Bandits Cowgirls & Crochet

I have been loving Bandit Brand ever since my man bought me a shirt at Idle Hands shop in Santa Cruz. The brand and shop owner, Jen, is rad.  The shop is super fun to just look around and hang out in with its' piano, and events with live music and art shows. They also sell vintage and handmade items and jewelry. The place has a homey, vintage, rock-n-roll-country feel and aesthetic to it, and check out their blog and website which plays some good classic tunes. (I promise no one pays me to say all this:) I just want to pass on the good stuff! >  http://banditbrand.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/hello-world/
http://www.banditbrand.com/index2.php#!/BANDIT_BRAND

Bandit Brand T-shirts are super comfy, organic, eco-conscious, rad, zesty pieces of clothing, MADE IN THE USA!!

Here's the shirt I wear alot...

And check out some cowgirl / crochet items for sale in my etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeerDrifter?ref=pr_shop_more

A Hat with History

I saw this Ruched Wool hat at the Vintage Fair in downtown Santa Cruz and just had to get it, even if just to share with fellow vintage lovers. It made me happy just placing it on my head, a piece of old world beauty.

But when I researched the label I found some interesting historical factoids: It was made in New York and the tag says "Registered Model of Millinery Creators Guild", which in 1941 underwent a Supreme Court case with the Federal Trade Commission because the Guild was said to have hindered competition and create monopoly "By depriving the public of the benefits of normal price competition among retailers of stylish hats for women"...

Such fun history lessons in items of clothing, thus my fascination with vintage wares continues. 

hat for sale here: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77764901/vintage-1940s-ruched-pink-mauve-wool-hat?ref=pr_shop

A Day in The Field

Vintage Finds:
~Lacey Crochet Mini-Dress
~Black Leather Gloves
~Black with Tiny White Polkadots -Heel Strap Pumps
~My great Aunt Pearl's Embroidered Floral Belt circa 1950s
~Thrifted Red Reversible Cape, Black lace inside

Lighthouse Field by my home~

Favorite Forest Fashion

The photos below are at a campground near Santa Cruz containing Redwood Trees that are about 1800 years old. We had fun climbing inside trees with our friends from L.A. who visited last weekend. I wore my favorite boots, which belonged to my mom for years and she gave to me. She had them made in Korea about 16 years ago when she visited my dad who was stationed there in the Air Force for a year without us. They were fitted specifically for her feet and she chose the exact colors/leathers/design that she wanted. I have never gotten more compliments on any single item in my life as I do on these boots, which I wear A LOT! My mom's a good shoe designer!  I wish I could get shoes made for me however I want, but Korea is far.

Clothing can evoke so many memories, whether of a person who gave items to us or places or events we attended while wearing them. For example, I still hold onto the shirts I was wearing when I first SAW my husband, and the first time I SPOKE with him, and our first date, and the dress I wore the night he proposed. Sentimental gal ya know? I also love wearing vintage clothing and imagining who wore it decades ago and the history behind its' journey into my hands.

What's your favorite place to climb, jump, run, or chill with friends? And what is your favorite item of clothing you've ever worn/owned? Any cool stories/memories attached to them? I'd love to hear some!

 Mama's boots! And the bat-wing tapestry shirt I wore was a great vintage find from Santa Cruz Antique/Vintage Fair!

 

Justin jumping

 Tattiya found a Bow and shot us with stick arrows.  ;)

Happy Fourth Of July!

Getting ready for fun in the sun, by the sea, on a boat, bike, or at the lake?  Pack some sassy nautical and patriotic styles in your weekend bag and let the fireworks begin!  Have a blast everyone!

These items are for sale in my Etsy shop...   http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeerDrifter