restyled lace top

In the midst of all the sewing thats been going on around here lately, I've been trying to squeeze in at least one project a week that is for me (or the house, a friend, ect). I have a ginormous pile of clothes that i've thrifted that could use some sewing magic, pillows that are in need of new covers.. and the list goes on. Those are the projects where I feel like I can unwind at the machine (it doesn't have to be as perfect as the dress I know someone ELSE will be wearing).

This was just a VERY large and old lace top I found at a thrift store for a $1. I took in the sides, took in the sleeves and also shortened the sleeves. It took less than 10 minutes. And now I love it.
Every time I wear it atleast one stranger has asked where I got it.. Nice!

and my favorite way to wear it is with a pair of high-waisted shorts i have.

Hope this inspires someone to make something awesome out of something that was previously unwearable.

huge sidenote: I am in absolute awe of the response to the dresses. Whether you bought one or told your friends about it or gave me a compliment on them, I appreciate it more than I could ever express on here. I am still up in the clouds!

the dresses

... are up for sale now!

go to vanillaandlace.com if you'd like one!

There is a limited number finished in each size. After those are sold out, they will be made to order as time allows.

Lucy Pevensie - Navy



Float away



(my apologies for the wrinkles, it was quite a hike to this location)

cold-brewed iced coffee

have you ever cold brewed coffee? No? Then your time has come. I absolutely love it. It's less bitter, has much less acidity (which is great for my often troublesome stomach) and the background flavors come through more than other brewing methods.. All around, it is one of my favorite ways to drink coffee. Especially this time of year. Bonus: it couldn't be any easier to make!

Cold-Brewed Ice Coffee

2/3 cup ground coffee (medium-coarse grind is best)

1. In a jar, stir together coffee and 3 cups water. Cover and let rest in refrigerator overnight or 12 hours.

2. Strain twice through a coffee filter, a fine-mesh sieve or a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Or press through a french press.

In a tall glass filled with ice, mix equal parts coffee concentrate and water, or to taste. If desired, add milk

P.S. the coffee concentrate is great for adding to recipes. I added 1/4 cup to this recipe and it is SO GOOD. Not a strong coffee taste but you can definitely tell its there.

thank you.

First, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you for all the kind words regarding my dresses, and my decision in general. They all made my day. I was in the clouds. I can't wait to get the first run done and modeled and up on the website. Hoping to have them out august 1!

And second, since its been awhile, here's life lately through instagrams.




i've been juicing everyday. a post of my favorites coming soon



last week/this week has been pretty grey and rainy.. and also pretty cold. (definitely not complaining)


listening to tons of music on spotify. i'm obsessed. (this is my favorite sigur ros song)


espresso shortbread and tea from a new favorite spot.



sewing snacks. and lots of collars in the making.


red on ring finger.


scarf turban for a dirty hair day. (thanks jessie!)

Hope you're weekend is amazing!

Introducing..

Hello friends!

I think its about time I show you what has been taking up the majority of my day, every day.




and voila!


If you follow me on twitter, you probably already knew this. (See? You should follow me on twitter!)

A little over a month ago I quit my job as hair stylist (sometimes it takes working in a field you thought you'd love to realize you, in fact, despise it). And after months (or years!) dreaming about how I someday wanted to design my own dresses and make them and sell them, I realized the only thing holding me back was fear. So after much encouragement from my husband, I decided to take the leap of faith and just do it! For the past month I have been working my TAIL off, sketching and designing and drafting and cutting and stitching for hours and hours. There have been days where I was jumping and dancing through the house after finishing a dress and there were days where i felt like I made the biggest mistake of my life (in reality, i was probably just tired). I don't know how long I'll be doing this or where it'll take me but I do know that wherever it does take me, i'll be so happy i took a step of faith and just did it!

I'm hoping to have the collection out in 2 weeks! And I will definitely keep posting more news as it happens.

Oh, and here's a preview of what you might find in the first batch of dresses.
(think 50/60s inspired)

what i ate - 7/7/11

Breakfast - Trader joe bran flakes, almond milk, fresh strawberries


Lunch - Chickpea wrap with baby spinach and arugula


Snack - Kiwi-apple-lemon juice


Dinner- Salad with cucumber, tomato, avocado, and fresh mozzarella
(bad lighting.. ew)

strawberry picking

A few weeks ago, I convinced Josh to go strawberry picking with me. You absolutely cannot beat the taste of fresh berries right off the plant. We had a blast and "taste tested" quite a bit along the way. I think we ended up picking 7 pounds.. which means i had plenty to put in the freezer.











Tell me these aren't the most perfect looking berries you've ever seen!
(which is why i couldnt stop taking pictures of them)

red head

So I finally did what I planned on doing months ago.
I wanted to do pink again but that would've involved a blonde touch up.. so I just went for red.
It feels nice to have some dimension in my hair and for the ends to be soft.
(and bonus! red brings out blue eyes and pale skin {I guess if i wear a blue dress i'll be looking pretty festive for the 4th.})




Hope you all are having a wonderful friday. I've been working my tail off on a new project I'll be sharing about VERY soon. I cannot wait..