As I’m sure is the case for most bloggers, we start out with the best of intentions. We want our blogs to be an extension of us, and therefore try to write in real time. Sharing moments as they happen, photographing our day to day. And then you actually start a blog, and the reality sinks in. That life – from deadlines, to unexpected inclement weather, to the blissful call of your pillow – can creep in and throw all of those best laid plans at the fan….
As you may recall, I just recently celebrated my 4-year blogaversary, my own birthday, AND the milestone of hitting 20K followers on Instagram. To celebrate, I partnered with Etsy to offer one lucky winner a $100 Etsy gift card (!!!). I know many of you have been on pins and needles waiting for the results (as have 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.
Like most women I know, I’ve got a thing for accessories. And because my penchant veers towards things of the past, I’m always on the hunt for beautiful vintage pieces that won’t break the bank. Unfortunately, this is becoming harder and harder, particularly for those stunning carved bakelite bangles. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered Splendette, a vintage-inspired jewelry brand that makes stunning bangles with matching earrings, necklaces and rings of the midcentury persuasion…
Most days, a bit of dichotomy is what keeps things interesting. A warm breeze on a cool day. A splash of salty and sweet. Stripes mixed with polka dots. As we’re in that glorious transition between cool and warm weather, I’m reaching for contrasts more than ever. I can’t help but crave mixed prints, cardigans and sundresses, and a bit of yin to my yang.
Well, that magical time of year is upon us – our girl has turned 4 this month!! I’m always a bit surprised when my blog-a-versary rolls around every year. Sort of like turning a corner and smacking into someone you didn’t expect to be there. As my blog’s birthday also coincides with my own, it is high time for some good old fashioned celebrations!
Truth be told, hats and I have always had a tricky relationship. We’ll eye each other up across the room, but it’s rare that we ever make a good match. While my sister seems to be able to wear just about any chapeau dropped upon her head, I can never seem to find the right one (save for a select few). I’ve always just considered it a category of fashion that my closet is a little lean on. But, trust Vendula London to swoop in and prove that all the things I think about myself were really just marking time…
One of the biggest buzzes I get is spotting a vintage ad for the garments I own. In some weird way, although they’re made of fabric and I can actually hold them in my hand, vintage somehow still feels unreal – like it could disappear at any moment. But, when you see the ad for the dress, there’s something that takes it from the abstract and into someone’s living room. A thing that existed in a shop window or a catalogue. It’s not a piece of the past, but was once very much a piece of someone’s present.
Last week everyone in my Department received the email that we all dread: our upcoming Annual Review is nearly upon us. This simply marks a time of year where we have to meet with our Chair and discuss areas where we’re hitting our milestones and areas where we need improvement. This also means we have to flex our typing fingers and start putting our Annual Report document together – basically listing out your academic accomplishments for the year across predetermined categories, distilled down to 6 pages of text. No more, no less.
Valentine’s Day means a lot of different things for a lot of different people, because love comes in many forms. Some might head out on the town with their significant other. Others stay in. Some use it as a great excuse to celebrate with their ladies and have a full on Galentine’s. Some wear all black and avoid the day all together. Others might decide it’s a day to love themselves, complete with pampering session and a perfect, dry glass of champagne. However you decided to be present on Feb 14th, whether it was to celebrate or let it pass…
There are a lot of wonderful things about blogging. I love having a space where I have full creative freedom. Where I can share everything from the minutiae of my day to the passion I have for a 1950’s Suzy Perette in my size on sale. And then there’s the people I’ve met – the amazing community I am lucky enough to be a part of. From other vintage aficionados to working with amazing small business owners, connecting to people around the world has definitely put the cherry on my blogging sundae.