Aww, Shucks.

I've been honored with a blogging award from one of my favorite bloggers and dear friends, Angi of Amateurian. My friend (and her now husband), Mark, introduced us forever ago and they now live happily ever after with three beautiful children. Beautiful both inside and out- thoughtful, polite beyond compare, intelligent and utterly charming, just like both of their parents. Angi is a multi- tasker extraordinaire, Romantica is a business model she dreamed up. If I hadn't been the recipient of this award from Angi, she'd be on the top of my list to receive it.

The rules (which I will not completely follow):

-Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award. (See above.)

-Pass the award along to 15 other bloggers who you discovered and think are fabulous. (Or three, like me.)

-Share 7 things about yourself. (See below.)

-Contact the bloggers you chose and let them know about the award 

I am choosing to honor, in no particular order, the following:

Amy of PhotographicAmy, a fellow Vintage Market Team member and vintage-o-holic. I love the way she puts together blog posts. They reference her life and interests, while promoting a love of vintage, photography, design, literature and humor. Job very well done!

Next is Weezi and her amazing blog. She has an eye for patterns, an obvious love of vintage, kitsch and retro. She has her own adorable retail store (in Canada, otherwise I'd never leave it), makes aprons, coats and dresses to die for. Some of Lisa's wonderful pieces are available on Etsy, others on her Facebook page. And she hosts Beehive Tuesdays (and the like) on a regular basis.

Through her, I met HandsomeAndLace, who elevates vintage neckties to headbands, ascots, clip- on bow ties and mini ties for men, women and felines. Neck ties are one of my favorite items of clothing. Not easy for a chesty gal to rock but I love them! Normally worn as neckties tucked into the neckline of an open neck tee, as a belt or headband. Keira makes the beloved necktie a lot more wearable. There are quite a few drool- worthy examples in her Etsy shop.

And now... seven things you (probably) didn't know about me:

1- I have a strong dislike for cheap shoes.

2- I can hold a grudge forever. Literally.

3- I look nothing like my mother.

4- I cut and dye my own hair, and done so since I has twelve. In the past 20 years, I've gotten exactly 5 professional hair cuts and have disliked most of them.

5- I prefer savory to sweet and umami to all other tastes.

6- The Virgo in me does not allow the mixing of sports brands on my body. Since I only wear Adidas sneakers (which are great for feet with higher arches), that means I also only wear Adidas socks, track pants, shorts, sports bras, sports watch, etc.

7- I wish I were taller.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Nine Days of Flea Market Finds and We Have a Winner!

Looks like a beautiful weekend is upon us - anyone feel like hitting a Flea Market? How about a nine day long virtual Flea Market hosted by Etsy's Vintage Market Team? Sound too good to be true? Well, it isn't.

Each participating shop sets their own terms so do check shop announcements for details.

I'll be offering a discount on every single item! My terms:

All items ON SALE from 12:01 am EST on August 28th through 11:59 pm EST on September 5th!

Items under $50 will receive $5.00 back.

Items between $50- $100 will receive $10.00 back.

Items over $100 will receive $15.00 back.

Payment is due at time of purchase, through Paypal only.

Discounts promptly made via Paypal.

As always, combined shipping rates and discounts apply, including cross- site savings from retrotrend and RetroHommeVintage.

Search vmteamflea for more items from Vintage Market Team sellers. Don't forget to check out our video by Antiques Galore Gal.

And, a winner has been chosen for my FAN-Tastic Fans Giveaway! Zen Hen chose this amazing silvered tin Modernist link necklace by Luciano of Mexico. Great choice!

Also, a special thanks to the lovely Weezi for featuring one of my dresses in her Friday Finds post. Guess I know where she'll be shopping this week.

Enjoy your weekend!

Purses as works of art?

Yup, it is Friday the 13th! I did venture to the post office today for a very important reason. Mostly I spent the day at home, photographing lots of new vintage goodies that will be listing soon.

Looking around every single room in my house, I find vintage and retro items that inspire me. I've shown you some artwork and furniture already. Today, let's focus on display pieces that really change the feel of a room.

This antique trunk doubles as blanket storage and as a coffee table in the guest room. Lucky guests are allowed to play Simon.

Turn of the century "A Lunatic" metal trunk holds an original Simon game, copyright my birth year.

I spend quite a bit of time in my office. And I have a severe vintage bag addiction. My office needed something on the walls and screamed for pegboard displays. 1960s framed student fashion drawings hang off to the left, bags ranging from a 1940s wool clutch with mink front to a 1960s Morris Moskowitz crocheted straw bag with gold chain strap.

The black bag display.

The colored bag wall- featuring bakelite handles, a kelly green satin and lucite evening bag, a floral tapestry bag with bamboo handle... And so much more.

The colored bag display.

And the reason for today's trip to the post office? My Facebook page's contest winner was Lisa of Weezi fame. She picked a crazy pink silk and velvet floral petal hat with pearl detailing, circa early 1960s.

Here I am, modelling the winning hat.

Here is the hat on my display head.

Here's to a wonderful weekend, with or without crazy retro hats!