OPEN MONDAYS! February 8, 2010

Hey Everyone,

This is Melissa, the newest employee at Roulette Vintage.  I just wanted to let all the service-industry shoppers out there know that I will be working at the shop on Mondays from 12-4 pm now! Giving y’all the chance to come by on your day off.  So, stop in and keep me company!

Love,

Melissa

PS…Also, keep a look out for my weekly posts called “I heart Mondays”.  I’ll be writing about random new interests of mine like something I’ve been reading or local events I think you should check out.  So, keep checking in!

I’m sweet on you Valentine February 8, 2010

Its easy to get a little gooey at the knees when looking at vintage valentines. I especially love the ones that have been given before. I like to think about Elaine who gave George a Valentine that says “I’m Strong for you and I’ll Prove it too! My Valentine is You!” in the 1950s. George could have been Elaine’s first crush. So timeless!

Wee Wonderful January 29, 2010

I have been trying to be extra crafty and when I ran into this cute pattern from Wee Wonderful I had to buy it. The gnome pattern reminded me of Jett’s first Halloween when he dressed up like a garden gnome. The pattern was so easy to understand with step by step instructions. I am a big fan of applique and really enjoyed that part of the project.

Side View

Vintage Button Eyes

Happy Little Garden Gnome

My Little Garden Gnome

I used felted wool for the front and cotton canvas for the back. I found some cute green vintage buttons for the eyes.

This would be a wonderful valentine to make for that magical little one in your life. Or you could print out pattern and but together some vintage fabric and buttons as a sweet gift for a special crafty friend.

Have a wonderful day!

Rebecca

Riverbasin Outfitters January 26, 2010

River TC is talent and creativity rolled into a lovely package.  She can look at the ugliest 80’s dress ever, and see a cute mini dress or jumper in it.   Famous for her lovely pillowcase dresses and sweater tunics, River can create and re-create something fabulous from any material.  She is also incredibly green, her designs are often created from vintage and previously owned material, reducing the waste of new manufacturing.   So wonderful!  I could wax eloquently forever about her design skills, but instead I will post a peak at some of her creations and invite you to come by the store and try her clothes on yourself!

You can also check out her website here.  River is also one of the featured designers at our Valentine’s Fashion Party, so come out and get a first look at her Valentine’s collection!

Love,
Kara

Be our Sweetheart… January 26, 2010

To celebrate Valentine’s Day and all our Roulette Vintage sweethearts, we will be dancing at our very own Valentine’s Fashion Party!  We love all things vintage, romantic and plastered with hearts, so its natural that we would want to share our fascination with others.  :)

3 of our amazing designers will be coordinating Valentine’s Fashion collections for the party.  The designers are: Mi Scusi Hand Made, Riverbasin Outfitters and Sarah McLane Clothing.  Each of these designers have special qualities that make their clothing unique and lovable.  We’ll be featuring photos of each on our blog so stay tuned!

The Valentine’s Fashion Party is happening with a funky sweetness that will make you dance on Friday, February 12th, 6- 10 PM.
We’ll be handing out prizes for the most romantic, creative and whimsical of Valentines outfits, so dare to go crazy and dress in your Valentine best!

Doing a little Christmas shopping? December 17, 2009

Enjoy a few Christmas ideas for the whole family!  Be it for your quirky grandpa, crafty aunt or trendy little brother…Roulette has some great options.  Stop by and check it out!  It will add a little sparkle to your last minute shopping trips.

Happy Holidays,

Melissa

For your grandpa…a handsome vintage tie. $5

For your dad… a Carrboro tee by Flytrap. $26-30

For your crafty aunt… Vintage patterns and buttons! $5

For your mom… locally handmade necklaces by Leonine Designs. $42-70

For your sister… a screenprinted vintage purse by Barehanded Press. $20-30

For your grandma… sparkling vintage broaches. $10-20

For your boyfriend…a flashy new vintage vest and tie. $25-30

For your brother… a sassy vintage western shirt. $22-25

For your girlfriend…some ‘naughty or nice’ vintage lingerie. $16-24

Leonine Designs roars with goodness! December 9, 2009

When Anna Young first approached us to carry her jewelry, Roulette was shiny new. We were located in our 2 room second floor space above the Friendly Barber and OCSC. We had started carrying local band tees but had not found a jewelry artist yet. Enter Anna: lovely, creative, and possessing a unique talent for hip beautiful jewelry designs. She became our first local artist and has been with us ever since.

We are so proud to have Leonine Designs in our cases. It’s true love. Here’s a taste of past pieces by Anna.  Stop by the store to see the current ones!

Anna will be at Roulette Thursday Night (Dec. 10) from 6 to 8 PM!  Come by, meet the artist we all love and see some of her newest work.

Buy Local, It’s Cool. December 5, 2009

It’s Buy Local Week in Carrboro!  And many of the local businesses have special deals going on, including Roulette!

Why should you shop local?  Well, besides being cool and buying neat local items, it also helps our local economy.  Each dollar you spend locally, gives 3 times more value back to your community than the same dollar spent at a national chain?

Buy Local week starts Saturday, December 5th!
To celebrate, we’ll have the following deals going on:

Saturday 10% off ALL Vintage items!
Sunday 20% off Vintage Sweaters
Monday (closed)
Tuesday 10% off  Skirts: both Vintage and Locally Designed!
Wednesday 20% off Coats
Thursday Meet Anna Young, Leonine Designs!  6-8 PM.
Our original local designer will be at the store to show off her great jewelry!
In honor of this event we’re dong 10% off ALL jewelry, both vintage and locally made.
Friday 20% off vintage Dresses and Men’s Jackets

And don’t miss the Elf Fair on Saturday!  At the Arts Center from 1 to 5 pm.    We’ll be there.  We hope to see you!

To learn more about Buy Local Week, check out Locomotive’s website.

What’s your favorite vintage decade? December 2, 2009

You can check out our previous blogs for descriptions of these decades!

Dance to a Different Beat: The 80’s and 90’s December 1, 2009

1980’s
Oh Madonna, how we love thy style.  And Prince and Michael…and the movie Flashdance.  Tights, stilettos, off the shoulder shirts, big buttons, and leg warmers; clothes to insure that you were ready to dance anywhere.  Guys rocked suspender action with tight tees and tighter jeans and white was a color of choice for jackets and pants.   I always suspected that this is how bleached out jeans became popular.  Some one was trying to save their white Don Johnson suit and their jeans got in the way.

1990’s
Though technically not vintage, the early nineties were iconic for their grunge wear.  Nirvana’s 1991 release of Nevermind changed the music world and the Seattle music scene changed fashion.  Soft flannel plaid shirts, worn-in jeans and work boots were the uniform of the grunge movement.  Vintage tees also made a huge comeback with the indie kids and a cool tee became an item that all your friends envied.