Fashion Friday with Etsy - Vogue's 10 best dressed

For this weeks Fashion Friday I turned to the experts at "Vogue". I went to their 10 best dressed and found the below picture of Dasha Zhukova. Take a good look at the lovely Mrs Zhukova's outfit and then let's create it for MUCH less using only Etsy Vintage.

Who knows what poor Dasha paid for this outfit (although she looks fab)
Let's get to the recreated Etsy Vintage version...
Put on this vintage outfit, wear a crabby face as if you're saying "Really, must you take my picture again?", and voila you will look just as good as Dasha but for a fraction of the cost.
Left: The sassy faced Dasha Zhukoza wearing a Chanel jacket and Kova and T dress
Middle: vintage 60s IVORY dress by Fred Rothschild $27.78

Upper Right: vintage ST.JOHN patent leather handbag w/shoulder strap. made in Italy. $40.00
Lower Left: vintage 1960s CLASSIC CHANEL COPY blazer $65.00
Outfit total: 132.78

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

Sticky Business

Alright, this post isn't Etsy Vintage but it is Etsy so let's call it good. Anyway, I know it's been around for awhile but I am just finally getting with the times and developing a love for patterned tape.

Forget the gift ribbon. Decorative packaging tape can be your signature wrap. Consider it, too, for adding a bit of color and pattern to the edge of a roll-up shade or for decorating a glass kitchen canister. Check out a few of the amazing decorative tapes I found on Etsy. Just so happens all of these tapes come from the same great Etsy shop, Pretty Tape.


Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage Blog
and
have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

What REAL Moms want for Mother's Day - Emily

Instead of writing what I think Moms want for Mother's Day, I asked women of all ages and personalities to shop Etsy and tell me their favorite item(s). Today is the third post of "What REAL Moms want for Mother's Day". These blog posts will continue until Mother's Day. Keep checking back for more Mother's Day ideas.

Who: Emily
Age: Early 30's
Kids: 1 sweet baby boy

Emily was kind enough to do all the work for me. Emily wrote:

"I am a mom of one 4-month old baby boy, Drake. I stay at home with him right now, which is the best job ever! My boyfriend of 10 years and I live together in Unionville, MI and we are loving life! We are a happy, fun family of three, and I can't wait to add another one to the mix"

I chose this because I LOVE LOVE LOVE candles, and lavender is one of my favorite scents. I can always use candles around the house, with three dogs and a baby, it's nice to freshen the place up! I also love lavender because it is relaxing. I love soy candles also, these seem to last longer than other candles.

I chose this because I have been looking for a natural hair conditioner, something that might make my hair a little less dry and crazy! I have curly hair and it is THE hardest hair to keep up in my opinion. I like that this stuff is made of all natural ingredients.

I chose this because I have been looking for an all natural baby wash for Drake. This stuff looks awesome, and I would love to try it out! I love bath items made of all natural ingredients.

Thank you for reading the "What REAL Moms want for Mother's Day" blog post. Keep checking back for more amazing Moms and what they really want.
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

Apologies

SORRY!

1. There will not be a Fashion Friday today. Sorry! Fashion Friday will be back next week.

2. As many of you know Happy Day Vintage recently started selling vintage jewelry. The jewelry is made by a fantastic artist named Clare Heuer. Recently I was made aware Etsy does not allow account holders to represent other artists. Therefore I have removed Clare's items from my shop.

Dear Etsy,

I am sorry for the misunderstanding. Although I was sad to do it, Clare's items have been removed from Happy Day Vintage.

3. My sincere apologies to Clare. I am a huge fan of her work and felt her jewelry would be a perfect fit for Happy Day Vintage.

Dear Clare,

I am sorry I did not look into the Etsy rules and regulations prior to forming a partnership with you. I have no doubt you will be able to grow your business without the assistance of Happy Day Vintage.

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage Blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

8th Wedding Anniversary

Today my husband and I celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. I always tell my husband I won the husband lottery when I married him.

Here are a few items I found putting in the search word "lottery" in Etsy Vintage:
Top: Vintage Hallmark Scratch-Off Birthday Invitations, Sealed $6.00

Lower Left: Assemblage Artist wins the Lottery $68.00
Lower Right: Vintage Paper ephemera bar lottery punch game board $5.00

On the more formal side... the 8th wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with Bronze. The following are a few items I found when typing in the search work "bronze" in Etsy Vintage:

Upper Left: Weathered Industrial Desk Lamp, Retro Banker-Style Lamp $42.00

Upper Right: 1920s Whitmans Salmagundi Vintage Art Nouveau Tin (sorry, item sold out between the time I started writing this post and the time I finished. Check out this shop for more amazing vintage treasures)
Middle: vintage Luxe Olive Bronze Jewelry Chest $45.00
Lower Left: Vintage Bronze and Cream Ice Bucket / Retro $15.99
Lower Right: Mid Century Modern Magazine Rack $45.00

Happy Anniversary Justin!
Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage Blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

The Vintage Peasant Top is Back!

Taken straight from the the headlines of Vogue Magazine, "Let the Tees Slouch Away This Summer: The Peasant Blouse Is Back" Fabulous!, at least in my opinion. I love the light and flowing design of a peasant blouse. It's perfect dressed up or casual. Even more important, it's cool enough to wear in the hot time summer sun. Here are a few perfect peasant tops from Etsy Vintage...

Upper Left: Vintage Black Boho Floral and Breezy PeasantTop $30.00

Lower Left: vintage 1970s LILAC PEASANT top small $22.00
Middle: emerald green ruffled peasant blouse, size small $25.00

Right: vintage GAUZY white peasant tunic $35.00

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog

and

Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

What Real Mom's want for Mother's Day - Grandma Janie

Instead of writing what I think Moms want for Mother's Day, I asked women of all ages and personalities to shop Etsy and tell me their favorite item(s). Today is the second post of "What REAL Moms want for Mother's Day". These blog posts will continue until Mother's Day. Keep checking back for more Mother's Day ideas.

Who: Grandma Janie
Age: 60 something years young
Kids: 5 kids and 13 Grandchildren

Knitting: patterns.

Grandma Janie wrote: "Many of the yarn patterns are for crochet. I liked this link because they were strictly knitting. I especially like the patterns for children's hats & slippers."

Please note, Grandma Janie was unable to provide links but I did find a few great knitting patterns, on Etsy, that fit the description she gave...

Upper Left: 2. Knitting pattern Crocheted Newsboy style Hat Baseball Cap PDF $5.00

Upper Right: Trial Cap Pattern $6.00
Lower Left: PATTERN - RAINBOW BABY BOOTIE CROCHET PATTERN SIZE 0-3 MO $5.00

Lower Right: Toddler Mary-Jane PDF Pattern (1,2 and 3 years) $5.99

Art: prints & drawings.

Grandma Janie wrote, "I love original artwork, but paintings are way too expensive. The prints are very reasonably priced. I loved the "Grandma's Geese" one & will probably purchase it. (see picture of Grandma's Geese below)

Grandma's Geese - Giclee Print $20.00 by Sage West Studios

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

Fashion Friday with Etsy - Vogue Sarah Jessica Parker

I've featured Sarah Jessica Parker in the past. Just this week I found these pictures from "Vogue" Magazine of Mrs. Parker sporting some amazing vintage inspired pieces. I couldn't resist.

Top: Royal Coachman Fedora by Dobbs $34.00
Bottom Left: Sarah Jessica Parker in May 2010 Vogue photo shoot
Bottom Right: 1950s Black and Gold Metallic Cocktail Dress MED $165.00


Top: Sarah Jessica Parker in May 2010 photo shoot
Bottom: Vintage Ladies Black Polka Dot Pill Box Veil Hat $17.00

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

How to Shop Salvage

Flip through a magazine and you'll find one of the biggest trends is decorating with aged furniture and architectural elements.
The look si so popular that some home decor and furniture companies sell new items aged to look vintage. But shopping for the real thing yields unique and better-looking results.
Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your salvage store shopping trip:

1. Explore the Store: If you've never been to a salvage store, plan an initial visit to your local source just to get some ideas for your space. You may find a piece to use as a starting point for the room's style.
2. Take Measurements: Be sure to record every measurement you might need from your home before you to to the store. The this list of measurements and a tape measure with you when you go shopping. Then you'll be able to take the measurements in the store to ensure that furniture and other items are a perfect fit.
   
3. Bring Inspiration: Look through magazines to find photos of rooms or pieces of furniture that you like, and take them to the salvage store with you.
   
4. Consider Function First: Since salvage stores can be overwhelming, it's best to go into the store with an idea of how you want to use salvage pieces.
   
5. Start Small: Start with one or two smaller items and see if you like them. You can always go back for the larger pieces at another time.
   
6. Ask Questions: Speak to a store employee to find out if they have n item you're looking for. If they don't have it, they may be able to tell you where you can find it or let you know when they have it in stock (this rule goes for Happy Day Vintage as well. If you don't see what you want please contact me and I will do my best to find it for you).

Source: Some above info take from: My Home My Style

If you don't have the time to search out salvage stores contact us at Happy Day Vintage and we'll do it for you. Let us know what you're looking for and we'll find it. You could also search Etsy. You'll find a vast variety one of which may be just what you're looking for...????...

Here are a few of the vintage furniture and architectural items which can be found on Etsy:
Top Row Left: French Ivory Window Grate from French Chapel Winery $75.00
Top Row Middle: Big Bold Vintage Metal Storefront Facade Letter Sign Mid Century Y $24.00

Top Row Right: Shabby Fretwork Victorian Chippy Gingerbread Corner Brackets $30.00
Second Row Left: Art Deco Elevator Floor Indicator Dial $2,300.00

Second Row Middle: Wonderful OLD Vintage Wood Floral Carved LONG Tapestry Frame for Prints, Fabric, or Collage $48.00

Second Row Right: One Speed Oscillating Fan $62.55
Third Row Left: Lot of 7 Jazzy Vintage Trumpet Mutes $65.00
Third Row Right: Oh So Industrial Office Desk Lamp $57.00

Bottom Left: Antique Architectural Iron Grate $28.75
Bottom Right: Vintage Black and Gold Decorator Architectural Urns $95.00

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas
douglasdanae@yahoo.com

What REAL Moms want for Mother's Day - Erin

Instead of writing what I think Moms want for Mother's Day, I asked women of all ages and personalities to shop Etsy and tell me their favorite item(s). Today begins the first post of "What REAL Moms want for Mother's Day". These blog posts will be posted from today until Mother's Day. Keep checking back for more Mother's Day ideas.

Mom: Erin
Age: 30 something
Kids: Kamea (4) and Braden (2, almost 3)

shown above: vintage 50s 60s inspired re-production dress custom made $150.00
by She By Cindy

Erin was kind enough to do all the writing for me:

As a busy Mother of two fantastic children I don't have time to shop for myself. I enjoy shopping online because it's easy, fast, affordable, and I dont have to deal with long lines at the mall. One of my favorite places to shop is www.esty.com I am able to find clothing for my family, toys, housewares, and gifts for friends & family. I am a big fan of anything vintage or vintage inspired. Trends come and go but I know I can find something sexy & timeless at etsy.
This vintage inspired dress from the 50's comes in an array of colors and can be flattering on any body type. It reminds me of something Sarah Jessica Parker might have worn on Sex in the City. I absolutely love this dress to wear to a PTA meeting or a night on the town.

If you are a Mom and interested in sharing your Etsy favorites please contact me (douglasdanae@yahoo.com).

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

Furniture Upcycle

"Better Homes and Gardens" website had a great snip-it on how to up-cycle undesirable furniture. The following was my favorite:

Pictures above taken from "Better Homes and Gardens" website. Check out their website for more great furniture upcycling ideas
If you don't have a cabinet similar to the above I'm sure you've seen one on the curb with a big "FREE" sign taped to the front.
I love the above make over. In the after picture, the cabinet is shown in a laundry room. That's a great idea but I can't help but to picture this in a nursery. Wouldn't it be adorble with cute little baby outfits hanging, bright baskets holding diapers, a lazy susan stocked with lotions, and fuzzy blankets folded at the bottom?
I decided to take that idea one step further. I found a few baby nursery items on Etsy to fill the shelves of this great cabinet redesign.
UPPER LEFT: One XLarge Comfy Fabric Storage Bin with Handles. 58 Fabric Choices $27.99
UPPER RIGHT: diaper cover retro ZOO cream Available in S, M, LMIDDLE $15.00
MIDDLE: Baby Stroller Blanket - Lemongrass, red and navy. $300.00

LOWER LEFT: Small giclee crab print (item No. P-2008-7) $29.00

LOWER MIDDLE: Let's Go to The Zoo Burp Cloth $6.00
LOWER RIGHT: Farm Alphabet Wooden Baby Blocks - set of 13 with drawstring bag $32.00

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage Blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

Getting Fresh

It's the time of year where I want to adorn my home with flowers galore. I found a few less conventional items which would make eye catching vintage floral displays.

Turn a tea set into a sweet floral display. I love the idea of turning one cup over and stacking another on top to add height to the table. Fill the tea pot with one kind of flower and the cups with another.
Left: Winter Pine, Occupied Japan, Fine China Tea Set, S.G.K. $59.00
Right: HOBO CLOWN COFFEE SERVICE - Set of 6 polka dot cups and saucers JAPAN $32.00

I can pictures these on a kitchen island. Use one kind of flower in each container. Cut the stems short and pack the container to create a low dome of blooms.
Left: Vintage Strawberry jar candy dish $17.00
Right: Set of Three vintage strawberry metal bowls $30.00

This set up would be perfect for a bedroom or bathroom. Place pots of flowers in an open piece of vintage luggage. The above left is a Beautiful Blue traincase from Happy Day Vintage (featured on the front page of Etsy just this morning). On the right is a picture taken from Tammy Golson Events Blog.

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog
and
have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

Dana's Dramatic Dressforms - Meet Genevieve

I recently created a custom dressform for a husband buying his wife a gift in celebration of their first wedding anniversary. This sweet man (yes, I think he should give lessons on how to be a great husband) requested a dressform meeting his wife's measurements and "dressed" (what I call the final covering on my dressforms) in the traditional first anniversary gift, paper. I was happy to take on the task.

Meet "Genevieve". In my mind she's sophisticated, elegant and intelligent. She has the ability to turn men's heads and melt the hearts of young and old with her sweet spirit.

I love how Genevieve turned out. I put a lot of time and attention into her details. For example, notice the way the papers create a fish bone like pattern in the chest and midsection. The back mimics the same fish bone design.

Please keep checking back with Happy Day Vintage for more one-of-a-kind dressforms. As always, I do custom dressforms as well. Please contact me if you have questions.
douglasdanae@yahoo.com
Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Problem and Solution: Funky smelling vintage books

Shown above
one speed oscillating fan from Happy Day Vintage
1865 Vintage Bible from Happy Day Vintage

Do your vintage books carry a funky smell?

The smell comes from moisture. Paper drys slowly because it is so good at absorbing moisture quickly.

According to "Real Simple" Magazine:
Get rid of any moisture, and the musty smell, by standing the book up so it's pages fan out in front of an air conditioner or fan for two or three days. Then store the book inside a closed plastic storage container with an open box of baking soda until the mustiness clears.

Fashion Friday with Etsy - 80's Brights back again

The bright acid colors of the 80's are back and I am loving it. I found a few pieces on Etsy which will bring you back and update your wardrobe in a fun and funky way. Come on, it's impossible to be sad when wearing colors like these.

UPPER LEFT: Sz XS S VIntage 80s Color Block Neon Swimsuit $41.00

MIDDLE LEFT: Vtg 80s Green Olympic Games Neon Light Track Jacket S $19.99
LOWER LEFT: 80s Hot Pink Nylon Jumpsuit SM MED $42.00

TOP 2ND ROW: Neon 80's Dress xs s $25.00
MIDDLE 2ND ROW: Neon Multi Colored Half Zip Up Work Out Jogging Pullover Sweater $20.00

BOTTOM 2ND ROW: You'll never feel blue in this pink dress $16.00
TOP 3RD ROW: 80's Teal Blue MINI SKIRT with belt loops xs sm med $19.00
BOTTOM 3RD ROW: 80s NEON YELLOW Leather Shoulder Bag $30.00
TOP RIGHT: Vintage Neon Lime Green super cinch belt small by Dance Chick 1980s $18.00
BOTTOM RIGHT: 80's Studded Leather Rainbow Hip Belt $18.00

Thanks you for reading the Happy Day Vintage blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

home office

Picture taken from DIYideas.com

I love this home office. Floral wallpaper makes it ultra feminine. Normally I would shy away from something so pink, soft and dainty. But in this case I welcome it with open arms! I would love to embrace my girlie side and create a workspace just like the office pictured above.

Therefore I have found a few vintage Etsy items which match the inspiration photo perfectly.

UPPER LEFT CORNER: off white desk light $17.50
UPPER LEFT : Vintage American Family Kitchen Scale $24.00
LEFT MIDDLE: Je T' Adore 5x7 Print $10.00
LOWER LEFT: Celebration SALE.... Deco style CRAMS IMPERIAL Globe wonderful colors... sea currents.. airline... Where will you go today... $35.00

UPPER RIGHT: Vintage 1920's Tin globe Bank J Chein Co $38.00
UPPER MIDDLE: Vintage 1930's Replogle World Globe $54.00
LOWER RIGHT: Picture Frame in Modern Squares Design $8.00

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage Blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas
Shop Owner

2000+ Hearts

A special thanks to the Happy Day Vintage customers and fans who have helped HDV reach over 2000 hearts. Thanks for all the love!
Thanks for reading the Happy Day Vintage Blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

Happy Day Vintage and Junk Drawer Jewelry

I am happy to announce Clare Heuer, from Junk Drawer Jewelry, will be a feature seller on Happy Day Vintage.
In a never ending quest to provide my customers with all their vintage heart desires, I realized HDV is lacking in the jewelry department. This began my crusade for the perfect vintage jewelry. I couldn't find existing pieces I loved but instead I found something much better...
Junk Drawer Jewelry by Clare Heuer.
Clare creates vintage necklaces using unusual vintage pieces. A few examples include knobs from a vintage organ, vintage key holes, belt buckles, pins, etc... Each piece is unique. You will never find another like it in the world.
While Clare creates necklaces she is willing to do custom orders for just about any type of jewelry. Have an old button from your Grandmother's favorite sweater?...Clare can make it into a necklace to cherish.
Please feel free to contact HDV if you have any questions or would like to find out more information about Clare's jewelry.

More about Clare:

• Full time Set Designer for ShopNBC
• Been selling at Haupt Antiek Market in Apple Valley, MN for 6 1/2 years.
• Owned a vintage shop in Kasson, MN for two years
  
• Been selling at the Buffalo Nickel in Buffalo, MN for almost one year.
• Have sold merchandise at The Porch in Buffalo, Mustard Moon in Carver, Linda's Cellar in Chaska (Minnesota) as well as various boutiques throughout the Midwest
  
• Currently selling at Laurel Street Flowers St. Paul MN
  

Please join me in welcoming Clare to Happy Day Vintage. It truly is a happy day with Clare on the team.
Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage Blog
and
Have a Happy Day!

Dana Douglas

Life Size Dress Form - Meet Robin

Happy Day Vintage has started our own line of vintage inspired dressforms. Keep checking the Happy Day Vintage blog to read more stories on the dressforms created and the story behind them.

Today, I would like to introduce "Robin"

Robin is a perfectly imperfect handmade dressform waiting to model your clothes, jewelry or just add an artistic touch to any room. Robin is covered in nearly 500 hand cut leaves which were strategically placed, one by one, in order to create a unique design. Robin also has 11 birds adorning her body. Two of the birds are easy to see but nine of the birds are hidden. Can you find them?

I name all of my dressforms. Each has a unique personality and name which comes to me as I create her. As I mold, past, design, glue, plaster, etc... a story comes to mind of the "woman" I am creating. It may sound crazy but it's my way of connecting and escaping in my art just as one would do while reading a good book.

While creating Robin the song "I'm like a bird" by Nelly Furtado kept popping into my head. That's where the name Robin, a bird common to MN, came to mind. I wanted to create a free spirit, young, slightly bohemian personality. I feel I accomplished this with Robin.

Each of my dressforms have a heart inside. I realize this too may be silly since the dressforms are closed at both ends and no one will see the inside but placing a heart inside makes me feel good about the product I'm creating. It's all about the details. Since Robin is a child like free spirit I had my daughter create the heart for her...

Left: Carly showing off the heart she colored. She choose a picture of the pony "Loving Heart" to color and put in Robin.

Right: Carly getting ready to paste and place the heart inside Robin.

As always, remember I do custom orders. Please contact me if you would like to create a dressform specific to certain measurements and "dressed" in a certain design, color, material, etc...

Thank you for reading the Happy Day Vintage Blog
and
Have a Happy Day