10 Fantastic Fall Cardigans

Cardigans have somehow always been a part of my wardrobe. From ages six to eighteen I wore them with my school uniform and then in my early twenties I wore them as part of my wardrobe as a teacher.

Today I like to wear them with jeans when I am wearing my casual outfits with my family or pair them up with dresses and skirts with my vintage outfits.

With fall finally making it way to New York, I dare say it is finally cardigan weather!!! I feel like I have waited all summer for this!

When it comes to cardigans like anything else you should look everywhere. If you can find great ones at your local thrift store or in Old Navy or a authentic 1950's one on Etsy-I say snatch them all. I love the look of vintage cardigans (and sweaters) but I also love modern vintagey ones.

I am a practical sort of girl and nowadays I like my cardigans (and sweaters) to last as long as possible. So buying used or vintage is a great way to shop but I also believe investing in some well made newer cardigans (and sweaters) is a wise venture as well.

The shops right now are teeming with cardigans and I found ten super fantastic ones that I just adore. Many are simple but with solid cardigans you can add an amazing brooch and you can really make it pop. I also find having solid color pieces, cardigans or not, as a good investment to your wardrobe (modern or vintage) because they are so versatile.

If you find a cardigan you really love I say keep watching it online because a lot of stores are having fabulous sales and offer some amazing coupons. For example, the Maurices cardigan right below-I purchased for 14.00! That is because they were having a buy one sweater get one half off deal. I love this cardigan-it is sooo well made!

Essential Cardigan~Maurices

Merino Tippi Cardigan~J.Crew

Charter School Cardigan~Modcloth

Cropped Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan~Boden (currently on sale!)

The Dream of the Crop Cardigan~Modcloth

Kay Cardigan~Anthropologie

Beach View Brunch Cardigan~Modcloth

Chunky Cardigan~Boden

Scot-on Cardigan~Modcloth

A Little Bit Bunny Cardigan~Modcloth

Don't you just love them all? I just had to add the bunny one! What can I say-I am a sucker for anything with a bunny on it!

Do you use cardigans in your vintage or modern wardrobes?

Doctor Who Wednesday: The Doctor Dances/Doctor 9

Last week I shared with you one of my favorite episodes from Doctor Who from Series One called The Empty Child and showed you how you can create your very own Rose Tyler outfit. 

This week I will continue my love for The Empty Child episode with focus on the 9th Doctor. When Christopher Eccleston  come into the DW Universe when the show was on what seemed to be a indefinite hiatus from 1996 to 2004. Then came the reboot of the show and Eccleston proved to be an outstanding Doctor.

There was a major shift in the story line though. The 9th Doctor tells us of a Time War between his people (the Time Lords) and the Daleks (his arch-enemies). In that Time War he became the last known living Time Lord. It also left this Doctor teeming with anger, rage, frustration, and deep loneliness.

This Doctor was different, different in many ways from the eight before him but yet still the same. Still hungry for an adventure, still energetic, still brave, still exploring the world and time endlessly.

In The Doctor Dances, after he solves the mystery as to why people's faces are breaking out into gas masks, he has this incredibly joy-filled moment when he used the nanogenes (think mini robotic doctors) and heals everyone who was infected.

After suffering so much loss from the Time War, The Doctor has a moment where he saves lives instead of loses them. Eccleston's protrayl of the Doctor is  FANTASTIC!

You too can dress like the 9th Doctor! He wore a very, very simple ensemble. It consisted of a pair of black jeans, a jumper (sweater), and a black leather jacket. He used his sonic screwdriver many times but he didn't have any gimmick or love of bow-ties or striped scarves.

My outfit was made up of a sold black belted poplin skirt by eShakti. I love, love, love this skirt. It fit perfectly and is VERY true to size. It also comes with a matching belt and has two side pockets! I mean, who doesn't love a pocket with their skirt??!!

My blouse was from Eddie Bauer but I purchased it gently used via Ebay. I love the color burgundy (or brick) but it is a hard color to find. I noticed that many, and I mean many, outfits wore on DW included the color burgundy in it. I think it is a fabulous color for fall/winter. Don't you?

I finished off my outfit with my jacket that I found on Amazon (it also has a hood that I adore!). I included the link in my last DW post but if you want it again this is it here. I wore simple silver loop earrings and a necklace of a wolf purchased on Etsy here. One of the themes of Series One was "Bad Wolf" so I think it was a perfect addition to the outfit.

And I couldn't resist this part from the episode The Doctor Dances. Hope you like my rendition!

Did you like the 9th Doctor? Have you purchased anything on eShakti yet? What did you think?

Film Fashion Friday: To Sir, With Love

My very first Weekend Cinema Spotlight was one of my all time favorite films, 1967's  To Sir, With Love. I dare say it may be because I am a former teacher or perhaps it may be that I still have teacher tendencies, but I like to think it is because of the insanely talented (and handsome), Sidney Poitier.

This film takes a man who does not really want to be a teacher by profession and molds him before our very eyes to be the kind of teacher that every child should have in their lifetime.

One of the rambunctious teens Sir taught was a feisty, yet level headed ginger named Barbara Pegg, also known as Babs/Miss Pegg. Miss Pegg was played but the fabulous Lulu who also lent out her talents to sing the film's title song, "To Sir, With Love". Miss Pegg didn't have a whole lot in her wardrobe (as most of the students didn't because they were from low income families) but what she did wear she wore with pizzazz.

The outfit I adored the most was this chic mod purple and white ensemble. To me, it screams late 60's and I just thought it would be a super fun outfit to attempt to recreate.

I decided to challenge myself and find only vintage pieces from one source. Obviously, it does pay to shop around when creating a look but I will be doing just that for future posts in this series. For this particular outfit I decided to go all vintage and all Etsy.

The following pieces were found in these Etsy shops:

• Purple Turtleneck from ShuuShuubyLulu (you can wear a fitted one but the one Miss Pegg wore was a slouchy kind)
• White Skirt from RealGoneCatClothes
• White Belt from DamovFashion
• White Mesh Mary Jane Shoes from StoryTellersVintage
• White Loop Earrings from amyrigs
• Long White Beaded Necklace from MyWisteriaCottage
• White Bracelet from byBohemia1973

I hope Miss Pegg's snazzy outfit gives you a bit of 1960's inspiration. Now who is up for watching (or re-watching in my case) "To Sir, With Love"?

Film Fashion Friday

On Wednesday I made my big reveal with my special Doctor Who photo shoot. I am beyond elated and grateful that so many of you enjoyed them. I look forward to putting the finishing touches on my Doctor Who Wednesday series as we Whovians countdown for the 50th Anniversary.

But today is Friday and I did mention I will be beginning another series called Film Fashion Friday. Before I begin to share with you my thoughts and interpretation of fashion in some films I want to share with you some past posts I made concerning classic film and fashion. These posts were the inspiration for this new series. 

Here are the past posts:

Dress like Melanie Daniels from "The Birds"

Dress like Cinzia Zaccardi from "Houseboat"

Dress like Lily Powers from "Baby Face"

Dress like "Sugarpuss" O'Shea from "Ball of Fire"

I normally did these "Dress Like" posts after a Weekend Cinema Spotlight. Although my spotlights will continue on a monthly basis, because I had such a blast showcasing fashion pieces from classic films, I felt strongly about wanting to put a spotlight on them, no pun intended. 

My first official Film Fashion Friday  will be posted next week. Until then, what films/fashion in films would you be interested in seeing in this series. You're input would  mean a great deal to me.

Also, feel free to let me know what film you would like to see spotlighted or what things you would like to see on Doctor Who Wednesday. I plan to do loads of inspirational and exciting pieces but I welcome my readers to join in on the fun!

Rago Girdle Review: Show Off Your Best Curves

The summer in New York has brought to my attention that I passionately dislike extreme heat and humidity. With that said, I have realized this summer that it is most challenging for me to dress vintage in this type of weather than in any other.

Usually when I dress up I wear my bra (of course), stockings, and then some type of tummy support. Add on my leg braces (that are plastic), my shoes, and makeup on and I felt like a melting wax figure!

This actually got me thinking. I have been curious about vintage bras, girdles, and stockings for a bit now and wondered to myself if possibly wearing an open bottom girdle would not only give my tummy support but allow myself to feel less constricted with the full pantyhose on and instead wear stockings attached to the garter-which I have never done.

I also have been looking for more comfortable option for tummy support. I love my Spanx but sometimes it would make me feel like I was being choked no matter what I am wearing I like to feel comfortable. My braces already make me feel uncomfortable (they are awesome but I feel constricted in them) so I think that's one of the main reasons I look for comfort when it comes to fashion.

So, I decided to go for it and find myself an open bottom girdle. After seeing an episode of Call the Midwife and seeing a character wearing one with a side zipper, I knew that I had to have one. I figured a side zipper would be so much more easier for my hands than pulling up the Spanx. And that's another thing I look for when it comes to vintage, I look for pieces that won't strain my hands-ie. odd buttons/zippers, tight pieces, etc.

I am happy today to bring to you a review on Rago's Open Bottom Girdle 1294. I purchased it from Secret's and Lace and it was shipped promptly and packaged well.

Now before you look at the photos-take note that my biggest weak spot is my post-babies tummy. I will not lie, I have a pouch but I am working hard at learning to accept it.

I wore a simple but pretty 1950's cotton dress and I picked this one especially because the cut of the dress sort of accentuates the mid area. See for yourself. You be the judge if Rago would be right for you!

This is what I wore underneath my dress for the first photos. Maidenform bra and tummy support. They don't have this one online but they may in the shop-love it-so comfy especial under pants/jeans.

These set of photos were taken wearing my Rago girdle and my 1960's bullet bra. The bra is sooo comfortable because it has no wires-just what my girls need! hehe  I also had to show you the accessories I have for this outfit too hehe

I found both to be extremely comfortable but for the dress I say 100% for the Rago. I loved how much tummy support it gave me. I think there is a difference. What I loved about it also is that it felt so comfortable and it was easy to put on. It was a little tricky to get the zipper up for me, only because my hands weak. It was easy to go up and down the stairs as well. I haven't worn it with the stockings just yet but I have a feeling I will love it even more. I mean if anyone needs to feel a little sexy under their dress it is me! My braces defiantly do not add to the feeling of sexiness hehe

All in all to show off your best curves I highly recommend the Rago Open Bottom Girdle. I purchased mine high wasted but you can also get one that is lower.

Have you tried Rago? What do you love/dislike about them?

My Outfit

Dress: 1950's Cotton from LikewiseVintage

Earrings: Purchased from a thrift shop

Moonglow Bracelets: Purchased from Etsy

Handbag: Purchased in MO

Lipstick: MAC Vegas Volt

My Vintage Wardrobe: Tulips in Summer

I have become enamored with Tulips. I think they are just so dainty, feminine, vibrant, and pretty. And when it comes to My Vintage Wardrobe, I felt inspired by the tulips I saw in the springtime and wanted to channel that vibrant and dainty feelings that I think tulips inspire.

For my last full night in Philedelphia, we decided to have dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. My husband is a lover of rock music and we have both been to many hard rock's in various other cities and countries, so we figured-why not? 

We had already had a long and busy day so I needed to create my look in under twenty minutes. Twenties minutes? Impossible right? I thought it would be but I simplified my look in a few ways. And at the end, I loved the look. I felt great and pretty and all that jazz plus I didn't exhaust myself with the usual preparation it takes when I dress up.

My hair is what usually takes the longest and that is because I am just not a pro at hairstyles-not yet anyway. So I washed the 60's right out of my hair and went for my trusty hair rats and snood!

I left my hair wet and rolled them up into victory rolls. Then I slipped on my snood and there you have it. Instant 1940's hairstyle. Just super easy peasy!

I enjoying matching when I dress up or creating a theme with the look I am doing. Since my dress had a red tulip print all over I decided to match it up with a pair of tulips shaped earrings and a tulip brooch.

Since I spent most of the day in my 60's photo shoot makeup and hair, I really didn't feel up to putting on more heavy makeup. What I did was put on moisturizer, primer, clinque powder, and my trusty MAC Russian Red lipstick. Super simple and yet still going with the vintage look. I actually surprised myself with how at ease I was in applying everything. I think being tired helped me not overly stress my look or how to achieve my look. 

Here is a closer look of the tulip print. The dress is 1950's and although my hair and makeup is 1940's-it is very possible to change things up with decades. I really do think the most important part of a vintage look is the hair and makeup. It sets the whole tone and foundation for your look.

The last part of my look was my handbag that was purchased at an Antique Mall in MO from my last trip in April. I love that the beads are clear because you can wear it with anything and it will match and look good with most any outfit.

We had a wonderful time at dinner and our eldest son actually fell asleep while waiting for his food, poor baby. They were all such great sports to let mama and daddy eat out hehe

I hope you enjoyed this look of tulips in summer. Simple and easy and very doable.

Do you like tulips as much as I do? If so, what have you acquired for your vintage wardrobe with tulips as a theme?

My Outfit:

1950's Dress: Lola Mayy

Tulip Earrings: whoop

1950's Tulip Brooch: CHEAPFRLLS1

Red Snood: Purchased in MO

Clear Beaded Handbag: Purchased in MO

Let Freedom Ring: Visiting The Liberty Bell 1960's Style

Last week my family and I drove to Philadelphia, PA for a mini family trip. This trip marks the first time we have traveled and stayed in a hotel as a family of five. We were there for just three days but we filled them up and enjoyed every moment.

Let me start with getting there. It is supposed to be a two hour drive but it turned into a six hour drive due to the rain and bummer to bummer traffic (gah!). I can say though that thank goodness we had a dvd player for the car ride and also that our babies were huge sports through it all. We didn't do much the first day besides relax. It was so joyful to see the kids go bonkers at the hotel. I think if I told them that staying at the hotel was the vacation they would have been pleased as punch, truly.

Our second day was massively jammed packed with activities, so much so that I split it into three posts. For the first part of our day, my hubby (with our children) drove me to see Celeste Giuliano for a extra special photo shoot. I had the pleasure of working with Celeste when I first began my vintage journey. You can see the photos here.

I should be getting my photos soon and I cannot wait to share them with you all. I did this shoot because of something I love dearly and find joy in and I needed to capture it. When you see the photos, you will know why. I can give you this teaser....no one else has ever done this theme in a pinup photo shoot...ever! Yikes! Lots of pressure...nah! It was so much fun to see Celeste and work with her Muah (Raina Clarke). The shoot was so creative and oodles of fun. I couldn't ask for a better morning spent with two such lovely women.

Since I already has some fabulous 1960's hair and makeup done, I decided to work it into the rest of my day. And boy did I! I paired up my look with this wonderful 1950's dress that I scored on Ebay. I just love the buttons, don't you?

Even my babies joined in the fun and all decided to pose and ham it up for the camera! hehe You should have seen them when they saw me dressed up with full 60's hair and makeup. They were so happy and they kept telling me how beautiful I looked. Oh my-I am blessed.

It was a HOT and I mean HOT day in Philly and even though I was practically melting away we decided to treat the kiddies to some old fashioned ice cream. And I truly mean old fashioned! Bassett's has been around since 1861 and is a fifth-generation family owned business. How neat is that!

The ice cream was creamy and delicious! From there, while the babies ate their ice cream (we had our double stroller with us) we walked over to see if we could see the Liberty Bell and other historical sites. And we did!

We found out that to view the Liberty Bell was free, which was neat to find out. The line moved rather swiftly also. What I liked about going inside (aside from the air conditioner) was that they had various exhibits of how the Liberty Bell inspired others to pursue freedom and equality. They had a section on slavery as well as a section on women, which you can see in the photo below.

It was such a moving exhibit and to see it in person was marvelous. Being that close to American History was just so neat. If you click on the link I attached above about the Liberty Bell you can find out how it cracked. It an interesting story. After we left we passed by the Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were debated and adopted.

We loved every minute being in Philly and decided we will defiantly return again. Its just like a small quaint city and to have so much history around you is just so lovely. Its one of the reasons why I adore Europe so much-the history. Being at these sites reminded me again how young our country really is and also how precious our history is. That all American should really know its  history and feel proud of it.

After we left the Liberty Bell, we walked over to visit the Betsy Ross House. Stay tuned tomorrow for a post about one heck of an inspirational woman!