As you guys have all heard by now, there are some big changes heading our way! With the difficult task of fitting all of our lives in a shipping container and embarking on our next overseas adventure, I turned a critical eye to my wardrobe and am letting go of things I no longer wear.
By now, I think most of you have a firm grip on my style. Though the characters change, the storyline is generally the same: fitted bodice, cinched waist, and a full twirly skirt. But as I said last year, I think it’s always important to step outside of our style comfort zones now and again and boldly go where my lower half rarely ventures…
I’m a huge fan of mixing prints and rather enjoy trying to push the boundaries of fashionably acceptable on a daily basis. A lot of ladies ask about the basics of combining two seemingly disparate prints, which can be intimidating if you don’t do it often. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to mixing prints, but I have the best success with a few basic guidelines.
About once a year, the unthinkable happens. I reach into the depths of my wardrobe and find pieces that should find their way to new homes. Whether they are garments that never quite fit properly, vintage pieces I rescued in the hopes of tailoring (but never did), or beautiful things that I find I simply don’t wear, I’m listing them here in the hopes that they find their next leading lady. have to admit, it’s not an easy process for me. I am the consummate hoarder – because you just never know if a particular garment will suit a particular occasion you have’t…
I’m sure I’m not the only one who wakes up on occasion and just wishes that, instead of work, I could go to the beach instead. Now, I know what you’re all thinking: “Ummm…aren’t you a marine biologist? Don’t you work at the beach?” I have a sad reality to confess (especially to any younguns out there who dream of becoming a marine biologist so they can spend their days sunbathing and swimming with dolphins): Although I hate to rain on the Awesome Job Fantasy Parade, most of the time we sad seafarers are in the lab looking down a microscope…
Though a bit of a departure from my normal fit and flare silhouette, sometimes a gal needs a skirt that hugs her curves. I’ve had this Bettie Page pencil skirt for years and it always seems to find its way off of the shelf and into my arms on days when I need to earn a few gold stars. I don’t know why, but there’s something about today’s outfit that just screams “Apple for Teacher.” If that won’t earn me gold stars, I don’t know what will.
Robert Frost is and will probably forever be one of my favorite poets of all time. His poetry has popped up at very key moments in my life; I even used one of his works in the frontispiece of my PhD. Needles to say, Frosty and I are old friends. One of his iconic works “Nothing Gold Can Stay” speaks to how fleeting everything is, particularly the most perfect and meaningful things in our lives.
I’ve done a fair bit of traveling in my life, and have lived in some weird and wonderful places. From the bright lights of Boston all the way to a tiny fishing village in New Zealand, back to sunny San Diego and then across to peaceful Perth. And although I would never call myself a City Girl, because I love the outdoors too much, there is just something about the pace of a bustling metropolis that feels so invigorating.
Something I find amazing about bygone eras is the effort put into dressing seemingly for every aspect of life. Awhile back, I scooped up this stunning vintage quilted jacket, cozy and warm with an appliquéd rose dancing on her shoulder. It wasn’t until later when she arrived on my doorstep and I clocked the label inside, I realized that this beauty was once-upon-a-time designed as ‘Lounging Apparel.” I love that the simple act of being at home and relaxing was reason enough to dress up. Cause then getting all dressed up for a Wednesday seems downright normal.
Ladybug, ladybird, May bug – the first taste of spring has more than a few names. The subject of many a nursery rhyme and many a superstition, I can’t help but anthropomorphize just a bit and imagine when I’m lucky enough to spot a ladybug merrily zipping my way, she is completely aware of her adorableness and charm as she blows me a kiss (and who doesn’t love a cute red and black polka dot coat?) It’s actually a common misconception that you can tell a ladybug’s age by counting her spots, but that’s just a myth. A lady never reveals her age…