Spring Equinox

Yesterday, on the first day of Spring, I went on a mini-adventure to one of the many historical towns in my area-- really just to get a latte, check out a reclaimed furniture shop and drive through the streets lined with adorable older houses.  On the way out of town, my Mom and I spotted this enormous beauty, and had to turn around for a closer look.

Turns out, this is a historic mansion that's now used for all sorts of arts related purposes-- pretty cool if you ask me!  Sometimes I think I would love to someday own and run some sort of a Victorian estate, either as an event venue, school, or for some other purpose.  I just love the history and quality (beautiful!) craftsmanship of places like this.  If you are a kindred spirit in that way, you should really check out this awesome real estate site that's specifically old houses and buildings.

I must note, I find it tragically sad when people mar the history of places such as this by claiming that it is haunted!  Perhaps my incredulity at a claim like that comes from what scripture clearly says about such things, and my belief in that (if you want more info, let me know), but I digress.  The point is, that there's nothing dumber than being afraid of history (and succumbing to fear in general), and lots of people actually are, in my experience.  It's quite a shame.

I'll definitely be returning to this lovely place as the weather warms, to further explore and understand what it's used for today.  Truth is, though, there are so many beautiful Victorian structures in my area (and all over the country) that I want to check out too!  Who knows, maybe that'll be one of my goals for the summer, Victorian house visiting mania. ;)

Details

{tights} - Target

{sweater} - H&M, thrifted

{jacket} - gift, Michael Kors

{pin} - vintage 50's, inherited

{dress} - vintage late 50's, thrifted

{oxfords} - Julianne Hough for Sole Society

Upon A Stage

Though I've meant to, I've not circled back to share some of my fall and early winter adventures in performing arts. Namely, taking a scary (but rewarding) leap and getting the opportunity to play a lead role in a musical theatre production of "White Christmas" (yeah, you know that Bing Crosby film?)!  Um, not to mention that it included the chance to perform on the stage of a Victorian opera house-- more than a bonus in my opinion. ;)

Now here's the thing, though I grew up on the stage (mostly in competitive dance), I've not been on one in...maybe five or six years?  Even then, never in a lead or solo role, so this was quite an experience.  Most of my life, I've tended to hang in the back row, out of sight, under the radar.  I think I just never wanted to be like those people who hang on approval, and demand attention.  This was my first experience of really raising my hand, and volunteering myself for a lead part.  And shock of the year, I got it.

There's too much to say about the general experience I had (both pros and cons), but overall I am so glad that I put myself out there!  I've found that, while the audition process is scary for me, the stage is not-- that's the fun part!  Weirdly, I even took a lot away from the character I played: Judy Haynes, an exuberant blonde extrovert.  I've long rolled my eyes at women like that, and surprised myself by really enjoying the openness and fun of the role-- something I've since carried a piece of, with me.

I long to get back on a stage already, but perhaps in something a bit more creative. Song and dance are definitely my thing, but the cheese of musical theatre these days, honestly puts me off. It seems to me that the demeanor of performance, decades ago was different than it is today-- I'm thinking vaudeville, the 30's and 40's and performers like Fred Astaire, Anne Miller, Betty Garrett, Jane Powell, Gene Kelly, Howard Keel...those guys. They had their share of funny character numbers, but when they played real people, there wasn't the artificial drama that seems injected into (some) musical theatre today.  

So my idea wheels are turning as usual.  I guess I'm just that person that has to create something new, for better or worse (and both apply). But as always, I need others to believe in my direction/ideation enough to want to participate, and demonstrating those things seems often near impossible. Working on that too. ;)

Note on hair color: if you are confused by my sudden hair color change in these photos, you aren't alone! The photos with my natural hair color are of our last dress rehearsal, which was the same night that I decided to go blonde. Yeah. I was supposed to wear a blonde wig, but (trust me) it was not good. So, to do Judy justice, I was like what the heck. Haha, and that's the story on how I became blonde for as short a time as I possibly could. :D

Action > Escape

In many ways this winter has been a walk in the park, but I am still hankering for true, sunny-day-blooming-flowers-no-jacket Springtime.  Warm spurts have come and gone, settling mostly on a middle ground of gray drizzle, like today.

My head has been a little in a gray drizzle lately, as well.  

I suppose that glum feeling is really in reaction to a deep restlessness that I feel-- a desire to do something meaningful, but not hearing clear direction from God on what that might be.  Because of that, I've had moments of wanting to throw my hands up, and everything to the wind.  Moments where I kind of just want to raise my hand to every organization I know, and offer myself to be sent somewhere (anywhere) where I can use my hands and effort to do something of value in the grand scheme of things.

And as exciting and freeing as that sounds, I think I've also realized that (for me) it would be running away.

From what?  From the creative knot here in reality that I have to work through, from actually figuring out how best to use the gifts God has given me.  The idea seems like an experiential escape from specific opportunities that utilize my gifts, that I'm sick and tired of waiting on (though I think God might be asking me to).  Sometimes, it's easier and so much more fun to go off exploring instead.

Now, I'm not saying that if I chose to fly off the handle and go work for an organization in Costa Rica, or Afghanistan, that that would be a wrong choice.  It's not.  I'm a firm believer in the truth that God gave us free will for a reason, that he's overjoyed to use whatever we do within his will.  By that, I mean that it doesn't involve living in sin, and centers around our love for him and others.  Apart from that, I do believe the call on our lives is simply this: go do what you love, what lights you up and what builds other people up and points them to the love of God.

So we're left with a heck ton of options, overwhelming as that is.

Ha, so I guess I still might throw it all to the wind and board a plane soon.  So many variables change every day, even the awareness of the ability to choose literally anything right now, is weighty-- and also very light, for all it takes is a step, a yes, an ask. There many not be another season in my life like this one, and while I desperately want to choose wisely, that preoccupation often robs me of... (wait for it. Yep:) action.

My life always comes back to that, doesn't it?  Just DO something, even if it fails.  Unfortunately Escape and Action can look a lot alike, I suppose that's the distinction that matters.

Details

{top} - thrifted

{tights} - Target

{skirt} - vintage 70's, inherited

{sweater} - vintage 50's, thrifted

{necklace} - vintage 40's, inherited

{heels} - Chelsea Crew via ModCloth

Standing Still

This Autumn feels different than the two or three before it, and I think I've realized it comes down to walking-- or really, lack there of.  

The last several Fall seasons of my life have come complete with new endeavors that, at some point, required a section of walking in my weekly commute-- including living a short 5 minute walk to the train for two years.  I didn't realize until the last couple of weeks, how much I dearly miss that little part of my morning and evening-- being out and about, seeing the leaves change week by week, passing people, exposed to chance encounters and happenstance.  Driving from home to my work studio each day has felt like being locked in a glass box, away from life.  Perhaps I'm melodramatic-- I probably am, but that little slice of time spent moving my feet from place to place, brought with it gratitude, a clear mind, and wonder about the world and faces around me.  I feel the lack of that this year, and have a marked memory of the wistful creativity that flowed freely from it.

I'm not quite sure how, but I may have to jimmy-rig a way to walk somewhere a couple of times during my week-- perhaps to meet a friend for coffee at a spot a couple blocks from my studio, or to the grocery around the corner?  It's amazing how such a small detail can affect the entire feel of one's life.

D e t a i l s

{dress} - vintage early 50's, via Sunday Girl Finds

{t-shirt} - thrifted

{oxfords} - Julianne Hough via Sole Society

{locket} - handmade, gift

Autumn Wool Tartan

There is something about that period of weather between seasons, that's a little bit magical. It can, of course, be frustrating as well-- all of that too warm, too cold, jacket-or-not, type of thing.  Despite those lovely spikes back up into the warmer temperatures, I'm pretty convinced that it is fully fall now.  It could be the fact that it's October, or the pictures of a first snow my Dad just texted me from Colorado.  Mostly, though, I'm convinced Fall has arrived because wool tartan skirts have woven themselves back into both my wardrobe and the shop, of late.

Even what I wore today qualifies!

I recently listed these other great examples of vintage wool tartan-- both hail from the 50's and had the same original owner as the skirt I'm wearing above! She is the sweetest lady, and spent so much time with me, telling stories about each garment.  I'll be listing a couple more of her wool skirts soon, so keep your eyes peeled! :) 

One of the awesome things about vintage wool skirts (besides keeping you toasty warm in chilly weather) is the huge variety of patterns and colors that they come in! I can't wait to post the two others I have yet to list, and other fall items coming soon!  I also have an exciting update I'll be making to Curio Vintage in the coming weeks, that I can't wait to share.  Stay tuned vintage lovers, and feel free to reach out in the comments or to ofDustandWonder@gmail.com via email.

D e t a i l s

{top} - brother's old Marine Corps boot camp tee

{skirt} - vintage 40's, thrifted

{shoes} - Julianne Hough via Sole Society

{locket} - handmade, gift

Complexity + Understanding

What is it about mixing hard and soft that just never, ever gets old for me? Not just in aesthetics (shooting polo + floral dress), but I've even noticed my favorite people, stories and music are that way.  Most things that come out of my brain through my hands or mouth fall into that category as well. Complexity is so beautiful.

So why then, does it seem that humans tend to make sweeping generalizations about each other? Assuming human beings can be summed up by what we see, put in one box or another-- though I've surely done it myself, isn't it silly? Why can't we remember that every person is complex, as is their hurt, joy and experiential record.

There's nothing like being on the receiving end of such, to make me examine myself. When am I guilty of that? When have I made someone feel summed up in a single negative statement? Or by silent negation? When have I arrived at a (likely misinformed) conclusion based only on observation and void of context?

Sometimes I think the best thing we can do when someone rubs us the wrong way, is to remember their complexity, and to seek to know them-- or at the very least, remind ourselves that we do not know their hearts or thoughts.

Here's to understanding.

Details

{shooting polo} Ralph Lauren

{dress} vintage 50's, via Sunday Girl Finds

{sandals} Seychelles

Thrifted {one}

After some conversations I've had recently, I have realized that most people are mystified by (or totally unaware of) the concept of thrifting clothing for real, actual use in their wardrobes.  I think I wear at least one thrifted or vintage (probably both) item every day, and so have set out to increase awareness by posting here about it!  Why spend more money on cheaply made things, when you can get great quality (or crappy, if you choose) for way less, and recycle in the process? There is just no good reason.

I actually made a Goodwill visit last week and found way too much great stuff, so I'll be posting as I incorporate these new things into my closet.  Today's feature is a sweater of my favorite hue, stormy sea green-- does anyone else think of the description from The Princess Bride, of Wesley's eyes? "Like the sea after a storm...".  Sigh.

This sweater was one I couldn't pass up.  Not only is it beautiful, soft and has a great little neck detail, but it's Banana Republic. For $8.

{details}

sweater - Goodwill ($8)

skirt - vintage 50's, estate sale

flats - ? I've had them forever...

watch - vintage, inherited

necklace - handmade via Seven Finches

jacket - Michael Kors, gift

Almost Primary

Holiday aftermath today; answering cards and letters, returning to unfinished projects, and feeling strangely inspired to post here again.  

Over the last couple of months, I've received a needed combination of edification and kick-in-the-pants from several people who love me-- to step forward and put my creative gifts to tangible use.  So I am starting, trying, building, moving forward with my hands open. 

Details

{dress} - worn as top, Asos

{pencil skirt} - vintage 50's, thrifted

{sweater} - buttoned in back, J.Crew

{tights} - ModCloth

{heels} - Chelsea Crew

{watch} - vintage 30's, inherited

11,000

Feet above sea level that is.  Here are some memories of recent roaming there.

Fall, Fur and Feathers.

A couple of months ago, I got an email about a Chicago version of the Fur and Feathers Luncheon-- which I actually was aware of (pat on the back).  The original event takes place in Portland each year and is a lunch gathering of vintage enthusiasts, dressing in (yes) fur, feathers and vintage attire in general.

I was intrigued and decided to plan on attending, which is exactly what I did on Saturday! Though I do wear at least one vintage piece most days, I seldom dress in head to toe vintage (and all decade specific), so this was a fun excuse to do so-- minus my shoes and tights, that is!  I'm pretty used to feeling like a spectacle in public, but riding the train to the city like this was slightly more than usual!  It was a rainy day, so I even had one of my vintage umbrellas along (I'm sad now that I didn't include it in the pictures)!

The turnout for the Luncheon was kind of sad, but I'm still glad I went-- Six ladies RSVPed, and though only three of us showed.  I was thankful for these two though, I was the first there and wondered for a bit if I'd be all alone!

I honestly don't have very many friends who are vintage kindred spirits, and I personally know so little about the vintage scene in the city (I'm much more of a wide open spaces kind of girl) so it was fun talking some shop, finding about events and such in Chicago.  Caroline (on the left) shared some of her favorite vintage locales with us, and Christina (on the right in her Grandmother's beautiful fur coat!) and I talked about maybe checking out some shops, events and such in the city together soon!  I live close enough, and commute downtown twice a week for work, so I suppose it is about time. :)

All in all, I think the Chicago Fur and Feathers Luncheon is on its way! With perhaps a little more planning in advance, and getting the word out there, 2015 is bound to be a wonderful success!  Thanks to my vintage friends in the northwest who inspired the notion, Caroline for her boldness to put it on, and Christina for showing up with me! :)

Details

{dress} - vintage 40's, thrifted

{cashmere sweater} - vintage 50's, thrifted

{shoes} - Chelsea Crew

{watch} - vintage 30's, inherited