Braid It Up

Aren't braids just lovely? They are very much back, and taking the fashion world by storm right now. Now if only I had the basic motor skills to successfully attempt one. Practice makes perfect, I guess.

xo Eliza

(Messy side braid via Once Wed, braided half up via Then Let it Be, waterfall braid via Babble, braid on braid via Refinery 29)

Simple & Bright

The other day I really discovered my design taste. I like simple things with bright colors. (Although I have been known to enjoy an occasional chunky necklace or two.)  

I'm very ready for the weekend.

xo Eliza

(Sunday via Instagram, print via Tumblr, Urban Outfitters stamp)

Five Loves

Happy Wednesday.

xo Eliza

(Ban.do scarf, donut photo via Maki Strunc Photography, The House That Lars Built card, lip confetti via Martha Stewart Weddings, BKR water bottle in Bambi)

Architectural Details

 

I am by no means an architecture enthusiast, but I am a sucker for an interesting detail. Be it an amazing wall of arched windows or a sculptural lattice, it adds a great deal of visual interest to a space.

xo Eliza

(Latticework via Tumblr, arched windows via Veronica Loves Archie, glass ceiling via Beaux Mondes Designs)

This is Love

This verse is really near and dear to my heart. Honestly, my favorite verses are the ones that speak of God's undying love for His people. It makes me feel so safe and secure in a world that often times is not.
God made the ultimate sacrifice for us. He sent His only Son to die for us, all because He loves us. For our sins, Jesus was killed. He had no sins - but He took ours. 
You are not unlovable. You are not useless. You are loved by the Creator of all things. His love for you surpasses any human understanding. 
I hope you come to accept His love. He stands at the door and knocks, waiting for you to open. Please open that door, and let the Lord enter your life. I promise you that you will never, ever regret it.
xo Eliza
(1 John 4:9-10 via Tumblr)

Full Skirts

Full skirts are so feminine and girly. I absolutely love the way that a full skirt is styled in this picture - it's got just enough edge with the palette and the necklace to where it doesn't go too Disney Princess. (Love those ladies, but you can't dress like one every day.)

I think I may need that sweater.

xo Eliza

(Tibi skirt, J. Crew sweatshirt, La Garconne clutch, Rupert Sanderson shoes, Forward Forward necklace)

(Outfit via High Rise Fashion)

Five Loves

1) Cat + Mouse illustrations. Cute-o-rama.

2) I think I have lost feeling in my limbs. 

3) Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh is literally my favorite perfume in the whole world. It's fresh (duh) and fun, but with just enough woodsy musk to not be juvenile. Perfectomundo!

Benefit High Beam

I was super excited to write this post today - the first beauty review for the blog! Out of all of the products that I use, Benefit High Beam has to be my absolute favorite. (Except for concealer, that is literally my best friend.) 

This product is really great. It's not the neatest to apply (think large nail polish bottle for your face) but I just use three little dots and I can blend with my fingers. The trick is to put this where the light would naturally hit. If you aren't sure how to find those places, sit underneath a light in front of your mirror, and take note of where the light reflects. If you put this anywhere else, it can look fake.

I use it on my brow bones, cheekbones, bridge of my nose, and on my cupid's bow. (That little vee above your lip) It adds a little dimension. You can put this over your makeup, but I like to put it on under my powder because it tones down the shine.

Shine on, girlfriend.

xo Eliza

Red Velvet Cake Minis

I seem to have a problem with talking about upcoming holidays way too far in advance. (I think I started posting about Christmas in maybe November?) Oh well...I can never be accused of being unenthusiastic.

These beautiful mini cakes are the perfect contrast to all the sugary sweet, bright pink heart treats that seem to be running rampant this time of year. Don't get me wrong, the more color and girlyness (or girliness?) the better in my book, but still a little sophistication is nice from time to time.

Pretty & Neat

I recently told you that I can't work in a messy environment. It really is true. Ever since I was a little girl, if my room was messy, I can't get anything done. I think it stems from something my mother taught me; "never cook in a messy kitchen". 

Or maybe it's just because I am a self-proclaimed neat freak. (What's so freakish about that, I must ask?) If you follow me on Pinterest you probably have seen that I have an entire board dedicated to organization.

In light of these facts, I decided that I'm going to start slipping some organizational/cleaning posts into the "interiors" section. (Just to spice it up, you know?)

xo Eliza

(Print via Etsy, color-coded books via Fabulous K Blog, nail polish organization via Arianna Belle, dress rack via Belle Maison 23)

Black, White, and Gold All Over

Lately I've been loving black, white, and gold together. Super timeless and feels very high-end.

xo Eliza

(Ban.do bobbi pins, coffee pot image via Sees by Sanni, kittens via Pinterest, Kohler faucet, metallic eye via Pinterest, polka dots via Lotta Agaton)

Refuge and Strength

There are days when I feel like wrapping myself up in blankets, shutting off my phone, and just hibernating from absolutely everything. (Especially these past couple of days; I have been fighting the flu - emphasis on the word fighting!)

The good news? We serve a God who is always there for us. He is a "very present help in trouble". I take so much joy and peace from knowing that my God will never leave me, that He is there for me wherever I go. When I am weak and tired, He gives me strength. He is such a good God!

Let's lean on God today.

xo Eliza

(Woods image via the wonderful Elena Morelli - seriously, her blog is visual joy!)

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

Mode Vintage isn't really a "personal" blog. I mean, yes, it is my blog and I do talk about stuff that is near and dear to my heart, but I don't talk about my life or anything because I like my privacy. 

I do, however, want to share some things that a lot of people don't know about me. (I'd love to hear more about you, too, if you want! Share in the comments!)

1) I love the Lord of the Rings. Like, really love.

2) Whenever I go to the store to buy something for myself, I always end up buying a notebook. (And then spend several hours trying to figure out what to write in it.)

3) Cheese is my favorite food.

4) My favorite thing in the whole world is this pair of stork scissors.

5) I love dogs.

6) If my desk isn't clean, I can't work.

7) I hate nail files. The sound - ugh. 

8) I love knitting and crocheting. (My sister always says that I am an old woman; I also have been known to watch Bonanza and The Big Valley marathons on TV.)

9) My shoe collection is 80% high heels. 

10) I was my school's poet laureate in the 4th grade. I won with a poem about pancakes.

xo Eliza

Let's Talk About Sunglasses

Sunglasses are to me like peanut butter is to jelly. (It's even become a joke about me - my heels are high and my sunglasses are huge.) It's always a major achievement when I find the perfect pair. (My current ones are fabulous.) 

I love tortoiseshell sunglasses. Round is preferable, with just the tiniest little flick out. Classic and chic.

xo Eliza

(My sunglasses are from Modcloth)

(Audrey Hepburn via Girl Seeks Shoe, redhead via Tumblr, Linda Rodin via Refinery 29)

Introducing Beauty Reviews

I don't know about you, but before I buy a new beauty product I always check the reviews. I read blog posts about it and watch Youtube videos using it. It's smart to do your research. 
Since I buy makeup and beauty products all the time, I figured I might as well start reviewing the products I try. (Why not?) I'll break down the results into neat little graphics (like this one) that make it easy to see the pros and the cons of each item.
Keep your eye out for some beauty reviews coming up!
xo Eliza
(Image via Beautylish)

My Top 5 Favorite Interiors

I'm so inspired by white. Wood also seems to be a factor.

Have a great weekend!

xo,

Eliza

(Runner image via Tumblr, headboard image via Tumblr, fireplace image via Decor 8, bathroom image via Remodelista, rattan chair image via A Beautiful Mess)

Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread Muffins

Oh monkey bread, oh monkey bread, oh how I love you, monkey bread. (To the tune of O Christmas Tree) But seriously, this stuff is addictive. So, I'm sure you can imagine just how ridiculously excited I got when I saw this recipe for Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread Muffins from Sugar and Cloth. (That's really a mouthful - bad pun intended!) 

Wow do they look good. 

(Images and recipe via Sugar and Cloth)

Sophie Ledesma

How adorable are these illustrations? They are the work of amazing French artist Sophie Ledesma. She's been commissioned by companies from Boden to L'Oreal Paris, bringing her original and colorful designs into the world of commerce.

I think my favorite is the Merci image. It is so adorable, is it not? (Although the little boy also has a claim on my heart.)

Enjoy your Wednesday!

(All images via Sophie Ledesma)

Casual Beauty

It's no secret that I love to get dressed up. The whole kit and caboodle. (It was recently brought to my attention that I use far too many old-fashioned sayings...oh well.) But anywho, I do enjoy just wearing some simple makeup, throwing my hair into a messy bun or ponytail, and throwing on my favorite jeans. (Sweatpants, mostly, but I have an image I should probably keep up.)
I absolutely adore that mascara. Honestly, I try a new mascara every time my old one runs out. I think this one may just be my favorite. The scoop brush lengthens and separates. A lot of people have complained that it is hard to maneuver to get your lower lashes, but I have a simple trick. For your uppers, turn the brush so that the spoon part is concave, pointing up. When you do your lowers, turn the brush so it is convex, pointing down. Easy peezy, folks. (There's another one.)

(Messy bun via Killian and Co., Hervana, Maybelline Falsies mascara, Sonia Kashuk lip balm)

Get Quieter

We live in a very loud world. Not just audibly loud, but also subconsciously loud. Do you ever notice how when you try to do something important, you turn off your phone. (Maybe it's just me.) I can't get any serious work done if my phone is alerting me of every update. 

Sometimes you have to literally silence everything to truly listen to God. There is a great deal of wisdom in leaving your phone at home and finding a quiet place to pray. It helps you get more in-tune with God, and less in-tune with the things of this world.

With the New Year spread cleanly out before us, let's get quieter and listen.

(Image via Tumblr)

January Wishlist

'

January feels gray to me. It's right between Christmas and Valentine's day, so there isn't all that much to be prepared for. Honestly, after a very busy Christmas season, I am looking forward to having absolutely nothing to do for quite a while. 

Three cheers for a slow January!

(Calypso St. Barth pullover, J. Crew scarf, Madewell top, Target socks, Modcloth purse)

My Top 5 Favorite Posts of 2013

1. Wow, this post was mega early. Still, I love Ban.do.

2. I loved taking Katie Rodger's illustration class, and I'm super thrilled with my illustration too. (I was so inspired by runway couture!)

3. I don't do review posts all that often, but I loved the opportunity to talk about my favorite thing - mascara. (Should I do more review posts?)

One Year Anniversary!

It feels like just yesterday that I did my first post on the blog. I started writing here on Mode Vintage one year ago; and I've learned so much since then. I feel like I'm getting better at not only the technical aspects of blogging (my pictures actually show up now!) but also the community aspect. You guys make blogging so fun.
This year I hope to continue to grow my audience and expand my outreach. I also want to start finding more and more high-quality, interesting content to share here. 
Maybe in the future I'll introduce a new category or two (any suggestions?) But I definitely want to make sure that I am giving my best attention to the posts that really matter. 
Thanks to all of you who have made it here with me. 
xo, Eliza