The Cottage Shop Archives - LAFashionsnob.com

Made In LA

Mar 30 2016

(White tee- thrifted, Vintage White/Red Plaid Pants- EBTH, Vintage Hat- Cottage Shop, Vintage Turquoise Lariat Necklace- Estate Sale, Vintage Southwestern Necklace- thrifted, Cork Wedges- Cottage Shop, Handbag- thrifted.)

*I wanted to give a HUGE thank you/shout-out to Kelly Kepner PR for locating this wall and instagramming it!*

MADE IN LA… Well, this wall has a couple meanings to me. One, it is a cool art wall to take outfit photos; and two, I was literally made in LA. I was born in Los Angeles, but after my parents divorced when I was three, my mom and I moved out-of-state. I’ve always thought of myself as a ‘California Girl,’ even though I didn’t fully grow up there. I moved back to LA for college and lived there for an amazing eight years before deciding that the LA traffic was too horrific and the rents were too astronomical.

Los Angeles will always have a special place in my heart. I grew up sheltered and miserably shy. When it was time to go to the West Coast for school, I happily went and left my semi-skeptical family behind (oh you’ll never make it, etc). I came to outgrow my shyness (to a point) and I am so proud to say that I survived eight roller-coaster years in the second-largest city of the United States! I know the subway system and downtown by heart. I’ve met some good people that I still call friends. Oh and COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF… (sorry Starbucks). Well, ok, so I’m not a fashion designer, as I first intended on doing, but I can still say that I did in fact, make it. Even though I’m not happy with a certain school, I wouldn’t take back (most) of the experiences for anything.

I enjoy visiting the city every chance I get, as there are still numerous pockets of the city that I have yet to see. I enjoy the mountains, ocean, and diversity that the city has to offer. And yes, I still say “the” before every freeway number (and I LOVE it). I miss smelling the orange blossoms while walking through Los Feliz, Pasadena, and Silverlake [etc]. I miss how walkable most of the city is…I got the BEST exercise! I love how historic Route 66 runs through the city and ends in Santa Monica. Lastly, I miss the quaint historic Spanish architecture and quaint craftsmen-style bungalows (basically the vast variety of architecture that the city has).

I am a creative, weird, unique (etc) individual…I am MADE IN LA…

If you’d like to check out the wall, on the side of Cisco Home Melrose (not sure for how long it’s there for), it’s on the corner of Melrose Ave. and N. Laurel Ave.

@myciscohome
#MADEINLA

Shop. Taste. Empower. Holiday Event @ The Cottage Shop

Nov 22 2015

The Cottage Shop recently held their Shop. Taste. Empower event in celebration of the upcoming holidays. Guests enjoyed shopping gently used clothing (men, women and children’s) and home goods; as well as newer clothing, accessories and gifts that have been generously donated (thank you Francesca’s and Tres Chic), at incredible deals. For guests who wanted some tips on holiday (or general) styling, they could turn to vintage style expert Dawn Bell, Houston Chronicle‘s Joy Sewing or fashion designer Becky Hollands. Yummy treats were provided by Jodycakes, Paulie’s and Whole Foods Montrose, while sips were provided by Greenway Coffee and Topo Chico. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on a Happy Hour for 8 at Boheme, Barista 101 class for 15 guests taught by David Buehrer of Greenway Coffee, jewelry from Burdlife, plus much more.

I had a photo shoot after the event, so luckily, a complimentary beauty bar and its’ Holiday Glam Squad were on-site to give shoppers a makeover, while hairstylists demonstrated quick holiday up-dos. Beauty blogger Nicole Kestenbaum used LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and gave my lips and eye lids a fresh start, while Dani- makeup artist for By Terry Cosmetics finished off the look. The other makeup artists on hand were: Lydia Lutz (Artistry by Lyd), Justine Hernandez and Kenya Hunt (Makeup by Kenya). Special thanks goes to The Make-Up Artist Project and Shany Cosmetics for also helping to sponsor the Beauty Bar.

I ended up making a beeline for the vintage section (obvs) and picked out an adorable pastel green with lace and bows on side nightgown (thanks Dawn!) and a two-piece floral duster and long nightgown lingerie set…all for under $20. Not only do I LOVE thrifting, but knowing that my money goes for such a great cause really made the experience more worthwhile.

Next time you are in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston, definitely check out The Cottage Shop!

Shop. Taste. Empower. VIP Blogger Preview Party – Holiday Edition

Nov 03 2015

The Cottage Shop in Montrose invited local bloggers to attend their Shop. Taste. Empower. VIP Blogger Preview Party- Holiday Edition last night to shop the store and check out the newest arrivals before their big Shop. Taste. Empower. event on November 15th. Guests enjoyed sweets provided by Phoenicia Foods and sips provided by Topo Chico. A make-up artist was on hand demonstrating the By Terry cosmetics line. Francesca’s also generously donated items that we were able to pick 3 (necklace, bracelet or earrings, scarf or accessory) pieces as gifts, while the rest was available for purchase.

We enjoyed discounts on top of the already generous prices:

50% off regular clothing and shoes (Monday)
25% off vintage and boutique clothing
25% off jewelry and accessories

We mixed, mingled and of course… shopped. Proceeds from The Cottage Shop go to benefit The Women’s Home.

If you are local to Houston and would like to check out their actual Shop. Taste. Empower. event on Sunday November 15th from 1- 4pm, go HERE to register for tickets. The free event gives shoppers an opportunity to find incredible gifts, receive styling advice from Houston’s fashion experts- Dawn Bell, Becky Hollands and Joy Sewing and nosh on sweet refreshments provided by: Greenway Coffee Company, JodyCakes, Paulie’s, Topo Chico and Whole Foods. Most importantly, donate women’s winter clothing to those in need.

** The first 250 guests to bring a clothing donation to the event will receive a free swag bag! **

The Cottage Shop first opened its doors in 1971 and has been a gem in the Montrose area. It provides job training for the residents and generates 20% of The Women’s Home’s operating income. Since it’s most recent renovation, it now sells new and gently used clothing, accessories, furniture and household goods. There is also a designer and vintage boutique within the shopping area. The Cottage Shop is located at: 811 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006.

The Women’s Home was established in Houston in 1957 and built around the mission to help women in crisis to regain their self-esteem and dignity and empower them to return to society as productive individuals. Their programs are targeted to women in the Houston area who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness, with many residents suffering from addiction or mental illness, or both. With nearly 60 years of service, they have helped countless women through their long-term residential treatment program in Montrose and their permanent supportive housing program in Spring Branch. Both programs offer a solution to women who seek a safe, sober and drug-free community where they can recognize and reach their unique potential for success. For more information, please visit their WEBSITE.

HUGE thanks to Nikki, Bethany, Tina, Cherie, Chau and the The Cottage Shop for hosting us!!

Tag - The Cottage Shop