Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Bittersweet Symphony

OK, I have just deleted the opening sentence to this post over twenty times. Here it is:  I want to let everyone know what is currently going on for a few different reasons......1) I am going to take a short break from the fashion blogosphere, and 2) I never fully realized the incredible friendships I have formed from this blog until today.

1) The reason for the break: Unfortunately, my husband (Robin) was in a very bad motorcycle accident on Monday. He was hit (the other driver was sited) by a SUV and thrown 10-15 feet in the air.  He was found unconscious by paramedics, and his motorcycle was in 2 different pieces. I always knew my husband was super-human, but I did not know to what extent until Monday. He should not be alive after an accident like that, but somehow he is sitting next to me on the couch right now. He underwent extensive surgery on his left arm, and has casts on both arms. He is pretty banged up everywhere else, but I could not be happier with life right now. I still have my mister!!! :)  Here is a funny little video that my father in law made on Robin's way into surgery. We love humor and laughing at somewhat inappropriate times. About 40 minutes after this video, we found out that the hand I was holding was broke too!! Oops!!






Now this is where the situation gets complicated. I have tried not to let my recent surgery become the focus of my blog and though I have mentioned it a few times I really have never communicated just how it has affected Robin and I's lives. Everyday Robin helps shower and dress me. I am unable to bend down at all, drive, or put any weight on my leg until at least February. With both of Robin's arms in casts, he can no longer help me, and I have limitations on how much I am able to help him. We aren't even able to drive to the grocery store or to our doctor and therapy appointments! All of our family are going to be taking turns staying with us and caring for us, and we are going to rely on our amazing friends as well.

I plan on still reading everyone else's blogs (I enjoy it so much!), and maybe after a week or so starting to post again. Outfit photos are on hold for a while, as Robin always took the photos, and there is no way that I can negotiate carrying and setting up a tripod on crutches! I do have a few outfits photographed from last week that I may post though! :)

2) I was brought to tears today by the kindness of a few amazing blogging friends. My mother in law brought in an enormous package from the mail for me. I opened it to find endless amounts of gifts gorgeously wrapped. It was a vintage lover's dream care package! There were mittens, necklaces, hair bows, socks, vintage sweaters, gloves, scarves, a brooch, my favorite candy, mugs, and more! I seriously cannot believe how friends that I have never actually met came together and created this. A heartfelt thank you to Cindy of Hellcat Vintage, Maria of Lulu Letty, Claire of Mamushka Marie, Christina of Second Skin, Tracy of Ollie Otson, Chelsea of dearilou,  Fabiola of Vested Bee Vintage, and Clare of Objects Found!

You all will never know how much I was touched by this! I wish I could thank each one of you personally with a huge hug! It could not have come at a better time (the day Robin got home from the hospital!), and how much it brightened my week. Amazing. I cannot wait until I can style everything and photograph it for the blog. Until that time I took a photo of the spirit lifting package:


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I also wanted to thank all of the readers who have left wonderfully encouraging messages and notes for me as well! This is such a fantastic community of people, and I am blessed to be a part of it!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Holiday Hair Trials

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I think it is safe to say that I may be a bit too excited for the upcoming holidays (but is there really such a thing?!).  My excitement, combined with the fact that I get sick of wearing my hair the same way everyday resulted in some experimenting.  I spent a lazy Sunday trying out a few fancy, vintage inspired holiday hairdos. This was the first time I attempted finger waves and pin curls myself (I say myself because the gentleman who styled my hair for my wedding very unsuccessfully attempted them).  I was actually quite pleased with how they turned out, and it really took no time at all! I wanted just a few finger waves surrounding my face, then cascading into pin curls.  I just can't wait until my hair is long enough to try some Veronica Lake inspired loose waves!

Prior to doing this, I scoured the internet for how-to directions for finger waves and pin curls. I found a good one for pin curls with more body by Aya, but most others were confusing or required tons of product and ended up looking stiff and greasy (not soft like I wanted).  I ended up just trying a few different thoughts and methods that I conjured up myself. Obviously, I am quite a vintage hairstyling rookie, but a DIY post may be quite fun.....Should I make a DIY post including photos or a video of how I created the finger waves and pin curls? If so, would you prefer it in photo or video format?

Friday, December 11, 2009

Flashback Inspirations


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All images via fanpop


On Wednesday evening, I got together with a few friends for a wonderfully fun girl's night. Sometime during our evening of pottery painting, the conversation turned to literature. We discussed current reads and past favorites. Long after the conversation had transitioned to another topic, I found myself still thinking of my favorite books from the past. I remember being so engulfed in Anne of Green Gables, and to this day I still have a mental picture of Anne haphazardly walking on the roof. Naturally, my mind soon switched to fashions reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables.

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Blouse: UO...Vintage Watch Pin: Nonnie Treasure's on etsy...Vest: Modcloth...Boater Hat: ebay...Vintage Victorian Boots: Miss Gaylee on etsy
These are a few of my favorite Anne inspired pieces. I can imagine myself mixing these pieces with more modern ones, or wearing them all together with a pair of dark, high waist jeans for an updated period look.

What were your favorite books/ movies growing up? Where do you draw fashion inspiration from?

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Winter White

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Sweater: UO
Dress: Vintage (estate sale)
Belt: Vintage (a now defunct vintage store)
White Tights: Target
Lace Tights: Urban Outfitters
Vintage Booties: Etsy
Cocktail Ring: Pangea (Nashville)

The majority of the time after uploading my photos, I give the files rather bland and meaningless names such as "shoes.jpg" or "bluedress.jpg."  Today I named the above photos "eh_outfit.jpg," eh_outfit2.jpg," etc.  I didn't put too much thought into the file names, however they very accurately reflect my feelings: eh. I am not too fond of the proportions of this outfit, and though I love the look of each piece individually, I'm not crazy about the combination.

I suppose we all have those eh outfit days from time to time. My feelings about this outfit may be exacerbated by the fact that I am in the middle of a Madmen marathon, and it makes me want to be nothing less and fancifully dressed to the nines at all times!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Gingham Grunge

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Favorite vintage boots!

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Cardigan: Jcrew
Red Gingham Bodysuit: Vintage (estate sale)
Belt: Vintage (estate sale)
Skirt: Super sale @ UO
Tights: Target
Boots: Vintage (ebay)
Purse: Vintage (thrifted)
Bracelet: Vintage necklace (estate sale)

 I have been living in these boots! They are just the perfect pair of fall/winter boots....they already have so much wear/character, thus I do not need to worry if they get any rain or snow on them. Not that we have had any snow in Nashville yet. I am so jealous of all of the Northern bloggers and their white, fluffy backdrops in their photos (i.e. the gorgeous Tieka of Selective Potential)! I am hoping that snow will welcome me to Ohio for the holidays!

How is everyone's holiday shopping coming along? I have done most of mine online, which has been rather convenient and relaxing. Crutches and rushed, pushy holiday shoppers just don't mix! :)

Monday, December 7, 2009

Giveaway Time + Perricone Coupon!

Preface: When I first started this blog I possessed remedial computer skills and lacked a sense of direction. The more I became involved in the blogosphere, the more passionate I became about learning html and Adobe programs, and I developed a much greater sense of what I desired this blog to be. I soon realized that bloggers sift through an immense amount of emails from companies advertisting their products. It was then that I promised myself that I would never include content on this blog that was not directly relevant to my interests, because afterall, this blog is a direct reflection of my interests, hobbies, and passions.

Now onto the giveaway: I was particularly drawn to a recent email from the Perricone company. I have had a nagging issue with problem/unbalanced skin for over 10 years (I was even on Accutane last year, and my skin issues are slowly starting to resurface), so I visited their site out of curiousity. They offered a great giveaway for my readers.  I decided to sample the products first to see if they were actually of interest to me. I can honestly say that I am amazed at the change in my skin in just the last week, and I haven't even worn concealer in two days! *Squeel*  Thus, I am excited to offer the following giveaway:

*One lucky reader will get to pick a Perricone product of their choice 
(under $200)!




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Giveaway Rules: 
**Leave a comment, telling me what kind of skincare product you are looking for/what has not worked for you in the past
**A winner will be chosen at random (via random.org) on December 14th, 2009
**The giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.....not to worry though; I will be having another giveaway open to international readers next month! :)
**Make sure to leave your email in the comment section if you do not have blog/profile so that I may get in contact with you if you are the winner


In addition, readers can take advantage of this Perricone Coupon!

Friday, December 4, 2009

All I Want For Christmas

I am  a little really embarrased to admit this, but I already have my holiday outfits planned. Eek! Am I the only one? Please tell me that you have yours planned too! I feel that holiday parties are an excuse to get all fancied up, and I get so excited at the prospect of digging in the back of my closet and pulling out lively dresses that are rarely worn!

This year I created all of my holiday outfits from pieces already in my closet, both modern and vintage. However, this did not stop me from scouring the internet and creating a few holiday party dream outfits (dream outfits, as in if funds and shopping time were unlimited)! Actually, most pieces are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $7-$140. I probably should not have done this post....now I want everything!

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Vintage Party Dress: Small Earth Vintage.   Faux Fur Muffler: UO.  Tights: Anthropologie. T-Strap Heels: Modern Vintage via Endless.





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Sequin Trimmed Cardigan: Asos.  Skirt: Avendano (it is an eco skirt, made of pineapple cloth!). Headband: Buy Definition. Tights: UO. Vintage Heels: Lisazain.





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Lace Shirt: Free People.  Jacket: F21.  Satin Trimmed Shorts: F21. Tights: Target.  Oxford Heels: Modcloth.