Giveaway! // Certain Something Vintage and Handmade

EDIT: Thanks to all who entered! We have a winner - Birgit! Congrats!

Happy Monday! I love starting out the week with a giveaway. This one is with my friend, Kat, who runs Certain Something Vintage and Handmade on Etsy. I love gazing through her shop because she finds the neatest vintage things and also creates her own sweater clips and shoe clips. Her shop will spice up your wardrobe in no time! She is kindly giving away one of her adorable sweater clips today! First, a little about Kat!

"I'm Kat, a 25 year old gal living in heart of the Mitten State. I work during the day as a receptionist, but I moonlight as a photographer, artisan, and vintage aficionado. (I'm also a crazy cat lady and self-proclaimed fashionista).

I grew up in a small town in a house that has been in my family for several generations, and it is full of all kinds of relics from the past. I was always intrigued by old things as a child and was constantly asking my parents about every single thing I found in the house, and that interest only grew stronger as I got older. 

My mother (and her mother, and her mother...) is a very creative lady, and also a very talented seamstress. I'm quite thankful for that having been passed down to me! We spend a lot of time together looking at vintage fashions and exchanging ideas. She is a great source of inspiration for several of the things that you will find in my shop. I love that so many times, when I show her one of my latest vintage finds, she'll look at it and say "Oh! I remember those!" and go on to share all kinds of nostalgic memories with me.

I get so much excitement and exhilaration from traveling around in search of those rare vintage items that have that special "certain-something." Every once in a while I find an incredible piece that jumps right out at me and nearly makes my heart stop--and those are the items that find their way here! My vintage hunts and research also fill me with countless ideas, and the other half of my love of all things vintage is creating accessories inspired by styles of the past. I'm constantly inspired and overflowing with ideas, and I am always so excited every time I have a new one to share!

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Get this gorgeous 1970s Polka Dot Ruffle Dress here!

You know how much I love owls! It's available here.

P.S. Kat is offering Lovely Llorys readers a 15% discount during the giveaway! LLORYS15 is the code! She also will be putting most of her jewelry and shoe clips on clearance this week, so definitely head over to her shop!

Good luck! The giveaway ends this Saturday at 11:59pm and is open worldwide!

Giveaway with Katie from The Little Things

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who entered! The winner was Alessandra Lalla. Enjoy your prize! : )

Today's giveaway is with Katie from The Little Things. I instantly fell in love with her shop, as she makes jewelry and trinkets featuring some of my favorite things - cameras, foxes, owls, mushrooms, gnomes, and more!

Here's a little about Katie!

"My name is Katie, and I am a 23 year old student currently living in the Washington, D.C. area.
Two years ago, I made the spontaneous decision to move to Portland, Oregon with a group of my closest my friends. While I was there I discovered this huge world of amazing artists and handmade crafts that I had never known about. At the time, my work space was constantly covered with cute little things I had made that had just been accumulating with nowhere to go. That's when I discovered that I could share all these things with everyone!"

That's extra amazing, Katie, because I just started watching Portlandia. It is way goofier than I thought it was going to be! Anyway, the winner of the giveaway gets to pick their favorite item in Katie's shop! It's a difficult decision - I guess I would go with the fox earrings since I'm trying to start a fox collection, but everything is super adorable!

On to the giveaway! I had a rafflecoptor widget up, but I'm not totally sure it's working, so let's just do this (leave a separate comment for each entry, please):

1. Mandatory entry - Like The Little Things on Facebook

2. Visit The Little Things on Etsy and tell me what you would pick if you won!

3. While you're on Katie's Etsy page, favorite it!

3. Like Lovely Llorys on Facebook

4. Follow Lovely Llorys on Twitter

5. Follow Lovely Llorys on GFC (right side of this page)

Good luck! (Open worldwide, ends 1/19 at 11:59pm, I will contact winner)

Tuesday Treasures #11

Just a jumble of neat things I am loving this week! Enjoy: )

This is somewhere in Istanbul, Turkey, where we are seriously considering visiting in late summer. Does anyone know what this gorgeous place is? (via Tumblr)

And if we go, I could use this sleeping mask from Flight 001. I also like this Sleeping with Strangers one!

Omg! Catalope leggings via barkdecor on Etsy.

This Bear Claw recipe from Sprinkle Bakes looks divine. Her directions are so great, I might actually be able to make them!

I really like this colorblock shirt from J. Crew!

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Danny Brito Chubby Book that I won from Lazy Explorers! 

Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday Treasures #10 // Brooches

Kaylah over at The Dainty Squid sure makes brooches look like a must-have fashion accessory! She definitely wears them well and creates an urge inside of me to buy lots. I went a little favorite-crazy on etsy the other day and found a bunch of awesome ones. Oddly enough, only one or two of the sellers were from the U.S. I guess brooches haven't really migrated to the states yet! It makes sense; Sophie over at Oh My Clumsy Heart shipped my lovely fox brooch from across the pond. Thank you, England. This reinforces my wish that I was British! Here are some of my favorites:

This pi brooch from GeekModish is perfect for math lovers!

This deer brooch by ennashop in Germany is so darling!

Hello! From Delilah devine in Australia. So friendly!

Aw, I love this sleeping fox from goldenspleen, also in Germany.

SketchInc in the UK has some of the neatest brooches I've ever laid eyes on!

NewellsJewels also in the UK makes these gorgeous Russian doll pieces.

laylaamber in the UK makes one heck of an owl!

And Elizabeth Pawle makes the sweetest little kitty cat asleepin'. 

Sweet dreams!

What I Wore // Fox Brooch

Can you believe I wore this outfit on December 1st in Michigan? Climate change is...a problem, but I'm not complaining when I don't have to endure freezing temperatures in winter. I'm a huge wimp when it comes to that! Anyway, I wanted to show off my fox brooch that I bought from Sophie over at Oh My Clumsy Heart. She has the prettiest things, and this brooch is the official start to my fox collection that I'm hoping to expand! Eeee! I've been wearing it on my infinity scarf for weeks, so I finally made Andrew take a few pictures. Thanks, Sophie! Everyone should check out her shop and pick out a brooch to match!

What I Wore!

Infinity Scarf: Target

Fox Brooch: Oh My Clumsy Heart on Etsy

Cardigan: Kohl's Apt. 9

Gloves: Authentic Italian Leather! I got these in Venice this summer

Skirt: Also got in Venice, but just from H&M

Tights: Kohl's Apt. 9

Boots: Urban Outfitters

And yes, I know this outfit doesn't really match, but I went thrifting afterwards, so who cares! Freedom!

Giveaway // Treats and Eats Christmas Ornament!

Ho ho ho, another giveaway! (Don't forget, the Telestrations giveaway is still open). Tis the season of giving! This is an exciting one for me because the talented artist is my friend from college, Angela. We are both Angelas! We went to Ferris State University for Music Industry Management (in case you were curious), and as soon as I found out about her craft on-the-side, I asked to partner up with her for this giveaway. Thankfully, she said yes!

Angela makes the most darling little trinkets and jewelry that look like treats - you know, lattes, cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies, etc.! She has a passion for food, so combined with her creativity she "decided to offer mini food trinkets to the masses." Her Etsy shop is so so cool, and Angela is being extra awesome and giving you 15% off with the order code LOVELYLLORYS. Take advantage! Since Christmas is on everyone's mind, Angela is giving one of my readers her Christmas Tree Cookie Ornament to deck the tree with! Aren't they adorable? This girl's got some mean "mini-making" talent. 

On to the giveaway! To enter, you must visit Angela's etsy shop, Treats and Eats, and leave me a comment sharing your favorite item. Then use the rafflecopter widget to officially submit that entry. There are more ways to enter as well if you want to increase your chances. You have until next Wednesday at midnight, and you must have a mailing address in the U.S. or Canada. Good luck!


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Tuesday Treasures #9

It's that time of year! Over the weekend I worked on gathering my family's Christmas lists, but I also had to figure out some things that I want! Since no one can afford the new MacBook I desperately need, I've come up with some alternative ideas. 

I am loving this camera bag from Jo Totes, it's so gorgeous! Who would have thought camera bags could be such a nice accessory? And for just over $100, it's not too expensive. Crossing my fingers that I get this come Christmas morning!

What could be better than this shirt sporting a classic quote from a classic movie, Home Alone? PebbyForevee on Etsy makes it happen! If you weren't aware, Home Alone is my most FAVORITE movie!

 

I love TV on DVD, but Andrew thinks DVDs are pointless. They kind of are, but there's something so great about popping in a DVD of Sex and the City every once in a while! At the top of my list this Christmas would be "My So-Called Life." I was a little young when the show aired, and the time I tried the rent it from the library it was all scratched up! Since I love Claire Danes and her name is Angela in the show, I've always wanted to see that one beautiful season in its entirety: )

Can't do a list without a little Kate Spade, I just can't help it. These Locked in Studs match a bangle I have and I'm crossing my fingers I score these under the tree!

Finally, I live in Michigan so I need some updated winter gear. I've been keeping my eye out for some Oxford boots, and these ones from Zara and kind of what I'm looking for. I also need a new coat! I'm thinking just a knee-length puffy black one like this one from J. Crew factory. Mmm, warmth.

What's on your list this year? I know this post seems awfully greedy, I also think it's important to give to those in need this season! I'll do a post about that soon: ) Happy almost hump day!

Holiday Party Tips feat. LaDawn!

Happy Holidays! They're here, whether you like it or not. I'm not hosting my own holiday party this year, but I am helping a friend out with hers, so I thought I'd share a little inspiration with you for your gathering, whether it be a big party or just a few friends!

Eats: 
I am excited to feature an Etsy shop called ladawnelaine. LaDawn is from the town across from my hometown - catch - it's in Canada! Such a small world. Anyway, LaDawn makes vintage inspired decor - mainly cupcake and cake toppers and party decor. It's gorgeous stuff that you should consider adding to your party, plus - she's offering Lovely Llorys readers a 10% discount through the end of November - november10.

LaDawn customized these cupcake toppers for me - I asked for Merry Christmas in different languages, so we are representing French, Spanish, Croatian, and Hawaiian! She can make them with or without the lace as well: )

By the way, I used this recipe to make just 6 cupcakes for my demo (I multiplied the recipe by 3). 

Gift Wrap:

I love wrapping gifts - a love not granted to everyone. I like pretty paper from the store, creating my own reusing paper grocery bags, or using old maps. I went with pretty paper from the store for this one.

My grandma (Llorys, as in Lovely Llorys), is a great lady who I take after in her knack for collecting things. One of her collections is Woody from Toy Story! I got this for her during Halloween clearance, isn't he cute?

First Christmas present = wrapped! I used LaDawn's handmade Christmas gift tags atop my reindeer with scarves wrapping paper! Check out these teeny tags as well, so cute! Now we just need to put up the tree; ahh I'm getting excited! 

Tunes:
The classics are great of course, but if you want to add some new songs to your holiday playlist this year check out these new albums:

via Starbucks; I'm loving the Shins version of "Wonderful Christmastime"

You can get all 58 songs on Sufjan's latest Christmas album for just $15. A great deal!

Dress:

Why not use this occasion to buy a new dress? I like these options for under $100.

Express - Because you know you can always use a little more sequins in your life.

H&M - This dress is only $18 and I love it! It's so sassy.

Apt. 9 via Kohl's. Super color appropriate and you could wear it to work, too!

I'd love to hear your holiday tips! What are you serving? Who are you wearing? And let me in on your favorite holiday songs!

Thanks again to LaDawn for her part in this post! Please follow her on Twitter @ladawnouellette and Pinterest and support her shop for your next party!

Tuesday Treasures #8

This Tuesday is the first Tuesday I have ever owned an iPhone! It's about time! It's a big commitment for me because I'm on my own plan and it's definitely an investment in my future (aka two year contract future). Anyway, this Tuesday night I'm going to share some iPhone accessories I'm coveting. Please let me know what apps and gadgets you've found most useful for your iPhone! I'd love to hear!

Kate Spade, who I am obsessed with, makes this perfect case for me because I always knock on wood! 

This Holga Lens attachment available at Urban Outfitters is so fun!

Just awww. From SunSupplies on Etsy.

When I told Andrew I was doing this post, he asked me to do a sloth post instead. Luckily, you can find just about anything on the internet. (Via sharpshirter on Etsy)

Wow, so pretty! I've never seen a replace home button until this gorgeous Swarovski one (via The Fancy).

This is super gorgeous as well! Oh, I just can't make a decision here! 

Hope you're all enjoying your Tuesday night! I really do want your suggestions on iPhone accessories and apps! Help a sista out!

Giveaway with the Shop at Pooh's Corner!

UPDATE: The winner of the giveaway is Breonna. Thank you to everyone for entering and keep Francesca's shop in mind as your being your Christmas shopping!!

With Halloween behind us, everyone has immediately begun focusing on the holiday season! I love Halloween, don't get me wrong, but I am celebrating a new month and another holiday with a giveaway! Francesca from The Shop at Pooh's Corner is offering up a pack of 8 place cards for your Thanksgiving dinner! So adorable! Especially if you can't contribute to the cooking, you'll be able to supply your family with some table decor. To enter, scroll down and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item in Francesca's shop is and make sure to let me know you've done that in the widget! Good luck!

A little about Francesca:
"I'm a short and spunky, Puerto Rican/Italian, married mom of one with a degree in English language and editing. I love to run, dance, play board games, watch movies, blog, and read. I enjoy word search puzzles and other word games. And I'm a Mormon!

I LOVE shopping at thrift stores. I decided to open a shop selling vintage items after hosting a giveaway on my blog for another children's vintage shop. I thought, "I can do that!" I've always wanted to open an Etsy shop, but I'm not very crafty, so I was excited to find out vintage shops were allowed.

I also wanted to sell some handmade items, since my mother-in-law got me a Cricut and I've always loved working with paper. So I make confetti, gift tags, and other paper goods, which are now taking over my shop.

The name of my shop is a play on the second Winnie-the-Pooh book by A.A. Milne: "The House at Pooh Corner." I chose it because Classic Pooh represents imagination, innocence, childhood, and a past era - all of which I hope you find in my shop."

Thanks, Francesca! Make sure to check out her shop for all your paper party needs and vintage items!

Now onto the giveaway!


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Tuesday Treasures #7

I wanted to share some great Etsy finds in one of my most favorite shades - mustard yellow! Such a gorgeous color, it just speaks to me! 

I love Fletcher Fox by Sleepy King. All these little guys in her shop have the BEST facial expressions! I love them.

I could definitely find some use for this beautiful mustard infinity scarf from moonsun, especially with this insane Michigan hurricane weather! I just want to stay warm, dry, and comfy!

My boyfriend loves to sport bowties and I think this one is top-notch!  Fox and Brie makes the niftiest ties and handkerchiefs. Style up your boyfriend!

I love this giant bag from Cozibag! I carry so much stuff that no bag is really big enough, but this one seems like it might do the trick.

Isn't this snail pillow from LauraFrisk adorable? I think it would look great on the vintage chair we have in our living room. 

So many great things on Etsy! What is your favorite color to wear or decorate with? Also, if Hurricane Sandy has affected you, I hope you and yours are safe and well. It even affected us here in Michigan, what a wild storm! Goodnight!