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. :)

Tonight I got home from Bible Study, replied to some emails, got some work done, and.. when all the work-related browsers were already out of the way, I readied myself to take in my daily dose of inspiration. It’s amazing how I’ve been around the web for so many years and yet, how little I’ve actually seen. Sometime in the last couple of months, I have unknowingly opened a door that lead to blogs, and photostreams, and realms that I never knew existed. It’s like finding a gate to a secret magical place, and each step of the way I find something/someone new to draw inspiration from.

These are just some of the photographers I’ve been following lately (fine, stalking, but really, I’m planning to let them know I’ve been admiring them from afar, like through an email or something, soon).

+ Kristybee: Flickr | Etsy Store | Blog

I love Kristy’s soft pastel colors, and polaroids, and flowers, and vases, and that window sill, which, for some reason, makes everything on it look oh-so-lovely.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

+ Susannah Conway: Flickr | Shop | Blog

Susannah’s photographs look like they came straight out of The Secret Garden. I’ve been toying with the idea of buying her prints so I could put them under my pillow so I would dream of them.

1, 2, 3, 4

+ Amanda Gilligan: Flickr | Photo Blog | Personal Blog

Amanda takes both film and digital, but really, whenever I browse through her streams, I cannot tell them apart anymore! And I love how she takes photos of some of my favorite things — polaroids, books, and coffee.

1, 2, 3, 4

Dreamy, vintage-like photographs never fail to make me swoon. I love how each one of these female photographers — Kristy, Susannah, and Amanda — is able to own up to a certain style that makes her photographs distinctly unforgettable. You’ll never miss Kristy’s soft tones. Or Susannah’s dreamy touch. Or Amanda’s vintage style.

And when you’re a photographer, having people associate your name to your photographs is just waaay awesome. Someday, I hope to find my own way too.

30 Days of Awesome, 8/30.

7/30. Typecasting my awesome things.

Like yesterday, for example. I thought I’d blog about thrifting, because I seem to be doing that quite often lately, whether online or offline. The pretty vintage dress *points to picture* was delivered to me yesterday from UkayManila (Thanks, Lauren!), and I have another one coming from InTheFishbowl tomorrow. OAN, I thought it would also be nice to blog about this book I just started reading, The Virgin Suicides, and a bunch of other books lined up for me after I finish reading this one.

(You know what, I might just blog about these next time!)

Now, you see, I’ve been typing about these things with my Olympia, too. (I know, what a nerd, right?) I initially wanted to type something coherent, only I ended up typing random thoughts throughout the day. Oh well.

Anywayyy. It’s Henry’s turn to speak now. Check out my second typecast, twitter style, just because typecasting is awesome like that. :)

Noteworthy:

• This typecast happened on the same day I blogged with my Nokia E71, but my posting schedule has been messed up already so try not to bother yourself with those details anymore okay. My WordPress is following the PST time, that’s why you’re seeing the right dates. ;)
• Hence, the “Scandinavian-looking” dress with blue-and-red floral pattern from The Reading Room was the one in the photo of the previous post.
• And the dress in the photo above is the one I got from Ukay Manila. :)
• Henry is the name of my typewriter, in case you didn’t catch that in the previous posts, and lest you start thinking that I’m typing a love letter to some guy named Henry.
• I’m sleepy now. Bye.

Typecasting is awesome. Zzzz.

30 Days of Awesome, 7/30.

Let it be known that today, July 24, 2009, I found my first typewriter. At Office Warehouse. In the same shelf where the printers, calculators, and USB gadgets are. Right beside the office desks where I’d usually hang out checking out stuff I need for my home office. How come I didn’t notice the typewriters there before?

2/30. Meet Henry, My Olympia Traveller Deluxe

It wasn’t love at first sight though, mind you. You see, a few hours earlier, I was able to get my hands on an actual, oh-wow-I-can-feel-it-in-my-fingers vintage Hermes 3000 at the Grand Thrift Shop at Cubao Expo. The guy was selling it to us at PhP 2900, waaay cheaper than the $250 (+$150 shipping) unit I’ve been considering to purchase from an Etsy store. But the Hermes 3000 at Cubao-X was old and rickety and unmaintained. It could type a bit, but it kept getting stuck. The owner said he was selling it mostly as a decorative element.

But I wanted a typewriter I can use!

So we left, had dinner, and passed by Office Warehouse because I still couldn’t get over the fact that I almost got myself a Hermes 3000. And there it was. The Olympia Traveller Deluxe. It wasn’t eyecandy as the other typewriters I saw online, but I had to try it. The moment I started typing, and heard the clickity-clackity sound that came with each press of a key, I knew I found my first typewriter.

I have to forgive myself for breaking the habit and posting 2 hours late (MNL time), on my 2nd-friggin-day into this 30-day challenge. I prepared a different post for this day, but that was before I knew I was going home with an Olympia tonight.

July 24′s awesome thing has got to be this: finding a typewriter in the most everyday of places and finally getting myself one. A close second would be, finding out that a typewriter ribbon costs 16 pesos at Office Warehouse. That, ladies and gentlemen, was how much technology costed in the yesteryears. Awesomecakes.

And so, my first typecast. (Whut? You don’t know what typecasting is? Hello, Strikethru.)

Reference to the novel by Audrey Niffenegger, “The Time Traveler’s Wife”,
where Clare is the Wife, and Henry, the Traveler.

Jody says she’s a dinosaur for getting attracted to typewriters. So what am I now, giving names to typewriters and writing typing them love letters? A trilobite? Awesome.

30 Days of Awesome, 2/30.

This new hobby/interest/addiction of mine is starting to make me crazy, I even dream about it sometimes. But I shall not stop until I find a typewriter that has my name on it. I need just one, and then I’ll shut up.

Some of the typewriter shops online that I frequent recently:

Poetictypewriters.com

Poetictypewriters.com is actually kind of new, I just found out about it today through Uppercase. I’ve been eye-ing one of their typewriters already (the 1950s Hermes 3000), have found my way to their etsy store, and have messaged the owner to know if they ship to the Philippines. That’s my main problem, actually. Most online shops that sell typewriters ship only to the United States and Canada, I have yet to see a local site selling typewriters.

* * *

Vintagetypewritershoppe.com

Vintagetypewritershoppe.com is the first (uh) vintage typewriter shop I ever laid eyes on. I know, the site does look vintage in itself (Web 1.0, anyone?), but it’s surely a treasure chest. The items are quite expensive though, compared to some of the typewriters being sold in Etsy or Ebay, but the owner of this site looks to me like a veteran antique collector who knows a lot about repairing and maintaining vintage typewriters. I bet all of these babies are properly maintained and are in good condition.

* * *

Collectorsweekly.com

Collectorsweekly.com sells all sorts of collectors items — from gadgets to jewelries to coins and stamps and books. They do have an entire page dedicated to typewriters, and it’s so far the widest collection of typewriters I’ve seen online. Some of the typewriters, however, are being sold really cheap because they’re not in good condition. Then again, you can always opt to have them repaired yourself, and you still would’ve spent less.

I have sent emails today, asking these shop owners if they ship to the Philippines. I’m thinking they might agree, but the shipping costs would probably cripple me. Ouch. I wait and see.

The one thing I haven’t done yet, though, is to find local typewriter stores myself — they just probably don’t have websites yet. I hear that Office Warehouse sells typewriters. Or, maybe a trip to Quiapo is all I need.

Entertainment Weekly’s July 17 Issue’s cover story featured Harry Potter’s Cast in yummy vintage get-up. At the risk of sounding sentimental, I feel like I grew up with these guys *sniff*. I’m sure you, like me, still associate Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Ginny Weasley to their younger versions from way back Sorcerer’s Stone. It’s interesting to see how the adorable little Hermione grew up to be kindof hawt. *girlcrush*

Here’s what’s inside the EW’s July issue, I’m glad someone took time to scan the pages.

Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, & Bonnie Wright

Emma Watson is looove <3

Some interesting trivia about these people:

• Rupert Grint missed a couple of days filming The Half Blood Prince because he was infected with H1N1 (swine flu). Sounds familiar, hmm.
• Emma Watson is doing a Natalie Portman and going to Columbia University to study English Literature. Beauty and brains. I think I’m in love.
• Bonnie Wright is going to film school after Harry Potter.
• Daniel Radcliffe is only 5’6 tall. In the movie, take note how shorter he is beside Rupert. Verrry noticeable, indeed.

Tonight is the second time I’m going to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. My thoughts about it, to follow.

* * *

Volume 25‘s typewriter illustrations have got to be my favorite. Aren’t the mushy little love notes in there the cutest thing? Siigh. <3

Visit Jessica’s blog and Etsy store. Definitely coming back, and blogging about her again, yep! :)

* * *

Michele Maule, meanwhile, has got the most number of typewriter art in all of Etsy, so if you’re specifically looking for typewriter art, painting, and illustrations, you’ll definitely come across her lovely store. Go go go, visit her Etsy store and see for yourself!

Some mixed media collage:

And paint reproduction on canvass:

This is one of those days I wish I’m more artistic. It’s hard to be bursting with inspiration when you lack skills, you know what I’m saying? I go cry in my room now.

Nah, just kidding, no crying. Today’s a happy day. Happy weekend everyone! :)

What I failed to do, however, was to resist looking around and buying a few more things that I don’t really need.

And it all started with this wall clock. (Isn’t it the prettiest thing?)

I don’t know how it started, but this crazy obsession with typewriters and anything vintage (-looking) came to me with this sudden fondness of wall clocks. (Not too long, I also took home an old Coca Cola Wall Clock from Vintage Pop’s clearance sale.) So yep, this vintage-inspired clock found its way to my shopping cart in no time, as if I needed more reminders that time is ticking away.

This was shortly followed by the floral printed curtains, which were on sale. The huge floral pattern look like something my grandmother will appreciate, which is exactly what I love about it. And I like how I didn’t have to take down my old red curtains because as it seems, the printed pattern looks perfect against the two-toned red anyway. Surely, red and olive green look lovely together, Christmas or no Christmas.

And then there were just a few more things: fake flowers on a porcelain pot, scented candle contained in a jadeite metal pail, and a cheapo table cloth with orange and red stitches. Voila, instant living room overhaul.

I got home from the mall yesterday feeling a bit guilty for splurging (again) on things that were not in my budget to begin with. Tonight, however, as I spend time in that little corner of this place I’ve come to know as “home”, I knew that I could justify my impulse buying again and win in court.

I needed this change.

For freelancers like me, who spend most of our days confined in such a small space, little changes like this spell a lot of difference. Work places affect productivity, after all.

Old items: (1) Love seat/two-seater couch from SM Departmen Store; (2) Red throw pillows from Our Home; (3) Red two-toned curtains from some supermarket, I can’t remember which one; (4) Lamp from Ikea; (5) Red adjustable round table from Dimensione; (6) Vintage make-up kit and coffeeholics mug from Vintage Pop; (7) Accounstic guitar from Rico.

Recent additions, all from SM Department Store: (1) Floral printed curtains (P375 each x2); (2) Vintage-inspired wall clock (P299); (3) Red table cloth (P35); (4) Scented candle on a pail (P239); (5) Fake flowers in a porcelain pot (P149).

P.S. Daily doses of Decor8, plus the habitual bloghopping through her blogroll, did this to me. Thanks, Holly. :)

I don’t want to sound as if I’m justifying my *unnecessary* shopping sprees, but you see, sometimes, even my impulse buying leads me to stuff that are worth every dime.

So there we were, R and I, off to Cubao-X because we felt like it’s time. I’ve always wanted to go, but never got around to scheduling it. And you know how the best way to deal with being obsessed with having plans laid out first is to just go on a whim — that’s what we did.

Apparently, Vintage Pop is closing, and last night was their last — how fortunate of us to be there. Bong Salaviera, the owner of that awesome store that embodied what Cubao-X is all about in every way, gave us discounts on whatever’s left there.

If it isn’t destiny that lead me to this lovely vintage make-up kit, I don’t know what is. (I haven’t stopped smiling since last night.) Also, the Coffeeholics mug and the miniature videoman doll are just the perfect Vintage Pop souvenirs.

I’m pretty ashamed to admit that I’ve only been in Cubao-X once my whole life, prior to last night’s trip. I remember falling in love with the place (and burning a good amount of money over the street bazaars, and the fashion and furniture boutiques and shoe stores that are just to-die-for), but Cubao-X is really just out of my way. (Lame excuse, I know.) That, however, will change soon. Cubao-X, that place that someone once called our  ”local version of Soho”, will now be part of my map.

Xai and I invite you to visit our little project, a result of some late-night brainstorming sessions on stuff that we both love and can do together. It’s a soft opening, and a lot of things are still being conceptualized.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested to be a part of this project, drop me a note and we’ll see. :)

VISIT CUBAO-X.COM

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

This is what it says on her Facebook event page.

Does the thought of digging through piles and piles of clothes intimidate you? Do you like ukay clothes but never had the time to hit the stores? Or maybe just being there triggers an allergic reaction and you’ve been prescribed to stay away from your suking ukay-ukay. Well, then we are sooo excited to share this site with you! Because here at Finders Keppers, WE FIND IT – YOU KEEP IT! And here, we do ukay-ukay with a passion. We’re here to share those great finds that makes ukay so special – from basic classics and dainty pastels, to fun, funky, interesting and unique pieces to add a splash of personality to your wardrobe.

And here are some of the stuff in Finders Keepers multiply site that caught my attention:

I placed an order on the last one, I hope I get it. :)

So if you’re like me who often doesn’t have time to go thrift-ing, you just might find a keeper at Finders Keepers. (Trust me, I know a great collection when I see one.)

A little backgrounder on Sheila and her In The Fishbowl biznezz, she used to make awesome handcrafted jewelries, but now, she’s focused mainly on photography and *ehem* motherhood. I’m glad she’s back doing fashion again. And I’ll definitely look forward to seeing more of her pretty accessories soon.

So go ahead, add In The Fishbowl to your multiply accounts! Knowing Sheila, I can already see more surprises looming in the horizon. ;)