1950s for Spring

     I'm so happy it's springtime.  I think this winter was the last straw and I'm ready to migrate south next year; I guess I'm finally accepting the fact that I'm always freezing.  Here is what I'm normally wearing out and about come springtime, when it's time to shed the dark colored clothes and heavy boots.  

     It used to feel overwhelming trying to find something vintage and comfy and pretty to wear during the day; a lot of vintage shops and stores highlight dresses over all else, and that isn't always practical.  But with some trial and error, I found my go-to outfits for a day of shopping or running errands.  I get a lot of inspiration from teen outfits in the '50s, actually.  They're cute, functional, but still body-hugging and grown up.  If you don't have a pair of saddle shoes, go get some; it'll change your life (for real, ladies).

Image via the50shousewife.com

Image via Wikimedia, from an ad for T. C. Beirne's department store

Image via VintageDancer.com

Jeans by Merona, at Target

 Shirt from Lands End

Shoes from Payless

A Case of the Blues

This is the first vintage find that I ever purchased, almost 8 years ago.  This dress is near and dear to me, despite the fact that I repeatedly tried to get rid of it or sell it!  I guess I just couldn't make it work before, but now with practice wearing vintage clothes, it's one of my favorites.  My talented mom basically took it apart and put it back together, replacing the weak seams and making it fit better on me, too.  (Me + sewing machine = disaster.  I call mom instead.)  Now this is one of my favorite party dresses, perfectly comfortable and flattering at the same time.

Dress: Vintage, thrifted

Shoes: Target

Bag: a gift from my mom

Winter Sunset

I'm so happy to show you the rest of the photos taken by the wonderful Naomi of Fresh Images Photography!  I've always loved the 1920's (watching Louise Brooks in her prime is still one of the most glorious cinematic experiences ever) and the era made a huge impression on me when I was learning how to my makeup and hair.  I've been hooked on Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (more on that later), and no small part due to the clothes.  Ladies in the 1920's knew how to dress for fun and for impact, and even though the popular silhouette was commonly boyish, the fabrics and details were very delicate and fanciful.  I came across a fringed sheer kimono that adds a cool Bohemian flapper touch to any dress.  

Here Naomi used the soft sunlight to show off the textures and warmth of the outfit.

 Dress and robe: Target

Hat: thrifted

Necklace: Forever21

Earrings: jade stones from my mom

For more of Naomi's work, visit FreshImagesPhotography.com

Misty Moors

(...Or, the best I could do for moors when there isn't really a flat plain anywhere near me.)

I've been on a Victorian/Bronte sisters kick lately; any form of Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre is okay by me.  I've been trying to channel it for fall with frilly lace, chunky sweaters, and tough shoes and boots.  The practical-but-ladylike costuming in films set in that era are an endless inspiration of springing from the clash of austerity and meticulous beauty.  The strict observation of fashion amidst a wild landscape is a contradiction too good not to experiment with.

Dress: Vintage

Slip: Vintage

Sweater: Landsend

Shoes: Payless

Makeup is ELF shadow, Nyx Matte lipstick  in Snow White

Suited for Fall

 Hello folks!  I hope this autumn is treating you all well so far.  Though the weather has gotten warmer this week, we have a wonderful view of changing leaves and fall colors.  Just in time for fall, I happened to find this awesome vintage suit at a local vintage shop (more on that soon, I promise!).  I also just heard about the Fall Photo Contest at Emily's Vintage Visions, and I immediately knew that this suit would fit in wonderfully with the theme.  

I paired the suit with a red blouse, vintage pearl brooch and earrings, and some department store t-straps.  I also found a fedora at a local overstock store which adds a little sporty, outdoorsy touch to the outfit (and for a deal, too!).

You should really check out the contest; it looks to have some great entries so far and it's being judged in part by the lovely Jessica from Chronically Vintage.  I'm sure the entries will give us lots of inspiration for the next few months.

Suit: Vintage, thrifted (the brand is Jaunty Juniors)

Faux-fur collar: Target

• Have you come across any new favorite items to wear this fall?
• How are you channeling your own style into the newest fashions for the year?
• I'm starting to think about how on earth I'm going to keep warm in my vintage as the weather gets cold.   Any tips or ideas?
  

Backyard Explorer

One day, I wanted to dress a little like an old-timey explorer.  So I did.

The most exotic wild animal I saw on my trek was a stray cat.  But that'll do.

Dress: Worthington, via eBay

Shoes: Rocketdog

Cotton Candy

A few years ago, my husband bought me my first proper vintage dress from the first proper vintage shop I visited.  I took some photos of it awhile ago, but I felt it deserved some proper love to show off its gauzy, cotton candy pink beauty.  I think it's a late '50s design, without any indication of a designer or brand.  It's the perfect summer dress, versatile and light and airy.