Lovely, Little Thing: Feather Friendship Bracelet

Isn't this is a dainty, lovely little thing?

The shop is Doble Ele  

and there's a lot more cuteness in there if you have a moment :)

My Etsy Picks: Here Comes the Sun

It's no secret that I love yellow. Isn't it such a happy color? To celebrate Spring and Summer, this week's Etsy Picks are goodies from both vintage and handmade shops in sunny yellow and mustard hues.  Just looking at these brings a smile on my face :)

Dandelion whimsical art print : Lupen Grainne

upcycled handmade suede ballet flats :  The White Ribbon 

60s chiffon floral jumpsuit : Gypsy Plunder

sunny yellow hemp thread : Hemp CRAFT

Paris graffiti photograph : The Paris Print Photoshop

Peacock feather earrings : Erin Keys

Dahlia bobby pins : Elegance for You

"Hello" wood sign : Dime Store Vintage

beach umbrella photography : Hey Harriet

 speckled yellow mugs by Straffordshire Pottery : Galore Galore
vintage enamel kettle : luna purpurie
golden yellow Samsonite tote : flat tire vintage
retro-inspired mustard blouse : Julia Gasin
yellow feather earrings : Jewelry by Aimee
Dandelion print pillow cover : Blossom Pillow Co.
yellow and white striped hammock : Veronica Colindres
mustard floral skirt : April Rodriguez

"Sunny Side Up" sign photo print : Maxwell Cozzi
yellow sundress : i love mona
beaded necklace : Sarah Robin L
vintage Bosch & Lomb sunnies : Raybanicos
sunny yellow cotton clutch : cutie girlie

Wallflower: The Simple Striped Tee

This isn't exactly an outfit post but I thought I'd share it anyway:)  These photos were taken via phone but I absolutely love the backdrop.  It is a shame that we didn't bring a DSLR with us.  On a typical day, I usually just wear a simple shirt, jeans, and flats. When I'm back home where the weather is much colder, I would often wear a blazer or a cardigan over a shirt, and a scarf.   This striped tee is one of favorite basic pieces in my closet.  I noticed that it's also a wardrobe staple among many fashionista bloggers.  A stripe blouse works with pants and skirts, and various fabric so it's a pretty versatile piece.  Do you agree?  Do you have a striped top in your closet?

Linked up with: Style Elixir's Style Sessions ; Kiwi Women's Style's Wardrobe Wednesday

Interior Design Shop: Lulu & Georgia

Hello. I hope everyone's had a wonderful weekend. We're not yet back home which explains the sporadic posting. I promise that once I got back my own work station, I would be sharing photos and would be visiting blogs again.  I hope you enjoyed reading my most recent vintage shop feature and interview.  

Meanwhile, I realized that it has been some time since I created an interior design post.  Interior decorating is one of my passions and I can spend hours browsing online home furnishing stores and interior design magazines.  Today, I came across Lulu & Georgia, an interior design shop based in California.  I love their collection of rugs, throws, and pillow covers.  Of course, I just had to share this great find with you all.  You can check out their shop here, follow their blog or follow them on Facebook.

Sale Alert: Buy 3 Get 1 Free at Tea Collection

From Monday, February 25th through 27th, Tea Collection offers customers the chance to get one free piece, for every purchase of 3 separates.   Visit the website today, look for the 3+1 icon and don't forget to use the promo code 4FUN on check out.

The Beautiful Art of Recycling: Window Shutters

I love recycled projects! I always think about trying them myself even though I know that I'd probably won't be able to do most of them.  I found these creative new uses for old window shutters in the home.  The idea of using this as a mood board or a mail sorter is a clever one but that's not all you can do with it.  It can also work as a rustic headboard, a wedding prop, an interesting piece of wall decor or a place to hang planters in your garden.  Take a look at these super-cool ideas:  (Click on the link at the bottom of each picture to view the source.)

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Which one of these projects would you be willing to try for your home?

Coupons: 25% Discount on Photo Book

It would be so cool to create my own photo book . I have lots of photos that I would have like to print and compile in an album.  It would've been so easy through Blurb because you instantly can make your own wedding book, photography book, cook book, or a family album.  The samples from the website look really nice.  You can even publish and sell your books online.  Found these interesting titles there :

books available via: Blurb

btw:

This weekend February 22 to 25, Blurb is offering 25% discount on your entire order.  Just use the code  FLASH25OFF 

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My Etsy Picks: Vintage Summer Shorts

Staying at my mom's, we can feel the scorching summer heat approaching. Since we live in a country where there are only 2 seasons (wet & dry / summer & rainy), we don't get to experience autumn, winter nor spring.  I can't help but dream of morning walks by the beach; swimming in cool waters; clear, blue skies; barbeques; green mango fruit shake; Reggae; cheerful days and lazy afternoons by the hammocks.

For this week's Etsy picks, I found these vintage shorts in various lengths and  colors which I think would be perfect for the summer!

paperbag ruffled waist abstract print : Diaphanous Vintage

70s short shorts with a cute heart applique : Ginger Root Vintage

80s Liz Clairborne striped denim shorts : Diaphanous Vintage

80s banana mustard shorts : On the Fringe Vintage

polka dot high waist dress shorts : Out of A Strobe Vintage

high waist floral skirt shorts : Shop at 851

90s dusty red denim high waisted preppy shorts : x plus y equals

vintage jean shorts : nemres

Which one of these pieces do you feel like wearing? And if you haven't heard of my newest giveaway just yet, click here to join.  You could win this beautiful beaded Native-American inspired earrings, to match your summer outfits.

All About Weddings: Gowns & Ruffles

Hello.  I hope everyone's had a wonderful weekend.  I haven't been able to blog for days as we were on a trip.  We're enjoying a beautiful sunny, warm weather at my mother's home and family bonding time.  February 18th is my mom and dad's wedding anniversary, I'd be sharing some precious photos later this week.  Even though our father had already passed away in 2006, we still like to remember their anniversary and I still can't help but feel a twitch in my heart.  Their love story is such a beautiful one!

Wasn't able to take any pictures the past days.  Thankfully, my Canon is now working again but I forgot to bring the cable to connect on my notebook.  It's been acting up lately.  I kept getting this error message when I try to click the shutter: "Error between the camera and lens.  Contact points need to be cleaned." And then it freezes and I would need to shut it down and turn it on again.  Has any of you experienced the same thing?  This was the second time it happened.  A few months ago, I encountered the same error and had to wait for days before it went back to normal again.  After taking out the battery and giving the cam a rest, I tried again this morning and it's back!  What a relief :)

If you haven't checked out my last post, I would appreciate it so much if you would read my newest handmade shop feature.  I am interviewing Kadhi of KadhiBo, a lovely little shop that sells tribal-inspired ornaments.  If you have a moment to join the giveaway, you could win a pair of Native-American inspired beaded earrings.  Meanwhile, here's a post I'd like to share from one of my old blogs:

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I think wedding gowns with ruffles are so romantic and dreamy. I searched Etsy for this particular style and found these gorgeous choices: 

The ruffles on this gown is made out of dotted embroidered lace with scalloped edge.
by Holly Stalder

The dress is made out of Alençon lace layered over platinum silk shantung bodice with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice is embellished with silk chiffon and beads of vintage pearls.
by English Dept

Bandeu style strapless silk top with layers of vintage and recycled fabrics and laces.
by KT Jean

 A floaty tulle number with thousands of ruffled layers for the vintage inspired or bohemian wedding.  by Bonzie

This gown is inspired by the 1970's bohemian era. It features a ruffled neckline and three tiers of silk chiffon maxi length skirt with a velvet belt in contrasting color.
by Rebecca Schonevel

This ruffled dress is made out of silk chiffon and charmeuse, lined with habotai silk. It features a cross (wrap style) draped sweetheart bodice with sheer straps made out of silk gauze that float all the way back to the center back of the waist.
by Ivana Krejci


Which one would you like to wear?

Featured Handmade Shop: KadhiBo & A Giveaway

I've always been attracted to tribal-inspired accessories so when I discovered KadhiBo on Etsy, I asked Kadhi if she would like to do this interview and she agreed right away.  I have so many favorites from her shop and most of them you see on this post.  And the great news is that one of you would win this Native American inspired beaded fringe earrings!  It's a best seller in her shop and it's also one of my best picks. I'm excited for the winner!  But first, let's get to know more about Kadhi, a dancer, poet, artist, traveler, mother and how she's able to bring her inspirations to life. . .

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?  

I tried for many many months to think of that perfect, magical and catchy shop name, but nothing clicked. When I asked other shop owners and friends for advice on a shop name, many of them suggested I just use my first name - Kadhi - since it is unique.  My husband would use Kadhi-bo as a nickname for me, and I really liked how playful and balanced it felt, so I started using it on my business cards and in social media, and it just stuck. So I stayed with what worked, and I am happy I did!

How old is your shop?

I started selling on Etsy in 2010, but I really kicked it into high gear in this past year after giving birth to my son, Raphael.

What inspired you to start your own home business?

Being a full time mama to a little one can be quite depleting if I don't take breaks to do something for myself everyday.  I started making jewelry during my baby's naps as a way to take a little vacation from being a wife and mother.  Having this creative outlet has been so nourishing for me. It keeps me inspired and excited on the days that I am totally exhausted from being up all night with a teething baby!

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft? 

Most of my pieces are inspired by my dream space.  Often times new ideas of color combinations will show up in my dreams, and if they were memorable enough, I'll sketch them in the morning and make something of it. Colors are the real inspiration for me.  I love playing with different color combinations and creating unique one of a kind pieces.  I also draw much inspiration from the vibrant hues and patterns in tribal textiles and jewelry.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

Finding the confidence to present my work to the public without feeling self-conscious that it is not "______" enough.  The jewelry market is so saturated and there are plenty of other designers that work with some of the same materials as I do.  So the temptation to fall into a negative feedback loop of comparing myself to others is definitely there.



How did you get over it?

I stopped following trends, stopped comparing myself to other artists and just focused on enjoying my own creative process. I realize that if I make things that I love, that my creative passion will translate through the piece and make it stand out amongst the crowd.

Please Name:

the things you do when you're not busy in your shop:

I spend lots of quality time with my little guy at the park, I love to travel, tend to my garden, dance, get crafty, go on adventures with my friends, and eat gourmet food with my husband.

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without:
lip cream, shades, tunes, scarf, a couple essential oils and perfume, skin cream, baby wipes!



 
your favorite shops:
I love wearing creations made by my younger sister, www.XangoShola.com

My friend Sadie always has nice vintage finds at Lost Boys and Lovers

And I absolutely adore this artist!


your top 3 favorite picks from your shop:

 gemstone necklace on gold-filled chain

turquoise statement necklace with geometric raw brass bar

   Native American long fringe earrings

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you? 

Do what you love! Be persistent! Work hard and commit yourself fully to getting your business off the ground.  It takes a lot of work to get a business up and running, so stick with it!

Any message to your customers and the people who support you? 

Since the early days of making jewelry, I have been supported by the loving encouragement from my family, friends, and especially my husband.  I am so grateful for their love and support!  I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such kind and caring people.

  

To see more of Kadhi's wearable art, visit her Etsy shop.  If you're into readable art, check her out here. You can also find her on Tumblr and Facebook.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Must Do:

1. Follow Beautiful Rache on GFC. 

(If you're not yet a follower, simply click the follow button found on the sidebar)

2. Leave a Comment.

(Visit KadhiBo. Come back here and tell us your favorite item/s from the shop)

Additional entries:

LIKE KadhiBo on Facebook.

Blog or Tweet about this giveaway.

This giveaway is open to all Beautiful Rache followers. Entries will be accepted until Friday, February 22th, 12:00 AM HKT  Open for international readers.  Don't forget to check back on Friday for the announcement of the winner.  Or add me on Twitter to keep posted.

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BIG THANKS & HUGS

KadhiBo

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My Etsy Picks : Vintage In Bloom

If you ask me, I can't get enough of vintage florals - dresses, skirts, tops - i love them all!  There's something about vintage + floral that pokes my heart.  Hopping around blogs, I know that a lot of you are excited for the coming of Spring! So this week's Etsy picks is all about vintage floral clothing.  I wouldn't mind having all these in my closet. Which one of these would you love to wear?

vintage mini skirt with red & white florals : Venus In Furs Vtg

floral button up blouse : Fauxden

baby doll floral dress : Mae Valente

sheer floral top : Mae Valente

 70s daisy dress : Lotus Vintage NY

80s blue pleated floral skirt : Schmoo1515

sheer dress with floral tapestry : Chariot Marie

high waist shorts & floral top : Closet Case Vintage

high-waisted moss green shorts: Amordress

floral patterned vintage dress : Vanilla Grass

70s burgundy skirt : Bambi Aparrel

80s high waist tapered jeans : The Blue Sky Boutique

black floral blouse : Hazel Hall Vintage

purple & blue secretary blouse : Jko Vintage
90s grunge floral denim : Extinct Vintage

pleated floral midi skirt : Dandelion Day Dreamer

abstract watercolor floral skirt : Maeven

black mini cotton dress: Better Stay Together