Newly Launched // Vintage-Inspired Boutique

{via the Storenvy platform}

As some of you may have read in my "About Me," I have always dreamt of one day opening my own boutique, filled to the brim with "sparkly, pretty, and vintage things."

Earlier this month I decided to kick-start that daydream and began curating items for the Sparkles and Prays online boutique . I'm thankful for the opportunity our technology-driven society has presented, a chance to share beloved items I've found with fellow fashion-loving women like myself. From true vintage items to vintage-inspired clothing and accessories with a feminine feel, you can expect a hand-picked selection. 

Here are a few items currently for sale in the S&P boutique. You can look forward to many more beautiful pieces to come! Follow along on Instagram: @sparklesandprays.

{shop this evening gown and other here}

{shop this delicate necklace and others here}

{shop this woven cross body bag and other accessories here}

{find these emerald bow heels here}

{find this leopard print necktie blouse here}

Blog Followers can receive a special discount by using the code: SP_BLOGLOVE

xo,

Elissa

Rose Bowl Flea Market Review

{Vintage Vogue}

A few weekends ago I spent my Sunday at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. It was my first time stepping foot into the famous and celebrity-filled swap meet, and though it was a blazing hot day, it definitely held up to my expectations. 

We first walked around the vendors that circle the actual bowl and found that most of the items displayed there are wholesale or handmade items. Since our goal was to score some vintage pieces we branched out into one of the parking lots, which looked like a sea of blue and white pop-up tents filled with vintage items galore.

As I spent the last of my $60 (I brought a limited amount so I wouldn't overspend) I walked away pleased with my purchases: two retro dresses ($10), one succulent terrarium ($22), ten vintage brooches ($10), and a hand painted wooden "One Love" sign for Ronnie ($20). 

Needless to say, I can't wait to go back again. This first trip was more of a preview for me in order to have a more specific idea of what is available next time. General admission is $8.00 and you can find free parking in Lot K. 

{Fabulous Rotary Phones}

{Who doesn't love a feather fascinator? 

My fabulous friend Kate of Wear In La definitely does! }

{I still regret leaving this classic and chic telephone behind. (Also, I just had my wisdom teeth removed 3 days prior to this picture being taken. This is my "trying to mask my puffy cheeks" smile.)}

xo,

Elissa

One Sweet Pup

It's one of those moments that I'll never forget, reading an email from my mom explaining how her and dad stood lovingly over our sweet Taylor as the veterinarian laid him to rest (*cue the waterworks). 

I'll also never forget the day, about 15 years ago, when we picked up our sweet Taylor out of a litter of nine golden puppies. I loved him the the moment I picked him up and saw the white diamond shaped patch of fur on his chest--he was the puppy I always wanted. So Taylor entered our family as the silliest, most fun-loving dog we had ever met. 

He definitely had a case of doggy ADHD, if there is such a thing, but we loved him all the same. No matter how many jelly glitter sandals he chewed of mine or bags of Halloween candy he ate, he continually was the highlight of my day. 

Since I moved away from home five years ago, I've missed the daily comfort of seeing our sweet and loving pup. He was one of the most vibrant 15-year-old retrievers you will ever meet, but every time I made a trip back home his age became more apparent. My sister and I often talked about how we dreaded the day he would leave us because, in numerous ways, he was an integral part of our family unit. It seems like every family memory we have from the past 15 years involved our golden fur ball.

Our sweet (loving, loyal, hilarious, farts-and-eats-a-lot) Taylor, you made the last 15 years better simply by being with us. Always loved and always missed. 

xoxo,

Elissa