Thursday, June 30, 2011

vintage mannequins

Being a fashion designer, and lover of all things related,
I love mannequins.

I bought my first vintage, adjustable one years ago off ebay, and used it for all my first sewing ventures. I've had a couple different ones since then, but have yet to get a real deal professional mannequin like the ones we used in school. Still on the 'To Save For' list. One day, (soon hopefully!).

I came across these amazing French, 18th Century dress forms and immediately fell in love.
I want them! One, or better yet, both!
At least I want an old wooden form.


Aren't they so pretty?
Bonte

Monday, June 27, 2011

Charlotte Taylor

Meet Charlotte Taylor, brilliant up+coming, British designer and print maker.
I love love love her use of print and color.

it. inspires. me.






Bonte

Friday, June 24, 2011

MANGO

Here are some lovely little wears from {Mango}.

Have a happy weekend. Do something new and unusual!
We've started painting, and it feels wonderful to do something you've talked about doing forever and ever and ever....
I'm hoping to get the next layer done tonight.

Bonte



Wednesday, June 22, 2011

it's sunny outside

Sunglasses, I'm on the hunt for some new ones.
I've never been one to spend a lot of money on sunglasses, but some people say, that's why I've never had any that last or I'm really in love with. I guess I'm just about ready to get some real deal shades.

How fun are these Karen Walker sunglasses?
I feel like they just stepped out of a Tim Burton film.


I think I want the first pair.
Now, to save up!

Monday, June 20, 2011

me & you

me and you and you and me
no matter how they toss the dice, it has to be
the only one for me is you, and you for me
so happy together...







I can't see me loving nobody but you
for all my life
when you're with me, baby the skies'll be blue
for all my life...

I love my husband. He's just the best :)
Happy Monday folks!
Bonte


Thursday, June 16, 2011

retro swimwear


{Kleinerts Swim Cap ad: 1962}

{Ann St. Marie: 1956}

{Photo: Cig Harvey}

{Vogue: 2008}

{Vogue: 1955}

So, I'm kinda really liking these caps.
 I might have to get myself one this summer.

Bonte


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Orange Chocolate Chip Scones

 Hello there!
I just wanted to share my favorite scone recipe with you.
My sister Molly and I made them a few weeks back, and they were just delicious!
What you'll need:


{Ingredients}
10 tbs unsalted butter, frozen
1/4-1/2 c. dark chocolate chips
1/2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. sour cream
2 c. unbleached, all purpose flour (plus a little extra for work surface)
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-2 tbs orange juice
2 tsp orange zest

{Directions}
1. Position oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees.
Grate frozen butter on large holes of grater (8 tbs total). Place grated butter in freezer until needed. Melt remaining 2 tbs butter and set aside. 
2. Whisk together milk, sour cream and orange juice in medium bowl; refrigerate until needed. 
Whisk flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and orange zest in medium bowl.
 Add frozen butter to flour mixture and toss will fingers until thoroughly coated.
3. Add milk mixture to flour mixture; fold with spatula until just combined. With rubber spatula, transfer dough to liberally floured work surface. Dust surface of dough with flour; with floured hands, knead dough 6-8 times, until it just holds together in ragged ball, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.  
* (I found it was really sticky, so it took a little more flour than I thought. Just remember, the ragged ball will still bee quite sticky, but it prevents scones from being too dry.)
4. Roll dough into approximate 12-inch square. Following illustrations, fold dough into thirds like a business letter, using metal spatula to release dough if it sticks to countertop. 
Lift short ends of dough and fold into thirds again to form approximate 4-inch square. 

Transfer dough to lightly dusted place and chill in freezer 5 minutes. 
5. Transfer dough to floured work surface and roll into approximate 
12-inch square again. 


Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over surface of dough, then press down so they are slightly embedded into dough. 
Using metal spatula, loosen dough from work surface. 
Roll dough, pressing to form tight log.
Lay seam-side down and press log into 12-inch by 4-inch rectangle.


Using sharp, floured knife, cut rectangle crosswise into 4 equal rectangles. Cut each rectangle diagonally to form 2 triangles;
then cut each triangle in half, to form smaller triangles (16 total).
Transfer to parchment lined baking sheet.
6. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with raw sugar.
7. Bake until tops and bottoms and golden brown, 18-25 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool 10 minutes before serving.

8. All that's left to do is
thoroughly enjoy...
preferably with coffee and a friend.


Bonte