Folk & Feather

Taste of Cincy '12

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:54:00 -0400

The annual Taste of Cincinnati extravaganza descended upon several blocks of downtown last weekend, coinciding with a drastic heat wave that nearly kept us away from the food fest. However, our gluttonous urges eventually won out, and B & I devoured a sampling of local eats Sunday evening. We split a mini bratwurst with sauerkraut, sweet potato fries from Behle St. Café and the kicker: a deep-fried PB&J. Because sometimes, your digestive system needs to take a beating—no wonder they were handing out free Tums…

//b

Dress, bracelet & earrings: Forever 21. Necklace: Francesca’s. Ring: H&M. Shoes & shades: Urban. Bag: via TJ Maxx. Lipstick: Maybelline “Coral Crush.” [all-time fav]

Holiday in the Sun

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:55:55 -0400

Memorial Day weekend couldn’t have been better—we spent the holiday lounging poolside, reading magazines and books (I’m nearly finished with the Harry Potter series after starting it 3 weeks ago…a bit slow on the uptake, aren’t I?) and devouring too many treats. My favorite, of course, was my usual strawberry soft serve cone with sprinkles and a face (see picture above) from the Silver Grove Dari Bar.

//b

Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:03:20 -0400

By now you should know I love a good haggle (that’s what she said). I’ve been to a few flea markets in my day (namely Burlington), but none come close to the antiquing greatness that is the Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market. It’s huge (2500+ merchants at May’s “extravaganza” weekend) and the vendors seem to have an acute sense of what their clientele is looking for. We saw a lot of Restoration Hardware-esque furniture, running the gamut from industrial to aviation-inspired. As expected, there was plenty of quirk to go around, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the abundant supply of ventriloquist dummies.

We purchased almost more than would fit in my car (I had to sit in the back in order for everything to fit), our favorite big piece being our new bar cart that we believe to have been some sort of industrial farm equipment. It houses our few bottles of liquor and a some items purchased at the show (an antique “Juice King” juicer, Pyrex beakers, Looney Tunes tumblers from the ’70s for a not-so-serious twist on the martini glass, and glass straws from a now-defunct Ohio pharmacy).

//b

Chocolate Chip Cookies: 'Nuff Said

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:59:48 -0400

I love cooking and baking, and my favorite challenge is taking a tried-and-true dish and amping it up a notch or two. When I saw this recipe for chocolate chip cookies self-assuredly entitled, “The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Need,” I couldn’t resist testing the merits of its claim. The verdict? Follow the recipe and “secret tips” (namely chilling the dough 24-36 hrs) to a “t” and you’ll be rewarded with the most decadent yet intricately flavored yum-yums of your entire life. My neighbors agreed—these things are the bomb.

//b

Instagram Jam: Around the Neighborhood

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:03:26 -0400

A stunning church just up the street from my apartment

While vacations are always a welcome luxury, a stroll ‘round the block can often provide fresh perspective and draw attention to wonders previously unseen. It just goes to show that inspiration and beauty can be found in even the most unlikely of places.

//betsy

Bronze sculptures scattered around Covington

Artful graffiti: I actually don’t think I’d mind if someone tagged this on the side of my house.

One of the more beautiful homes around—my favorite features: a modern, iron sculpture bookended by two sets of narrow French doors and an arbor blanketed in wisteria.

Sunset viewed from different vantage points

For Mama

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:46:00 -0400

One of my favorite childhood birthday memories and high school senior prom.

In honor of Mother’s Day Sunday and my own amazing mamacita, I thought I’d post a few of my favorite pictures of us from over the years. I can only say I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today without her influence in my life, and for that I’m forever indebted to her.

You’re the best from east to west—I love you, Mom.

//betsy

The day she and my dad dropped me off at college freshman year.

After running the Flying Pig half marathon together in 2010, a big moment.

Slumber Style

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:52:00 -0400

When it comes to sleep, let’s just say I need mine. And for that very reason, I always appreciate a minimally decorated bedroom for ushering in peaceful rest. For the apartment’s second sleep haven, we opted for this sort of sensibility, both for stylistic purposes and lack of space (king size beds are HUGE). The bed—made out of reclaimed barn wood by my boyfriend—is flanked by two identical Eames-style nightstands, topped symmetrically with simple telescopic lamps from Ikea and pretty coasters in a complimentary color from Anthropologie. Vintage map prints in Ikea frames round off the simple decor of this peaceful nook (we were lucky the walls were already painted in a dusty blue that perfectly echoes the cool tones of the linens).

//betsy

[A note about the bed: in this post I mentioned my penchant for this exact frame style. Upon showing it to Braeden, he sourced ash & pine from a recent Lexington barn demolition and built this thing in a matter of days. I hate to brag (as my dad would say, I’m really the most humble person I know…), but I’m just so darn proud of him.]

Making Up

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:01:37 -0400

When it comes to my makeup routine, most days I fall into the “less is more” category, wearing little more than bronzer and mascara. But there are several staple items I keep in regular rotation in my beloved leopard print Betseyville cosmetics case:

FACE

CoverGirl CGsmoothers tinted moisturizer w/SPF 15: I hate the heaviness of most foundations and even worse, the way they seem to sink into every crack and crevice in my face. I’ve ran the gamut from drugstores to Sephora, and this is the best thing I’ve stumbled across. It keeps my skin dewy and covers up what it needs to, but best of all, it lets my skin’s natural radiance shine through.
L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base: The name isn’t all hype—this stuff is as close to magic as anything I’ve ever seen. Dab a little on your t-zone, and enlarged pores and fine lines will instantly appear photoshopped. I don’t wear this every day, but it’s great for nights out and taking pictures.

CHEEKS

Physician’s Formula “Malibu Strip/Pink Sand” bronzer: I’d like to think of myself as a connoisseur of bronzers, and this one tops the list. Mixing all the colors gives the perfect glowy, kissed-by-the-sun, Michael-Kors-ad look that everyone wants. I love to use the darker colors as a bronzer and highlight with the creamy color at the top (I do a sideways “v”, sweeping up above my cheekbones, coming to a point, then going the opposite direction just below my brow bone).
Nars “Orgasm” blush: This color really does work for any skin tone—it’s the perfect peachy pink to give you that youthful, perky glow.
Benefit “Dallas” bronzer: Described on the label as a “dusty sunset plum powder,” this is a great bronzer/blush combo and my everyday go-to staple. It’s great for work and times when you want a more matte look as it doesn’t contain as much shimmer as the PF bronzer.

EYES

Maybelline Colossal Volum’ Express mascara: This is singlehandedly the best mascara I’ve ever used. It was referred to me by Jojo, whose lashes are absolutely sick. This stuff makes you look like you’re wearing falsies with just a couple coats.
L’Oreal Lineur Intense liquid eyeliner: I tend to stay away from eyeshadow anymore, so if I want drama I’ll opt for a cateye. This liquid eyeliner has a great applicator and good staying power.
CoverGirl clear mascara: Just as my hair is curly, my eyebrows are too. This brush provides an easy way to tame them and the gel gives just the right amount of hold. It’s a subtle touch, but one that makes all the difference when it comes to looking put together.
Revlon ColorStay brow enhancer: This little tool is so handy—at one end, tinted wax for filling in brows and keeping them in place, and at the other, a pretty, shimmery highlighter for above & below the browline. It’s crazy how much of a difference a strong brow can make—not necessarily for everyday wear, but a definite must for weekends.

LIPS

L’Oreal lipstick in “British Red”: When it comes to lip color I’m pretty experimental, but you can never go wrong with a classic red lip. You can dress it up or down—it really does go with anything.
Christian Dior Gloss Show in “Sofia Silver”: To give your lips that extra oomph, dab some shimmery gloss in the middle of your upper and lower lips and a tad just above your cupid’s bow. I love this one from Dior—glam without being overly shiny or sticky.

//betsy

Moda Azul

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:03:57 -0400

The weather turned out perfectly for Cinco de Mayo/Derby weekend. Between celebrating with family and friends, B and I made a pit stop at Sweet Tooth for some ice balls, a local confection comprised of shaved ice and hand dipped ice cream. I delved into the spirit of the holiday with my new wildly patterned pants, coral platform sandals and tons of gold jewelry, but the best accessory? A blue tongue, of course. :)

//betsy

Pants: Leifsdottir via Anthropologie. Shoes: Jellypop via Francesca’s. Tank: H&M. Belt: Loft. Necklaces & rings: Francesca’s. Bag: Myztique via TJ Maxx. Sunnies: Target. Bracelets: Madewell, vintage & F21. Lipstick: Maybelline “Coral Crush.”

Thanks to Braeden for taking these awesome pictures. xo

DIY Madness: Antique Window Frame

Mon, 07 May 2012 13:59:06 -0400

Evidently the impending move has turned me into a Martha Stewart of sorts; however, I’ll be the first to admit my projects aren’t entirely original. I first spotted an antique window used as a picture frame in a beautiful old home in Columbus. I loved how the chipped paint and rusty hinges instantly instilled a deep sense of nostalgia in the photos it housed (for all I know, they could’ve been magazine clippings). So when I stumbled upon this old guy at the flea market (see above), filthy and covered in cobwebs, I couldn’t resist.

I did little cleaning beyond wiping off the glass (I made sure to stay away from the edges—I love how the paint’s crept down from the frame) and disposing of the several stray dust bunnies. Rather than buying expensive matting, I opted to use the wall as a backdrop and literally glue the photo to the glass. Now, hear me out. If you use glue dots (pictured below) and only place the glue on the darker part of the picture, it won’t show up unless you literally push your nose against the glass. Plus, it’s flexible enough to where you can readjust/remove the photo without any damage to either party.

The most challenging aspect (and it’s not really that difficult) is keeping all your photographs in line. The smartest way of doing this would be to simply make a grid, but I decided to freehand it with measuring tape and a pencil. While my alignment may have a slight margin of error, I don’t think it’s overly noticeable to the naked eye.

Honestly, the toughest part for me was choosing the pictures for each pane. The beauty of the window frame is it feels so much more intentional, as if each pane allows you to gaze back in time on some hazy, beautiful memory…

//betsy

Vintage Love

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:02:00 -0400

This is a picture of my paternal grandparents on their wedding day in the late 1940s: my grandmother Dorothy, ever the radiant and beautiful bride, and my grandpa Bud, the proud and handsome groom. In retrospect, this picture holds deep intrinsic value to myself and so many of my family members. My grandpa’s long and blessed life came to a close just this past January, yet the love between he and my grandma truly stood as a testament for all of us, even through those last days.

I was lucky to catch them in this quiet, tender moment last summer—an image that has served as a sweet reminder of their love’s beautiful legacy.

//betsy

My goal with F&F is to provide a platform that brings people together on different levels. I’ve been brainstorming ideas to help engage my readers, and I thought this could be the perfect vehicle. Send me an old picture of a loved one, special memory from your childhood, or just a cool old photo you came across that resonates with you. Attach a hi-res version to an email, do a brief write-up as to what makes it special to you, and email it to folkandfeather@gmail.com. For each one I receive, I’ll post the picture and your anecdote on the blog. :)

All in the Details

Thu, 03 May 2012 22:48:38 -0400

A “gallery wall” in the corridor—we stacked two similar prints on top of one another for a sophisticated, classic feel (both purchased at the Burlington Antique Show as a little girl).

In my experience, it’s important to spend the bulk of your home interior budget on the bigger items (couch, bed, kitchen table, etc.), but it’s really all the little things that add true character and style to a home. Go with your gut—don’t try to be too quirky, elaborate or modern if that’s not really your taste. Dress your living space like you dress yourself: with things that make you feel comfortable, happy, and most of all, you.

We found these beautiful wood-and-gemstone pen holders last time we were at the Burlington Antique Show (that place has it all), and quickly decided they should be used as hooks. Not too shabby, no?

Suffering from plain drawer pull syndrome? B picked up these vintage pulls from the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Lexington for next to nothing, and with the help of a little wood filler and paint, I think they turned out rather handsomely (I’m holding one of the old pulls for comparison).

Exposed brick doesn’t need much dressing up, but it’s nice to have a place to hang pots and pans. An added lantern sets the mood and my Israeli-turned-Kentucky plaque keeps things from getting too serious.

Pride and joy: the beginnings of a mural wall.

An Heirloom, Realized

Wed, 02 May 2012 23:22:00 -0400

My family isn’t one for passing down treasured belongings from generation to generation. Not that there’s anything wrong with that sense of tradition, but it just isn’t us. Yet there are certain things camped out in the homes of my predecessors (cough, cough—Navajo rug in my dad’s guest bedroom—cough, cough) that I’ve always hoped to one day call my own.

This antique wrought iron bed belonged to my parents when they first got married (how my mother slept in a full size bed with my 6’4” snoring-prone dad is still a mystery to me), and despite my pop’s encouragement to have it sandblasted and repainted, I chose to maintain the character of its shabby chic aesthetic by leaving the paint chipped and simply killing the rust with some navel jelly. B and I wiped it down with this pink gooey stuff, sprayed it off with a hose, and in less than 20 minutes—voila! We had a perfectly restored, antiqued to perfection wrought iron bed. An heirloom to be sure (even if it wasn’t intended as such), and one I’m hoping will remain in the family for generations to come.

//betsy

Style Profile: Zoe Kravitz

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:55:53 -0400

My personal style zeitgeist hovers somewhere within the spectrum of quirky feminine sensibility (a la Ms. Carolina Issa) and funky, boho chic. For me, the latter is embodied in actress/model/musician Zoe Kravitz, who effortlessly toes the line between cool hippie wear and edgy, daughter-of-a-rockstar looks. Her style philosophy is less about fashion and more closely linked to her outlook on life, summarized neatly in her quote from May’s issue of Nylon:

“The cool thing about fashion is that if you do it right, it’s an art form and it’s a way to express yourself, but if you try to look like everyone else, you’re not expressing anything apart from the fact that you want to be accepted. I don’t think anyone should dress like me, but if people take anything from the way I choose to look, it should be to express yourself. Be individual. Be comfortable, funky, loud—just do whatever you want.”

//betsy

My First DIY: Gemstone Magnets

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:10:52 -0400

For my initial foray into the fine art of DIY blogging, I chose something simple yet impactful. I spotted these gemstone magnets on Leifshop last year, and haven’t been able to get them out of my head since. Being unable to justify spending $36 on what amounts to a handful of rocks, I decided to try my hand at crafting some. I’ll be honest, the hardest part of this project is sourcing the stones. In my case, I got lucky and found some this past Sunday at the Burlington Antique show (I got the whole lot for a couple bucks), so I’m not entirely sure where to tell you to look for agate, geode and pyrite beyond flea markets or peddler’s malls.

The only other supplies you’ll need are strong magnets (I got a few packs of these badboys for three bucks a pop at Michaels) and an equally robust adhesive (around $4, also at Michaels). Prior to gluing, examine each rock to see which aspect you want to display, and make sure the opposite side contains a flat surface. Use a small dollop of glue and space the rocks a few inches apart (these magnets are STRONG and I had to reglue a few times because they kept latching onto each other) to allow them to dry for about 20 minutes (I let mine dry overnight before putting them on the fridge). Easy as pie, and a great way to add a touch of style to your kitchen.

April Daze

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:05:05 -0400

Not-so-corporate workwear: Dress: eci via Nordstrom Rack. Trench: Cynthia Rowley via Marshall’s. Shoes: Ivanka Trump via Zappos Outlet. Bracelet: Madewell. Watch: Michael Kors. Ring: antique. Belt: Deena & Ozzy via Urban Outfitters.

I recently alluded to my current shopping fast, a practice that’s been great for my wallet and not-so-much for my style inspiration. There’s something about getting a new dress or blouse that just seems to motivate you to dress better. However, I’d forgotten about this little number I purchased on sale last fall—its pleated skirt, billowy sleeves and bright, jubilant print were just the pick-me-up my wardrobe needed.

//betsy

Is anyone else laughing at my wannabe model pose?

Tortoise shell belt buckle x tortoise shell watch = just sayin’.

Interior Inspiration

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:51:00 -0400

So much I love about this: the natural light, the chunky wood legs and castor wheels on the coffee table, the patterned rug and of course, the chesterfield.

If you’ve been following F&F on Instagram (hint hint: @folkandfeather), you may have seen the sneak peak of my new digs. That’s right friends, I’ll officially be living in a ridiculously awesome new place in less than two weeks! I’ll be packing up my 300 sq ft studio and transitioning into a 2-bedroom that’s roughly 4x its size. Needless to say I’m excited but also a bit overwhelmed as all the furniture I own could easily fit in my new kitchen. However, I keep reminding myself only a few things need to be purchased relatively soon, and as for the rest I’m drawing inspiration from a few different places…

I can’t wait to create a wall collage with framed pictures, art, mirrors and various quirky objects I’ve picked up at flea markets.

While I love the chesterfield in the first pic, a daybed sofa would be a much more practical (and affordable) option for me—and perfect for overnight guests! I also love a good pillow collection and the collage of randomly photographed objects/colors/textures.

Cheesy beach backdrop aside, this reclaimed wood platform bed is stunning. Word on the street is my man’s making one for me…

I love the industrial look of this steel and wood desk mixed with the feminine elegance of an upholstered chair. I’m also on the lookout for a great cowhide rug and a dress form, so let me know if you have any leads!

Oversized moody wall art at its finest—I’m hoping to have this gorgeous ocean photograph blown up to hang over the mantle.

//betsy

Old Money, New Money

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:29:00 -0400

I grew up loving horses; I started riding at a young age and my dad bought me my first Quarter Horse mare, Sissy, when I was barely 9. And although the intensity of Thoroughbred racing never quite appealed to my bleeding heart, I rarely pass up the opportunity to immerse myself in any sort of distinct cultural affair, and Opening Day at Lexington’s Keeneland is a true sociological experience, to be sure. {Disclaimer: I attended the racetrack once in college as part of one of those “classy” fraternity events. As it turned out, it couldn’t have been further from classy, so I consider last weekend my first “real” Keeneland experience.}

There’s a lot of money involved in Thoroughbred racing, and there are a lot of people who try really hard to look like they have money at the tracks. It’s sad and funny and beautiful all at the same time. A lot of the fashion, to me, is kind of “eh, whatever,” but in certain circles there’s a level of class and southern grace that’s unmatched. Take the young mother, below, with her intricate dress, big sunglasses and lovely curls (I’m biased, I know), and her equally adorable tunic-and-turquoise-necklace-clad daughter. But most impressive was the older gentleman—the tweed, the posture, the obvious familiarity and level of comfort with his surroundings, but most of all: those boots.

//betsy

Instagram Jam: Thangz

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:11:46 -0400

I’ve been on a semi-spending freeze as of late, but I found a few good bargains over the weekend: some pretty, patterned candles on clearance at Target (for when food calls for candlelight but not additional scent), gold mirrored browline sunnies (also from Tarjay), a donkey shot glass made of pewter and antique alabaster bookends (both sourced from Scout), perfect in all their geometric wonderfulness. But, as usual, the best things in life are free—like the periwinkle blue of Kentucky skies at dusk and sharing special days with special people.

//betsy

Be sure to follow @folkandfeather on Instagram!

Music, Now.

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:14:00 -0400

Last weekend marked the annual return of one of my favorite musical events of the year: the MusicNow Festival at OTR’s Memorial Hall. It’s one of my favorite venues, both for its carefully preserved beauty and the fact that its concerts are seated. It’s always nice to be able to fully absorb a performance without being crammed up against a number of sweaty bodies.

The lineup was as follows: father-son Castillian flamenco duo Pedro Soler and Gaspar Claus, This is the Kit (led by British folk babe Kate Stables), and the infinitely prolific Sufjan Stevens. All the performances were brilliant, leaving me in a hazy, happy trance after what had been a tear-my-hair-out stressful week. I wasn’t the only one left dazzled—I snapped the last picture of a beautiful girl totally lost in the music, devoid of self awareness in one of those rare moments that only comes from experiencing something truly wonderful.

//betsy