Dreams Are Made of You and Me

Every single one of us has a dream inside that we wish to follow. Some of us have attempted to start, others are already on the path, and those lucky few have managed to accomplish it. However, what binds us all together is that we've all been at square one, whether we're still standing there or at square number 749,673. 

The thing is, sometimes there are real, concrete reasons why we can't get past square one, or two, or seven, or 234. Money is a popular one, and an extremely valid one. Family, school, or your day job are among the others that make it tough for us to reach our dreams.

With La Caravane Bohème for us and Birdcage Bohemia for Beatrice, we were able to make it past square one. We're at, probably, just the second square, but working hard to get to the third. We have the wonderful vintage items. We have a portal through which to bring our vintage finds to you. We just need you. The most obvious way you, a family member or friend or loved one or even just a stranger, can support us is through purchasing from us and spreading the word to other people who might like us.

Foolproof, right? You all know about us or else you wouldn't be here reading what we write so we've accomplished that. We just need to get the word out. Get more people to know about us, hear about us, and visit our shop, then spread the word. That's why network websites like Facebook and Twitter is so valuable. We can offer tidbits and information in real time. New listing? Our fans on Facebook knows. Blog update? Twitter world hears. 

You can definitely help "pass the buck" by passing us along. Tell a friend about the cool things we have. Mention to your mom we have a coat practically the copy of the one she's had in her closet for ages. It sounds so simple, that it must not be worth the effort. If only everyone realized, simple, tiny things like that can do so much to help people succeed.

We're firm believers in helping others succeed. Goodwill is precious and it comes in circles. 

In Cleveland, Ohio, a woman named Laura Williams opened up an online bakery named La Bella Cupcakes full of luscious yummy cupcakes. To her amazement, business soared. However, her customers kept asking, "Where's your location? Where can we stop in and get a cupcake?" She didn't have a storefront but is working for one. Bring in that one obstacle that's preventing her from reaching her dream: money. So she came up with a novel and extremely creative idea: Ask for sponsors. She told everyone that if someone donates money and becomes a sponsor, she will give them a free cupcake among other awards of recognition once she finally opens up her shop.

Goodwill and delicious cupcakes. Really? Karma could never taste so good. To learn more about Laura's endeavor, go to her Sponsor page on her website. Please, send the link to everyone who can help. Let's make a person's dream come true. I promise you. It'll come back to you tenfold.

Then, we'll all come back and help you get to square whatever-number-you-need in your own journey to your dreams.

Spring Break...New Listings, Vacation, and... Snow?!

Hello vintagers,

Nadia here. Well, those of you on the east coast may be aware of the fact that we are six days into spring and it is...snowing. Yes, snowing. So that's just lovely.

On a brighter note, today marks the official first day of my spring break! So I took the opportunity to take an item or two out of our "coming soon" album and turn them into listings on our Etsy shop. Check it out!

So what do I plan to do with my new found time off? Expect more listings to come - lots more. I've been searching every spare second this semester for goodies to bring to La Caravane, and I have a few surprises in store for our fans and shoppers this week.
And, I know I say it all the time but let's give a hand to Beatrice for manning the reigns here at La Caravane during this busy time for me at school. Isn't she great? And too cute in our new slip just listed on Etsy.

I've been getting a lot of questions from our fashionista fans at La Caravane at just what I've been up to between my sporadic appearances on our blog, Facebook page and Etsy shop. I thought I'd give you a rundown on that as well. Basically, this semester at my fashion school is a pretty big deal. We've been given a prompt: to design a gown, evening dress, or sportswear inspired by the great couture designer, Valentino. In true Valentino spirit, the theme is "Simply Red" and I've decided to take a younger, glam-punk approach to the whole thing and I am making a cocktail dress. You can see what it looks like, so far. It all culminates with a big show at the end of the semester - wish me luck on getting in!

Expect to hear from me a lot this week, vintagers! Au revoir!

 

Etsy, Oh, Etsy, How Do We Love Thee?

Etsy is a wonderful thing. Truly. 

Why is Etsy so fabulous? Oh, let me count the ways:

• You can type up the most random search term like "fluffy purple can" or "squeaky orange kitten" and you will certainly find at least one item fitting that description. I kid you not. Dare you to try it.
• You'll never know what will pop up on the front page. It could be a truly insane yellow lamp made from flowers or that one chunky sweater you've been looking for forever. It's stunning, the possibilities.
• We have a name. Like how Ohio people are Ohioans, New York people are New Yorkers, Arizona people are... Arazon...ian...ites....? Well, you get the picture. We are Etsians! That is seriously cool.
• You support all different sorts of people who are living out their artsy, crafty, unique-y dreams from stay at home moms to up-and-coming young designers to fathers earning a little extra cash to get his daughter a tea set to multitudes of people who make their living creating items and unearthing vintage things just for you, us included.
• Etsy is pronounced like Betsy, by the way. I've heard "eat-see" and it makes me laugh, hard, so please do say it around me if I need a chuckle.
• We have such a nice clean layout and good rules. You know you'll always get up to five pictures of the item you're looking at. The description will always be below the picture. There's lovely short titles. There's an almost guarantee that each handmade piece is truly that and vintage pieces are truly those, (sometimes bad things slip through the cracks, but rarely.)

Best of all:

• You have unlimited access to the world's most amazing things. You can find an antique lace gown from London and quartz necklaces from Oregon and soft knits from France. You know just how precious each item you see on Etsy. So much love went into producing it, so much time was invested in it, and it's all there, waiting for you to bring it home. There are thousands of goods you can use to decorate a truly beautiful home, hundreds of clothes to wear stylishly, and tons of gifts to give out, and then some.

The biggest issue some people have with Etsy is that they think it's an online "bargain store." It's not. While you may find gorgeous vintage shoes for less than what you would find in a vintage boutique, you could also find a mint-condition peach 50's ballgown that's worth every penny of its high price tag. And with handmade items, each piece is made with love, intricately detailed, carefully assembled, and worth its price whether it be high or low.

So come to Etsy for unique items, handmade or vintage, that you will never, ever find anywhere else. You will not be disappointed, I can promise you that! Us Etsians love our products and we want you to love them too.

So go on, what are you waiting for? Go shop at Etsy! You may begin with this store...

www.Etsy.com/Shop/LaCaravaneBoheme

You totally saw that coming, right? Happy Vintaging!

Care of Your Treasures

You've seen what we do when we find dusty gems of vintage clothing and accessories in need of repairs, cleaning, and some loving. We won't lie, sometimes, you find the best things at the very bottom of a questionable bin. However, ease your mind, we will never let a garment or item leave our studios without fastidiously making sure it's ready to wear upon arrival.

What do you do, though, when down the line, you have worn your lovely vintage garment and it's due for another wash? Sometimes dry cleaners will scare you. We know we've come across a few strange ones in our days. Well, roll up your sleeves, we found this great article listing all the things you can do to clean your vintage possessions.

In a nutshell: 

• Handwashing with gentle detergent is your best bet. (We use Woolite.) This article delves into when to use cold water and when to use warm according to fabric content. When in doubt, though, we've had great success using cold water for all materials as long as we watch the garment closely.
• Line dry or lay flat to dry. Please, take great care with the dryer. Most of these clothes with a history were made when dryers were not commonly used. Sometimes you'll find that you possess a dress or shirt that was handmade! In that case, avoid the dryer like the plague.
• And of course, if a garment has fur, leather, or lots of beads or embroidery or other decorations, you may want to venture out and find a reputable dry cleaner. Ask around to find a good, trusted one.

The article explains much more but in a lovely, easy to understand list. And of course, we are always available if you have any questions, concerns, or comments. You can reach us right here on our blog, on Etsy through a convo, or simply even e-mail us at LaCaravaneBoheme@live.com.

Big Things

Hello vintagers

Nadia here. I've escaped the depths of fashion school to update you all on the latest happenings. I hope to have some new goodies posted on our Etsy shop soon for you lovelies, as soon as I have a little free time from school.

And guess what? That's going to be happening soon! As you know, Beatrice and I live many (far too many) miles apart but soon we'll be coming together again. With my college's spring break approaching, I will be visiting Beatrice in her quaint little home town of Twinsburg, Ohio!

Expect many updates in the lovely week Beatrice and I will be spending together. We'll finally get to go vintaging together and (gasp!) within the same state!

Sorry for the short update, vintagers, but I promise there is more soon to come!

Oh, before I go, I just wanted to send a quick shout out to everyone who has shown us support. Whether you hearted us on Etsy, became a fan of our Facebook page, or followed us on this very blog, we really appreciate all the love you shown us and every little bit counts. It's been a slow but steady start, but I know there are big things in our future!

Join the Gypsy Caravan on Facebook

Have we ever mentioned our Facebook Page? Yes, this is shameless self-promotion. However, we realize you all may be missing out! This must be remedied! 

We're obsessive about our Facebook Page, you know. We just stare at it all day long and think up things to update it with. (Kind of...)

But there are useful things like our Coming Soon! album where you get a sneak peek on all the goodies we have that haven't been listed yet. Not to mention, you find out right on your Newsfeed whenever we update our shop with something new (well, as new as vintage can be) and awesome. Beatrice will randomly interject with French things and Nadia will expound on the virtues of paisley.  We have a Discussion forum, a section for fans to post their favorite items, our permission for you to randomly post your own thoughts on all things French and paisley, and so much more.

Right now, we have a topic in our Discussion board encouraging all our fans to talk (debate, fight, agree, etc.) about their favorite Vintage Era. No posts on there just yet, so feel free to be the first one! Pretty please? We would be overjoyed!

So anyway, if you decide you are, indeed, missing out on the goodness that is La Caravane Bohème Facebook Fan Page, just mosey on over to your Facebook and search for us. Or click here, which is probably easier. Link not working? Just copy and paste: www.Facebook.com/LaCaravaneBoheme

By the way, we are at 97 fans. 3 more fans and we'll hit 100! Come be a part of the Gypsy Caravan and help us hit our first milestone. Us Resident Bohemians will be forever joyful.

Happy Vintaging!

Beatrice and Nadia