I’ve oddly found myself drawn to rabbit-themed items lately – it’s inexplicable, as Easter is months away and, although fluffy and cute, I’m not sure I would even count bunnies in my Top 10 list of animals. And yet, this Kate Spade handbag somehow hippity-hopped off of the cyber pages and onto my arm recently. And my very-favorite whimsical Irregular Choice bunny wedges seemed to shout at me from inside my closet this morning. What the bunny foo foo is going on?
Ever since I could remember, I was a fan of accessories – color and bling, they can frost a gal like nothing else can. When I was younger, I was a complete magpie, ferreting out the necklaces, bracelets and rings from every store that I went into. As I grew and really came into my vintage-loving own, I discovered an unsung hero in the world of accessories: The Brooch.
There are a few things that are vital to any vintage girl’s wardrobe. I think we might all argue over the finer details – whether the black eyeliner that gives you the perfect cat eye or those 1940’s inspired heels are more important. But there is one thing that we can all agree upon: no self-respecting vintage-loving gal can get very far without her arsenal of petticoats.
I know what you’re thinking. “But Kara! Shark Week was MONTHS ago.” Well, dear readers, it’s time I come clean: In my world of marine biology and shark neuroscience, every week is shark week. And in true shark week fashion, I could think of no better option than to finally burst forth in a vintage novelty print I have hunted for years, but only just managed to recently acquire…
I have always ascribed to the belief that getting dressed every morning is a bit of a joyous occasion. I stand before my closet, coffee in hand, and wonder who’s story I get to be a part of today. Will I opt for short and flippy, floral and feminine, or dark and mysterious? Will I reach for an uber modern shoe or a 40’s inspired Mary Jane? Simple or statement? One crinoline or two? And then the most important question: do I feel powerful? If the answer is yes, then I go forth and conquer the day.
Something I have always been very passionate about is shopping small. Supporting small business owners and helping to build up a community of eclectic places to source gifts, clothing, and homewares makes me feel as though I’m doing my part, however small, to support the actual people behind those shops. Unlike a big box retailer, I like knowing there’s a face behind my purchase, doing a little happy dance when my order comes through.
One thing I will say for my family is that they always manage to get behind my passions. From announcing my profession at 5-years old, to my decision to move halfway around the world, to this crazy love for hunting down embellished vintage amazingness. Even if they secretly thought I was crazy, they never let on. Instead, they would grab the pom poms and throw themselves into cheerleading me with the same fervor that I was chasing down my dreams with.
If my heart belongs to vintage, my soul definitely belongs to shoes. As you’ve no doubt noticed over the years, I have a love for novelty shoes and accessories. And if those items happen to be shoes and accessories masquerading as food of some sort, I simply can’t resist. You may have noticed one brand in particular, Shoe Bakery, tends to grace the area south of my ankles more often than any other. So, I thought it was high time to give you a bit of insight into all of their amazingness.
Some pieces speak to me in their stories – dresses that come from the past seem to come with their own salacious history. Other pieces speak to me in their shape, their print, their color. Let’s just say that this amazing ombre dress from eShakti called my name from miles away…
As a scientist, I’m lucky enough to get to travel a lot for work – tissue collection, conferences, invited talks – they take me far and wide, often to places I may not have gone otherwise. And although these trips are often chock full of meetings and scientific shenanigans, a perk of the job is squaring away a bit of free time to explore my surroundings and get to know a new city. Yeah, you can read that as: Kara Hunts For Vintage.