Outfit Post: Underwear as Outerwear

Being on Etsy so much I come across a lot of vintage items. Some of them I decide that I can't live without. It's tricky, isn't it? Because until you see it, you never knew you needed it. But once you see it, now you know it's out there. And there's a very good chance it's the only one of its kind, or the only one still existing in your size...and you have to get it.

One of my favorite shops on Etsy is Minxouri Vintage. Maya's items are incredibly tasteful, her shop well curated, and everything always comes so nicely packaged. Plus, her prices are good. You really can't go wrong.

Today, my dress and belt both came from Maya's shop Minxouri Vintage.The dress is actually a 1950s/early 60s nightgown by Van Raalte. I loved the leaf pattern and the way it scattered across the skirt. The belt is stretchy and looks like copper scales. This was a popular belt style, but this one is particularly well made and sturdy. I have a similar one in black that is waiting to go to the shop.

Part of the way through the photoshoot, my husband showed up at the gate.

Dress (nightgown), Minxouri Vintage, similar here

Belt, Minxouri Vintage, same one here

Earrings, Vintage, similar here

Bracelet, Vintage, similar here

Necklace, (old) Forever 21

Cardigan, Jcrew

Shoes, Marco Tozzi

From Pinterest to Reality

I am a total fan of Pinterest, but one of the things I think we all struggle with is taking those inspirational things from Pinterest and turning them into a reality in our own lives. That's why when I saw this on Pinterest and repinned it to my Dress Up, Not Down board I knew I wanted to turn it into a reality!

I just picked up a coral blazer for the shop, and I saw an opportunity to wear my pretty lace blouse from Fleet Collection. This particular blouse is no longer available but there's a pretty lace blouse in the Foxburrow Vintage shop. And of course I had to break out my fun floral shoes that I bought from Delia*s a long time ago... I have such a hard time matching them with my clothes that I rarely wear them, but I love them and will hold onto them forever! I tied the red into my outfit by matching two red and brass vintage bangles along with the gold givenchy bangle from the shop.

I hope that when you pin outfits, recipes, craft ideas or whatever else on Pinterest you don't let those things get lost forever! Take a look back through your boards and see what you can find to inspire you this year. I've found some great recipes on Pinterest and it's a great place to "keep it all together" with beautiful visual bookmarks.

Do you have a Pinterest account? Let me know so I can follow you!

SHOP UPDATE: Pretty in Pastel

1960s Peach Pointelle Sweater

1980s Stretchy Peach Lace Top

1980s Stretchy Cream Lace Top

1980s Cotton Pastel Yellow Skirt

1980s Cotton Pastel Pink Skirt

1950s Cream Lace Bolero

It's starting to feel like spring here in New England! The snow is melting away and soon we'll see flowers peeping up. It seriously felt like it would never come, but in these past days I've been able to don a few dresses and frolic around. It's been chilly but hey -- it's worth it. I think perhaps if I dress spring-y enough it will force the weather to warm. At least, that's what I tell myself.

Here's me today, wearing a vintage dress I bought at a flea market in Japan. Also wearing vintage wooden jewelry and vintage leather huaraches. It was a bit chilly, but totally worth it....

Hope everyone has a very happy Easter tomorrow! We're doing lunch with my husband's family, like usual. I'll be sure to snap some photos and blog!

Casual Spring

 It's easy to find vintage that still feels chic and modern, because fashion is somewhat cyclical. Styles from the past re-gain popularity as the ages pass, and we're able to snap up beautiful clothes that are unique and fun. I love wearing pieces that I know no one else will have - for me, that's part of the allure of wearing vintage. This spring, lace and pastels are IN and so I've been actively hunting through the soft peaches and pinks and yellows for the best of the best.

Vintage Peach Stretchy Lace Top, buy it here

Spring Green JCREW Corduroys, thrifted

Vintage Woven Leather Mules, buy them here

Vintage Leather Accordion Handbag, buy it here

For this look I just wanted something casual, to go about the day doing work as needed. I love the peach and green color combination. I think it's fun and bright, and perfectly spring. 

For my hair, I wanted to try this pin that I found on Pinterest. Essentially you just pull your hair back into a ponytail and curl the hair in three or four big groups. The style lasted all day and gave lots of body. It was extremely easy and took about 5 minutes... I'll definitely do it again! I haven't had hair this long in ages, so even though I see lots of pretty things that people do with it on blogs and pinterest...I just feel lost when I go to do my own hair styles! I'm planning a hair cut soon, but in the mean time I want to keep my tresses styled!

All About the Accessories!

Sometimes it's all about how you wear the accessories. What you choose for accessories can really define your outfit. One moment you're a dainty gal, and you change up a few accessories and next thing you know you're bohemian, or rockabilly! Having a wardrobe full of vintage accessories is the perfect way to change up your look in a snap. I find that vintage accessories have a lot of flair and the right handbag or bracelet can change the whole appearance of whatever I'm wearing. 

Straw and Leather Hinge Purse

70s Givenchy Bangle

Mexican Panama Hat

80s Floral and Lace Dress

70s Woodworks Leather Wedges

70s Oversized Sunglasses

Here, I took this on-trend floral and lace dress and paired it up with different accessories to get two different looks. The look on the right is all about summer and delicate and sweet. The look on the left has a little more edge, with a music festival feel.

In the first look, I paired the dress with a sweet straw and leather hinge bag, delicate gold bangle and necklace, and pretty leather wedges. The overall look is a little sweet and petite.

In the second look, I wanted to go a little more rock, and a tiny bit country, so I paired the dress with a vintage mexican panama hat, a stack of wood, leather and enamel bangles, oversized 1970s sunnies, and some sweet Nine West shoes I begged my mom for in my teen-age-years (Hey, ma! Still got 'em!).

Recently I've been reading some great articles from 1950s magazines about ways to re-use your same garments over and over again through the different seasons. A lot of it was all about changing necklines and adding accessories. So there you go - the idea has been around for quite a while!

What's your favorite way to mix it up and change the look of an outfit?

Oh, also - I've added my blog and shop to this great link-up! If you have a vintage or handmade shop or blog, you should link-up too!