Coming out of Seclusion

Yes, it's been a while! A combination of life and laziness took over the past couple of months and I just did not set aside time to post updates. But with a new season arriving (I love fall!) the shop is gearing up for some new inventory. Here is a sneak peak of some upcoming fall merchandise:


Grandpa Sweater


Vintage Tapestry Wrap Skirt


Vintage Burgundy Leather Boots

Christmas In July

Etsy is having their Christmas in July sale! Yours truly will be participating in this wonderful event beginning July 15th (which is this coming Thursday) all the way until July 31st.

Please check out the store beginning the 15th for the "Christmas in July" items, new listings, and for other special reductions on everything else in the store!

Weekend of Celebrations

It's been a jam-packed weekend, starting with yours truly's birthday celebrations on the 2nd and 3rd and a day with friends and fireworks on the 4th. I am finally getting a chance to just catch up today, but much needed preparation for the Sequoia get away next week is underway.

One nice surprise I had over the weekend was one of my listings being featured on a fellow Etsian's treasury.

Here is the dress that was featured:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50770522/vintage-diagonal-candy-striped-pink

Check it out at Elisaloves Treasury, dedicated to stars and stripes! In honor of the 4th of July!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c300d612a938eef10909f34/stars-and-stripes-and-stars

Monthsary

It's officially been a month since I opened the Etsy shop and so far it hasn't been too shabby. The amount of sales is not tremendous, but I made more than I thought I would in my first month. Now, I can only hope that things will pick up!

It certainly has been busy and there is definitely a lot more work involved than I anticipated, but it's been enjoyable. I know that summer just started, but I am already thinking about items to stock for Fall.

Check out some of my accessory listings!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/48878754/floral-cameo-coral-stud-earrings


http://www.etsy.com/listing/50014435/vintage-gold-tone-disc-necklace


http://www.etsy.com/listing/49860418/ethnic-red-and-black-woven-belt

Floral Prints

Aside from moccasins and tribal/ethnic prints, I've been gravitating towards florals. If you happen to share the same attraction, please check out some new items in the shop


http://www.etsy.com/listing/49943728/vintage-floral-sleeveless-mini-dress


http://www.etsy.com/listing/49857036/vintage-sheer-floral-victorian-inspired


http://www.etsy.com/listing/49861553/vintage-multi-colored-nina-piccalino

Long Weekends

Spring is almost over and Summer is drawing near. Time to start planning vacations or weekend getaways. After this three day weekend, the wheels have begun turning. Perhaps a nice trip to the Sequoia National Forest? Or a quick weekend in San Francisco? We shall see.

Here are some items that will surely spice up your getaways:

Romp around in this spring/summer floral shorts romper.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48245193/floral-shorts-romper-small

Pack up your belongings in this floral tapestry weekender bag by "Leisure."

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48308351/leisure-floral-tapestry-weekender-bag

Going to the "Regal Beagle"

I grew up watching Three's Company and often looked forward to what Janet, Chrissy, or Terri would wear. These dresses remind me of something these gals would wear on an evening outing at the "Regal Beagle." For those of you who might not be familiar with the sitcom, it was aired in the late 70s to mid 80s. If you get a chance to see an episode, look out for Mrs. Roper, she had some great floral dresses.




http://www.etsy.com/listing/48305009/pink-and-grey-hal-ferman-secretary-dress



http://www.etsy.com/listing/48293740/70s-cascading-fuchsia-party-dress

Up and Running!

Cher Opal is officially open. Please visit my shop on Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/cheropal and check out my hand-picked vintage items.

Coming Soon

There is still work to be done, but just a few more weeks and my Etsy Store will be up and running. Here is a a sneak peak of some items from the store!


Dropped Waist, White Lace dress




Ethnic Print Mini-Skirt



Floral Sweetheart Cut Dress



Gingham Day Dress

Preparation

I finally decided to open an Etsy store comprising mostly of Vintage clothing and jewelry. This idea has been floating in my thoughts for years. Initially it was to sell handmade jewelry. It all started after a trip to the Philippines. I bought strings of fresh water pearls for myself and a friend of mine. My plan was to wear the pearls at special occasions. I never saw how the pearls would fit with my "everyday" wear. But my friend had a brilliant idea. Being the dedicated learner that she is, she taught herself how to make a modern and chic long necklace out of the pearls. She was inspired by a beautiful necklace Mandy Moore wore on a cover of Lucky Magazine. This awesome friend of mine was kind and patient enough to teach me how to make the necklace. After careful observation on my part, I picked up the task and made my own. The success of making the necklaces gave us an idea of producing more and selling them on Etsy. This idea came to us, hmm...let's see...almost 5 years ago? Yes, that long ago. Needless to say, the plan never came into fruition. Not because we didn't want it to, but making the necklaces are labor intensive. We were both in grad school when we came up the idea.Eventually, we both became newlyweds and were establishing ourselves in our professional roles. It seemed the "dream" was moving further away.

The Necklace:


But the idea of joining the Etsy community has always been a goal I've wanted to reach. And just a few months ago I decided to make it finally happen. But this time with different merchandise; Vintage clothing. For many years, I've collected some vintage clothing and accessories. And I've always enjoyed rummaging through thrift stores, my mom's old boxes of clothing, and flea markets. The search for these items is still a labor, no doubt. But it is one that I consider less intense than making jewelry and perhaps even a labor that is more out of love. The preparation process has been in a way, therapeutic for me. It's been such a creative experience for me to plan out certain details like the name and the logo. Starting the store is thrilling for me due to the balance it's bringing to my day to day activities. I am undoubtedly excited.

I plan to "launch" before the end of May. At the latest June.