filled with delicious smells of freshly mown grass, barbeques and left over fireworks. All signs that summer is on its way for me again! Today was the loveliest day it was just the right temperature to get ice creams and go for adventures to find pretty places. I have always wanted to take pictures here. I was a little late for the blossoming trees, but the daises and dandylions were scattered elegantly through the grass and the sunlight was filtering through the trees perfectly!

I adore this dress I picked up at a thrift store a few weeks ago. Caleb thinks it looks like a sack. If so I think it is the prettiest sack I have ever laid eyes on. It reminds me of the depression era where ladies would make clothing out of any sort of fabric they could get there hands on! The bow I dug up again in my box of no return and it has been some what permanently attached to my head ever since.

Thank you to everyone for all the comments and for following my blog! It has been such a surprise to get to 50 so fast and it is all so very kind of you to care about my little blog enough to that! You are all so supportive and amazing and it keeps me updating even when I don't think I have the time!

Southern Road Trip: Video Of Our Journey

2010-11-08T01:21:00.000-08:00

This is the final post on our trip. Caleb made this video of tiny clips we made on my digital camera. He did a really good job considering we kept forgetting to take video. Sorry about my constant face pulling in this. It's a bad habit and I swear I was actually very happy! It was such a lovely trip I have watched this too many times when I have missed being back in the south!

On a random note, on our flight back home we went through security just before Ted from 'How I Met Your Mother' and meet Jemaine Clement from 'Flight Of The Conchords' (one of my all time favourite shows) just as he was getting on the same plane as us. He asked me what face I wanted and we both did our best angry faces for the photo!

Southern Road Trip: Nashville, Tennessee

2010-11-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

This was our final stop before our all night drive back to Virginia. Nashville was incredible. From its amazing country music to its lovely vintage stores. Nashville is one of those cities that really does have a style and feel that is so unique. We decided to go explore the city instead of the attractions as we had limited time! That being said the city is really an attraction in itself! I loved how music is such an important part of this city and every corner you turned all different types were floating out of all the bars and eateries.

Nashville is also the place where my second accidental blogger meet up happened! Caleb and I were perusing the shops of downtown Nashville and I stepped into an American Apparel (only the second one I had come across on the whole trip) So I could go drool over the tights. The girl at the counter greeted us and I looked over and got a bit flustered and ended up blurting out 'I love your blog!'.
It was Lauren from Blooming Leopold. How much of a strange coincidence is it that only days before I had also bumped into Rhiannon, her sister totally by accident too. What is even more weird is that just before I stepped into the store I was looking at the window display and remarked to Caleb how the equestrian pants in the widow looked just like the pair that I had seen in one of Lauren's posts earlier that week!

Lauren was wearing the most lovely outfit! Both of the girls are just as stylish and pretty in person as they are on their blogs. She was so very nice, talking to me about Nashville and our trip and writing down for me the best vintage places in Nashville to visit. I have only realised now how I never look as excited in photos as I really was! I again was talking a mile a minute and probably not making much sense!

We wandered downtown some more, grabbed lunch at a great country themed bar with a bluegrass band playing. I had my first pulled pork sandwich (delicious). After we raided the gift stores for Caleb to find a Johnny Cash T-shirt where he is pulling the finger. As we were heading back to the car the sky opened up and we ended up sprinting back to the car, Caleb getting drenched and me looking ridiculous with a plastic bag over my head.

Before we left I said we must visit Venus and Mars and the places Lauren had so kindly written down for us!
Venus and Mars was everything I had dreamed and surprisingly cheap! I tried on a few things on the sale rack, but they didn't quite fit so I left empty handed. Next we went to a Vintage store where they had the most amazing array of vintage summer dresses on sale. It overwhelmed me so much I only left with one 60's dress!

Bustier: Thrifted, Christchurch, New Zealand

Culottes and Oxfords: Thrifted, Little Rock, AR

Bag: Thrifted, Rangiora, New Zealand

After trekking to a few thrift stores we were quite tired so we ended up at the most amazing movie theatre I have ever seen and saw Scott Pilgrim Vs The World. Then prepared for driving through the night back to Virginia. It was sad heading back, knowing that this magical trip would soon be over and we would be back on a plane to New Zealand before we knew it. I hope I have not rambled too much about the trip on here! I just had so much to say about how magical it all was. The people are so friendly, the food is amazing and the scenery is ever changing and insanely beautiful! It is something I will never forget and I can't wait to visit again!

Southern Road Trip: Memphis, Tennessee

2010-11-01T02:47:00.000-07:00

We stayed in Little Rock, Arkansas for a day and half. For some reason we got zero photos from there. I think we were to busy shooting video to notice! It was wonderful and we thrifted my favourite dress of the trip. I deperately want to go back there again so I can experience it properly. From there we drove to Memphis, TN.

This had to be one of my favourite stops through the whole trip. Back when I was 11 or 12 years old I had a paper route and a discman (they were the greatest). I remember turning on my T.V one day and one of this mans movies was showing and I instantly fell in love with him and his bevy of perfectly dressed ladies. I wanted to be just like them. I played this one mixed CD of Elvis songs on my discman non stop for a year at least and I credit him not only for creating my love of the 1950's, but for the beginnings of my love vintage clothing. I am of course referring to Elvis Presley (as if you didn't all guess when you saw the title)

I had never dreamed I would ever get the chance to step inside Graceland, I know it is seen as cheesy to some people, but it was just was incredible! I didn't expect Graceland to be in such a run down part of town, or so close to the street. It doesn't take away from it too much thankfully! It is a magnificent building, with its columns and winding driveway. The brick fence in front of the property is tagged with messages and names of people that have visited and right across the road are buildings filled with memorabilia.

We chose one of the cheaper options, with an audio tour on a little headset that you can control. It was a bit crowded as we stepped in so we took our time and dropped behind the group so I wasn't right up against a wall. It was like I had stepped back in time. Everything was decorated in a magnificent 1970's way with shag pile rugs and different tones of brown. Each room was perfectly left the way it was when he last lived there. Covered in retro art, furniture and random odds and ends that exist in my dreams.

I loved the TV room, boasting 3 full colour T.Vs and a lightening bolt on the wall. Apparently Elvis had wanted to be just like the president and have three going at the same time! The 'jungle room' as it was nicknamed is equally incredible. The fur and carved wooden furniture was a short lived 70's fad that Elvis had taken favour too and tropical plants were covering the room.

I don't usually like cars, but I'm so glad we didn't miss his car museum! The famous pink Cadillac was there and all of his purchases were my dream cars, It would help if I could drive though, Just a little. We also saw all oh his famous costumes, like the extravagant jumpsuits and the more refined 50s and 60s suits, which is my favourite era of Elvis.

As we finished the tour of the house you end with visiting Elvis's grave site. It's an unexpected end to the tour and incredibly sad as he was so young when he passed and in such a tragic way. It was covered in letters and gifts from fans. It was touching to see that s many years after his death he was still so loved! As we left we took pictures outside of the house two of the security ladies told me how much they loved what I was wearing and then asked me if it was 'one of those Kim Kardashian outfits'.Darn.

Top-Thrifted, Kiapoi, New Zealand

Bag-Thrifted, Rangiora, New Zealand

Culottes- Thrifted, Little Rock, AR

Sandals- Thrifted, Denton, TX

We filled up our entire day with Graceland, so we had to head off straight after for the next day of adventures! My next post includes my second of the two accidental blogger meet ups during my trip!

Southern Road Trip: Dallas, Texas

2010-10-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Originally we had planned to do the road trip right from Virginia to LA, but we soon saw the cost of a rental car to be returned all the way back and decided instead for Texas to be our turn back point in the loop we travelled. Caleb has life long friends from Texas, that used to study in New Zealand. We spent about 5 days relaxing in a real house (hotels are annoying sometimes) and enjoying the lone star state. Again I wish I had more photos to share, but I was always in a hurry and forgot to!

The house was just out of Dallas in an area called Denton, which is a lovely college city full of amazing thrift stores. The antique stores here were Caleb's favourite full to the brim with western style antiques that I'm sure he would have carted home with us if he could! I found two more pairs of roper boots while I was here and thrifted my feet off.

Top: Thrifted, Kiapoi, New Zealand

Bag & Belt: Thrifted, Rangiora New Zealand

Skort: Thrifted, Auckland New Zealand

Boots: Vintage, Minx, Athens, Ga

On the first night we were there we went out to a club (that I have forgotten the name of) but it was huge by New Zealand standards and so much fun. I'm sure cowboy themed bars may seem tacky to a lot of Americans but it was such a novelty to be in Texas, in one of these places. The place had a huge stage with a live country band playing. People were dancing around a circular platform in the middle of the room that went right around the bar. I tried a couple of times, but I am forever clumsy and kept messing up.

A few nights later there was a barbeque for Caleb's return and all his old friends came around, had some drinks and for the first time in my life I played this crazy card game called Pit. An hour of shouting later it was time to head to the observatory. Some students once a month open up the telescopes to the public for free and talk about space and what you can see that night. It was amazing. I had never done this before and I have always been fascinated by the stars. The brightest star was amazing and we saw Jupiter too! Quote of the night was 'Turn that cellphone off, you are ruining my night vision'.

On one of the last days we were there we went to a southern style all you can eat restaurant called Babes. The best fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy and sweet tea (addiction during camp). I see where southern food gets it's amazing reputation from. It took us a few meals to finish all of that off. We were having such a good time that before we knew it, it was time to say our goodbyes and head back towards Virginia. As we were leaving there was a crazy storm that was flooding Texas and tornado warnings were all over the news. It was exciting but a little scary, especially when the windscreen wipers wouldn't go fast enough to be able to see! Only two more stops to go on our Southern summer road trip.

Southern Road Trip: Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana

2010-10-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

We were pushed for time after staying longer than we expected in Georgia. Poor Caleb had to drive us from Atlanta to Louisiana overnight. I was a horrible person and kept falling asleep. Luckily Dave Ramsey was on all night over the radio, so Caleb had a little company. I woke up at different times during my sleep to the most lovely scenery. I wish we could have had more time in each of these states, but it was Texas the next morning or bust!

I honestly don't remember much of Mississippi, but Alabama had us debating on whether it was worth it or not, at 3am in the morning, to go pay a visit to 'Montogomary Flea Market'. We thought it may be somewhat just like a mini mall! However, it was too dark for nice pictures, plus we would have to go right out of the way, maybe next time!

Anberlin Singlet- Warped Tour '08

Velvet Shorts- Thrifted, Christchurch, New Zealand

Shoes-Thrifted, Asheville, NC

Louisiana was beautiful! I would have loved it even more than I did if the heat and humidity had been not as ruthless, but still such a pretty place. I only got one photo of me the whole time, because I was silly and was convinced I looked (and felt) gross. We took the back route, instead of the interstate, to see all the little rundown towns of our horror movie dreams. We first arrived in a lovely little town, that I of course can't remember the name of.

We waited there for a side of the road junk store to open before digging through the loveliest treasures, amongst an insane amount of 80's arcade machines. We left with a belt buckle for Caleb and nothing for me. I had to start watching my spending at least a little! Later we drove to a town called Breaux Bridge, LA, after roadside promises of 1000's of Antique dealers lead us there. We didn't really find anything like that. We did find a cute little town with lovely old buildings and creaky floors (I actually thought we would fall through at one place) and a junk store with 80's wrestling figurines.

The nicest lady at Minx, in Athens, GA had talked about how great the vintage was in Louisiana, especially Eunice, that was out next stop. We didn't find terribly much apart from a few thrift stores, until the last one, where I found my dream boots, my first pair of roper fringe toe boots that just so happened to be in my size and were $1! It was definitely worth the trip to nowhere for me! On the way out we took some pictures of the sad but beautiful run down parts of Eunice, that I thought existed only in the movies!

Southern Road Trip: Atlanta + Athens, Georgia

2010-10-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

We were in the Atlanta area for 5 days! The longest we visited anywhere. I decided, instead of 5 posts I would condense it into my favourite parts.

The thrifting was incredible! I have never been to so many huge thrift stores in my life. There were rows and rows of pretty dresses to hunt through, I was in absolute heaven. The vintage stores were just as good! Rag-O-Rama was my personal favourite. I'd say I went to around 30 stores, possibly more just in this state! On the third day of our thrifting overload Caleb and I were walking into a thrift store just as someone was walking out, It just so happened it was Rhiannon of Liebemarlene Vintage! I was a little shocked, so my mouth running about a mile a minute and with my accent I'm surprised she understood a word I was saying! She really was the loveliest girl though and had the cutest outfit (of course). It was just so strange as Atlanta is such a big city and her blog, for about three years now has been a top favourite of mine!

My birthday was during our visit in Atlanta. Caleb had a big surprise for me and ended up taking me to Six Flags. For a New Zealander,this is pretty much the best thing ever. New Zealand's one and only theme park pretty much consists of bumper boats and mini golf! I went on a ton of rides, the whole time reassuring a 6'4 Caleb that no, he would not get decapitated or fall out of his seat. We went to a restaurant after and stayed at a fancy hotel that night. It was lovely!

For most of the time we were there, we stayed in Marietta with the nicest girl from my camp I worked at over the summer. Marietta was the cutest place. One night we went to the most amazing Mexican restaurant. This was Caleb's first time in two years having authentic Mexican so he got two orders and finished the lot! Then afterwards we walked around town with the most delicious ice creams. Too bad I can never remember the names of the places we ate!

On the final day we were in Atlanta, we drove to Athens, GA. We were planning to go earlier in the week, but we kept leaving it too late. Athens was so very beautiful! I wish we had walked around the outskirts more and I had taken photos there, but I was too busy thrifting and vintage shopping, as usual. I went to the best vintage stores there. Agora was this wonderful crazily decorated place, with clothing and oddities crammed everywhere. We emerged after at least an hour, after debating whether we had room in a suitcase for a coke bottle phone, with a great discounted pair of roper boots for Caleb.

Next we went just down the street to Minx, where I found my favourite pair of ankle boots and a romper for $1! The lady who owned the store was super friendly, talking to us about her Louisiana childhood and how one time a lady came into her shop grabbed a whole pile of stuff, without trying it on and bought the lot. She later told her she was a buyer for Gap and they use the designs of the vintage clothes to make things for the store. How cheeky. Rhiannon had told us about a lovely place too eat, but silly me forgot to write it down so if there is a next time, it will definitely be high on my list!

After those two stores it was late in the afternoon so we were just going to head back slowly. Until I realised that the last store I wanted to visit wasn't in Athens at all it was back in Atlanta, just to make matters worse we had been in the area just the day before. We went as fast as we could back to Decatur to go to Kudzu, an antiques store. We got there with five minutes to browse and then the shop closed. At least I got to check it out!

Vintage Romper, Felt Hat, Culottes and both tops- Thrifted, Christchurch, New Zealand

Shoes: Asheville, NC

Southern Road Trip: Savannah, Georgia

2010-10-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

I bet you already guessed where my next stop would be. It would be almost criminal to pass up a visit to such an amazingly magical city. As soon as you drive into Savannah it's like you are transported into a different time and place! Spanish moss drips from every tree winding around branches and coating streets. It is so romantic looking in the summer.

We only had half a day in Savannah, before we had to head off for my birthday plans the next day. So we got up early and headed through the city to Bonaventure Cemetery. Established in 1846 this was by far the oldest and most breathtaking cemetery I have ever been to. It sounds creepy wandering around an old cemetery, I'm sure it would be at night, but under the Spanish moss and the sunshine it was lovely to take a wander in. Taking in all the delicate sculpting work that had been put into the headstones and hearing the stories of how they came to be.

There was a plaque next to one in particular that interested me. It was a statue a famous artist had made for a wee girl called Gracie who was the daughter of the owner and a favourite of the guests at a local hotel. The artist had taken a shining to her so much that he created it just for her when she passed away. Famously she is said to haunt the graveyard at night. We did not see her of course, but this story did give me goosebumps a little.

Floral headband: Thrifted, Christchurch, New Zealand

Blouse: Thrifted, Kiapoi, New Zealand

Culottes: Thrifted, Fredericksburg, VA

Shoes: Thrifted, Asheville, NC

Bag: Thrifted, Rangiora, New Zealand

We stayed for as long as we could before the mosquito's took there revenge and I looked down at my legs for the first time to two full legs covered in the pesky little things, even through my tights!. This revelation made me, for the rest of the time there, look a little crazy as I stomped my feet when I walked so they wouldn't land on me.This didn't work! I'm very allergic to the bites, so we sooner than planned, headed back to the safety of the car.

On the drive back, to see more of the quaint city, we were two seconds away from getting taken out by a classic southern downpour! It isn't like in New Zealand where the rain spits for 15 minutes, warning you to seek shelter, it just goes hey thereWHAM! and your drenched. It kept raining, so after a quick late lunch we drove around admiring the gorgeous buildings and then headed onto our next destination.

Southern Road Trip: Charleston, South Carolina Part 2

2010-10-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

After the short lived, and uncomfortable rest, that made us devoted to hotels for a majority of the trip, we drove around and visited a few thrift stores we had spotted in the area! Perhaps we didn't go far enough out of the city as I only found a few things to take with me and it was all quite expensive!

We drove out to the harbour resort, acquired from a deal that gave us a discounted stay and a $50 Visa gift card for an hour of our time being shown around a hotel in the city. I was excited to go for a swim and relax before it got dark. It really was the most lovely hotel. It had a big pool, a spa, a man made beach, a long wharf that we later took a stroll down and the most beautiful view of the city from the balcony. I had never been to a resort before, so it really was such a treat!

The next morning, after what was probably the best sleep of my life, Caleb and I headed to the "one hour tour around a hotel". Oh my goodness! That hour was not an hour at all. When he said an hour, he must have meant close to 3 and when he said 'talk about a hotel' he meant a very intense timeshare presentation. After wanting to tear my ears out and having to pretend like I'm interested, we said our final NO and pretty much ran to the car to escape. Dear me it was the most awkward, but horribly funny situation to be in!

We weren't sure how much of a budget to stick with, so after that ordeal we chose only one paid attraction to go to and we narrowed it down to Cypress Gardens. It was about an hour out of the city. Cypress Gardens is famous for it's extensive and insanely beautiful gardens and also for being the backdrop in the famous swans in the lake scene from The Notebook. This was without a doubt one of the highlights of my trip!

90's Romper: Thrifted-Rangiora, New Zealand

Shoes: Thrifted-Hendersonville, NC

Bag: Thrifted- Rangiora New Zealand

We had a look around the butterfly house, which was so darling! Then headed out to the swamp, where there were free rowboats. We went for the prettiest boat ride invented. Along the swamp there were arrows to follow. You had to duck under tiny bridges, in which people had scrawled little names and love notes. About halfway through the trip it began to pour with rain, just like in the movie. I got way too excited and soon after pulled the boat in just in time for a quick peek into the aquarium before the gardens closed. It was only a few hours to the next city we were visiting, but I will be talking about that tomorrow!

Southern Road Trip: Charleston, Sorth Carolina Part 1

2010-10-17T03:35:00.000-07:00

Our first proper stop, on our road trip beginning in Woodbridge, VA, not counting the overnight (and scary) sleep in the car at a truck stop, was Charleston, SC. I had always wanted to visit Charleston since my first glimpse of it in The Notebook. Although the city did not look like it did in the film, which saddened me a little, it was still easily one of the prettiest places I have ever been to.

On the first day we got there later than we expected. After an impromptu stop at 'South Of The Border', a cheesy Mexican themed tourist attraction in the middle of nowhere it was so humid and hot in Charleston, that we opted out of going to see plantations, for a wander around the city. I know I'm crazy for wearing tights. I wore them throughout most of the trip, as they hide my unsightly mosquito bites. My super pale skin, combined with the reactions and scars I get from them, looked ever so slightly terrible. They just couldn't get enough of me!

I wish I knew more about the history of the places as we saw, I really was clueless when it came to attractions. It was lovely though walking around, not having somewhere we had to be and just taking it all in. I had never seen such beautiful historic homes. Towering grand buildings with columns, huge wrought iron gates and courtyards I didn't even think places like this still existed! It is even more amazing to me, as New Zealand doesn't have anything on this kind of scale!

Dress: Thrifted - Asheville, NC

Hat: Vintage Store -Christchurch, New Zealand

Bag: Thrifted, Rangiora, New Zealand

Brogues: Thrifted -Asheville, NC

Later, we didn't realize at first, but the historic part of Charleston is right next to the ocean, we took a evening stroll along the boardwalk talking about doing a ghost tour that night, but we didn't know which one to pick. I'm so incredibly indecisive (sorry Caleb), that before we knew it, time crept past us and it was late and it was time to go to the camp site, for much needed rest!

The Road To Nowhere

2010-10-16T00:07:00.000-07:00

This year I embarked on a roller coaster three month long trip. The first two months were spent as a drama teacher at a wealthy North Carolina summer camp. When that was over (thank goodness), I embarked on the best trip of my life.
The plan originally was that I would find a person at camp to travel with, but literally two weeks after the camp had begun, I squashed that idea and instead begged my boyfriend to come over for the month after and be my travel buddy. Best decision I have ever made!

We met, after camp, in Virginia and embarked on an 18 day summer road trip. Crossing 12 states and driving around 8,000 km (5,000 miles). Me, being the silly thrift obsessed girl I am dragged my boyfriend to approximately 100 thrift / antique stores throughout these states and he, in turn, dragged me through about 200 drive throughs. It was such a magical trip. The south is just the most beautiful, mysterious and wonderful experience. I went to so many places I have only ever dreamt of going. I saw things that will remain cherished memories forever.

I plan on sharing parts of this trip with you in my future posts. Before I get too excited, about all I have to share, I thought it may be fitting of me to first show you all the pictures of what we hauled back to New Zealand with us. It doesn't look like much in the pictures, but there really is a lot and golly gosh those bags were heavy!

I somehow, was lucky enough to stumble on not just one, but three vintage coach bags, three pairs of vintage roper style boots and about 60 perfect dresses! American thrifting is really like falling into a big pile of treasure and trying to stuff as much into your pockets as you can!
I shall post more tomorrow, sorry for the terrible pictures of the clothes! We used a different camera on the trip so the pictures in future posts are much better!

From the beginning

2010-10-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

Dear treasure hunters, junk lovers, vintage obsessed, thrift extraordinaires and curious eyes,
I am an easily pleased, silly girl, who enjoys the things that others throw away, midnight adventures, staring at the sky, the good ol' days and cheesy 90s horror films.
I hope that this blog may be a place that I can show you glimpse into my life and all the things I love in it!

Ayesha