friends are a good thing.

Yes they are. Especially blogging friends....

And guess what? 

I have someone I'd like you to meet! 

Her name is Charlotte *wave hi* and she is awesomeness. 

Hi Charlotte! 

Okay, now that you are introduced, I'd like you to meet her blog, Mason Jars & Fireflies. 

Looove it. 

I've been waiting to share her with you because a) I never was very good at sharing and part of me wanted to keep her all to myself, b) she just launched this blog not too long ago and I wanted her to have a few posts under her belt before I did the big reveal and c) I designed her blog myself so we still had a few kinks to work out (like that pesky "share button" thingy). Html coding is obnoxious!

  

But trust me, you guys are gonna love her. My favorite post so far is "Thrifty Nifty", literally made me laugh out loud. 

You guys have to check it out!

Just do it. 

And if you're still not convinced, we played a little game called "I'm Barbara Walters and you're the elusive movie star who's just coming out with a new book about her secret life" or something like that. 

Anyway. I interviewed her. 

Like I said, she's hilarious. Even reading her answers cracked me up! 

What type of blogger are you?

 

The random kind! I have a crazy variety of interests and sass to spare, I think my blog reflects that aspect of my personality perfectly!

 

The best thing about blogging?

 

The ability to completely and unabashedly be myself! I get to do all of my favorite things every time I write a post; I get to focus on writing, creativity, and being silly all at at the same time, whenever I want! It's like being a kid and having indoor recess for the entire day with all the Connect 4 and coloring you can manage. My excitement over indoor recess is a direct reflection on my lack of athletic abilities/that I am kind of a nerd.

 

In the movie of your life, who would play you?

 

Zooey Deschanel. Not because I'd like to flatter myself and think that we look ANYTHING alike (cue fishing for compliments) but her personality, quirkiness, and sense of fun are things that really resonate with me. If anyone can capture how I can manage to trip over a flat surface, laugh a little too loud, and attempt to say something intellectual and profound in the span of about 15 minutes, I think it would be her.

 

You never leave home without?

 

My camera. It's not anything fancy like some of my favorite bloggers have but it's sweet, simple, and I've taken some of the best shots of my life with it. I took it with me all over Australia and it hasn't left my bag since! The opportunity for a great shot is anywhere and never want to miss a single one.

 

Favorite blog to read?

 

Oh yikes...do I have to pick ONE!? I started getting into blogging by the way of the beauty blogs, beauty blogs led to nail polish blogs, and then when I saw Renee's blog it opened up a whole new world of blogging to me! So, I guess I'll just pick one from each category? Nouveau Cheap (http://nouveaucheap.blogspot.com/) is my favorite beauty blog because as much as I love makeup, I love a good deal even more! Short 'n Chic (http://shortnchic.blogspot.com/) is my favorite polish blog because not only does she show some killer swatches she also writes beautifully and BONUS, she is from the Cleveland, OH area! And, last, but certainly not least, my favorite for daily life blog is a tie: Rosy Personics (http://rosypersonics.blogspot.com/) because she takes a different approach to blogging than some others and it's really refreshing. There is a sense of humor, variety, and intelligence in her posts that always leave you eager for the next one! And, of course, OhRenee Designs! Renee has this way of letting you see the world through her eyes and it's a funky vintage play land! Her photographs are always perfection and her excitement as well as her sense of hope and happiness are completely contagious!

 

Love of your life?

 

Easy question! My husband. For a million different reasons, for the 10 years we've been together, for all the laughter and love we share, for every time I see him smile. He is my best friend in the whole world and the person I can be my insane self with no matter what. He supports me in all things and makes me feel like I could conquer the world in a Sunday afternoon if I felt like it. I'm as crazy about him today as the first time we kissed in the hallways of Copley High and unfortunately for everyone else...we're still EXACTLY that lovey and gross together.

 

Material Obsession?

 

Nail polish. Well...wait...Coach. No, shoes. Ummmm, makeup. Scarves, for sure scarves. But...well, jewelry too. Crap.

 

 SO. There you have it. I met this lovely girl in sixth grade and am happy to say that after ten years away from high school, we were able to "meet" again! I have the blogging world to thank for that. Well and Facebook. But I like the blogging world better. :) 

oscar, oscar, who's got the oscar?

That's what I was wondering this morning when I woke up. 

Since we don't have tv at our house (only Netflix), I often miss these fun events. 

Luckily, I did a little blog reading to catch up. 

From Erin's post, it doesn't sound like I missed too much in the fashion department. 

Love her reviews, so starkly honest. 

But whoa, Natalie Portman has got to be the most beautiful pregnant lady I've ever seen. One can only hope to exude that sort of grace (baby fever anyone?).

 Gorgeous. So glad she won for Black Swan, she definitely deserved it.

And I agree one hundred percent with Erin's take on the fashion....what happened to the "wow"  factor? Where were all the sparkles and diamonds? The ladies were pretty tame last night.

 Or at least as tame as wearing designer couture can be, right?! :) 

If you missed the Oscars, you've got to watch the opening video. These are always the funniest part of the show....before all the announcing, speeches and instrumentals get a bit tedious. 

sunday*swoons: miss enid collins

here

In the vintage world, Enid Collins is a rare bird. I don't think I've ever stumbled across one of these beauties and am consistently jealous of my own mom's collection. 

She says I can have them *someday* but until then, I am only allowed to look. Sadness. 

One of the things I love about these bags, other than the beautiful jewels and "handcraftedness", are the adorable designs....cats, dragonflys, birds, owls, cars, horses....you name it, she turned it into a purse! 

I bet you can guess, the owls are my favorite. 

Check out this photo of Enid Collins in her studio. LOVE. I bet we would've been good friends. 

You can learn more about her work at Enid Collins Collection. 

Anyhoo, that "Party Line" bag is probably my favorite. Not counting the owls. Or the super cute one my mom has with golden yellow and orange flowers..... 

above photos from here

here

holy snow day batman!

I love snowdays.

Even the husband had a snowday on Friday. It was the best. Much excitement followed that happy phone call...jumping on the bed, screams of joy....you know. 

Milkshakes, snowball fights, homemade pizza, naps, sketching, good movies and Scrabble. 

Love. Love. Love. Love. 

Even though I'm over winter, I must say...this blizzard was pretty nice. 

Hope your weekend is going well! 

five*things

1. This DIY framed idea from American Crafts

I was also a long ago "scrapbooker" who now has a ridiculous collections of buttons and brads. This may be my weekend project. 

2. Elsie's Spring lookbook for her new Red Velvet dress line. 

I die. 

Red Velvet Lookbook // Spring 2011 from elsie flannigan on Vimeo.

3. My friend Rachel using her flower necklace as a belt this week. 

Ingenious. Blatant copying of said outfit is bound to happen soon, just so we're all aware. 

4. I just finished The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova. 

Beautiful story that encompassed French Impressionism, sketching, painting and love. So many of my favorite things. 

5. Rabbit Fur Coat and Jenny Lewis. 

Really just all things Jenny Lewis. 

i've been dreaming lately....

of gelato. 

see previous post for explanation. 

annnnd this lovely spot in Florence. 

I want to go back. 

awkwards and awesomes for the week. Get EXCITED.

Heyyy there friends of mine! Guess what? It's Thursday. Again. I feel like it was just Thursday...but nevertheless, I'm excited because it means the weekend is close.
I love having Fridays off, it's the best way to start the weekend and tomorrow I've got a sewing date planned, so I'm even more excited! We've got a busy weekend ahead, but that's a good thing since last weekend was a bit lazy.

And yes. It's day 23 in the 30 for 30 and I haven't posted any photos this week. No, I haven't forgotten. I"m just saving them all for a special post.....or something. Don't hate me. That's a little peek at outfit number 23 up there....I'll share the rest soon!

awkwards: 

two words: jury duty

watching Paranormal Activity 2 thinking it would be lame like the first one and then freaking out in front of the husband half way through. And then husband freaking out when I spill the beans about the vintage Ouija board game that I had stored (with other games, mind you) under our bed. Then both of us freaking out when he finds it and I make him remove it from the house. Three quarters of the way through the movie. No more scary movies for us. 

hat hair.

Going into a local store the other day that I had never been to before... through the "out" door. Which was clearly on the LEFT side, which is obviously where the "in" door should have been. But then it was too late and I had already halfway pulled the door open (it was, of course, automatic) and was forced to squeeze my way through. Two minutes later my neighbor walked in and suggested I try using the "in" door, which would open a lot easier. Bah. 

Dripping mustard down my blue scarf in the car. And not noticing until it's dried. Two hours later. 

awesomes: 

finishing the last episode of Mad Men Season 3....Joan will forever be my favorite character. Betty and Don? Not so sure about them yet. 

Phone calls from the little sister. Loves.

Dreams about gelato. And giant bowls of gelato. And really just gelato in general. 

Winning a blog giveaway! Woot! 

My sister's friends coming home for the weekend and including me in their plans! I love that they love to see me too. Basically my sister and her friends are awesome until the end. Yeps.

Mint Oreo cookies. My faaaaaaave. 

The sparkly sequin skirt I thrifted this weekend. AWE to the some. 

The sparkly sequin skirt I thrifted this weekend with an old friend.....so good to catch up on old times and chat while thrifting! My favorite kind of girl date. 

Booking weddings for this year.....I can't believe how many I have on the calendar! So exciting.

Awesome, huh? :)
Happy Thursday! 

do you have 30 minutes?

Great! Because wait until you see what I've got here for you. And all it takes is 30 measly little minutes. Maybe less. Depending on how speedy you are. 

Another fabulous thrifting find, at least in my book. is a vintage frame. The more ornate and old school looking the better. 

Then I....wait for it....paint it. 

Yep. 

Probably something you've NEVER thought of before. I'm sure. 

But just in case there are one or two people out there who haven't, I put together an easy easy easy DIY tutorial. 

And then I promise to share with you all of the crazy beautiful (wasn't that a movie once?) things you can do with a newly painted frame. 

But that's a post for another time. 

For now, just humor me and pretend you've learned something! 

kthanks. 

Assemble a few fun colors of paint. I used these sample sizes from Lowe's.
Cheap and lots of choices. 

Assemble a few funky frames from the thrift store.
All sizes and styles are acceptable, don't discriminate.

Remove back and glass, clean with warm water and softly sand down frame. 

Begin painting with a thick coat, keeping track of drips. 

Don't forget to paint the edges and inside of frame. 

Leaving a bit of the old frame in certain spots can be a nice touch.
Or painting in a thin coat that allows for parts to show through. 

All finished! See wasn't that easy?! Where would you guys be without me!? 

reason #327 why I shop at the thrift.

On a whim, I bought this sweater at New York and Company before the 30 for 30, with every intention of wearing it on vacation. I used coupons and with the sale, I think I spent $22. 

And then I never wore it. 

In fact, the silly little sweater turned into a big ball of buyers remorse by the time I got it home, since I usually spend that much on an entire bag of clothes at the thrift store.  

So I didn't pack it on the trip. Figured I would just return it and save my $22 for a rainy day.

And then, and then, AND THEN I was at the thrift this Saturday with a friend from out of town and GUESS WHAT I found....

The same exact sweater. 

In a larger size. 

Which is totally fine because I am handy with my sewing machine. 

Five. Dollars. 

That's right kids. Five dollars. 

So if there is anything I can teach you on this little blog of mine, it's that everything eventually makes its way to the thrift store. You just gotta be patient. :) 

thoughtful tuesday...

You can find more of her work here. Love. 

16.17.18

Hello there friends! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! 

I spent Saturday morning catching up with my little sister and friends home from school, Saturday afternoon catching up with an old friend/new friend/blogging friend who I can't wait to introduce you guys to (wait until you see her blog, it is ADORABLE!). We had a great time talking about everything that has been going on in each other's lives since high school as well as doing a little thrifting (of course). Love her to sparkly shiny pieces, I do. 

Then I spent the rest of the weekend recovering from a nasty head cold (I really enjoy that spontaneous warm weather makes me sick. So fun.) and cuddling with the husband, who wasn't afraid to get my germs. He's the best. 

Can't wait to share a few fun things with you all this week and catch up on my blog reading! I haven't had two seconds to do anything other than blow my nose in what feels like forever.

xoxo

renée

Shirt: AE, Cardigan: AE, Skirt:F21, Boots:Famous Footwear, Socks: Target

Cardigan: Dillards, Sweater: Banana Republic/Thrifted, Jeans: F21, Scarf:AE, Belt: Thrifted, Hat: Target,  Boots: Kohls

Don't you just love all the snow spots in the last photo? Boo to winter. I'm over you. 

sunday*swoons: springlike

here

here

here

here

here

here

here

Is anyone else missing Spring right now? Four days of sun and then snow is such a tease. Really, it just can't get here fast enough.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!



*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
Today I am grateful for long naps and lazy Sundays. They really are the best.

xoxo

awkward. awesome. you know the drill....

So, once again, thanks again to Sydney at The Daybook for the "awkward and awesome" game we play every Thursday! She's pretty awesome herself!

Awkwards

-waking up today and feeling less than 100%. More like 22%. Never a good way to start your day. This my friends, is a major awkward. 

-jet lag. makes for some poor choices and inability to focus on anything. My bed and I were best friends this week. 

-my dog's stomach issues. I should rephrase this and say husband's dog's stomach issues. STINKY. My dog could never do something like that. NEVer. 

- my bangs getting dirty before the rest of my hair. MAJOR PET PEEVE. 

-ten random photos just disappearing into a black hole. from my memory card AND computer. where oh where did they go I want to know. And whyyyyy!? Frustrating. 

-miscommunication. and pettiness. annnnd facebook. just something I've been observing for that last, I don't know, five years! The husband suggested we write a book entitled "Social Etiquette on Facebook: How to stay friends and avoid DRAMA" because that's all that ever seems to come from it. And so often unintentionally.....alright, stepping off my soapbox. :) 

-the older woman who sat at the stop sign outside Target for a loooong time. while everyone else had to go around her. AND THEN she decided to make a right. Bah. 

-

Awesomes: 

-Valentines Day with the husband. And chocolate covered strawberries. Double win if I do say so myself! 

-my SIL winning first place at her science fair. she is SO awesome. 

-halfway done with the 30 for 30 challenge....I really thought I would've cheated by now. Or at least given up. 

-new shoes c/o my momma....she's awesome too and not just because of the shoes! (which I'm paying her back asap, promise.) 

-taking the FIL to dinner and making it out with the check before he noticed. mwahahahaha. :) 

-thrift store finds that are *awesome* as well as my *awesome* thrifting buddy who is just all around *awesome*

-sweet Valentines cards in the mail. 

-the little girl I tutor bringing me her fuzzy socks to wear during our hour, because she knows I get cold. She's too adorable. Really. 

-Jurassic Park movie marathons with the husband. Love. 

-broiled asparagus with olive oil and seasoning. New favorite snack! 

-the person dressed as the Statue of Liberty in town the other day, jamming to the same song that was on the radio in our car. It was like our own little dance show in time to the music....I think we about died laughing. But seriously, if I had to do that and no one knew it was me....I'd totally bust a move out there. Why the hecks not? 

The weekend is almost here! Who's excited?! I'm excited! 

a crossbody.

am kinda in love with these lately.....how about you?

Crossbody Bags by reneeallison featuring a shoulder strap bag

City Market Pouch in Nut, $50
Coconino Sling Bag, $148
Daily Brights Satchel, $188
Cherry-Trimmed Bag, $118
Adjustable Distressed Leatherette Bag, $30
Sac à mai bohémien en cuir, $36
Amazon.com: Fossil Winslet Crossbody Bag: Clothing
Amazon.com: Lucky Brand Stash Cross-Body: Shoes

And then look what I found at the thrift this week! Score!!! 

Its scary how easily I find the things I'm looking for sometimes...

remix. remix. remix.

After my breakdown freak out moment on day uno of our 30 for 30 remix, I am proud to say that I've been doing pretty well putting together outfits out of my thirty items. 

We're halfway through. Thank goodness. 

Though Ill be honest, that week in Vegas and a few extra pieces may have helped. 

But even so, I've actually been looking forward to putting together my outfits! It's like a puzzle. Or a game. Or something. 

Anyways, props again to the husband for my photos at the super freaking cool empty because its winter drive-in. It'll be a double bonus if he makes it through the 30 for 30 with me! 

And thanks to Rachel for the picnic table photos. Impromptu photo opportunities are always a win in my book. 

Those first photos, for day 13? Yeah....they were the 'almost forgot to take because it's Valentine's Day and we're having too much fun together' photos. So we took them after dinner. In the dark. Bad move, without my fancy flash. My apologies for the fuzziness. 

Jacket: Target/Thrifted, Red Cardigan: AE, Striped top: Banana Republic/Thrifted, Jeans: F21, Shoes: Target

Cardigan: Dillards, Belt: Thrifted, Scarf: AE, Button down you can't see: Macy's, Jeans: LOFT, Boots: Famous Footwear

Top: Target, Skirt: Gap, Boots: Famous Footwear, Tights: Gap

Annnnnnnnd just a little shout out to my super brilliant SIL. She won first prize at her high school's science fair....her project had something to do with polymers. I think. 

 FIRST PRIZE! She rocks. 

Don't forget to check out the color brigade either....super fun, all these fabulously stylin' ladies out there!