I’ve always loved clothing that has a bit of cheekiness about it. Particularly if the whimsy isn’t instantly obvious till you get up close. It’s probably one of the reasons why I love novelty prints and appliqué so much. I mean, if you can’t have fun with your clothing, then why bother getting dressed at all, right?
I think the first fashion rule I ever remember learning was “Don’t wear white after Labor Day.” Bearing in mind, this was in the 80’s/early 90’s, where anything went. Multi-layers of neon push socks, side ponytails, tight rolled jeans. And as I sloshed the electric blue eyeshadow on my lids and searched for my brightest barbie-pink lipstick, I could hear the rule clanging around in my brain. And even my pre-teen self questioned it: why the heck not?
In the 1930’s there was a fairly well known operetta called Princess Charming. I have never seen it, but a few clicks down the Google-sphere, and I came to learn that the plot centers around a young princess due to marry an elderly king in order to prevent an uprising in her kingdom. However, as love triangles are known to do, she falls in love instead with a military officer and they elope.
Over the years, I’ve gotten into many conversations with women about vintage (shocker, I know). But, one particular path that we inevitably skip down is the phrase that has come to be known as “the whole vintage thing.” Women who admire bloggers or their favorite instagram ladies, but sigh and say, “I absolutely love that dress. But I could never, you know, do the whole vintage thing.”
I’ve always had a thing for 3D embellishments. Everyone has that feature that gets their pulse racing. Some girls are all about the rose prints. Others spend their lives hunting down the perfect Lilli Ann jacket. For me, nothing will pull my stomach into my throat faster than appliqué. Enter the incredible Maison Murasaki, home to some of the most amazing bespoke vintage-inspired garments in the world.
There is just something about layers in winter that spring and summer can’t touch. I love my sundresses and sandals something fierce, but nothing gets me instantly cozier than knowing I can burst forth with all manner of gloves and cardigans, fun tights and cozy coats. And if the dress I happen to be layering all of those items upon happens to have a snow capped mountain’s majesty feel about it, well so much the better.
This time of year always has a feeling of inevitability. I don’t know what it is. Pre-Thanksgiving always still feels like autumn, where the cool weather is just beginning and we’re only about 3/4 of the way into the year. And then the second the last drumstick has been polished off and the last dish dried, this side of the holiday feels as if we are barreling towards 2018 with a force too powerful to stop.
Ohhh I just love this time of year! The weather is crisp, the egg nog starts flowing, and all of my favorite shops start to glitter with items to add to my wishlist. Despite the fact that life has been insanely busy lately, I cannot deny that I’ve made some time to write to Santa and let him know there are more than a few things I’m hoping will turn up under my tree this year…
There is something amazing about living in a place where you can find a day that breathes a hint of summer’s past in the middle of November. I spent the last several days in DC, shivering to my bones as I scurried between wind swept streets. And a short flight south back to NC, and I found myself in the middle of a quasi-summer. Sure, the autumnal crispness still remains, but it just takes a bit of sun to peak through for me to toss off the cardigan and dash outside, hoping to catch a few rays.
I always get a frisson of excitement when I feel the first few whisps of autumn. Don’t get me wrong – I can (and do!) wax poetic about my sundresses. But, there’s just something about autumnal layers that gets me excited about the fashion possibilities. Textures and plaids and some of my most favorite tights can come out to play. So, I was super excited to see some of the fall offerings at Unique Vintage these past few weeks and I was especially thrilled for the opportunity to take this perfect plaid Hepburn dress by The Pretty Dress Company out…