Reaching Goals

A while back, I ordered a dress on Modcloth. It was actually almost a year ago because it was a fabulous winter clearance sale and every thing was like 50 or 70% off. There wasn't too much that I liked included in the sale (or left in my size) but an adorable raspberry number caught my eye. It looked like a modern 50's prom dress, so I went ahead and bought it and plus it was only 30 bucks! I looked at the sizing info and it said it ran small, so instead of getting an L or XL I ordered a 1X. I figured I could always take it in if was too big. After waiting on tenterhooks for a few days my dress finally arrived and I was so excited!!

That excitement was pretty short lived.

The dress was too small! Which is entirely ridiculous because I am usually between an L and an XL. The zipper would not even go up past my waist. I was really upset, but put it away in my closet pondering if I would ever be able to wear it. Well, I decided to get it out of my closet the other day and what do you know, it fit! I suppose losing 20 pounds is what did it. I was so excited that I will be able to wear it now. I thought it was funny that most college freshmen gain wait (you know, the dreaded "freshmen 15") but I somehow managed to lose 20 pounds. I think it is probably because I still live at home and pack my lunches.

Anyway I am super happy. I am, however, upset with the company that makes the dress. I mean seriously, I had to lose 20 pounds to fit into a dress that should have been too big on me! I am thinking that it was mislabeled or something because that would be the most ridiculous sizing in the universe.

So yay! This dress makes me feel half Grace Kelly and half Elizabeth Taylor which, I think, is a delightful combination. I need to go to fancy places more often, I have too many fancy clothes (well, actually there is no such thing).


Dress ~ Modcloth (Rock Steady)
Shoes ~ Kohl's
Necklace ~ Made by my sister

Veterans Day

Veterans day is, of course, very important to all of us because it's a day commemorating people who so selflessly defend our freedoms.

My father served for 27 years in the Army, and my brother Micah is currently overseas. I am so proud of both of them!

Today I thought I would share some vintage photos of some of my family members who served in the military.

 My Great Grandfather Charles who served in World War I

My handsome Dad. About 1973.

 My dad's father, Jack. Served in the Navy during WWII

 My Grand uncle Jim. 

 My aunt Irene and her husband Bill. 

 Irene and Bill again...how cute is her outfit?!

One more... My cousin said I look like her! I don't really see it, but I take that as a great compliment, she is beautiful!

Witchy Woman

Happy November y'all!


Halloween has come and gone. I am not huge into Halloween, but I did attend a party that was pretty fun. In case you are curious, I was a "Vintage Cigarette Girl", only I didn't have enough time to make my little tray, so no one really got it. Oh well. These things happen.

Over the past 2 months or so I have become increasingly infatuated with velvet. I am not talking about that horrible stretch crap that was super popular in the 80's and 90's, but real, honest to goodness soft, delicious velvet made of rayon and/or silk. Every time I go to the thrift store I keep my eyes peeled for velvety stuff and have begun amassing a collection for myself.

I wore two of my newly acquired velvet items the other day, and it ended up looking very late 30's film noir-y.

Please excuse my face in that one.

I am super obsessed with this miraculous fabric. It's incredibly soft an delightful and wonderful and amazing. You know what I would absolutely and entirely love? 1940's style pajamas made out of silk/rayon velvet. I know you're probably thinking, wow that sounds incredibly hot (as in temperature) and uncomfortable. Well, no, it's not. I accidentally fell asleep wearing this skirt which is nearly full length, and I slept wonderfully and woke up in a state that was neither cold nor hot. It was just right.

Being a proper 30's woman, I must have fur, and a hat!
 

I believe this skirt is 18% silk and 82% rayon, and the blouse/jacket is pure rayon. While they aren't a matched set, they look like they could be a suit. Both pieces are pretty modern. The skirt is cut on the bias, and the blouse has really awesome Victorian-ish looking details. There are a ton of pintucks, shirring, it buttons up the front, and has a cool drawstring lace collar. I wore it with really low wingtip heels that look 30's, but are also modern and vintage back seam stockings. Stockings which require a garter belt.

Can I just say that I kind of hate garter belts? I am not a fan. Perhaps it's because I have an ill-fitting one from Victoria's Secret that is really flimsy. Or perhaps it's because I'm tall, so I feel less secure in one. But it's probably just because they are annoying, and take forever to get all hooked into. Maybe I should look into getting another one. After all, I can't really wear back seam stockings without one, and I do love back seams :).

 In addition to these two items, I have also acquired another skirt, 2 jackets, and a pair of wide-legged trousers that are really short on me...drat my long legs! FYI, the pants were originally from Ann Taylor and still had a tag on them and retailed originally for $168!...I got them for $4!

So far everything I have is black, but that's fine because it's a basic color. I would really love to have some deep burgundy or forest green velvet items though.

Anyway, that's an outfit that makes me feel like I could be a really good sleuth. Which is a perfect feeling fitting for a breezy autumn afternoon.


I hope you had a lovely start to your November!