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.
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.
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…
I think we’re all trying to get more versatility out of our wardrobe – to figure out new ways to mix and match what we have and make it look new again. This isn’t always the easiest task when you’re as into bright colors, bold prints, and novelty handbags as I am – it’s kind of obvious when you wear those things several times. But enter the latest range of handbags from Vendula London…
Ladies and gentlemen, I am wearing pants. Now, before you start to think that the fabric of the universe has started to unravel, I must assure you that I am of sound mind and body and that, although this is an anomalous occurrence, it does in fact happen. Generally, it happens when I’m in the field chasing sharks, on a 36 hour flight, or, as in this case, when a pair of pants is just too cute to pass up….
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….
These days I do the bulk of my shopping online. I think this is partly due to the natural progression of technology – there is a veritable ambrosia of options with the few clicks of a button. And when I lived in Australia, I struggled to find shops that had the kind of clothing I loved, so I would naturally venture cyber-ward more and more. After so many years of being used to online shopping, I developed a practiced eye for the way something might fit me – a model or blogger shot could usually reveal whether the cut would…
As is true for most of us, I’m always on the lookout for ways to spice up my wardrobe. Although I absolutely have my tried and true shops I frequent (both vintage and vintage inspired), discovering a new shop comes with it it’s own thrill. In particular, I love discovering new small businesses – shops that source local material and put time and care into the art they create. Enter SAMDE La Jupe.
There are some projects that simply take forever. Not because they’re particularly complicated, but because life just… happens. Several years ago now (it’s actually embarrassing to think about how long ago it was…), I started to draft this dress. Like most of my creations, she was born from a true vintage piece that could never be mine. And as with most unrequited loves, I forlornly tucked her into the back of my mind. But, I never forgot her.
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!