Raspberry Sailboats + Henna

I'm posting this in kind of a rush because I'm headed out early tomorrow morning to serve as a small group leader at my church's summer youth camp #sandblast13.  Today has been full of last minute errands, packing and visiting with my Brother who came out to the burbs for the day. 

This skirt is a summer staple for me, but it's strangely accented in a dark raspberry-- a beautiful, but not very summery hue.  I've tried pairing all sorts of tops with it, and so far this studded raspberry one is my favorite.  With most of my traditionally girly vintage skirts and dresses, I like to add a hard, industrial element.  The studs on this top were perfect for that, especially when I added my steel necklace!

And as promised, my free hand henna piece is complete!  It consists of mermaid scales, the words "on land" and a bow and arrow aimed at my foot-- I do always shoot myself in it.  There's something really awesome about sporting your own artwork.  I at least know from this experience that if I ever do get any ink, it'll be from my own drawing and imagination.

I'll be posting a henna tattoo tutorial soon! :)

{Top} - thrifted

{Sailboat Skirt} - vintage 50's, Rue 23 Vintage

{Flats} - ? had forever

{Steel Necklace} - gift from Dad

Hello July

July is easily one of my favorite months.  I love it's balmy weather (at least here in the Midwest), the celebration of my country's birth, and the fact that somehow most of my big summer events happen in July.  Today was sadly not warm or balmy, but I wore this anyway-- wishful thinking maybe?

Please excuse the crazily wrinkled state of this skirt!  It's linen so I suppose that's expected after sitting in it, but I didn't realize what a mess it was in the moment.  When it's not so wrinkly, I love the 1940's silhouette and notched waist.  The truth though is that it's actually from the 70's, which is funny because that makes it both vintage and vintage inspired!

I found this key-chain sometime during high school at a local antique shop and had it on my car keys.  I eventually realized it was too large and heavy for my liking (it's brass), and stopped using it.  When the zipper pull on this bag broke awhile ago, I rediscovered it as the perfect fix!  It's a huge improvement on the pull that broke and also adds a personal touch.  It's funny that when things break (literally and figuratively) it just creates an opportunity for better things to come along.

{purple skirt} 40's inspired 70's vintage, from Blue VooDoo Vintage

{striped tank} T.J. Maxx

{heart lariat necklace} Vintage, Grandmother's

{brown satchel} T.J. Maxx

{mary jane flats} Lulu's

PS - No henna tattoo yet, though I did a practice run in watercolor.  Shooting for Thursday!

Lace, Batik + Henna

I've realized lately, that this bracelet literally goes w/ everything I own.

I love mixing print and texture like this.  I wore this outfit to work on Friday, the dress came in the mail on Thursday and I just couldn't wait to take it for a spin (literally)!  I love the colors and the fact that it's handmade, cotton, full-skirted and also a great deal!  The fit was a bit off for me (I'll need to take in the waist and bust), but wearing a belt and a top underneath helped for the time being.

Another thing I received in the mail on Thursday is the henna I ordered to complete the tattoo I wanted (it's on my list of summer goals)! At first I thought I would do a sleeve of sorts, but because I work in an office I decided to go for the slightly more conspicuous ankle/calf piece.  Besides, it will be much easier for me to see and complete myself than my arm would've been.  This is something I've wanted to do for awhile, so I'm pretty stoked!  I may get a legit tattoo one day, but in the mean time I find henna to be a great alternative, and way to explore what I may eventually want in ink.  I'm not sure exactly what it will look like yet, I'm working on some rough doodles for now.  I do want to have it finished (on my skin) by the end of the month though, so I better get to work brainstorming!

{Batik Dress} - handmade, Alfie Ruth

{Lace Top} - ModCloth

{Belt} - vintage, thrifted

{Shoes} - Seychelles

{Bracelet} - gift