Weir Farms

I spent this weekend with my grandma and grandpa with my great aunt and uncle in Connecticut. One of our outings was to Weir Farms. This restored historic site, once belonged to J. Alden Weir, the celebrated American Impressionist painter, who would invite his painter friends to stay with him and capture the gorgeous Connecticut landscapes. Weir Farms soon became a center for artists, and a place to relax and explore new painting techniques. Today Weir farms, offers a peaceful escape, equipped with painting supplies visitors may borrow, to create their own work of art. Completely free, Weir farms offers guided tours through the Weir house. I highly recommend Weir Farms.

Garter Belts

My latest sewing adventure has been making garter belts and garters. I found garter clips at Joann Fabrics and I almost threw up with excitement. Making garter belts is a lot easier than it looks. The next one I make, I will make it a tutorial. The best part is, they require very little fabric and can be made from scraps! Just make sure you have an abundance of elastic!

<3 

Some Of My Favorite Films

Walking out of the theater after seeing Straight Outta Compton (which was fantastic) I felt that high you get after seeing an amazing movie, which got me reflecting on (and re-watching) my favorite movies. I love historical movies most of all, and especially if they deal with lust and scandal. 

Here are three of my favorite movies (though that list is always growing), all available on Netflix.

The Duchess 

Luscious costumes, love affairs and Kiera Knightly's amazing talent make this film a winner. In short, this film is dramatic and lush and will certainly make you glad you aren't a woman living in the 1700's, though the wardrobes were jaw-dropping.  

A Royal Affair

This Danish film is somewhat like the Duchess, both based around women married to abusive husbands with power, and no choice in the matter. Both husbands allowed to have as many mistresses and prostitutes they want, as the women are expected to sit by until they are wanted, more often than not, forcibly. Both women find solace in their lovers, who care about them as intellectuals rather than pieces of meat. This film is really beautiful and dramatic and I cannot recommend it enough.

In Secret 

A bit different (and admittedly not as amazing) than the last two, this film is categorized as an 'erotic thriller', is more physiological than erotic or thrilling. This film is set in 1860's France, and is a very dark film. Based on the novel "Therese Raquin" (coming to Broadway starring Kiera Knightly, which I very desperately want to see) written by Emilie Zola. This film is about a very repressed woman, who finds a lover, her only solace in her horribly grim life, and the measures they will go to, to be together. This movie is not lighthearted but nonetheless interesting, if you don't mind dark films. 

Newest Nightie Set

My newest nightie set is made from pastel blue, pastel pink and sea foam green sheer material. I included lots of lace and ruffles, inspired by the Rococo period. I am extremely proud of this set, and it was my first time making garter straps (which I'm now obsessed with!)

My Birthday

Today is my birthday and I thought I'd share a few pictures from my party yesterday :) 

I wore a vintage yellow dress, which I re-did the neckline into something more wearable and flattering. I paired this dress with nude maryjanes and coordinating ribbons in my hair <3

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50's Swim Suit

I cannot believe my luck! I found this bathing beauty at a shop called 'The Dress Shop' in East Aurora for $18. I was a little skeptical about the shop, as it seemed like a pricey dress store at first. However, upstairs was an amazing loft like area with beautiful vintage bridal items, night gowns, dresses, aprons, shoes, handbags, luggage and home items. 

As for dresses, the prices were around $35 and up. None of the dresses particularly stole my heart, however this shop had gorgeous nightgowns. Some of the most gorgeous I've seen in fact, with prices understandably on the high end. If it was my wedding night, or anniversary I would definitely splurge, though I don't have much use for an exquisite nightgown, especially since I make so much sleepwear. 

The shop also had three vintage swimsuits, which I haven't seen in many vintage shops. At $18 I couldn't resist trying this one on, though I was sure it would be too big. Thankfully I was wrong, and the thigh and hip area fit perfectly, the bust was a bit too big, though no one will be able to tell. The waist tie also allows me to tighten the suit around my waist creating a beautiful hourglass silhouette.

 I love the exquisite color of this suit, and also how full coverage it is, this way I can eat as many snacks on beach day (which I'm forcing my sweetheart to participate in) and not have to worry about looking bloated! Love finding special items like this! Now all I need is a parasol... 

<3 Glenn 

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Favorite Pieces From My Wardrobe

I thought I'd start a little series about my favorite items I own. On days like these where there is a 70% chance of thunderstorms and I have not much planned, I must admit, I don't dress to the nines. 

The first piece is a little 60's floral dress I found in a German thrift store for 3.50 euro. I couldn't believe my luck! However I am about 5 foot 9.5 inches, so of course this dress is a *tad* short on me, so I must wait until it is weather appropriate to wear tights with this beauty. I'll most likely pair this with little maryjanes and my white handbag. There will definitely be a "What I'm Wearing Today" post with this dress at some point.

The second piece is probably my most beloved vintage piece, (and I haven't even worn it yet!) I purchased this dress for 18 pounds in London, in the Camden Passage Antiques Market. After Moonrise Kingdom entered our world, I think every girl wanted to own a dress like Suzy's and I think this dress is very reminiscent. I even purchased white knee socks, which was quite an ordeal to find in Germany let me tell you, to go with this beauty. Again I'll most likely pair this with maryjanes. I'm saving to wear this dress for when I return back to school, or when I need to look extra cute, for example meeting my sweethearts parents or friends.

This third piece is rather special. My parents, family friend and I attended the D-Day 40th anniversary events in Normandy, France last summer. Part of these events was a big antique sale. I immediately fell in love with the navy tops. I believe I found this one for 30 euros or so. I did shorten this top to accommodate skirts and high waist pants. I also found fantastic 40's lingerie pieces at this event, which I will have to share at a later date as they are packed in with my school stuff.