Areas in and/or around the Bay

Each time before I set off for a trip I always make big plans to take a zillion photos. It seems so easy to just take great photos of fun things that happen, but usually when I am seeing new things and having fun, the last thing I want to do is interrupt the moment to take a photo. That is why almost all of my photos are sans human beings. But, I did manage to take some photos of some of my favorite places we visited. 

Delores Park, day before pride. Packed with people, some completely bottomless.

We only went into San Francisco twice. The first was the day before Pride, also known as Pride weekend I think. It was packed and there was a lot of dancing in and around the mission. Lots of flare. 

We also got to visit the Exploratorium on the pier. The Exploratorium is an interactive science museum. Yeah, it's for kids, but we decided to go and for some reason we were disappointed to see so many kids. Don't get me wrong, I like kids, but there were a lot of kids. Unruly kids. Touching things.  The second we stepped into the building we both thought we were developing soar throats. Maybe it was another interactive science lesson about pyschosomatic disorder.

Truly amazing sculpture made entirely out of toothpicks and white glue.

We spent most of our time in Oakland, land of crime, as it is most commonly known. But in actuality, it is really beautiful. We discovered that most Oakland citizens want to keep Oakland's reputation negative. The way they see it, if everyone thinks its dangerous, then it will stay relatively quiet. Some neighborhoods are the most beautiful I have seen in a while. Other more vibrant streets still have a very small town feeling to them, and not to mention have great restaurants and shops. 

I'm sure it's just the time of year, but Oakland and Berkeley were covered in bright flowers.

I got to step into this cute vintage shop called Mercy Vintage Now.

The highlight of my trip to the Bay Area wasn't even in the bay area. We got to drive out to Lodi, CA to check in on an estate sale that was happening at an old barn/farmhouse. The farmhouse had been owned by the same family since 1870. Lots of antiques and vintage treasures. Don't worry, I managed to scoop some vintage for the shop.

Another highlight was the Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The conservatory is in a fairly large old greenhouse in the middle of the park. The day we visited it was particularly foggy out, which made the photos kind of dreamy. 

The Conservatory of Flowers

zen

some flowers, and me. Of course, the only photo taken of me on this trip, and I am not even wearing and visible vintage. My bag and are vintage for the record, you just can't see them :/

more flowers

spooky greenhouse photo

Right after the Conservatory, we visited the Japanese Tea Garden further down the park and had some warm tea in the foggy day. 

We also got a little culture in at the Oakland Museum of Art. Meh. It was okay. I was tired that day.

Anyway, that is it for pictures. But I do have some pretty big news....

 I'M MOVING TO SAN FRANCISCO/BAY AREA!!!

Which means, BarnabyJack will be moving with me :)

Mike got a full time gig in Berkeley and we need to move ASAP.

The next few weeks will be a whirlwind of finding an apartment, moving furniture and being stressed. So BarnabyJack might be slowing down a bit as far as listing new items every day. But I will do my best. 

I am a bit nervous to move to a big city. Last time a lived in a big city was NYC six years ago. I gotta bust out the ol' street savy-ness pretty soon here.  BUT, I am confident and excited with the new changes to come. In fact, when we were walking through Oakland, we saw a little sign that maybe we were meant to be here...

"M+S" was carved in the concrete in the sidewalk in our dream neighborhood in Oakland. I do say that it was meant for Mike + Sara. 

See you soon East Bay.

I also want to thank those that have purchased items in these last two weeks a big THANK YOU for your patience. I will be sending your shipments out Monday morning FIRST THING. 

K thx baiiiiiii

Hello, San Francisco!

I leaving for San Francisco, June 23rd to July 4th. BarnabyJack will still be open, but that means all shipments will be delayed until July 7th. During this time, I am happy to offer a 10% discount as a thank you for your patience. 

Use coupon code: SORRYFORTHEDELAY 

Valid 6/23/14 to 7/4/14

BUT, it's not too late to get your last shipment in now before my departure on the 23rd. All purchases made during this weekend will be sent out Monday morning on the 23rd of June.

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San Francisco/Oakland/Berkeley 

I love traveling and this summer I get to visit my other half in the bay area. We will be doing a lot of exploring, visiting friends and of course, thrifting and checking out some vintage shops. This trip is partially for fun, but it is also to scope out the area for a (very) possible move to the area (which means BarnabyJack will be relocating). We shall have to wait and see what happens. 

For those wondering what I will be up to, you can follow me on instagram!:

http://instagram.com/barnabyjackvintage#

Thanks and I will see you all in San Francisco!

H A N D M A D E B A R N A B Y: The Double Buckle Belt

Introducing the second item in our new HandmadeBarnaby section (section name still to be determined): The Double Buckle Belt

The name says it all. Two buckles, several size options and goes with almost anything. 

Find this item here

(only two available for now, but making more shortly)

O U T F I T T I N G: Summer Music Festival

It is mid June of 2014, which means we are right in the middle of music festival season. While festivals like Coachella, SXSW and Bonnaroo are over and done with for the year, we still have Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and more to look forward to. Music festival goers are well aware of the importance of being comfortable, and so here are a few things that can help with your next summer music festival outfit:

1.  Tribal Scarf

2. Chunky Ankle Boots

3. Maroon Serape Blanket

4. Vintage Army Jacket

5. Cut Off Shorts

 inspiration... Millie Mackintosh

Turquoise

I am happy to finally announce that I am adding some handmade goods to my shop. The first of these is a turquoise nugget bracelet. Turquoise is the real deal and goes nicely with summer whites. Soon I will add a handmade double buckle belt so stay tuned... 

Find this item and much more at the shop.

Summer Whites

H O W T O W E A R: Mexican Embroidered Dress

 

A huge summer staple of mine is a vintage Mexican embroidered dress. It's hard to deny the beautiful floral embroidered work of vibrant colors over a stark white (among other colors). However, it can be a bit tricky pulling one of these dresses off. The wrong fit can give off a frumpy vibe, and sometimes wearing this style can make you feel like a little old lady (unless that's what you're going for). 

But it is possible to wear well, and to give you an idea of what I mean, here are some tips to help you pull off a Mexican dress look. 

 Tip #1: Shorten the hem. I know a lot of people recommend to never buy vintage that you plan to alter because chances are you'll never get around to it. This may be true for some, but if you really love the dress (and if it is one of kind), it may be worth it to take the extra step. Most tailors charge less than $20 to shorten the hem of a cotton dress, and it usually takes no time at all, maybe a day or two (depending on the tailor). Making the extra effort might make a good dress into a favorite dress.

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Tip #2: Belt it. A "frumpy" dress often means that it is a loose fit, shapeless dress. If you can pull off the potato sack look, go for it. But for most ladies, accentuating the waist can feel a bit more flattering to the figure and that is why adding a belt to your Mexican frock works well. Try a a vintage brown leather belt. The more worn in, the better.

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Tip #3: Wear it with a statement necklace. Most times I try to wear the "statement pieces" one at a time. I figure, how many statements can you make? But sometimes working two attention grabbers at the same time works. Mexican embroidered dresses are usually pretty eye catching, and sometimes adding a cool chunky necklace can continue the vibrancy. Think, if you're going to go for it, you might as well go all the way. 

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Tip #4: Go with a more bohemian hippie vibe. If you gravitate towards the "boho, I woke up this way" look, then these dresses are a piece of cake for you. Just throw one on, don't brush your hair and take some sort of leather bag and sunglasses and you're good to go.





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Tip #5: Keep it at home. Sometimes, you may love a garment but it's just a little too attention-grabbing for you to feel entirely comfortable in. If that's the case, use it as a fabulous "around the house" dress. It's comfortable, easy to wear and perfect to wear when your just at home hanging out (which is personally one of my favorite activities).



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Check out all the vintage Mexican embroidered dresses I have in stock (and more) HERE
(two of the three white dresses at the top of this post will be listed soon, stay tuned)