Pinup, vintage fashion, vintage home, Jane Austen's Emma, and Miracles from Molecules!
This was the summer of yard work! Finally, over a year after moving in, I’ve gotten my yards to a decent place.
I laid pavers in the back yard, planted oleander along the fence, installed a shed, and replanted a few favorites.
Summer’s hot, but that doesn’t mean you’re comfortable baring lots of skin. Whether you dislike your arms, like to maintain modesty, feel like every outfit deserves a finishing touch, or simply want to avoid sun damage, there are ways to top your sleeveless and strapless looks without going all wool crewneck on yourself. Personally, I’m a fan of lightweight cotton cardigans and boleros, but shrugs are another good option for folks looking to maximize ventilation without going sleeveless. Here are some of my favorite options (almost all are available in plus sizes, too!):
Continue reading “Cool casual summer outfit toppers: cardigans and boleros!”
I like labels, but I’m happy to buy something homemade if it’s beautiful and fits well. This bubblegum-pink vintage sun dress – purchased last year on Etsy – totally fits the bill! The fabric is incredibly unique, with its vast harbor scene and vibrant color.
Here, I’m wearing it with a white patent belt by Deadly Dames and white “Polly” style slides by Bordello. Perfect for summer!
The earrings and brooch are vintage ivory from Japan.
Continue reading “Summer Vintage Preview”
A few months ago a mentioned some of my most-anticipated spring clothing items, among them Pinup Couture’s Jenny circle skirts and dresses.
I’m pleased to report that the Jenny items are vibrantly colored and very full. The cotton sateen fabric is thick enough to stay crisp, yet lightweight enough to help you stay cool in summer heat. The skirts are very nearly a complete circle, and look very authentic over crinolines. They are also tea-length, while the Jenny dress comes up just a bit higher.
Continue reading “Outfits of the Season: Jenny skirts, Jenny dress, and ye olde Vamp tops”
I have a summer of home improvement planned. I want to paint my bedroom, kitchen, and upstairs bathroom. I want to shop for more vintage furniture at Midway Antique Mall in Sacramento. I want to fix up my back yard.
If I’m lucky, I’ll complete one of these tasks. Yes, I’m that kind of person. However, I am proud to report that my mother and I successfully cleared and planted a flowerbed along my back patio. Baby. Steps.
Continue reading “Springtime at home: Flowers and a new-old buffet”
Okay, so it’s a poor play on “Polka Dots and Moonbeams,” but I’m obsessed with dots, gingham, and the song, so it kinda works. More importantly, I just bought a great vintage cotton dress that features gingham polka dots – that feeds two birds with one ball of seed!
It’s got a Kay Whitney label and a super double-layered pocket on the front right. Mega late ’50s style; in fact, my mom saw it and immediately informed me that she and her friends had several dresses like this back in the later 1950s and early 1960s.
And here’s “Polka Dots and Moonbeams,” as presented by the Chet Baker Quartet:
For some months now, I’ve been interested in the adorably gingham Gretel dress by Collectif. It’s got everything a gal hungry for summer really needs: red gingham cotton (you know, picnic style!) fabric, heart buttons down the front of the bodice, lace trim, and well-placed halter straps. I know that lots of people aren’t comfortable wearing halter-style dresses, but this one’s different. With a good strapless bra, the ties put no pressure at all on the back of my neck! Continue reading “Outfits of the Week: Collectif Gretel dress and Whirling Turban wingbust dress”
How’s this for an oxymoron? I’m always on the lookout for new vintage! This spring, I’ve found a perfectly pastel beaded cardigan in Easter yellow, a gorgeous late 1940s A-line dress with an illusion bodice and keyhole detail, and a cute pair of white porcelain kitten bookends by Lefton Japan. Who needs bunnies when you can have cute little white kitties on your bookshelf? Continue reading “Spring Vintage!”