styling. valeria sweet

styling. nicole harvell   photog. matt bell   model. valeria sweet

styling. heather lewis.

clothing: nicole harvell  mua: lex ewing  photog: john ryan flaherty

styling. cassi winfree

shot. hair. and wardrobe by myself. model cassi winfree

The Elysian Fields

. THE ELYSIAN FIELDS .

1920s beige/taupe piano shawl

1920s mesh shawl with metal detail

because, Gatsby.

. BANDWAGON .


1920s drop waist wrap dress in black

1920s printed black and cream dress [SOLD]

1920s ribbon and bead work choker

1920s emerald green gem stone clip

A warm welcome to summer.

. SUMMER LOVIN' . 
and already lovin' summer

Let's face it. I'm not a creature meant to dwell in places
of extreme heat like, the desert, the deep South, and ovens.
My Irish skin does not tan, it burns.
My curly hair turns into a Cher-Fro in the humidity.

I simply melt in the sun - but OMIGOODNESS did
I get some incredible, edible (not really) summer goodies
in stock, just in time for you to  expand your wardrobe!

1950s golden yellow Jantzen bather. BAM.

1940s/50s adorable sun frock. for frolicking.

1950s stunning multi-strand beaded necklace (wear before labor day)

1980s red cord necklace with zebra medallion for your zoo adventures

Enjoy!

My Alfred Shaheen.

.YUM.

While the dress and bakelite aren't up for grabs,

two of those incredible bracelets are hand made

in Greensboro and retailed at my store, Artemis

and the Scavengers. Interested in purchasing one

directly from us via the interwebs?

Contact me!

<3

Boar and Castle - Only in Greensboro

So occasionally, I do things. 

(also, May the Fourth be with you all!)

If you remember the 1950s in Greensboro, North Carolina... then chances are, you remember the Boar and Castle. BOAR AND CASTLE sauce is still being produced in North Carolina, which makes many a die hard fan, quite happy! We sell it in my store, Artemis and the Scavengers, and with the customers - comes the stories; the glory days of the 'dark side' of the castle and true love found over soda, fries, and burgers!

(left to right. My mom. Former Radio DJ Rod Davis. Moi.)

If you're ever in the area, drop by Artemis and 
pick up a bottle of yummy Boar and Castle!

<3

self portraits ... after baby

Follow the Muse

Interested in seeing daily outfits, getting first dibs on new stock, or do you just want to know when I'm running a sale?

I'm a few years behind, but you can now find me on Instagram.

Pinterest? I do that too.

Of course, you can always like my Facebook page or shop my Etsy store!

Some follow me, pin me, tag me, favorite me, and like me!

<3 Forgotten Muse

..after baby

There are entirely too many things that I lost track of during pregnancy, that I'm still trying to catch up on once again. I know sleep will never be one of them, but a girl can try.

Vintage... after baby?
Absolutely. Unpacking seven containers of vintage goodness, ranging from the 20s to the 50s was like Christmas morning. The glorious feel chiffon, rayon, and french crepe on my fingertips was a welcome change to the polished cottons I'd grown accustomed to after I'd begun to show.

I didn't share much of my pregnancy with my friends, family, or followers as it was and is sacred ground to me,  but I was 'all stomach' and fortunately I was able to chic'ly conceal the bump! .. Maybe I grew a little tired of having my stomach touched by un-invited hands. (as if the little hands and feet kicking around in my stomach  wasn't enough?)

Work... after baby?
Of course. In fact the only break I was allowed during pregnancy was a brief visit from a friend in late December.

I went back to shipping and listing just three days after I had my baby - girls gotta make a dollar, right? :)

For those of you that don't follow my shop - I'm back to listing on Etsy regularly again as I acquire new, beautiful vintage. In addition, I'm also getting my brick and mortar location (www.artemisandthescavengers.com) ready for it's one year anniversary!
Without my mom and our amazing friend, Michelle, I'd be far more 'knackered' than I am at the moment!

Body... after baby?
We're getting there.
Many of you didn't know since I ceased modeling for my own vintage shop, but I gained a ridiculous 45 pounds during my pregnancy. "Big deal" many of you say - but it was for me. Growing up a was taunted constantly for my willowy frame and my low weight. "Anorexic" "Sick" "Eat something" were all things that I heard everyday. I doubt any of us were neglected by bullies.  But regardless of what some might say about my weight, I'm forever thankful that I'm blessed with my mom's build and her metabolism.

For meals, this girl chows down on burgers, fries, and all the ice cream and pizza I can stomach - so rest assured. I can eat. But, that extra weight? - it was absolutely back breaking. On top of having my body work over time to create another little life, I had 45 pounds to deal with, and it affected by heart heath, back, and I'm still suffering from hip pain. THANKFULLY, I've shed a great deal of it, and I'm welcoming a smaller waist line back, with open arms!

Relationships... after baby?
Still working on that one. I'll let you know how it goes.

And the baby?

Hats - incoming!

Estate fresh hats!

Come n'get um!

These beauties came into my possession yesterday and it's hard parting
with them but my loss, is your gain. Literally!

A little catch up - missed goodies. for sale.

This gorgeous coat with fox collar just sold.

This gingham "Dorthy" dress is still up for grabs! So sweet!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/106910012/50s-far-from-kansas-blue-and-white

Love this classic, cream mohair jacket!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/106908560/70s-cozy-comfort-cream-colored-mohair

Oh where, oh where has Musie been?

As many of you may, or may not know, I have recently opened up a local business in Greensboro, North Carolina - where Forgotten Muse Vintage is based. So needless to say, it's been a busy four months!

So this happened.

My store, and myself, made the cover for Guilford Woman magazine! 

photography by Tom Wood

And inside the store, in my own vintage booth - I fight with mannequins

SO while I've been focusing on a
growing Etsy store, I hadn't had
time for my booth at the store
to live up to it's potential. So
tonight I took advantage of the
amazing fall like weather we're
having here in NC, and I priced,
tagged, steamed, organized, and
fought with mannequins to
accomplish this!

<----------------------------------------  AND THIS!

It might seem like a minor improvement to those of you just tuning in - but when you can hardly find time to sleep at night - this much organization is a mountain, not a molehill.

And what did I wear on this fine, cool 'summer' day, you might ask?

Well. Let's see!

The green jabot blouse is from Fab Gabs
The WWII navy, sailor pants are from an antique mall
The shoes are modern
The Bakelite are from various sources
and
the WWII marine pin on my hip is
another antique find.

What I wore - I'm really behind

Clearly my drive to get back into the 'world' of blogging

has hit a little snag here and there along the way but at least

the shop is brimming with beautiful new goodies! <3

My apologies for the rather dull setting of these daily ensemble photos.

I've loved this little dress since the first day it found it's way

into my clutches ;) It's gorgeous in tones of plum and and pink.

It features a wonderful drop waist with a pleated skirt

A square neckline - A fitted bodice  (skin tight!)

and two  strategically placed bows to give it a rather
Parisian designer feel. <3

The jacket? Even better.
This gorgeous little piece dates back to the early 1900s.

It's made of a super soft black velvet and lined with a cream silk. 

It's those amazing sleeves that I can't get enough of!

They feature three 'puffs' on each sleeve - honestly,

can't you see Miss Knightly rocking this coat on the 

cover of  French Vogue?

And we haven't even touched on the fabulous, stuffed  shawl collar. 

Dress from Better Dress Vintage
Coat from Adeline's Attic
Shoes are Seychelles
Earrings are from the 1920s ;)

(check out the wonderful stores listed above!)

Coveting

the sin of coveting
AND THE THRILL OF THE HUNT

Oh. oh. oh. The things we don't need - but we

just have to get our little, greedy paws on.

If you're an avid Etsy browser, I know you've felt it.

You're simply bored after a long day at work
Maybe you've just watched the latest episode of "Mad Men"
or a classic on AMC. Like an African cat, you're on the hunt
for treasure - that dress you saw January Jones sporting -
that hat that Katherine Hepburn had on in the last scene.

You begin your search with a simple word into the Etsy search engine.
Dress.
Trousers.
Blouse.
Bolero
Coat.
Fur.


Each world opens a gateway to infinite possibilities 

                                                                                                                      

You find yourself drowning in a sea of frocks and

frills. Of lace and velvet. Of Ruffle and buttons.

That's not define enough. You're sorting through
1980s clothing when you'd rather be in the 1930s.

Define your decade.

00s.   20s.   30s.   40s.   50s.   60s.   70s.   80s.

Still, there are too many choices.
narrow it down by color.


Is that.....is that her?
Is that the one you were dreaming of?

It is.

The one thing that makes your heart stand still.

Without hesitation you favorite her.
You click "ADD TO CART".

You go to check out.
[pause]
You hesitate.

Your finger itches... you want to buy her.

But, do you?

what holds you back?

_________________________________________________

                                                      .Tell me something. 

I have a fairly well stocked selection - and I hope to be
adding more in by the end of the week - so tell me.

Do you covet... do you want something in my store but

mayhaps your funds are low - maybe your conscience
keeps you from making the commitment?

If you're like me - you have 17 pages of goodies that
you want but 'splurging' fund enough for one or two!

I love give away's and deals just as much as the next
fashionista. SO I'm running two giveaways right now
 each of them for a store credit.

fifty bucks

For this giveaway simply find that item in my store
that sweeps your heart off of it's feet. For me it was
the dress pictured to the left *sigh* oh how I loved
thee. Maybe that item has already  sold but you want
to tell me about it anyway.

Now go below this post and comment. Tell me what it is

and  why it has to be yours!

After you do that just 'follow' this blog and link it to your friends -

everyone loves a chance to win!

A random drawing will determine the winner

Spring Fling - a new romance

Spring. Really?

Are you just around the corner?

Are you really about to bring back the flowers?

Oh. How we've missed thee.

To celebrate your impending, triumphant return, I've

complied a mash up of my favorite, floral printed items

from my little ole etsy shop. I hope they are a fitting

offering to you, Goddess of daisys and daffodils.

so many beautiful things!

*SOLD* That little two piece number? Here!
The bag? Click!
Cream colored, darling sweater? There!
That sweet, fluffy, nightgown? Mhm
That spring fling, skirt? Still for sale!

Thanks for looking - keep checking back!

Valentines Day

SAINT     VALENTINE'S     DAY
❤  ❤  ❤

Whether you love it or you hate it - it's just around the corner.
And with this 'Spring' weather - it seems that Cupid is poised -
high above the tree tops, ready to strike on the unsuspecting

loveless and single persons at any moment!

DUCK!
duck. duck. duck. duck. goose!

There's no avoiding it now, ladies. You can either accept it and

wear a bit or red or pink in a 'homage' to the day, you can go all out and get your dream date-night dress for the lovely time out with that special man in your life - OR you could just seek shelter in your bed and like a birthday that you deny having after 25, you can wait for  it to pass. Right?

However you choose to spend the day - you should do it looking

FABULOUS.

The shades and tones of pink and red are absolutely endless.

And the items! There's something fluffy, something lacy, 

something sequined, beaded, see through, warm, feathered

furry, pin-tucked, printed, brocade, ruffled, full skirted, high

waist'd, zipped, snapped, buttoned and hooked!

Even as a single lady I'm finding this upcoming holiday to be just another wonderful excuse to dress up in my favorite vintage duds!

So treat yourself.

( PICTURED BELOW IS A SMATTERING OF MY RED AND PINK OFFERINGS FROM MY OWN ETSY STORE  )

what i wore - day one

DESTINATION

post office

WEATHER  - SUNNY AND CHILLY

The era stays mainly true to the 1960s.
The earrings are from an estate. (local purchase)
The sweater is mustard yellow and thrifted. (current )

The pencil skirt is a beautiful green tweed. (etsy find)
The shoes are amazing - Seychelles. (amazon and current)
The gloves are chocolate brown with a tiny  brown
 pearl for decoration (thrifted  and vintage)

All SO very simple.

Getting 'dolled up' doesn't have to mean digging into the

back of your closet for a ball gown. Simply pulling

on a wonderful button up and a high fitting skirt

can do the trick!

The coat. I've already been asked about this fabulous coat.

VERY 60s. Shawl collar.  Swing style. Three quarter sleeves.

Heavy and crafted from a floral tapestry fabric.

The pattern is just amazing. The colors  just give it a

'wild cat' in the jungle feel.

The coat was a gift from a dear friend in California.

It was actually purchased, with me in tow, at a vintage

store in Burbank called, "Hubba Hubba"

If you look at the reviews of the stores you might

feel terrified to step into the store.

The owner is a GEM. An absolute character. While others

felt insulted, I felt at home. She was  great to us - 

she even guessed our signs based on our interaction

with each other.

The prices were great and rumor has it the cast AND

the wardrobe department for MAD MEN shopped there.

That's it for now, beautiful girls!
♥ Forgotten Muse

A time and a place?

A TIME AND A PLACE

i think not, sir.

I've been told - by fellas - that there is a time and a place

for dressing up.

 i call bullsh*t.

If you know me, you know that I won't go out in sweats;

that wearing jeans makes me feel sloppy.

If you know me - you know that I love dressing up,

looking neat and of course, wearing vintage.

"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing 

herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know,

 maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to

 be as pretty as possible for destiny."
-- Coco Chanel

We'll skip my awkward years of dressing and living

among the 'flock' and get right into the current me. 

That's more interesting anyway. ;)

One of my dear internet friends and a fellow fashionista,

Nora, suggested that I give my friends, fans and followers

a glimpse into my life -  it to my daily outfits, of which there

are many. 

I use every single day as an excuse for dressing up.

Whether I'm headed to the post office, the grocery store,

the thrift store, out on a date or simply getting take away.

I want to look and feel great.

Don't you?

It's a misconception that I do this for attention or for men.

if you're doing it right, then you're doing it for yourself.

Dressing should be done for yourself and no one else.

Sure, he might like that red dress of yours, but you

should only find yourself clad in it because it makes

you feel amazing.

I digress.

THEBOTTOMLINE

life is too short to not look and feel amazing everyday

♥ Forgotten Muse