Polka Dot Dolly

I've been waiting not so patiently for the weather to warm up so that I could finally post this swimsuit from Red Dolly Swim! In an earlier post I shared Heather of Red Dolly wearing a black playsuit I made for a trade with her. Well, this is what she sent me! I'm in love with this suit! The fit is perfect...it feels secure and form fitting without being uncomfortably tight. Red Dolly also makes a one piece version as well as maternity and baby swimwear! And Heather is such a sweet person. Check out her website for your summer swimwear needs.

Photos by my husband

Designer Spotlight: R and K Originals

For my next designer label spotlight I am choosing R and K Originals! 

R and K was established in the late 1930s and was based in New York City on Broadway. The company produced fashionable but affordable clothing for women and used the slogans "Personally Yours" and "For the Girl Who Knows Clothes". The company was a division of the famous Jonathan Logan brand(another post on this later!) until the Logan brand was sold in the 1980s. The R and K label is still in production today.

The labels are so fabulous!

I have a few R and K Originals for sale in my shop right now:

One is this classic black 40s dress.

The other is this darling 50s gingham set(which sadly did not fit me!!)

xxxSarah

Bomb Girls

I recently started watching a series called Bomb Girls! It's set in WWII and follows the story of several girls working in a bomb factory. The plot is a bit ridiculous at times but I don't care! The clothes are just fabulous. I was inspired to try a bomb girl factory worker look today. The series is on Hulu so if you can give it a watch!

Romper: made by me

70s does 40s blouse: thrifted

Headscarf: thrifted

Designer Spotlight: Van Raalte

I've decided to start a vintage designer spotlight series so that I can share some of my favorite vintage brands! This week I am featuring Van Raalte. I came across a beautiful nightdress and peignoir last week by Van Raalte and while researching the pieces I fell in love with this brand!

The Van Raalte company began in 1913 and produced fine quality ladies gloves, stockings, and lingerie. The company blended luxury with practicality and used  the slogan "Because You Love Nice Things". It was bought out in 1970.

The boudoir set below is very similar to the one I found! 

Every advertisement I've come across is so charming!

Hope you enjoyed this!

xxx

Sarah

My Love Affair with Lemons

I have a thing for lemons... I love to cook and clean with them! Yesterday I read an  article that inspired me to try even more uses with lemons so I thought I would share my favorite uses for them!

1. Cooking (of course!) My favorite recipes involving lemons are:

This delicious risotto from Martha Stewart (photo via Martha Stewart)

http://www.marthastewart.com/953796/asparagus-and-lemon-risotto

And of course lemon bars (seriously I can eat an entire pan in one sitting...)

2. Natural beauty treatments

Lemon juice can be gargled for fresh breath, massaged into the scalp to treat dandruff, and rubbed on the face with a cotton ball to treat acne.

3. Cleaning

Lemon juice can be used to clean countertops and floors and to freshen sink drains and refrigerators. Not only does the juice clean, it also repels insects!

4. Drinking

Lemon water is so good for you! It energizes and detoxifies your body. I slice up a lemon, throw it in a pitcher of water and refill it for a week before starting over with a fresh lemon.

I usually juice a bunch of lemons at once and keep the juice in a mason jar...if you don't have one of these citrus juicers invest in one...they make juicing so quick and easy!

After I juice I rub down my counter tops and sinks with some of the rinds and throw the rest in a pan of simmering water to freshen the air in my house.

Hope you are enjoying this beautiful week!

xxxSarah