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!

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

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. :)

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

Vintage Print Project

Lately I've been pretty excited about a project I've been working on, in which my loves for art and history collide in an epic way. Over my years as a vintage clothing dealer, I've come across so many adorable, crazy, interesting and funny textile prints-- peacocks, snowflakes+roosters+hearts (yes, together), houses, sailboats, blue oxen... So, so many. Novelty has been in for quite a long time, really, and some of the best examples I've comes across are truly one of a kind (I've not seen their like since).  

I quite like one of a kind, if I'm honest.  

If I'm even more honest, that's because it means only I have it. Pretty silly, right? I'm not sure I realized how silly, and potentially selfish that thought was, until I realized how many gorgeous, uniquely printed $200+ vintage dresses there are on Etsy that I will never ever own (being a dealer, I'm kind of cheap). That's when I realized that I really wanted to bring the adorable, curious prints that I have access to, back into circulation somehow, and make them more readily available.  

Enter Society6, Spoonflower and my doodle happy self. I began re-illustrating (for lack of a better term?) a couple of prints from my own vintage wardrobe, and am so excited to continue. My first offering, Automobiles is now available on Society6 (in several color ways) and will soon also be on Spoonflower. How cool is that!? Those who know me, will recognize this print from one of my favorite skirts-- a quilted, 1940's number covered in these dapper little cars. :)

While the vintage garment itself remains truly one of a kind (in aesthetics, and in the story it's lived), I'm so glad to be able to share these unique prints. Even more than sharing just the print, it's like sharing with others the wonder I feel when I discover unique vintage garments. Now anyone who wants to (without dropping $200+ on a dress) can add some vintage print to their life with an iPhone case, tote bag, mug, or a million other things. Heck, you could even order the fabric on Spoonflower and make a skirt!

So much more to come!  If you are a vintage print lover, and have photos of print you might like to contribute to this project, let me know! :)

Jean

My recent light locks presented the opportunity (one I'm sure I'll never have again) to relate to my heritage-- my Grandmother Jean was a redhead, and I've always wondered if my genes would support ginger locks. It's only temporary, a stop on my road back from blonde, but it's been a fun moment that I realized I must post down for the record. :)

I definitely feel more myself as a redhead than I did blonde, but more each day I'm longing to return to brunettehood. Change is something I've long been fond of, but not merely for the sake of itself.

Winter has been bright so far-- sunny, I mean. Bright, mild and feeling more like Spring than anything else.  Creatively, I am active, but struggling to maintain focus.  God is doing some interesting things with my social justice interests, and so I'm following (really, I'm sturggling to not push past him and rush ahead-- waiting is hard).

Until later, when my brain in more focused (when is that?).

Details

{dress} - Vintage 70's, inherited

{sweater} - thrifted

{tights} - ModCloth

{gloves} - vintage 40's, thrifted

{shoes} - Bed Stu

{necklace} - handmade, gift

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

Moving Sale!

Oh yeah, and this!  To make the move to my new studio a wee bit easier of a haul, I decided to slash some prices! There are so many lovely pieces in my shop right now, 30's - 70's, dresses, jackets, skirts, etc. Check it out, and pass it on if you know someone who loves vintage clothing! :)

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