Paper Doll Vintage Boutique

I've talked about my favorite local vintage shop...a lot.  As a history major/fashionista I absolutely love vintage fashion from previous eras; one of my favorites is the 40s and 50s. 

A year of two ago my younger sister introduced me to Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, a little vintage shop on Main St., in Sayville, Long Island. 

Now, Rachel and I go at least once a month (sometimes we'll go two or three times!).  We actually go so often, and I'm forever tagging or posting about the shop, that they recognize me from my Insta posts (insert blushing emoji and fangirl squeal of excitement, here haha) when I walk into the store!

I think the reason why we go back (and so often!) is because it's such a fun and inviting place to be!  The staff there, especially owner, Dominique, are so sweet to everyone that walks in; and they're so passionate and knowledgeable about their products and vintage fashion in general. 

They have everything; both vintage and vintage inspired!  Hats, bags, clothes, shoes; you name it, they've got it!  I'm addicted to their sunnies, and I just picked up the cutest turban (totally the new beanie); I plan to go back to get more of each!

So, I think a post, sharing this treasure is overdue!

I LOVED this gingham romper, but alas, it was not meant to be (AKA, my butt was too big for it, haha).  Even though it didn't really fit right, I felt like a pin up star in it!  I'm definitely keeping my eye out for another (slightly bigger) one to put away for next summer!

Peace!  I'm not really sure if I can rock these round sunnies, but they're bubblegum pink and I think I'd wear them anyways--they're too fun not to wear!

I've gotten quite a few things from the shop over the past few months that I absolutely adore.  I've also tried on a few things as well, that I loved, but couldn't justify buying because I had nowhere to wear them (*sigh* broke girl problems), but I had a ton of fun trying them on and daydreaming regardless!

1. Tortoise shell cat eye glasses

Like my pin-up wannabe pose? haha :D

2. Black cat eye sunnies

If you follow me on Insta (here!), then you know how much I love these sunnies.  They've been my summer staple, and I wear them everywhere!  I like their plain black matte color, because it's classic, and the shape is just to die for.  As a devoted winged-liner girl (going on ten years!), I also love a good cat eye.

pic from this post here; also feat. in this post here, here, here, here, annnnd here...so far!

3. White Heart shaped sunnies (sadly, broken)

pic from this post!

4. Kate Spade Blazer!  I haven't seen too many blazers in this gorgeous green color, and the shape is awesome; the asymmetrical collar, and the longer length...I'm in love.

pic from this post here, and also feat. here!

5. Straw hat with black ribbon, A.K.A. Madeline's hat, plus a ton of other vintage hats that I wish I had somewhere to wear!

This straw hat in particular has been one of my favorite pieces I've seen at the shop!  It reminded me of vintage French fashion...which I guess is why I refer to it as the Madeline hat.  The little bow in the back is just darling, and the simple shape of the hat and it's straw material, makes the hat great for summer/spring...or a great vacation hat (a vacation to France!!!).

6. Swan print skirts and petticoats!

7. Peep that chandelier action!  The whole shop is so beautifully decorated; filled with art from local artists, a gorgeous chandelier, and racks and displays filled with vintage treasures!

So if you're ever on the Island (Long Island, for all you out-of-staters!  lol), make some time to stop by!  And if you're too far to make a trip, check out their site (and their Etsy shop!)!  :)

Do you have a favorite local shop that you can't get enough of? :)

Four Eyes

One of my recent accessories are my glasses.  I've had glasses for a while now (about 7 years or so), but when I went for an eye exam recently my prescription went up...  So now I've got to get new lenses.  But I like changing things up (nail color, iPhone cases, dying my hair...you get the hint), so I'm in the market for new frames as well.  The ones I have now are tortoise with gold--classic, with a twist.  This time around I'm looking for something that makes more of a statement (I think it's the blogger in me, lol).  I want something bright, fun, and not just your standard, run-of-the-mill glasses.

I've compiled a list of some of my favorite frames (in order) from Glasses.com and Warby Parker, to help me narrow down my choices.

Kate Spade New York Lyssa

These frames are my number one pick!  I'm in love with the glitter, and they definitely stand out.  The pink ones are the fun, bold look I'm going for!  But the gold reminds me of champagne and totally goes with everything (gold is a neutral in my book, and glitter too!).

Warby Parker Daisy

Colored tortoise?  Yes please!  These are another favorite of mine!  I was actually able to try these frames on at the Warby Parker store (see this post!) and loved the color and shape of these frames on my face!

Winston (Congac Tortoise with Citron)

Warby Parker has the new Basso collection, and it's so cool because it takes classic looks and gives them a unique twist.  Like these Winston frames with traditional tortoise, but with gold accents outlining the frames.  They remind me on the frames I have now, traditional and cool.  Definitely make the list!

Kensie Stellar

The emerald green is still classic, but as a nice twist.  Plus, the rounder frames are a change from the more rectangular shape of the frames I have now.

Sorella Eaton

These frames don't stand out, but I just love tortoise anything!

Kate Spade New York Abena

Can a girl have too much pink?  Absolutely not!  These frames are just the right pop of pink for any outfit.  Plus, I'm a fan of the slight cat-eye shape of these ones.



What are your favorite picks?

NYC Recap

Valentine's Day was celebrated by exploring the city this year with Richie.  It was super cold (...and we also missed our train, so we had to hang out at the station for an extra hour), but it was most definitely worth the trip!

Our first stop was a little touristy--Madame Tussaud's--but how fun is it to take selfies with celebrities?  Even if they are wax figures, it's still loads of fun!  Plus, there's so many great photo ops that make some pretty funny pictures (you can even get on a bike and snap a photo with E.T., just like in the movie)!

I'm a little sad I didn't get to take a picture with Kate Middleton and Prince William (they must've been at a different location), but Richie and I still got some pretty fun shots nonetheless!

Then we braved the icy cold and headed downtown for dinner.

For a while now, we have wanted to try the Sugar Factory (the NY location happened to be in the Meat Packing District).  While the name would make it seem like it's only a candy shop, it is so much more.  It's a bar and restaurant, with a little candy shop at the front (so if you don't get enough sugar during your meal, you can get some sweets to go).  You can get breakfast, lunch or dinner; or even just go for drinks which are certainly the main event!  There are a wide variety of candy inspired drinks, and even more popular, are the goblet drinks (60 oz!!), which I definitely recommend sharing with a friend, lol.

We tried the Energy Bear goblet, and oh my goodness it was delicious!  Between the watermelon vodka and the big gummy bears at the bottom it tasted exactly like a Jolly Rancher (plus, the Red Bull will keep you going for the rest of the night!).

Confession: I love bruschetta.  Fresh tomato, grated parmesan, balsamic vinaigrette and garlic; you just can't beat it!

Hands down, my favorite thing we ate were the fried macaroni and cheese pops.  Macaroni and cheese is great on it's own, but, fry it and pair it with a creamy tomato basil dipping sauce, and takes it to another level.  To me it was homey, it reminded me of grilled cheese and tomato soup, just like when I was a kid!

For the main course, we both got burgers (Richie got the house special, and I got the bleu cheese bacon).  You definitely won't leave this place hungry.  The burgers were humongous and delicious (plus, the mound of crispy fries will certainly hit the spot).

We got downtown early, so we did a bit of exploring before our dinner reservation. And to my excitement we actually stumbled across one of Warby Parker's locations!  I've done their in-home try-ons a few times, but I've never before been in one of their stores. I just had to go inside and try some frames on. The staff there were super nice. Even though I wasn't buying frames that day, they were still incredibly helpful (I actually have an in home try on on the way, so one guy explained how the whole ordering process worked).

As soon as we walked in I got excited.  I really need new glasses since my prescription got stronger, which means new frames are in order.  

Don't mind the faces--I was trying to discreetly take selfies in just about every frame I tried on, lol.

Laurel in Tea Rose Fade

Nash in Crystal

Hardy in Striped Pacific

Marshall in Rum Cherry

These Burke frames in Tennessee Whiskey are classically cool with the half tortoise, half clear frames.

These Daisy frames, in Aurelia Tortoise, are my top choice!

I've got my eye on the Daisy frames.  I'm in love with the Aurelia Tortoise color!  It's bold, but doesn't go overboard; plus, the colored tortoise reminds me of warmer weather, and it's uniqueness is fresh and fun!  :)

Richie was a good sport and modeled some glasses too! 

If you're ever in the area, definitely check out these places.  Sometimes touristy isn't bad, it's exciting to relax and just act like a kid.  And trying out new places is always an adventure (for me it feels like I'm crossing something off my bucket list when I try something new)!

What are some great spots in NYC that you've stumbled across?  :)