I normally try not to re-post links that others have already publicized on their blog, but when I saw the link to What We Wore over at the lovely Betsy’s blog, I couldn’t resist! I adore old photographs; beyond the clothes and interest in how people wore the trends of the day, I find it equally compelling to study expressions and poses, wondering what sort of people they were. I hope you’ll enjoy this link–it’s definitely worth spending a little bit of your afternoon browsing through!
[ this one of course gets points! sailor on a motorcycle?! yes please... ]
June 29, 2009 ·
22 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: links, vintage inspiration
Chickdowntown.com emailed me a couple weeks ago to see if I’d be interested in offering a fantastic item from their website for a giveaway. Of course, knowing that you all love winning things as much as I do (and spotting a few dresses that I loved!), I jumped at the chance! Chickdowntown.com is an online fashion retailer that carries lines from 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent to Mink Pink. They also have a Facebook and Twitter to keep everyone abreast of their latest additions!
Isn’t that dress so, so cute?! It’s from the BB Dakota line, and I love the fact that it’s a knit (so it packs easily–perfect for summer travel!), but it’s still very sweet and pretty. I can see this dress down with some flats and a big-brimmed hat for the daytime. For nighttime, wouldn’t it look so gorgeous with a vintage fascinator and a big charm bracelet?! So if you’d like to enter the giveaway for this utterly adorable and summer dress, here’s the deal:
- You must be a US resident to enter*.
- To enter, leave a comment with an answer to the question below.
- Be sure to fill out your name and email address in the comment form (the email won’t be public), so I can contact the winner.
- The contest closes Sunday, July 5, 2009 at 12am (EST).
- A winner will be randomly drawn on Monday, July 6 and announced shortly thereafter!
Here’s the contest question: To enter, all I ask is that you leave a comment in this post and tell me your favorite summer fashion memory. It can be recent or long past, about something you wore or spent the entire season dreaming about… What your favorite summer outfit (past or present)? Or perhaps you took a trip that had a bit of a fantastic fashion twist? Tell me!
*I also wanted to let my international readers know that although this contest has been restricted by geography (per chickdowntown.com’s request), I have another giveaway coming up that will be open to everyone!
Good luck, dears!
June 28, 2009 ·
88 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: giveaway
[ click for a larger view of these wonderful images & sources! ]
My goodness–Friday already! It always seems like no sooner than I finish a collage and link-gathering for one post, then it’s time for the next. hehe! I actually have two posts for today, but the next one will wait until a bit later. Keep your eyes open though–it’s a giveaway!
My sister and I have been having a blast (and she’s only been here a day and a half)! So far we’ve taken wacky photos of two of her Beatles action figures at various places (silly, touristy photos), spent too much time giggling over silly movies, debated the merits of blogging, and spent time side-by-side on the sofa Tweeting. lol. We have lots more silliness planned for the weekend (and more Beatles photos…).
Hope you have a lovely, relaxing weekend friends!
June 26, 2009 ·
17 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: life, weekly inspiration
[ click for a larger view. ]
Today my sister is arriving, and I would be lying to say I’m not more than a little excited! (I’m surprised I actually got any sleep last night… lol!) Especially since we have a super fun excursion planned for her (belated) birthday present. But, I figured I should post before I got too distracted today… hehe!
Today we’re taking a trip back 80 years… to March 1929! I pulled a few images from one of the magazines my aunt sent me. I’m not a huge fan of the 1920s look for me (wide hips means it’s one of the worst looks for me!), but I adore the details. After all: part of designing and making (or putting together any outfit for that matter!) is about the details, isn’t it? The first is this lovely spread of Paris interpretations on the fashion of the day (be sure to click through to full size!). I just love the evening frock (lower right); the back ruffling is so elegant. I especially adore the dramatic v-neckline with buttons!
[ click for a larger view. ]
Now here’s a page of little sweet designs for little girls! I know, I’m far too old (and big!) for any of these, but just look at all the sweet embellishments… My favorite is the yellow and white dress on the bottom. Scallops have been filling my imagination (especially in this, hem-centric usage), and hte bright, cherry hues are so appealing! Can’t you see taking some of these elements and applying them to an existing frock or blouse? Perhaps a lace collar, long bow, or a bit of embroidery would do the trick? Perfect for some summertime prettiness!
I have so many exciting things coming up for the blog in the next few weeks: a couple giveaways (including a sponsored one!), a tutorial, a post devoted to getting started sewing, and another inspiring interview! But for now, I must pull myself away from the computer and go vacuum… So boring… haha! Have a lovely Wednesday, my dears!
June 24, 2009 ·
25 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: vintage inspiration
[ click for a larger view. ]
Sadly, my afternoon of sewing with my friend D. did not happen last Friday. I woke up feeling rather ill, and it didn’t go away, so I had to cancel. Drat! But I did sew one (of the three) bags I had cut out. Something a little different, yet totally fun for me! I rather love leopard print accessories, in moderation, and a leopard print bag has been high on my list for a little while. I ordered this fabric recently, and it proved perfect for a new handbag! I used the scalloped clutch pattern from the 1940s pattern booklet, and am pleased as punch with how it turned out! Though I have to admit that the instructions were a bit muddled at points, so imagination was needed to fill in the blanks! The most mystifying that portion was how the zipper was inserted: so the pull ended up upside down (inside the bag)! I did have to adjust that. lol.
[ click for a larger view. ]
I’ve got two others (in the plaid fabric) on the sewing machine right now. Hopefully I’ll finish them in the next couple days. One is for a super secret blog surprise! hehe! (More photos here.)
This week shall be spent cleaning and preparing for our out-of-town guest: my sister! I’m so, so excited to see her and spend 10 days catching up and getting into our usual trouble. lol. We’re only two years apart (I’m older), and are not only sisters but best friends. She’s been busy getting her degree, so chatting during the school year has been spotty. So we are both definitely looking forward to this little visit (and have got some fun plans and sightseeing lined up!)!!!
June 22, 2009 ·
35 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: sewing
