My Love For Mondo

So I'm really not much of a "reality tv" person. I don't say that in a judgmental way at all (I don't care what you wanna watch on television!), but it's just not my deal. HOWEVER, I am a crazy huge fan of Project Runway, and my all-time favorite designer from the show is a very talented man hailing from Denver, Colorado named MONDO! Mondo Guerra was runner up on season 8, and when he lost to an uninspiring "boho chic" designer named Gretchen, there was a crazy uproar on the internet. It was amazing. He's easy to love, and his designs excite me to no end. He is the master of mixing prints and colors, and I haven't been so inspired by a designer since Alexander McQueen.

Just look for yourself:

Mondo is currently competing in the new Project Runway show, Project Runway Allstars. Tonight is part one (of two) of the finale, and he's up against two other very talented designers. Here's hoping he wins!

TEAM MONDO!

Here's a tote bag Mondo designed that I bought from his website. I carry my laptop in it, and it's perfect.

Me and my I ♡ MONDO button!

Just look at how awesome he is! 

I wish you all the success, Mondo!

xo,

mandy

My First Sewing Project

If you remember this post, I took a few sewing lessons from my neighbor Molly about a year ago (and learned the very basics), but I really haven't touched my sewing machine since then. This morning, my friend Allyssa and I sat down on either side of my kitchen table with our sewing machines, and went at it. She re-taught me some things I had forgotten, and I successfully completed my first alteration! I took a baggy v neck t-shirt I had (that I really only ever wore when working out), and took in the sides, shortened the sleeves, and created a new shape for the bottom. The seams are a little messy, but I am so surprised and pleased at how well it came out, considering this is the first time I've ever REALLY sewed anything. 

Here's what the shirt looked like before:

And here's what I did to it:

It's sort of hard to tell, but it's cropped, and the back of the shirt is lower than the front (sort of a mini fishtail look). I don't actually plan to wear the shirt with leggings like those, but that's just what I happened to be wearing when I had the photos taken. I think this top would look best over a tight floral bodycon dress, like this one:

I'm pretty excited about doing more alterations, and eventually making my own garments from scratch. My goal is to work on a project three times a week - I want to get better and better as fast as I can!

Winter Walk, 2012.

This is the mildest winter that I can remember. I mean, for example, it was 45 degrees yesterday. February 10th! In Maine! It was lightly snowing this morning, and it reminded me of the winter walk I went on back in January, the morning after our biggest snowstorm of the season. What's the weather like in your area? I feel like the general consensus is "It's really freaky, but I can't complain." I've been saying that, too, but I feel like a dumb American, just soaking up the unnatural warmth when in the back of my head, I know there's some scary shit about all of this. Still, the warm weather has been nice. I've been running a lot, and I've felt much less depressed than in past winters. Also, it's starting to stay lighter longer! Hot damn!

So here are some pretty winter photos I took (before it gets too warm out that it would feel weird to post them). Maine is really the most beautiful state. Sorry guys, but we win.

xo! mandy

The New York Times

Sooooo.... THIS happened today.

I was in the fashion and style section of the New York Times. Feels crazy to even write that! Wow.

I am living my dream. I feel so lucky and blessed. Thanks for all the support, friends.

xo,

mandy

PS- The dress I'm wearing WAS for sale in my shop (the photo is from a Grandma June photoshoot!), but I just took the listing down today. I think I should hang on to it a little longer... after all, it fits me perfectly and it'll be a nice souvenir. ♥ 

Family Resemblance

When visiting my father the other day, we started reminiscing about the past, and dad pulled out an old photo album he had. I took some photos of the photos with my iphone, and I thought I'd share. A rare glimpse into my father's side of the family. 

This is my dad's mother (not Grandma June - that's my mom's side of the family).
She died when my dad was 10 years old. Do you think I look like her?

My father as a little boy.

My dad was a bit of a bad ass when he was a teenager.

My dad as a teenager, slyly giving the middle finger. When I was 13, he taught me how to play the guitar.

Here I am! Even then, I loved being the center of attention and having my picture taken.

Hamming it up!

I defined the phrase "daddy's little girl". 

There was a period of time in the 80s where my
dad had a reeeeeally crazy mustache.

Love this one!

My dad has had this picture of us in the heart frame for forever. We decided to recreate it - the 2012 version.

*

Do you think my father and I look alike? 

xo,

mandy

The Top Five of Past and Present

I've been thinking a lot about my favorite vintage pieces that I have acquired over the years, and I thought I'd post a quick recap of my favorites sold and currently for sale. I try to live by the motto of no regrets, but man oh man, I definitely second guess myself for giving these ones up! 

SOLD PIECES.

1. The 1960s Matching Fox Dress and Jacket

2. The Perfect Folk Cape

3. The 1950s Floral Umbrella

4. The Classic 1950s Winter Coat

5. The 1940s Embroidered Peacock Blouse

CURRENTLY FOR SALE.

1. The 1950s Matching Floral Dress and Jacket

2. The 1950s Bright Floral Bathing Suit

3. The 1970s David Bowie Glam Tank Top

4. The 1940s Embroidered Dragon Shawl

5. The 1950s Black Floral Wiggle Dress

If you just can't live without one of those pieces that are still up for grabs, click on the individual links above the photos, or just go to my etsy site here and find them.

I'll be posting some new items soon (starting tonight - and including that amazing eagle sweater from my last post - I ended up deciding to part with it!) so keep an eye out for some great new wares. xo!

A Real Doozy of a Piece

Damn, I hate it when this happens. I have one of the most amazing vintage pieces (probably in my top 10 most amazing pieces I've ever come across - I'll make a top 10 list of my favorites in the next post!), and I just don't know if I can part with it. 

Tell me what I should do!
#tokeep OR #tosell

Tweet me @shopgrandmajune!