On the Radar -- Tartan Take Two

Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Jacket, Fall/Winter 2013

We've totally talked about plaid already.  But we've talked about wool blankets and 1950s picnic items and our Scottish Christmas window display last year.  You can read about that here, here, and here.  We haven't talked about plaid clothing...

And it's everywhere this fall.  I mean, EVERYWHERE.  And yes, I love plaids and tartans of every color and form, but I also think that instead of just spending tons of money on new plaid, people should also revisit vintage plaid.

So here's a round up of some new plaids I love, with a quick sampling of all the vintage plaid goodies we have in our shop right now.  Enjoy!

Moschino, Fall/Winter 2013

Blumarine cape, Fall/Winter 2013

Mulberry, Fall/Winter 2013

Vintage Wool Plaid coat, $55, in our shop here.

Pendleton Wool Tartan Shell, $55, in our shop here.

1950s bow tie, $15, in our shop here.

1980s Gay Boyer madras belt, $12, in our shop here.

On the Radar -- Brass Off

Elle Decor

I can't stand brass.  Well, I can't stand that super shiny, super yellow-y gold brass that's cheaply made.  It's just gross and fake and really, really tacky.  And I used to hold it against all brass that it had that tacky, low-class cousin. 

But as I've fallen deeper into my love affair with junk, I have developed a deep and abiding passion for old, worn, patina-ed brass.  Brass that is heavy and smooth.  Brass that has been transformed by years of wear and love.

And by worn I don't mean pits and spots and rust like that cheap brass gets.  What I'm talking about is PATINA.  Serious patina.

This kind of patina:

Penn Station, NYC

We've noticed the brass sales rising at the antique mall, and several magazines have talked about the re-emerging trend.  But let me get to the point.  When I saw that brass is back, I just wanted to lay it down for all our readers.   

Not all brass is good brass.

Here's a quick guide to some brass we love.  Of course, buy what you love.  All I can ask is that you look at the dull, sweet shine of this brass and think before you buy the cheap stuff.

From here.

From Jonathan Adler, here.

Mid Century Chair, here.

Vintage doorknob, from Counter Clock Wise Antiques, here.

Vintage Brass Numbers, from Vintage Spectacles, here.

On the Radar -- Summer Lace

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2013

The dress to have this summer is a LWLD, or a little white lace dress. We know, we know.  We posted about lace trends last fall.  But it's still happening, people!  When you've got Valentino, D&G, and Stella McCartney (just to name a few) making LWLDs, well, they're still the thing.

Isla Fisher wore this D&G eyelet lace dress to Cannes just a few days ago.

I don't really care for it, but here's Stella's version of the LWLD, just to make my point:

And here's Valentino's LWLDs, which I like much better:

French Connection's got one, too:

And here's my favorite vintage picks, from Etsy.  These are a tiny fraction of the price of the previous ones, and have soooooooooooo much more personality, IMHO:

From Stardust Vintage on Etsy, here.

From Jackie and Audrey on Etsy, here.

On the Radar -- Painted Schmainted

The Blackbird girls will paint anything that stands still long enough.  1970s plastic sconces.  Old (ugly) brooches.  Lamps.  Bubble wrap.  Even furniture -- unless the wood is good wood.  Then it's a no-go.  And, yes, somehow, painted furniture is (still) "in" fashion.  But...

Blah, blah, blah.  Painted furniture.  Been there, done that.  BO-RING!

We DEMAND a change.  Shake it up, people!  Welcome pattern and texture and color into your life!  We're presenting these options to you, our readers, today, to inspire you to paint greatness.  Step away from the white paint and sandpaper.  Realize that "Shabby Chic" starts with shabby.  Dive into the paint chips and pick something other than a neutral.  Or a pastel.  Try red or royal blue or canary yellow or kelly green or tangerine or ALL OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME!  Invest in a stencil (or make a stencil).  Buy some painter's tape.  Rub your little creative brain cells together!

Just remember two things -- 

First, pattern:

Chevron

Stripes

Everything!!

Try just accenting the legs with pattern...

 Second, color:

Not so traditional anymore, eh?

NEON!

Just bright tops, hmmm...

Now, put it together and paint EVERYTHING!!

Trunk, headboard, baskets, dresser, frames, vase, keys in the artwork...it's all painted!