Wearable Fashion History
I haven’t taken any “formal” outfit photos in months, but here are some quick snaps of what I’ve been wearing here and there. I’ve been thrifting more stuff for me than for the shop lately, which has lead to more excitement about getting dressed. Can you tell I have a newbie crush on Instagram? Cuz I do.
I’m back! As you know, Mark and I packed up the car (and Atlas!) and headed out on old historic Route 66 to Albuquerque (someday I want to do the whole thing!). Unfortunately Mark had to work most of the time, but that gave me plenty of time to scour through the town, which I hadn’t visited in a few years. If you haven’t been, Abq is a sleepy but beautiful city with some really REALLY great food (if you’re not familiar with New Mexican cuisine, you should seriously get on that).
Here are some photos from the trip!
Atlas had his own little perch, complete with a comfy blanket to navigate from.
Oklahoma wind farm.
Neither Mark or myself are into country music, but when we saw this sign, we realized we both have weird stories about meeting Garth Brooks. What are the odds?
Just in case it wasn’t clear what this gas station didn’t want your dog doing, they spelled it out.
He loves Combos. So gross.
This awesome vintage Airstream! I so want one.
Just when we entered New Mexico, we hit some crazy storms.
The Sandia Mountains.
Being from flatland Illinois, I find mountains insanely fascinating and beautiful. I took a drive up a scenic byway to Sandia Peak. You basically drive up a curvy mountainside road until you hit over 10,000 ft above sea level. It’s amazing.
Albuquerque down below!
Lots of shopping was had. I passed this thrift store a few times, and then one day this perfect sign was outside! $1 sale? YES PLEASE.
We stayed at a cute place found on AirBnB most of the week, but extended our stay one night and our place was unfortunately already booked. So, we checked into a nice hotel, where Atlas enjoyed his first hotel stay in a king size bed!
The view was nice, too.
Last but not least, I treated myself to this lovely antique celluloid & rhinestone bangle from a tiny antique shop run by the sweetest old man. I’ve worn it every day since!
It was a very relaxing week in which I learned the very real difference between dry and humid heat. Also, I am ready to live near some mountains. Like, NOW. In the mean time, let the post-road trip diet detox begin…
Mark and I made a spur of the moment decision this morning to drive to New Mexico…on Saturday! He has to go for a work project, so we’re making a little adventure out of it! I absolutely love Albuquerque/the Southwest, and have been really feeling burnt out, so I’m REALLY looking forward to it.
The best part is that I’ll be spending most of my time sourcing goods for the shop! If you have any suggestions on good vintage or thrift shops in the Abq/Santa Fe area, let me know!
Seeing as I had zero time to save/plan for this trip, the shop is marked down 25% today and tomorrow, and everything will ship before I leave. (There are also some ebay auctions running at the moment).
I’m thrilled to be participating in the Vintage Bazaar’s next market – which is solely focused on weddings! If you’re in the Chicago area and are planning a wedding, this is an event not to be missed! Gettin’ Hitched is a highly curated, small show (only 15 vendors!), featuring vintage garments and accessories for the bride and bridal party; plus decor, flatware, etc. We’ll have everything you need to make your special day unique & beautiful.
The Archives Vintage booth will have a broad range of styles & eras of garments to choose from: 1930s – 1970s for both the bride and bridesmaids. The wedding gowns are select, but beautiful. There will be quite a collection of vintage party dresses perfect for bridesmaids dresses! (Most have never been listed in the shop). Plus don’t forget a little sexy somethin’ to sport the night of!
If you’re shopping for yourself or your bridal party, I would strongly suggest having everyone’s measurements. The great thing about vintage – it’s one of a kind! Which also means there is only ONE of everything, so sizing is key. If your bridesmaids live out of town or won’t be with you, ask them to send you their measurements in advance.
If you’re looking for some vintage wedding inspiration, I have a few Pinterest boards going: one is all photographs of vintage weddings (nothing like seeing the real thing!), and one for wedding inspiration (a mix of vintage & modern stuff).
Happy wedding planning!
Yesterday Merl and I took a mini road trip to Indiana to pick up my vintage lot. Merl earns major props for not only getting up early, but taking an entire day from her own business to help me with mine! Couldn’t have done it without her.
I rented a cargo van to haul everything back to Chicago…boy did I ever need it! The trip was 3.5 hours each way, and the first leg of the trip we drove through THE most intense storm I’ve seen in a long time. Could barely see 10 feet in front of me, the rain was coming down so hard. This is me, eyes wide with fear, and my hands gripping the steering wheel for dear life. My hands are still sore today from how hard I was hanging on!
We made it to Fort Wayne alive, and were welcomed into a large office space FILLED to the brim with dresses, lingerie, skirts, blouses, jackets…(!) all ranging from the beginning of the last century right up to the 80s. Most of it is 40s-60s. I KNOW.
While we packed everything up, Merl and I let out gasps and exclamations every time we picked up something great, which was often. I still can’t even believe this collection belongs to me as I sit here writing! It took us almost 2 hours to de-hangerize everything. Here’s the after:
I’m trying to get everything as organized as quickly as possible, so things will be hitting the shop very soon! So many dresses!
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