goldie london

Wearing deep hues and rich luxurious fabrics is something I'm only able to indulge myself in for a small part of the year. Thankfully that season is here, as is Goldie London's fall collection which I'm currently in love with. Their current line epitomizes the spirit of the 1970s and embrace the chilly days that are finally upon us down here in Texas. I think we've said our final goodbye's to the heat this year. I'm jumping for joy preferably in one of these dresses!

a little past due

So yes, coming out of Vogue Korea August 2010, this editorial is a little out of date. That doesn't change the fact that I'm enamored with the styling of the shoot. If I could, I would fill my closet with full circle skirts, cozy cardigans and perfectly tailored jackets. That first outfit looks completely comfy and easy-to-wear. Any thoughts on wear who carries the coziest cardigans?

let's bring back

Being a nostalgist myself, I am thoroughly looking forward to this book. It comes out just after I leave the country, so I'm afraid her column will have to suffice til I return next Spring. Does anyone out there follow Ms. Blume's column, Let's Bring Back, on the Huffington Post?

austin, texas

Night swims at Barton Springs. Yummy breakfast tacos. Porch drinkin' with friends. General relaxing with my family. The list of things I can't wait to do when I get home goes on. Home for me is none other than Austin, Texas. And yes ma'am it's true, I'll be heading back for a ten(ish) day visit at the beginning of next month. That is to say, about three weeks from now!

Most of my belongings still reside in Texas, tucked into the nooks and crannies of my parents home and scattered around town in the care of friends. This said, I don't really need to pack which is quite nice. There are, however, a few things I wish I could snag for the trip and pack in my imaginary suitcase.


Let's take this Woodstock Romper by Spool No.72, for example. I would love to get my hands on that cutie! It's perfect for Texas heat, but not so great for Washington weather. I could easily see myself wearing like just about everyday, in just about every situation.

My sensible, buy-only-things-you-can-wear-here side would really love to splurge on a pair of Tom's. I've been wanting a pair something badly but haven't bought new clothes for myself in quite some time. I'll spend a few dollars (literally two or three) here and there on thrifted pieces for my closet but even that is a rare occasion. I'm thinking though, how much more practical can one get? Whether it's warm weather or cool weather, city streets or light trails, you're good to go. And there's the fact that for every pair you buy, a child in need gets a pair of shoes too. Okay, perhaps I'll treat myself!

As much as I love the sun, I'm also terrified of it. Terrified of what it does to my skin at least. Since I've been up in Washington, I haven't really had to worry about sunscreen. I wear it everyday on my face and chest but as for the rest of my body, it's usually covered. I'll definitely have to pick up some sunscreen and I absolutely love Alba Botanica in Lavender. It's a bit pricier than other creams, but the fact that you don't feel greasy or have that gross sunscreen smell makes the splurge well worth it.

The other two items I've shown you. Check and check! My trusty Cover Girl lipstick in Classic Red is already in my makeup bag. I wear it proudly and often. And my bicycle is eagerly awaiting my arrival. Isn't she a beauty? Austin, I love you and I'll see you soon!

a clogging girl at heart

I'm going to be completely honest with you. I cannot stop watching this video. It claims to be the best bluegrass clogging video ever made, and by golly I have no argument against it! I love it, I really do. I love the open mouths of concentration. The oval framed photos of aged kin. The half-toothed smile of the fiddle player.


It's made me realize that I need to perfect my clogging, now! Commence research on clogging in Washington...I'm sorry, that just doesn't even sound right, but seriously I need to learn. I've been looking for an adult tap class and clogging seems to be in the same genre so I would be happy to find either.

I don't know if I ever mentioned it or not but I am a absolute lover of dance. A sucker for dance in any form or fashion. Like any good Southern girl, I studied ballet and jazz growing up. I interned with the ballet in university, studied classical Thai dance for a heartbeat and even did a little Bollywood performance last year in Austin. But back to my point, clogging, I will take it up. And when I do oh my how I would love to have this little ensemble to perform in!

stretsis

Oiy, kithung muang thai maak maak luey!
Translation from funky phonetical Thai (aka Thaiglish)...I miss Thailand so much!
Jing jing luey!
I really really do!

And Stretsis, you've got me feeling sia jai knowing I'm missing out on your Bangkok based shop this Fall. Although I must say, I never could have afforded you on my meager Thai salary, let alone felt comfortable prancing around anywhere in the country but Bangkok in your Western beauties. Can you imagine sporting these in Surat Thani!

I remember walking into the Siam Square boutique sometime in 2005...Drooling...Then walking right out wishing I could afford slash had a place to wear such gorgeous clothing.

I have to say though, now that I'm back in the comfort of my own Texas home I'd love to get my hands on a few of your pieces. I'm thinking holiday wear, more specifically New Year's...And oh my, wouldn't these lovelies be the absolute!

I love the idea of wearing sunflower yellow and golden copper in celebration of the new year.




But on the other hand, how can a girl say mai ow to a perfectly classic black and white number?

juliette hogan

After several weeks of minimal Internet, I spent the last few days catching up and oh my what I've found thanks to a lovely little posting over at Sally Jane Vintage.

Well, what could it be? New Zealand designer, Juliette Hogan's latest collection of course! I'm completely enamored I must say. But wait which one, you ask? Well both actually, although naturally I'm drawn to Mind Your Manners, her Winter 09 collection. How wonderful is it that she keeps both hemispheres in mind!

What I wouldn't do for an occasion to strut around demurely in one of the above dresses.

still dreaming of swimsuits

I'm still in search of the perfect suit...And no matter where I look, I just can't seem to find it! I honestly love this one by Rachel Pally at Anthropologie. They actually have quite a few lovely pieces. It's just that I can't seem to drop the $200 for one. Does that make me cheap?

The ideal suit: 1950s style two-piece. Nothing more. Nothing less. Now really, how hard is that? I've even been on the prowl for a pattern to stitch my own little swimming number up and no luck. So please help a gal out...tips, words of advice, budget-friendly shops...do let me know if you got any!

gunne sax

With each day bringing us deeper into summer, my desire to wear pants has almost completely diminished. Yesterday's high was 106 F, so you can see how just thinking about anything form fitting especially tight jeans sends me into a premature sweat!

I have a slight feeling this could be part of the reason for my recent drooling over Gunne Sax. With a plethora of prairie-revival skirts and dresses, each piece speaks in cool breezes, near whispers of why they are perfect for Southern summers.

Nana Pat Project. Perhaps it’s the lace ruffles. Perhaps it’s the off-the-shoulder neckline. Whatever it is, I’m gone. Lover: Please take me on an evening picnic so I can parade around the forest in this dress.

Ramona West. Etsy has quite a lovely selection of Gunne Sax dresses. I’d love to slip this one on, grow my hair out about 10” and laze on my friend’s front porch swing sipping on Frescaritas all through the day.

She Hearts Vintage. With so many of these dresses in maxi form, it’s nice to stumble upon a shorter piece with equal adorable qualities. Collared. Calico. Cool.

Zwzzy. Skirts shall not be forgotten! It would be so easy to simply throw on an old cream tank (tucked in of course!) and run around town in this uber flirty skirt.

Miss Kitten Vintage. Photos. Photos. Photos. Oh how I love a good photo! With it’s styling right on, I couldn’t pass this one up in my quest. I'm not quite sure if I could pull off sleeves quite so puffy, but a girl can try.

let's get away from it all

With June half past, so have passed 16 days of my month long restaurant ban. Difficult? Well, yes, actually. I had only an inkling of how many of my social excursions revolve around dining out. Needless to say, in the past few weeks I've become quite proficient in the art of politely declining lunch dates and weekend brunches. But food and entertainment are such a perfect match, how ever can a girl resist! And so it is, cooking with roommates, dinner parties, potlucks and picnics are now in full swing.

And oh, the picnic, how wonderful you are! Perusing Etsy, I couldn't help but dream of toting the above to my next outdoor excursion.

Vintage Japanese Fan, The Honeycomb
Grey Gardens Playsuit, Neneee Clothes
Vintage Brown Leather Oxfords, Santoki Vintage
Wicker Picnic Basket, Anti-Nu

the breeze and i

Four, five, maybe six years have passed since I invested in swimwear that’s new to me. The slightly strange thing about this is that I’m actually an avid swimmer. And now, with summer upon us, (insert jubilation here) I find myself lounging or lapping in sports bras, panties or whatever suitable swimsuitesque attire I find hiding in my drawers.



The time, I think, has come. Oh swimsuit! Wherever you may be, do say you hold the following affections…Time worn beauty. Utilitarian raison d'être. Unsurpassed comfort.



Enter 1940’s swimwear. Though I wouldn’t exactly call the girdle the ultimate in comfort, I can’t imagine these to be anywhere near the unpleasantness experienced by many a Southern belle. And truly, the idea of keeping all my parts nicely tucked away while swimming laps is rather appealing especially considering I have a hard time keeping my current garment of choice on my body!



Now let us dive in with two essentials as seen above…



The June Night Romper Swimsuit at 13 Bees Vintage is a perfect match for my aquatic needs. I just stumbled upon this Etsy shop a few days ago on my quest for a suit, and my, what a find! It’s filled to the brim with heaps of vintage gems and expressive titles to match.



The Sava Wave Rubber Petal Swim Cap at Glamoursurf.com is pure glamour in itself, not to mention ideal for keeping your have in place during laps. Affordable accessories, it’s true. But sadly the suits themselves are a bit pricey. And with loads of swoon-worthy pieces from as early as the turn-of-the-century, Glamoursurf is purely eye candy. Well that is to say for me.



To dream or to purchase? I think it may well be time for the later.