vintage finds at new england’s todd farm flea

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Sarah S.

Today was Todd Farm Flea Market’s (of Rowley, Massachusetts) opening day, and with the sunny weather, the vendors were a plenty as were the customers. I had no intention of buying anything (I just packed up my Pittsburgh apartment, after all), but of course I left with a few good finds, including a U.S. Army gas mask bag, an old, fading graphite print, and feminist-worthy pin.

Todd Farm Flea Market Rowley, MA #100DaysofMiaPrima

The rubber lining of this gas mask bag will make it a perfect camera bag.

Todd Farm Flea Market Rowley, MA #100DaysofMiaPrima

Next week, I’ll be selling my own Gibbson Girl clothing at the flea market. In the meantime, might I suggest perusing our online shop? 😉

Cheers!

Sarah

This post is #14 of the #The100DayProject. For more updates on my progress, be sure to follow me on Instagram and look for the hashtage, #100DaysofMiaPrima.

vintage adventures in texas

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Sarah S.

I have always loved vintage shopping (or thrift shopping or antiquing…), but I’ve been even more keen on it after launching my vintage clothing shop, The Gibbson Girl. Just a week ago, I went on an adventure through Texas, a state I had never been to before. I visited Houston, Austin, and Dallas, and I had and excellent time exploring vintage and antique shops in those unique Texan cities. Here are some of my favorite shots, including some styles you’ll see in my shop soon enough!

Houston, TX

Austin, TX

Houston, TX

Austin, TX

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Cheers!

Sarah

This post is #2 of the #The100DayProject. For more updates on my progress, be sure to follow me on Instagram and look for the hashtage, #100DaysofMiaPrima.

so that’s what she’s been up to…

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Sarah S.

Sure, I took a hiatus from this blog for a couple months. But trust me it was worth it.

Here’s (some of) what I’ve been up to:

Launching a vintage clothing shop, called The Gibbson Girl.

Overhauling my personal website

(new art included).

Updating my nonprofit, The Uncovered Artistry Project for the Valentine’s Day season.

Jewelry Handmade by Abuse Survivors: Uncovered Artistry #uncoveredartistry

I think some relaxing with my favorite cat is order.

Cheers!

Sarah

Let’s Get High (Waisted Swimwear)

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Sarah S.

High waisted swim suit bottoms could quite possibly be the best swim trend to ever return. Slimming and comfy (if you invest in a well-fitting suit), slightly modest but still totally sexy, I dove right into this trend. (Ok, I’m done with the puns, now, I swear.)

Gilly Hicks swim bottom, Aerie crochet swim top, American Eagle Outfitters aviator sunglasses, Aeire tassel necklace

Vintage 70s high waisted swim bottom with matching (cone bra!) bikini top, vintage perfume necklace, vintage Ray Ban sunglasses

Cheers!

Sarah

p.s. Don’t forget to follow my summer Pinterest board for lots of inspiration for these warm days.

*For full disclosure and all of that good stuff, I currently work at American Eagle Outfitters.*

Adventures in Pittsburgh: Avalon Exchange

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Sarah S.

Avalon Exchange Pittsburgh, PA on miaprimacasa.com

Avalon Exchange is a very unassuming resale shop in heart of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill. So unassuming that I never ventured inside until my hairdresser recommended it to me. Not only was the shop filled with racks and rack of quality used clothing and accessories, but it was also packed with people. Apparently I’ve been missing out on quite a neighborhood hot spot.

The shop had a sizable selection of menswear as well as a robust women’s selection. The shoes in particular were great quality at very reasonable prices. You won’t find a thrift shop steal here, but you might find a pair of Miu Miu heels for less than $100. Which is certainly a steal in my book!

For less than $50, I left with some of the best vintage finds I’ve had so far this year. Needless to say, this is far from my last trip to Avalon.

J.crew Rugy, $1 from Avalon Exchange in, Ambercrombie Flannel, $14 from Plato’s Closet, Dooney & Bourke leather boat shoes, $29 from Avalon Exchange, Vintage striped sweater, $13 from Avalon Exchange, and a sneak peak of my latest screenprinting project

Vintage finds from Avalon Exchange Pgh on miaprimacasa.com

Great Finds: Hologram Necklace

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Sarah S.

Among silver tea sets, vintage typewriters, and fur coats, I found this hologram necklace once belonging to my late nanna. My dad, now retired, was an engineer who worked on holograms, so I’m sure he gave her this beautiful rose necklace. In the right light, the image truly looks 3D. Given all the hologram-inspired fashion I’ve seen the past couple of years, my nanna was clearly ahead of her time!

Hologram Fashion

Vintage hologram necklace; Gap moto denim jacket; j.crew popover, Gap leather ballet flats

Madison’s Good Style Shop & A “New” 60s Bikini

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Sarah S.

Good Style Shop Madison

Recently, and thanks to the suggestion of a friend, I visited the Good Style Shop, a vintage clothing store, in Madison. I was blown away by the atmosphere (electric, not too serious about itself, and very well organized) and by the variety and quality of the selection.

Good Style Shop Madison

This isn’t a shop that you have to spend hours digging through piles of 90s flannel before you find a proper 70s a-line dress; it has a wonderfully merchandised selection of dresses right in the corner. The shop also boasts a robust selection of vintage menswear, which is a refreshing sight to see. I was delighted to find a gorgeous 60s high waisted bikini, bullet bra and all, for $35. I’m going to have to channel my inner Pucci when I wear it on the beach this weekend.

Before I left the shop, I had a brief chat with the founder and owner. When I asked, “If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring entrepreneur, what would it be?”, he said simply to never forget about work/life balance. At 23, when we started the shop (!!), he initially had trouble separating work from the rest of his life, understandably. He emphasized that the ability to balance is a valuable skill for any entrepreneur.

Certainly, valuable advice for any of us.

Good Style Shop is located at 817 East Johnson St in Madison, WI.

Ciao!

Sarah

The Only Time It’s Okay to Wear a Side Pony Tail

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Sarah S.

The Majestic, an old theater turned bar-dance floor-concert venue, in downtown Madison, puts on an 80’s vs. 90’s dance party a few times each year, and I’ll admit I’ve been to more than a couple. This time, my friends and I actually dressed up, and I had a chance to wear some of my vintage 80’s clothes and jewelry. …And my friend Julie got the chance to relive the side ponytail (along with a pair of hot pink leg warmers).

Which do you think wins? 80’s? Or 90’s?

Sarah

Falling in Love with My Closet: 1970s Floral Print Dress

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Sarah S.

I’m a bit obsessed with 1970s and 60s fashion, so coming across this (hand sewn) 1970s dress (you guessed it, in polyester!) at my local thrift store was thrilling. Besides the fact that it only cost $7, it also fits me perfectly. I’ve still yet to find an occasion to wear the dress, but I’d probably style it with tights and heels to keep it relevant and not too vintage-y. The print and colors do remind me a bit of Thanksgiving. Maybe I’ll try to work it into this weekend’s wardrobe!

Want to see more great vintage finds from my closet? Check out my Ferragamo Shoe Collection, 1990s Oversized Wool Coat, and 1980s Lace Party Dress.

Vintage Mirror Re-Imagined

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Sarah S.

Recently, my sister turned a clunky old-fashioned mirror into a beautiful tiffany blue mirror that brings a much needed pop of color to her bedroom. I love how the details of ornate furniture are showcased by a simple coat of paint.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo of the mirror completely before the painting began, but I think you can get the idea!

My suggestion is that she now considers finding a new dresser…one that might actually compliment her beautiful mirror. Maybe a simple white dresser like the one below.