I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way, but I swear summer days move more quickly than winter days. And I don’t just mean in a daylight savings type of way, but more a blink-and-you-miss-it-because-summer-is-much-more-fun type of way. Summer afternoons zip happily by in a fiery swirl of lazy cocktails, BBQs, and travel, without a care in the world. On the other hand, winter days crawl forward inch by frozen inch, reaching for a tomorrow that always feels just out of reach.
Needless to say, summer is nearly over. Our fall semester is starting up again and I’m more than a little dreading it. While I definitely appreciate the pace, the linearity, and the consistency of a set schedule, I know my world is about to kick into overdrive. There were some major challenges to face this summer – but the unalienable truth is: summer always has this glorious absence of guilt if you want to head out of work early to meet friends for drinks. An ebbing of the ever-present anxiety. It always seems to come with more time to think and just be. The things you “should” be doing take on a rather fuzzy quality, while those things you’d rather do always skip merrily to the forefront…
Awhile back, I snagged this stunning handprinted dress from True Vintage, whose print always reminded me of a fiery inferno licking up the hem, protecting you from a world that wants to burn you. I have been a longtime fan of Lori’s shop, which is currently on indefinite hold, as she is currently managing a severe and unexpected health emergency. The outpouring of love and support I’ve seen sent her way from all corners of the vintage community reminds me that, even in those darkest moments, support to prop you up can come from the most unexpected places.
I wore this dress today to send Lori all of the love and hope I can muster. Although we can’t take away the tough road ahead, please know that we are all here, walking through the flames beside you.
I feel like, even on a good day, many of us leave our homes to feel as if we’re walking into the inferno. Deadlines to meet and fires to put out, never sure if we will be engulfed in the flames of a random Tuesday, the air too thick with smoke to make our way home. And yet somehow, often a bit singed and worse for wear, we somehow find the exit and gulp the fresh air. Whether that’s meeting friends for dinner. Snuggling on the couch with my Mister. Losing myself in a new sewing project. We find a bit of hope rising from the ashes and start all over again.
Whether big or small, in times of stress and anxiety (which always comes on the heels of an impending new semester for me), I inevitably turn to my wardrobe to snag a sense of control. I guess if there is one thing to look forward to when summer starts to give up her fight, is the cooler days and cozy layers (including this insane 1970’s denim jacket I got from Hellhound Vintage, which might be my new go-to staple through autumn).
But, at least for the next few days, I’m going to enjoy my summer sundresses and last few gulps of fresh air, before stepping into the oncoming flames of a new semester.
I guess summer is no place for a Girl on Fire.
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: True Vintage Fashion (similar modern and vintage here, here, and here)
1970’s Jacket: Hellhound Vintage (similar here & here)
Necklace: Swarovski, sold out (similar)
Petticoat: c/o Petticoats by Lori
Handbag: gift, Betsey Johnson
Shoes: Christian Louboutin, thrifted (similar here & thrifted CLs here)
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Any items marked with a “c/o” (courtesy of) a retailer mean I was provided with an item for free in exchange for a review and/or feature on my blog. I always provide my honest opinion of any item I’m reviewing, regardless of whether it was sent to me as a courtesy item or if I purchased it myself. In addition, this post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links or ads on this site, I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase at no cost to you, which helps with the day-to-day running costs of my blog.