Rain Rain

Ah, rain is a thing of beauty. Whenever it falls I think of this poem that I grew up with.

"The rain is raining all around,
It falls on field and tree,
It rains on the umbrellas here,
And on the ships at sea." 
{Robert Louis Stevenson}

D e t a i l s

{tights} - ModCloth

{belt} - vintage 70's, inherited

{rain boots} - Mel via ModCloth

{necklace} - handmade by Seven Finches

{dress} - vintage 60's, available in the shop!

Styling: The Oversized Dress

Similar to the conversations I've had with people about thrifting, are the questions I've been asked about how to wear vintage clothing.  Usually these inquiries come from the standpoint of those with predominantly modern wardrobes, who want to blend in some more classic pieces.  That, or those that want to find inexpensive ways to wear vintage.  This post probably falls more into the second category, but really, is for everyone.

Tuthfully, I know that not everyone needs styling advice, just as not all students need algebra help. People are naturally good at different things-- and because I'm totally the math help type, I'm here to talk about aesthetics instead! :)

I suppose my number one rule for styling is be open to improvisation.  Sometimes, said jimmy rigging will fail, but in the process, you will hit on lots of ways to be creative with your wardrobe.

So lets talk about the oversized dress and why I find it to be such a gem.  Have you ever been thrifting or vintage shopping (or even perusing a sale section) and you find a great dress that you love-- but it's a couple of sizes too big?  Who knows, maybe you didn't even find it because you never look outside of your size range, but let me tell you: an oversized dress can be a great piece in your wardrobe, for it's versatility and because we, ladies, all have those days each month where a little waist room is a good thing. ;)

A perfect example of my own, is this 60's cotton day dress.  It's one that I found at an estate sale and opted to keep.  This frock is easily two or three sizes too big for me, but I loved the stripes and drop waist detail-- which is a great style for this purpose.  The obvious solution to an unfitted waist is a belt, but I find that most people don't actually utilize this simple trick!

Check out the difference a belt makes:

Because an oversized dress will probably be large all over (not just the waist) I also like to throw on a cropped sweater or jacket-- the shorter length does double duty by accentuating the waist further.

A dress like this could also be easily worn just with a cropped sweater, for a similar waist cinching effect, sans belt.  I actually styled this vintage 50's cashmere cardigan exactly that way for it's Etsy listing! 

Choosing an Oversized Dress

When you take to the couple-sizes-larger-than-you section, some things that are good to look for:

1) an a-line, or full skirted shape.  Dresses that are straight up and down tend not to work well when styled this way, as the belted section is more noticably "indented".  With a more hourglass shaped garment and fuller skirt, a cinched waist looks more natural.

2) dropped waist.  This isn't a necessity by any means, but I find that this style is especially adorable worn this way-- mostly due to the fact that the created lines accent both the hips and waist.

3) a print/color that you love, or that could be versatile.  I find that I'm much more likely to get creative with a garment if it's in a color or print that I enjoy.  There's no sense in purchasing something if you don't!

When all is said and done, vintage clothing often comes along in sizes that might not be perfect.  I've learned that improvising in the face of that, not only works but has expanded my creativity while maintaining my bank account. ;)

And the best part is, I don't think anyone would ever guess that this dress is supposed to fit any differently!  Win-win, I think.

Have any styling (or vintage styling) dilemmas that you're looking for solutions to?  Leave a comment or shoot me an email at ofdustandwonder@gmail.com. :)

Here + Now

I wore this last week (or so) when we had a springy spell.  Leaving the house sans tights was lovely, though a little chilly still.  It seems nothing is consistent of late and though there are pros and cons to that, I'm okay with it.  Spring aside, there's such a feeling of anticipation in my bones the past few weeks. I know I have choices to make, and not so much a matter of if, but when.  

I am learning that the best answer to that (for me) is often now.  Sigh. 

Knowing that is not always helpful.

Details

{jacket} - Michael Kors, gift

{dress} - vintage 60's, for sale here

{sandals} - Seychelles via ModCloth

Introspection and Thanks

This summer has been so strange, traveling at a snail's pace one moment and blurring past the next.  The last 5 or 6 days (seriously, it's already Wednesday!?) went by like light speed and I'm floundering a bit to process it all.  Even excitement and joy need to be sorted.

I thrive on rumination, introspection and processing my feelings and thoughts-- A pensive stance is home base for me, so when things happen rapidly in succession (though I enjoy it), I need the time to sort it all out within myself.  Which is perhaps why I write.

Big time praise is in order for #sandblast14 and the way God showed himself (as always) to be thoroughly trustworthy.  The weekend was equal parts wonderful and exhausting, lived alongside amazing and authentic individuals and feeling the Spirit move deeply. I walked in partially blind on Friday, but it's become increasingly clear since, how necessary the rock and hard place circumstances of the past few months of my life have been to the plans God had for Sandblast concerning me.  Which is why I say again, my favorite times of life are when I literally have no choice in the matter.  When options don't exist and straight ahead is all there is, at least I'm going the right way.

Usually, coming home from these things is somewhat hard because of the shocking disconnection from constant community.  This year, I found that not a problem at all!  Even my first day back was relationally and spiritually full-- coffee with a newer friend who understands my depths and later, dinner with a good friend who has helped me to laugh and pursue action in life.  I could not be more thankful for being right where I am.

Father, I can't praise, thank or worship you enough.  You've taken the broken shell of a girl I once was (and occasionally still am) and reformed her-- into me, the real, joyful, confident, vivid person you created me to be.  Sometimes I'm just completely awed by the amount of healing you have done in my heart, and the work you are allowing my hands to do.  So, so blessed.

Details

{top} - Thrifted

{skort} - vintage 60's, for sale at Curio!

{sandals} - Seychelles

Loosing Arrows

While some have been sensational enough to call our recent cooler temperatures the summer side of Snowmaggedon, I shrug and take the opportunity to sport cashmere-- seriously people, it's going to be 80 degrees again by the weekend.

This week has (so far) been full of small joys, things that will fade too quickly if I let them.  A sunny day walking around a new (to me) town with a friend.  Being given a free drink by a barista at my favorite coffee shop, for the second time and apparently just because.  Finding a 40's gown yesterday that is one of my favorite discoveries yet.  Beautiful sunsets, both captured and not.  It's little joys like these that remind me that God not only sees me and values me, but he delights greatly in me-- and I badly need that reminder this morning.

I'm headed out tomorrow morning to serve as a smallgroup leader at my church's summer youth camp, #Sandblast14.  A sea of 1,700 high school students, a handful of which I have the opportunity to walk alongside.  Right before events like these, Satan usually makes it his business to go for my jugular.  To throw me off or cause self doubt in my heart, to distract me from the words of my Father in a time when I'll need to share them with others.  Misunderstandings with friends that come out of left field, logistical issues, busy schedules and general confusion.  When this happens, I am so thankful for those little joyful moments that God put in my path.  Reminders for a rainy day (like today) when I need to remember that my Father sees me, prepares for me and never leaves my side.  They are arrows of truth designed to puncture lies and distraction.

Today I'm loosing arrows.

Details

{sweater} - vintage 60's, thrifted

{skirt} - vintage 70's from a closed Etsy shop

{shoes} - vintage 60's, thrifted

{necklace} - fair trade by Mata Traders

{bracelet} - gift

Shop Update - May '14

After some furious cleaning and photographing earlier this week, I've finally started cranking out some new listings!  Here are the May additions to Curio, some just listed and some soon to come.

50's ruffled, novelty print juniors dress

70's lavender scalloped blouse

60's ruffled bib collar, floral dress

90's yellow Boy Scout den Mom blouse

60's blue tweed Marshal Fields jacket

60's pastel paisley scooter dress/romper

60's red and teal striped day dress

70's red scalloped blouse

50's black and white Houndstooth, wool wiggle dress

60's teal wool, plaid dress

I always hesitate when listing chilly weather things (like the last two dresses) in the Spring but then remember my Australian friends who are just heading into Fall!  This is just a start, but it feels good to get some of these pretties listed-- more to come!

Feel free to follow me on Twitter or Facebook if you want to know when these are listed!

Curio Vintage: Early Spring Update

It's been far too long since I posted here with new additions to my vintage shop!  Here's what is newly listed and coming soon for Spring:

This sweet and springy 1960's peach hued dress is freshly listed!  It's effortless and is definitely a throwback to the 20's in style!  Whether you prefer mod or Gatsby, this coy number does both.

These charming 50's clip earrings are beautiful and so nostalgic, they'll make an appearance in the shop in early April!

This 1960's grapefruite wool coat is the perfect lighter weight for the last bits of spring chill.  It's most charming details are the row of pearly buttons, front slit pockets and cuffs.  I just listed it today!

Vintage strawberry earrings, need I say more?

This green 50's cashmere sweater is classic, beautiful and due to the shop in early April! 

Oh, the detail on this gorgeous 1920's peacock wallet!  It's beaded, embroidered and has wire elements, all on a velvet background.  This gem will be listed in the shop in early April!

-----

Keep an eye on the shop for the above and more in the coming weeks (including some adorable vintage children's clothing!) not to mention all of the other springy goodness already for sale.  

Here's to the thaw of winter '14!

Citrus Floral

It's been a little over a week since I last posted an I feel like so much has happened, mostly positive.  Sandblast was wonderful-- it's a camp for the high school kids at my church, but it was so spiritually nourishing for me as well.  I've realize lately how much my involvement in youth ministry keeps me on my toes, even just as a volunteer small group leader.  Through the teaching and worship of course, but also through the thoughts and questions that my small group girls express.

Maybe it has something to do with attending a month of sleep away camp every summer growing up, but I love the camp environment.  I'd seriously live that way if I could.  Funny enough, but I think Sandblast challenged me socially this year too-- I'm pretty standoff-ish and awkward in large group settings, but last weekend I surprised myself by being much more open and amiable.  I have no idea how that happened, but I've been praying for God to continue to thaw and sweep me up in His plans.

Ugh, there is so much more to speak of in the past week!  I'll have to save it for another post though, so this one doesn't become a novel. :)

This dress is one of my summer favorites, I wear it as much as possible (probably too much) in the warm months because I just haven't found it to be wearable in the Winter.  I'm generally not a fan of "fashion rules" about when and how things must be worn-- I wear most of my dresses year round, albeit styled differently for the current season.  This is not one of those dresses.  Come September, I'll pack it and a couple other "summer only" dresses away, and unpack my few "winter only" ones.

Hmm, though maybe if I had a rust hued pair of sweater tights...?  :)

{Dress} - vintage 60's, thrifted

{Bag} - vintage, shop stock

{Necklace} - gift from Mom

{Flats} - Modcloth