Sermons and Reflections from an Episcopal Priest
Hello. Long time, no mention of Platinum & Rust. But the little shop is still running! Right now everything is on sale! Plus, get free shipping on orders over $35.00 with code, blackfriday. I’ve added a lot of new stock since my last update, so it’ll probably look like a whole new store.
Lots and lots of new items added since my last shop update post. Get 15% off ’til tomorrow with code, PRLOVE. Click here to shop.
Lots of new items on etsy and ebay! Click the screenshots to be redirected!
(etsy)
(ebay)
In case you haven’t heard, I rebranded my shop several months back. Platinum and Rust on Etsy (formerly Water Lily Thrift) is wearable vintage for the contemporary woman, encompassing bohemian, preppy, and grunge styles from the 1970s to the 1990s. Platinum and Rust on Ebay offers gently used, non-vintage items alongside vintage goods that keep to the cool girl aesthetic the brand represents.
I’m excited to have a new brand, logo, and business cards. The goal is to amp up overall stock and incorporate lookbook features and customer involvement over the next several months. Thanks for your support!
Want to stay updated on Platinum and Rust listings and changes?
Like the shop on facebook. Follow the Platinum and Rust Pinterest board. Follow on tumblr. Or add the shop to your etsy favorites.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the hard work it takes to realize personal goals. I’m a quitter, you see.
A lot of my high school graduating class has successfully transitioned to “normal” adult life. They work at banks, in cubicles, or at medical offices. They wear suits or scrubs. They participate in the thrill of rush hour. They go on cruises sometimes. But I, at almost 25, just quit my job on a production floor to work part time at a coffee shop. I’m working jobs that most certainly don’t require a four year degree. And the thing about it is that, ultimately, I chose these paths, these technical jobs. Sure, I’ve interviewed for “real” jobs, but I’ve never gravitated toward them.
What I’m trying to figure out is if I’m afraid or enlightened. We think we know ourselves, but we’ve told so many coping stories, it all gets muddled in our heads. On the one hand, I know I’m terrified of getting stuck. The thought of spending decades in an office chair working toward something I’m not absolutely passionate about makes the veins on the side of my head pop out. But I also like to think I’m (rightly) ideologically opposed to buying into the myth that adult life has to look like that, as if wearing modest black pumps to work and conducting conference calls is the badge of responsibility or the marker of success.
But refusing that life means it’s up to me to make something happen. If I’m not willing to be propelled into stable adulthood by a corporate infrastructure, it rests on me to provide the push forward. And I’d like to pretend I’m strong enough to take care of myself; I scoff at those who take the easy way out – who settle – but I allow the fear of failure to eat away at me before I’ve really started anything.
I quit my job because it was unfulfilling, but, I swear, it’s not because I’m lazy. I have big plans for my vintage store. I’m excited to make it happen. I’m also terrified that the success or failure of Platinum and Rust is my burden to bear alone. I need to believe I can do it. I need to believe I have the skills, the tact, and the talent to succeed. I’m afraid that my peers (and parents) living in cushy, corporate stability scoff at me. I’m afraid that they don’t think I can do it. I’m afraid that their boxed-in dreams (or contentment, as it may be) masquerading as wisdom will get the best of them, and the best of me.
But it really doesn’t matter, does it? When I succeed, none of the doubt will matter at all.
Happy February and happy shopping. I’m so excited about the stuff I listed today over at Water Lily Thrift, especially those Oxblood Aigner Loafers.
And it’s me!
Visit Water Lily Thrift to view new and relisted items.
I discovered Erzulie while searching for organic skincare options on etsy and have been using their products for several months now. Recently, I purchased the Mineral Cream to Powder Foundation in Light on the seller’s recommendation. I have used it every day for the past few weeks, so I think it’s time to review it.
You should know before I start that I have sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin that gets very dry in patches during the winter months. I turned to organic skin care initially in order to avoid artificial fragrances, but there are so many other benefits (and there are so many great products) that I’ve stuck with it for additional reasons.
My rating: 4/5
Pros:
Cons:
I used Erzulie Liquid foundation before trying this kind. I like the coverage this provides better, but the liquid is a bit easier to use. I use a nice quality thick sponge applicator for this instead of the provided pad. I knocked off a point due to the poor quality provided applicator and the firmness of the product. If it were a bit wetter, I think it would be easier to apply.
In conclusion, I will continue to use Erzulie Cream to Powder Foundation and will likely buy it again once I run out of my current supply.
I do a product update about every week at my online vintage shop, but I thought I’d feature some November appropriate items, new (to my store) and old. Click on the image to go to the listing.
Apple Pickin’ Corduroy Dress
1970s Heeled Loafers
1990s Zipper Boots
1980s Cream Lace up Boots
Slouchy Cowgirl Boots
I think I’ll continue the monthly update in this fashion for 6 months. At that point, I may wrap up each month by its name rather than by how long I’ve lived in Charlottesville. To see my one month post, click here.
Daniel and I by a wildflower field
This month, I (and sometimes Daniel):
This month went by incredibly quickly. I’m in disbelief that it’s October already. Things have begun to take on a consistent rhythm, which is nice and makes here feel more like home. I was struck with a small existential crisis last week, however, lamenting over the fact that being an adult is often harder than it is easy, often more annoying than it is enjoyable. There are, of course, many enjoyable moments that take place throughout each day, especially working as a barista and coming in contact with so many sorts of people. But I feel like the last several years have consisted largely of missing my childhood, of envying youth and ignorance. I’m glad to be able to think critically, be aware, and join in the conversation, but it’s mentally taxing and emotionally draining. There is so much to know, to take in, to come to terms with, to change – and we either have to do something about it or waste away. It’s a burden we have to bear if we plan on being responsible, useful adults.
New items will be posted for sale at Water Lily Thrift by tomorrow afternoon. Scarves, vests, and European heels!
I also have a few auctions running on eBay. Two pairs of brand new shoes are for sale and a handful of designer purses will be posted shortly.
I’m often on the fence about color enhancing my images to the degree that Julien Denoyer does, but in his case, it totally works. Once-in-a-lifetime shots are brought to life full force in rich, exuberant color.
Leah Wise 
