magpie & birdie

New Store Items: February 2009

2009-02-07T23:27:00.027-06:00

Here are only about half of the new items I have added to the store in the past week.
Note that there are several Valentine's Day outfit options, plus a ton of vintage jewelry (most of which is $1-$3!), and a new piece of furniture (a modern chair).

Trunk Show at Cool Shoes, Jan. 30!!!

2009-01-26T13:45:00.002-06:00

I hope this flyer explains all...In case it's hard to read..

We will be having a trunk show at Cool Shoes, Jan. 30.
10pm at Downtown Music Hall.
Cash money only.

We will be selling a lot of never-before-seen clothing and accessories.

New on Etsy: 2 pairs of shoes + 1 bracelet

2009-01-26T13:29:00.007-06:00

Here are a few new additions to our etsy store.

http://magpieandbirdie.etsy.com

New on Etsy: Pink Valentine Dress

2009-01-23T16:24:00.007-06:00

The newest addition to our etsy shop is this re-purposed vintage 1950s pale pink valentine party dress.

http://magpieandbirdie.etsy.com

new items in the shop

2009-01-17T22:03:00.029-06:00

Here are some new items I put in the shop recently, plus some old favorites that you may have overlooked. If you are in the market for a Valentine's Day outfit, check out the dresses and shoes below.

new etsy items

2009-01-17T01:23:00.007-06:00

Here are a couple of new items we've added to our etsy store.

1950s/60s Teal Wool Coat

Re-purposed Lemon Yellow Owl Sweater

Etsy Posts 12.25.08

2008-12-25T00:26:00.013-06:00

We have posted the following 6 items on etsy in the last few days.

Check out our shop at http://magpieandbirdie.etsy.com.

1. 1960s Copper Bow Shoes

2. Re-constructed Wool Empire Waist Beatnik Dress
3. Black Velvet Trompe L'oeil Pencil Skirt

4. 1950s Cream and Gold Embellished Flats

5. "Kidgloves" Repurposed Vintage Clutch Purse

6. Navy Jabot Ruffle Dress

And Merry Christmas!

WE ARE NOW SELLING ON ETSY!!!

2008-12-17T20:42:00.023-06:00

Yay, we are finally selling on etsy.com! Check out our store.

We will be selling primarily one-of-a kind re-purposed items, and some vintage and original things as well. It will mostly be women's apparel and accessories. We have only posted 4 items so far...because it's the holidays and we are uber busy, but we will be posting new things regularly. I will try to post them on here as well. I'm not sure if I will be doing DIY guides for each item, but you can find out some info about each item on its individual etsy page.

Here are the goods. They are all re-purposed vintage items.

1. Cream & Gold Bow Top

2. Black and Cream Coquette Dress

3. Navy Folk Singer Dress

4. Heather Gray Trompe L'oeil Corset Blazer

*And of course we will still have our shop in Mid-towne Antique Mall, and we will continue to give it as much love and attention as etsy. So keep coming by - we put new items in every week!

PHOTO SHOOT!!!

2008-12-09T17:00:00.005-06:00

We finally did a Magpie & Birdie photo shoot a few weeks ago, and we are very pleased with the results! How gorgeous are our models?!! Photography by Drew Wilson.

December Pics

2008-12-07T10:54:00.041-06:00

Here are some photos of the merchandise that I have put in the shop recently.

DIY #7: Adding fun buttons to a winter coat

2008-12-04T16:33:00.006-06:00

Sorry, there's no "before" photo, but just imagine

this coat with plain faux-shell buttons.
(The photo is kinda bad, so just in case you can't tell...the new buttons are teal.)

Suggestions: When you find a winter coat with great shape and fabric, but boring buttons, you can still save it by adding colorful/interesting buttons. In fact, "new" buttons can make one of the biggest differences in a garment - always consider changing that first (it could save you a lot of effort).
Inspiration: confections (cupcakes, candy, etc.), and a jacket from the Fall 2006 Trovata collection.
Tools: winter coat (from your closet or a second-hand store), interesting buttons that are the right size for the buttonholes (you can get these from secondhand stores, etsy.com, ebay, sewing stores, Hobby Lobby, or from other coats), thread that matches the buttons or coat, scissors, sewing needle.
Difficulty Level: 1 (easy as pie)
Wear with...a cute vintage hat or beret (preferably teal or mustard)

There really aren't even any steps. Just remove the old buttons and sew on the "new" ones.
So simple!

DIY #6: Pepping Up a Plain Skirt, Vol. II

2008-11-29T16:17:00.014-06:00

Sorry that there's no "before" pic.
Just imagine a plain black velvet pencil skirt.

Suggestions: There are innumerable things you can do to a pencil skirt, but here I have sewn on a section of an accordion skirt to the front/side to add sultriness, swing, and a touch of surrealism.
Inspiration: 1940s noir films, the famous fashion surrealist Elsa Schiaparelli, a Lanvin collection from a few years ago
Tools: Pencil Skirt (it's best if it's a high quality, sturdy fabric - such as wool, velvet, sateen, etc.), a section cut from an accordion-pleated skirt (a somewhat flowy fabric with crisp pleats - wool, cotton, silk, etc.) preferrably in a contrast color, thick thread or think yarn in a fun or muted color, regular sewing thread in the same color as the accordion piece, hand-sewing needles (one regular size and one big enough for the thick thread/thin yarn), scissors, stick pins
Difficulty Level: 2 (Fairly Easy)
Wear with...A feminine blouse, nylons, and patent peep-toe stacked heels

1. Pin the accordion piece onto the front/side of the waistband, making sure that the pleats are overlapping each other (so that the pleats will softly open at the hem), and secure by hand stitching across in the regular thread with the regular needle.
2. Sew a few jagged rows of pick stitching in the thick contrast thread at the top of the accordion panel. Sew on some non-functional buttons, sequins, or beads if you wish.
3. You will need to "slightly attach" the bottom part of the panel to the skirt so that the panel does not flop around. Sew a few little knots (w/ regular thread & needle) at about 5 random points on the hem of panel, thus "slightly attaching" it to the skirt - so that it swishes, but doesn't flop about. (Confusing enough?)

That's it!

DIY #5: Easiest Trench Update Ever!

2008-11-29T15:47:00.008-06:00

Suggestions: There are several things one can do to a plain trench coat to pep it up, but here's a quick fix that anyone with an iron can do.
Inspiration: Kate Hudson wears a coat similar to this in Le Divorce (except the patch on her coat is on the sleeve), a movie I love because I'm a francophile. And 1940s movies where the women look like gorgeous spies in their trench coats and berets.
Tools: Trench coat or almost any thin overcoat, military/preppy iron-on patch, iron & ironing board
Difficulty Level: 1 (easy as pie)
Wear with...anything from dark skinny jeans and an American Apparel tee to a vintage 1940s dress and a beret

No instructions even! Just place on the chest of the coat and iron till it's secure. That's it!

DIY #4: Cupcake Dress

2008-10-03T11:18:00.016-05:00

Sorry there's no "before" picture, but imagine a sad, boring blue cotton shirtdress.

Our suggestions: We chose to change the plain shell buttons to red vintage buttons, to scallop the hem and trim it with red piping, and to sew on some pickstitching with red yarn along the sleeve hem and in a bird silhouette on the chest. These are just a few ideas you can choose from.
Inspiration: The 1940s...and actual cupcakes. Ps. After I made this dress, there were a lot of scalloped edges on the Spring 2009 runways (Christopher Kane and Chloe especially).
Tools: Plain shirtdress, interesting buttons, piping, thick thread or super-skinny yarn, a needle with a big enough "eye" to thread the yarn through, scissors, measuring tape, cardstock paper, pins, pen/marker.
Difficulty Level: 5 (Advanced)
Wear with...Red patent heels and a cute vintage hat

1. To create the scalloped hem...measure out according to the hem of the dress how many scallops you can fit and how big you want them. I would go for bigger scallops because it's easier - probably 12-18 total (6-8 in front and 6-8 in back) and probably about 2 1/2" deep and 5 1/2" wide at the top. Create a scallop "template" out of cardstock (it will look like a half-circle), pin along hem and mark or trace along the hem. Finally, you can cut! (For a quick & dirty version, just skip the above steps and eyeball it. Just simply cut!)

2. Clean finish (meaning turn under the raw edge and sew) the scalloped hem with red piping (or whatever color is appropriate). A pickstitch along the edge is optional.

3. Remove the sad original buttons and add fun red buttons (or whatever color/style is eye-catching).

4. Pickstitch along the cuff, neck, waistline, button placket, etc. in a contrast color (I chose red of course). Just go nuts.

5. Create a stencil out of cardstock for your pickstitch embroidery. I chose a bird, but the options are limitless...hearts, flowers, umbrellas, skeleton keys, balloons, etc. Pin the stencil to the garment in the chosen location (chest, hem, etc.), and pickstitch using thick thread (the kind used for cross stitching) or super-thin yarn.

And there you have it! Quite a big of work, but well worth it.

October Pics

2008-10-03T10:54:00.018-05:00

Here's some new Fall stuff that we've put in the store in the last few weeks.

DIY #3: Pepping Up a Plain Skirt, Vol. I

2008-08-13T19:39:00.014-05:00

Our suggestions: Shorten to knee-length, sew on hand-made appliques, pickstitch along the hem in a contrast color, add contrast functional buttons at the waistband.
Inspiration: Old-fashioned crafting, our blue bird tags, etsy.com, the 1960s
Tools: Long plain skirt, thread or thin yarn in a fun color, scraps of fabric in bright colors or patterns, 2 interesting/colorful buttons (make sure they are the right size to fit through the buttonhole), hand-sewing needle, scissors, stick pins, pencil/pen & thick paper (for the stencil for the appliques).
Difficulty Rating: 4 (Challenging)
Wear with...solid sweater/tee and boots or flats

I wasn't able to take a "before" picture
because I did this project awhile ago,
but here's the "after" picture.

1. Try the skirt on and determine where you want it to hit (somewhere around the knee), and cut accordingly - allowing extra room for hemming.
2. Hem by hand. Turn it under twice and "pickstitch" with thread in contrast color. See the picture below. Just tie a knot in the hem on the "wrong side" and poke the needle through on each side about every 1/8." The "right side" and the "wrong side" should look identical. This is a very easy way to clean finish a hem, and it's an easy way to add interest to a garment. 3. Choose the shape for your appliques: birds, anchors, balloons, etc. Make a quick stencil, using some thick paper. Choose your fabric (or use scraps or old garments), and cut in desired shape using the stencil. Arrange the appliques in desired placement on the skirt and secure with pins. Attach to fabric with pickstitch in contrast thread.

4. If there are boring buttons on the skirt (on the waistband or down the front), replace them with interesting buttons (in a similar size of course). See DIY#1 for button tutorial, if needed.This project can work on almost any skirt or dress.

Feel free to tweak. For example, you could pin the stencil in place
on the skirt and embroider the outline of your designs
using the pickstitch, rather than using appliques.

END OF SUMMER SALE

2008-08-13T19:17:00.005-05:00

End of Summer Sale
at Magpie & Birdie
until August 31

25% OFF EVERYTHING!
except items that say "firm"

Help us make room for Fall merchandise

We've also marked down a lot of the shoes.
We have one bookshelf devoted to shoes that are $5,
and the other bookshelf devoted to shoes that are $20 or less!!

New Additions, Clothing-wise.

2008-08-10T20:19:00.017-05:00

Here are more of this week's additions to our shop...

An adorable 1960s swiss dot ruffle dress. Great with slouchy boots or tights & flats.

An almost western-style 1940s navy shirtdress. Perfect with red shoes and a little hat.

A black & cream swirl/painterly print cocktail dress in perfect condition with a very chic sash at the waist. 1950s/1960s.

An unusual 1960s ivory silk robe/evening coat
with "hand-painted" flowers and butterflies.

1980s red leather chevron belt with gold chains

For the guys (or girls), we've got a couple of olive green WWII issue undershirts!

love,
Lauren & Emily

Home Decor at Magpie & Birdie!

2008-08-10T19:30:00.017-05:00

Here are this week's additions to the shop... not just clothing anymore.

Figurine Land!

We are trying to sell more home decor stuff. We have pillows, vintage books for decorating, some chairs, and figurines which we are really in love with. This includes candelabras, candle holders, candy dishes, cups, vases, and good old-fashioned figures of animals, etc. Most of our home decor items are under $20.

A new addition. Our first piece of furniture for sale!
A mustard velvet swivel chair with turquoise legs!!

Our backwall has some new additions, including a hot pink tree branch that resembles coral. We hope to bring in more of these; we like it's mix of organic + wit + femininity. They make good wall hangings or jewelry displays. It would also be fun to put several of them in a long vase for a dry arrangement...that looks a bit like candy. We also have a pink and red floral wall display/vanity tray hung on our backwall.

Thanks!
from Lauren & Emily

DIY #2: Modernizing a party dress

2008-07-31T22:14:00.018-05:00

Our suggestions: Shorten to mid-thigh and cut off most of the sleeves to create a cute flutter sleeve
Inspiration: any movie with Molly Ringwald, Sweden
Tools: 1980s party dress, scissors, needle/sewing machine and thread, sewing chalk (a pen or pencil will work), measuring tape
Difficulty Level: 2 (Fairly Easy)
Wear with...boots, tights & flats, or gladiator sandals

Here's the dress in the "Before" stage...
Embarassingly '80s, but it has a cute polka dot print!

1. Try the dress on and decide where you want it to hit - we suggest between mid-thigh and right above the knee.
2. Measure and mark (with sewing chalk, pen, or pencil) all around the hem of the dress where you will make the cut, allowing about an 1" if you plan on clean-finishing the hem. (Want an unfinished look? Just cut...and skip the next step).
3. Cut it, then clean-finish the hem by hand or machine.
4. Mark where on the sleeve you will be cutting, allowing about 1/2" for clean-finishing (or, again, if you want an unfinished look, just cut and skip the next step).
5. Cut it, then clean-finish the hem on the flutter cap-sleeve.

And there you have it! A completely wearable,
non-embarrassing party dress!

DIY #1: Adding contrasting buttons to a sweater

2008-07-31T20:55:00.016-05:00

Our Suggestions: Take in slightly and add big turquoise buttons
Inspiration: 1940s/1950s comics/superheroes, Minnie Mouse, Karen Walker Fall 2007 collection
Tools: A sweater or knit top with potential, contrast buttons (and of course thread, needle, and scissors), straight pins, and safety pins (for ouch-free alterations).
Difficulty Level: 2 (Fairly Easy)
(1: Easy as Pie, 2: Fairly Easy, 3: Moderate, 4: Challenging, 5: Advanced)
Wear with...a pencil skirt, flats or peep toe heels, and a little red bow in your hair

Here's the sweater in the "Before" stage...
Shapeless, but cute color! A lot of potential.

Here are the buttons...
You can find great vintage buttons at antique
stores, like Mid-towne Antique Mall.

1. Try the sweater on INSIDE OUT and pin (with the safety pins) how much you want to take it in. (Obviously, only take it in if it's too big or shapeless.)
2. Sew along the line of the pins (with matching thread)....Now, turn it right side out and make sure it fits. Make adjustments where necessary.
3. Mark with three straight pins where you want the buttons to be placed, and then sew them on with matching thread. (Sewing a button on is very easy. Make a knot where you want it to be in the fabric, string the button on that thread, sew the thread through the buttons loops several times - attaching it snugly to the fabric, when it looks secure tie another knot and cut the remaining thread.) And there you have it!

It all comes down to being able to see the potential in things!

Pictures of our new space!

2008-07-22T18:14:00.002-05:00

Here's how our shop looks as of now...

We painted the backwall.

We now sell jewelry.

We have a mannequin to display "the outfit of the week." (Feel free to strip her down if you want her outfit.)

We have a lot of $5 shoes!

Look for the cute "new" clothes, shoes, and hats that we will be putting out over the next few weeks.

Here are a few
of the shoes
that are in the shop now.

(1960s orange patent leather shoes w/ mod faux flowers,
1940s/1950s navy mesh pin-up girl slingbacks, and
1950s cream flats w/ beading and golden embellishment)

Here's a peak at our inspiration board.
Hopefully, it will help a little with
layering ideas as you're shopping.

Don't forget we are now in booth #136

(near the back!)

We love getting your feedback -
whether it's through email,
blog comments, or face-to-face.
Feel free to comment or suggest
something to us. We want to
make Magpie & Birdie
your dream shop...

love,

Lauren & Emily

July 2008 Updates

2008-07-07T23:45:00.000-05:00

We officially switched booths (to #136) in Mid-towne Antique Mall on July 1. Check out our bigger, better location - near the back, by the restroom. We are now selling jewelry - a few pieces at least. We have a trend/inspiration board featuring some photos that we find inspiring, and we hope you do as well. We have a lot of shoes for only $10 or less! We also have a ton of summer dresses - many for $20 or less!

We were fortunate enough to be featured in the July 2nd issue of Sync, a weekly Little Rock publication. Visit Sync's website at http://sync.arkansasonline.com/.

Magpie & Birdie will be providing apparel for the Dr. Sketchy's portion of the Art Party on Friday July 11 at Market Street Cinema (1521 Merrill Drive). I think it starts around 9PM. There will be art for sale, music, etc. There's probably a small cover charge.
Check out the Arts Scene myspace at http://myspace.com/theartscenerocks.

Magpie & Birdie apparel will be featured in the fashion segment of the 5th Annual Outontherock.com Style and Variety Show on Saturday, July 12 at the Rev Room. For more information, visit outontherock.com.

June 2008 Updates

2008-06-09T00:17:00.000-05:00

On June 27, Magpie & Birdie will be collaborating with the latest installment of Cool Shoes at the Downtown Music Hall. We will be bringing a boat-load of vintage clothing and accessories for your purchasing pleasure. We will be offering special discounts for one night only. For more info, go to http://downtownshows.homestead.com/

Starting July 1, we will be switching locations....slightly. We will be moving to booth #136 of the Mid-Towne Antique Mall (rather than our current location, booth #213). This new booth is closer to the back, meaning closer to the bathrooms, meaning you can try clothes on more easily! It will also have a bit more space. Yay!

We are currently selling "No New Coal" T-shirts. All proceeds go to E.C.O. (the Ecological Conservation Organization) and the new wind turbine for the Dunbar Garden. It costs $10,000, but with T-shirt sales and donations from you, they will hopefully break ground for the turbine on July 4.

www.ecoconservation.org
burke@ecoconservation.org
336-455-1065

Stop by our booth when you need a vintage clothing fix. We put new stuff in every week.