Although I’m still relatively new to this whole blogging malarky, one of my favorite things about starting and maintaining a vintage style blog thus far has been the incredible community of people I’ve tapped into and the ability to connect with like-minded people all around the world. When you think about it, it’s kind of remarkable how far technology has taken us and how quickly you can feel close to people you’ve never actually met. If you told me 20 years ago all of this was possible, I’m not sure I would have believed you.
There really is comfort in this idea of a community. Truthfully, I’ve been dressing for me for years and would regardless of whether platforms like Instagram or Facebook existed, but there’s something rather magical about sending an image out into cyberspace and having words of encouragement and mutual appreciation ping back from the far reaches of the world. Knowing that I may be the only one marching down the hall in orange velvet heels and a vintage dress adored with embroidered butterflies, but I am certainly not alone.
Something I find amazing about the southern hemisphere, aside from the stunning scenery and dramatic landscape, is how instantly you are welcomed in as family. In the States, I think we often throw around colloquialisms without very little to back them up. We ask “How are you?” without actually expecting anything other than, “Fine, thanks.” Similarly, “Stop by next time you’re in town” is simply a pleasantry that sounds nice on your lips, but rarely seen in practice.
So, you can imagine my surprise when I moved out here and discovered that when they say, “Stop by next time you’re in town,” they mean it. They mean literally just drop by unnanounced. Show up on their doorstep with all of your worldly possessions on your back, and they’ll take you in. They mean travel to the ends of the earth and run into mutual friend via six-degrees-separation at the local watering hole, and you’ll be instantly taken in and given beer and a hot dinner, no questions asked. I even had a friend from NZ who was traveling through the States and turned up at my mom’s house – she happily took him in for a few days and then sent him on his way. There’s something so culturally comforting about a place that embodies the idea of pay it forward; about an unflagging camaraderie and the feeling of looking after one another before we venture back out into the night. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t just take a village to raise a child…it takes a village to ensure each of us gets safely home.
And though it’s hard to believe I was actually in New Zealand this time last week, I have once again found myself safely deposited back in Perth. It’s been a bit tricky trying to get back into the swing of things this week after a week away. So, I am more grateful than usual for an impending Friday. Especially the Friday after a long week where jet lag threatened to thwart all of my good intentions surrounding accomplishing actual tasks. Hopefully the coming weekend will bring a much-needed recharge and I’ll charge roaring into Monday. We’ll see…
Anyone else have good intentions that were thwarted this week?
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: Hollie Point Vintage (similar modern here & here or vintage here, here, & here)
Handbag: Gift from my Mister, from Mo-Mo’s Vintage (similar here, here & here)
Shoes: Pierre Dumas via Modcloth (similar here & here)
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