2011 July | Archives Vintage

A Little Bit Country

July 25, 2011 by archivesvintage · 16 Comments

Hello from the Upper Peninsula! The air is cool, crisp and fresh, unlike back home in steamy Chicago!

I grew up visiting the Northwoods once every summer, as did Mark. Little did we know we were vacationing about an hour from each other for most of our lives! My family stopped coming up here a few years ago, but Mark’s family continues the tradition, and I’m so happy to have been able to join them these last few summers. Pretty sure this is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in the midwest.

We’ve been on long walks, enjoyed a glass of wine or three by the fire, seen some deer and even on one unfortunate occasion….a bat. And it’s only Monday! Oh, did I mention the rodeo?! Yesterday we caught the last day of the rodeo before it packed up and left town (more on that tomorrow!). Of course, I had to wear something appropriate for my first rodeo experience. A vintage square dancing skirt and my Texan cowgirl boots did just the trick.

Wearing: Top: H&M, Skirt: Vintage (thrifted), Scarf worn as a belt: Mo Vintage, Boots: New Bohemia in Austin, TX
Why: RODEO! Photos: By Mark

Filed Under: archives vintage, boots, family, history, life, love, summer, vacation, vintage, vintage clothing, weekend

Old Habits Just Don’t Die

July 22, 2011 by archivesvintage · 11 Comments

One year ago TO THE DAY (!), I wrote a post titled “Old Habits Die Hard” about my packing perils for a trip to the U.P., as it is affectionately called. Once again we are off on our annual adventure to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!

Last year I packed too many fancy things, and not enough casual stuff. I made a mental note of that and ASSURED myself I wouldn’t binge-pack this time around. But let’s be real, here – I am who I am. A girl who loves pretty dresses, and more importantly OPTIONS. Having a variety of garments to choose from is essential, especially when the weather up there will run between summer and fall temps.

Not only do I need options to be properly dressed for the weather….we’re also going to the RODEO. Yes, for serious. I mind wrestled for several seconds (ok, definitely minutes….but definitely not all week) about packing a crinoline to toss under a skirt for the occasion. In the end, I decided in such a small town, I would already be overdressed in a summer dress and wedges on a regular day….it’s best not to show up looking like the city girl donning her rodeo costume. But fear not – my cowgirl boots are packed. Of course.

Depending on our internet connection, I still plan to blog while we’re away!

Filed Under: archives vintage, blogger problems, boots, life, summer, travel, vacation

Too Much?

July 21, 2011 by archivesvintage · 19 Comments

Yesterday Chicago experienced some of the highest temps in years – the heat index brought it around to 115 degrees. This girl who loves her cold weather and snow is a bit of a princess when it comes to hot weather – I hate it. Since I work at home, I’ve been avoiding leaving the house unless absolutely necessary. The only thing that could get me to venture out in the heat yesterday were my plans with Andrea, Anna and Sandy!

When it’s 115 out and it literally feels like you’re walking around in an oven, what do you wear? Nudity wasn’t really an option. I reached for cool colors and light fabrics. So light, in fact, that this top is totally sheer. Normally I would wear a tank top underneath, but the thought of having an additional layer on felt like the equivalent of wearing a blanket in this heat. So I went with it. The girls assured me it wasn’t offensive or *too* noticeable. I hope they were being honest! ;)

We visited a few local boutiques and then stopped for tacos, enjoying COLD bevs and some AC. Sandy and I used to read each other’s blogs, and then we met when she started working at the Art Institute right across the hall from me! We hadn’t seen each other since I resigned to take on self employment. It was great catching up with her, meeting the very sweet and pretty Anna for the first time, and having a blast (as always) with Andrea.

Wearing: Top/Skirt: F21, Necklace: Erica Weiner, Shoes: Kork Ease, Handbag: Vintage

Thanks for the photos, Andrea!

Filed Under: archives vintage, bloggers, chicago, meetup, summer, vintage, vintage clothing

20′s Inspired

July 18, 2011 by archivesvintage · 14 Comments

As a child, I loved hearing stories from my great-grandmother about growing up in Chicago during the roaring 20′s. I’ve been reading up 1920s fashions lately, and felt inspired to try out a Jazz Age look with my makeup: dark lids, stained lips.

Filed Under: 1920s, archives vintage, chicago, family, grandparents, history, inspired by, make up, vintage

Throwback: The Flower Bay Dress

July 15, 2011 by archivesvintage · 7 Comments

Remember the house I visited with Leilani a few weeks ago? Our host emailed me this photo when I got home later that day, with an image of the original owner sporting one of the 60′s dresses I purchased! Such a rare treat to actually see the dress on the person who first owned it! It’s been carefully hand cleaned by yours truly and is now for sale in the shop.