- blouse: vintage late 40s estate sale find
- trousers: made by me from Wearing History’s Smooth Sailing pattern
- scarf: vintage, thrifted
- saddle shoes: Muffy’s (Sailor Husband’s Christmas present to me!)
- bracelet: Forever21
I’ve been on a real reading kick of late. Which is refreshing because I got out of the habit for awhile (cue sad face), but for the past couple Saturdays I’ve spent large parts of the day doing nothing but curling up with a good book. Earlier it was Ava Gardner’s autobiography (only suitable considering I visited the museum in her hometown!), and now I am working my way through a history of modern domesticity my mom recommended and Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” (since I’ve never read any Hemingway outside of college-assigned reading. I’m trying to broaden my horizons a bit more!). There is something so calming and fun about reading and letting my imagination work in that way… The Nancy Drew book I’m holding in these photos has nothing to do with all this, of course–it just was a cute prop for the photoshoot. (But admittedly one of my prized possessions!)
This outfit is one of those that was inspired by a few things: the lovely Fleur’s recent outfit post, watching A League of Their Own for the first time since it came out in ’92 (good golly do I feel old!), and various 40s snapshots of gals in casual clothes. I’ve been really inspired by the idea of “understated glamor” and have not been wearing a ton of makeup lately (hmm… I seem to be in a lot of “moods” lately, don’t I? lol!). Instead it’s been powder foundation, possibly mascara (which I’m missing in these photos), fill in my brows and am done. Sometimes a little rub of lip color (I’m wearing a light wash of Russian Red in these photos), but mostly just lip moisturizer. Easy and simple. I feel like my 25th year has been the one I’ve become more at-home in my own skin and more willing to be comfortable rather than 100% put together at all times. I didn’t start wearing makeup until I was 18, and up until the past year it was something I was rarely without. I felt naked and less attractive without it–it gave me a sense of confidence and beauty I lacked initially as a young adult, but it also became a bit of a crutch over time. Along with wearing more flat shoes this year, makeup has become optional. I still love it and adore putting on the whole shebang (you’ll never get my beloved eyeliner and red lipstick from me! lol.), but it’s less important to me. Which is a nice change after years of struggling with my personal appearance and that manifesting itself in a lot of ways that were unhealthy emotionally and physically.
What do you most love about yourself (it doesn’t have to be physical–character traits or skills count!)? Don’t tell me what you don’t like–I only want to hear positives!
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I’m 35 now, and I have to agree that from about 25 onwards I began feeling more and more comfortable inside my own skin and about who I was as a person. I’ve found it just keeps getting easier to be me, which is rather nice.
Reading is one of my favourite pastimes, I read the notices on the back of hotel doors and the signs in bus stops, that’s how much I love reading. I’m glad you’re managing to reconnect with that pleasure.
I’m still not sure what I love most about myself, it changes on a daily basis. I think, today, I love the randomness of my brain and the crazy things I remember, particularly in reference to film and television (due in part to my training I’m sure, but not completely)
That is a hard question to answer, but I think overall I do love that I’ve always been a hard worker, especially when it comes to school. It has been hard at times, but I do enjoy reading and studying. I can’t live without my summer vacation though, when I can read all the books I want for fun and not only for school.
You look gorgeous btw <3
I agree, since my mid-20′s I’ve become much more confident and accepting of the way I look. Accepting and dressing for my body shape has also been a big revelation (especially past the age of 40!), I like knowing I’ve made an effort without going completely over the top. I also like my shiny hair! Great post, it raised a lot of really interesting points. x
There is something lovely about an understated nod to the 40′s look. I try to take inspiration, like you, from women from the era. They certainly didn’t have time to prim and prep everyday! And if all I have time for is a headscarf and a bit of lippy – then that shall have to do
And – Yay! for read mode! I fall in and out of it all the time. This year shall be different… oh yes it will!!
As for things I like? Hmmmmmmmm. The confidence I seem to have at the moment in relation to the way I dress. I did go through a bit of a wobble recently – but I am back with full force now. Hurrahs!
So, um, are you going to spill on the title of the history of domesticity book you’re reading?
Hi, Grace!
The name of the book is Stir It Up, Home Economics in American Culture, by Megan J Elias. It is a really good read, and well written. I highly recommend it.
Mary Lou
(Casey’s mom)
Thanks so much!
I stuck it on my A***** wish list so I can get it later.
You are just too cute! I’ve been reading your blog for a while, sorry for not commenting sooner…but I was too busy poring over the details of your sewing posts! So I’ve dusted off my machine and plan to get to work this week!
Lovely blog, I’ve added you to my site’s blogroll, hope you don’t mind!
I think my best asset is that I’m equally left and right-brained. For example, I can sketch a sweater design and make the highly detailed excel spreadsheet to gauge it to different sizes. I can balance the creative and the practical in a way that works for both.
You always look so adorable!
I’m in my early thirties and found that around 25 was when I got more comfortable with being in my own skin. Sometimes though I get too comfortable and get into a rut of not dressing up and my self confidence can take a hit. I’m working on getting back into a mode of looking more polished while balanced with comfort. Maybe I’ll get that down by 35.
I love the inside cover for the Nancy Drew book. A good silhouette is hard to find…and this is so enterprising and 1930s. Speaking of turbans, I’d bet you enjoy knitting the pattern that’s now available on Knitting on the Net (the Stitch in Time publishers), Casey.
Oh Casey, I want to get back into reading again! I don’t know how I managed to let that “curl up with a good book” routine slip away from my life.
What I most love about myself: I tend to see the good in people, forgive easily, and rarely get angry…
You look so fresh & pretty in these photos!
- Susan
That vintage blouse is gorgeous, Casey! My dream would be to find an estate sale not too far from me.
I think what I like very much about myself is that from a tender age I decided that I was never going to dress the way current fashion demanded; no, I was going to dress in what I liked myself. And I have ever since! It’s hard to see most people around us chasing every latest fashion and feeling compelled to imitate faithfully what they see celebrities wearing. Ladies will even go so far as to wear clothes that are unflattering–just so long as they look ‘in’ with the latest look!
I hope more and more women will learn to be less hard on themselves, and dress feeling un-pressured.
Oh, and as for reading, Casey, I’d like to suggest something: ‘This Side of Paradise’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Hurrah! I love reading too, and it always feels so good to get back into it after a break.
I love my long legs. I know we are meant to only say we love ‘internal’ things about ourself for fear of being thought vain, but screw it. I love being tall and I love having long legs
Love the color of your trousers. The thing I like most about myself now is that I don’t live in fear to love others around me, to reach out, to speak, to be. I am more comfortable with not doing it always the “right way”. It’s okay. I’ve resigned of being my own critic, I was really lousy at the job!
Good luck with a Farewell to Arms. I hate Hemingway as a person and as a writer. In particular, I despise that book. But maybe you’ll like it better than I will.
I’m glad that you posted an outfit with your Wearing History Smooth Sailing Pants. I finished mine, but the ended up bigger than my muslin. I think I’m going to have to take them in on both sides (which means removing the zipper and waistband). But yours still look roomy and comfy, so I don’t think mine are as big as I first though. Just need to get unused to that skin tight thing.
I like that I have finally accepted what sorts of things are going to look good on my body. Not all clothes look good on all body shapes and that is *not* my fault. I have a lot more self confidence than I did in high school. A tiny part of me even wants to go back and have a do over so I could be “cool”. I think blogging and wearing vintage has helped a lot.
I love to read, and classics are so much fun! If you haven’t yet, pick up Agatha Christie… Great great books!
I agree with you. At about 25 I started feeling more comfortable with myself. I’m 29 now and currently pregnant with my second, and I find that I’m more comfortable being pregnant and how I look than I did with my first. Usually I’d say I love my eyes the most, cuz they’re a true green and I rarely see eyes like mine… But I think I love my whole body. It’s bigger than I’d like it to be, but it does some fantastic things, and it let’s me run after my daughter to boot! Lol!! :0)
so cute, casey! i have really been inspired by nancy drew and have thought how fun it would be to put together a “nancy drew” wardrobe. i know your outfit isn’t necessarily inspired by nancy drew, but that is what i thought of (of course) when i saw that book! i actually never read nancy drew growing up. i tried when i was younger, but i hardly was able to keep a book in my hand for more than part of the book before i got restless and wanted to go do something (so bad!!!). so now that i’m older i’m trying to read more and try to catch up on some of the books i never read. and i am enjoying nancy drew SO MUCH! hah! btw, have you seen the movies with bonita granville? she always reminds me of you when i watch those movies! one of the film adaptations they did was “the secret of the hidden staircase” so of course you must see it (if you haven’t already)! blah blah blah. there i go rambling! i better get myself to work now…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4pv-JaiDgs
Thank you for this post, Casey! There are never too many of these kinds of thoughts around.
I think my favourite thing about myself is that I find it so easy to be happy. I don’t complain about things often, and I feel that getting older is one of the best things ever. Everything becomes so much easier day by day. About physical things, I like the fact that I’m short. It suits me
I love your outfit! I always thought those trousers were too baggy for me, but now after seeing them on you I just might want to try them out. Good luck with your reading inspiration, I know, it’s too easy to get out of the habit!
Super cute look-especially love the pants you made. I voraciously read all of the Nancy Drew’s (and other similar series) as a child and even then pined to live in an earlier era. I like that being a little older has helped me accept my imperfections and really not seeing them as imperfections per se, they’re just me. I like that I’m not afraid to try new things and have good “fix-it” skills even though that’s not anything I ever formally studied. Yesterday I fixed our gas fireplace and was relieved not to have to call a service person in–with the bad midwest weather, it would probably be days before they could come out and if the power went out, the gas fireplace would be our only source of heat.
The last year or so is when I really started to feel comfortable in my own skin. I never felt like I looked “bad” per se, but I was never really happy with my appearance, either. Maybe 25 is the magic number, but getting married and feeling settled might have had something to do with it, too.
Also, I’ve been looking for saddle shoes FOREVER. Time to check out that link…
I started and finished a wonderful book yesterday, Matched, a dystopian YA novel. I really enjoyed it! It’s funny, I started my classes in library science this winter and have less time to actually read now ;o)
I think the thing I most like about myself right now are my eyes. I was teased relentlessly for their size and shape when I was growing up. It’s taken some time, but I have grown to love them. It helps that my oldest daughter and son have eyes like mine and I think they’re beautiful. How can I feel anything but that, too?
I’m 27 and have been married for 4 years this past December, have a graduate degree, and have been teaching at a university for the past three years. My husband is quite a bit older than me, so most of the time I feel “ageless.” We have two adorable little girls (3 and 2). I’ve spent many years obsessing over my figure. Now that I’ve had two children and have witnessed the amazing transformation a woman’s body goes through from pregnancy and back again, I am much more comfortable in my own skin. I am proud that my body nourished my babies and I want my girls to have a positive and embracing outlook of their own bodies, so I am always mindful to never criticize the way I look in front of them. I don’t comment on their appreances (to them), but rather on how smart, strong, and creative they are. I am so glad to be the “ageless” age I am, having accomplished the things I have, and I know it will only get better!
I love your blog and your creativity. I hope you have a very lovely day.
I love this look! And you look like you’ve just stepped out of a summer’s day in 1946
I really like the natural look, because obviously even back then they weren’t 100% made up all the time. A great movie to watch for some relaxed 40s look is the Hallmark movie “the magic of ordinary days.” (It’s also a really really great book. I higly suggest it as a great read about such an epic time in history on more of a homefront scale) Its set in 1945 but the majority of the film takes place on a rural farm so there’s lots of casual wear and hair. I love it for that, lots of great looks in it.
I love learning a more vintage and self-sufficient way of doing hair. I bet these old fashioned sets really save hair from heat damage~
And speaking of, we’ve gotten snowed in since yesterday so I’ve been watching your tutorials! So much fun. I did a pin curl set on damp hair last night and when I undid it this morning…wow! I think I’ll have curls for a week
thanks for such a beautiful blog to come visit!~
heather
I absolutely LOVE those pants on you, and the saddle shoes too! So refreshing to see in a time where most current fashion around me hurts my eyes – LOL! My favorite part of myself (in the external sense) would have to be my lips, because I am just starting to appreciate them now. Haven’t really appreciated makeup much until now, but I am branching out and trying new things. Still have yet to try rockin’ the red lipstick, but I hope to soon!
This is just a darling look. Trousers never looked so cute! I’ve spent most of my young adult life battling major shyness and then BDD. Although I still sometimes have relapses, I generally feel pretty grand in my own skin…maybe it’s because I know that the rose will go off the bloom soon enough, I’m trying to be happy and positive about the body and features I’ve got. My favourite feature is my smile because I think it has the power to disarm and put others at ease. I think it also reflects my inner disposition, which is generally a positive and happy. Non-image wise, I am proud of my brain. I have always been a very introspective intellectual sort of person and I feel very blessed to have a powerful yet open mind filled with imagination, ideas, and curiousity.
Great outfit… though I admit I noticed the Hidden Staircase first! I adore old Nancy Drews and they were the very first vintage thing I ever collected, starting at thrift stores when I was in grade school. In fact, I have a few on my bedside table.
I think the thing that I’m loving about myself lately is that in my early 30s (omg, I turn 34 this Spring, does that mean mid 30s? lol) I’m becoming more comfortable with my style. I don’t feel as much need to compare myself to other people, though I love seeing everyone’s sense of style and do draw lots of inspiration from it! But I know I can feel comfortable and cute in my own right. Some people feel comfortable in their own skin from an early age, while it takes a little longer for some of us.. but it’s great when you get there.
I love those trousers – I stopped wearing trousers when I was about 15, but I think 1940s styles might just work.
I was a huge Nancy Drew fan growing up – at the time I had no idea the stories I was reading were “vintage” though!
xx Charlotte
You are so adorable!
I love Nancy Drew and have read the whole series at least 3 times!
Things that I love about myself hmmm…..I am so happy that I can sew! I am convinced I would not be as happy with my clothes if I couldn’t make and alter things!
As for physically? I love my bum, there I’ve said it, I have a great bum!=)
I love your casual look, I think I need to make some slacks like that, they make legs look miles long (another advantage of wearing something at your waist and not your hips, hehe). I too am more inspired by “normal” vintage pics, housewives, girlfriends, factory workers. Have you seen the movie Dead Gorgeous? It’s a BBC production, I think you might enjoy it, at least for the variety in costumes
At the moment what I love most about myself is efficiency. Sometimes I wish I lived in a larger house in a different time so I could “run it”. Or at least have a house now! Currently I’m just driving my husband nuts though
xoxo
Solanah
Hurray for Nancy Drew! : )
I love that I am easily contented, and thus often smile with a happy heart. (Physically, I think I love my eyes). I never really ever wore makeup and it means that on the times when I do want to do it, I look very… unpracticed putting it on : ) There’s positives to having developed the habit at one point in your life!
Casey, I applaud the positive focus of your post but… you’re cheating. You haven’t named something about YOU that you like best!
I love those trousers. I was pondering this pattern a while ago and decided against them,but they look totally different made up. I think I may give them a go…thank you!
You look soooo fab. (as ever!)
Portia
xxx
I love this post! I will have to share this with my 11 year old as she is obsessed with Nancy drew and has read every book in the series!
I used to obsess over my slightly crooked teeth but now realize that I was being silly. I’m patient and kind. And watching my sweet little kids grow into amazing big kids gives me such confidence in myself. I must be doing something right lol
Also, I think there must be something to 25 being a turning point. Our brains aren’t fully developed (the decision making part) until around this age.
You are all so special. Just reading your posts gives me a new respect for young women. I am a bit older than all of you, however, I find a new strength of self in each passing decade. I have discovered that I am stronger than I thought I was. Each phase of your life will present you with great rewards and challenges. Your will learn about yourself in the process. Everything from being comfortable in your own body, (pregnant or not) exploring diverse opinion on everything fashion to literature, spending your time wisely and loving those around you will define you as a person, an evolving person, growing and learning. I chuckle now, but, the decade that I “survived” when my sons were young is lost to me. I just remember being so busy, so distracted and exhausted. I too would like a do-over! If anyone figures out how to do that please post it here! You look so cute in this outfit Casey! Love the look.
Love your whole look … and the edition of The Hidden Staircase, I also have the very same one. So special to me!! And, I love knowing you too love it dearly!
Gorgeous outfit, if I could just find trousers like these I’d be very happy! May just have to make some too!
So LOVELY! First, I adore the pants, second the top is SO CUTE! And I’m with you in that I love this look as well! What I like about myself…definitely my enthusiasm and ability to look on the bright side of life (hehehehe…a certain song from Monty Python just popped in my head!) And what I like about you: you are so sweet, generous and down to earth, you love what you do, are wonderful to everyone you come in contact with and have a passion for life and it comes across!
Hugs,
Debi
Such a cute outfit! I’m happy to hear you’re more comfortable in your skin
I think my favorite thing about myself…that people say I am just who I seem to be. Being open to people despite negative experiences and having your inside and outside match is great!
I am 30, and after having 4 children and needing to “re-find” myself now that I’m done with childbearing, I feel like I’m more self-assured and confidant in my life in general, although I still struggle with the things pregnancy did to my body. I think my favorite part of myself is my eyes. I love coming up with new eye-looks — from subtle to rockstar extreme. Makeup is so fun, but the most important part for me has been refusing to have “a look”. Because I experiment so much, no one ever expects me to have my “make-up face” on, so if I want to wear nothing, great! If I want to totally glam it up, that’s great too! It’s a freeing feeling.
Casey, I appreciated this post. For as young as I am, I have noticed all too well girls and ladies who are not happy with themselves – perhaps they do not like their physical makeup or their style of clothes – whatever case may be … yes, I agree that the 25th year (soon coming) is an eye-opener for men and women alike; but let’s stick with the girls. lol ; this milestone in life opens the eyes a bit more and really shows you who you really are. Not what others think you are, not fashion, not styles, trends, but who YOU are inside. Learning curves are hard sometimes, and those who stop and are willing to learn to simply be who they are have the grandest time through life. BE YOURSELF (emphatic bold – not angry – wish I knew the html for italics – lol) and enjoy your tastes. Doesn’t matter what others think. What do YOU think and like and love and enjoy? Ok, I should have posted this on my own blog – ha ha lol – but thank you so much for posting such wonderful reminders, Casey!!
I have the same edition of “The Hidden Staircase.” It was my absolute favorite as a kid!
Hm, Upon my excited soapbox – lol – I forgot to answer the question!
I absolutely love my smile. Small as I am, I have a large smile.
Really. I absolutely love to be productive, something that can be troublesome when the family wants to do something together. I could literally work all day. (“work” being selling online – ebay / etsy) ;
Might I put in a side-note? I adore books (I know – books weren’t the focus, but besides that) .. mainly historical WW2, American homefront – these are hard to find where the author makes you feel as if you were there – some homefront fiction is not detailed enough – lol — I am a very “facts please” kind of girl. I LOVE hearing the facts about history … okay, I’ll stop. Have a super day!
You look lovely! And what a great question. One of my best traits may be how visual I am – I can look at or just imagine a beautiful image and immediately feel my mood lift!
I’m all about casual at the moment – its far too hot here for much make up, it melts!! Beautiful outfit too
By the way, can you tell me what sewing machine you use? I’m desperately needing to upgrade but am finding it so useful seeing what others have before I make the big purchase 
XX
Jen
ps) FLAKES!! I’m a flake not sending you flakes – please forgive me.
I love that I’m good at learning. Lately I’ve been trying to brush up my Spanish, and through lots of self-study I’m definitely making some progress! It feels so good to exercise my brain!
but of course, what I really, really love, is being able to think creatively and come up with the end product in my head. once, at the fabric store, i picked up some fabric and said to my friend, “wouldn’t this make a great dress? sleeveless with a small collar and some trim around the hem…” or something along those lines.. and i said, “can’t you see it?” and she said, “no, sam, i can’t. i can’t do that like you.” so that has to be my favorite thing. the fact that i can look at things and see what they could become, and then figure out the ways i can take them there. it’s such a wonderful thing.
Casey I love the Nancy Drew book! So cute, Nancy is my favorite.
As for what I like about myself, I like my confidence! It’s so nice to have confidence in myself. It makes life so much more fun!
Just wondering, how did you tie your headscarf? It looks great!
I love my wrists! It sounds silly, but they’re small and dainty.
I really like the pants you’re wearing, I wish I could do the vintage trouser look!
I love this post! I just turned 30 and am finally starting to feel great in my own skin. As for what I like about myself, I like my brown eyes and my creative spirit;-) A League Of Their Own has been one of my favorites since I saw it in the summer of ’92. It combined two of my favorites baseball and the ’40′s!
oh you look just darling! I love the casual outfit and minimal makeup, but you still look gorgeous and vintage. Also, A Farewell to Arms is one of my favorite books ever so I hope you love it. I recently got into a total reading kick as well, when my internet failed for a couple weeks right after my computer was broken for another couple weeks. I read like 10 books in a month! I wish I could do that without being forced to though, I really LIKE reading.
I love my obsession with old movies. =) And the fact that over the past two years I have really started to let my creativity take over instead of repressing it.
I’m 19 and still struggle with self confidence issues, especially lately it seems. There seems to be an agreement, from the comments, that around age 25 is the turning point for that….I hope so! =) I’d love for it to come sooner, though.
I don’t wear makeup (only lip gloss), because I know I’m the kind of person who, if I started wearing it, I would *have* to wear it anytime I left the house. And I don’t want to be chained to something like that. =)
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