vintage

Shoe Cupboard

June 2, 2011 by The Noisy Plume

There is a shoe cupboard built into the wall in the entry way of our 104 year old house.

One of my best friends came to visit two summers ago and when she saw it she said, “Well. When you renovate the entry way, this will be the first thing to go…” She found it appalling. At the time, her comment stung my feelings because while the cupboard is a tad ugly and perhaps utilitarian on the outside, the inside walls are covered with shimmering white and gold vintage wallpaper — which I happen to love. It makes such a resplendent backdrop for my high heeled shoes.

This cupboard also reminds me that even though something might be plain on the outside, there’s a very good chance it is beautiful on the inside. My shoe cupboard really is a geode of sorts, bearing the glitter and sparkle of darling shoes and vintage wallpapers when you crack it open.

While I live in this little farm house, I’ll never update my shoe cupboard, it teaches me, time and time again, such a meaningful little lesson…

Filed Under: plume gables, shoes, vintage

Shoe Cupboard

June 2, 2011 by The Noisy Plume

There is a shoe cupboard built into the wall in the entry way of our 104 year old house.

Filed Under: plume gables, shoes, vintage

Wild Dingos

March 5, 2011 by The Noisy Plume

I received a dash of birthday money this year and have been wondering and wondering what to spend those few precious dollars on. While combing through the vintage boots on Etsy, last week, I discovered this set of wildly sexy Dingo boots. The size was about right and I snaggled them up before I could even think twice about it!

They arrived in the mail yesterday and I must confess, I really rather like them.

I didn’t expect the leather to be so sumptuous and the cognac color is a total delight. Furthermore, the stitched eagles on the faces of these deliciously slouchy boot shafts are really, just to die for…there’s some light studding there as well and the entire effect is downright ravishing. In point of fact, I somewhat feel like I’m wearing Latin lovers on my feet…

The stacked heels are 3.5 inches high, but they don’t feel like it…I’m going to take them over to the local cobbler and acquire some new taps….all in all, I’m rather satisfied in the birthday boot department and I suppose I needed to tell you so.

I’ve been clattering around the house in these babies this morning and I can’t help wondering if the previous owner of these boots loved them like I do…where she wore them…if she was amazed by the buttery nature of the leather….do you ever wonder such things about thrifted or vintage acquisitions? I want to know who that girl was. I want to know if she blew bubbles in her spearmint gum and if she drove a truck too…

I hope the mailman brings you something

extra special today.

Squander your Saturday wisely, sweet chickadees.

Bootishly yours,

The Plume

Filed Under: boots, vintage, watch my eagles fly

I’m so torn.

March 5, 2010 by The Noisy Plume

You tell me.

This one?

Or this one?

Cast your votes for Orangie or Chartreusie now, please!

PS GO HERE (YES!!! The flying fish!!! PET RAVEN!!!! SEA MONSTER AND POTATO CHIPS!!! FOREST MONSTER WHO MAKES NORTHERN LIGHTS WITH HIS FINGERTIPS!!! Lightning storm, crashed balloon. AIR SHIP after the pawn shop!!! Bubble pipe! Home to the forest of death and then the planting of the magic rock which makes the forest bloom and then LOVVEEEEEE!!!!!!!) TO SEE THE BEST THING EVER.

THIS WAS MY DREAM LIFE YESTERDAY.

I’M ON THE REBOUND AFTER SUFFERING A DRY CREATIVE WELL.

So Ladylike It’s Almost Crass:

September 8, 2009 by The Noisy Plume

That’s the name of this brooch:

Ridiculously coquettish. Jocose and jangly. Built of sterling silver, 14 carat gold and one ivory, cultured freshwater pearl.

I rather like that jangly little bit — looks like the bushy tail of a fox. Oh yes. A fox. Foxy.

I gave this beauty a complete patina and then satin finished the upper section of the piece making for a truly striking contrast…ooh….it’s melting in my hand it’s so darn womanly and feminine and tough and delicate and strange and smooth….and foxy.

That grandiose window in the center of the piece lets your jacket shine through, or sweater or scarf. Ooh! Even MORE contrast! Delightful! Best of all, this piece moves beautifully when worn. It’s so stable and fixed but so flexible and balletic.

I kept this little version for myself. The design concept is the same but I set mine with a little faceted cut of carnelian because really, a girl can never wear too much orange.

Off to update the Etsy shop! See you there mwah mwah!

PS Just had this note arrive by Etsy convo:

“Lord deliver me from temptation–or make my fingers fast if you won’t do the former.”

GOOD GRACIOUS. It had me rolling around on the floor laughing!

Filed Under: animals, New Jewelry, vintage