TRANQUIL WAVES

MIDNIGHT RIDER

BARE BLISS

SEEING RED

TGIF

NEW YEAR, NEW START - FAREWELL

These past two years I have loved bringing all of you Bloomers the different ways I'm inspired daily. I'm even more grateful to have shared these experiences alongside one of my best friends. Amy has always been an amazing friend and co-blogger. She always motivates me to look for the small moments in my day to bring to the blog so that I can share what I find valuable and creative to all of you. Also, this experience would have never been the same if it wasn't for all of our supporters and readers. You have all motivated me to continually share my creativity and passion even though I will no longer be a part of the blog.

FEATURE FRIDAY // HILARY

We are so happy to finally be featuring our oddity-queen, Hilary! We know we can always count on her for unique pieces of handmade jewelry and Victorian-inspired cameos and florals. We love her mix of pretty and dark because they compliment each other so well. She's a full-time nanny with a passion to work with the elderly, and is engaged to our great friend Kevin. We love the time we get to spend with this girl. If you want to get a peak into more of Hilary's life then follow her on Instagram or Tumblr.

Happy Friday!

Outfit Details:

Hat- Forever 21 (similar)

Shirt- Forever 21

Skirt- Cotton On

Tights- Nordstrom (similar)

Boots- Madden Girl

Purse- Romwe

Eye Broach- Etsy (similar choices)
Rings- Thrifted

P.S. - We didn't plan this background location. It's like it was meant to be!

<3 Amy & Annalise

SOME BRIGHT MORNING

I feel like I've been all over the place lately (both mentally and physically!), and in a way it feels great. The downfall is that I haven't been able to bring you guys an outfit post in a while! Amy and I are planning and working hard to not let traveling and distance come between us. 

In my travels I picked up these amazing vintage cowboy boots (probably from the 80's) for a cheap price at a flea market. I love these babies so much, and they really give me the break I need from sandals and short boots in the summer. 

I've also had one of my favorite folk hymnals stuck in my head all weekend after seeing the sunrises at my family's lake house. Here's a picture of one of the mornings there and the song! My favorite version is by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch (they're my girls<3).

                                                                                           

Outfit Details:

Hat- RVCA No Promises hat

Dress- Cooperative from Ireland

Boots- Thrifted

<3 Annalise 

FEMININE GRUNGE

As soon as I saw this dress, I knew I would be pairing it with my vintage Justin Roper's. Mixing feminine, elegant pieces with grungier, more casual things like boots and my flannel is something I love to do. I think it gives such a dynamic that no other style can deliver. Today Mike and I ventured around our town so I was sure to take photos in lots of places!

This dress is really reminiscent of the Betsey Johnson Vintage line that's now at Urban Outfitters which is why I think I really gravitated towards in. I love the lace inset and midi length!

I hope all of you Bloomers are enjoying the long awaited summer weather :)

Outfit Details:

Dress - Band Of Gypsies [similar]

Flannel - Bycorpus by UO [similar]

Boots - Vintage

Arrow bracelet - St. Eve Jewelry

<3 Amy

VINTAGE PARADISE

After finishing college and feeling ready for new adventures, it only seemed perfect to finally make it down to Key West, FL. Talk about the perfect amount of sun, a slight island breeze, and going all natural all day long! Last night I headed out to the boardwalk with my new kimono and favorite peasant dress. I love that everyone around here rocks the no-makeup and messy hair. We caught the sunset down at Mallory Square, and had some drinks after. I feel like I'm in a vintage paradise with all the old houses and old palms. I've fallen in love! 

Outfit Posts:

Kimono- Urban Renewal

Dress- Urban Outfitters

Sandals- Cooperative

Jewelry- Vintage/Family

<3 Annalise

3 WAYS TO USE VINTAGE BOOKS

3 Ways to Use Vintage Books

If you're like me and you love reading, writing and antique things, then you may have started to accumulate a collection of old books. If you haven't done so already, then maybe you should pick up a few books that speak to you! Vintage books are beautiful on the inside, but their beauty really shines through on their covers. From design to pictoral images, old books have that feel-good charm. I wanted to show you Bloomers three ways to use old books that don't include reading them! 

Here we go!

1. Stacking to Create a New Surface

One of the most efficient ways to use books is by simply stacking them to create a different dynamic to your shelf or table while showing off the pretty embroidery and lettering of the book. Not to mention it creates a whole new surface to display your favorite things on! 

2. DIY "Book Bag"

A few summers ago I was at a craft fair and came across a vendor of handmade purses made from old books. The artist was so sweet and talked about her process in creating this bag! Every since then I keep telling myself I'll make one of these (and suggest you try too!). All she did was cut the pages away from the binding and created a pocket out of fabric and fastened it to the hard cover of the book. Then she simply created a strap and hooked it into the bag! I love how she gave new life to an old favorite.

3. Wall Art

Last, but not least, I use some of my books as wall art. This book titled, Ballads of Home, is embossed in gold etching and beautiful type font. The front cover is so pretty it may as well be displayed for everyone to see! I simply rested it on an item already on my wall, but you could easily drill two small holes in the back on the book and fasten wire to each side and hang it up. This adds some diversity and dimension to your wall pieces instead of just having prints. 

I hope this has inspired some of you to find some old books you like or to use your existing books and find a purpose for them! 

<3 Annalise