Chasing Dreams

The other day, Feanne posted this lovely photo of herself wearing this vintage rose-pattered long-sleeved top she purchased from the first collection of dresses in the shop. :)

Later on, I found an outtake in her tumblr account:

Isn’t she pretty? :)

Pay her a visit, you won’t regret it, she’s a brilliant artist: Site | Tumblr | Deviantart

It has been a blast since TheDreamerie was launched three weeks ago. I admit that venturing into something that would generate extra income was among the major reasons why the idea of putting up an online store came to fruition (not to mention finding an outlet for my unavoidable impulsive shopping sprees, but that goes without saying). However, I realized as I went about finding clothes and dresses to put up in the shop that the real profit in this business, more than the money, is meeting new people and finding items that would inspire others to express themselves through their clothing.

Is it so weird that I’ve developed a certain attachment to the clothes we put up in the shop? Ahhh, especially after naming them as if they’re our children! Conversations like, “Have you sent out Fiona to Liz already?” or “This dress looks like Seraphim to me.” or “Yay, someone is getting Janice!” are normal everyday YM exchange between me and Marian, as if we talk about real people and not clothes. I guess what I’m trying to say is, more than the thrill of shopping and being surrounded by pretty vintage clothes, I’ve grown to love the idea of finding these dresses someone to take care of them.

Such is how I felt when I saw Feanne’s self portraits. It made my heart swell with joy knowing that this rose-patterned long-sleeved top, which used to be hanging in some unnoticed rack in the corner of a thrift store in some old building in the city, which I later named “Old Rose”, is now in good hands.

I thought seeing these photos was the sweetest thing that happened that day.

Thanks, Feanne. If I knew you before, I would’ve named that vintage top after you. :)

* * *

Meanwhile, we recently launched our Third Collection over at TheDreamerie.Com. Do drop by, you might find something you like. :)

..in 2 minutes! Yay. *panic*

Here’s how the concept of this online boutique came about, because I don’t actually have time to explain right now, LOL. :) Lesson learned: Check your schedule first before setting a major site launch. Waah, I should be somewhere right about now, and I scheduled THIS NIGHT OF ALL NIGHTS to launch my shop!!

Just a quickie, it’s raining pearl earrings in my side of the world, so tonight, to launch TheDreamerie.Com, I’ll be giving away pearl earrings over there too!

These pearl earrings are slightly smaller than the ones I gave away just recently. :)

Btw, to the girls who are supposed to receive those earrings, I’m reallyy sorry for the delay. I scheduled a trip to the post office (because I was hoping to cut costs on shipping, hehe) instead of sending them over through A21 or Fedex, but my schedule got screwed up and was not able to go so the earrings are still with me. They will all be sent before this week ends, though. Promise. :)

So, okay, if you’re into thrifting and vintage items, fly by TheDreamerie. Meanwhile, I have to ruuuun.

..but I have to choose just one, and it’s difficult choosing when you want ALL OF THEM!

DAY TWENTYSIX. Although it may look like I’m starting to get lenient about my 30-day challenge and posting late, I’m as determined as ever to reach finish line. The delays you’re seeing is mostly me, stalling, because for some reason I don’t want this 30 days to end. Ugh. Senti much? More thoughts on this later.

Meanwhile, remember when I won a print from one of Simply Hues‘ contests? I’ve been exchanging Etsy convos with Chelsea Lee, the photographer who’s sending me my *ehem* prize, and here are some of her photographs that I would’ve picked if I’m not limited to just one.

Guess which one I picked? :)

Check out Chelsea’s blog and etsy store!

On another note, I’m going to announce who won the Camera Charm Earrings later today! I’ll try my best not to post the results past midnight as per usual, promise! Watch out for it tonight, 9:00PM! :)

30 Days of Awesome, 26/30.

DAY TWENTYFOUR. As someone who’s been shopping online a lot, I know a great online shop when I find one. In Multiply alone, I can vouch for Sheila’s In the Fishbowl, and Joni’s Foot & Knots, and again, not just because they’re my friends! There’s also Tot Couture, Make Up Kit, and The Only Ukay Queen.

And no, don’t let me start on Etsy, I’d go crazy listing down online shops I’ve come across that made it to my bookmarks. Etsy and Bigcartel (among others) are popular venues to buy and sell pretty stuff among Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. Here in the Philippines however, Multiply is where most independent sellers find their market.

Today, my featured online shop is Aurus‘ Purple Beet, who is currently having a site-wide sale (up to 50% off) to celebrate the shop’s first year anniversary. Each item is unique and handcrafted by Aurus herself. She’s got the cutest charms and beads — rare finds indeed!

Here are some of her products that caught my fancy. (More after the jump!)

By the way, I love Multiply shops that have, not only awesome products, but neat and user-friendly design/layout too. I don’t care if you’re selling unique and branded products, if your online shop is overflowing with blinkies and background music (oh please!), I tell you, you’re losing a lot of sales! And don’t waste your time adding me as your contact. I would have rejected you even before I start browsing your items.

But okaaaayyyy. That’s for a separate blog post altogether. Heh. Composure.

What I’m just trying to say is, Aurus is not only selling pretty items, her classy taste in design and colors is also evident in the overall look and feel of her online shop — which also adds credibility points to her as an artist selling her craft. You get what I’m saying? :)

Here’s more of Aurus’ stuff that I like.

» Read the rest of this entry «

DAY EIGHTEEN. I like being a girl. I mean, sure, we’re very emotional and unpredictable human beings, but in a lot of ways, we, girls, are pretty easy to please. Also, easier to buy gifts for, than guys. :P

For one, it’s easy to make wimmen smile with pretty accessories, whether as grand as a Tiffany jewelry, or as fancy as simple charms and key chains. Last week, these are some of the little things that made me smile:

1. Bead Letter Charm by Elaine of Arte Crafts. Elaine is a good friend, and this was not the first time I ordered a bead letter charm from her, the first one I ordered has been dangling from my Fuji Instax Mini. Last week, I ordered a letter “M” to give to Mae, a friend who was on a vacation here in the Philippines from Singapore. Elaine is so kind to give me an additional letter “R” as a gift — and in my recent-favorite color combination too, purple and blue. I love it! She’s such a sweetheart! :)

2. Handcrafted Earrings/Jewelries by Sheila of Inthefishbowl. Before Sheila started selling vintage clothes, she was handcrafting unique jewelries like these. She stopped doing it for a while, but just recently, has started releasing some pieces again. I love how they’re made of real Swarovski crystals, and how no two pairs are the same. :)

3. Camera Charm. Now this camera charm necklace has always been around my neck since I laid eyes on it. Isn’t it the loveliest thing? I found it at some store in Galleria, and because of my obsession with anything photography, fell in love with it at first sight. :)

How about you? What’s that one girl-thing that makes you smile? :) Or, if you’re a guy reading this, what’s that one thing you’ve recently given to your girl-friend or girlfriend that made her smile? :)

30 Days of Awesome, 18/30.