8 Tips On Creating Your Own Vintage Style

July 30, 2014
avintagenerd

Creating your own vintage or vintage inspired wardrobe like any other sort of wardrobe takes time. In the three years since I began my vintage journey full time I have gone from wearing ONLY pants/trousers to wearing MOSTLY skirts/dresses.

Here are some tips that may help you create the best vintage style for yourself:

1. Try out all the decades. Go for it. You have nothing to lose and lots of fun to be had. I have tried out 1920's-1970's. Trying out the different decades allows you to find the one you love and feel the best in.

2. Know your figure. Not the figure you hope to have or are working towards having but the one you have now. Know the areas that you want to enhance and the areas you may not feel so great about.

3. Pick pieces of clothing that will FLATTER your figure. Do not choose pieces that will take away your beauty but pieces that will make your figure sparkle and shine.


4. Wear what you feel really comfortable in. I mean it. If mini skirts make you feel like your goodies will be shown then don't wear it. If you dread putting on heels then don't make your feet suffer, find some super cute flats!

5. Search for inspiration. Whether in the blog world or through magazines, find some inspiration. Make a book of images of your vintage fashion inspiration. It can be something you can look at everyday to remind you of what you want to achieve.

6. Be realistic. Realize that what works for some may not work for you. Not everyone looks fabulous in red lipstick or victory rolls. I mean I think everyone can rock them but not everyone will feel good wearing it. Not everyone will look their best in the same color or in the same style.


7. Make a list. Make a list of all the pieces you want to have. For example, 20 dresses, 15 cardigans, 2 trousers, etc. That way you can keep focus on what you need for your wardrobe which allows you to also not overspend but focus on what you need to add to your closet.

8. Have fun. Experiment. Try wearing colors you never have before or wearing accessories you have never worn before. As a typical New Yorker my main colors were black and grey. That's just how the city rolls. After getting into vintage I promised myself to add more colors to my wardrobe and try out colors I never have before. It's still a work in progress but its been working out great for me so far. Finally there is more color in my closet!


I hope these tips will help you create you own vintage style. Remember it does take time and an investment but if you leave yourself open to the process you will come out knowing what your style is and you will feel so good and accomplished.

Three years later I know exactly what my decades are and what vintage style suits me best and I am so excited and happy that I am now revamping my entire wardrobe and adding the pieces that I know will work best on my figure and allow me to radiate the way I think every woman should.

Movie Madness Monday: Suspense

July 28, 2014
avintagenerd


Being a cinephile means you love film. You love the art and medium of film, you love the storylines, you love the characters, and best of all-you love the way it makes you feel and think.

Every Monday I will share with you a few movie recommendations. They will include classic films and modern films set in various time periods, mostly the past.

I will include links to the films above the photo collage of the film and I encourage you to try them out. Many are available via Netflix, either by streamline or Dvd. If not you can find copies at your local library, Dvd shop, Amazon, Ebay, or even Youtube. A few rare films that are not available on Dvd yet I have found on Youtube so it is a great source for movie watching.

This first Monday in the series I would like to share with you a few films that seep with suspense. Suspense can be included in horror and thriller films. Thriller and suspense films typically go hand in hand as it has similar meanings. These films in particular will have you grabbing your nearest pillow to hold close to your chest and your eyes glued to the screen.

Actually I plan to only share films with you that will have you captivated, moved, and basically blown away. Because that is what makes movies so darn magical.


The Spiral Staircase

Les Diaboliques

The Haunting

Games 1967

Have you seen any of these films already?  What suspense films would you recommend?

Old Hollywood Inspirational Quotes

July 28, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Old Hollywood Inspirational Quotes, Old Hollywood Blog

Here is some daily inspiration from some iconic Old Hollywood stars:

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Old Hollywood Inspirational Quotes, Old Hollywood Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Old Hollywood Inspirational Quotes, Old Hollywood Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Old Hollywood Inspirational Quotes, Old Hollywood Blog

Classic Hollywood Stars Still With Us

July 26, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Movie Blog, Classic Movie Stars, Sophia Loren, Learn More About Old Hollywood, Old Hollywood Stars, Retro Lifestyle Blog

I'm happy to say 2014 has been a pretty good year for me. I have had a great deal of personal growth happen and happening still, my family is healthy, I rebooted my blog, and so much more. But a part of my year that really has affected me and I haven't spoken about it has been the loss of so many classic film stars.

I know you may think, "Daffny, you didn't know them" but oh, a person knows their favorite film stars like they know their favorite book. You may not know them personally but the characters they played and the way they lived their lives simply just resonates within you.

2014 started out with the passing of Joan Fontaine, then Shirley Temple's passing really shook me up, and most recently the passing of the one you think would live forever, Mickey Rooney. So many others have passed. A generation is leaving us. Thankfully many of that generation (born in the 20's and 30's) left behind great works of art that we can view over and over again. How lucky are we?

What does classic film mean to me? Well, film in general has always been one of my means of escape and entertainment. Reading and writing are my others. Although I have an older brother, I spend a great deal of my pre-teen and teenage years alone. Film and classic television brought me great laughs, great tears, and great joy.

Everyday I am grateful that my grandma had me sit down and watch Gone with the Wind. I mean I thought she was going to torture me with it but instead it changed my life. I had no idea up until that point (having enjoyed mostly 70's and 80's films) that a movie could deliver such a story on such a massive scale and take you on a journey.

Although we are losing many classic film stars and only a small handful of silent film stars are with us still (you can see who HERE), there are quite a few classic film stars still with us in 2014.



Some classic films stars that are with us as of July 2014 are: 

Luise Rainer                                                                                   Shirley MacLaine

Margaret O'Brien                                                                           Olivia de Havilland

Jane Fonda                                                                                     Zsa Zsa Gabor

Faye Dunaway                                                                                Kirk Douglas

Robert Redford                                                                               Maureen O'Hara

Joanne Woodward                                                                           Rhonda Fleming

Sophia Loren                                                                                   Sean Connery

Lauren Bacall                                                                                  Eva Marie Saint

Angela Lansbury                                                                              Jerry Lewis

Ann Blythe                                                                                      Jane Powell

Claire Bloom                                                                                   Dickie Moore

Rita Moreno                                                                                    Angie Dickinson

George Chakiris                                                                               Russ Tamblyn

Richard Beymer                                                                               Tab Hunter

Leslie Caron                                                                                     Mitzi Gaynor

Monica Lewis                                                                                   Debbie Reynolds

Kim Novak                                                                                       Joan Collins

Ann-Margret                                                                                    Shirley Jones

This is just a small amount of classic film actors and actress but if you would like to see more I found a fantastic site that shares up-to-date statuses on classic film stars. You can find it HERE.

I find that there is so much to learn about old Hollywood. It has become a staple in American history that has now spread all over the world. The times that these performers lived in, the way in which they performed, and their lifestyles are all somewhat foreign to stars of today but thankfully not only do we have many with us today and their films but we also have interviews (thanks to Youtube) and loads of autobiographies/biographies.

Who are your favorite classic film stars and why? Is there anyone on this post that you were surprised was still with us?

Old Hollywood Behind the Scenes

July 26, 2014
A Vintage Nerd

Do you ever wonder what sort of antics happened behind the scenes of your favorite films? Ever wonder if the cast got along or just curious to see what the process was in the making the films you love?

I think its fun to see what happens while making a film. And I can only imagine what sort of things happened while making ionic films like Gone with the Wind, Wizard of Oz, and Casablanca.

It is like taking an a peak at something intimate happening. And it's intriguing!

I love these snippets of film making so much I created a board on my Pinterest. If you would like to take a peak it is HERE.

Here are a few shots of behind the scenes of the making of Hitchcock's Psycho, Bride of Frankenstein, and Gone with the Wind. Aren't they fantastic!

Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes

Some more fabulous photos from behind the scenes of classic and modern films:

100 Greatest Behind the Scenes Shots

Stunning Behind the Scenes Photos Show Iconic Movies in a New Light



Are there any classic films that you are curious about and wonder what it was like for the cast and crew behind the scenes?

Remembering Comic Genius, Peter Sellers

July 25, 2014
avintagenerd

34 years ago today we lost an unforgettable comedic genius, Peter Sellers. I didn't always think he was funny or clever. I remember when I was younger I would find my father laughing so hard, you know that deep, hearty sort of laugh, I scratched my head thinking what the heck is this man laughing at? I watched what he was watching, which was The Pink Panther, and I just didn't get it.

Now I know better of course. I also know that British humor is an acquired taste and not all Americans get it. Heck, I know some English folks that don't get it either.

Peter Sellers


After I met my husband in 2002, he began to reintroduce Sellers into my life. My husband loves British comedy and because of him I have now grown to love it as much as he does. At this point I watch more UK television than American!

I understand British comedy better and I appreciate Sellers so much better. I think watching his films with my husband helped me to enjoy his films more and now Sellers has become our "thing". One of the special things we do together is watch Peter Sellers films or attend exhibits where his work is being displayed.

Peter Sellers

I also understand now that this man, aside from his own personal faults and demons, had a streak of funny and clever that went into every bone in his body. I feel as though the more films of his I see the more I see how much intellect went into his characters. He continues to blow me away even in his lesser known films such as, The Optimists of Nine Elms (also know as The Optimist). Although this film is not known by many, I still found him being almost other worldly in how he portrayed his character, Sam. Brilliant, truly. Plus he was almost unrecognizable. He blew me away as he always does.


His biggest final role was that of Chauncey Gardiner in the film, Being There (1979). It is a film that still has my head spinning and thinking and wondering. I have to see it a few more times before I can totally get it, if you know what I mean. Its the sort of story I feel like Sellers waited his whole life to tell. Its a simple story really but Chauncey is spellbinding and he leaves you feeling like you need to understand it all but I think the reality is that its okay that you don't.

Sellers spent many years trying to get this film made and he succeeded. It is undoubtedly one of his very best.

He career spanned from radio to television to film and his work will endure the test of time. He made over 65 films and I have only seen 11. I definitely have a ways to go but a film goal of mine is to see all of his works. Luckily my husband joins me in this mad fandom for the great Peter Sellers so we consume anything he is in happily and excitedly so.

We lost a great and important artist 34 years ago today but we are lucky we get to watch his works over and over again thanks to dvds and Netflix!

Peter Sellers

If you would like to learn more about Peter Seller's work and life here are some fantastic sites:



Sellers and seduction: From humour to heartache


What is your favorite Peter Sellers film? Any favorite characters?

Rear Window's Lisa Freemont and Her Mark Cross Overnight Bag

July 24, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Lisa Freemont Mark Cross Overnight Bag, Rear Window, Alfred Hitchcock Movies, Mark Cross Handbag, Rear Window Mark Cross


There are things that can just pop out at you when you are watching a movie. I find when viewing a classic film I have to pay particular attention because so much seems to be going on. Not to mention there are so many beautiful distractions. In Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954), Grace Kelly's style truly shines. That is of course thanks to the brilliant Edith Head. Kelly's fashion sense as the New York socialite Lisa Freemont added a dash of sophistication that was spellbinding.

I don't know why I haven't reviewed this film yet but I must. I will try not to give away too much in this post but I must share a scene with you all that left me memorized. I didn't really notice this fully until I saw this film again recently. It is one of the reasons I enjoy rewatched films, because you discover things you did see or understand before.

Lisa comes over dressed beautifully as always to her beau's house, Jeff (Jimmy Stewart) , who is home bound due to an injury. Jeff is in the middle of suspecting a neighbor of murder and Lisa catches him completely by surprise when she goes to him and opens up this fantastic box that just pops open and shows a concealed compartment. In that compartment Lisa shows Jeff that she has a nightgown inside and attempts to prove to him that she can live out of one bag just like he can. Jeff is a travel photographer and leary about taking the relationship to the next level and Lisa is determined to prove him wrong.

A Vintage Nerd, Lisa Freemont Mark Cross Overnight Bag, Rear Window, Alfred Hitchcock Movies, Mark Cross Handbag, Rear Window Mark Cross
The original Mark Cross bag used in Rear Window  sold at Christie's

I never noticed that bag before and that snap of the compartment just popping up just boggled my mind and I needed to know what it was. I paused the film for a moment and began my feverish search for what I now know is called a Mark Cross overnight bag. Well, that's what Lisa called it.

My mind began to reel thinking, "I need to have that, I need to have that!" Has that happened to you, after you see something and your eyes begin to sparkle with that particular object in it? This did it for me.

After a great deal of research I have not only found out what happened to the original handbag used in the film but I also found out they reissued it. Now, this isn't any ordinary bag. What made it so magical for me when I first noticed it was that it looked that a simple genuine handbag. Nothing special at all. It was when Lisa popped it open that everything changed. Plus that scene in the film was amazing. You go from hearing her bracelets clanging together to the handbag scene to Lisa coming out with the nightgown and all of it is just dazzling to behold.

Here are a few more photos of Grace Kelly's iconic Mark Cross Overnight Bag as Lisa Freemont in Rear Window (1954):

A Vintage Nerd, Lisa Freemont Mark Cross Overnight Bag, Rear Window, Alfred Hitchcock Movies, Mark Cross Handbag, Rear Window Mark Cross
A Vintage Nerd, Lisa Freemont Mark Cross Overnight Bag, Rear Window, Alfred Hitchcock Movies, Mark Cross Handbag, Rear Window Mark Cross
A Vintage Nerd, Lisa Freemont Mark Cross Overnight Bag, Rear Window, Alfred Hitchcock Movies, Mark Cross Handbag, Rear Window Mark Cross

Here are some great articles and more amazing Mark Cross Box Bags to drool over:

Mark Cross Collections (prepare to have your heart skip a beat!)



Classic Cinema Spotlight: The Stepford Wives (1975)

July 23, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Stepford Wives, Old Hollywood Blog, Katherine Ross, Old Movie Blog
The Stepford Wives (1973) was based on 1972 novel of the same name by Ira Levin. Katherine Ross was a popular actress in the 1960's and 1970's and starred in the film version of The Stepford Wives (1975). 1970's horror and thriller films had a unique style that combined chills and scares with subjects that were relatable to society. The Stepford Wives combined all of that and still showcased some incredible acting and fashion. 

It begins with a close up (photo below) of Ross who plays Joanna Eberhart, a young wife and mother who is an inspiring photographer. You can see right away that Joanna is not fully happy about moving out of Manhattan into a small town named Stepford in Connecticut. She soon finds herself lonely but eventually befriends another newcomer named Bobbie (Paula Prentiss). Joanna and Bobbie meet more of the women in the town and find their attitudes on cleaning and housework go above and beyond the call of duty and it peaks their interests.

When one of the wives they know goes from being a tennis playing trophy wife into a industrious and devoted wife overnight, Joanna and Bobbie know something very wrong is happening to the women in Stepford. The creep factor in this film is high. Many find this film to be a good example of a feminist movie. I find there are many layers to this story that are equally fascinating, thought  provoking, and  horrifying,

If you like thrillers then you really need to watch this film. Have you seen this film? Or read the book? If you did, did the ending freak you out as much as it did me?

A Vintage Nerd, Stepford Wives, Old Hollywood Blog, Katherine Ross, Old Movie Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Stepford Wives, Old Hollywood Blog, Katherine Ross, Old Movie Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Stepford Wives, Old Hollywood Blog, Katherine Ross, Old Movie Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Stepford Wives, Old Hollywood Blog, Katherine Ross, Old Movie Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Stepford Wives, Old Hollywood Blog, Katherine Ross, Old Movie Blog

A Vintage Nerd Book Club: Why Didn't They Tell The Horses?

July 22, 2014
A Vintage Nerd

A few months ago I watched an amazing mini-series called Flambards. It just blew me away! I enjoy a good epic story and Flambards hit the spot!

This mini-series was very popular (as are the books) when it came out in 1979. For some reason though there is little information on the making of the film or about the cast. I did compile a little "where are they now?" post that you can read HERE of what I could find out about them.

Then I found out that the lead actress, Christine McKenna actually wrote a book about her experiences filming Flambards and the journey she took on how to learn to ride horses. See when McKenna went to audition for the role they asked her if she knew how to ride a horse and she emphatically said yes! Once the cast was put together and training with the horses began they soon found not only didn't she know how to ride side saddle but she didn't know how to ride at all.

Why Didn't They Tell The Horses? is a charming account of McKenna's personal experiences on how to ride horses as well as how to deal and work with horses.

The book was published in 1981 and sadly this book is a very hard to find book. I lucked out because my best friend sent it to me as a surprise gift but otherwise it not only is a rare book but it is also quite pricey. especially if you try and buy it from the States.

I also lucked out that my copy is actually signed by McKenna herself! How neat is that?

Christine McKenna
K.M. Peyton
Christine McKenna
Why Didn't They Tell The Horses?
Flambards

The book is an incredibly easy read with about 141 pages inside. There are a few photos of McKenna riding horses in the middle of the book which are nice to see.

This book is a must-have and must-read for two sort of people; those who love Flambards and those who love horses.

Have you seen this mini-series? Have you read the books? I haven't yet but its on my daily growing pile of books. I do think its time for me to re-watch Flambards (again), such a magical film.

Love To Read? You'll Love These!

July 21, 2014
A Vintage Nerd

If you love burying your nose into a good book as much as I do you then why not showcase your adoration for the written word in your wardrobe or even in the mug you use when you drink your daily tea or coffee?

One of the things that I love about fashion is that you can really showcase your personality (I recently shared in these posts HERE and HERE). And whether you dress in pure vintage from head to toe or wear reproduction clothing or even wear modern clothing with a dash of vintage in it (aka vintagey) then adding a bit of something you love, like books can only be a good thing.

Here are some bookworm worthy pieces of jewelry:
Bookworm Jewelry

No need to stop at jewelry when you can add your love of reading in other parts of your life as well. Here are a few selected pieces which include drinking mugs, handbags, and even knitting needles.
Bookworm

I love each of these pieces and love to support small businesses even more. Etsy has oodles of bookworm goodies. If you like what you see here feel free to use the search words "bookworm" or "book lover" for more neat goodies.

Which is your favorite? I am personally swooning over the Nancy Drew purse. How groovy is that??!

A Vintage Nerd Book Club: Great {Hard-To-Find} Reads

July 20, 2014
avintagenerd

Every book worm loves a good book. But imagine getting your hands on a hard-to-find book? Even better for those of us who are vintage nerds is getting our hands on hard-to-find books about people from the days of yesteryear.

There are a few books that I am keeping my eyes on and hoping one day I can snag them at a reasonable price. Each one fascinates me but knowing they are not easy to find peeks my interest even further.

Here are a few that I have found:


The first is by the famed Pinup Photographer, Bunny Yeager who gives modeling tips as well as photography tips. Since she recently passed, her book is of course even harder to find.

The second is from Diana Veerland and her days at Vogue. One of the things she is known for is her "Why Don't You?" series. This book is on the top of my list! It's like taking a peek into what people saw and read as they flipped through the pages of Vogue.

The third is a Autobiography by silent screen legend Mary Astor. The fourth and fifth books are also hard to find but are on my list of "to-read" books because I want to learn more about Gypsy Rose Lee. June Havoc was her sister, also known as "Baby June". And the last is of Dorian Leigh, who was a high fashion model in 1940's and 1950's. Her sisters were also models and one in particular, Suzy Parker, was a very famous one. Her story sounds too tempting to pass up!

Oh I cannot wait to snag these but until then they are high on my list of books to read and collect. Are there any great, hard-to-find reads that you have your eyes on?

Classic Cinema Spotlight: Charade (1963)

July 18, 2014
Charade 1963

Audrey, Cary, Audrey, Cary....my mind scrambled when I heard that two of my favorite classic film actors were in a film together. These these two Old Hollywood Icons not disappoint me at all. It was like watching something you fantasize in your head and think to yourself, "Imagine Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant in a film together?" Well look no further because Charade (1963) is that dream come true!

Charade is one of those films that has a fantastic supporting cast of phenomenal actors who play unforgettable characters. You have Walter Mathau who plays a CIA agent, James Coburn, George Kennedy, and Ned Glass who are survivors of a WWII OSS Operation. But is everyone really who they say they are?

Throw in the mix of that amazing supporting cast are Audrey Hepburn (Regina Lampert) who is surprised to find out her husband Charles is missing and then finds out he is dead. She also meets a dashing mysterious stranger named Peter Joshua played by Cary Grant but his name changes so often that you become unsure of who he is.

So we have a dead husband, three men chasing after the widow, a mysterious stranger who is trying to help the widow, and a CIA agent who may not be all he is cracked up to be. Talk about a charade!! Add to the mix, missing money, murders, romance, and a stamp? A stamp? Oh, you have to see the film to see what I am talking about!

Audrey Hepburn
Charade
Cary Grant

There is plenty of intrigue to keep you on your toes and plenty of moments when you just take a deep sigh and think, "oh that Cary Grant!"

One of my favorite scenes is when Reggie (Hepburn) goes to Peter (Grant) and does what all of us who are in love with Grant would want to do.....put their finger on his chin dimple. Thank you Audrey for making so many dreams come true by doing that. Swoon!

These two just make me so happy to watch on screen. The plot is interesting, there is a mystery to be solved, and a supporting cast that just shines.

Have you seen Charade? What two classic film actors would you have loved to have seen on screen together?

Adding A Little Vintage Into Your Wardrobe: Sweater Clips

July 17, 2014
avintagenerd

Sometimes the easiest way to add a little vintage into your wardrobe is by using accessories.

Sweater guards were at the height of their popularity in the 1950's. The use of cardigans became a staple then and sweater guards were used to "hold" the cardigan in place. Typically women and girls would wear it over their shoulder (not threw the sleeves) and sweater guards really helped from having the cardigan fall off.

There are a handful of types of sweater guards (also called "sweater clips"). You have the traditional pearl and jeweled clips, 100% gold or sliver clips, kitschy clips (ie of dogs, ducks, houses), and the refurbished (handmade) kind.

Handmade sweater clips are becoming more and more popular and I personally love handmade items. Don't you?

I do find it hard to find vintage sweater clips that go beyond the traditional pearl and sliver type. I like traditional sweater clips but I lean more to sweater clips that have a little more character and color to them.

Here are some lovely sweater clips that can add instant vintage into your wardrobe:

Vintage

Repurposed/Handmade

I love wearing sweater guards. It's that little dash of vintage that adds something special to my outfit and just happens to hold my cardigan in place too.

Having A Rainbow Shine on Me

July 16, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Embracing Color, Color Inspiration

Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, Putting Some Fun Into My Wardrobe and Into My Life!, being a practical shopper has been a part of my daily repertoire for a very long time. As well as being matchy-matchy. Matching pieces in my wardrobe has also come to me as second nature. I love how easy and fun it is to match your purse with your skirt and match your skirt with your cardigan.

But again, I feel like I have been playing it safe. I stick to solids and being matchy-matchy and although I will never stop doing those things, I do think adding more COLOR, more Patterns, and more Kitschiness to my life will simply add more fun into it. It's important for me to step out my of comfort zone and my practical way of thinking and allowing myself to take a step back from my beloved colors of Navy, Red, Black, and White and bring some colors of the rainbow into my life. 

I want to be bolder and brighter and not sink into the ease of practicality. I have always been afraid of experimenting with colors in my home and in my wardrobe. I fear that I wouldn't like it and therefore would have made a bad purchase and in the big picture-I would have wasted money. And I really do not want to do that. The decision to add more color into my life came to me like a wave of sparkling stars falling out of a rainbow and landing on my thoughts. I feel cheerier, happier, giddier, and more inspired by having more color around me.

I have been working on redecorating my home for over a year now and I fell in the matchy-matchy trap already with almost everything looking blue. I really have been going through a blue phase this year but my home isn't complete yet so I made a promise to myself to find ways (ie throw pillows, frames, wall decor, table covers, etc) to add more color into my home. It isn't easy because of course I share my home with my husband but after telling him how I need to have more color in my life, he is supporting me. I must sound mad to him but it is like using Feng Shui. I feel like adding more color into my life will brighten my days more. Colors can really brighten a room and a wardrobe but they can also brighten the lives of others.

I think its important to bring in more personal joy-something you can give to yourself as you give daily to your home, your families, and everyday demands of your life. I feel strongly that by bringing in some rainbows into my life it will cheer me up on the tough days and keep me inspired on the tired days.

This year I took on a 365 day blog challenge on my new and improved blog, A Vintage Nerd. It is a personal challenge but I won't end at this. I challenge myself to think outside the box when it comes to the use of colors. To break out of my color habits (ie lots of blue) and to tap into my creativity and artistic inclinations and use color the way I have always wanted to but was too afraid to.

What colors inspire you? Do believe the use of colors can really brighten up your day?

Putting Some Fun Into My Wardrobe and Into My Life

July 16, 2014
avintagenerd

I've always been a pretty practical girl. I do think it was out of neccessity rather than choice because my taste in things can be electic if I allow myself to go there. Being on a budget I don't always allow myself to get the funky 1960's flower sunglasses or the hot pink purse because I have a little voice in the back of my head that says to me, "how many times are you going to wear this? or "do you know how many things you can buy with the money spent on that one thing?"

I confess, I really do have a little voice in my head that whispers lots and lots of practical things to me. I think that voice is important to have because it keeps me from making spur of the moment purchases and keeps me from overspending.

I feel a new leaf turning in my life. I feel as though it is time to bring back some of the joy of having FUN.

How does a mother of three bring extra fun into her life? Playing with the children is a blast, going on dates with my husbands is always a joy, and chatting up with good friends always puts a smile on my face. But I think for most busy women we tend to feel stuck in our routines and in my case, practical ways and find it hard to add some more fun into our daily lives.

So I decided that the most practical way I can bring some fun in my life is through my wardrobe and my blog. This will be for ME. Not for anyone else although it is always wonderful when people can appreciate it or have fun with you. This is my way of bringing some fun into my daily life filled with homework, abc's, Lego toys, Phineas and Ferb, and Playdough.

Here are the ways I will bring some FUN into my Wardrobe and into my Life:


Novelty Prints

Novelty prints are fun but what I really love about them is that it can really aid in helping you express more of your personality. For example, if you love fruit you can wear a dress with a watermelons on it. Its just super fun and super pretty! There is no denying that.

Novelty Print

Reproduction Dresses

I have been afraid of investing in reproduction dresses for years now. I have purchases some eShakti skirts but they are all solid colors. Again, my practical side coming out. With reproduction I will be able to find more novelty prints dresses and separates. Although many repro pieces can lean more to the pricey side, many companies offer sales and coupons. I love vintage dresses immensely but it is getting harder and harder to find amazing dresses with my exact size. With repro I can easily make exchanges if something doesn't fit right (unlike with vintage) and reselling repro will be far easier than trying to resell vintage. It's a win-win for practical me and yet I will invite some amazingly fun pieces into my closet.


Kitschy Accessories

Want an easy way to add some POP and DAZZLE to your wardrobe? Just add some kitschy accessories. A popcorn shaped handbag, a cupcake ring, a apple hair clip, or a camera brooch. Accessories of any kind really make a an outfit stand out. Kitschy accessories are also another way to let your personality shine out through your wardrobe. And I mean how much fun is a purse in the shape of an ice cream cone anyway??
Finger Nails

It has been ages since I have gotten my nails done properly. I mean I have had manicures here and there but having acrylic on it (to make it harder) is something I haven't done since right before I began teaching (2000). I used to have super long nails and got them done every week. Oh they were beautiful.

I hesitated through the years having it done like that again because of the impracticality of having long nails but I made a compromise with myself. Long nails and three small children just don't gel together. BUT what I will do starting soon is heading to the nail salon and ask to make sure my nails are always short. That way I can have them all glammed up and extra pretty without having them get in the way of my housework and mamawork. I cannot wait to start doing this for myself!

Nail colors add instant fun to your look. I have also thought of using nail decals because well, they look so darn cute. I think that calls for a mother/daughter manicure, don't you?

Another way I plan to bring more fun into my wardrobe and into my life is through the use of color. Swing by tomorrow when I share why adding more color into my life has been inspiring me daily.

Here is a list of places that I have found some incredible pieces and fun kitschy accessories:








ASOS and Aldo



Are there any other shops you would suggest? Have you found that you need to add a little more fun into your life and into your wardrobe?
 
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