Handmade Shop Grand Opening!

It brings me great pleasure to announce that my long-awaited handmade shop is now live!  The Braided Bandit will now be selling handmade plush toys, floral crowns, jewelry, and possibly some home goods a little bit down the line in addition to the vintage.  Right now, I will just be hosting the handmade shop within my current Etsy shop, and you can navigate the vintage or handmade portions by using the "shop sections" sidebar in the shop on the left.  So without further adieu, here are a few snaps of some of the new goodies!  And you can take 15% off with the code YAYHANDMADE at checkout :)

Meet the birthday kitties Mae, Periwinkle, and Margot!

As you can probably see, these kitties are handmade from recycled fabric from vintage dresses!  Above, Periwinkle the birthday cat and I are wearing the same outfit ;) All of the plush toys are sustainably made primarily from upcycled materials.

Allow me to introduce you to the Grumpy Fridas! Named for the notorious frowning grumpy cat and the notorious flower-wearing Frida Kahlo. 

Next up are these neon tassel necklaces!  I will also be listing some other types of necklaces shortly, but these are so much fun and an easy way to add a splash of color to your outfit!

Last but not least, I have listed a few of my favorite handmade flower crowns!  If you ever have a color request or would like a custom one made, you can always shoot me a message on Etsy, I would be happy to work something out with you!

Anyway, I hope you guys liked this little taste of what I've been working on!  I have been wanting to share some of my handmade goods for such a long time, and appreciate the support and encouragement you guys always give me!

Let me know what you like best or if there is anything else you would like to see!

xo Hannah

p.s. Did you guys see my new assistant?!

Pizza Pizza Pizza

Hi guys!  Back from my trip home from New Jersey and trying to get back into the swing of things here in Colorado, which is proving difficult knowing I am leaving again in five days for Hawaii! New Jersey was a whirlwind of Christmas, New Years, my friend's wedding, and way too much food (especially right before Hawaii!) And even though I arrived back in Colorado sick and with lost luggage (which has since been found), I am still super happy I went and saw so many of my best friends that I miss so dearly!

Outfit Details:
Shirt - Alphonnsine
Jeans - c/o American Apparel
Hat - Amazon (gift)
Scarf - Vintage (gift)
Boots - DSW

These pictures were taken a few days before I left for NJ, and while I brought my camera home with me, I did not take it out of the bag the whole time I was there.  Still not completely convinced I want to keep taking outfit photos this year, but I am also not ready to let it go completely.  I am hoping to maybe add a few more travel, food, and lifestyle posts into the mix to see if I can find a blogging balance I can still feel passionate about. Any suggestions would be welcome!

Anyway, thanks for continuing to read even through my phase of sporadic blogging, I always read and enjoy every single comment you guys leave!

Hope you're all having a great start to your 2015.
xo Hannah

Campfire Yellow

My favorite outfits are ones where I am super comfortable but still feel pulled together, and this is totally one of those outfits.  This is also a new favorite because it features the work of two amazing fellow Etsy sellers, Salvage and Stone and Two Sting Jane!  

Outfit Details:
Campfire Headband - c/o Salvage and Stone
Hanger Tank -giveaway, Two String Jane
Yellow Duster - c/o Oasap
Pants - Marshalls
Heels - thrifted
Purse - vintage

This beautiful headband was handmade from recycled fabric by Nic Young, Owner and maker behind Etsy shop Salvage and Stone.  I absolutely love that this one is aptly named the "Campfire Headband" and its so perfect for fall.  I usually find wearing hair accessories gives me a headache pretty quickly, but this is made of a soft jersery fabric and it was super comfortable on my head.  There is still one left of this same print in her shop, and I promise you won't be disappointed if you decide to swoop one up!  Nic also writes a blog by the same name, so make sure to go and say hello!

Next up we have this awesome tank I got in the mail from self-taught designer Alyssa Zukas who runs the awesome Etsy apparel shop Two String Jane.  I actually won the tank in an instagram giveaway she was hosting, and its one  of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I now own.  Let's just say I may or may not have slept in it last night as well! There are so many more things I have on my wishlist from her shop right now, including this Bon Appetit hand stenciled sweatshirt and this Confetti Dots tee!  Seriously, you won't regret taking a peak at her designs.

Gosh you guys, Etsy and handmade things are just the best!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xo Hannah
p.s. Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a cozy aztec cardigan of your choice here!

Druzy Necklace Giveaway!

Hi guys.  Today I am teaming up with six other lovely blogging ladies to bring you an exciting giveaway!  One lucky winner will win a necklace from the beautiful Etsy Jewelry shop Organic Olivia!  Seriously how cute is this little miniature glass bottle necklace with amethyst stones and a teeny real flower inside or this one in rose quartz.  Really wishing I could enter myself!

This giveaway is brought to you by:

*Hannah from The Braided Bandit

*Elizabeth from Book of Leisure

*Leah from Eat Pray Wear Love  

*Jenna from A Beautiful Heart

*Iris from Love, Iris 

*Carlee from Little-Sloth 

*Karissa from Karissa & Company

There will be one winner who can select any necklace in the etsy shop + free shipping. To enter follow down below in the rafflecopter! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Meowmaid

Hello! Just dropping in for a quick post, as I am up to here in boxes and getting things ready for our big move this weekend!

Outfit Details:
Vintage Peach Babydoll - in the shop tomorrow!
Vintage Button Boots - for sale in shop here!
Maroon Tote - Baggu via Shoemint
Meowmaid Pin - Albinohare via Etsy

Last week after seeing Ashley post a picture on instagram, I had to get my own Meowmaid pin from Albinohare on Etsy!  Half kitten, half mermaid, I really don't know what could be better.  I have not wanted to take this pin off since receiving the adorable package last week, so if you want an instant mood improver, I highly checking these little guys out here!

Hope everyone is having a great week!
xo Hannah

Shop Update: Time for Fall!

Happy Sunday!  Yesterday marked the first day of fall, so I thought I would do a little seasonally appropriate shop update!  Hope you guys are having a beautiful weekend, I would love to hear what fun things you are doing.  Mine has been full of BBQs, pumpkin ales, and mountain drives!Grey Plaid Collared Mini Dress- Size Medium Large - $29.99

Maroon Horse Print Blouse - Size Small Medium - $26.99

Red Oversized Sweater - Size Large XL -  $27.99

Vintage Roses Dress - Size Large XL - $29.99

Rainbow Floral Dress - Size Large - $29.99

                                Blue Floral Polka Dot Blouse - Size Medium Large - $25.99

                                           Green Polka Dot Dress - Size Medium - $29.99

Mint Chambray Drop Waist Dress - Size Large XL - $29.99

                                                Deer Print Sweater - Size Medium - $29.99xo Hannah

Paisley in the Garden

So, I almost didn't post these because the lighting was driving me insane.  But then I realized, no one is actually going to care besides me!  Note to self: don't stand under a tree when there is direct sunlight shining through, though it may add interest if your looking for an artistic approach.  Anyway, these were taken outside of my house this weekend in a little garden path on the side.  I was crunched for time and just looking for a little spot of green.  Also, this is my bicycle, which I try to ride to work every day.  I got her off of Craigs List last autumn and she serves me very well! Minnie Moo (the bike) is a hybrid between a road bike and a cruiser, and I cannot wait to actually put a basket on the back wooden part so I can stop hauling everything to and fro on my own back!

 

Outfit Details:

Dress: Darling Vintage

Necklace: Vintage, Gift 

Shoes: Converse via Ebay

     Now on to more important things, like this adorable vintage dress I am wearing! About a month ago, I won a giveaway on Fancy Fine for a credit to Diane's shop Darling Vintage.  I picked this dress as soon as stumbled upon it in her beautifully curated shop, and she sent it to me right away.  I have worn it at least once a week since I got it.  I love the red color for fall, and it has a fun miniature paisley print.  I even wore it camping, which probably was not the best choice, but I was in the new dress honeymoon period and wasn't thinking straight. Does that happen to any of you with something new that you love?  Anyway, I highly recommend you head over to Darling Vintage and take a peak at all of the pretty things she has in her shop! I for one am currently coveting this scalloped ascot blouse!  

     Well, it's almost the weekend, thank goodness.  Can't wait to catch up on some ZZZs and enjoy the last days of summer.  Do you have any fun weekend plans? 

xo Hannah