Summer to the Fullest

We're not at the hottest time of the year yet, but we have arrived at the hottest week of the year so far, and on the first of these very hot days (over 90°F/32°C) our air conditioner died.  Suddenly.  Tragically.  But, as it was 20 years old, not unexpectedly.  They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and for me, it was only about an hour without a/c that I truly began to appreciate this modern convenience, especially as I had already converted my living room into this makeshift photo studio and all I had planned was organza (read-extra hot) fabrics.

As I write this post, the a/c is still not working, but we are trying to find the parts and fix it ourselves.  In the mean time my inbox has been flooded with ads for "summer essentials" and they all quite frankly look way too hot to wear anywhere except indoors with the a/c blasting.  With so many layers and heavy, synthetic fabrics, I know that we are living in a world that does not truly understand summer anymore, but I as an individual am about to get a refresher course in true summer essentials.

On that first day, we had left our house for a couple of hours, all closed up and trusting our ancient unit to keep things cool.  When we returned it was sweltering inside, and no matter what I put on, it all felt too hot.  The next day, I stood in my knickers and tank, which I'd spent an uncomfortable night attempting to sleep in, trying to decide what to wear.  I finally landed on.......can you guess?  No, not this La Belle Etoile cotton puff from Selkie; I would literally die in fabric this heavy.  No, instead, I chose a very short, very light Popsicle print cotton dress from The Other Sparrows and it kept me quite comfortable for most of the day.

Before there was Selkie, The Other Sparrows was quite an obsession of mine.  I waited for the release of each collection with much anticipation.  They only carried two styles of sundress but much like Selkie, it was the prints that really stole my heart.  Unfortunately, Covid hit TOS pretty hard and I'm afraid they are no longer in business.  But, like Selkie, TOS dresses weren't quite right for me--too short, mostly--so they took a little tailoring and styling to really make them work for me.  To that end, I am determined to wear all my short Selkies this summer, including this heavy cotton dress, but they need a little tweaking.  

I've just finished taking this dress in at the bust and it turned out pretty well.  (I'm practicing for a Secret Garden Abbott Prairie dress that I ordered from Boho-Chic.  But more about that one the way soon!)  I love this dress as-is, but with the print and the empire waist, it really reminds me of a night gown, so I've added a wide lavender wrap belt so that I actually have a waist, and I love this dress even more with just that little touch.  Now it looks like a proper summer dress and I will most definitely be wearing it to any occasion or event that has air conditioning.

Shopping Info: La Belle Etoile Cotton French Puff Dress-$310 from Selkiecollection.com, Wide belt-$5 from Shein.com, Bettie Page Tegan Heels-$35 from Amazon.com

Gowntown Scarves Have you Covered

Scarves.  I am a longtime fan of scarves, but I've mostly confined my scarf collection to the winter variety.  In the spring of this year I decided to add a lightweight chiffon scarf to my wardrobe and I loved it so much that when Gowntown Vintage asked me to collaborate with them on the release of their new scarf collection, I jumped at the chance.

Lightweight scarves such as this Womens' Chiffon Scarf were a popular feature of women's fashion from the 1920s through the 1960s and perhaps into the 70s.  They were stylish and practical with so many uses from being worn around the neck, over the hair, as a headband, or simply as a pony tail decoration; scarves were a staple in every woman's wardrobe.   

My fashion muse, Ms. Audrey Hepburn, wore them many ways as you can see from the pics above.  From accenting her outfit to protecting her hair-do, she always made them look good, and I felt that for that proper finish to any vintage look, a scarf is a necessity.

It really is the little extra things that can make or break an outfit and I love the way this scarf adds such color and character to the overall look.  I've put together a little video down below of all the ways I styled this, though I know there are a few more I didn't cover, and I can't wait to come up with more styles with this gorgeous red scarf.  But, the best part is that Gowntown is offering my readers an extra 30% off their purchase of this scarf with code yourscarf

Shopping Info:  Womens Chiffon Scarf from Gowntown Vintage-$6.99 Save an extra 30% with code yourscarf, Gizo heels from Honiara Vintage-$79, Sweater and skirt from Collectif

The Prettiest Pearls: Natuloth Earrings Special Offer

You may have noticed my pearl earrings.  I've been wearing them for every post lately.  You can have an identical pair and with a special discount for my readers.  Keep reading for the details!  I think simple pearl earrings are the most elegant earrings and they were my go-to for every outfit and occasion for years......until my daughter asked if she could borrow them and then lost one.  Ever since then I have been without my favorite accessory--until this week.  

I have just begun a collaboration with Natuloth.  These handmade earrings have sterling silver posts and are natural freshwater pearls and they are all handpicked AAA+  quality pearls.  The pearls are well shaped, no poor quality irregulars, and the are sized as described, meaning they're not going to sell you a smaller pearl claiming it is a larger size.

These Pearl Earrings are lightweight and comfortable and I love the way they bring that touch of class and elegance to every outfit.  Natuloth is an honest seller with quality handmade earrings.  These have just become my new go-to earrings, I absolutely love them.   And the best news is that beginning 6th June 2020 to 13th June 2020 they are offering my readers a 5% discount with the code OGD53V78 

So, if you're like me and you want simple elegant accessories that work with any look, I recommend these fresh water pearl earrings from Natuloth.  And don't forget Natuloth is offering my readers 5% off your order with the code  OGD53V78 from 6th June 2020 to 13th June 2020.

Winter's Warmth

A warm pot of stew bubbling in the kitchen, the crackling of wood on the hearth, steamy cup of tea in my hands as I look out the window and the frozen world.  Some days I hide in my little cabin and some days I wrap up in something warm and I just have to venture out.  Today I've left my stew to bubble on a while and the hearth to crackle without me so I can enjoy a few brief hours of sunshine and the warmth in winter before the clouds close in again.

Shopping Info:  Button Front Plaid Dress from SheIn, Red Heels from Modcloth