Paper Heart Vintage Photography

This is a March of the Bloggers guest post!

"Paper Heart Vintage Photography"

by Nina of Shop Talk

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Alright my dears, it's the last day of March of the Bloggers. And while I'll say a tearful goodbye at the jewelry giveaway tonight, let's enjoy this last blogger to the fullest!

Today's guest blogger is Nina, a big time blogger for Newsday. Her blog "Shop Talk" is all about "style and sample sales, fashion, and fun" - it doesn't get better than that! Her blog today is a feature of a beautiful photography company known as Paper Heart Vintage Photography. You got us hooked at the word "vintage," Nina!

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I've been a fan of Paper Heart Vintage Photography for a while now-- the magical scenery, adorable accessories and, most importantly, perfect moments they capture between people make it impossible not to be.

But it wasn't until I went for a photo shoot myself that I could truly appreciate the dynamic that makes the company such a success. Karen Ruffini, 22, and Tina Lohan, 23, friends since they studied together at Dowling College in Oakdale, NY, created Paper Heart over a mutual love for photography and vintage wardrobes.

"I love lace, satin, bows--anything ultra feminine and vintage inspired is basically the entire set-up of my closet," says Karen. "We tend to work with our clients on what they wear to our shoot--because we stress the fact that a beautiful outfit can completely turn a picture into this remarkable piece of art."

So before I showed up for my shoot, I knew I better dress to impress. I went with a white "Tulip" dress from Zara, a chunky turquoise necklace and some wedges, jokingly warning Karen beforehand that I was coming looking like a 1950s housewife. Apparently this sparked an idea in her head. "I know the perfect place!" she told me.

Next thing I knew I was hanging from the side of an old-fashioned railroad car at the Wantagh Railroad Museum-- a beautiful little spot restored from the early 20th century that I had passed plenty of times but never noticed.

Karen and Tina took care of the rest-- somehow molding my boyfriend Nick and I into another one of their works of art. Looking at the finished product, you'd never guess I had to bribe him with a new pair of shoes to get him out of his bed that morning. 

Though they're based on Long Island, the girls travel up and down the East Coast for events shooting every thing from weddings and engagements to babies and portraits. Portraits are $500 and prices vary depending on the shoot. To schedule a photo shoot, email lovepaperhearts@gmail.com. To learn more, visit lovepaperhearts.wordpress.com orfacebook.com/paperheartsphotography.

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These photos are simply gorgeous. More and more I'm wanting a vintage wedding one day. Thanks so much to Nina for this LOVELY feature and for joining us here at Frock Stock! Make sure you check out her blog and leave comments for her and the lovely PHVP company. (This is your last chance to comment and win jewelry! Tonight is the jewelry giveaway! Don't forget to leave your @twittername or e-mail.)

Last but not least, a reminder to all bloggers that the 40% off discount code expires TONIGHT at 11:59 PM PST. So if you haven't already placed your orders, make sure you do so! You'll want to boost up your wardrobe for all your spring and summer style posts! There's still time left for those who don't have the code. Just make sure you check out this page first and shoot me an e-mail at frockstock@gmail.com

Already ladies, until tonight! See ya then!

<3 Loren of Frock Stock

Clay Jewelry

This is a March of the Bloggers guest post!

"Clay Jewelry"

by Jessica of Jagsmitty

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We're almost to the weekend, girlies! That means finally some time to go shopping, have tea with friends, and catch up on all those lovely DIYs you've seen on blogs throughout the week!

Today's great DIY project comes from Jessica of Jagsmitty. Her blog covers the range of fabulosity... from fashion to DIY! Let's jump in to her awesome demonstration of clay jewelry!

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First, I want to start off by saying thank you to Loren of Frock Stock for asking if I would like to guest post. I feel very honored. I love Frock Stock, it’s such an adorable boutique! Cute clothes and fast shipping too!

Now to jump right into my post! I would describe myself as queen of everything DIY. If I can make it, most likely I will. The best part of DIY is you get to put your own spin on whatever it is YOU make! Which means it’s unique and nobody has anything like it.

My post, as you know by now from the title is about making jewelry out of clay and other items. With a few simple ingredients (and of course a little bit of creativity) you can do magical things!

Supplies: ‘clay,’ toothpicks, acrylic paints, paint brush, beading wire, jewelry pliers, old necklace chain or store bought chain.

The recipe I use for my clay jewelry is one that can probably be found anywhere. It calls for: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt and enough water to create a ‘play-do’ consistency. Once you get this far, let your imagination run! You can make just about anything. An idea that I haven’t yet done myself is find objects in your house that have unique textures on them. Roll them over your flattened clay and cut out objects.

Once you have your shapes ready place them on a cookie sheet. No need for foil as they bake so long they won’t stick. Using a toothpick, poke holes in your shapes where you would like them to be threaded. Bake them at 250⁰ F for 2 hours. After they have baked and cooled you can start decorating!

Acrylic paints seem to work best with the clay. You will have to apply more than one coat as it does soak up the paint slightly. Get creative! There are so many colors to choose from! Including glitter and metallic!

To attach the shapes to a chain, I used beading wire that I cut and twisted with jewelry pliers. I did this so that the shapes did not hang funny on the chain. You can see how I did this in the photo below.

So simple right? And definitely a lot of fun! I’m thinking about having a jewelry-making party with my friends! I think the trickier part in this whole process is coming up with ideas. Here are a few completed necklaces I did thus far!

Enjoy! And I hope I sparked the creativity in you! I would love to see projects any of you do, so send me your links to photos! :)

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As someone who doesn't DIY a lot, I honestly have to say I had never heard of doing clay jewelry but I think the items Jessica made are AMAZING. It's such a cheap way to imitate anything you've been coveting!


Don't forget to check out Jessica's blog once you're done leaving her some comment love! (Three more days until our last jewelry giveaway!)

<3 Loren of Frock Stock

The Traveling Blues

This is a March of the Bloggers guest post!

"The Traveling Blues"

by Mandy of Little Maison

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Today we've got a blog post very close to my heart. With me is guest blogger Mandy who runs Little Maison, a blog all about her life and the lovely things in it.

Today's post highlights her trip through northern California and southern Oregon with some Frock Stock inspiration to follow! As a fellow Californian (who came to Chicago 4 1/2 years ago), reading through this post brought up so much nostalgia and love for my old home.

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The Traveling Blues
By Mandy @ Little Maison (http://littlemaison.com)

Whenever I return home from a vacation I get the traveling blues; happy to have gone away, but sad that it's over!  I reminisce fondly of blue skies and fresh air to keep the feeling of vacation alive.

This past September my boyfriend and I set out on a mini road trip through Portland (Oregon) and Northern California.  It was a trip filled with my favorite combination of nature and city.  I captured the sights along the way and have paired them up with a few of Frock Stock's Spring finds below.  I hope this inspires you to set out on your own adventure and keep those traveling blues away!

Featured above is the breathtaking Ocean Beach in San Francisco.  The air is so crisp, can't you just see this polka dot scarf blowing in the breeze.

Dance the Polka Sash in Mint (Out of Stock!)

We stopped in Sausalito, California to enjoy the view of San Francisco from the water's edge.  This little sun dress is perfect for a stroll along the bay.

Herb Garden Dress

This photo was taken as we rolled by on the streetcar in San Francisco.  This breezy top is ready for running errands around town.

Lacy Days Blouse in Aqua

Bright doorways on the small streets of Portland Oregon were picture perfect.  I can just see this gathered skirt with flats walking through the city.

Day at the Shore Skirt

Of course, what California trip would be complete without a little wine!  The wineries in Sonoma were superb.  This peplum dress can go from day to night with ease.

Peplum Pudding Dress in Navy

photography © Little Maison

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Although I grew up in southern California, I spent my summer last year at an opera program in San Francisco and I have to say these items definitely embody the city's ambiance! This made me miss that lovely city a lot.

Now if you loved the post you definitely have to head over to Mandy's blog for a special Frock Stock surprise.

Don't forget to leave Mandy some comments about her beautiful photography and post! This is the last week to win free jewelry so comment, comment, comment!

<3 Loren of Frock Stock

Spring Trends

This is a March of the Bloggers guest post!

"Spring Trends"

by Lisa of Shoestring Fashion

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Good morning ladies! Chicago may be chilly today but I hope everyone out there is having some nice spring weather.

Today we're talking all about spring trends! Our guest blogger Lisa runs a super cute blog called "Shoestring Fashion." Her blog focuses on being a "frugal fashionista" - using what's already in your closet to create something fresh and new or finding great deals out in the stores. We love blogs like this!

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I'm so excited to be visiting on Frock Stock today from my little blog, Shoestring Fashion. Shoestring Fashion shows you how to take all that stuff you have hanging in your closet and create all the looks you are coveting.


So, who is ready for spring? I have to admit I am more of a fall girl myself but all of the fun spring trends have got me itching for spring. Here's what I am most excited about:


1. Colored pants. A carryover from fall, this trend is sticking around. I have a pair of green pants that I've already worn a couple of times and have my eye on these yellow ones from LOFT.

Source: loft.com via Lisa on Pinterest

2. Pastels. What's more fem than pastels? I can't wait to wear these candy colors and more.

Source: tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: frockstock.hostedbywebstore.com via Lisa on Pinterest

3. Floral (and other spring) prints. I have been hesitant to wear floral prints in the past but these picks are definitely on my list.

Source: frockstock.hostedbywebstore.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: frockstock.hostedbywebstore.com via Lisa on Pinterest

What is on your spring wish list?


Thank you so much for having me!

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These are my three favorites too! I think every girl should own a pair of colored pants... even if the "trend" goes away, it's so boring to always be wearing blue denim on our legs! Colored pants need to stay!

Want more of Lisa's style advice? Visit her blog then! Don't forget to leave her some comments for a chance to win free jewelry!

<3 Loren of Frock Stock