Totes Worth that 7a Wakeup Call

This last week I finally caved and decided to spend some time doing what I miss and love: shopping. Nothing too crazy, but it was definitely needed and I'm happy to say that I didn't splurge on a large Nordstrom's bag. I went to the swap meet and came out on top: little money spent, some amazing pieces-- I can't wait to wear them!

There are a few things I didn't photograph including a 40s clutch purse and a large beaver fur stole, both of which I'll be wearing to an event this coming weekend. 

I can't wait to go back, though! It's always long chunks of time between visits and I always forget how much I love it. 

A Little Lipstick Never Hurt Anybody

So soon for a rant post? Not even!

While browsing the beautiful interwebs, I've come to a conclusion about the majority of vintage sewing pattern posts I've seen: I'm vastly disappointed in people not living some of those outfits up!

Now, I will attest that when it comes to taking pictures in a semi-completed toile, there's no need for fancy and flare to take a picture that merely shows that "hey- the pattern is boxy and needs taking in here-and-here.". But when the outfit is done? Take it up a notch! Wear that vintage dress like it's intended!

Maybe it's just my feelings about dressing up and being womanly in that way... maybe Dita has just rubbed off on me. Who knows. BUT:

(originally from an ad about deodorant!)

OK, I know it's politically incorrect, but I will admit that's how I (generally) feel about these sorts of things. Now, I'm aware that some people don't have the time, money, patience, or all of the aforementioned abilities to make that vintage dress POP. But if you're taking the time to recreate such an amazing garment, you have to put in the effort for you to look amazing in it, too!

This is something that is brought up constantly in the lolita circles: if you're going to own a 400$ dress, you have better do more than just wash your hair and put on some lipgloss to make that dress shine. The dress isn't what makes you a lolita- it's everything that goes along with it.

Now, I was debating using some poor unfortunate woman or girl's photo to illustrate my point... but that's not really what this rant is about. I'm not trying to attack anybody- I'm trying to stress the point that you should always try and look your best if you are putting yourself out there to shine!

Take this Vintage Vogue pattern, V8686:

It's a VERY classic style and the illustration is absolutely gorgeous. But if left in the hands of someone who may not want to style themselves properly to fit it? It could be disastrous! I'm not against "wearing your own thing, your own way"- but it could have so much potential!

A great fascinator hat- pearl necklace- t-strap shoes- full hair and makeup- little gloves and some bright red lipstick? Sounds fabulous! Heck, even the model in the Vogue Patterns site looks quite nice! (I probably would not have picked that brown/green color, but hey!) 

In the mean time, though, I'm sure I will have to continue to appreciate some seamstresses' amazing stitch work--- but try and block out their lack of attempt at making the outfit work as a cohesive style piece. Honorable mention to Sew Weekly, though. Most of those ladies really take these pieces and run! (I particularly always love Mena's and Loran's amazing frocks!)

The Possibilities are ENDLESS!

I'm absolutely excited!

I recently received my Amazon Black Friday splurge: Gertie's New Book For Better Sewing. After being a fan of Gertie's blog for a long time, I took the plunge and finally bought her book (which I've wanted since even before it came out!) Needlessly said: worth every single penny.

The book was everything I hoped and expected of it: a solid resource for vintage sewing, with an intermediate seamstress in mind. It has tons of new skills I haven't learned or dabbled in yet and is a great transition into working towards Expert Mode. After having owned and looked through tons of beginner sewing books in the past, it's great to know it's not a "how to thread your sewing machine" sort of book; it assumes you all ready know the basics. I now have a really strong "dictionary" to cover all the questions I generally have when I work on my own clothing and clears up most fitting issues I've faced (and is a great starting off point into tailoring.)

In terms of cons, maybe more pictures? But even that is stretching it. In this modern day and age, I recognize this is a resource for me to quickly look things up. If I have more questions, I'll know with certainty what I'm looking for in a Youtube tutorial video or in a search. I also am not a huge fan of the type of book binding... but that's just a personal pet peeve because I don't want the pages to be damaged in use. BUT, I'm looking forward to writing all over this book with my findings through the coming years: this is a keeper!

The patterns are all really great as well-- and I'm looking forward to knocking each one of them out in time. While maybe the color schemes in all of them may not have been my cup of tea... I think each pattern has potential in its own way and I am sure can be adapted to me and my life.

First up? The pencil skirt!

I'm all ready thinking of fabrics I would want this skirt in... I'll definitely need at least 4 or 5 of these-- they're all ready one of my wardrobe staples! (especially since I'm officially down to only TWO pairs of jeans!) I need a ton of these in some good suiting fabric...

And of course, some amazing Linton tweeds. Yes, yes, I know these run for £30 per meter... (nearly 50$ per yard-- basically), but it'd be awesome to have something "solid" and "grown up." And if I ever make myself my Chanel-inspired jacket, the skirt would be a must have for a full suit!

I also found this Victorian Maiden "Charlotte Mermaid" skirt I could probably recreate with the pattern.

Now, this book is certainly not the be-all-end-all, but for starting to really incorporate more hand sewing and couture techniques, it's a great resource.

Apothecaries don't have to be scary- I promise!

I'm very happy to say that while riding the muni today, I finally decided what theme I would like to decorate my bathroom with: vintage apothecary! Now, hear me out, I'm well aware that it can turn "creepy" but I think that with some light enough colors it can look cool without being weird. Here are some inspirational images I found via Pinterest:

I definitely feel more confident in my future thrift store hunts because now I know EXACTLY what it is I'm looking for: bottles and vials in all shapes and sizes --and trays for them to sit a top of. Well, maybe one really good tray. Old frames and a good mirror that maybe has "time damage"-- I don't know the name of that effect when it gets specks on it's surface...?

I'm also excited on the prospect of being able to design my own labels for each of the bottles! Of course some of them will be silly labels, but I think they'd be great for a bottle to hold my face toner, my moisturizer, cotton balls, etc. I also think it'd be quite amazing to find an old tattered book to rip apart and paint on the sheets-- then frame them. Maybe I'll do some botany pictures?

Either way, I'm excited! I'll probably be scouring the main Goodwill in the City tomorrow after school and taking things home in excitement. Lets see what I can get for under 20$! At least for this first trip... I know a new bath rug, towels, and trash bin are in order and that's where the bulk of the budget will go. Oh well--- they're needed.