soZealous for: KAREN ELSON

Model. Singer. Vintage Shop Owner.











[Image credits: 1.fashioning. 2.rubypr. 3.liebemarlene. 4.sarnold flickr. 5.kathleenandthedreadedopium. 6.tammymanet flickr. 7.ketsu0216 flickr. 8.Lula Magazine. 9.jkldesign. 10.beyondrecovery. 11.theneedtosee. 12.tatielle.]

EIGHTY. THIRTY. FIVE.

What an incredible 4th of July weekend it was!! Unfortunately, we didn't get to experience any of these [see above] due to rain, but 80/35 was explosive enough to make up for the lack of firecracker action. And now, a few highlights:


My brother rockin' the beats for Canby. SO proud of him!

Siblings 4 ever.
The Walkman were definitely one of my favorite shows of the festival. The pouring rain just made it even more magical...

Enjoying the shows with one of my dearest friends in life, Tyrell.

Pennyhawke's set was a pleasant surprise! And if you thought that lady on the drum kit looks familiar, it was none other than thy keeper of the gems herself, LESLIE HALL.

Not even the rain could get us down...SO looking forward to next year!!

Hope you had a great holiday weekend xx

Thought on a Friday // 80-35 EDITION

The 80/35 Music Festival takes place this weekend in downtown Des Moines and I AM PUMPED.

The free stages are going to be where it's at this year. Here's a few shows that I'm looking forward to:

Zola Jesus. I'm really determined here not to be all "if you like [insert band], you're really going to enjoy [insert band], but this Wisconsin chick opened for Fever Ray. For a reason.

Solid Gold. Solid beats. Dance party to ensue.

Flatform. Local DJ/VJ duo [& friends] will keep the dance party going. Des Moines doesn't even know what they have in these guys.

Canby. Scott Yoshimura [of Envy Corps notoriety & friend] solo project grows on me with every performance. I also really enjoy the fact that my younger brother is drumming for him. Go to this show and check out his mad percussion skills.

Even if you're not a fan of all the bands, you'll only be punishing yourself by not indulging in all the amazing *free* events that will be going on.

The YPC Do More Village will be packed with vendors showcasing art, music, and the best of local businesses. There will also be a DIY Craft Fair sponsored by Meredith on Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.

And don't forget to bring:


See you this weekend!!

[Images via Music Philosophy, band websites.]

Hotel du Petit Moulin

Le Hotel du Petit Moulin is a Parisian boutique hotel tailored by high-end fashion designer, Christian LaCroix.





Yet another spectacular space to chalk on my list of out-of-budget/ out-of-social-class dream vacation spots. Le sigh.

D.I.Y. Record Album Wall Art

This art project by Promise Tangeman is affordable, uncomplicated, and FABULOUS. Click here for the full tutorial.

Be sure to check out the rest of her site—thanks Jen for the recommendation!

Things to Come...

After a terribly long hiatus, I will be re-opening the Etsy Shop this week!! You can expect an update on July 1st, if all goes accordingly...

Can't wait for you all to see the new goods:)

soZealous for: TULLE

[Image credits: 1. weheartit. 2. Norman Parkinson Print. 3.Vogue Italia. 4.Harper's Bazaar. 5.yerinmok. 6.wastoldtheredbecake. 7.weheartit. 8.styletastic. 9.sagasig flickr. 10.Harper's Baazar. 11.csebastien. 12.pearlsandtea.]

Airstream Dreams & Purple Pencil Skirts

The Des Moines Art Festival took place this past weekend and I saw a good many inspiring pieces from both local & nationally recognized artists.

I especially enjoyed the work of Michael Bryant (Holga Photographer) and Cali Hobgood-Lemme (I featured one of her hand-colored photos for my most recent Best Of post).


Also at DMAF was a sweet little film troupe called Tiny Circus (from my hometown of Grinnell, IA) that shoot stop-motion shorts in Airstream trailers. Needless to say, I am quite enthralled by what they're doing (and maybe even more so with their Airstreams).

And now...two thing that cost me $3.00:


Purple pencil skirt from good ol' GW. Maybe you saw me shopping around in it down at Market Day Iowa, which was fantastic I might add! I got some vintage earrings, a typewriter pin, & an Arnold Palmer cupcake. Wow, indeed!!


My other $3.00 score was this 1957 Smith-Corona typewriter from an estate sale. Not only does it work, but it types in script lettering! Which is quite a rare find according to our online research...


Carrying case & instructions included. SO excited to start using it!!

Hope you had a lovely weekend as well xx

Best of the Week Vol. Forty-Two

1. At last...turn your handwriting into a font. Cost = ZERO DOLLARS.

2. 10 sources for design inspiration via Mashable.

3. The periodic table of crafty elements.

4. Expand your wardrobe without minimizing your wallet by throwing a clothing swap party with your friends. LET'S DO THIS!!

5. Prêt-à-Porter is a London cafe serving up sweets inspired by the fashion world. H&M made this video about it.

[Image by Cali Hobgood-Lemme, one of the featured artists at the Des Moines Arts Festival. I completely adored her minimal photos of vintage subjects. Simply captivating!]

Thought on a Friday // 06.25.10

If you are an art lover and in the Des Moines area this weekend, then you have an *awesome* couple of days ahead of you! Here's a few things to check out:

• The Des Moines Art Festival - Sure, there's a lot of people and you have to shuffle through scores of tents at a snail's pace, but at least go to check out the Iowa Emerging Artists booths. It's a treat to see all the local artists on the verge and by far is my favorite part of the fest.


• Market Day Iowa - This will be the first Market Day that I haven't been out of town or had to work, so I'm definitely looking forward to it. Featuring the best of the best in Iowa handmade arts AND crafts. Not "arts & crafts".

• Vitae Design Collective is hosting a trunk Show for Rock n Reconstruct & Little Pretties. Sale takes place this Sunday at their new location in the East Village from 1-4 p.m. There will be discounted merch & appetizers.

[Image credits: iamtough tumblr; Market Day Facebook page.]