VIP Home: I Am a Messy Painter and Organizer

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Over the weekend, I completed my major paint projects–my kitchen and bathroom…Ah, It  feels good to see the rooms coated with bright and happy colors rather than dark and gloomy ones. Oh, wait! I still have to paint my front porch floor. *NOTE TO SELF* Paint porch floor.

Tah dah! I lovely yellow kitchen!
Tah dah! A lovely yellow kitchen! Stay tuned for the kitchen reveal for the name of this sunny yellow paint.
A sassy green bathroom with a funky and colorful shower curtain from Target. Love. Love. Love.
A sassy green bathroom with a funky and colorful shower curtain from Target. Love. Love. Love.

I am a messy painter. I am not going to deny it. During the kitchen painting process, I ended up with paint in my hair, all over my hands and legs, and even ruined a perfectly white t-shirt…to be honest, I am not quite sure how it all happened…one moment, I am clean–and the next…I am covered in paint like a five year old. Perhaps, I should not  paint anymore…Nope, that would not be a good idea or fun because I still have paint projects left to do. Hmmmm…I know–I will invest in a cute artist smock! Besides, my mom always says it is good to get a little dirty–in a good way, of course*wink*

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Now that both the kitchen and bathroom are painted, it is time to start organizing the small spaces–but the problem is I am also a messy organizer. Wait…is it even possible to be messy and organized at the same time? Oh, goodness…I don’t know! That’s why I called in the professional–my mom. She is excellent at cleaning, organizing, and designing spaces to be cute and fun, yet functional and organized. So, today, Mom and I took a little trip to TJMaxx and Target where we spent several hours debating about my specific organizational needs, how to make the spaces functional while sticking to a budget, and…we shopped for a few other random things *wink* 

Hm....I wonder what's in the bags? Stay tuned to the blog to find out *wink*  P.S. What do y'all think of my precious floor rug for outside? I think it is too precious!
Hm….I wonder what fabulous things are in the bags? Stay tuned to the blog to find out *wink*
P.S. What do y’all think of my darling outdoor rug?

On our shopping trip, we found some spectacular things that are sure to brighten up the space and brighten up my sleepy self as I get dressed in the mornings–I will spare you the horror story of when I accidentally dropped my mascara in the toilet due to my lack of organization in the apartment bathroom. Long story short, mom came to the rescue…and the spaces will begin to look even more functionally fabulous! Thanks, mom, for putting up with my nonsense and helping me out today! I truly appreciate it:)

Working on inspirational and fun quote artwork to attach to the clip boards in the kitchen. So far, I have three completed :)
Working on inspirational and fun quotes for my kitchen. So far, I have three completed…whoo hoo!
The kitchen is still a working process...and I have still yet to find a home for Estelle *sigh*
The kitchen is a work in progress…and I have still haven’t found a place for Estelle *sigh* P.S. Real fashionistas use power tools to hang their cutesy kitchen shelves *wink*

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

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VIP Home: How To Conquer Big Blank Walls with Art Work and Home Decor

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to VIP Home!

Today on VIP Home, I would like to chat about my favorite wall in my room. (See photo above)

When we first moved to Birmingham, I had no idea how to decorate this giant blank wall. It was intimidating–really intimidating; however, after looking through several design books, I decided that the wall needed to make a fabulous statement–a wall collage was the perfect plan! 

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So, I took some of my favorite art pieces (the Beatles Wall Art, Marilyn Monroe piece, and Couture prints), and nailed them to the wall–okay, so I got my dad to hang them…He is an engineer, and he is very good at making sure things are level and perfectly spaced…Anyway–Next, I brought in the dresser and staged the necessary electronics–TV and cable box for watching the Style Network and E! News for hours on end and the Xbox for occasionally playing Skyrim, but mostly for playing old movies *wink*

Hm…it seemed like the space needed something else…something a little funky and shiny.  BAM! Metallic horse head at TJMaxx–I knew right then and there that it was PERFECT! The metallic horse head was like icing on the cake–diamonds on the ears and pearls around the neck.

Tah dah! Can you believe it?! I conquered that intimidating blank wall–making it truly stylish and fabulous. Ah…don’t you just love decorating! 

The metallic horse is also a princess *wink*

How have you conquered a big blank wall with your mad decorating skills? Everyone at VIP would like to see how you worked your magic! Send your pictures and a message about your home decor to  vintage.passionista@gmail.com for a chance to be featured on the next VIP Home blog. Yay!

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: Fabulous Fan Mail Answered!

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Hello, hello, hello, VIP blog readers! Phew…I have finally found a bit of time to sit down and answer fan mail! To my delight, I had lots of emails requesting a blog about the outfit I sported to the Saks Fifth Avenue Emerging Designers Reveal for Birmingham Fashion Week. Thanks so much to all the sweet, encouraging messages about my style-I truly love all the compliments-but what fashionista doesn’t adore to have her style admired?

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Blouse: TJMaxx

Shorts: Target

Tights: Target

Heels: Steve Madden, Belk

Jewelry: Vintage and modern Avon

Earrings: BluKat Designs by Heather O’Cain www.blukatdesign.etsy.com

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So, fashionistas, there you have it…the ensemble you all have been requesting! Let me know what you think on my Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista OR comment on this post! The love is much appreciated:)

VIP UPCOMING COVERAGE:

  • March 13-17: Shamrocking and Shopping at the Outlet Shops of Grand River in Leeds, Alabama.

  • March 20: Christine Moore Trunk Show at Gus Mayer (Summit-Birmingham location)

  • March 21:  Christine Moore “The Affair of the Hat” Runway Show presented by Gus Mayer at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens.

  • March 28-29: Meet the Designer-Joeffer Caoc. Event presented by and held at Gus Mayer, Birmingham

  • April 5-7: Columbus (Mississippi) Spring Pilgrimage 2013. I will also be ushering the Tennessee Williams play in front of the old Alford Drug Store on Main Street April 5 and 7.

  • April 11: Gus Mayer Day Long Pamper Event (more details to come…so, stay tuned!)

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Stay tuned to my blog, Real Story Publishing, Town and Gown Magazine, and all my social media to keep up with all the coverage of my adventures!

For more information on Gus Mayer and their upcoming events, visit www.gusmayer.com!

You can also like Gus Mayer on Facebook for all their latest trends and updates! https://www.facebook.com/gusmayerbham?fref=ts

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Want to learn more about the Vintage Inspired Passionista? Check out the See Jane Write interview! Here is the link: http://www.seejanewritebham.com/2013/03/blog-like-girl-bfw-2013-edition-abby.html

Don’t forget to see the VIP’s video coverage on community events on the Vintage Passionista YouTube page! http://www.youtube.com/user/VintagePassionista?feature=mhee

If you cannot get enough of the VIP, check out my articles in The Real Story! The Adventures of the VIP in the Lifestyle section! www.realstorypublishing.com

The VIP is also on The Real Story YouTube page! Check out the first Adventures of the VIP video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uhx3yMCDh4

Check out the latest issue of Town and Gown Magazine! You can read online @www.issuu.com/townandgownmagazine!

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/abbysauce_

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/vintagepassionista

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Shopping in Your Own Closet: Where’d You Get that Vest?!

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Hello, my fashionistas! It is time for another fabulous  Shopping In Your Own Closet! Ahh…yes…good ole’ closet shopping! Join me, fashionable ladies and gentlemen, as we search for lovely forgotten treasures within our wardrobes!

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This week’s Shopping In Your Own Closet ensemble is all about a totally 80s denim vest from a VIP DIY! Oh, I just love my VIP distressed denim vest…it is so stellar and combines well with so many outfits! So, I have brought the VIP DIY Vest out of the closet so that it may enjoy fame once again!

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Vest: VIP DIY

Blouse: Belk

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Heels: TJMaxx, Jessica Simpson

Necklace: Avon

Rings: Beadsoul, Pandora, and Personal Collection

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Now, let’s talk tips! No fashionistas can ever have too many tips!

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Would you like to create your own VIP Totally 80s vest? Then check out the DIY @ this link: https://vintageinspiredpassionista.com/2012/02/29/diy-v-i-p-style-is-that-too-many-initials/

Want a chance to be on the VIP blog? Email or post pictures to the Facebook wall with a caption of you sporting your VIP DIY distressed denim vest! Email: vintage.passionista@gmail.com OR www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

If you cannot get enough of the VIP, check out my articles in The Real Story! www.realstorypublishing.com “The Adventures of the VIP” in the LifeStyle section!

Town and Gown Magazine is now online! Read previous issues @ www.issuu.com/townandgownmagazine

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

OMG it’s 2013: Part Two

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Hello and welcome back, fashionistas! I know you have all been waiting patiently for part two of the “OMG it’s 2013″…No home depot aprons or house renovation talk–just fabulous fashion, gorgeous heels, and amazing ensembles to kick off this new year in style…So without further ado , I present to you “OMG It’s 2013: Part Two”!

Fashion Talk Time!  Drum roll, please…The VIP’s top trends for the new year are….

  • Monochromatic ensembles: They are so simple, yet so glamorous-every fashionista needs one!
  • Floral Apparel: Lovely floral jeans, skirts, and blouses are ever so vintage and bring a smile to faces of the young and young-at-heart.
  • Handmade Jewelry:  Ooo! handmade jewelry! The VIP just loves Etsy! Etsy is a fantastic way to discover amazing jewelry artisans who put so much effort into their work! Ladies like Lisa Hamilton of Beadsoul, Rachel Leathers of Hearts of Stone Jewelry, and Heather O’Cain of BluKatDesign are some super sweet women who will strive to make beautiful pieces of statement jewelry.
  • Super Sweet Pink Wedges: What more can I say? :)
  • Sequins and Metallics: What girl doesn’t love sparkles, sequins, and metallic! Pick up a sequined skirt and pair it with chiffon tops for an effortless, yet glamorous look! Metallic jeans are a great way to spice up any causal outfit in a snap! Remember, think sparkly!
  • Pistachio Green: A fashionista can never have enough pistachio green apparel in her closet! “Well, have you ever just eaten one pistachio?”-Abby Sciuto from NCIS
  • The Hair: You can never go wrong with a messy bun! They are so effortless and elegant and look fantastic with whatever you are wearing–from fancy dresses to comfy pajamas!

I am so excited about all of the awesome blogs and fashion coming this year! So many trends, so many outfits, and so little shopping time! I will have to get super organized in order to ensure adequate time to shop….

Back to the subject at hand…”OMG it’s 2013: Part Two” is here and ready to shine!

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Blouse: TJMaxx
Skirt: Belk
Heels: TJMaxx, Jessica Simpson
Earrings: BLuKatDesign by Heather O’Cain

You can get earrings like the VIP's @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/BluKatDesign These fantastic, vintage inspired earrings come in several color varieties!
You can get earrings like the VIP’s @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/BluKatDesign These fantastic, vintage inspired earrings come in several color varieties!

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You can get gorgeous earrings like these from BluKatDesign @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/BluKatDesign Check out the VIP modeling these earrings on Heather's blog! http://blukatkraft.blogspot.com/2013/01/vintage-blue.html
You can get gorgeous earrings like these from BluKatDesign @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/BluKatDesign  Check out the VIP modeling these earrings on Heather’s blog! http://blukatkraft.blogspot.com/2013/01/vintage-blue.html

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Top: Urban Oufitters, Pins and Needles
Jeans: TJMaxx, Kenneth Cole New York
Heels: TJMaxx, Jessica Simpson
Earrings: BluKat Designs by Heather O’Cain

You can get glamorous earrings like the VIP's @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/BluKatDesign Like BluKatDesign on Facebook to stay up to date with Heather's latest creations and projects! www.facebook.com/blukatdesign
You can get glamorous earrings like the VIP’s @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/BluKatDesign
Like BluKatDesign on Facebook to stay up to date with Heather’s latest creations and projects! http://www.facebook.com/blukatdesign

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Jacket: Target
Jeans: TJMaxx, Kenneth Cole New York
Wedges: TJMaxx, Jessica Simpson
Earrings: BluKatDesign by Heather O’Cain

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Sweatshirt: Belk
Skirt: Belk
Wedges: TJMaxx, Jessica Simpson
Earrings: BluKatDesign by Jessica Simpson

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Check out my article on www.realstorypublishing.com to see even more fashion tips and inspiration! (“The Adventures of the VIP in the LifeStyle section)

Buy yourself something special @ BluKatDesign in honor of the VIP! Heather makes earrings, beautiful statement necklaces, and super fun magnets! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BluKatDesign

Town and Gown Magazine is now online! Read the issues and enjoy the fun @ www.issuu.com/townandgownmagazine

Like the VIP on Facebook to see sneak peaks and the latest VIP news! www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

Twitter: @Abbysauce_

Instagram: @VintagePassionista

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn