Beauty Tues: Beauty Journal Entry 3, Pretty In Pink Products!

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Headband by Forgotten Cotton (Pst…look at the VIP’s new hair! She is going back to her roots…literally *wink* Stay tuned for more photos of her platinum to golden strawberry hair color change!)

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome to Beauty Tues.

It is that time of the week again where we add another fabulous entry to our VIP Beauty Journals, and this week’s entry is all about being pretty in pink products! Last week, blues and BB King…and this week, pinks and Pretty in Pink–oh, my! What is not to love?! *wink*

Now, before you leave *wink* Check out the VIP Beauty Journal entry #3 and Pretty in Pink Products Polyvore board below + keep scrolling to see how YOU–yes, you–can create YOUR OWN Beauty Journal with an easy supplies list! Yay! Beauty fun for everyone :)

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Pretty in Pink Products
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I may be a redhead now, but the blonde moments are still pretty strong! *wink* I have gotten several messages from readers asking about what supplies are needed to start a VIP Beauty Journal and silly me forgot to put them on the first blog about the Beauty Journal. So, here is a list of the items I use for mine!

*Journal: Moleskine sketchbook. I picked up a three-pack at my local Barnes and Noble.

*Markers/Pens: I prefer to use Faber Castel because I also use FC for my pen and ink artwork; however, Sharpie markers work fabulous + come in a wide variety of colors.

*Page markers: I ADORE the handmade and cutesy paper clips from Picks and Stones on Etsy! She has a special beauty pack + even does custom orders! Check our Picks and Stones here + see them on the blog here.

Note: I do not use my makeup brushes to apply makeup to the pages of my VIP Beauty Journal. I recommend using q-tips, cotton balls, or other one-time-use applicators so that it limits any risk of contaminating makeup products or messing up makeup brushes. 

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Now…Don’t be shy! Join in on the VIP Beauty Journal fun by hashtagging #VIPBeautyJournal on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! Also, don’t forget to mention Vintage Inspired Passionista Blog on Facebook and @AbbyHathorn on Twitter/Instagram so we can make sure we see your fabulous beauty journal entries! :)

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

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VIP Interview: Lizzie Mae of ForgottenCotton

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog! 

Recently, I interviewed the fabulously talented Lizzi Mae of ForgottenCotton on my sister blog; however, I saved a few questions for the VIP, of course *wink*

In addition to ForgottenCotton being pictured on VIP outfit posts, ForgottenCotton has also been featured on BuzzFeed, Four Kicks Style, and more! With a warm, cute, and cozy style, Forgotten Cotton has made over 9,200 sales on Etsy–how awesome is that? She is making us all fun and fabulous as we survive winter’s wrath *wink*

On top of Lizzi’s scarves and gloves, ForgottenCotton also offers a variety of headbands, boot cuffs, bow bracelet cuffs, hand-dyed leggings, and even a few vintage goodies! Needless to say, ForgottenCotton is a one-stop-shop for all of us fashionistas–so, check out the interview and then be sure to stop by her Etsy store to shop online in your pajamas….What better way to kick off the weekend, right?! *wink*

Scarf by ForgottenCotton
Scarf by ForgottenCotton

VIP: Tell us a little bit about ForgottenCotton.

FC: ForgottenCotton is a 100% handmade clothing and fashion accessories business located in North-Western Wyoming. We are a husband and wife team who work together and handle every part of our business from sourcing materials to packing orders. Our business is built on the simple principle that all customers deserve high-quality goods which are still made in America.

VIP: What are some of your favorite pieces with which to work?

FC: Our favorite pieces are new ones. We love the start of a new season when we get to finally put to use our long list of ideas and start planning them out. We spend each prior season researching ideas and making prototypes of ideas we have. Nothing is ever as exciting as picking colors, fabrics, patterns, and textures with the goal of creating something new. We really started to branch out last year to diversify our product lines and are continuing that trend this year for some amazing and exciting new products. 

VIP: What is one misconception about running a small online business that you have encountered?

FC: Strangely, many people do not consider an online business to be a true business because it lacks certain hallmarks of a traditional business, i.e. hierarchical management structure, physical location, regular hours.  So therefore it is seen that small business owners are less serious and should be taken less seriously than those who embrace a more traditional business model. Needless to say, this is completely wrong.  We, as we are sure all small business owners, labor tirelessly on and for our businesses regardless of what is considered “traditional” in regards to business.

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Top 5 reasons Lizzi loves her business:

1. Seeing how people use our items. Having people tag us in their photos online and share with us their looks. We love seeing how people use the items we have created, designed, and made. 
2. Finally launching a new product line. When you spend a lot of time planning, purchasing, and designing (which can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months) it feels really great to see it all finally come together. 
3. Doing it together. It really is awesome to be able to stay home with your significant other and work on something like this together. We both have our part that we do and with our individual talents and skills make it work. 
4. Meeting other small business owners. Everyone has a unique story to tell and we really love getting to know other people who are doing and creating unique and interesting items. Some of the most amazing people we know have their own businesses. We try to spread the word about our fellow business friends because they are such amazing people. It is also a great resource to trade ideas and share experiences. 
5. Being able to live in such a beautiful place. We absolutely love our new home in Wyoming. Having the opportunity to move here where we wake up and see such an incredible view of the Rocky Mountains every day is amazing. It feels wonderful to be surrounded by such incredible nature and beauty. We love that we are able to incorporate the beauty of our home into our product photos.
Earrings: BluKatDesign Scarf: ForgottenCotton
Earrings: BluKatDesign
Scarf: ForgottenCotton

I will conclude this wonderful blog post + interview with some words from Lizzi with which I very much agree:

“As with most things there is no ‘easy button.’ No one gets to wake up one day and have a business. It is countless hours of discussion, planning, decision making, etc. We spend more time working on our business than we did at more traditional jobs. There is no turning it off. We often are answering emails, making orders, or planning new ideas at all hours of the day. Needless to say, we hold very unconventional work hours.” 

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear Thursday: A Sweater/Legging/Scarf Template + VIP Styling Tips

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Ah…Thursdays. The glorious day where we anxiously await Friday. One thing that helps the time pass faster is, of course, the VIP’s Three Ways to Wear every Thursday! So, whether you are Working For the Weekend *cue Loverboy* or you are gearing up for a Super Bowl party, this week’s TWTWT is sure to help you stay comfy, cute, and cozy with ease all weekend *wink* Let’s take a look shall we? 

Perhaps we need some music to help pass the time until Friday *wink* Where is my Loverboy t-shirt? I think I need to have a jam-session *wink*

The Template:

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Sweater: GAP (Men’s apparel) | Jeans: Chip & Pepper, Belk | Boots: Lucky Brand, Belk | Earrings: Brighton 

VIP TIP:

Having a template is something I have found to be very useful. When life gets busy, we fashionistas do not have time to spend hours in our closets picking out and planning our outfits everyday….although the idea is tempting *wink* So, just like drafting blueprints for projects, draft “blueprints” or style templates for your day-to-day life. Purchase pieces that can interchange with basic items in your wardrobe, and say bye-bye to hassle and stress. Get basics that fit your style and that can be easily dressed up or down with accessories!

Way One:

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Scarf: GAP

Way Two:

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Scarf: ForgottenCotton

VIP TIP:

Do not be afraid to mix plaids (like in ways one and two)–just keep the colors similar! If the plaid you desire to wear has touches of reds, blues, grays, and whites….choose one of those colors in which to add another layer of plaid! Oh, also–separate the plaids. For example, you would not want to wear a plaid shirt with a plaid scarf, plaid pants, and plaid boots *wink* 

Way Three:

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Scarf: ForgottenCotton

VIP TIP:

Y’all know how crazy I am for mixing patterns, so I obviously encourage y’all to live on the wild side of fashion every now and again *wink* When it comes to mixing patterns with a simple style template, play with similar hues and then accent with popping patterns. For some easy-to-remember tips about mixing patterns, please see our sister-blog here!

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear Thursday: Puffy Vest Made Cute & Comfy with Ease

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

With the weather still wild and wintry outside, I broke down and purchased a puffy vest from Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Johnson City Mall. When I first tried on this fabulous North Face vest, I assumed that it would simply become a casual, warm piece; however, when I got home I challenged myself to see just how cute I could dress it up. AH! Who knew a bulky vest could be so cute?!

VIP Tip: When styling YOUR puffy vest, keep in mind the weather in your area. For bitter cold, I recommend pairing your puffy vest with a thicker sweater or pullover. For warmer cold (is that even a thing? *wink*), I recommend pairing your puffy vest with a lightweight turtleneck or even a thick chambray button up. For bottoms– dark jeans, corduroys, or skirts with ribbed leggings are great options to consider when styling a puffy jacket to the next level *wink*

WAY ONE:

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Get the details to this outfit on our sister blog here.

WAY TWO:

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Turtleneck: GAP | Vest: Dick’s Sporting Goods | Jeans: Chip & Pepper, Belk | Scarf: Forgotten Cotton | Boots: UGG, Belk

WAY THREE:

Way Three: Puffy Vest 3 ways to wear

Superdry crew neck sweater
$68 – houseoffraser.co.uk

The North Face vest
backcountry.com

Tommy Hilfiger skirt
usa.tommy.com

Wolford legging
neimanmarcus.com

Kork-Ease leather boots
nordstromrack.com

BONUS:

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This is an example of how when the weather warms up, you can simply toss off the vest and still have a fabulous ensemble. But when the weather chills back down, you can slip your puffy vest back on without the worry of “does this match?!”…”does this work?!”

Turtleneck: GAP | Jeans: Chip & Pepper, Belk | Necklaces: BluKatDesign | Red Leather Bracelet: Luke & Lyla Designs | Brown Leather/Copper bracelet: Beadsoul | Hat: World Market | Boots: UGG, Belk

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear Thursday: Golden Skirt from Serendipity Boutique

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Before I dive deep into this week’s Three Ways to Wear, I must say that it is absolutely freezing here, and this Mississippi-raised girl does not know how to handle it! My mom and I were huddling around the oven (yes, really–the oven) and eating pizza while my dad was posting pictures to Instagram of the beach sunset in Florida. It’s not fair. I want a warm vacay *wink*

Now, back on topic. For this week’s Three Ways to Wear Thursday, I am featuring a fabulous skirt from one of my favorite local shops here in Johnson City, Tennessee–Serendipity Boutique. This gold skirt is so simple, which makes dressing it up, down, and everywhere in between a piece of cake or easy as pie. You know…whichever you prefer–cake or pie? *wink* Personally…I am a pecan pie kind of gal. 

If you live in or are visiting the Johnson City TN/Bristol TN/VA area, be sure to stop by one of Serendipity’s two locations! Their wide variety of lovely fashions are sure to tickle your fancy! :)

WAY ONE: 

I first featured this awesome skirt on the sister blog S&S. Click here for more photos + outfit details.
I first featured this awesome skirt on the sister blog S&S. Click here for more photos + outfit details.

WAY TWO:

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Blazer: Anthropologie | Tee: J.Crew | Skirt: Serendipity Boutique | Socks: Target | Shoes: Kork-Ease, DSW | Belt: Anthropologie | Earrings: BluKatDesign

WAY THREE: 

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Blouse: Serendipity Boutique | Skirt: Serendipity Boutique | Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk | Ring: SparkleCatStudio (BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HER SILENT AUCTION HERE! MORE DETAILS BELOW!)

Info about Sparkle Cat Rescue Online Fundraising Auction: 

100% of the money raised through this auction will benefit the felines rescued by Sparkle Cat Rescue. 

This will be an ongoing auction as items are donated. Instructions will be with each item listed. 

If you are a business or an artisan/crafter wishing to donate an item or items, please contact at sparklecatrescue@gmail.com

The average cost of each feline’s routine medical care is $200+ (spay/neuter, vaccinations, combo testing). Add to that the possibility of illness during their foster care, the cost can increase. They are 100% volunteer and rely on donations from the public.

Visit their website for more information on their organization.
www.sparklecatrescue.org

Ziva joined us on today's photo shoot! Love my sweet Giant Schnauzer :)
Ziva joined us on today’s photo shoot! Love my sweet Giant Schnauzer :)
Like...OMG. Our shoes match *wink*
Like…OMG. Our shoes match *wink*

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn