Something I find amazing about bygone eras is the effort put into dressing seemingly for every aspect of life. Awhile back, I scooped up this stunning vintage quilted jacket, cozy and warm with an appliquéd rose dancing on her shoulder. It wasn’t until later when she arrived on my doorstep and I clocked the label inside, I realized that this beauty was once-upon-a-time designed as ‘Lounging Apparel.” I love that the simple act of being at home and relaxing was reason enough to dress up. Cause then getting all dressed up for a Wednesday seems downright normal.
I can lounge with the best of ’em, so this piece became right at home in my wardrobe. Perhaps the women who’s closet this vintage loungewear graced would wear it as she meandered through her own home, alone, realizing that you don’t need to dress up for anyone but yourself. Or perhaps she would don it to keep warm on chilly evenings, sipping her scotch as Frank Sinatra crooned in the background. Or maybe her husband would help her slip it on her shoulders over her peignoir as they would cozy up beside the fireplace. Either way, I feel a kinship to her. To this woman who celebrated herself as much at home as she did out in the world.
In keeping with the vibe of “wear it when you please,” I also decided to bust out my sparkliest bracelet to jazz up and otherwise rainy Wednesday. I gave a talk yesterday that went smashingly well (followed by the conference dinner where I danced link a fool and swooshed my crinoline in relief for a job well done), so I felt today was worthy of celebration. This piece was actually one I wore in my wedding – but she’s just too sparkly and fabulous to be left in a drawer gathering dust because she’s too ‘special’ to wear without an occasion to accompany her. Today is my occasion.
So, while I’m doing a rather poor job of lounging, as I scoot off to work with thesis chapters to read and multiple coffees to sip, I’m reminded that every moment is an excuse to dress up. To ignore the arbitrary dress code, the numbers on a scale, the urge to blend in, or even the label in a vintage bed jacket, instructing me how she should be worn. Today, I’m making my own rules.
How about you?
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Jacket: Vintage Darlene (similar modern or vintage here, here & here)
Skirt: Ruby Fayes Vintage (similar modern or vintage here, here & here or
different skirt in the same fabric!)
Headband: Modcloth (similar here & here)
Bracelet: Swarovski, gift (similar here, here & here)
Handbag: Mar Y Sol (similar here & here)
Shoes: Madden Girl (similar here, here & here)
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