Retro-spect

Once again I have completely redone my blog...and I apologize for any confusion. I am constantly being inspired by new things and, as a designer, I seem to have this insatiable urge to continuously redesign.

The inspiration came from the BHG Cookbook that I bought yesterday. I loved the fonts, colors, and illustrations. Everything is so simple but playful at the same time. I used a typeface called Bodoni, which was a popular font in the 50s and 60s. Believe it or not but it has actually been around since about 1800! It was a favorite of graphic design legend Paul Rand, and is in fact much more accurate than a lot of those exaggerated retro fonts out there. They often would take something clean and simple like Bodoni and just ever-so-slightly rotate each letter to give it that classic 50s look. I followed that same technique and then added some hand-drawn flourishes based on one of the recipe titles. Finally, I created a sunburst pattern in the background and gave it a vintage look by adding the texture and vignette.

Anyway, just thought it might be worthwhile to share some of the knowledge I have about vintage graphic design for anyone interested...and to document my current/former design, since it's sure to change again at some point 0:)

What's Old in Newnan

So I'm finally back in the good ol' south...which means I have left a place that currently feels quite comfortable for weather so hot that makeup literally melts off your face... But it is all worth it, especially because I surprised John, my fiance, really well by making the drive a few days earlier than he expected.

Today we went to Newnan, Georgia which is an old southern town with lots of history. We stopped by a few antique stores and one of the things I found was the BHG Cookbook for Kids! It has the same adorable limited color illustrations as the original, but with simpler (and mostly sweeter) recipes that are more child-friendly. 

I also found this amazing purse. I love the colors, pattern, and texture. And there are metal hinges that keep it open or closed. It makes me think of Art Deco. The tag said that it was from Italy, but I don't know anything else about it. 

Also, John's sister is letting me use some of her vintage patterns as I am finally going to take up sewing! She had so many nice ones to choose from and I am extremely excited to start making them, with my Granny's help of course! 

I love this one because There is a detachable skirt with shorts underneath. I am definitely going to need some shorts. And the outfit overall is adorable. Also, I love pockets. 

And finally, this was my outfit today! 

Hot Stuff

As of two days ago, it finally feels like summer up here in Illinois, but down in Florida where I'm headed, it's a LOW of 75 degrees, so I figured I needed to be prepared! I have been eyeing this bathing suit from ModCloth for quite awhile and I think it's finally time for me to buy it. I'm nervous because I've never spent so much on a bathing suit before—and after reading all the reviews, which are mostly good and say that it fits like a dream, there are also quite a few that complain about the suits fading and falling apart after not much usage. But I think I'm going to risk it, since I'd much rather wear a faded retro suit than pretty much anything in our stores today. Anyway, here's a picture of what it looks like:

Sweet Homeward Bound

I wish I could post more the past few days, but I haven't been doing too much shopping lately. I'm packing up and getting ready to move back down south, to stay with my Grandmother for awhile. My mom's mom and my dad's mom live right next door to each other which is really nice and I'm looking forward to spending time with both of them. My Granny and I are going to sew some vintage patterns also while I'm there, so I will definitely post those when I get around to them. Hello South here I come! :p