Pink Lemonade

Pink Lemonade - The Dressed Aesthetic

There are certain types of clothing I just can’t resist. By now, you’ve realized that includes border prints. Full skirts. 1950’s deadstock. Like Pavlov’s dog, I hear the bell of vintage ring and I’m ready to answer (and drool appropriately). But, my other weakness (for some odd reason) is fruit-adorned anything. Give me a peach tree bag. Blueberry embroidery. Ice cream heels. Put fruit on it or make it resemble something consumable and the world goes fuzzy around the edges as I dreamily reach for my Visa card….

Spring Swing

Spring Swing - The Dressed Aesthetic

With the worldwide kerfuffle that seems to be happening with the weather lately, I almost forget that there’s a plus side to cooler weather hanging around the party longer than is polite: I get to bust out some of my favorite vintage swing coats! And I have to be honest, a beauty like this embroidered Bataldi swing coat from La Belle Vintage kind of makes me long for an eternal winter…

{Review} Barbie World:
Unique Vintage Barbie Collection Swing Skirt

{Review} Barbie World: Unique Vintage Barbie Collection Swing Skirt

As is probably true of most little girls, I had an impressive collection of Barbies when I was younger. Although there’s a lot of discussion on whether or not Barbies set up unrealistic body image, I never looked at them that way. My Barbie’s were my opportunity to have grown up adventures. To travel the world while staying safely in the playroom in our attic. To try my hand at making clothes and experimenting with fashion. To fancy myself a hairdresser, usually with disastrous results. They represented the world that sat just outside of my microcosm, ready and waiting for…

Another Year Wiser

Another Year Wiser - The Dressed Aesthetic

Believe it or not, my birthday was on March 15 and life has been such a whirlwind lately I’m only NOW getting to posting the outfit! However, the awesomeness of the day has definitely lingered these past few weeks. Although some people dread their birthday more and more with each passing year, I have big plans to celebrate hard and age gracefully…

Trompe L’Oeil

Trompe L’Oeil - The Dressed Aesthetic

I’ve got (more than) a little bit of a thing for novelty prints – particularly photorealistic prints or forced perspective. I’ve only recently discovered this term, but it perfectly describes the things that I’m drawn to: Trompe l’oeil is a visual illusion art technique, where images are painted or drawn to resemble 3D objects. Like a painting that looks as if the walkway continues through it. Or a deck of cards painted on a table to look as if they’re really there. It’s one of those prints you need to look thrice at, because you just can’t tell if it’s a…

{Favorites} Quarter Year Craziness

{Favorites} Quarter Year Craziness - The Dressed Aesthetic

Phew, what an amazing first quarter of the year this has been! I swear, I blinked the day after Christmas and suddenly found myself in April. Now, April is one of the best times of year in my world. Firstly, it’s when the weather here in NC stops being fickle and turns plain lovely. Secondly, it’s the final month of the semester – all of us Professors have a bit more bounce in our step, as the end of the madness is in sight!

Me, Myself & Eyelet

Me, Myself & Eyelet - The Dressed Aesthetic

There are all kinds of people in the world. Introverts. Extroverts. Dreamers. Realists. Sports fanatics and ballet enthusiasts. The butchers, the bakers, The candlestick makers. And there are those who thrive on being around people. Who love the frenetic pulse of a crowd and, should they find a moment to themselves, have a burst of energy to call someone immediately and head out. And though I love spending time with my husband, have definitely been blessed with an amazing set of friends, and can certainly hold my own at a party, truth be told some of my very favorite moments are…

The Color-Run-Mergency

The Color-Run-Mergency - The Dressed Aesthetic

I’m sure you all remember this amazing rose-printed dress from a few posts back. Well, we had a bit of an emergency week before last and her life hung in the balance for a good 24 hours. I will forewarn you, fellow readers, this is not a story for the faint of heart. There is some crying, some damaged vintage, and a few choice words being slung around my bathroom. If you have a hardy constitution and can handle a few heart stopping moments, read on….

{Giveaway} And the Winner Is…..

{Giveaway} And the Winner Is - The Dressed Aesthetic

At long last, my 3-year Blog-a-versary Giveaway has ended and the winner of the $100 Etsy gift card has been chosen! I know many of you have been on pins and needles waiting for the results (now that you mention it – so am I!). Firstly, I would like to thank Etsy for sponsoring this amazing giveaway. They have been huge supporters of my blog from the start and I have loved working closely with them over the years.

{Review} Caffeination Nation:
Vendula London Coffee Truck Grab Bag

{Review} Caffeination Nation: Vendula London Coffee Truck Grab Bag - The Dressed Aesthetic

I have and will forever be enamored with novelty bags. Although some people like their neutrals. Their satchels and holdalls. I sail right past those bags to the ones shaped like a piece of fruit or woodland creature. Which is why I squirm like an eager puppy every time Vendula London comes out with their latest range. If you haven’t heard of them before, Vendula is known for making amazing vegan-friendly novelty bags of all shapes and sizes.