Nostalgic Asterisks Dress

Unless this is your first time visiting my blog, you know how I am with dresses.  My name means lioness and much like my feline namesake, I watch and wait and stalk until the time (and price) is right and then I pounce.  The game I mainly hunt is Anthropologie since I am hopelessly unable and unwilling to pay their retail prices.

    This Nostalgic Asterisks Dress has been worn by so many celebs on so many TV shows that finding it for under $70 even six years after it first hit stores has been a challenge.  And, yes, I have been patiently watching and waiting for six years for this dress.  I saw it on ThredUp for $33 and since I had a little store credit to use as well, I finally brought it home for about $20.  This dress will now be topping my list of favorite LRDs (little red dresses), which I think should be just as much a wardrobe staple as LBDs.

Shop the Look:

Girls From Savoy Nostalgic Asterisks Dress from ThredUp $36.99

Use this link to sign up and save $10 off your first ThredUp order (no minimum)

A variety of sizes are available on Poshmark and Ebay.  Just use the search phrase Nostalgic Asterisks Dress.  Prices generally run about $45-$100

There's An Apple For That Cardi from ModCloth

Here's a similar style The Dream of The Crop Cardigan in Ivory

Summer Reading

    Waaaaay back in November of 2016, I purchased this gorgeous book print fabric with the intention of making a 50s style gathered skirt.  And then life happened.  So,with all the madness of life, I've just now gotten this simple, probably-could've-and-should've-finished-it-in-a-week skirt complete.  I think it took me so long because I went off-grid here and didn't use a pattern.  Mistaaaake!  I'm not nearly skilled enough to do that and if you were to look at this skirt closely, you'd see it.  Most of my flaws are confined to the waist band and zipper regions which is why I'll never wear this skirt without a belt.

    Since the print is so bold, I wanted a top that was a neutral color, but still had lots of personality.  Sometimes going too understated with one item can make the whole outfit fall a bit flat.  I chose this body suit blouse from Haoduoyi because I love the flared sleeves and the lace pattern, and a form fitting top like this is best worn with a flared skirt on a figure like mine.  One caveat to note is that the photo on Amazon shows the bodice in opaque.  This top however is completely sheer, so I am wearing a black cotton camisole underneath for modesty.  Other than that, I like this blouse.  It's a huge departure from my normal go-to style and I think it really works for this outfit.

 Shop the Look:

HaoDuoYi Womens Lingerie Lace Mesh Long Sleeve Sheer V Neck Leotard Bodysuit $16.99

Timeless Treasures Fabric from Fabric.com for $10.48/yd

1950s Hamilton Dress in Green & White Stripe Dress Review

Black Eyed Susan Close-up, Black Eyed Susan Field, Black Eyed Susan Multi Close up from Etsy.com

    Spring's green has waned to Summer's gold, and like the downy thistles, it seems that all the wildflowers are are catching a breeze and drifting away. Thankfully this is the black-eyed susan's time to shine :)  All the fields and roadsides are covered in this golden wildflower and I hope they'll stick around through the heat of summer. 
    For the occasion of welcoming this new flower, I decided to don my new Hamilton dress from Unique-Vintage.  I have to admit I didn't like this dress when I pulled it out of the package.  I was thinking that it looked like a clown costume, when my oldest walked by and said, "Hey, that looks like a circus tent," and it wasn't a compliment.  But, I decided to iron it and try it on the next day when my hair and make-up were done to see if I should keep it.  After all, I ordered this dress a size too big, and received it at the end of a very long day when, let's face it, the only thing that I felt good wearing was some comfy pajamas.
    Next day, after adjusting the straps for a better fit, and getting my hair and make-up done, I had a different perspective on it.  After wearing it for an hour or two, I knew it was a good choice.  I love the full skirt and the bright colors, even the big floppy buttons have grown on me, though I would love to replace them with some vintage style carved pieces.  I also ordered this dress in pale peach since it has gone on sale and I'll have some outfit pics of that one on the way soon.
    Things to take note of:  The dress is unlined--bodice and skirt--so a slip and some nude undergarments are a must.  It's quite long, with a full skirt, so a ruffled petticoat would help to give it some oomph.  The waist is much lower than my natural waist, so the cord belt is constantly rolling up to my natural waist.  And lastly, as I mentioned, I think these big, floppy buttons would look much nicer if they were replaced with some carved vintage pieces.  If I make that adjustment, I'll be sure to post new pics.

Shop the Look:
Unique Vintage 1950s Style Green & White Stripe Hamilton Dress $88
Unique Vintage 1950s Style Green & White Stripe Hamilton Dress in Plus Size $88
Bell Flats by Report

Bernie Dexter Mascara Print Dress Review

    The Rose of Sharon are finally in bloom, so I thought I'd use this opportunity to snap a few pics of this Bernie Dexter Mascara Print Dress that I picked up during the last sale at Unique-Vintage.  If there's one thing we can count on in the fashion world it's this: Bernie Always Brings It.  I truly admire Bernie Dexter, not just her style but everything that she has accomplished and I try to buy at least one of her dresses per year.  This one, made of cotton, has a wonderfully fitted waist and full skirt, but the skirt is unlined, so I added a slip.  There are pockets, Huzzah!, but the bust is a bit loose, so the proper undergarment ( something with a bit of a boost) is needed for those less endowed.  Overall, you can't go wrong with a Bernie Dexter, and this one is no exception.  

    Joining me today on my little outing were our sleek little girl cat named Midnight, and a long fellow in the grass, who I didn't notice until I was right next to him.  He is harmless though (non-venomous) and seemed very full from a recent meal.  He patiently waited for me to shuffle to the side and then he slithered down into his den to sleep off his lunch.  I'll keep his picture small so I don't scare anyone :)  Midnight has been ill for a week or so and we nearly lost her.  Thankfully, she is on the mend, and I'm so glad to have her out and about for the first time in a week.

Shop the Look:

Bernie Dexter 1950s Style White Paris Make-up Cotton Swing Dress only $77 at Unique-Vintage

Heels are old from Charlotte Russe

Puppies & Jumpers

Frenchie Soap Poster, Bulldog Silhouettes, French Bulldog Valentine from Etsy.com

    As a little girl, I loved jumpers or suspender skirts as they're called nowadays.  I owned one a few years ago, but it didn't get much wear.  Those were the baby days and the only things I wore were clothes I didn't mind being ruined, so pretty much just jeans and tees.  Now I rarely have things get ruined and I've been trying to branch out a bit from my standard vintage style dress.  I recently started working with a company called Haoduoyi and when I saw this cute little suspender skirt, i knew i had to have it.  I paired it with this second hand Alice Blue Peter Pan collared peplum top with French bulldog print.  

    The website recommends that buyers size up one from their normal size when purchasing.  On my last purchase, I felt that I could have ordered my normal size XS, because the small was a bit loose, but that was not the case with this skirt. Even though the waist is elastic, it is still a snug fit, so maybe consider ordering two sizes up if you have any concern.  Also, feel free to message me with questions about measurements.  The skirt is lined, but the straps are not adjustable and there are no pockets.  I'm glad I got this cute little number and though it is a bit shorter than I normally wear my hemlines, it's also shaping up to be a very hot summer, so I don't mind my clothes being a little breezy.

Shop the Look:
Haoduoyi Women's Classic X-Cross Suspender Skirt $17.99
Bell Flats by Report
Alice Blue Peter Pan Collar top is second hand