hi, I’m Michelle! welcome to my corner of the internet - featuring weekly inspirational updates for everyone from vintage lovers to small business owners. I chat about everything from my current obsessions to small business tips, what’s on my mind lately, new vintage arrivals in the shop, and deep dives into my vintage business.
Let’s go! Spring has been spring-ing in the best way possible - early morning sunrises, lingering dusk well into the evening, the sounds of birds chirping and flowers blooming. This past month has taken me to San Francisco and Portland ( and back ) where I have discovered some really lovely new to me small businesses, as well as some new favorite life rituals to bring more daily joy.
In this month’s round up we’re going to see some of my favorite new discoveries - as well as my new favorite rituals ( because we don’t always need to buy something to lift our mood - it can be as simple as waking up an hour earlier to quietly watch the sunrise, or picking flowers from the side of the road to slip into the cup holder of your car )
scent - yes okay, I talked about scent last month, but I LOVE to smell good. plus, I think it’s important to share the brands who are doing natural roller oil perfumes WELL because not all work the same. ( and please please consider looking for alternatives to cheap and toxic perfumes - I did not realize how sensitive I had become until I walked into Nordstrom last week and immediately developed a raging headache from the Beauty section within minutes of being there. )
At San Francisco Renegade I met the lovely folks behind Rancho Bombero a fairly new brand out of the Bay Area. Their body oil is incredible, smells amazing and soaks in so well ( it does not leave a greasy residue ). I am almost out of the bottle I purchased ( oops I need to slow down ) - and when I re-order I am also going to snag their roller perfume. It’s soft, luxurious and most of all I feel warm and inviting when I wear it layered under all my other oils and scents.
bonus…. creator Alex and I got to chatting all things perfume and how much I love Olo, Basium and anything moody, smoky, warm and inviting and they shared another brand Carta with me. Carta makes a perfume using Wild Peruvian Moena ( sustainably sourced ) and it smells unlike anything I have ever experienced. Needless to say, the Moena 12 | 69 perfume is next on my wish-list.
accessories - my necklace stack has been raging out of control lately in all the best ways. Not only did I IMMEDIATELY purchase the sardine charm from Rebekah the moment I got to San Francisco for Renegade , I later that week added a ceramic charm by the lovely Karli Fairbanks.
pro-tip: Karli will be at Renegade Los Angeles this weekend ( 4/26 + 4/27 ) - and then she will be adding whatever is left over to her website. I feel so lucky I snagged one during a story sale!
My necklace stack features all local women-owned businesses ( and one vintage rope chain! - stay tuned as I will be releasing a vintage necklace chain collection via blaksands in a few weeks )
from top to bottom:
Opal Pendant Necklace by Valerie Madison
vintage Rope Chain
Sardine Charm by Rebekah J
Sunrise Ceramic Charm by Karli Fairbanks
Pasture Amulet by Molly Debiak
plus, love how it looks layered over a vintage mesh tee….
joyful living - buy the flowers! Flowers make me happy, brighten my mood, look stunning sitting on my dining table, nightstand - and yes, even in the car. I can’t think of a simple way to bring a smile to your face than buying yourself ( or gifting a loved one ) some flowers.
Seattle friends you can swing by the Seattle Growers Market, or the Ballard Sunday Farmers Market to find and source locally grown flowers ( and support your community ). If you’re on a budget, just pop into Trader Joe’s and make your own arrangement.
This last weekend I went to a “Flower Bar” pop-up at Yonder Cider and met Jill, the owner of Raining Petals and walked away with this darling arrangement for $23 that has been sitting on my dresser and still looking fabulous 4 days later.
and now to share a few things off my wish-list:
Babaa Polo No. 1 in Natural - I still have been trying to choose which Babaa I am coveting most for Spring, and while I had my eye on that vest for some time, I am not quite sure yet if it’s something I will wear a lot, or just like a little bit. ( This is why we make wish-lists friends! So we can carefully consider a purchase before acting on impulse :) )
I LOVE this one, but have waited to purchase due to the price tag - however I know when I am ready I WILL WEAR THIS all the time.
Rather Green Amiga Tote - This has been on my want list for MONTHS. I know I am a crazy bag lady and don’t really need another bag, however, the amount of times lately I have wanted to reach for THIS BAG SPECIFICALLY really solidified the case that “I know I will use it because it will clearly fill a gap in my tote bag collection that I need”. I ordered it and since they are made-to-order by hand in Canada I am patiently awaiting it’s arrival.
beyond these specific items I am on the hunt for organic and sustainable underwear so I can Spring Clean my dressers and clear out the old. Ever since ARQ closed, I have been avoiding the inevitable need to find a replacement - but the time is near to bite the bullet and try some new brands. I will report back on my findings soon!
Lastly I would REALLY love a pair of Fisherman Sandals for Spring & Summer ( I think? ) but want them to be 100% leather, soft and comfy, and have the right look. I am not sure where to start - so any suggestions are welcome!
Thanks for reading and checking out some of my favorite things!
Feel free to add your thoughts to the discussion below;
xx M
Michelle Moore is a Seattle-based creative, vintage curator, photographer, writer and educator. You can catch her at an up-coming pop-up, swing by on a night she’s hosting at the restaurant in Ballard, order one of her hand-knit Beanies, or hire her to host & plan your next event.
connecting you with good clothes + good people.