skillet + scout.

After a weekend of being knee deep in counting/organizing inventory and a busy day yesterday prepping for some exciting upcoming photoshoots, I’m excited to be back blogging today!

In celebration of the fab week ahead, I thought I’d share some fun pics from an open house scout. was involved in awhile back. I had the pleasure of collaborating with the fabulous Noah of Skillet to create/style a spring tasting at Melrose – full of whimsy and perfectly eclectic funkiness. Julie captured the night and it was such a blast meeting everyone that came out for the night. If you haven’t tried Skillet’s waffle & fried chicken concoctions you are missing out! Find a truck here.

Oh and isn’t the American flag in the back of the room the cherry on top?!

photo cred : {Julie Harmsen Photography}

apt therapy design night!

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking at an Apartment Therapy design meeting and it was SUCH a blast! I will fully admit that I was super nervous to public speak leading up to the night, but once I got talking I couldn’t stop! I shared a bit about how I got into the creative world, some thoughts on where I see my biz going in the future, and some design tips for adding vintage decor into your space.

It was so exciting seeing so many creative peeps interested in hearing about scout. and pumped to learn about estate sales & seeking out vintage things. I had so much fun meeting everyone who came out for the night and was thrilled to see some of my close buddies there as well!

Thanks to my hubby for taking pics, to Andie & Emily for such a warm welcome in their adorable studio Assemble and to Manuela of Apt Therapy for allowing me to share my story! For more pics and details of the night head on over to Apartment Therapy here!

photo cred: {adam blake via apartment therapy}

friday find : sneak peek.

The past week has been full of some really fun and exciting collaborations many of which (I can only imagine and hope!) are just the tip of the iceberg for what’s to come!

I got the opportunity to collaborate with the fab and hilariously witty duo that is Laurel McConnell Photography and Barbie Hull Photography for a rad photo shoot (theme is a secret….ssshhh!) for the upcoming Get Hitched Give Hope event this coming fall. I’m telling you folks, you DON’T want to miss this event this year. It’s gonna be BIG! I’ll definitely be sharing more info about this fabulous night of giving back in the months to come.

I also participated in my 1st Trophy Cupcakes tasting this week – providing some of my mismatched china and some fun chairs and props to give the couples something fun to look at/eat off of while they nibbled on Trophy yumminess. Nevermind that I also got to bring home a few leftovers to enjoy with my hubs. Cherry on top of a great week!

I’m also in the midst of prepping for an upcoming shoot with Seattle Met Bride & Groom Mag (uh yes…I’m wigging out just a little! Sooooo pumped!!!) and a revamp/redirection of my blog. Lot’s and LOTS of changes are gonna be going on around here in the coming months and I can only imagine that my Europe trip (May 10th – June 19th) will inspire me to also make some exciting changes on the biz front. PLUS I’m REALLY hoping to come home with some new loot to add to my ever-growing scout. collection of course!

Here’s a few things around the web that I found inspiring (or at the very least entertaining!) this week:

– adorable web & graphic design by this local lady

– this coconut cream pie. seriously – you’ve gotta try it!

– minus the crappy acting i’m kinda obsessed with this show right now.

– i CANNOT get enough of this gal’s blog and amazing creative talents here.

– honored to be hanging out here.

– my fav wedding of the week here. part one here.

– way tooooo excited for these people. seriously i’m SO excited for them.

– slamming deal here if this sorta thing is your cup of tea.

I’m also sharing a little sneak peek this week of some pics snapped by this crazy-talented gal of my recent collaboration with Trophy Cupcakes. I’ve already shared a few instagram shots of my design/styling of Trophy’s windows and store details this past January, but professional pics by Julie are so MUCH better! More pics coming next week!

Happy weekend friends!

xoxo! *JB

photo cred: {julie harmsen photography}

blogshop + scout!

I can’t even begin to tell you what a thrill it was for me to play a part in last month’s BLOGSHOP here in Seattle. I had the pleasure of attending Blogshop + a mini version last year in the Berkeley & Portland areas and had the time of my life! I learned crazy amounts of PS skills that I’ve had the good fortune of applying to my blog AND I met some of my dearest creative friends (this lady, this gal, this lovely & this chick too!) during the class. Let’s just say – BLOGSHOP ROCKS IT – hardcore.

Sooooo when I found out Bri & Angela would be coming to Seattle I was all too excited to offer my Scout. loot. I had a crazy amazing time styling up the Fred Wildlife Refuge and giving a little scout lovin’ to the weekend!

Thought I’d share some pics taken by the uber talented Angela Kohler herself, as well as a video by Stephan Gray. If you’d like to see more pics of the weekend check out Bri’s blog here! Oh and if this looks all too enticing to resist, head here to see when Blogshop might be coming your way.

photo cred: {angela + ithyle} video cred: {stephan gray}

friday find : uh. yep!

Uh. Yep! I think I might have just nabbed the most jaw dropping vintage item I’ve ever gotten my hands on! I about screamed out loud when I saw this vintage rattan bucket seat on one of my scoutin’ adventures this morning. I can’t decide if I’m going to offer it as a rental item or selfishly keep it all to myself….it’s THAT awesome! I’m thinking it would look pretty fab in my office…

Yay for Friday right?!! What a week this has been! Lot’s going on on the scout/BT&B front, and getting super excited for all the fun/travel etc. that is to come this spring/summer! Does anyone else have any fun trips planned?? It always seems as tough everyone in Seattle is itching to get outta town this time of year…wonder why? Can we say : GREY?! Come on spring! Bring us some more of that sunshine!

I’ll be spending the weekend out in design/wedding land 1st at tonight’s Shilshole Bay Beach Club tasting (we’ve got some scout. goodies on display!), tomorrow morning I’ll be getting my brunch on with my Blog Brunch buddies (come hang with us! deets here!) and tomorrow night I’ll be sharing some estate sale/vintage tips at the Apartment Therapy Design meeting at Assemble Gallery & Studio. Sunday will include a very very exciting collaboration meeting with this gal and hopefully some time to continue planning my Europe trip!

Happy Weekend Friends!

xoxo! *JB

assemble + apt therapy + scout.

I’m excited to announce that I will be speaking at an Apartment Therapy Design Meeting this Saturday, March 3rd from 6 – 8 pm at the adorable Assemble Gallery and Studio in Phinney. I’ll be sharing some insight on my inspirations behind scout and vintage decor as well as spilling some tips about scouring estate sales. If you’re in the area and interested in dropping by I’d love to see you! Find out more info about this special event from Assemble or Apt Therapy here or here!

photo cred: {apartment therapy}

friday find : the channel back + exciting stuff.

Wowza! What a whirlwind couple of weeks this has been! Although things don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon, I’m getting a little downtime tonight to take a break and reflect on all the good fortune I’ve been afforded over the past month or so.

Just a few of the things I’ve been up to:

– lots of scoutin’. searching for some new pretty pieces to add to the scout. collection. found the above channel back chair at 2nd saturdayz a couple weeks ago and couldn’t resist it’s blush colored charm. got it’s debut this week at skillet’s tasting – YES!

– followed up with my doc this week related to my hip pain. my torn labrum is responding well to the steroid shot, but i’m on 4 more weeks of exercise restriction. BOO! all i really really wanna do is go for a run & break a mad sweat. upside? 4 more weeks of watching movies on the green couch totally guilt free.

– a rue shoot (TOTAL dream come true!) with cassandra lavalle, sarah rhoads and the uber talented gals of hens & chicks collective. can’t wait to see the next issue of rue mag and so honored to have worked alongside these creatives!! had such a blast!

– my first venue walk through with ellen. she & paul will be getting married in august at the beautiful laurel creek manor and i feel super privileged to play a role in their big day!

– LOTS of inquiries for our goods. so excited that the word is really starting to spread about scout.

– started massage therapy this week. in one word? AWESOME. in three words? best decision ever!

– some super exciting conversations & mtgs are happening between myself and miss amy moore. amy is the brilliant designer behind my scout. re-branding and someone i greatly admire. i’m BEYOND stoked to collaborate with her in the future!

– adam treated me to a super special day last saturday where i got to pick out all my fav foods down at pike place market and we had a little picnic in the back of our car at gas works park (it was too chilly to be outside). sounds kinda ridiculous to lay out a picnic blanket in the car BUT it was the BEST day i’ve had in a REALLY long time. i can’t thank my lucky stars enough for such a supportive partner.

– blogshop. blogshop. blogshop. i can’t say enough good things about how much i learned during my own time at blogshop in berkeley, so it was a total thrill & a half to provide some scout loot to angela & bri’s class here in seattle this month.

– i’m currently prepping for a super exciting shoot next month that has my creative juices in overdrive. so ecstatic to collaborate with some wedding peeps that i’ve never had the opportunity to work with before.

– adam bought me a new printer!!! not a big deal you say? TRUST ME. BIG deal! the amount of stress that has been relieved just to know that when i hit “print” something will actually come out of my printer with ink on it. uhhh-huh. HUGE deal.

– planning my upcoming europe trip. dublin & paris are all set (coli and i will be staying in this teeny tiny little gem for 12 glorious days in May) and my pure excited joy for some dedicated sister time with coli is becoming SUPER real…it’s gonna happen! we’re now on the hunt for places in rome, athens, zurich, prague, and a few other spots. any suggestions/tips are welcome!!

– a trophy party! jennifer and her team were nice enough to throw a “curator party” as a thank you for the window design & decor i created for their u-village & bravern shops. it was so much fun to have my closest buddies munch on cupcakes for the night and celebrate with confetti & bubbly!

– a SUPER DUPER fun filled and inspirational night with skillet this week. i was granted the opportunity to collaborate with noah of skillet for their spring tasting this week at melrose market studios. i unleashed practically my entire scout collection on the space and had a ton of fun styling it up alongside noah! looking forward to many more collaborations with skillet in the future!

I’m off to a colorblocking + gold b-day party this weekend for my buddy Julie, a birthday celebration for my dear sweet Hadley and a MUCH needed brunch with my nurse besties: Barb, Apple & Em. Also LOTS of work catch up. I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

***p.s. lots of pics coming soon of all the exciting things going on with BT&B and scout! check back!

skillet street food.

Oh. My. Word. I am SO excited for this upcoming open house that I can barely stand it! Not only is it at a killer new venue (if you haven’t checked out Melrose Market Studios yet, you are in for quite the treat!) but it’s all about yummy grub and thinking outside the box. Skillet is holding their spring tasting on the 22nd of this month (yep! you better get your RSVP on!) and it’s gonna be RAD!

Scout Vintage Rental Co. will be there showing off lots of our favs and Noah of Skillet is cooking up the super fabulous! I’m telling you – you WANT to be at this one folks…it’s gonna be insanely awesome! If you are getting hitched or wanna blow the socks right off your guests at your next shindig, come hang with us and some superstar vendors!

Skillet Street Food | Pederson’s Rentals | Wave Link Music | Fleurish | Julie Harmsen Photography | 321 Foto | Bluebird Microcreamery | Melrose Market Studios | & scout!

RSVP here and spread the word! We’d love to hang with ya! See you soon!

photo cred: {matthew parker}

a wedding show + an open house.

Last month I had the pleasure of providing some of my vintage goodies to Twelve Baskets Catering for their booth at the Seattle Wedding Show. Jaffrey & the team nabbed some fab pics of the booth that I’m sharing on the blog today. The tabletop was my fav…absolutely gorgeous, right?! They did such a great job with the design of their booth!

I will also be participating in their open house coming up this week (rescheduled due to that crazy Seattle snow storm!) and would love to see you there! It’s the perfect opportunity for you brides and grooms out there to see a stunning venue: 415 Westlake, and sample some yummy grub from Twelve Baskets. You can also touch/feel/rent some loot from scout. vintage rental co. while you’re there! RSVP and find details here!

photo cred: {twelve baskets catering}

TC Creative snapshot.

What a busy busy week this has been, hence my lack of post yesterday…my apologies! My little Scout. Vintage Rental Co. is in full swing and I’m doing my best to stay on top of my beloved blog in the process.

Sharing a few shots today that I nabbed (isn’t instagram the best?!) during the TC Creative Studio Opening last week. Had a total blast participating in this one! Creating little vingettes with my collection is my favorite part of my job!

Also included some hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) Smilebooth shots above from the fab Sarah & Chris Rhoads. Such a fun night!

Hope you’re all having an amazing week!

xoxo! JB

starts with a board.

I’ve learned quite quickly that the best way to hash out design ideas with a new or potential client is through an inspiration board. I am naturally such a visual being that these boards are super helpful in helping me efficiently and effectively articulate the ideas I have rushing around in my busy little head.

I was all two excited a few weeks ago when I got the chance to chat color and rebranding across the table from Jennifer Shea, owner of Trophy Cupcakes. I’m still giddy that she put her confidence in me to revamp her window displays at her U-Village and Bravern locations for the New Year and couldn’t wait to get prepping. She wanted the window to reflect a “party starts here!” mentality and was hoping I could give the design some sort of Kate Spade inspired twist (aka a color bonanza!).

I’ve been dying to get back into visual merchandising, so this job was right up my alley. I knew I wanted crepe paper backdrops to scream “party! party! party!” and chevron flooring was an absolute must – had to make it happen. I also planned to tie in a bunch of my vintage pieces from my scout. collection as a fun juxtaposition to the never ending stream of color.

Here’s a little peek into my design inspirations for Trophy Cupcakes. Check back tomorrow for some instagram pics of the actual windows AND if you’re near U-Village in the U-District or Bravern over in Bellevue be sure to stop into Trophy for a yummy cupcake and a gander at my design.

twelve baskets open house!

January is sure to be a BIG month! I’m already getting geared up for the upcoming open house for Twelve Baskets Catering next month! Food has to be one of my favorite details at any party so I’m super excited to see what Twelve Basket’s has in store!

I’ll be providing a bunch of my vintage goodies from scout. for the evening and will have my own little area of the room. I would love for you to drop by and say hi! There will be a bunch of other fabulous vendors there including entertainment and of course…grub!

Check out all the details here, and don’t forget to RSVP ASAP! Spots are limited and will surely fill up quick! Hope to see you there!

tc creative studio opening.

On January 5th I have the pleasure of participating in what is sure to be one amazingly inspiring night. Tiffany Lowry of Tiffany Colors is opening an adorable art studio space in the Pioneer Square area and she’s asked me to provide some pieces from my scout. collection to the opening!

If you’ve never heard of Tiffany, woah. She is only one of the most talented makeup artists and stylists in the Seattle area and her studio is sure to offer Seattle Creatives a unique space to get their create on!

Come spend the evening with us, while we sip wine, give back, look at some kick-ass art and take photos with Sarah Rhoads Photography.

You don’t wanna miss it!

assemble shop.

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a super adorable event at Assemble Gallery and Studio. I actually found Assemble during one of my morning run’s about a year ago when I spotted their bright apple red door from across the street and couldn’t help but peek in their windows.

Assemble offers loads of workshops for the crafty or crafty wanna-be’s – think sewing, painting, knitting, print etc. They also have a crazy amazing collection of letterpress greeting cards and fun little gifts perfect for your best bud or any special occasion (um, hello – if you’re still on the hunt for that perfect stocking stuffer you best stop into their shop quick!).

In the past couple months I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Andie (co-owner of the shop) a whole lot better, and boy can I tell ya – this chick is hilarious AND also one of those small biz owners whom I greatly admire and respect. I was all too happy to celebrate Andie & Emily’s 2nd birthday with them complete with cookies, milk and a book drive – it always feels good to give back, right?!

I soooo enjoyed the evening complete with Christmas caroling, an accidental self portrait, and a little present to check off my “I didn’t even know I NEEDED this!”  list.

photo cred: {moi iPhone and maggie’s iPhone}

scout. launch party!

It’s always the best feeling in the world when a design you’ve spent many months tossing and turning about in your mind finally comes to life! Last month, I had the immense pleasure of collaborating with Trophy Cupcakes and showcased my scout. vintage rental co. collection in their adorable party room. The whole evening was SUCH a blast and I was so excited that so many of you came out to see my loot!

When dreaming up a way to share my collection my 1st thought was: “oh my gosh, how will I ever make it all fit?!” and 2nd…”I want people to be inspired.” The whole intention behind my vintage rental biz is to encourage others to find beauty in things that might otherwise be considered past their expiration date. I absolutely adore repurposing old items into new designs, and threaded that passion into a lot of the party details for the launch.

I wanted the overall design to emphasize the immense amount of color that I have within my collection. Blue chairs, green tables, orange enamel colanders. I’m obsessed with color and the party was nothing short of a color explosion!

My dear sweet friend McKenzie who also happens to be one of the most AH-MAZ-ING floral designers in Seattle, was kind enough to offer her own dose of color to the party with some stunningly gorgeous florals. The second McKenzie arrived the morning of setup I was flabbergasted by her floral choices for the party. Are those gigantic neon pink peonies not the most amazing things you’ve ever seen?! So so good. Thank McKenzie!!!

The entire design for the room started with the ceiling. I’ve been collecting vintage fabric for sometime and I really wanted to create a vibrant fabric canopy over the party. After many tireless hours of knot tying the canopy came to life. I also incorporated an installation in the center of the room using the wire skeletons of old lampshades. Thank you Adam, Heather & Kate for your additional hands with setup & prep! Couldn’t have done it without ya!

My green hutch is definitely one of my favorite pieces and I was so excited to use it as one of the focal points of the room. The cocktail & cupcake party wouldn’t have been complete without some champagne and little mason jars & thanks to Hads, Emma & Christa everyone had drinks in hand through the night! Thanks gals!

One of the things that I was really adamant about with regards to my scout. marketing is that I didn’t lose the vintage aspect of the brand in the details. I cringed at the idea of using a modern looking business card to promote my business. So after a bit of deep thinking I came up with the idea of using vintage used postcards (some of the one’s I’ve found have dated back to the early 1900’s!) and placing a sticker on top of them with all my info.

I have this really crazy rad mint colored mattress frame that worked perfect for displaying my biz postcards during the event. I filled the mattress with a bunch of pillows I’ve found while scouting and a few I made on my own from leftover fabric.

I also really wanted the party to be a direct reflection of the personality of the pieces. I’d been dying to name each piece for sometime and figured the party was the perfect way to kind of say “hello my name is” for each unique piece. My buddy Amy (a stellar graphic designer who is currently revamping the scout. brand) suggested I use library cards in bright colors from the adorable paper co. Knot & Bow to display the names and details of my items. GENIUS! I was swooning over the library cards when they arrived in the mail, and after multiple attempts to get that “vintage typewriter” look (I actually begged my printer to cooperate during a 4am debacle) I was incredibly pleased with how they turned out!

Overall, I’m ecstatic with how the party turned out, and I was so grateful for the generosity of all of the people that stopped by. The party left me with visions of my own storefront one day, and I can’t thank Jennifer and her team at Trophy enough for all of their help in making the party a total success!!!

P.S. Thank’s to Mo for all the great shots and for being there to capture the night!

photo cred: {Mo Hines Photography}