Claire, the lovely lady behind Mamushka Marie, participated in a trade-a-thon e-mail fest with me last weekend. I've long adored Claire's personal style and well curated style inspiration posts on her blog. So, I chose a charming pair of shoes and needlework purse from her shop, and she chose some lovelies from mine.

(Clair pictured above in one of her super cute outfits)

So while I stalk my mailbox for the lovely goodies from her shop to arrive, head on over to her blog. So many lovely things to see. For starters, Check out the Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes post she did last week! It made me endlessly happy.

Today I'll be spending a bit of time updating the shop! It's been difficult to keep up with things, as I've been moving house and shop from one city to another… but I'm happy to finally be listing new items! Hope you love it. **update** Listing is complete, except for blue mod dress below and long sleeved houndstooth shirtdress below. I will add those later this evening.

I’m always a little surprised when I’m inspired by fashion which predates the 1950s. But it happens in the least likely of places! Like silent movies. I simply don’t pay attention to one thing at a time for a long enough period of time to become a fan of silent movies. I like to multi-task, and that doesn’t work out quite well when you can’t hear what’s happening on screen.

Ah, but Clara Bow. I’m suddenly overwhelmingly inspired by her sweaters, pleated skirts, collars, ties, suspenders, and scarves. Even her bob! (Don’t worry, I’m not planning on cutting my hair any time soon!)

I might see if any of her films are available on Netflix. I suppose classic fashion, like great design & wonderful films, truly is timeless.

(sources: IMDB & Myspace)