Groovy

The maxi dress from the 60's and 70's is back! Stars from Eva Longoria, Nicole Ritchie, Fergie and Kristen Bell love the maxi dress. It so versatile because it can be dressed up or down. Sexy or casual. It can be worn to the grocery store or dinner with friends.

One of the earliest appearances of the “Maxi-Dress” was in 1968.
Maxi-length skirts had begun to outdo the mini skirt in 1967, and the dress (as well as the maxi-coat) soon followed.

It was not until the 1970s that the Maxi-dress lodged itself firmly in the American mind (in all its polyester splendor), along with similar caftan and boho styles.


Since it reached the stores in 2007 the floor-sweeping maxi dress become a fashion statement for many women.


Versatility – great for day or evening wear. Wear it to the beach, a walk in the park, or a cocktail party.


The maxi’s halter, bandeau and strap tops reveal just the right amount of flesh. The empire line accentuates the narrowest part of our bodies thus flattering most shapes and that full-length skirt keeps any lumps and bumps well hidden. They cover fat thighs and wide hips. For those with chunky legs who were relegated to wearing trousers last season, a chance to feel feminine and wear dresses again.

If you want to keep your wardrobe up-to-date or refresh it, then invest in a maxi dress. The longer length is cool, sexy and very feminine.

Lastly, the maxi owes much of its popularity to being comfortable, glamorous and easy to wear.

Our Top 20 Retro Toys

Oh, the memories!

Last night at a party, the conversation turned to favorite childhood toys. That got us thinking about what top retro toys would make our list. Mind you we could have made this list a lot longer, but we decided to keep it simple and list 20 of our favorite toys.

Drum roll please....in no particular order

1. Barbie

2. Mystery Date

3. Yo-Yo

4. Slinky

5. Hula Hoop

6. Clue

7. Kitty Karry All

8. Easy Bake Oven

9. Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots

10. Play Doh

11. Pez

12. Yahtzee

13. Matchbox Cars

14. Pogo Stick

15. Etch A Sketch

16. Mr. Potato Head

17. Silly Putty

18. Magic 8 Ball

19. View Master

20. Candy Land

Doesn't it make you all warm and fuzzy when you remember the good ole days? We wish we still had that Mystery Date game and Kitty Karry All.

StEaMpuNk LoVe

What could be better than a big box of pieces parts of watches and various metal objects, keys and gears? Steampunk Jewelry!

Steampunk art is a style which incorporates the look of "turn of the century" steam powered machinery with modern day art. Steampunk can be used in collage, sculpture, and jewelry. It's like taking a step back in time with creations out of a Jules Verne classic... simply put retro-futuristic and neo-Victorian.

Kitschy Cottage has found a new obsession in this funky jewelry. Bracelets, necklaces, rings oh my. There are some really great pieces to be found. We found wonderful things on Etsy, Ebay and various websites.

from Mysticpieces

from Edmdesigns

from Poetsummer

Now we aren't just talking about jewelry, the Steampunk style can be found in home decor, accessories, even apparel and fine art. If you like one of a kinds, then you are made for Steampunk.

Pink Goodness

Picture, if you will...hair in curlers, soft girly pj's, tissue between your toes as you paint your toenails all the while dishing with your best girl friend on this sweet princess phone. Okay, so maybe 50 years ago, but who cares we want one in robin's egg blue as well.

Originally introduced in 1959, the Princess Phone has been updated with modern technology. It makes us feel like Sandra Dee talking to Troy Donahue!

Tweet Tweet

Thumbing through one of the most important magazines (Country Living) we have laying around, we found these adorable porcelain songbirds in a fetching robins egg blue by Casalinga. Love these birds!

They could be added to any bare wall, we are thinking livingroom or even the kitchen.

Pieces inspired by the Danish design tradition of simplicity, craftsmanship and a bit of old-fashioned nostalgia.
Birds - Wall Deco
Set of 4. for $60.00

Casalinga Wall Deco at Hygge & West

Welcome!

To kick off Kitschy Cottage's debut, we are thrilled to bring you the "Kitschy Kitten" segment where we feature a blogger, Indie artist, craftnista or Etsy shop owner that we have to share with you. Grab a cup of coffee, we'll take a martini, and sit back, relax and enjoy.

Our first Kitschy Kitten is Kristen Wilson of Shabby Vintage Mom. She's a craftnista of retro, vintage repurposed treasures.

Tell us about yourself

Well, I'm from Southern California (but secretly wish I lived in beautiful Oregon). I'm a stay at home mom of four kids, ages: 5, 12, 14 and 16. Being a Mother is a job in itself, but my kids are at an age where they've become more independent which gives me time to do things I enjoy, like crafting!

Describe your craft style

I'd say it's an eclectic mix of Vintage, Cottage style, Shabby Chic and Flea Market style. I love floral prints and anything pastel. The one thing I've learned about business is that not everyone is as crazy about the things I love (can you believe, not everyone likes pink & blue??), so I try to create items in my shop that will appeal to a wider audience, but always adding a vintage touch.

What got you started repurposing?

I like taking pre-loved items like frames, fabric, quilts and buttons and giving them a new life. I love creating things that are useful (or just pretty) that can make life easier using vintage pieces.


What inspires you?

So many things. One of my biggest influences was my Great-Grandmother, her home was so warm and cozy and probably the reason why I have the fascination with vintage that I do.

I've also been a fan of Rachel Ashwell for years. I love how she takes her love for the old and almost abandoned items and turns them into useable treasures.

My first glimpse into the blogging world was through the super crafty blog of Alicia Paulson, 'Posie get's Cozy', I quickly realized how addictive blog reading can be!

Where else can we find your designs besides Etsy?

Right now I'm only on Etsy. I have two shops, one for vintage housewares and my handmade shop~they both keep me pretty busy.

What is your best seller?

So far it's been my Inspiration Boards

What has been your biggest challenge?

Probably time,trying to find a balance between family and crafting. This is the first year that all of my kids are in school, so being able to work without interruptions is heavenly!

What has been your best accomplishment?

I'd have to say just getting myself out there, taking the step to open a shop on Etsy and starting a blog. It can be a little intimidating to put yourself/creations out there for the world to see, not knowing how people will respond. Once I finally decided to take that step, I was really glad I had, it's been a great experience so far.

Do you have any specific goals for the future regarding your craft/business?

For as long as I can remember I've always wanted to have my own shop (an actual physical shop, not on-line) filled with fabulous vintage goods. I hope to never stop crafting whether for myself or for business, I find it very rewarding.

What do you do to unwind?

Nothing is more relaxing than wandering around an antique mall or flea market (kid free of course), or a close second would be flipping through my favorite Country Living/Cottage Living magazines.

Any advice for anyone thinking of or trying to start up a craft business?

I guess the best advice I could give would be to do what you love. If it's something you believe in or enjoy creating, then you can't go wrong.

Do you have that one great find your still looking for?

I'm always on the hunt for Eiderdowns. They are really hard to come by in the U.S., so finding one is like hitting the lottery!

~ Shabby Vintage Mom~ Etsy shop can be found here.
FuN & CrAfTy things you'll find here:::Crafting supplies::Inspiration Boards::One-of-a-kind Wall Art::Figurine Shelf Sitters::Misc. CuTe Handmade items::Vintage Fabric~ and sometimes new designer fabric.

We've decided to open the blog, even though we are under construction. Thank you all for the interest and your emails. So sit down and enjoy yourself. This month we will change our look and layout to better serve you. Thank you for your understanding - Kitschy Kitten