Sunday, February 24, 2013

I'm Bringing 60's Back



I've been waiting for months to be able to wear this dress. Over a year ago a friend of mine gave me a bag of her grandmother's clothing that she didn't know what to do with. This was one of the gems she gave me and I fell in love with it immediately. Unfortunately it was too small at the time. Apparently my body changed a bit because I slipped this baby on again the other day just to try and it zipped right up perfectly! It's corduroy with the most intriguing color and pattern. It's one of those dresses that makes one stand up straight and carry oneself a bit differently. I love that clothing can have that effect on a person-a certain garment can change your whole mood!
I also love this dress because I don't need to dress it up with fussy accessories. The print speaks for itself and it can stand on it's own. 


Have a happy Sunday darlings! 
God Bless, 
KJA

Proverbs 19:4
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.




Wearing:
Dress, Hat, Bag, Belt- Vintage
Shoes- Payless

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I Let the Cat Out of the Bag

How are all of you on this fine Wednesday? I'm so happy the week is half through already- having a Monday off really does do wonders for the rest of your week. It helps that I'm over my cold too, so I've been in much better spirits. Housework is getting done, lessons for this month of teaching are finished, and I'm feeling rather accomplished for a little while anyway. :)


Look my bag has kitties on it! I've had this bag for ages, I bought it in my hometown thrift store in middle or high school for probably around a dollar. For the longest time though I thought it was quite ridiculous and so I never used it. Silly me! I adore it now. Not only am I in love with cats (the several kitschy kitten posters in my old bedroom would attest to this), but the bag itself is quite functional and the pattern is just so cute! 
ALSO after being obsessed with this darling's blog as of late I decided that loafers were a thing I needed to have. I found these for a few bucks at the thrifter and they are just what I wanted! Little tassles and all :) I may have also picked up a pair of navy basketweave loafers as well...but shhh that's our little secret!



It has been so cold out these past couple of days all I want to do is throw on a few of my favorite cozy pieces-this scarf and cardigan can't be beat on the cozy meter! This scarf was a gift from my mama and I wear it nonstop. It is the perfect color to go with just about everything and I love it. 


Also, yes-I love that I can basically wear this coat as a dress. When the weather is so cold out it never hurts to throw on a belt OVER your coat to hold all of your layers together. The coat doesn't come off when running errands anyway, so why not make it look as fancy as possible? Cute outerwear is essential in the midwest because it's all people see of you for six months (or more) out of the year. If I wore the same bland puffer coat every day for six months I think I would go a bit crazy. Now I'm sounding like a first world problem so I better quit...


I'm doing another science experiment with the kids today-they never tire of watching things fizz/explode and get everywhere. Oh well, whatever keeps them entertained! Those types of things were always my favorite as a kid too. I suppose I still love them except now I'm the one that has to clean them up! haha. 

Have a blessed day friends :)
God Bless, 
KJA


Proberbs was kind of blowing my mind this morning. You should probably just read the whole 17th chapter. :) 

Proverbs17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.




Wearing:
Scarf- Gift from mama
Dress- Hand me down
Cardigan, Loafers, Bag, Belt- Vintage, thrifted
Coat- Thrifted, Plato's Closet
Tights- Walmart

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Casual Wear

Sean and I are really into vintage TV shows now. At the moment we're sitting here watching The Twilight Zone from the 60's.  It's actually a really great show. I've been getting so much fashion inspiration from The Dick VanDyke Show, The Bob Newhart Show, and I Love Lucy. I Love Lucy especially has amazing sartorial eye candy. The fashions were right in the mid 50's so Lucy wears a lot of full skirted dresses, tailored suits, and cute little jeans and trousers. Not to mention the collared blouses, scarves, loafers, and her curly hair done up in hats! The other day Ethel was wearing the most darling little romper and I was definitely swooning. Fashion aside, the comedy in these shows is spot on what I love and we'll pretty much watch anything from the 50's and 60's. How about you, do you have any favorite old TV shows?


I wore this to a game night with friends a few days ago. I'm trying to amass more casual vintage clothing  so I can wear it on more of a daily basis. When I found these jeans I was so excited because they were just what I was looking for. Paired with grandma's blouse, great-grandma's cardigan, and grandfather's old coat I had a fun and comfy look for a night of hanging out!











Sometimes casual looks are my favorite-how about you? Would you rather get all gussied up, or just stay in your comfy clothes?

Happy Tuesday!
God Bless, 
KJA

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.



Wearing:
Blouse- Grandma's
Cardigan- Great-grandmother's
Peacoat- Grandpa's
Jeans- Vintage, thrifted
Oxfords- Vintage, thrifted
Satchel-Vintage Coach, thrifted 
Locket- Mama's
Ring- Charlotte Russe

Monday, February 18, 2013

Memories

This outfit is my very favorite.  I am wearing one of my most prized possessions-this dress of my grandmother's. I've seen pictures of her wearing it holding my aunt in the early 1960's. I styled it quite differently than she did however. In the pictures she has a straight bob cut in her hair and pearls round her neck with simple heels.  I'll have to get a hold of that picture someday. 
Here are my sister's and I playing dress up in grandma's old clothes. I am on the left wearing the dress I speak of. We used to have tea parties and run around the farm in these fancy dresses. It was the best. One sister got to be princess that day and she got the best dress and a tiara. We'd sit around the table and use grandma's nice plates while eating crackers and jam and sipping on juice. Those are some of my most wonderful memories :)


My how I've grown!


I loved how soft and glittery the snowflakes appeared. The snowfall we had was so gentle and light that it created a perfect 'time stands still' look to it.


I finally tried my hair in curlers that had been wet set the night before. It was much curlier than I expected! I love curls though. I'm one of those straight-haired people that wished they had naturally curly hair (to which all the nat.curly haired people respond, "No you don't!" But no really, I do :) ). I love how soft and wonderful it feels. I may start using curlers more often. It really only took about 30-45 minutes to put up, and I'm sure with more practice it would take less. I'm going to have to experiment using different types of curlers as well as various techniques.



I didn't quite plan to wear my yellow tights with this, but when I saw how perfectly the color matched the yellow roses on the dress I couldn't resist. One doesn't just pass up an opportunity like that. Especially a color enthusiast like me :)
I believe these gloves were made to match the dress, they are also my grandmother's and match the gray/lavender color of this frock perfectly.


I had to throw my great-grandmother's peacoat on to complete the look. It has the most magical shimmering threads sewn through it.


What are some of your favorite childhood memories friends?
Have a happy Sunday!
God Bless,
KJA

1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.




Wearing:
Beret- Gift from my sister-bought in France (so it's authentic! haha)
Cardigan- Hand me down from sister
Belt- Thrifted
Dress, Gloves- Grandmother's
Coat- Great-Grandmother's
Shoes- You by Crocs, Thrifted
Bag- Vintage, Thrifted
Tights- Target

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Scarf-speration

Need some inspiration on how to wear your favorite scarves this season? Check out Flock Together today to see how some of the girls styled their favorites. Hope to see you there!


And I'll be back tomorrow with regularly scheduled programming :)
God Bless!
KJA

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.