Holly Jolly Sundress

Winter is here and the time for merriment and celebration have arrived in tandem.  And that means it's time to break out the red & green for Christmastime.  There isn't any snow yet, but it is still very cold, so I will have to layer, but I wanted to wear this dress for the blog, because I've had it for nearly 15 years and have never really gotten around to photographing it until now.  Since I'm wrapping up the year and trying to spend less, it seemed like the perfect time to bring this lovely out.  It's a cotton dress, vintage Forever 21, and really one of the nicest sundresses I own.  The silhouette is so flattering and it perfectly combines red and green into this rose print.  So, let the season of tinsel and lights commence and prepare yourself for lots of outfits here involving red and green!

Outfit Info:  Forever 21 dress is old, Qupid Heels are also old.

Old Styles New Possibilities

Recently I did a post about a thrifted find and it within a week it received close to 1,000 views.  And  I  Have  No  Idea  Why.  It's a lovely dress, but it came out nearly a decade ago, so why does anyone but me still care?  It may forever remain a mystery, but since I'm pondering how things gain popularity, I thought I'd repost images from one of my most popular posts of all time, Flor-all You Know.

I saw this dress on ThredUp, if memory serves, and thought it looked pretty, so I ordered it.  I put it together with some tights and a sweater and snapped a few pics in this hopelessly austere room, and then spent hours painstakingly photoshopping a background into these meager three photos.  In the early days of my blog, because it took so long to put in these backgrounds, I rarely posted more than three photos at a time.   I also only had one hour a day when there was enough light in the room to take photos and I always had to face toward my right because that's where the only light source was.  A rocky beginning, I know, but it was fun and I needed the creative outlet during such a stressful time.

So, I did this post like so many others that I have done, but unlike the others, it took off and to date has received nearly 7,500 views, and again I have no idea why this outfit sparked so much interest.  Whatever the reason, it was a pretty dress, and still is, as I still have it in my wardrobe.  I don't often go back and repost old photos, but maybe I should.  I usually just take the same dress and style it a new way, but maybe the reason this most recent post was so popular is because people are searching for that throwback style.  I have no idea what drives people on the internet, and after eight and half years, I probably never will.  That's why I still just do this for my own enjoyment.

Shop the Look:

Dress is from the Contemporary line by Forever21

Rosebud Oxfords by Not Rated

Root of the Flatter Tights from ModCloth

Purse by Nila Anthony 

Foxy Finds

Well, it has been a very grueling weekend.  I fully expect to be down for the count for a few days if not a few weeks after that, but hey, it's wasn't really optional, so I powered through by telling myself that this will earn enough with all this overtime pay to afford a few pretty dresses or some new-vintage home furnishings for a house we haven't built yet.

Since I will be out of commission for a while, I thought I'd just share a few more foxy outfit pics from previous years that I still love and wear, and I'll see you in a week or two with some new photos.

'Tis the Pumpkin Season

Yes, that's right, tis the season to don costumes, carve pumpkins, put spices in everything, and generally revel in the autumn of it all. 

I'm ready; I'm ready for all of it!  The one exception being that I still don't have any idea what I'm going to do for my Halloween costume, but I suppose the idea will just have to come to me when it comes to me.  There's no time like the very last minute.

I'm so glad that Unique Vintage brought back this Halloween themed Fair Isles sweater this year because I love, love, love it.  It goes perfectly with my Rust Tights from We Love Colors.

If I must say goodbye to summer again, at least I can celebrate its passing in style.  Get ready for a whole month of spooky sweaters and every shade of orange in existence.  

Shopping Info:  Rust Tights-$15 from WeLoveColors.com, Fair Isles Sweater-$68 from Unique-Vintage.com Also at ModernMillie for the same price, Similar Jack-O-Lantern Bag-$6.50 from Shein.com

Just a Few Words

I'm at a loss for words lately.  I've even cut down on the number of posts I've been doing because I just don't have that much to say.  Call it the end-of-the-season busyness, but it seems like there is so much going on and coming up that I have been stretched thin.

There's so much going on at work and my children's schools as the school year draws to a close and summer begins that I hug my pillow tightly each morning and whisper, "I'll see you soon," and count the hours until I can fall into bed again each night and pray that my insomnia doesn't rob me of too much of the sleep I need.

I'd like to think if we can just get through this, it will all slow down for the summer, but I know it won't.  These are the busy years, the ones that go by the quickest and make parents wonder, "where did the time go?"

These are the years when making the effort to slow down and enjoy life as much as possible really counts.  So, I accept the busyness, try to sleep when I can, laugh, and listen a lot since I'm at a loss for words.

 And, that's all I have to say for today.

Shopping Info:  Sweater from Forever21, Dressed with Whimsy skirt from Collectif

Should They Stay or Should They Go: Getting Rid of Your Clothes

Today's post is fresh on the heels of some major spring cleaning.  I thought it was appropriate, not only because this is how I and many others like to ring in spring, but also because this little outfit came together as a result of my efforts.  Going through my old things always results in at least one or two new outfit combinations that occur because I've tossed this and that on the bed and looked over to see the perfect outfit has come together by chance like rolling the dice.  (Keep scrolling for the outfit that came about from today's cleaning session.)  But, spring cleaning is a chore and a challenge and a very difficult one for those of us who have emotional attachments to our clothes.

For some of us, our closets are photo albums and dream journals.  We open them and remember what we were doing when we wore something and the sentimental attachment prevents us from letting go.  Or we look at that lovely gown we'll probably never have the opportunity to wear and think "one day...maybe...."  For some of us our clothes are more like a hobby, a collection if you will and although it will never be complete, we love the thrill of finding that next special piece.  I fall into all three of those categories which is why I haven't sold clothes in seven or eight years.  

I love them all and I don't want to part with any of them, and that was fine when we lived in a large house with walk-in closets so big they weren't just a gateway to Narnia, they could hold the entire world of Narnia at the back, no gateway needed.  The trouble is, we no longer live in a huge house and storage space is a very rare and precious thing here.  There is in fact only one closet in the house.  It contains a wardrobe large enough to clothe ten people in a space litter bigger than a coffin for one (now you may be wondering, do they make coffins for two?  I think it's possible.  Some people love each other to death.  bwah hahahahah.  You just read my terrible joke!) and guess who got that one and only closet?  That's right, me.  So, I don't feel it's right to go beyond the space I've been given when others didn't get the space at all.  

I've also noticed that more than a few of the things I bought five or six years ago have begun to disintegrate, I'm talking particularly about those novelty purses made from "vegan leather."  In spite of the fact that I have carefully used them and stored them properly, they are flaking and peeling.  The sad fact is for most material things it's either use it or lose it.  So, I've decided to get rid of a few things, let others enjoy them before they're past their prime, and make a little room in my closet in the process.  The trouble is that as I mentioned above, I love everything in my closet.  Each piece wasn't just bought, it was curated.  Parting with it is easier said than done.

When I'm struggling like this I do a few things to help me overcome the mental tug-o-war.  1.  I ask myself: Do I still like, or have a use for this.  If the answer is no, then it's easy to put it in the get-rid-of-pile.  2.  I ask myself: When's the last time I wore this.  If it's been more than two years, it automatically goes into the maybe-pile.  Once I have a maybe-pile, I sort through and ask myself, would I rather have this or that new thing I've had my eye on.  If the answer is this, then I put it back into my closet, but more often than not, the answer is, I'd rather have that new thing, so it's time to go.

I won't say I've never regretted parting with something and went out and bought it again.  I see it all the time in the ISO's on the BST groups, so I know I'm not alone.  But, for the most part, it feels pretty good to be rid of the burden of things, things, things.  Did I mention that at the back of my closet is the panel for the water heater and when it went out I had to take everything out of my closet and then spend hours putting it back before I could go to bed at the end of a very long day?  That's enough to motivate anyone to clean out their stuff.

Here's are two great tips that I have used in the past to help me curb the clutter: 1. limit yourself to X number of hangers.  Once they're full you have to get rid of something if you want to buy something new.  2.  Face all your hangers backwards on the rack.  At the end of the year you'll know which things haven't been worn and can consider parting with them.

If clothes are your thing, don't worry if other people in your life don't understand.  Love what you love.  But, remember that there should be balance to it.  Too much of a good thing and it becomes a burden.  Make it a point to go through all your clothes once a year and sift out the unwanted, unloved, or just unused articles of clothing in your wardrobe and pass them on to someone else, thereby opening yourself up to new things, more space, and more freedom.  So, let's start cleaning!

Stylish Compromise

Sometime you have to temper a serious tweed with something frothy, pink, and girly, you know create a compromise between the two styles. You may remember my tweed obsession of the autumn and this little second hand skirt was part of that theme's acquisitions.  I never really found just the right way to style it until now.

I found this top while on a shopping trip with my daughter to spend her Christmas money.  I pulled it off the rack for myself, but the way she gasped, I knew she would be the one taking it home.  Then....I found a second one!

There were two and only two of these tops, and I didn't want to intrude on my daughter's burgeoning sense of style, so I asked if she would mind if I bought the other top.  She said she wouldn't mind as long as I promised to never ever wear it on the same day as her.  Naturally I said I'd do no such thing and was already planning our mother-daughter dress alike days where I'd show up at her school and meet all her friends.  

She knew I was only joking and I have loved seeing the way that she styles her top because it is just her style and the way I wear mine is just my style.  It's not always that mothers and daughters can reach a peaceable compromise, but it feels pretty good when we can.  It also feels good to have finally found the right top to compliment this skirt.  Win-Win-Win.

Yay-Saying

For the record, Mr. Bleu expressly disliked trying to capture these shots of me tossing my scarf into the air and more than once asked me to please stop.  I refused.  

I knew what I wanted and what I was going for and I didn't want to give up.  Buuuut, it was early and cold and there was a lovely, warm coffee shop just adjacent to us where they roast their own beans, wafting its inviting odors our way and Mr. B's gaze was repeatedly drifting that way.

It is a wise person who takes the advice of her friends, but there is also a measure of wisdom in knowing when to follow your own heart, your own gut feelings, because you have a vision that no one else can yet see.

I had something in mind for this morning and I had already awakened early, got all dolled up, driven all this way, and now, also facing the cold and also resisting the urge to run inside that coffee shop and wrap my hands around a steaming cup of coffee-cream no sugar-and curl up in a comfy chair by the window, I was going to see this through.

It used to constantly wear on me, the nay-saying of others.  Constantly letting people talk you out of the things you want-big or small-isn't you living your life; it's letting yourself be controlled.  I'm a very rational person, and I am very often right about things because I've thought them through so thoroughly.  I don't base my decisions on how I am feeling and certainly not how I'm feeling in the moment, so it doesn't make sense to let other people's momentary feelings dictate what I do.

Now I'm more prone to let the nay-saying roll right off.  In the end, these couple of shots are are my favorite and I would have regretted giving up and not taking them.  So, as usual and in all my winter photos, please pardon my goose bumps, while I nonchalantly toss my scarf into the air like I just don't care.

And, yes, in case you're wondering, as soon as we were done here, I immediately took Mr. Bleu over to the coffee shop and bought him a cup of joe for his troubles, so everyone walked away from this morning happy.

Shopping Info: Mesh Angel Graphic Top and Cami from Forever21, skirt from ChicWish, flats from ThredUp

Homage to the Harvest

They don't call them the golden hours for nothing.  These precious few moments before the sun sets in the evening are a wonder especially when the autumn leaves are at their peak.

 

Today's post is just a little look back at the glory of autumn last year.  Even with all the chaos and the difficulties, 2020 had its beauty too.

I intended to post this an homage to the hearth and harvest, but it got pushed back and pushed back, but I think I like it even more in the dead of winter as a reminder of better times past and better times ahead.

If I live my life by one rule alone it is this: There is always something for which to be thankful.

Shopping Info: XXI Velvet Dress from ThredUp, Bettie Page Heels from ModCloth

Happy Boo Year

Happy Boo Year!  Yes, it may be a reach, but I found a way to wear both of my Halloween sweaters well after their holiday appeal.  This was the second post planned for the ghostly sweaters that took three months to arrive and so they are far from relevant to any holidays including New Year's at the present time, but I'm making it work!  I waited three months for crying out loud, so it's happening.  You will also likely see both of these sweaters turn up again at Halloween but after waiting so long, I have no intention of waiting another ten months before these sweaters make their debut.

On the subject of getting spooked, my youngest daughter has been asking for my help lately.  She wants to enter a photography contest at her school and asked me to teach her what I know about photography.  I've assisted her in setting up a couple of photo shoots of our opossum and a still life scene or two, but I also thought it would be nice if she could work with me since I often need someone behind the camera, pushing the button for me.

This little graveyard is on the way to school, so I knew if we left early we wouldn't be late.  We arrived with plenty of time to take photos.  And yet, as soon as we pulled up, she seemed antsy.  I caught her looking over her shoulder more than once.

Every time a car approached she jumped and then panicked.  I knew she wasn't worried about ghosts, so I assumed she was worried about "getting in trouble for being in the cemetery.  When she grabbed the tripod and tried to dart to the wall to hide, I was getting a little frustrated I said, "Sweet heart, this is public land and we have a right to be here.  No one is going to yell at us."  

"Ugh!  I know," she said and rolled her eyes.  "Ok, then," I said, "focus please.  Literally, focus.  The last half dozen shots were blurry because you were looking over your shoulder."  We got a few nice shots before we heard the sound of another car and her eyes darted toward the road.  "Oh, no!  That's my friend!  She's going to see me!"

Ah ha, so that's what had my baby girl spooked.  Not spooks and specters, not even belligerent grounds keepers or random passersby.  Dear old mum might embarrass her.  Really?  Me?  Surely she must be mistaken.  Would I do something that would embarrass my sweet youngest child?

Yeah, that does sound like me.  I tried for so long not to embarrass the people I love.  I tried so hard and was so successful at it that I became invisible.  I became someone I didn't recognize and quite frankly didn't like.  I was this blank person who never spoke and had no opinions because God forbid I say something wrong.  And, as it turns out, not only did my loved ones make no attempt at reciprocating--they have publicly embarrassed me beyond anything my wildest stress dreams could conjure and I can only assume they did it because they didn't know how it felt--but I still somehow "embarrassed" them just by existing.  Try to Not embarrass a teenager and yours will be an exercise in futility.

Soooo, I decided to just be myself and they can deal with it.  I also decided to stop sparing their feelings and let them know, in no uncertain terms, when they have publicly humiliated me.  Let's face it, I haven't done anyone any favors by "being nice" in that respect.  If someone hurts you, you need to tell them especially if it's a repeat offense.  Maybe a little awareness and a little empathy after they've gone through it will help us understand and perhaps care for each other better.

In the mean time, Ima keep doin what I do.  I'm going to get these photos in the graveyard in my ghost sweaters with my daughter's help even if they do turn out crooked and slightly blurry.  I'm teaching her more than just photography tips out here and she's giving me a refresher course in patience.

So, if this first month of the new year is any indicator of how the rest of 2021 will be, then perhaps I can look forward to more photo sessions with my girl and maybe even a look back at the end of the year to see how she's improved.  There will definitely be more posts with this sweater on the way, probably not until autumn but you never know.

Shopping Info: Sweater from Aliexpress, Shorts from Forever 21, Tights and Headband from Shein