Marimekko Love

Ever since I fell in love with Marushkas and silk screen wall art, I have been the biggest fan of all things Marimekko. Have you heard of either? Both are silk screen companies that make the most beautiful prints. Marimekko was popular in the 60s, Marushkas in the 70s. Similar in style, Marushkas are like the American nature version of Marimekko.

Marushkas were printed in West Michigan, where I was born and raised. Since they were so popular in the 70s, and printed nearby, they were always readily available at local thrift stores. My parents always shook their head at me and my infatuation with the prints, because to them, it was something they wanted to forget about. Ugly things from their past. I just can't get enough. In their day, everyone my parents age had Marushkas decorating the walls of their dorms, apartments, etc. So when I found an original Marimekko "Heina" print from 1957 by Maija Isola at Goodwill in Lansing, Michigan for $10, I almost peed my pants! Worth at least $500, it's the most valuable and beautiful piece in my collection. I love love love it. I can't get enough of either brand.

Why am I babbling on about these old companies? Well, when I was browsing my Instagram feed last week, I came across this gorgeous dress I'm sporting in these pictures. A Marimekko tribute collection from H&M. I just had to have it! It's so bright and beautiful and perfect for spring and summer. 

Now I can't figure out if the design of the pattern is one done by Maija herself, I'm still super stoked to have a piece of apparel to match my collection of wall art, fabric, dishes, and all other things Marimekko and Marushka in my home.

Aside from all the excitement of moving, one thing I'm really looking forward to is unpacking my Marimekko fabric! I can't wait until we get settled in our new home in Jacksonville, and I'll finally be able to get out my remnants I've been saving for throw pillows in the living room to match my Heina. 

I wish I could afford more Marimekko fabric (it's around $50/yard!) and could make myself a wardrobe of clothes! Couches upholstered in their fabric! Tea towels with flowers. Curtains with hay. Their site sells breathtaking outfits with the most amazing cuts, but are a wee bit out of my price range, and break my rule of "new" clothing. Someday soon, I'm going to have to allow for some new clothes again. In the meantime, I'm still going strong on my "second hand only" motto.

Maija Isola was the main textile designer for Marimekko, her bold prints popular in the 60s. The look of Marimekko is still mostly taken from the work of this legendary Finnish designer. She is undisuputeedly the "look" of Marimekko.

When Matt and I were visiting New York this past January, we were somewhere between Chelsea and Gramercy, we found the Flatiron building. I turned around and BAM! There was a Marimekko store! I'd never been to one of their actual locations. I dragged Matt into the store and dreamed of a home covered in Marimekko fabric. It was wonderful!

Outfit details:

Marimekko dress from H&M. 

Purse: Jen Ell's Revenge custom handbag.

Vintage shoes.

Vintage Casio watch.

Introducing Sally Ann's Closet

It's addicting. IG shops. Have you seen them? They're an online store on the iPhone and Andriod app called Instagram. So easy and fun. You look through your friends cute cat pictures, and bam! You find a super cute dress on the cheap. You comment with your PayPal address. Okay the invoice, and within a few days, the dress arrives in your mailbox. It's so incredibly easy and seriously addicting! I love finding gently used clothes on a few of my favorite shops.

While packing up clothes and sifting through the pieces I never wear, I decided it'd be fun to open a closet shop on Instagram. Plus a great way to open up a new revenue stream, since I'll be semi-retiring from bartending soon. Only near mint clothing is listed, and all details are included in the comment section of the listing. Some clothes will be ones I've made, thrifted, bought new, etc. You can check out my shop here or on IG as SallyAnnsCloset. AND everything's 20% off until we move next Saturday, May 25th.

I'll be updating it with more clothes soon, as I pack up my house for our move next weekend to Jacksonville! Lord knows I have sooo many clothes I never wear. I might as well put them out there for someone to enjoy!

Tuesday Tunes - Beware of Darkness - Howl

Last week, Matt and I got a chance to see this band, Beware of Darkness, at Sky City in downtown Augusta. It's so refreshing to catch up and coming bands, when you know they are right on the cusp of stardom and success. They are an alternative rock band out of LA, and their next tour is opening up for Smashing Pumpkins on their European tour. And tomorrow night, they play on Conan! So be sure to check them out. 

The three guys in the band are super nice guys. Matt interviewed them on his radio show earlier in the day, so he was super excited about the show. I thought, "oh great, Matt's dragging me to another rock show that is going to be annoying," since I'm not a fan of most of the music his station plays. I'm a Belle and Sebastian/Bjork kind of girl. And honestly, I was super impressed with these guys. They were great! After the show, they stuck around for a beer with us while Matt picked the bass player's brain on the good and bad parts of touring. You can see more of their music on their Facebook page, their website, and Twitter.

What are your favorite bands right now?

We're moving!

That's right. Matt and I are moving south, to Jacksonville, Florida. We've been working on our Georgia exit strategy for some time now, and it's finally happening. Our time left in Augusta is less than two weeks. And oh so bittersweet. The past three and a half years here have been truly amazing. We are going to miss this town, but at the same time are so excited for a new life in a bigger city.

This past weekend my friend, Jonathan, and I drove down to Jacksonville for some house hunting. My, oh my, was it a rough day. We saw some real dumps, and I mean dumps. It's amazing how deceiving pictures posted on the internet can be. Above is my "eh how do I be nice to this guy and pretend I like the house" face. No note taking was necessary once we went inside and saw the home.

We also saw some real gems. After driving around using a realtor app, we found the house we'd been longing to find all day. A gorgeous three bedroom with ample storage space, hardwood floors, and a "Florida" room. So cross your fingers or pray for us, that we get accepted and granted the house! EDIT: WE GOT THIS HOUSE! WHOO-HOO!

I cannot wait for the next few weeks and our future. So many exciting things to share with you all very soon. Back to packing! Have a great Monday..

DIY: Shorten a polyester skirt

So many skirts and so many possibilities. I never rule out a skirt at the thrift store because of it's hem, and neither should you. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a new skirt, at just the length you desire, with just a few simple steps. This tutorial will require hand sewing and basic machine skills. Difficulty level: easy/beginner. Follow along and you'll see how easy it is!

You will need:

• chalk hem marker
• skirt
• needles
• scissors or rotary cutter
• hand needle
• matching thread
• seam binding

Start by marking your skirt with a chalk hem marker (not pictured but instructions here). Cut fabric below chalk with enough seam allowance to sew seam binding, I usually cut 1/2" below my mark. But this can be different for everyone. 1+2) Sew seam binding to raw edge of hem. Back stitch when you get to the end. 3) Pin skirt and press. When you press, the chalk marks should be right along the fold. 4) Hand stitch an invisible hem. You will grab ever 3/4"-1" of fabric, catching a little bit of the skirt and come through the seam binding. Press again and voila. New skirt!

This tutorial is something you can use over and over again. Insivible hems always look so much better than a rolled or double folded hem. It's a little bit more work because of the hand sewing, but SO worth every minute. 

And I'm sure some of you are saying, that skirt was great before, and I'm sure some of you would opt to leave it be. While I love long maxi skirts, I know me, and I know I'm more likely to wear a skirt above my knees in this type of fabric. Plus, hot weather is already here in Georgia. I can't wait for hot hot heat! 

Oh yeah, and my hair is super short now. I'm rocking a men's pompadour. My girlfriend and I shaved the side of my head the other day, and yesterday the rest came off. I still have a good bit on the left side, with an asymetrical women's pompadour look. Now I need to experiment with all kinds of pomade and see which one I like the best. Pretty fun. While I loved my blonde hair, it was breaking too much and I wanted something short and sassy for the hot summer.

Happy Friday, friends! I hope y'all have a great weekend. Wishing you all the best of weather for lovely spring cookouts and outdoor activities with your loved ones. Matt is participating in a Marine Mud Challenge this weekend, and I can't wait to spend tomorrow finishing Shelby's interior!