As much as I take inspiration from old film stars and vintage photoshoots, I am always more excited to see old photos of people like you and me. Girls dressed in skirts and blouses, with little socks and lace up shoes posing with their friends or sweethearts on the front porch. A lady all dressed up, ready to go out on a date and a picture is snapped of her just before she gets in the car. I love those because they are so real and relatable, and I can take those styles and details and wear them in everyday life. As much as I like to glamour up and wear a bombshell dress and four inch heels, for doing everyday things my style is more like a snippet of an old photo. Of course the “little old lady” look is very prominent in my closet, as I adore cardigans, high waisted pants, and big gaudy brooches. Older women have a knack for incorporating many eras into their outfit which I admire, since they have lived through ones I can only dream of!

Aw thank you Casey, you’re so flattering. I’ve always had a fascination with customs and styles that have gone out of fashion. I remember trying to learn the language of flowers, fans, carrying parasols, and one day I even checked a book out of the library on Latin. But hat’s seemed to have something I could never loose interest in. They were something I could incorporate into everyday life, no matter my mood or activity. Hat’s are not just for tea, they are for going to the supermarket, and having picnics, I even wear them to my nephew’s soccer games.

Some women feel good in stylish shoes, some in jewelry, but I adore hats. Our dining room as actually turned into “The Hat Room”, which consists of hats hanging on all four walls, a hat rack, shelves with hats, and a desk with hats. And still I want more, I must be addicted. But hey, if you’re going to be addicted to something, make it something stylish and cheap!

There is a hat for everyone. You just have to find a style that suits you and also flatters your face. Most people can wear the 50s cap, because it stays close to the head, but not many people can pull off a 60s cloche, as they sit kind of awkwardly on top of the head. For a first hat go somewhere you can try them on, like a vintage store, or antique store. Maybe you’ll even find one at a thrift store! You can experience what it feels like to wear a hat, and if the shape works on you. You should also invest in a couple of hatpins, which can really be a collectible all by themselves, but the plain ones are inexpensive.

The wonderful thing about hats is that they generally are not expensive. It’s much easier to find a really nice hat at an affordable price because they are not worn anymore, so the value is considerably lower than a piece of clothing of the same era. Despite being easy on your pocketbook, they make such a strong impact on an outfit, and are completely original.

When I was around 6 and 7, my grandma was an antique dealer. I would go with her to estate sales, which were just wild to a 7 year old. Everyone was running around, grabbing stiff, there were some real characters. Now going to estate sales I love the nostalgia, and the competition. For big estate sales you have to work fast to get the best stuff, but thrifting is a much more lax treasure hunt. My best tip would be to find out when your local thrift store puts out new merchandise, that way you can have first pick. There are gems to be found, you just have to dig through the regular clothing before finding the good stuff.

I actually used to stay away from sewing patterns, I could never stick with them, always cutting out the pieces and sewing them together on my own. But most of the vintage patterns are pretty straightforward, and I’ve had luck with all but one 30s monstrosity. I’m currently working on a pink full skirted 50s dress I’ll wear on my honeymoon, I’m hoping to embroider it or add some personal details. My favorite project so far has been a little 30s dress I made with adorable bow printed cotton. I plan on making it again with some alterations, perhaps adding pockets or a monogram, It’s just really simple, yet sweet for those warm summer days.

You’re such a charmer.

I would have to include my black bird hat, as well as my blue bird hat, I mean, they are birds on hats. For me it doesn’t get any better. Plus the black one has a rhinestone collar, which is just the best.

I know it’s summer, but I miss wearing my 40s wool suits, especially the blue one that looks so much like the one Amy Adams wore in “Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day”. 40’s suits in general are a favorite.

I have a 50s sundress that is just so pin-up girl, I love it so much. Unfortunately it hasn’t left my closet yet as the weather here has been less than summer like lately, but I plan on wearing it for picnics and walks around town.

My kitty skirt is a definite favorite, it puts everyone in a good mood.

All I can say is that ever since I’ve started my blog, I’ve made wonderful friends, and am part of a really supportive community. I get style tips and inspiration from blogs like yours and am thankful that I can return the favor. I only wish we all lived close so we could raid each other’s closets! XOXO