American Tart

New Items in the Shop!

2011-12-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

Check out some of the new items in my shop! I'm sure they could arrive in time for you to look fabulous for that New Year's party!!

www.AmericanTart.Etsy.com

Tis' the Season!

2011-12-03T15:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays...every year at this time of year I wonder "How is it already December?!". I absolutely LOVE the holidays and am working hard to post a few new items in my shop and blog. I hope to have them up by mid week. If you enjoy the items I sell in my Etsy shop, please check it out this week for the new stuff. Maybe you will find that perfect hairpeice for your sister, aunt, cousin, friend...who has the same AMAZING retro taste as you!

xoxo,

American Tart

American Tart Featured!

2011-02-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

For all you brides looking for some inspiration, look no further than StyleUnveiled.com

This is a beautiful site dedicated to Brides who want a little something extra special on their big day. My wedding and my company, American Tart, is featured on their blog today. Check it out here.

Happy LOVE Day!

2011-02-14T18:39:00.001-08:00

I wish you all a beautiful Valentine's Day with your loved ones!

Can I say "I'm in love with Martha Stewart"?

2011-02-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

Of course, I mean the brand, not necessarily the person. Although I'm sure Martha is lovely! I just LOVE the way she has made SO much crafting and so many ideas highly accessible. She has a billion (probably more like a trillion) wonderful ideas on her sites and in her magazines. What's more- they are quite simple and many come with FREE clip-art. In a world where there is no free lunch I think it is so inspiring to bring this to people for free. Thank you Martha Stewart!!

Our First Christmas

2011-01-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas together was perfect! We had our first Christmas tree! We had so much fun decorating it together. We also got to decorate the house together for the holidays. I am really big on holidays and I LOVE decorating and adding something special.

I made our first stockings! Our childhood stockings stay at our parents' homes, so we needed our own "adult" stockings. After seeing a few at stores (yuck!) and online (ok) I decided to make ours (silly me- don't know why I didn't think of that right away). This is what they look like. They were so simple! I just used cloth I already had for my other projects. My husband picked his fabric and I picked mine. 3 different patterns each. Then I made them reversible. I added vintage baubles from an irreparable vintage sweater I had. My husband wanted his simple. Just the fabric. My husband says they are SOOO much nicer and more special than anything we would have bought- thanks hubby! Here's how they turned out:

Black Friday Deals!

2010-11-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

Visit my shop www.AmericanTart.Etsy.com for special deals this Friday (black Friday)! I will post new items and coupon codes that will be good throughout the weekend while supplies last.

Retro Suitcase "Guestbook"

2010-08-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

I came up with this little idea one day when I browsing at Michael's Craft Store- a favorite past-time! I was contemplating what to do about a guestbook for our wedding. I kind of loathe traditional "guest books". They're just not my thing. So, I looked up some other cool non-conventional ideas online. There were some great ones but they just weren't quite "US". So, when I came across this little white tin suitcase at Michael's I immediately had my vision. Truly it came to me like a bolt of lightning...now if a million dollars would just fall on me like a bolt of lightning that would be great.

So, I bought a can of spray paint. I chose silver, but you can choose ANY color you want at Lowe's or Home Depot for about $3. I also bought a box of sparkly gold alphabet letters at Michael's for $10 (and I still have left overs for all kinds of projects). I decided to use the word "Wishes" on our suitcase. I sprayed the suitcase (covering the handles with painters tape), attached the letters with my trusty glue gun, and added a perfectly 50's yellow polka dot ribbon. Perfecto! After the pretty stuff I enlisted the help of my engineer dad to cut a slit in the top of the suitcase so guests could simply slide their wish into the suitcase without having to open it. Last, bought a pack of multi colored blank cards at- you guessed it- Michael's and we had our very own one-of-a-kind "guestbook"!

I fell in LOVE with the suitcase idea because it was very real and romantic to me at the same time. Our wedding is the beginning of our travels together. And on that road we want to stop and look back at the kind words, love, and advice from our closest family and friends. So, what was more fitting than "wishes for our future road together" and a little suitcase to carry them in.

xoxo,

American Tart

Our Wedding through the lens of: Chris (our wonderful photographer)

2010-08-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

During the course of our wedding and planning process we were blessed with many things. One of those blessings was our photographer Chris . You can find him through Amore Wedding Photography He is VERY talented, and a really wonderful guy. My husband and I really felt as though we were in the hands of a friend rather than simply a professional photographer we had hired. Chris and his lovely girlfriend Jennifer came out to shoot our wedding day on Catalina Island. He just posted a beautiful blog post of some photos from our wedding. Feast your eyes! Chris is a truly genuine guy who wants to get the best shots possible. He is a true artist. And if you are uncomfortable in front of the camera, like me, he will still be able to make you look like you stepped out of the pages of The Knot Bridal Magazine! He is that good!

Here is just a sample, but please check out his blog and Amore's website (above) to see more!

Veil and hairpiece, boutonniere, and wishes box by: me! (American Tart)

Check back for some DIY tips at the end of the week!

I'm Married & Life!!

2010-07-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, no I did not fall off the face of the earth. I simply have been through some crazy life changes in the past 3 months. My hubby and I are now married (just under 3 weeks now!), and we have also gone through some unfortunate losses just before our wedding. My husband's father passed away just a month prior and my beloved dog of 18 years passed away one week before the wedding. We have been put through the ringer, but we will emerge victorious- of this I am sure.

I am now back, and with a vengeance. I am getting back into the creative zone and I will be posting new items in my Etsy shop this weekend 7/17/10 & 7/18/10. Please check them out and check back because I will be blogging regularly again!

New Vintage Items!!

2010-05-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog to let you know I have posted several new vintage items. Including this gorgeous wool swing coat with black fox fur collar AND this lovely ladylike sailor dress! Please visit my Etsy shop at www.AmericanTart.Etsy.com for more!!

Spring Deals!!

2010-03-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Life has been a bit rough lately. The economy is a real drag and lots of things seem to be spinning out of control. But, there is ALWAYS something to celebrate. Spring has arrived and I would like to welcome this new season with some wonderful deals for my wonderful readers. Please visit my Etsy shop www.AmericanTart.etsy.com on Tuesday March 21 for some great prices on vintage and vintage inspired accessories and clothes. I will have some lovely surprise items!!

The Wife Blog

2010-02-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

What do you call a blog posting about another blog? A smorgasblog?? Anyway- I am so crazy about this blog called The Wife- right here on Blogspot! I can't get enough of the kind of anti-woman's lib view. But it's really not anti because it is OUR choice to be a lovely stay at home wife and mother! Ah- I can't wait for those days... are you reading this hubby-to-be? ;)

Unique Favor or Bridesmaid Gift

2010-02-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

For the ladies perhaps?

For the strapping gents!

I plan on giving these beautiful mugs as gifts at my wedding. This could get pricey if you are having an average to larger wedding. But, if you are having a small wedding like us (50 people!) then you may want to spend a few hundred dollars to get your guests a nice gift! You may be able to find less expensive versions on websites like Etsy, Ebay or Poppytalk Handmade.

I dream of clutches!

2010-02-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

As I am in the midst of planning my nuptials, I am coming across more beautiful things than I can possibly use in one day! Which is why I am so happy to share them with you! As you know, I live for vintage and retro fashion beauty etc... So, on my big day I plan to carry a gorgeous vintage clutch. Here are just some of the beautiful pieces I would recommend to any other bride to be with a retro or unique flair. I personally love the first two for a wedding for their un-bridey look! You can wear them anywhere and everywhere after your wedding and always be reminded of that wonderful day!

Find these first two bold beauties on Etsy made by Briana E. Fabrique a la Main!

Get this lovely lacy number on Etsy by Percy Handmade!

Find this bubblegum dream on Etsy made by Mermaid's Dream!

Succulent Centerpieces

2010-01-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

With the new year comes new weddings. As I am planning my own (5 months to go! YAY!) I am coming across more and more unique wedding ideas I want to share with my fellow retro lovers. These beautiful plants are chic and green...literally as well as environmentally. Succulents are a wonderful centerpiece alternatives to flowers that will die within several days. These are both colorful and guests can take them home as favors! I love the subtle retro vibe too- they would look unbelievable in a Palm Springs wedding location! Find these little gems at Greenwaredesign . This etsy artist is very talented.

Cute Kitch

2009-12-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

I found this adorable sign on Poppytalk Handmade. It is a very cool site, similar to Etsy, where sellers can post their own handmade items. There is a goldmine of lovelies like this sign from the Etsy artist Farouche.

2009-12-25T14:23:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from American Tart!!

Rustic and Adorable

2009-12-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Ok. After about a week of a really sore throat followed by awful headaches congestion etc.. I am feeling good enough to get back to some daily routines I let go while recuperating. I found some super cute new reception decor ideas. Check them out- which one is your favorite? Find them here.

Sick as a Dog

2009-12-11T06:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. I have been very under the weather with a terrible sore throat, headache and I keep needing sleep! I will resume my posting regularly in the coming week. I just need to get better! Thank you and I hope all of you are keeping healthy!

Paris Inspiration

2009-12-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

This summer my fiancé and I went to France and Scotland. My sister got married in the beautiful Scottish Highlands and we decided we had to make a trip of it of course! Our visit to Paris was so inspiring. The food, the music, the coffee, the fashion! I was in love. So, thought I would start a little regular posting about my travels and how they have inspired me. This first post is a picture of me, taken by hubby-to-be, staring in wonder at the gorgeous Tour Eiffel. Such a beautiful mass of steel. This was a magical moment- just living in the moment.

Cyber Monday Deal!!

2009-11-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Visit my Etsy shop www.AmericanTart.Etsy.com for free shipping on all items- today only!! I will be back Wednesday with another great retro wedding idea!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are all relaxing and enjoying your day with loved ones. Don't forget to check my Etsy shop tomorrow for a Black Friday deal on one of my vintage dresses!

Black Friday Exclusive!

2009-11-25T08:36:00.001-08:00

In honor of the biggest shopping day of the year, I have decided to (finally) post one of my beloved vintage clothing pieces on my Etsy shop. It will be difficult to let these items go, but it is time for them to find yet another home and another life! As my faithful blog readers, you are getting a sneak peek at the first item. Please check for this gorgeous vintage dress in my Etsy shop on Friday!!

Cake Buffet!!

2009-11-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

I knew the word "cake buffet" would get your attention! I love the idea of having multiple styles and flavors of cake made and displaying them on beautiful vintage cake stands. Your guests have more option and you don't have to do the traditional multi-tier wedding cake (unless you want to!). Have a special cake made for you and your groom to cut into and display your topper or flowers on! How fun!!

Technical Difficulties...

2009-11-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

Please check back tomorrow...I am having technical difficulties and cannot upload my pictures! grrr....I will have something figured out by tomorrow!!

xoxo,

American Tart

Birdcage Veils and Fascinators

2009-11-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Are you a unique retro bride? There is no better day to showcase your personal style than your wedding day! I would love to make a one-of-a-kind birdcage veil or hairpiece for your special day. Check out my Etsy handmade shop for more options or contact me to make you a unique item of your own!

Happy Veteran's Day!

2009-11-11T10:47:00.001-08:00

Thank you to the brave men & women who have and continue to serve our country. There are no words for the gratitude we feel. Happy Veteran's Day!

DIY Gorgeous Ring Pillow

2009-11-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Don't sweat the small stuff ladies! I know brides can get swept up in all the details that go into a wedding. Really, the details practically make a wedding! But, before going Bridezilla because you can't get all the little details exactly right, try doing them yourself or enlisting the help of crafty family and friends. The truth is wedding accessories and decor are usually TERRIBLY marked up and you could make the item for half the cost. Plus, they are extra special that way!! Find the how-to on this beautiful ring pillow at Martha Stwewart.

DIY Retro Photo booth Save-the-Dates

2009-11-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

My fiancé and I loved the idea of an old fashioned photo-booth Save-the-Date. But, we wanted to make it more original & more old-school...more us. We also wanted to do them on a budget. So, I started looking at different paper, cardstock, and envelope options to make them myself. I found cardstock in a vintage-y cream and black envelopes (this is our color combo). I bought a stamp and one pack of photo paper. Then- we got to work. Instead of going to a photo booth and getting one shot to get the right pictures, once again we broke out our trusty digital camera and tri-pod. We positioned ourselves on a bench in front of hanging curtains and put the camera on auto. We took sooo many fun pictures and chose our favorites to put on the Save the Date!

Blog Post Schedule!

2009-11-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

Life has been busy and I have been posting & tweeting more sporadically than I would like. So, I have put myself on a schedule! I LOVE bringing you all goodies to read about and interesting blog posts and I realized- there is never enough time to do what you love...so you must make the time! I will be blogging and tweeting Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays for sure and as much as I can in between. Tune in tomorrow for a post about DIY retro/vintage wedding Save-the-Dates!!

Feliz Día de Los Muertos

2009-11-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

If you celebrate this holiday, as my family did growing up, happy Día de Los Muertos. A very beautiful celebration of life.

Daylight Savings!

2009-11-01T17:03:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to "fall back" an hour on your clocks! You don't want to show up an hour early to work. Cheers to an extra hour!

Low Profile Wine Rack

2009-10-28T09:39:00.001-07:00

I am in no way knowledgeable about wine. I have, however, grown fond of the occasional glass or two! If I were to get a wine rack I may get one something like this. It is nicely tucked away but kind of a focal point at the same time. Very nice. Find it here.

A Penny for Your (Witty) Thoughts

2009-10-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

I have fallen for these chic, witty journals by Archie Grand. They come in an array of gorgeous colors and are an organizational dream! I have an "Inspiration Notebook" where I write down ideas, sketch, paste pics etc. But it is a jumbled mess of ideas which makes it hard to find an old entry. These journals are categorized ex- "Poets I met and Liked". How fun- and at about $12 this would make a great birthday, Christmas, or just because present! Find them at archiegrand.com. Featured on Daily Candy.

Happy Monday!

2009-10-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

I know, it's Monday. As a personal challenge I am re-thinking Mondays. Music has always been a source of comfort and inspiration for me and some good old tunes do the trick when I'm feeling a little sluggish. Instead of dread, I am beginning my week with a smile, a positive disposition and some awesome oldies. Have any tricks to a happy Monday? Please share them! :) Image found at http://www.lite1068.com/images/jukebox.jpg via google.

Lovely & Unique Wedding Invites

2009-10-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

I saw this idea a while ago in one of the many, many wedding blogs I read. I fell in love with the idea and wanted to try it for my wedding, but it became too costly. I am on a serious budget folks! But if you can take the time to scout for beautiful pieces and find someone to screen print or embroider them for a reasonable amount I would go for it! It adds a personal touch- just think this would be an invitation that would act as a keepsake for all your guests. Maybe it could pull double duty as your favors! Find it here.

Happy Monday!

2009-10-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

So, after my last post about life I thought to myself "what would be a great design choice to come home to that would immediately brighten my day if I needed a little pick-me-up?"- I have it! A bright pink room like this would absolutely do the trick. Find here it on Apartment Therapy.

Life...

2009-10-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post about how I am feeling, but it occurred to me that many people may be feeling the same way in these times. As a woman in my mid-twenties, planning my wedding and preparing to start my life with my man, I find myself in difficult times. Our current economic situation in the U.S. is less than ideal, but I wanted to encourage anyone out there feeling the pinch as I am, to hang in there. In these times I am reminded that all I really need in my life, I already have. Love, family, friendship and a dream I am passionate about...American Tart. :)

DIY Retro Photo-shoot

2009-09-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Who says you have to hire a fancy photographer to get some beautiful one-of-a-kind engagement photos? Not us! Don't get me wrong, if you have the cash to spend on a dream photog, go for it! But if you don't...or don't want to I hope you consider this option. My fiancé and I had an incredible time being the photographers and subjects at our own photo shoot. We headed out to a beautiful local park with our props, outfits, camera and tripod. We took turns setting up shots and setting the timer. Let me tell you- not only do we have beautiful engagement pictures that are totally original, they are our own work and we have the memory of this wonderful day. Just a giddy newly engaged couple...having the time of our life.

Like the birdcage veil? Check out all my American Tart creations on my Esty shop!

Vintage DIY

2009-09-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

After!

Before.

This DIY was very simple and very enjoyable. I got this vintage bench from my mom. It was scuffed and dusty. The seat was covered with a terrible vinyl too! I sanded down the wood, primed it, and painted it black. Then I reupholstered it in this beautiful vintage-inspired fabric. Overall it took a few hours out of my day and this vintage bench has a new life to live!

Venetian Glass

2009-09-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Beautiful! Okay, this is wayyy too expensive for me, but very lovely. If you can afford this gorgeous side cabinet- by all means. If not (I'm a not) use it as inspiration to find a similar piece! No one will ever know yours is not venetian glass!

Go Green, Go Vintage!

2009-08-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Today...just a little food for thought. If you want to be green, go vintage. Re-use, reclaim, repurpose items. Give clothing, memorabilia and housewares a new life. That way you don't have to be wasteful and buy new stuff! Stay tuned for blogs on how to repurpose common items...

WWII Inspired Cake Topper

2009-08-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Love, Love, Love this V-Day inspired cake-topper! That's all I have to say.

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/casey-and-louis?&lpgStart=1&currentslide=8&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs

Sleep in Luxury

2009-08-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful, simple headboard with just enough glamour. It's a little bit Hollywood Regency...which I love! I would have different bedding, etc, but LOVE the headboard. Best of all, you can find it at any Pottery Barn!

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11365/index.cfm?pkey=cupholstered%2Dbeds%2Dheadboards

Chandeliers!!

2009-08-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

If I could, I would have a chandelier in every room. I intend to one day. When hubby-to-be and I get our own place, watch out for chandeliers!

Lollipop, Lollipop...

2009-08-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

This is super cute. I am in the process of planning my own wedding and will post lots of cool retro/vintage wedding ideas. This is one of them! My fiancé and I are having a great 50's candy shop inspired candy bar at our wedding and I would love to display lollipops with this stand. You can find the DIY version at

www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/lollipop-stand-how-to

or buy one from http://chereeberry.com/ if anyone has done the DIY version I would love to know how it turned out!

For the stylish man in your life

2009-08-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

I happen to be quite a sucker for a pair of black and white spectator wing-tips. I believe these are Allen Edmonds, although I was unable to find them again on the website. If you have a man in your life with a retro flair to his style, these are a must! My fiancé will certainly be wearing his to dance at our wedding!

Mad about Mad Men

2009-08-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

It is my personal goal to be a lady and make myself up a little everyday. You know, like women use to do? The beautiful women of Mad Men are a great inspiration. These days it is nice to know that "putting our face on" every day is our prerogative! We can choose to do ourselves up...or not. And that choice is a beautiful thing!

Yes honey, I do need a pink typewriter...

2009-08-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

If only I had $390 for this amazingly adorable 1950's pink typewriter! I feel, however, this may be a case of unrequited love. This beautiful retro machine would be the perfect start to that novel I have every intention of writing...one day.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29169929