Ch-ch-ch-changes (because I realized my outfit was hiddy)

I know I just talked about not liking an outfit that I was wearing because it just didn't feel like me, so it's kind of ironic that yesterday I ended up wearing an outfit that I felt completely comfortable in, but which did me no favors.
For some reason, I just haven't been able to get a move on in the mornings. I don't know what it is, but I've been running about 10 minutes behind every day this week. I guess I've been spending a little more time on my hair and makeup, and not getting up early enough to compensate, which means that I'm getting dressed in a hurry.

Worth the extra time? I can't decide.
I try to compensate by spending some time thinking about what I want to wear while I'm getting ready, but what works in my head doesn't always work on my body. Yesterday, I decided to wear this outfit.

I love both pieces separately, and I think the colors work pretty well together, but the proportions are not good for me. I'm broad shouldered already, and the short, fluttery sleeves just emphasize that. I don't mind a strong shoulder, but I think it works best with a sleeker, 1940s silhouette, a la Joan Crawford. Paired with this skirt, it just makes me look bigger all over than I really am. These sandals don't seem to be helping matters either, making my legs look shorter and thicker than they actually are.
At first I couldn't figure out why none of my pictures where turning out well. I thought it was bad posture, or bad lighting, or a bad camera angle, before it hit me - it was just a bad outfit. It was kind of a relief to realize that, because my clothes are the easiest thing to change.
I know it's kind of silly to completely change my outfit just for pictures for the blog, but so be it. I already fake some things a little bit, adding lipstick or a belt so I look better for the camera - why not a whole outfit?

I kept the skirt, but I switched out the top for a printed t-shirt, and my flat brown sandals for my awesome new orange wedges. I also added a scarf and a pair of earrings that I received with my Chronically Vintage order from Etsy. I hadn't worn them before because my ears are stretched and I usually wear spirals, but they fit just fine alongside the little double flare plugs I've been wearing lately. They're nickel free and super cute, and I can't wait for the full line to come out.

Brian came outside as I was taking photos, and he teased me a little bit about cultural appropriation.
"What do you mean?"
"You look like the Chiquita Banana lady."

He might have a point.
I don't know if I'll have time to wear this outfit again before the weather changes (60s next week!!!!), but the lessons about proportion are definitely good ones for me. I'm also going to try to budget my time a little bit better in the mornings so I can spare the time for a glance the mirror, just to make sure everything's come together.

Adventures in highly impractical shoes

Ohmygod it's so muggy here right now. Disgustingly so. I was all geared up for fall, and the weather gods, as they are wont to do, just laughed in my face condescendingly and decided to make things as gross and sticky as possible to punish me.
Ok, so I'm being a little over-dramatic, but I'm not really hot weather person, and I'm definitely not a hot weather + extreme humidity and pouring rain person. But *deep breath* it's just weather, and since there is literally nothing that I can do to change it, I might as well enjoy it, right? And few things make bad weather easier to bear than new accessories.

Hello there! Why yes, I am wearing some sassy new shoes. And my way less sisterwife gingham dress, thanks to all of the accessories advice I got.
I ordered these last weekend because self control is a thing for other people, and I LOVE them. They are so pretty, and for something that makes me this tall, they are surprisingly comfortable to walk around in. Granted, all I did was take some photos and hang around the house in them, but still. 

But they are vertiginously tall, and yes, I really am losing my balance a little bit in this photo. But cutely.

They're also peep-toed, and suede. I hope it's a dry autumn.  

I love Seychelles shoes, and have for years, even before I seriously got into wearing vintage. They do such cute, retro styles, they're usually pretty well made, and I can always find something that's been drastically discounted, so they fit my budget as well. This is my fourth or fifth pair, and the first ones that I got have lasted me for several years.
I'd also been on the hunt for a pair of 30s style sunglasses. I never really thought that they would suit me; my face is rather long and narrow, so a smaller, round pair of sunglasses are the sort of thing that I've always steered clear of. But, maybe because of my growing fascination with 30s fashion, I decided recently that I really wanted a pair.

Gingham dress from The Vintage Studio, flower brooch from Chronically Vintage.
The ones that I ended up with were actually a men's style from Forever21. Not only were they pretty unique with the matte tortoise finish and aviator detailing, but were all of $6. You really can't beat that.

I was sweating balls in this photo. Just so you know.

Meet Roy G. Biv

I mentioned last week that I'm trying to shift my focus away from buying clothes, which I have a lot of, to using accessories to add more punch and polish to my outfits. It's an exercise that I'm really enjoying so far, and I think my challenge to myself to add at least one standout accessory to every outfit has been pretty successful.

I went shopping at Vintage Underground, my favorite store in Chicago, on Saturday. I was so close to buying this hat, but ultimately decided it's just too expensive. That said, if it's there after my next pay day, I think it's coming home with me.

Instead I got this one, which is covered in seashells and has a felt mermaid on the front. Cuz I'm cool like that.

This is my Funny Face pose. Not that I look anything like Audrey Hepburn.

I absolutely love the print on this dress, and I was so delighted on Saturday to find the blue scarf I'm wearing for only $3, also at Vintage Underground. This dress could have used a belt, although I skipped it because it was pretty hot out.
Is it tooting my own horn too hard to say that I felt like my makeup was super on point?
One thing that I've noticed about this challenge that it's making me think about my clothes in a different way. Rather than just putting on a nice dress and calling it a day, I'm paying more attention to the details. If it's a print, what is the least dominant color? It might be a good one to pick up in the accessories. What's the neckline like? Is it best set off by a necklace, a brooch, maybe a scarf? Am I wearing a hat, or do I want to do something fancy with my hair? Admittedly, it's become a bit of a process, but it's a fun one, hindered only by the fact that I don't really have much in the way of colorful accessories.
So, of course, that means that I'm on the hunt for a rainbow of accessories.
Red

Topshop Red Patent Heels
I love the chunky heel and patent finish on this pair shoes. There's something a bit schoolgirl about them, and I would love to pair them with mustard yellow tights once we're in the cooler months.

London Rebel Red Suede Court
For something a little more grownup and ladylike, these sleek suede pumps would look great for day or evening.

Soco Designs Wide Elastic Belt in Red
This Etsy shop sells these wide elastic belts in a wide assortment of colors. This style of belt is a classic way to cinch your waist and show off your curves.

1950s Wooden Box Bag
This would be way too small for my day to day life, but this beautiful wooden purse from Where the Wind Vintage is a real stunner.
Orange


Seychelles Late Night Suede Wedges
These wedges from Seychelles also come in teal, black, and a gold or black glitter style, and several of the colors are on a pretty steep discount right now. The style is very 40s (or maybe 40s meets 70s, if we're talking about the glitter version), and paired with chunky knit socks or tights, you could wear them well into fall.

Tangerine Nylon Scarf from That Retro Shop
I do love these sheer nylon scarves, which can be used in several different ways. This soft orange color seems so unusual to me, and at $8 it's also a bit of a steal.

Vintage Pumpkin Orange Beaded Hat
Another steal at only $18, this vivid orange beaded hat from Tess Ronae Vintage, which is probably 30s or 40s, would be perfect for setting off an autumn ensemble.
Yellow

Mustard Yellow Faux Alligator Frame Bag
I have to have a book on me at all times, so I don't usually do vintage purses, which are often to small to accommodate them. However, I might make an exception for this lovely frame bag. I love the vibrant but soft shade of mustard yellow, and the faux alligator texture really makes it sing.

Asos Sunkissed Wooden Heels
If, like me, you're either too poor or too broke to spring for Swedish Hasbeens, these Norwegian Wannabes might be a good option.

Yellow Elastic Belt with Ornate Buckle
The kind of fancy buckle on this elastic belt gives it some extra interest, and would be great with a solid color dress. It's also $6, with free shipping, so there's that.
Green

Kelly Green Patent Leather Purse
There's a woman who works in my building who has a patent leather, kelly green purse, and from the second I saw it I knew that I wanted one for myself. If someone else doesn't do it, I might have to snap this little guy up. Only $25 from Red Jacket Vintage.

1960s Bow Hat
I love this 60s topper, which is kind of a cross between a cocktail hat and an overly ambitious headband. On sale at The Vintage Hat Shop.
Blue (and Indigo, because let's be honest, indigo is really just blue)

Dynamic Debut Heels in Navy
These gorgeous t-strap heels, very 20s or 30s, make me want to practice my ballroom dancing with my boyfriend.

Vintage Inspired Square Sunglasses
Forever21 actually has some weirdly great, vintage inspired sunglasses in stock right now. I really like the bold shape and soft pastel shade of this pair.

Faux Ostrich Waist Belt
I have this belt in white, but I'm really tempted by the vibrant blue version as well.

Midnight Blue Pillbox Hat with Veil
Looking to add a little mystery to your life? This gorgeous, deep navy pillbox hat from Kanari Kouture would be amazing with a slinky cocktail dress.
Violet

Purple Leather Driving Gloves
Wouldn't these gloves be a fabulous flash of color with a black or gray winter coat?

50s or 60s Feathered Hat
Not only is is purple, it's purple feathers. What more could you ask for?

Of course there is an entire universe of color to pick from (I didn't even get to talk about pink! I fucking love pink!), but I'm definitely in a mood to bust out of my neutral accessories rut. I mean, really, how many black and brown shoes does one girl need? Ok, probably at least a few, but throwing some color into the mix never hurt anything.

An Ancient China That Never Was

Although it wasn't intentional, over the past couple of weeks I've been immersed in (fictional) Chinese history. Last week I read Barry Hughart's Bridge of Birds: A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was, and now I'm wrapping up another great book, Kim Stanley Robinson's The Years of Rice and Salt.

Although the two books are very different, I've enjoyed them both immensely. Bridge of Birds is the first book in a series about Master Li and Number Ten Ox, and it's in the style of a classical Chinese novel. It reads like a fairy tale, with overlapping and repeating narrative threads that diverge and come together to create a very satisfying tapestry. I'm really looking forward to grabbing the omnibus edition next time I'm at the library, because one story at a time is just not enough with these guys.

I picked up The Years of Rice and Salt because I was looking for a good alternate history book, and this one was recommended as a good place to start. And really, it is fantastic. It posits a world in which a second wave of the plague wipes out 99% of the population of Europe, leaving China and Dar al-Islam (a union of Islamic states) to become the dominant powers in the world. It covers nearly a millennium of history using a clever device of reincarnation; a clan, or jati, of six souls are reincarnated together several times over the course of the novel, with each of their names always starting with the same letter. While in the bardo, or afterlife, they reflect on their faults or what they might have done differently in order to create a better world. Not all of the chapters are set in China, but some of my favorite ones are, and I found it really fascinating to consider what the world might have been like if the East had become the dominant power in the world, rather than the West.
In keeping my promise to myself to pick up more great accessories, I'm taking a look at Chinese and Chinese-inspired vintage jewelry and accessories.
 
Vintage Chinese Plique a Jour Cloisonne Bell Earrings
My ears are stretched, so I don't usually wear normal earrings, but I think I would have to make an exception for these delicate bell earrings.

Art Deco Chinese Junk Brooch
While I do already have one brooch in the shape of a boat (a beautiful little piece that I got from the Chronically Vintage Etsy shop), I wouldn't say no to one more. Or several more, since collecting things is fun.

Chinese Carved Cinnabar Bangles
Aren't these bangles lovely? Unfortunately I don't think they'll fit me (fun fact - I have really big hands), but they are on sale is someone else wants to snap them up.

Chinese Cloisonne Bangle
This one is also probably a bit small for me, but SO PRETTY. I seem to be developing a fondness for Chinese enamelwork.

Green and White Floral Silk Scarf
This green and white silk scarf would be the perfect accessory to lived up a solid dress.

1930s Chinese Movie Star Poster
This poster of 1930s Chinese film star Hu Die (translation: Butterfly) would make a gorgeous addition to anyone's collection of classic pinups. Reading about her is making me want to explore Chinese cinema of the era.

Ok, I've got a couple of notes about cultural appropriation.
I think respect is really important when it comes to interacting with other cultures. I've always been interested in Chinese history, because it is absolutely epic in scope. They had almost two thousand years of history to look back on when the Romans were founding their empire, and they were undoubtedly the greatest, most technologically advanced culture in the world up until almost the 17th century. It really is just a fluke of history European powers came to dominate the world rather than China.
Although I would love to own a cheongsam, I don't know that I would ever feel comfortable wearing one, because the line between respectfully wearing a traditional piece and appropriation isn't entirely clear. On the one hand, you've got the stuff that's obviously wrong - wearing bindis and war bonnets to Coachella - and one the other hand, you've got stuff that's even the strictest progressive probably wouldn't ding you for - wearing a jade bracelet that you purchased from a Chinese craftsperson. Traditional dress falls in a gray area that makes me kind of uneasy. Even if you're not venturing into bad Halloween costume territory, with a bad polyester dress and a conical hat, there's still a whiff of exoticism around wearing traditional dress from a culture that's not your own. If a Chinese woman couldn't wear it comfortably, without dealing with questions or stares or harassment, should I? 
Of course, I may be overthinking all of this, but I do want to be conscientious about how I treat other people, and that includes how I interact with their culture.

Accessories - to murder!

*No vintage accessories were harmed in the making of this post*
On Friday I posted about a dress that I wasn't sure worked for me, since I felt a little bit frumpy in it. The advice, pretty much overwhelmingly, was "did you consider maybe accessorizing it a little bit?"
Honestly, I am the worst when it comes to accessories. It's not that I don't like them or don't have them, it's just that most of the time I forget about them. You know that old rule about removing one piece of jewelry before you leave the house? If I did that I'd just walk around with one earring all the time.
For the past couple of days, I've been reversing that rule for myself. Before I leave the house, I have to put on one piece of jewelry that's visible from more than 10 feet away.
On Sunday, I added a vintage bolero that was a dead on match for color to my Heart of Haute sweetie dress, along with a flower brooch from Chronically Vintage and a red floral scarf for my hair.

The wind gave me a pretty perfect Marilyn Monroe moment.

Are you every really fully accessorized without a book? I added a watch necklace that I inherited from my grandmother and another headscarf as well.


Trying to get Neighbordog to come and pose for a picture. Of course this is the one time she completely ignores me.
I've been picking up a lot of new clothing lately (don't judge, it's sale season), and since my wardrobe is full to bursting with cute summer dresses and skirts, I decided that I'm done buying clothes until fall. Of course, I also know me, and the temptation to get new things is hard to resist. So while I'm easing up a little bit on the new clothes, why not think a little bit about picking up some accessories to perk up my wardrobe a little bit?
I've got quite a few silk and cotton scarves, but I would love to get a few of those sheer nylon scarves as well. They just seem like such a great finishing touch to a lot of vintage hairstyles, and you can find them quite cheap in a lot of places, it seems.
Brooches are also very high on my list of pieces to find, since I will actually wear them for a full day. As much as I would love to be the woman with the armful of bangles, most bracelets drive me absolutely crazy. I'm still very tempted by them, though, so maybe I'll pick up a couple and see how it goes.
Obviously I'm still just taking baby steps when it comes to this, but it's funny how much just a little something in your hair and a piece of jewelry can liven up an outfit. I'm actually really excited to find some fun accessories that add punch and pizzazz to the clothes that I've already got in my wardrobe.

Looking good, four eyes

I got my first pair of glasses when I was six. The frames were pink, and I loved them - right up until some girl in my class told me that I couldn't wear pink because it clashed with my hair (kids are assholes, man). I am, to use a technical term, blind as a fucking bat, so glasses have been a necessity in my life for 20+ years. I got contacts a few years ago, and while I love the makeup options that they open up for me, not the mention the sunglasses, I still feel like glasses complete my face.
Of course, I didn't always like my glasses. I was super gawky when I was a kid - I was a pale, freckled ginger who lived in a trailer park, wore second-hand clothes, aced spelling tests, and was honestly just weird. There was no way I wasn't also going to get called four-eyes, and that sort of stuff is just stupidly hurtful when you're 10.

I didn't actually have head gear. Also, I'm not Katy Perry. Although that would be cool, because boobs. Also money.
It didn't help matters that I would usually pick out these tiny frames that did nothing for my face shape. It wasn't until the whole nerd glasses thing took off when I was in college that I started wearing glasses that actually looked good on me, and one of the great things about getting into vintage is realizing how awesome I look in cat eye frames.
I've had the same glasses for going on five years now, and while I still like them, it's definitely time for some new ones. Even with insurance, my glasses still tend to be rather expensive for me (see above, re: blind), so I'm leaning towards a pair of Warby Parkers. I'm also considering picking up some vintage frames and having new lenses put in, since they're cheaper and have more character than most frames these days.

Kind of digging these guys.
Honestly, though, I never really understood the old chestnut about how "guys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses." What's unattractive about glasses? They're like face jewelry, especially once they started adding rhinestones and stuff like that. 

Maybe it has something to do with reproductive fitness or whatever. Like people decided that if you wear glasses, you're admitting that you can't see, and who wants to pass on poor vision to future generations? It's, like, survival of the fittest, bro.

Who would want to reproduce with this uggo?

Hideous.
Of course, I don't know that anyone ever really thought that, at least not once they got out of high school. Attractive people are generally recognized as being attractive, no matter what bits of plastic they've got on their faces.

Glasses are also the bees knees when it comes to covering up any dark circles that you might have. One of my friends actually has a pair of emergency glasses that she wears to work when she's partied a little too hard the night before.
Of course, there are good glasses and bad ones. Knowing what kind of glasses flatter your face shape is a huge part of looking good in them. Since I've got a long, oval face, I feel like I look best in slightly larger styles that are wider than they are tall. Cat eyes are particularly good on me, since the width at the temples visually broadens my face. 

You know what else visually broadens my face? A moustache.
There are a lot of articles about which glasses look best on which faces, but what it usually boils down to is that opposites attract. But rules are for suckers, and if you like something, go with it. Confidence is the most important part of looking good.