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

gif: https://www.google.com/search?q=marilyn+monroe+happy+birthday+gif&espv=2&biw=1517&bih=714&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI1uupybGwxwIVQcuACh2RBgNI&dpr=0.9#imgrc=lno33ze4-dduyM%3A

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 

Gif: http://media0.giphy.com/media/V0BIjUQRfl8tO/giphy.gif

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. 

  

Nighties I Made

Here are two of the night wear pieces I've made most recently. I probably have ten or so more sets to share, but I am very pleased how these turned out.

The white set is made from an old shirt my grandmas friend was giving away, which I snatched up purely for this reason.

The sea foam green cover-up is made from an old curtain. 

On both I used gorgeous lace trim I miraculously found at Savers. 

Ornaments I've Made

For the month of August I have nothing but free time. To fill my days mostly I sew or craft. My latest project has been making little Christmas tree ornaments. There's nothing I like more than gorgeous period costumes, especially from movies such as The Duchess, A Royal Affair and Pride and Prejudice. 

For making these, I cut the body out of cardboard (from a cereal box) cover it with fabric, then use scraps of fabric for the dresses. Hair is made out of embroidery thread and I draw the faces (not very well,) using markers and a blended oil pastel for the rosy cheeks. 

What I'm Wearing Today

August 7, 2015 

Today I'm wearing my first ever vintage dress. I got this floral button up dress in Mayville, New York about four years ago. I wore this dress the first day of  my senior year of high school. I love how comfortable and versatile this dress is. I prefer to wear this dress with heels, as it is on the longer side (knee length.) This is one of those dresses that you can just throw on and you automatically look put together

<3

  

Fall Cape

I recently made a cute cape out of an old tablecloth I found at a flea market in Germany for 1 Euro! I folded the tablecloth in half twice and cut a half circle at the top to make a head hole. I then cut up the middle. I then hemmed and covered the hems with lace trim to make it look neat and professional. Finally I added the buttons, which I found for 2 Euros at a different flea market. I am very, very happy with the final product and cannot wait to wear it with brown knee socks and this white wool beret I found at the Goodwill for $1! 

<3

Amvets Finds

This afternoon we took a little trip to Amvets. I was pleasantly surprised how much cheaper Amvets is than the Goodwill. I entered the dressing room with an armful of finds, but decided on only two pieces, which I love very much. I also found a really great throw blanket for my dorm room at school.

This dress is absolutely perfect and will be perfect for going to shows or going to museums with my sweetheart

I adore this skirt, and cannot wait to wear it with knee socks and mary janes.

I love this blanket so much. It'll give my dorm room the cozy feeling I need.

Play Ball

August 5, 2015 

Today is the most casual day I've had in a while. I'm baking cupcakes and playing kickball with my 11 year old cousin, so I figured wearing something that I wouldn't mind getting sprayed with batter, dusted with flour and stained with grass would probably be best. I'm wearing a baby pink jersey from Urban jungle (I don't even know who the team is I just love the color so much), my trusty pair of black high waist jeans from American Apparel, cute socks, dirty Chucks and a cream ribbon in my hair to tie it all together. 

<3

What I'm Wearing Today

August 4, 2015

Today I'm wearing a vintage sheer, white top with balloon sleeves and a clown-ish collar I found at a charity shop in London. I'm wearing this with a blue and coral plaid skirt from Urban Jungle in Brooklyn, blue Mary Janes and a white handbag. As for the sheer nature of this top, I'm wearing a pretty bustier top underneath from a store in Germany. As for accessories I'm keeping it simple (as always) with a coordinating blue ribbon in my hair and a vintage pin my beloved boyfriend gave me. <3

Vintage Robe

I took a spontaneous trip to the local Goodwill today and found a great find! I found this vintage 60's or 70's (can't be sure) orange and green floral, peter pan collared robe! I didn't even know the belt was there until I got home and looked in the pockets. This robe has the tags still attached and originally sold for $14.90. Today I bought it for $5.00 :) Can't believe I found such a gem in perfect condition! <3

What I'm Wearing Today

August 3, 2015 

Today I'm wearing an Ann Taylor Loft sweetheart top, tied at the waist with a pair of high waist plaid pants. I'm wearing this with black loafers and a black handbag. As for jewelry I'm wearing the ring my mom gave me and a dainty locket. I did my normal 'fresh face' makeup and a 40's style updo to keep my hair out of my face <3

My Style Inspirations

I can't exactly pin point where my style started to evolve into what it is today. I believe 9th grade is when I really started to dress differently from the general population, though I have always been obsessed with dress up, movie costumes and pictures from the past. 

I had a brief stint my second semester of college, where i was influenced by my surroundings and people around me, and kind of lost my true style. I was influenced by the street wear obsession and 90's trend, I'm very, very glad I found my way out of that.

Currently I feel like I have found myself in my style. My style is who I am and when I am dressed in an outfit I put together and love, I feel confident and feel like the outfit is a true representation of myself.

Here are some of the ladies who I draw inspiration from, whether it be a hairstyle, a way of dressing or her demeanor. 

Lana Del Rey 

I first heard 'Off to the Races' in 2012 and my life was changed. This song was like nothing I'd ever heard and she was like nothing I'd ever seen. 

Her Vogue Italia spread is literally perfection to me and defines 'sex kitten.' 

The 60's sex kitten style has always been a favorite of mine and that, to me, is what Lana is.

The Ladies of Mad Men 

Mad Men, aka one of the greatest shows of all time, also had the greatest costumes of all time. I even got to see the costume exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York. 

I love Betty's girly elegance, Joan's sexy sophistication and Sally's 60's look.

Betty

Joan 

Sally 

The Classics 

Marilyn, Audrey, Brigitte....nothing more to say

Lana Images : 

 http://www.swomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/lana-rey5.jpg

 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BG1WJkmCEAAND0M.jpg

 http://in1.ccio.co/DF/C4/81/lanarey9.jpg

Betty Images : 

http://41.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m639z5y62R1r17y54o1_1280.png

http://assets3.thrillist.com/v1/u/betty_draper_bikini_cereal.gif

http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr02/2013/2/6/20/enhanced-buzz-13942-1360200056-4.jpg

Joan Images: 

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03277/MM_Joan-Peggy-S1_3277112k.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNTSKsFCYfiZocoZ-4JSoex-YXTCzqbsAh-IAzItYAI_BXcHHIxu_457-lubb1vYpeDm3wO1Vt0X5Q_eal8ypCNdDXakFwQJ_CyE_7XsAAmxECAu9J5c-CIfSzc9X_YLOmxkm9eLceMI/s640/mad-men-mistake-joan.jpg

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01567/MadMen_1567173c.jpg

Sally Images:

 http://www.voxmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/a_4x.jpg

https://stayforcredits.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/mm_612_ja_0402_0331.jpg

http://www.vicmatus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/f7d28472-9859-d45e-6eed-9c99d3a0c5aa_MM_611_MY_0320_1141.jpg

Marilyn Image: 

http://onlydopefashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/marilyn-monroe-tumblr-1384857987_b.jpg

Audrey Image:

http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/12000000/Audrey-Hepburn-sabrina-1954-12036996-1621-2064.jpg

Brigitte Image:

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/3062156/thumbs/o-BRIG-900.jpg