Wearable Fashion History
On my recent haul, I picked up two beautiful 1960s chiffon nightgowns. One bright yellow and one bright orange. The soft, flowy fabrics, gorgeous colors, and knee length make them too good to be kept for evening hours…or so I hoped. I tried to style this one as I might for a date night, but I can’t decide if it looks like a breezy trapeze dress, or exactly what it is – a nightgown.
So, I leave the decision up to you, friends!
I always feel extreme jealousy when vintage sellers casually drop how they stumble upon houses full of untouched vintage gems. They don’t document or elaborate on these excursions, which has always perplexed me. Then last week, surprisingly something great fell into my lap! (Cue the angelic choirs and beam of light shining down on me from the heavens.)
Leilani and I made the trip to a south side Chicago home promised to be filled with hundreds of items from the 1950s + 1960s. I explained to her with stars in my eyes on the ride there, that I pictured room after room of 50′s tulle party dresses ripe for picking (and, ideally in my size – of course). She wisely reminded me to keep my expectations in check!
The house itself was empty, and the goods were set up in the garage for our viewing. While the garments were mostly 70′s, only two garment racks worth and priced a bit high, it was super cool to visit the home and absorb the history of the stylish ladies who’s treasures we’d be taking home. Not to mention (almost) everything was in perfect condition!
While it wasn’t exactly what I’d been hoping, I definitely scooped up some fantastic dresses and skirts for the shop.
There was a variable sea of sparkly baubles from the 50s – 80s, which Leilani and I both salivated over. I picked several up, but most of them went straight into my personal collection!
The ladies who had owned everything were sisters who loved to shop, and wore everything only once, if at all. It had all been carefully packed away for 30+ years! Perhaps I haven’t found vintage heaven yet, but it was definitely fun!
It’s the first day of summer! I need to make room for some (aaaaah-mazing) new inventory I have coming in, so it’s time to celebrate with a sale! Vintage dresses, accessories, shoes, housewares and more are 25% off now through Friday! Here are some fabulous outfits for different warm weather occasions:
1960s bathing suit, sunglasses, boho belt, hot pants
Spend your time on the beach in bright, bold colors!
It’s wedding season! Don a vintage dress for a unique, stand out look!
Lemons to Lemonade Dress, straw hat, clutch, bandolino platform sandals
A hot summer day calls for a cold lemonade, the perfect dress and a wide brimmed hat.
When I saw this shirt on Etsy, it was love. Being on a strict budget, I restrained myself. But after repeatedly stalking it to make sure no one bought it and a 20% off sale hit that shop, it was time for a splurge. It’s a 1960′s blouse with Chicago landmarks!!! One of which I worked at for many years until recently. How could I not?!
Friday I had such a great day. I met up with coffee with some old friends, one of whom was visiting from Canada. I hadn’t seen her twins since they were newborns, and they’re now six! As an only child, I don’t have a lot of experience with children (read: almost none). So, when I was introduced to these two cuties, I did what I would do when meeting someone new: I stuck my hand out to shake their hands. If you want to render two six year olds speechless with confused stares, this is exactly what you should do. However, if you want them to like you….I think you should politely say hi (?). Just add “extremely awkward” to the list of reasons procreation isn’t likely in my future!
Wearing Top: Vintage via Capricious Traveler, Jeans: F21, Belt/Shoes: Vintage (thrifted), Silhouette Necklace: F21. Sparkly Necklace: Etsy
Why Working at home, running errands
After coffee, I headed out to source some new inventory for the shop. I’ve been experimenting, trying to think outside the thrifting box, and it has paid off handsomely! Expect some great things coming soon. Later I napped, and then picked up Mark from the airport; he’d been away at a conference all week. Luckily, he’s done with traveling for a while.
All in all, it was a leisurely, awesome day! And one that I couldn’t have had back in my 9-5 days!
I’ve had friends and family ask me about my choice to leave a secure job and focus on my business lately, as it’s been three months, so I’ve had time to settle in to the change. Was it scary at first? Absolutely. Are my finances tighter? You bet. BUT, am I happier? No question, without a doubt! I love the freedom to make my own schedule, work on a business I love, wear sparkly glitter heels because I feel like it, be at home all day with Atlas, and – this is the biggest shocker of all – cooking more home made meals! Yes, I’m learning to cook and kind of liking it (!). I definitely wouldn’t be able to get by without a very supportive partner and family!
All in all – best decision I’ve ever made! :)
While Mark was recently out of town, I took the time to tackle a project that was looooong overdue: a closet clean out! Since we have limited storage space and not the largest closet, we’re actually pretty good at getting rid of unworn items every few months. However, our closet organization skills are sub-par. The space is long and narrow, so it quickly gets messy and impossible to navigate. It’s safe to say it had reached a new low point.
I don’t sleep well when he’s away, so the first night he was gone, so I stayed up late and attacked it!
Instead of just putting things away as per usual, I took e v e r y t h i n g out and started from scratch. Taking everything out forced me to re-think the entire space, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
Some tips for closet organization:
I tend to hoard jewelry, which can easily lead to a cluttered mess if not organized.
Shoes and belts!
Mark has a plethora of sweaters, which he wears even during warmer months. Previously, they were shoved in drawers and we were running out of dresser space.
As you can see, I’m pretty into baskets – all of these came from Target. I keep extra blankets and linens for guests stored above. Vintage furs and purses are stored in a slim bookshelf (also from Tar-jeeh). I keep them on the higher shelves so Atlas can’t get to them!
If you’re not looking to start from scratch but need a quick closet pick me up, I would highly suggest rearranging your hanging garments in a new order. Just seeing them grouped differently will enliven your sartorial selection!
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