Bluebird

2009-08-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

I decided to close my little shop in the Lower Haight.

Bluebird brought great things to me. All sorts of kind Lower Haight neighbors came into my life - like sweet Kati Kim at Doe, Jean from Xapno, Sarah from Life, Harry from 683 Haight St, Martin and the rest of the Vapor Room Cooperative, the Idle Hand hotties, all the pretty girls from Edo and Wak Shack, and most importantly, that total fox at Groove Merchant. The shop also showed my girls that taking a chance ain't no big thing - and it's always better to try than to think about trying.

So... all in all - it was a worthwhile two year run. I could tell you I'm closing to "pursue other creative endeavors" or "need to spend more time with my family" but really, it's just a feeling in my bones. Time to just relax for a little while.

Although I felt extremely supported and encouraged by the community, now more than ever we need to show our support for local businesses, designers and local artists. Small bookstores, record stores, clothing shops, anything that keeps our neighborhoods interesting. Hells. I know Forever 21 has got cute dresses - and its a sure thing when you're in a pinch, but it doesn't look that good by the end of the night and it's probably made by small children and your purchase doesn't come with friendly conversation.

I'm keeping the ETSY store open. And I'm still doing a number of interior decorating jobs, which I love. Starting September 22nd, be sure to check Bluebird on ETSY every Monday morning for our latest vintage treasures. I won't be adding new stuff for the next 3 weeks - I'm taking a little vacation. But, the online shop will be packed with new stuff on September 22nd.

I love all my customers and everyone I've met over the past couple years at 214 Pierce Street. Thank you all my supporters, all you sexy local designers making cool stuff, all my nice Yelp reviewers and all you lovely ladies who sat and chatted with me.

A few of our favorite items.

2009-07-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

2009-07-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Please someone explain to me the original purpose behind the victorian double parlor?

For me, it means one room smack dab in the middle of my house that I can't really use for anything other than walking through on my way to the living room. The girls have been crammed into the smallest room in the house and it's time to give them a bit more space. So, I'm breaking down and doing what all my neighbors have been doing with this no man's land room - closing off the thoroughfare between the living room and dining room and making it into a bedroom.

Problem is, the girls' twin beds fit only on the wall of windows, and this is earthquake country, people. I love my enormous victorian windows, but not when my precious babes are sleeping under them.

My landlord suggested I put blue masking tape x's all over the windows. For reals.

Design advice, please. I can't afford to change out to tempered glass just yet (and given my landlord's response, he won't be footin' any bills on this) and I don't like plexiglass coverings.

I was thinking of putting one bed under each window and maybe putting up heavy canvas curtains that I would close at night and velcro to the window frame. However, if anyone else reading this blog has a creative earthquake proofing idea, I'd love to hear from you.

My Vintage Tablecloth Collection

2009-07-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting these since I was 16. Up until recently, they had their own closet. To make room for Mr. V, I packed them all up neatly and put them in storage. 7 large bins.

Vintage Airplane Liquor Bottles

2009-07-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

In love and on the lookout for pretty little vintage liquor bottles....

More images of the house that should be mine

2009-07-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

Below is the old stable. Check out the stone walkway - same stone is on the fireplace. In "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" there's a scene where Myrna Loy explains to Cary Grant an exorbitant charge for a stone floor in her flower potting room - I'm recalling this from memory, so I'm not sure I got it right, but.... she explains in her cutest most perplexed voice that she simply asked the workers to lay a little of the "extra stone" in her flower potting room.

View from the top of the driveway, where it turns to the garage. In the garage is a stack of all the original glass doors belonging to the house.

This is the downstairs bathroom - and I admit, it needs a little help:

But this is the upstairs bathroom and I think it is just perfect:

Kitchen. The window above the sink looks into the downstairs bathroom, which is a bit odd. But I can work with that.

Fireplace:

Living Room:

Barkcloth curtains still hanging on some of the windows.

Top floor:

Bottom floor:

Driveway and some outside views:

Ms. Bluebird Builds Her Dream House

2009-07-01T22:13:00.001-07:00

mynewhouse, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Mr. V and I saw this magical Mill Valley house today. Built in 1905, the windows are all broken, dry rot is certain, electricity and plumbing - a huge unknown. But there's still the original bark cloth curtains hanging in some of the windows! Come on! And beautiful knotty pine walls and a STONE FIREPLACE. I hate the idea of some developer getting this. I hate the idea of it being torn down. Or worse, some crap redo with Home Depot fixtures and granite counter tops. If this house were mine, I'd keep it the same. No new kitchen. No new bathrooms. Just a good cleaning, fix the windows and paint. It should stay just as it is. Wedgewood stove, butcher block counter tops, and 1930s bath fixtures.

See the shredded awnings? Heaven. The railing around the front porch is painted in stripes of red, yellow and blue - original paint from the 40s.

This is where my vegetable garden is going:

Bluebird Spring Sale NOW ONLINE!

2009-04-23T09:09:00.001-07:00

Spring is in the air

2009-03-31T10:54:00.001-07:00

store, originally uploaded by somethin'.

The store is feeling so airy and light these days. You'll see lots of new strappy dresses on Thursday and tons of brand spanking new jewelry.

And this put a smile on my face:

Mia's letter to the SmartCar Company:

"HI Mia here i LOVE smarts i'am 8 years old i did make up my e-mail plump smart car i think that if you gave me the smart i will try to make your company the most famous company inn the bay area can you come to my school and talk about smarts ? bye sincerely Mia"

New Items on Etsy

2009-03-23T23:35:00.001-07:00

Far away from San Francisco? You can visit us anytime right here: Bluebird on Etsy.

P1010460, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Dum dum de dum........

2009-03-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

and my personal favorite....

Like Cherry Blossoms....

2009-03-03T22:59:00.000-08:00

See these beauties and more today at Bluebird on ETSY.

Quilting with Kidlets

2009-02-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

Lily's class made this amazing quilt for the school's fundraiser - Made from all recycled, repurposed and organic fabric, the kids embroidered their "green" words onto some "rocks." They brought in old clothing from home that was headed for Community Thrift, and we (with a large amount of help from the amazing Leah) turned all that old fabric into something new and beautiful. The pale aqua background fabric is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.

In Love....

2009-02-06T14:39:00.001-08:00

With this outfit.

P1010300, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Butterflies.

2009-02-01T21:49:00.001-08:00

P1010217, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Alameda Flea Market Finds...

2009-02-01T21:33:00.001-08:00

Mr. Veltri woke me up early early early this morning and I'm so glad....

I love the shirt:

Vintage details that make me happy

2009-01-09T23:21:00.001-08:00

P1010125, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T20:20:00.001-08:00

P1010157, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Oh.... this dress is so pretty. How amazing would it be as a wedding dress?

And I love this one, too....

Oh yes. And this one, too...

I just brought in so many sexy little numbers into the shop this last weekend and the Mr. and I are going on a little road trip Thursday so there will be lots in the shop and on ETSY this Friday!

New Website Up, New Etsy & A lovely mention on Apartment Therapy

2008-12-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

Today we were featured on Apartment Therapy. I'm inspired daily by this site and I'm so honored that they featured our flat for a home tour.

Our new website is up and running. And - we've added new items to our Etsy store....

Craft Kit - Autumn

2008-12-10T12:39:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Vintage fabric, golden brown ribbon, Bluebird flowers & more.....

Visit our Etsy store for this and more.....

Bluebird Craft Kit Now on Sale

2008-12-10T12:32:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Visit our Etsy store to see all our new craft kits. Each one is different and special and comes with a fortune - just for you. Make a doll, a purse, a hat or just horde all these beautiful little gems (like I do). Whatever you do with it, take a picture of your creation and send it to us - we'll put it on our blog.

Gift #7 - Your best friend gets the heart locket

2008-11-24T00:40:00.001-08:00

Mamacita Heart Necklance, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Put your Japantown photo stickers of the two of you in the locket and call it a day.

#6 - For those girlfriends who aren't your best friend, but you still love them dearly.

2008-11-24T00:34:00.001-08:00

Bluebird Lace Cuff, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Our Lace Cuff is $15 and a perfect gift to give out during your annual holiday ladies' lunch. Your friends will like these much better than your usual "Us" Magazine subscriptions. No. Wait. Get them both the Lace Cuff AND the subscription. I love that magazine and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

Gift #5 - Because your mother is probably like mine

2008-11-24T00:25:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by somethin'.

The woman likes nice things. Really nice things. And.. she did give you life. So you spend a little more on her. Mayu's beautiful hand-made cuff bracelet will make her forget all the trouble you caused her.

Gift #4 - For your Sister-In-Law

2008-11-24T00:14:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Because she's both practical AND a lover of pretty things.... a vintage cocktail purse is her perfect gift. She'll get good use out of it (because carrying her ginormous bucket bag isn't pretty with a cocktail dress) and she'll love you for getting her something so delicate and pretty.

Cloisonne Hair Combs - Gift #3

2008-11-23T23:39:00.001-08:00

Cloisonne Hair Combs, originally uploaded by somethin'.

This gift is for your dear friend who needs to get out more. I don't know what it is about these vintage hair combs, but they make you feel sexy the minute you put them in your hair. $18 each and you're asking the cute boy at the end of the bar to buy you a drink. Your friend? The one who just got her heart torn to bits? She needs these combs.

Gift #2 - A name barrette, for your Frienemy

2008-11-23T23:31:00.001-08:00

Name Barrette, originally uploaded by somethin'.

You have to get her something. You know you do. Our Name Barrette is just $8 and we'll wrap it up real nice for you. Get her the name "Phyllis" or "Penny." She'll hate you for getting her something so damn cute.

The Bluebird Holiday Gift Guide is here! And here is Gift #1 - for the girl you recently hooked up with.

2008-11-23T23:26:00.001-08:00

Shell Necklace, Dipped in Gold, originally uploaded by somethin'.

You SHOULD get her a gift. Nothing extravagant, but something that says, 1) I think you are pretty 2) I'm glad we met and 3) what are you doing for New Year's Eve??? That gift is our shell necklace dipped in 24kt gold and just $25. Top it off with a Molly Meng card and you are set. You can thank me later.

From my Dad.

2008-11-20T10:09:00.001-08:00

American Modern Present from My Dad, originally uploaded by somethin'.

My dad took me to my first flea market when I was 10 years old. The Sausalito Flea Market - remember it? Spending early Sunday mornings there was a kind of church for us. My dad is a crazy collector and isn't content just collecting for himself. The other day I found this multi-piece set of American Modern on my dining room table. He knows what I like without even asking. The best gift-giver and such a sweet dad.

Shawl Colors

2008-11-14T09:39:00.003-08:00

P1010028, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Bluebird Shawl - Back View

2008-11-14T09:39:00.001-08:00

P1010014, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Or this....

2008-11-14T09:38:00.003-08:00

P1010009, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Or wear it like this....

2008-11-14T09:38:00.001-08:00

P1010018, originally uploaded by somethin'.

The New Bluebird Shawl - Wear it like this...

2008-11-14T09:37:00.001-08:00

I modeled this shawl after a vintage shawl I've worn to death. It's hand-crocheted in San Francisco, it's $62 and will keep you warm alllllll winter long. We brought them in yesterday afternoon and two are already gone! You can wear it like this (my favorite way)...

P1010016, originally uploaded by somethin'.

Road Trip Treasures

2008-11-06T11:34:00.001-08:00

Chris & I went on a road trip this week and I found these lovelies....

Today I feel like Lily's Picture....

2008-11-05T12:32:00.001-08:00

Inspired by Danica

2008-11-02T22:18:00.001-08:00

Danica Suskin dropped off an incredible basket of her comfies at the shop last week.

My girls wanted all of them for themselves. The faces Danica creates are so loving and open, kids just naturally get attached to them. Mia was so inspired, she made this that very same day. Thanks, Danica for the beautiful dolls AND the inspiration.

Mia's, Inspired by Danica Suskin., originally uploaded by somethin'.

Our Shop Hours & Appointments

2008-11-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Store Hours
Thursday 12 to 7
Friday 12 to 7
Saturday 12 to 7
Sunday 12 to 7

We schedule appointments Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. Appointments come with wine, music, girl talk and in-house alterations by Leah.

Gabriel's Spoon Rings

2008-11-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Gabriel lives in the neighborhood - he re-fashions vintage pieces into jewelry - spoon rings, watch face bracelets. My favorite kind of recycling...

Flea Market Find...

2008-11-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Vintage bridge score cards.

Scenes from a shop bulletin board..

2008-10-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

This would look fabulous on you

2008-10-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Note from Mia...

Senior Prom

2008-10-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

I didn't go to my senior prom. Did you? At first I thought it was a badge of honor - only the very coolest kids skipped out on their Senior Prom. Or so I told myself.

I'm a dork. I should have gone. And I'm still shopping for my senior prom dress. It's like getting married in a dress you don't like. You'll never stop shopping for the ONE, but its too late, anyway.

I'm going to be wearing this in the shop today and if someone wants to come in and slow dance with me and grab my butt, please do....

Some of my new favorites....

2008-10-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

Cloisonne Belts at the Shop

2008-10-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

These are so sexy with a secretary dress or jeans. 4-rope belts are $34, 2-rope belts are $30.

Some of the Newest Vintage Pieces in the Shop

2008-10-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

Early Bluebird

2008-10-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

I came across these photos from our third season. The girls were so little. Now, they just wear skinny jeans from H & M and t-shirts.

Amazing Outfit

2008-10-16T23:11:00.000-07:00

I want to fly on this airline

Off Topic....

2008-10-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

I love it when my kids look like this.....

And this...

Leah Estell

2008-10-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

I thought this lace top with tiny glass buttons was done for. The delicate lace was unravelling on the arm and all along the sides. Leah and her elfin-sized stitches put it all back together.

Besides being our in-house alterations gal, Leah Estell designs, knits, crochets, sews, embroiders, and can answer just about any question you might have about crafting. She has craft nights at the shop - if you are interested.

She recently made some kimonos out of Bluebird fabric... Her work is impeccable and its no wonder some of our customers have commissioned hand-made wedding dresses from her.

And she has her own blog and website.... Check this lovely girl out.

Bird House as Jewelry Box

2008-10-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

Bluebird Party

2008-10-05T20:47:00.001-07:00

We had a party at the shop the other night with live music by the one-mam show, Jesse. Her voice was stunning and I'm a sucker for accordion/banjo music. And some of the girls decided to try on most everything in the shop... This is our favorite customer-friend looking mighty fine in one of our short sleeve ruffled shirts.

Anklets

2008-10-05T20:30:00.001-07:00

When I was growing up, anklets seemed like the most feminine of accessories. I remember coveting my aunt's - a single diamond on a chain. My mom said that only fast girls wore anklets and then she and my aunt snickered. I had no idea what they were talking about at the time.

We have these initial anklets in the shop and I haven't taken mine off.

Bluebird Fabric as Curtains

2008-10-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

I put our Daisy Dot fabric up in my living room - it's simple with those drapery clips you can buy at Target.

Our fabric is $10/yard and can be bought on Etsy (I'm setting up our shop now). I'll be posting more Bluebird Fabric inspirations in the coming weeks.

My man knows what I like.....

2008-10-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

He's far away at a record show this week, but before he left, he gave me this....

Vintage kimono fabric. Found at an estate sale. I have it hanging in the living room right now, but want to do something more with it... Any ideas?

My new favorite craigslist search....

2008-10-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

House plants. Look at these full grown beautiful plants I bought for next to nothing...

Molly Meng's 8MM Ideas

2008-09-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

I want to live inside Molly's studio where she pulls from her extensive collection of found ephemera to create these lovely cards.

And also her absolutely lovely house, as seen here, at Apartment Therapy....

This living room makes me happy.

See her full collection here: www.8mmideas.com.

Slip of a Thing....

2008-09-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

I always get caught staring at those girls wearing the slip as a dress with boots and a cozy sweater combo. How do they pull it off? It's such a pretty, feminine look. And bold. I've tried that look and its one of those outfits that makes me want to go home in the middle of the day and change. But I love slips. And vintage ones are so very pretty. So....I recently started wearing slips under all my dresses - even if its not needed. I love the little lace that peeks out the hem of my dress. And the Mr. likes that part, too. The best slips have a little stretch and some ornate, pretty lace around the hem. I keep bringing them into the shop and they keep flying out so you must like them, too.

I want to make these.....

2008-09-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Bluebird Shop in the Lower Haight - Almost One Year

2008-09-27T07:30:00.001-07:00

These lovely pictures of the shop were taken by my gorgeous and amazing photographer friend, Jen Siska - you can see her work at www.jensiska.com.