I was feeling pretty bolstered by my last sewing project and almost immediately jumped to the next. Given I have about 50 things in my head at any one time I want to create, plus an overflowing tailoring pile, the time I have never quite meets the time I need for sewing. However, after kicking the Imposter Syndrome squarely in the eye with my Garden of Eden dress, I didn’t stop to doubt myself and simply plunged on ahead.
I think we can all fall victim to a bit of Imposter Syndrome – you know, where despite your talent and skill, you feel that you really don’t know anything. And that it’s just a matter of time before your secret is revealed and you’re outed as a fraud. I think I’ve been internalizing this Imposter Syndrome with my sewing – despite the number of projects I’ve accomplished, I’ve always chalked it up to luck or the help that I’ve had along the way…
It’s funny how life imitates fairytales sometimes. As we’re winding down the semester, I can’t help but feel as if I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole. That I’m constantly running late (for a very important date) or ending up at tea parties (serving adult drinks) where everyone, myself included, seems a bit mad. That no day is complete without a bit of an identity crisis, with an endless croquet match I can never seem to win. Needless to say, with the end in sight and these final few weeks upon us, I’m feeling like a headless Cheshire Cat more than…
As many of you are probably aware, I don’t really “do” pants. I sprouted up like a beanpole when I was 12. Pants were always too short on me and I could never find any that made me feel amazing. Even as an adult, I find them terribly uncomfortable and there are only very few pairs I have ever really seen eye to eye with. Don’t get me wrong – pants are sometimes a necessary evil. I’m not going to wear my vintage dresses on a 36 hour flight across the world or to paint our living room. But those…
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.
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…
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.
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.
I have always appreciated a bit of dichotomy in my clothes. A dash of sweet and sour, dark and light. Now, don’t get me wrong, I can embrace a good theme and go full tilt into saccharine, but there is something about a look that has a bit of push/pull that makes me stop and look again. I think it’s because, just like people, clothing should be layered. None of us are ever one thing – why should our wardrobe?