Yup, that's the first thought I had when I received an email from the editors of Etsy's blog, asking me to be a guest curator.
The subject read, "Etsy Loves 'Thoughts from Alice W."...that alone made my heart skip a few beats!
They wanted me to share tips on how to create my "cozy aesthetic" along with my picks from Etsy and my sources of inspiration.
I was thrilled...and I won't lie...quite a bit nervous too.
And then this afternoon my article was live~ so I thought I would share it here as well {they requested I spread the word ;)}...you can head over to Etsy to see the full deal...but here is the gist...
If one word could describe my lifestyle and design aesthetic, it would be romantic. Having always been a dreamer at heart, I love incorporating romantic details into every facet of my creative endeavors and home décor. Though my personal style may evolve with the times, one thing remains the same — finding beauty in the details and romance in the simple things.
For me, this is mainly achieved through antique and vintage finds. I spend all spring and summer scouring flea markets, thrift stores and the like, finding those one-of-a-kind treasures to fill my home. I love the history of pieces from earlier times. They exude mystery, whimsy and of course…romance. Anything French is sure to make my heart swoon. The best part about Etsy is that these finds can be found all throughout the year — you don’t have to wait for warmer weather to start collecting.
Vintage Etsy finds shown above that caught my eye:
Vintage Italian Tole Candelabra from thepetitemarket, Chandelier from kgentinetta, Antique French Dictionary Pages from elitas, Rescued Horsehair Brush from fadedprairie.
A staple of my design style is a monochromatic palette. I am a lover of white-on-white decorating with bits of black and brown thrown in for good measure. There is something so soothing about a palette filled with cream, ivory, beige, gray, ecru, sepia, etc. that speaks to my soul. When louder colors are eliminated, textures and finishes take center stage and are allowed to shine, such as ruffles and wrinkles of linen, the coarseness of burlap, as well as chipped surfaces and worn patinas. Bits of gold and silver sparkle in chandeliers, candlesticks and ornate mirrors.
Monochromatic textures from Etsy:
Burlap Table Runner - Ruffled by SimpleLinens, No. 231 Burlap Bolster by AlicesLookingGlass, Belgian Linen Ruffled Tablecloth by kgentinetta, Jelly Cupboard Early American Country by JosephSpinaleFurn.
Collections are another aspect to vintage romance that adds interest and appeal. Ironstone pottery and plain white china are favorites of mine. The more aged and crazed, the better. Vintage alarm clocks, religious relics and old photographs are among others. Curious finds gathered together are sure to become conversation pieces. Whatever it is that you love collecting, curating them strategically will have a bold impact.
Start your own collections with these curious and vintage finds:
Vintage Store Price Display Stand from oldohiofarmfinds, Vintage Alarm Clock Sevani From Armenia from ClockworkUniverse, Vintage Photos from rebeccasthriftshop.
Inspiration for this design aesthetic can be found in plenty of places. Two sources that I admire include the home and interior details of June from Laughing With Angels. Her elegant grace with gathering beautiful pieces together always serves as something to aspire to. Another favorite of mine is Andie Edwards, artist and lover of all things white. The simplistic beauty of her style exudes romance.
First three photos by June of Laughing with Angels, mosaic of photos by Andie Edwards
Some of my favorite blogs and websites for further inspiration:
- Romantic Vignettes
- Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic
- Jeanne d’Arc Living
- Chez Fifi
- My Petite Maison
- Belle Blanc
- The Old Painted Cottage’s ‘Cottage of the Month’
Well, I do hope that you enjoy my post! And a very big thank you to Etsy for giving me such a fun opportunity!
Till next time...
*swoon*
Your sense of style is inspiring. Congrats on your fabulous guest curation!
Posted by: Stephanie @ Old World Primitives | March 10, 2010 at 07:03 PM
I love the article!!! I'm so proud of you honey! Congratulations!!! Everything is beautiful as usual!!!!
Love you and enjoy the limelight!
MOM!!
Posted by: Janine | March 10, 2010 at 07:16 PM
Congratulations Alice. You have amazing style and always inspiring. I'm off now to take a peek.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Posted by: Kerryanne English | March 10, 2010 at 07:31 PM
What a great post! I love it all! Your style is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing so many great Etsy boutiques and blogs. Have a wonderful week!
Hugs,
Victoria
Posted by: Victoria@Whimsy by Victoria | March 10, 2010 at 07:32 PM
Oh Alice,
I love your post here and I'm rushing off to Etsy in a moment. Your eye for detail is truly something to set dreams to for me. I can't wait to check out all the links you've provided for us here this evening and must add I too love June's light, airy style at Laughing with Angels. Also, Etsy isn't the only one that loves Thoughts from Alice W, I do too now & since the beginning. Congrats cher ami!
xo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | March 10, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Okay, I just went and looked and I want everything there (with the exception of the shutter pull that's sitting in the window here ;) Beautiful, beautiful Alice! Saw the comment from your mom too, so great!
xo
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | March 10, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Hello Alice, how exciting! Congratulations to you! I have loved you and your style since I first found you... you have a style that is unique to you and you alone... Romantic sums it up so well... all of your photos are so beautiful... and how sweet of you to mention your favorite blogger ladies who have unique styles of their own as well... I am off to look at Etsy now too... xoxo Julie Marie
Posted by: Julie Marie | March 10, 2010 at 08:04 PM
What a great honor! Congrats. Just love your style and your words.
Posted by: Sheila R | March 10, 2010 at 08:09 PM
That is so so very nice, Alice! congrats! That must have given energy, inspiration and excitement. It looks beautiful...
Posted by: Mamaayanna | March 10, 2010 at 08:30 PM
congratulations! I'm working on my post about being featured in the listing below your article! I was so excited to see my fluer de lis tags. Thank you!!
You are so deserving of the curator spot!
Posted by: Angela Harris | March 10, 2010 at 10:28 PM
alice, congrats! you can take a plain piece of paper and make the most beautiful vignettes and settings. can i be like you when i grow up? *wink*
Posted by: Janean | March 10, 2010 at 11:02 PM
Congrats on the feature! Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous and, of course, so romantic! :)
Posted by: Natalie | March 10, 2010 at 11:11 PM
I love the article, everything is so beautiful and the colours are so serene and dreamy.
Posted by: megan | March 11, 2010 at 05:34 AM
Congratulations on being the guest curator...I enjoyed your article very much. You are indeed a romantic and your sweet and carefully crafted vignettes always showcase your signature style. I look forward to visiting some of the shops of those mentioned...and share admiration for the favorite bloggers you listed.
Take care,
:)
Posted by: Laura | March 11, 2010 at 06:32 AM
CONGRATS! I just love your taste and the photos you picked. I'm off to check out some of their shops and blogs........congrats again!!
Posted by: Denise | March 11, 2010 at 07:26 AM
alice congratulations, i'm thrilled for you! i love your style you can put things together to look so beautiful and romantic. i'm always amazed by your photography you have such a gift! couldn't happen to a sweeter girl! have a great day, i'm off to read it on Etsy. susan
Posted by: susan | March 11, 2010 at 07:27 AM
Alice, I am so excited for you! what a wonderful article and the photos and items you chose are perfection!! I love your cabinet filled with all those lovely plates and that white scale is precious! Congrats on your article!
Posted by: tara | March 11, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Yes! I read that article. I actually favorited some of the items you noted. it was a good one!!
Posted by: Kirby | March 11, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Oh dear Alice,
congratulations to this wonderful article you did a marvellous job and I am proud like a little child just starting school that you mentioned my blog as one of your favorites! Being here is like visiting a fairy tale I savour every moment... Love & Blessings, Mira!
Posted by: Mira | March 11, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Congratulations, Alice! I can't wait to go visit some of these links you shared.
Blessings... Polly
Posted by: Polly | March 11, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Wonderful article, Alice! I will make note on my blog and link to your blog.
xo,
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic | March 11, 2010 at 11:04 PM
As always, this was just absolutely beautiful. You just exude beauty... and Congratulations! I'm not one bit surprised.
Posted by: Allison | March 11, 2010 at 11:33 PM
Alice I am so excited for your opportunity to be guest curator on this amazing blog and honored to have you include me. So honored.
I loved reading your sweet mom's comment. She indeed should be proud of her beautiful daughter.
Posted by: June | March 12, 2010 at 12:36 AM
Dear Alice
this is certainly a wonderful article.... love everything you do... you can be sooo proud of it!
Have a great weekend
Hugs Bine
Posted by: Bine/Beldecor | March 12, 2010 at 02:15 AM
I did enjoy this amazingly lovely post my friend!!! Lots of beautiful eye candy. Happy weekend. xox
Posted by: Koralee | March 12, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Alice, CONGRATULATIONS for being chosen by Etsy! Love this post! I am off to read & browse at Etsy. Loved that chandi! I bet my checkbook won't. :) I did a post today about an artist that painted my dear Reba & thought you should check her out for Renior. Have a beatufiul weekend. Charlene
Posted by: Charlene | March 12, 2010 at 03:38 PM
Congratulations and you are so well deserving I love your style it's soft whimisical and vintage. I always find things that I like while looking at your shop and of course reading your blog. You Done Good!
Posted by: Debra | March 12, 2010 at 09:50 PM
How wonderful for you...congratulations, Alice! You know I'm a big fan of your style & design:) Thanks for all your creative inspiration!
Posted by: Leah C | March 14, 2010 at 02:07 PM
wow this is a great post... and a great article. I am not really into etsy I guess i never had a good look at is. I also bever thought there were other 'shop'instead of those selling art! Thanks for all the info etc.. I am gonna check it out.
Congratulations to you ;)
desiree
Posted by: desiree | March 14, 2010 at 06:11 PM
Alice ~ I am thrilled for you !! You have been blessed with such a beautiful talent ~
hugs
Lori
Posted by: Lori | March 14, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Absolutely gorgeous post Alice!
Posted by: Lisa Super | March 15, 2010 at 01:47 AM
Lovely as always!! Congrats!
Posted by: Ingrid | March 15, 2010 at 09:38 AM
OMG, Alice! You did such a wonderful job! Your whites inspire me an awful lot!
Congratulations!!
Monicax.
Posted by: monica | March 15, 2010 at 04:02 PM
“I LOVE your style and your post. Your invemakes me realize everything every time I read.”
Deirdre G
Posted by: Deirdre G | March 22, 2010 at 08:52 PM