Hello, my FABULOUS readers! I have two super cute outfits that I based off of things that inspired me from the latest edition of InStyle, and I am so excited to share them with y’all.
One of the pages that inspired me this month…
The detail and color of the blue dress shown in the picture above reminded me of a dress that I had stuffed in the back of my closet…I decided that it must be brought out and combined with a summery, straw hat and fun, white Jessica Simpson heels! I cannot wait to wear this outfit out on the town!
Hat: Blu Gertude (Deep South Pout of Columbus, MS) Dress: Fashion Barn (Columbus, Mississippi) Shoes: Jessica Simpson (Belk) Sunglasses: Target (Trussville, Alabama)I love magazines like InStyle and Vogue because they get my mind going about how to create my own “Inspiration Outfits” with things I already have, Thrift Store Finds, or new purchases from local shops.
I took inspiration (yes, this blog post has the word “inspiration” in it a lot…because I am the Vintage INSPIRED Passionista…haha;)) from Instyle magazine’s “Summer Steals!” and “Mens-Wear Hat” pages.
Hat: Charming Charlie (Birmingham, Alabama) Dress: Deep South Pout (Starkville, Mississippi) Shoes: Jessica Simpson (Of course…;))This summer, I am all about hats! Cute, floppy hats with my bikini and coverup, a mens-wear hat with a funky dress, or a bright, fun straw hat with a colorful dress..The VIP loves hats….
Don’t you just love InStyle Magazine??? Oh, I do…I love it almost as much as I love Jessica Simpson shoes…
Go pick up the next issue of InStyle magazine, and find ideas to make your own spectacular outfits! If you have an outfit inspired by magazines that you would like to share…give me a shout out! I would love to feature them in an upcoming blog! So don’t be shy! Get to emailing me your inspiration outfit pictures:)
If you would like to see more pictures from the “InStyle Inspiration: June 2012” photoshoot, then check out and LIKE my Facebook page:) www.facebook.com/VintageInspiredPassionista
Also, follow me on Twitter and Instagram! Twitter: @Abbysauce Instagram: @VintagePassionista
Looky! Looky! It’s Part 2 of Trussville Antiques and Interiors Reopening blog! As awkward as it was interviewing my mom, owner of the Lolly Molly…she wanted me to anyway…thanks, mom ;)
Chasidy Hathorn decided to open up her shop after taking a sabbatical from teaching to get her Type I diabetes under control. She has a high level of energy and creativity; art is her outlet.
At the Lolly Molly, you will find original artwork, redesigned and custom painted furniture, and upcyled items such as bike rim sculptures, plow blade coat hangers, and much more.
Chasidy is inspired by me…she has been painting and decorating my room since before I was born. I’m sure she is inspired by more things…but I like to think…it is just me! She did say some other things…but they all started with, “When I was in highschool…” and I tuned her out…but doesn’t every teenager??
Now, that I have gotten my mom out of the way…I can show you some of the fabulous things inside Trussville Antiques and Interiors . So enjoy these pictures, my dear readers!
Don’t you just want to pack your bags and head to Trussville, Alabama to have a marvelous antiquing experience at Trussville Antiques and Interiors!
Step inside Trussville Antiques and Interiors (formally the Trussville Antique Mall) and surround yourself with the finest antiques and decor around town. This wonderful shopping heaven had the fortune of building upon something already remarkable. Trussville Antiques and Interiors can match any home interior style from Shabby Chic to Victorian to eclectic modern!
I have recently attended the grand reopening of Trussville Antiques and Interiors, and it was oh, so fabulous! There I met and interviewed vendors, entered for door prizes, and searched for vintage clothes! Trussville Antiques and Interiors has such a variety of things for sale that you can find almost anything you want or need! You can take guitar lessons at Mark’s Guitars, purchase adorable vintage clothes at the Pink Porch, find yourself adorable handmade artwork at the Lolly Molly, or get a little something for the kids at Babee B Poshe!
In Part 1 of the Trussville Antiques and Interiors Reopening blog, I will be including some pictures along with interviews with vendors. In part two, there will be lots of pictures that capture the splendid things you can find at Trussville Antiques and Interiors!
I interviewed Bradley Leonard who is the owner of The Fabric House located in Trussville Antiques and Interiors. At the Fabric House you will find afforable, super stylish fabric that is great for all your crafting and decor needs! Bradley has such a variety of indoor, outdoor, and special order fabrics for sale in her shop.
Don’t you just love these special order fabrics from The Fabric House!
I asked Bradley what made her want to open up a fabric shop in Trussville, and she said that she has always been interested in decorating, and Kirk (owner of Trussville Antiques and Interiors) thought it was a great idea and the perfect time. “I am always helping my friends decorate,” Bradley says.
Mrs. Leonard said that she gathers most of her inspiration from magazines like Southern Living and other home decor magazines. She also finds inspirations from bright colors…who doesn’t love bright colors!
Bradley gave me two great tips that are true for the home and closet!
“It is your home, and if you like it, don’t let anyone influence your decisions.”
“If you aren’t sure about it in the store, then you will hate it when you get it home.”
Next, I visited Babee B Poshe to interview Brittney Malchus. At Babee B Poshe, you can find the perfect gift for the expecting mother, an adorable onesie for a cute little baby, or a shabby chic picture frame to hold your favorite baby memories! Brittney’s shop has so many adorable things that you will just have to see it for yourself at Trussville Antiques and Interiors!
I asked Brittney what made her want to open her shop, and Brittney stated that she wanted to be able to find cute things for her niece and friends that are expecting or have small children.
Brittney said that she was mainly inspired by Pinterest and stated, “…get inspiration from magazines and Pinterest, but make it your own!”
I dropped by Bill and Madeleine Laskoski’s shop to see what all they had to offer…and let me tell you guys, they have a little bit of everything! Bill, a retired school teacher, is like a mini picker! He told me that since he retired, he needed something to do…so he decided to open up his shop.
Bill and Madeleine refinish trunks (as seen in the picture above) to their original glory! It is quite a tedious project, but the finishing product looks marvelous! If I had somewhere to put one of their fabulous trunks, I would definitely pick one up for myself!
Bill is originally from the New England area, and when he returns home to visit, he stops by garage and yard sales in search of a good bargain!
I had such a great time chatting and getting to know Bill and Madeleine Laskoski at the reopening of Trussville Antiques and Interiors!
As I walked around the store in search of vendors to interview, I dropped by Kenny Lind’s shop. He is quite the adorable, humorous old man!
I asked Mr. Kenny why he decided to open his shop, and he said jokingly, “I got tired of chasing girls, so I went to work.” He also stated, “It’s a labor of love, not work.”
Kenny Lind was a golf pro all over the country and has helped in the building and designing of three golf courses. He designed and supervised the building of the Cumberland course.
The coolest things he has for sale in his shop are Roman coins, silver, and $1,000 coins! He also sells other types of coins, antiques, and comics!
I stumbled upon this funky arrangement of antiques as I wandered from room to room at the grand reopening.
When I ran into the owner, I just had to ask Mr. Kirk Cornelious what made him want to open up Trussville Antiques and Interiors. He said that he bought the building and thought the concept of an antique mall in Trussville would be beneficial to everyone. Mr. Cornelious and his friends run Trussville Antiques and Interiors together. Over the years, Mr. Kirk Cornelious has developed a love for antiques.
I dropped by Jo Ann Lawrence and Lauren Taylor’s (daughter) shop which sells antiques and handmade goodies that Lauren makes herself.
Jo Ann and Lauren told me that they are big into “Go Green”, antiques, and upcycling. Jo Ann loves the feeling of a satisfied customer who finds a treasure in her shop that makes him/her happy. Jo Ann Lawrence has a deep crush for old things and antique kitchenware. “I was always baking and being in the kitchen with my grandmother,” says Jo Ann.
Phyllis Mitchell is the owner of Decor by Phyllis. In her shop, you can find fabulous decor items such as industrial kitchen lights and adorable chairs in various styles.
She decided to open her shop in Trussville because it was closer to home. Phyllis stated, “I love to buy, but I can’t keep everything I buy! I also love picking out and pairing colors together.”
I asked Mrs. Mitchell what inspires her, and she said, “I take what I like and go from there!”
Mrs. Mitchell has some of her decor gems for sale at the Springville Antique Mall in Springville, Alabama.
Lace Blazer: The Attic Shirt: JCrew Skirt: The Fashion Barn Shoes: Jessica Simpson Belts: Target Necklace: Claire’s
I had such a fun time interviewing and getting to know some of the vendors. When planning your next antiquing adventure…I suggest visiting Trussville, Alabama for a marvelous antiquing experience that you cannot get anywhere else!
Don’t forget to stay tuned for the Trussville Antiques and Interiors Reopening blog: Part 2 for an interview with The Lolly Molly and exclusive pictures of what there is to find at Trussville Antiques and Interiors.
Also…I have fabulous news! My very first newspaper column has been printed in The Real Story (www.realstorypublishing.com) newspaper of Columbus, Mississippi! I am so excited…and I am waiting for my deddy to get home from Chicago so he can build me a frame for it:) So…Deddy…hurry up and get home from your business trip!;)
I have recently interviewed a fabulous jewelry artisian. Heather O’Cain, owner of BluKat Design, is all about upcycling and vintage couture! BluKat Design offers functional, wearable art that is great for a night out on the town or a quick coffee run!
I love to pair my vintage coral owl necklace with a variety of outfits, and it was recently featured in my blog “Sweater Happy DIY”!
Heather is quite the artsian when it comes to creating jewelry that catches a fashionista’s eye…because all fashionistas are attracted to sparkly, vintage things!
Without further ado, I present to all of my fabulous readers the exclusive VIP Interview with Heather O’Cain of BluKat Design!:)
These handmade hairsticks from BluKat Design work great to give a messy updo a classy cute look!
Tell us a little something about yourself.
I have been making jewelry for over thirty years, and I am a professional designer of award-winning, high end, modern gold and platinum jewelry in Seattle, Washington for over twenty-seven years. For years, I have hand carved wax models for rings, and now I am designing with a computer CAD/CAM program. I have studied jewelry design under the Master of found object art jewelry, Ron Ho. I have also received awards for my art jewelry including an award from the Pacific Northwest Arts and Crafts Exhibition. For fun, I like to make jewelry by upcycling vintage parts or found objects and selling them in my Etsy shop!
I just LOVE this purple and red statement necklace!
How would you describe your style?
My style is kind of fun eclectic, but a colorful mix of vintage and modern.
I would pair these adorable button earrings with a color block tank and a pair of cute khaki shorts!
What is your favorite music genre and why?
My music tastes are very eclectic also, from Led Zepplin to Imelda May to Latin and Jazz.
These fun, upcycled earrings from BluKat Design would perfectly complement any fashionista’s wardrobe!
What or who inspired you to start making jewelry?
I started making jewelry in high school, for some reason it was easier to express my creativity with jewelry; painting was still scary to me!
“Must Have” for any vintage lover!
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
My hobbies include hiking, mushrooming and foraging, painting and crafts.
I adore these beautiful earrings handmade by Heather O’Cain!
What is the most popular thing you make?
My hair sticks are quite popular, but there is more interest in my bobby pin jewelry.
Why did you decide to name your store BluKat Design?
My shop is named BluKat Design after my Russian Blue cat, Tuffy.
Doesn’t Heather have fantastic style and gorgeous wearable art! I just cannot say enough good things about BluKat Design….I am going to need a bigger jewelry box…haha:)
Heather is a fellow blogger, and we bloggers love other bloggers! So be sure to check out her blog: http://blukatkraft.blogspot.com
I have very special news to share with all of you! My first newspaper article will be printed and published online this upcoming week in The Real Story of Columbus, Mississippi! (realstorypublishing.com/category/columbus–ms/) I feel so blessed to have this opportunity at sixteen! God is amazing and dreams do come true:)
Join me next time for a the Trussville Antiques and Interiors reopening! Interviews with vendors and the owner plus fantastic pictures of all the amazing things Trussville Antiques and Interiors has to offer! You will NOT want to miss it:)
I baked Peach Bourbon cupcakes for my great grandmother’s (Maw Maw P.’s) seventh 85th birthday…none of us are really sure just how old she is because every time we ask the answer is 85;)
I don’t mean to brag…but….my cupcakes were quite spectacular! They were so delicious that I just had to share the recipe with y’all (in my Paula Dean voice). As I have said before in the Monthly Macaroons: May 2012 blog, I have a thing for pastries. Cupcakes, Rice Krispie treats, and mint chocolate ice cream will win this VIP’s heart forever…or at least until I have finished all of my treats…
The Big Book of Cupcakes by Betty Crocker is a great place to find easy to make, fabulously delicious cupcake recipes! It includes icing techniques and decorating tips for cupcake amateurs like myself!
Cupcake Recipe (Makes 24 Cupcakes):
6 medium peaches, peeled
2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
2/3 cup of butter or margarine, softened
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
2 tablespoon of bourbon/whiskey
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Frosting:
1/2 cup of butter or margarine, softened
5 to 6 cups of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of bourbon
1 teaspoon of vanilla
thin peach slices, if desired
Adding fresh peach slices gives the cupcakes a burst of sweet flavor and a beautiful look!
Guess who is now a licensed driver?! This fashionista…that’s who! As a reward for being such a fabulous driver, my mommykins got me a little reward…a Wanda’s Garden II Pink Amethyst ring from Pandora purchased at the Jewel Shoppe in Louisville, Mississippi. Oh, how I long to have a ring on every finger…just like Phoebe Buffay from Friends! I cannot wait to start cruising around dressed in vintage apparel while jamming out to 80s music with my Giant Schnauzer, Ziva…we…will…be…ADORABLE!:)
**Do NOT forget to like the VIP Blog on facebook! It has exclusive photos and sneak peeks that you cannot find anywhere else!**
I would love to have a VW Karmann Ghia…and I shall call her GG! Mom said she was sick and tired of hearing “Karmann Ghia” and if I said it one more time…she was going to take away my computer charger…So, I have to now beg you…I am including this letter to you in my blog to express my deep desire to own a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia…no particular color, but since you asked…my dream color is Verbena Green! So…Deddy, pretty please with no cherries (I know how we both hate cherries.) on top will you buy me a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
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