Showing posts with label La Belle Vie Vintage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La Belle Vie Vintage. Show all posts

January 9, 2012

Meet Katherine of La Petite Marmoset

I met Katherine a few months ago and we instantly became friends. Her delightful personality, witty humor, fashionable style and genuine demeanor is infectious. Katherine is the brains behind  La Petite Marmoset Vintage (LPM) - an uber cool vintage store specializing in reconstructed vintage fashion.

Katherine wearing an LBVie for LPM Reconstructed Dress, and LPM Jacket

Where did you grow up? 
In Bethesda, MD--- basically the DC suburbs

What was your first encounter with vintage?
My first encounter with vintage was when my babysitter took me thrifting when I was 7--- I remember finding this sweet little ruffle polkadot dress that had to be mine! (I thought my childhood crush at the time would appreciate it haha)

When did you know you wanted to open a store?
I always liked to sell things from the time I was little--- Instead of lemonade, I would set up a table on my street corner and sell handmade jewelry to my neighbors/ invite them into my home "giftshop" (it sold my brother's action figures without his knowledge and "abstract marker art"--- no one bought anything!).  I knew for sure that I wanted to open a boutique my senior year of high school.

How did you come up with the Name La Petite Marmoset?
The pygmy marmoset is my favorite animal-- it's a tiny monkey that gets no bigger than a small squirrel! For some reason I settled on this as my idea for a boutique name in high school and created a whole persona for it.

Do you like all animals, or just Marmosets? 
Haha I love all animals (except stink bugs--- I feel like they have invaded my life!) but am partial to the Marmoset-- something about those eyes just seem so intelligent/ mischievous.

How would you describe your own style?
My own style is (wait for the cliche...) eclectic--- I love mixing crazy vintage pieces with modern basics.  I can usually be found stomping around in 5 inch platform heels/ wedges.

What inspires you / where do you find your inspiration?
Old advertising campaigns, family photos, movies, art, runway looks and other bloggers all inspire me!  One time I was inspired by the wallpaper in a bathroom...

If you could have one celebrity’s wardrobe, who’s would it be? 
Olivia Palermo-- she is great at pattern/texture mixing!

What do you do when you are not operating LPM or blogging?
I'm out dancing with friends, running, eating (I eat a LOT), spending quality time with my 5 year old brother, and thinking about the future

What is your favorite Spring 2012 trend?
My favorite Spring 2012 trend (even though this has carried over a few seasons now) would have to be interesting hemlines (hi-low/tapered/ straight across hi-low)--- I love how these add instant drama to a normal dress!

We all know you have a beautiful, extensive shoe collection – what is your most favorite pair? And why?
Thanks! I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing haha... my favorite pair would have to be a tie between my Jeffrey Campbell Nightwalkers and my Miista sheer panel booties--- they are like works of art!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself with a successful online store, boutique(s) in the DC area and shipping reconstructed vintage to boutiques around the country :)

**Here is a sneak peak of some awesome LPM pieces that will be available later this week
LBVie for LPM Mustard Blazer, LPM Blouse

 LBVie for LPM Dress, LPM Cape

LBVie for LPM Dress

These items and much more will be available very soon at La Petite Marmoset

xoxo



January 6, 2012

Collar Me Crazy



Wearing my La Belle Vie Vintage Reconstructed Collar under a vintage blouse with Loveappella cardi, Calvin Klein Pants, Lucky Boots
Photos by Christina Choe


Have a great weekend!
xoxo

January 1, 2012

A Beautiful Start

What a beautiful start to the new year. This sunny morning was spent strolling around Old Town, brunching on french fare, sipping hot tea and petting the most beautiful dogs ever created :o)








Wearing La Belle Vie Vintage jacket, AA lace top, Calvin Klein pants, F21 ring & booties, Aldo purse, and super bed-head wind blown hair :o)

Thank you kindly for all of your love and support in 2011 - Here is to a happy, healthy, joyous, fashionable, dream-fulfilling 2012!!

November 20, 2011

Shop Update

I love this time of year - the crisp air, falling leaves, warm coffees, lots of layers - there's just something special about Fall transitioning into Winter

Here are some of my fall favorite items that have recently been added to the shop :)







You can find all of these lovely pieces HERE at LBVie Vintage

Hubby and I are headed to Portland for the Holiday!
xoxo,
Ashley

October 27, 2011

Thirsting for Thursday...the cold shoulder

I love this versatility of this look - seen anywhere from elegant glam to street style - the cut out shoulder is a great way to update your wardrobe. Plus, it's a super easy DIY project for an old oxford button down or long sleeve tee.
Although, I must admit, when I first pulled out a pair of scissors to create my own bare shoulder shirt I couldn't help but think of that part in the movie 'Mean Girls' when it became trendy to snip off a little hole around the breast area of your shirt!


Okay, sorry for the side note, that movie is pretty hilarious, but this look is much better, I promise!



All images via weheartit

I can't wait to DIY some more cold shoulders!

PS - LBVie is having a SURPRISE SALE!!

25% off anything in the store between now and Halloween! Use coupon code: SPOOKY at checkout!
Shop HERE

HAPPY THURSDAY LOVES!
xoxo,
Ashley

October 13, 2011

Thirsting for Thursday...Sequins

The sequin trend has been around for a few years now, but is obviously here to stay! I just adore the not-so-subtle glam that sequins add to an outfit.

Zara Sequin Blazer


Denni from Chicmuse in D&G Dress



ASOS Sequin Smoking Slippers



How they wear them:


I just LOVE LOVE LOVE.


Random Fact: I have an imaginary dog, his name is Oscar, and if he were to really exist, he would look like this:


Loves!
xoxo,
Ashley

October 12, 2011

Love Fall but can't wait for Spring

These Spring 2012 trends from Fashionologie have me cheating on my favorite season! Although I love fall dearly, these amazing vintage inspired flapper dresses, peplum styles, pleats, cropped tops, short shorts, and mod dresses have me swooning!!








All images via Fashionologie

What will you be wearing this spring??

RANDOM FACT: I absolutely love to paint - I just wish I had more time in a day so I could do it everyday!

Painting and photo by me
Much love,
xoxo,
Ashley

October 10, 2011

Monday morning shop update

So many fun pieces added to the shop this past weekend. Would you wear a neon pink 1960s shift dress? I would!! :o)

















Beyond updating the shop, I spent this weekend with my sisters-in-law brunching on French Cuisine in the heart of Georgetown and swooning over pieces at Zara and Cusp. The weather was so sunny and beautiful (although unexpected) so I was sweating like a crazy woman in my twill pants, blousy sweater layers. thick socks and booties. Oh well, at least the outfit was cute!

*Note: I'm going to start these random picture and video segments about anything I'm feeling like. So here is the first:
RANDOM FACT: My hubby is way too sexy for his own good.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Mucho love on this Monday,
xoxo,
Ashley