My husband and I have a rule around the holidays – we need to avoid buying things for ourselves from December 1. Reason being, we don’t want to run the risk of doubling up (which has only almost happened once with a handbag I got myself). I’m (mostly) pretty good about following this rule, except in rare cases with a vintage piece that stops my heart. So, come December 1, I lustfully drool over many glittery things in shop windows, but try to remain true to The Rule.
Happy Christmas Eve! Truthfully, there are so many things I love about Christmas. Getting to spend time with my loved ones. Having a well deserved break from the pressures of work. The unmistakable magic and sparkle in the air. But, it has to be said that one of my very favorite parts of Christmas is a never ending supply of reasons to dress up! And if I can find a way to be a veritable Christmas tree, well that makes my holiday season even merrier…
Truth be told, I’ve never been much of a party animal. Now, I can go out and let my hair down on occasion with the best of ’em, and certainly pulled a few all nighters back in the day, but it was never the place I felt most myself. Even in college I far preferred a night in with friends, binge watching our favorite movies, than a visit to a frat party. I always wanted quiet conversation over loud nights with strangers (or occasionally loud conversation over silent, awkward first dates). People have always said I was an old soul,…
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…
This has been a very odd week. Our University has reopened, which brings with it the positives of getting back to a routine and seeing for myself that my students are alright and that my campus community is slowly rebuilding. But, the stress around me is palpable, as we all wander around in a stupor of coming to terms with our new reality and our new surroundings. Trying to stay positive, but falling victim to the shock and subsequent guilt (at how lucky I was) in equal measure. This, coupled with an emotionally charged week where I realized just how…
In ballet, allégro is a term applied to bright, fast or brisk steps and movement. Although I never had any fantasies as a young girl of wanting to be a ballerina (but the layers of tulle I can definitely get behind), I have a sneaking suspicion I’d be pretty awesome at this move. As soon as the semester hit, I’ve been briskly stepping just about everywhere.
Part of what makes vintage amazing is the hunt – wondering where the next gem will be hiding. It’s the thing that keeps us digging through racks of consignment stores, feverishly browsing our tried and true vintage shops, and “just having a quick look” as we pass through Small Town, Population 50, thinking this could be the place that holds the illusive Holy Grail.
To me, there are definitely some items in my closet I just couldn’t live without. Usually described as “basics,” these are the staples of your wardrobe. It should be the pieces you know you can reach for that go with just about everything. Now, in my world, this probably doesn’t mean what you think it means. I’m not talking about black pants and neutrals. I find the basic foundation of my wardrobe include full skirts, novelty prints, bright colors and that perfect go-with-everything striped tee….
If there’s one thing to love about summer, it’s sundresses! Bugs and sweltering heat aside, there’s nothing like being able to throw on a single item and feeling instantly put together. I’ve definitely been reaching for my spaghetti strap dresses more and more now that we’re in the official throws of summer – with a pair of sandals and bit of extra SPF on my burn-happy shoulders, I’m good to go!
The sun kissed summer has finally arrived – and that always translates to fun summer sundresses! With all the traveling I’ve been doing lately, I find I’ve been tucking my vintage-inspired pieces into my suitcase more and more – they tend to be less wrinkle prone, I worry less when they’re compressed in a tiny box for long-distance flights, and there is a bevy of adorable retro prints to choose from. I have to say, Unique Vintage has been killing’ it with their novelty prints lately and I’ve had any eye on more than a few pieces…