driftwood & oaks

A quick post for ya'll because tonight is my last night in Texas for awhile and I don't want to spend too much time behind the computer. However I've got a few spare minutes and I had to show off the sweetest dress my mom let me borrow while I was here. It's actually up in her shop Deoma's Boutique and she's calling it the Indian Summer Dress because it's perfect for transitioning into Fall, especially if you happen to be down in the South!

It's been such a lovely trip, filled to the brim with fun as you may have guessed from my lack of posts. I won't be back until next Summer if you can believe that! Just where am I headed? Tomorrow I'm going back to Washington for the month of October to wrap up some loose ends and then I'm off to...Drum roll please...Thailand!

I spent a good bit of time in southern Thailand after I graduated university, about a year and a half to be exact. I fell in love with the place and have never really been able to shake it. When the opportunity recently arose to get my old job back what else could I do but jump on it. A compact six-month contract! How perfect is that? I'll get my Thailand fix, then head back to Austin, or at least that's how the story is currently written. As you may have noticed I tend to be all over the place, so it's highly likely this plan could change.

So what does this mean for my blog and the shop? Well I'd like to continue both. I'm clearing the shop out completely with the Travlin' On Sale and I'll restock on vintage goodies when I get to Bangkok. It'll probably be down for the first few weeks of November,but relaunched with completely new pieces. As for the blog, I'll keep on truckin'. Of course there will be changes and I'm curious to see the evolution it takes as my life changes.






>* 1960s Indian Summer dress from Deoma's Boutique
* 1920s straw boater
* Black woven belt
* Black strappy wedges (They're at the end of their life!)

stranger, texas

On the visit to the grandparents last week, we decided to make a quick swing past the cemetery where my great aunt and uncle are buried. Armed with our to-go iced teas, we walked around for a few minutes checking out random tombs and wondering how we had never noticed the cemetery was actually sandwiched between two churches, not just one. I swear that second church just popped out of nowhere so of course I had to go investigate. Well boy did I feel a bit foolish when I found out the church was actually built in 1866, just a few years after the Civil War. Talk about overlooking something!



Now for a dress you may have seen on the blogs of a few fashionable vintage loving ladies...





When Quincy over at Q's Daydream sent me this Chain Letter Dress from Modcloth, I had some grand ideas for styling it up. The morning I slipped it on however, the heat had already gotten the best of me. I couldn't imagine wearing anything else so I just paired it with a simple pair of black wedges and a silver necklace my Granny made me in middle school.

Where is this cute little number headed next? Back up to the Northwest where I'll be headed soon, to Annie of Little Ocean Annie. I can't wait to see how she styles it with her growing baby bump!

new top broken pot

If I remember correctly, one of my blog goals for this year was to take more daily outfit shots. I have to take a few minutes to laugh at myself because what was I thinking? That just hasn't happened nor do I think it will unless my backyard magically turns in a glistening lake or ocean. I'm going to take the time to make two excuses for lack of postings, and then I'll move on. Promise.

1. I just don't like taking photos in my backyard. It's as simple as that. Most days I'm too lazy to go down to the park multiple times. I'm already down there walking or running once a day. (That's right...My knee is feeling healthy again!) And who wants to get all dolled up and head back to the place where you just worked out? I certainly do not, thank you.

2. My move up to Washington was so crazy and last minute I only brought one suitcase of clothing for myself. Normally this wouldn't be too bad, I could remix and remix. But I didn't bring a single piece of jewelry or any accessories which makes it tough. And on top of that, some how I managed to pack quite a few pieces that I don't even wear anymore.

Excuses, excuses. But kind of valid I guess? So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. This afternoon though, I was lucky enough to get a package of vintage goodies from my mom back in Texas. Most of the pieces will be going up in the shop, but I decided to treat myself to a few...




How cute is this blouse? I couldn't say goodbye so I'm keepin' it along with a few other pieces. I also tried to photograph my attempt at a braided headband. Neither worked out as I had hoped, but I thought I'd show you anyway.

in summer rain

Behold the fruit of yesterday's thrifting adventure! I wish I could say this 1970s Sea Lure swim suit will be nestling in with my the rest of my wardrobe for the summer. Sadly though, it's just too big for me so I'll be putting it in the shop later this evening. What I love about it other than it's adorable cut, is that it could easily be a summer playsuit. Slip on a pair of flats and you're off into the warmth of the day!

* 1970s Sea Lure swimsuit stolen from the shop
* Seashell pinkie ring straight from the beach!

keep on the sunny side

As you may have suspected from the title, once again I'm listening The Carter Family, what is my deal! Sadly it's from my computer and not humming from the record player. I've been listening to them so much I guess I really should keep my eyes peeled for some of their records next time I'm out. Noted to self.

But back to it! Last week my cousin and her husband came up for a visit all the way from Texas. From grilling to cheese festivals to hiking, we had such a lovely time and to make things even better she came with an entire extra suitcase of goodies for my me and my brother. Among them, this adorable 1950s gingham dress from my mother's shop, Deoma's Boutique. It's a bit loose in the bust but that isn't going to stop me from wearing it out this Spring! I think I've got just about the greatest mother a gal could ask for. Thanks mom!

* Vintage cotton dress from Deoma's Boutique
* Tan Bonnibel pumps
* Knock-off Raybans


Don't forget to check out the Renegade Sale over in the shop where everything is 50% OFF! Oh and be sure to enter our giveaway for a $50 DV Gift Certificate. 50 it seems, is the number of the moment!

sun snow sun

A couple of strange slash funny slash good things about the past few days. I'll start with yesterday's trip to Goodwill where I found the cutest little black and white polka dot summer dress. Sadly it had no tag on it! Usually I have a hard getting Goodwill to sell things without a price tag, but alas I thought I'd give it a go so I took it up to the counter with the rest of my load. When the guy got the dress, he just looked up, smiled sheepishly and stuffed it in my bag sans payment. Jackpot! A cute little dress that I'll probably wear constantly and free of charge.

Now fast forward to my late afternoon errands. I'm sure some of ya'll are probably the same way, but when I get my hands on something new I have to slip it on right away and give it a run around. Once I got home, I quickly nipped of the ends of my new sheer stockings (which I got for 99 cents!) and jetted over to the post office. There I was, standing at the counter, just chatting as usual with the postwomen. I felt a little something slip up my skirt, gave a big shriek and turned around only to find a little boy with his hand up my skirt! Oh my goodness! Of course I started cracking up because he was only about two years old and took off running to his mom when he saw he was busted! His mom was so embarrassed and claimed it was probably because he had never seen a pair of nylons in his short little life and needed to investigate. Hah!

And now for my big finale. It's short and sweet. I don't think I need to explain myself in detail. But it snowed on me today and by the time I took my photos it was sunny and warming up. Seriously, what is up with this weather!

* Striped Aeropostal sweater stolen from my brother's closet. Shhh!
* Thrifted black & white summer dress
* Thrifted sheer black stockings
* Black Old Navy flats

just one of those days

Scatterbrain. If I was one of those Word-A-Day calendars, this would be my April 26, 2010. Do you ever have those days where you just can't seem to get it together? So much to do but so little focus. Running around from task to task but never actually getting anything accomplished. Writing fragment sentence after fragment sentence.

Yes, well, that is me today and I'm even feeling it as I type this very moment! I suppose it all started when I rolled out of bed and discovered we were out of coffee. Being the addict I am, I slipped on the pair of shoes closest to the door and ran out to grab a cup. PJs and dress shoes with a serious case of bedhead and out for Monday morning coffee. Perfect.

And from there, my day has been one big jumble of things I'm trying to get done. Case in point found below.


Only one shot for the post I had planned for today! The weather was quite overcast and a bit dismal on top of that. I really didn't think too many walkers would be out especially if I went at lunch time. But, nope, that was not the case! People kept walking down to the beach and I just couldn't concentrate. I get so embarrassed when people watch me take photos. I really just can't do it! End first photo attempt. Drive home. Begin second attempt. Case in point found below.

Only three new listings today for the shop today! Sorry my loves, I'm just not with it as they say. Off to a Zumba class to try to burn off some of this energy that's making me crazy and go into exclamation overload!

we'll meet beyond the shore

Usually you'll find me here in jeans, tennis shoes and my jacket amongst all the 60 plus folks who agree this is the best park around to get in a daily walk. Instead of my usual 2.5 mile walk, I decided to drive down and actually take some photos. Not to get all sappy on you, but I feel truly blessed to live so close to such a serene beach. So quiet save the few walkers on the path above and the lapping of waves as a fishing boat goes past. I could spend hours just sorting through pebbles and sea glass, and searching for funny little patterns in the driftwood.

* Wool scarf from my dear friend's mother...All the way from India!
* Navy Cynthia Rowley shift dress
* Rust stockings by American Apparel
* Lucchese boots

time to explore

One thing I am thoroughly enjoying about my life right now is that I'm actually picking up my camera more often. I use it pretty much everyday, but I've gotten into the habit of quickly taking shop photos just to get them over with. The sad thing is, I really and truly love photography and I've seriously neglected it for I don't even know how long. Now that I'm getting more into photographing my daily outfits, I'm trying to take more time to simultaneously get back into photography. Meggstatus (I'm sorry I don't know her real name!) over at Another Day to Dress Up made the comment the other day that "life happens and I'm sure there is a reason behind the unexpected journey to Washington." I couldn't agree more. That's what I've been telling myself and it seems reasons are already beginning to unfold.


* Silk dress by Lux
* Navy cardigan by Hi-Lite
* Rust stockings by American Apparel
* Bonnibel pumps
* Vintage cabbie hat from my Uncle Edmund

a chilly spring

They say it's Spring, but I would never know it! The wind was fierce all day, blowing so loudly I could hear it throughout every inch of the house. There was no escaping it, especially when I stepped outside to snap a few photos for Weardrobe's current contest, Put it into Neutral.

As you can probably tell by the photos, I had a bit of seasonal confusion. All my cool weather clothes are in various shades of browns and tans! My neutral look doesn't exactly scream Spring, but I'm okay with that. It looks like I'll be investing in a few cardigans if I want to wear any of my slinky Summer dresses anytime soon!


* Sheer cream blouse by Love Squared
* Vintage corduroy skirt stolen from the shop...Shhh!
* Vintage leather driving gloves
* Bonnibel pumps
* Thrifted tweed boys jacket

guatemayan hats and general whereabouts

Before anyone comments on the beautiful blue skys of Nashville, I must confess, my Nashville move never materialized. I try to keep most of my personal life out of the blog, so pardon me for being short in my explanation. I'll just say this...Two days before I was set to leave, well, life happened and flung me in a completely different direction, in all ways of speaking I suppose you could say. No, I'm no longer Austin nor am I in my expected local, Nashville. I am writing from my new and completely unexpected nest in Northern Washington.

It's quite nice up here and my brother's home couldn't have been a more needed retreat right now. So here, I'll be for the upcoming months. Figuring things out and enjoying everything this area has to offer including the gorgeous view from my new workspace. The ocean, mountains and San Juan Islands. Not to sound cliche, but if you would have told me this is where I'd be a month ago, I never would have believed you.


* Vintage straw Guatemayan boater stolen from the shop
* Kimchi & Blue cotton blouse
* Black Final Touch shorts
* Black leather ankle boots handed down from my best friend

black and white and all that's nice

Black and white outfit posts are probably futile. Eh, oh well, I couldn't resist just one little day of it! I headed over to Llano for the afternoon with my mom, managed to swing a few nice finds, snap a couple pics and eat a yummy blackberry cobbler a la mode from Cooper's. Mouth watering...I can still taste it!




* 1970s crochet dress from Buffalo Exchange...$11 on credit!
* Tan round-toe pumps from Goody Two Shoes

And that's all for this evenings show folks...But be sure to check in tomorrow for a slew of swimsuits I'll be putting up in the shop!

a bit of fringe

Yesterday I just couldn't stand it any longer! I've had thoughts of cutting fringe for awhile and even though I was (and am still) growing my hair out, I tend to get quite bored. Normally I'll hack away in my bathroom when the mood strikes. (Note: This is why keeping scissors in your toothbrush holder is dangerous!) But yesterday I thought, hmmm...the little pocket change I've got is burning a hole in my pocket. So off to Super Cuts I was, after all I did say the little pocket change. This is the result...



* Odille dress from Buffalo Exchange
* Black tights from the drug store
* Thrifted slouch boots


Oh and before I forget, I teamed up with Erin over at Cali Vintage earlier this week to host a giveaway from the shop. It's a darling little clutch from the 1960s! And signing up to win is just as easy as pie. All you've got to do is head over to Cali Vintage and comment! Done and done.

And I'm finally on board with the Weardrobe gals, so you can check me out there. And (promise that's the last one) as much as I resisted, I gave into a Twitter account so won't you be my friend over there as well?

made in occupied japan

Last year I went to an surprisingly interesting estate sale for a man who had been an ambassador to Morocco in the 1950, 60s and perhaps longer. The folks running the sale told me that most of his belongings had gone off to auction, but amazingly there was still a house filled with treasures. I left with only a few pieces, one of which was a gorgeous silk scarf that was made in occupied Japan.

Honestly, I never would have guessed it was a Japanese scarf. I mean the cutesy deer pattern was quite Western in my opinion. Come to find out, Japan produced heaps of goods from 1945-1952 all tagged with the label "Made in Occupied Japan" or something quite similar, and not everything they manufactured was typically Eastern as they were largely catering to Westerners. Paradox explained!

* Vintage felt hat from my Great Aunt Vinnie
* Dress from Target about six years ago
* Black long sleeve American Apparel scoop neck T-shirt
* Silk scarf I picked up at an estate sale
* Red leather cuff from a market in Bogota from my best friend
* Black opaque tights
* Payless boots from about five years ago

ahoy hoy

Cold weather is finally here! And to celebrate the occassion, I pulled out my Uncle Jon's wool sailor pants straight from the 1960s. I never actually met him as he died in a cropdusting accident in the late 1970s, but I've heard so many stories about him over the years that I sometimes forget we've never met. It's hard to believe they actually fit me...A bit loose but warm and cozy all the same.

* Vintage cabbie hat from my Great Uncle Edmund
* Button-up Polo blouse I picked up at a night market in Kuala Lumpur
* Thrifted little boys jacket that's been in my closet since university
* Uncle Jon's Navy pants from the 1960s...I can't believe they fit me!
* Camel round toe pumps

new year & changes galore

Waking up this morning, the slew of changes taking place in my life was running wild in my head. I can't say right now, but they've got me terribly excited for the next few months to come.

With all these changes already in the works, I thought, why not add another dimension to the blog. Tons of you gals already feature your daily wears, and I adore clicking through for both fashion and photographic inspiration. The thing is, I've always been a bit shy to photograph my own.

After a tummy full of delicious black eyed peas, I snapped a few photos and voila...Here's to the start of something new!


* 1950s Hungarian hat from my Great Uncle Edmund
* Shawl that magically appeared in my closet
* Vintage blouse gifted from my friend Nancy
* Handmade skirt I stitched up from fabric my friends brought back from India last year
* Tights gifted from my friend D'Arcy
* Socks so old I can't remember!
* Payless boots from about five years ago

Not the greatest of photos I know, but it's a start. I actually preferred the other photos I took, you just couldn't see the outfit. A little self defeating I thought!