Flashback Summer Giveaway Winner Product Highlight

     Hey all; I am here to speak about Anna from 2Day I Choose. She was the winner of one of the prizes over at Flashback Summer, which included a product highlight post here on Vintage Perfect. Her beautiful portraits on vintage book paper would make a wonderful gift for a loved one.

      I think that it would be darling to have these of your children to decorate living rooms or play spaces. Anna is able to finish these very quickly, with an average turnaround of 5-7 days. If you have any beautiful pictures that were ruined by the background or other people, this is a great way to save that moment for all time. You can find this beautiful product listed here.
Lots of love!

Making a Home, Wherever You Are

My bed next to the window. The curtains were my Christmas gift to Rachael last year, and the twinkle lights just make life better.

     I am a clean person. It drives me crazy if my living space is not in pristine condition. I cannot concentrate on anything. Some may say that's a good trait, some that it is a bad trait. I think it's a combination; so long as I don't force my standards on others it is great. Well, moving onto a college campus and living in a room made of cinder blocks with fluorescent lighting was something I knew was going to be hard for me. I am rooming with my sister, and we both have the same ideas regarding how to live. We started planning over the summer, realizing that we would not be happy if our room looked like a dorm room.

This is the view from our door.

Our bookshelf, which frankly needs to be bigger.

      We wanted to have more of a little house. So, we started working on that. We kept the planned aesthetic in mind when we were packing, and we have been thrifting several times at home and here. Our parents gifted us with an old couch that was in the basement, which was wonderful.

The couch has tears in the cushions, so we put this throw over it, which is nice, since it's cream instead of red.

My beautiful lamp that I thrifted.

      One of the most important things for me is lighting. I cannot stand fluorescent lighting, it will give me a headache faster than anything else in this world. Other things that I need are cleanliness, smell, and general color scheme. I had bright colors when I was 13, and I just don't want them any more. I love beautiful things that have an old feel to them (whether they are actually old or not). I believe in making the most of whatever you have, and living as simply as possible. Nothing in this room has cost either of us more than ten dollars, and anything more expensive was a gift. I love to find things second-hand for several reasons: they are cheaper, they often are in perfect condition, everyone else doesn't have the same thing, you find vintage/antiques sometimes, and it helps the environment (many of these reasons are the same for why I thrift and sew my wardrobe). I am beginning to work now for what my goal is for the future, when I have my own home. I want to furnish it with beautiful, personal things. I don't want to go to a furniture store and buy all of the cheapest things I can find, I want to work a little harder and find things I really love. This is not to say that I will never buy anything new, because I already have. My stand-alone mirror for doing my makeup and my little table for my spider-plant are both from Ross, and I love them.

The view from me bed. We added curtains to the closets to hide the ugly plastic doors.

We are coffee addicts, and therefore love mugs :)

My desk, which usually doesn't have a sandwich and  computer on it...

    Small touches like books, plants, lighting, organization, and just making ordinary things pretty make all of the difference between a room and a home. If you have a clean space that is welcoming to visitors (having things like coffee and tea on hand to offer is a huge step towards making people feel comfortable), then it doesn't matter if you have all of the 'things' that you may want. Beauty can be had at any price tag, if you just look hard enough. Do you have any special tricks for making your space feel homey?

Feeling Shallow for Wearing Vintage

Studying; a few months ago

     So, I don't know if anyone else deals with this, but sometimes I feel embarrassed by my adoration of vintage clothing. I know that there are people who consider any interest in clothing shallow, and it can be hard to deal with those feelings sometimes. I am a Theatre and History major, and if I move on in my education, I plan to get my Masters/PhD in Fashion History. I hate telling people that. They always give me this look that means "Really, you're going to waste your money on that?". I feel the need to justify myself for not wanting to be a mathematician, nurse, teacher, or something 'worthwhile'. It is ridiculous to feel this way, but it is true. The really sad part is that if I just say 'Theatre and History', they think it's great. Somehow, getting a Masters in Fashion History sounds worse than just a bachelors in Theatre and History. Dear me. Of course, I am preaching to the choir right now, but it is good to write things out sometimes.

    

      My clothing is a big deal to me. I have so many reasons why I dress the way that I do. My clothes make me feel pretty, this is the most obvious reason. I find that if I try to wear modern clothing I feel awful. The reason for this is that modern clothes are catered to curve-less people. I have nothing against girls who are built like this, but I feel that the lack of attention to such a huge part of the population is ridiculous. It is my personal opinion that vintage clothing is a million times more flattering; and to every body type at that. Another reason I wear vintage is that I want the world to see that I am a woman, and I am not ashamed of it. I am getting into dangerous territory now, but here goes. Everyone wants to empower women; great, but they go about it all wrong. For starters, I fail to see how acting and dressing like a man makes a woman better. Isn't that the exact opposite of what empowering women should be about? I have no issues with women wearing jeans, working, getting equal pay, or anything like that; but what about homemakers? What about the women who want to be old-fashioned? The fact of the matter is that men and women are different, and this has nothing to do with equality. The problem is that people have equated equality to be sameness.

Not creepy, just my Greek theatre mask! (I made it myself)

     Women are nurturers, and as such it is a natural desire within us to want to take care of our families. Likewise, men have the desire to provide. The problem is that society has dictated to us that this model of living is somehow not good enough; that in order for a woman to have any worth she has to be like a man. When I wear my vintage clothing I am declaring to the world that I am a woman, I am old-fashioned, and I am not afraid to go against the flow. I will be who I am, I will believe what I believe, and I will not back down. I have been realizing recently that I am far too easily silenced. For the sake of avoiding conflict I do not voice my opinion. I realize that there is wisdom in silence, but only when it does not declare that you agree with the opposite side of an issue from your true convictions.

My new Navy trousers, fixed! More on them later.

      Please understand that I am not against women's rights. I am against the notion that women should talk, think, and act like men in order to be their equals. As far as I can see, that is far more degrading to women than thinking that they should be subservient to men; because it makes the statement that women can only be equal to men if they become like them. Personally, I am going to be equal on my own terms. (I am not a 'skirts only', 'all women should stay in the home' type of person; I do believe in women being women though, wherever they are).

One of my most worn outfits since I've been here. 

 
     Well, this became a bit of a rant! I apologize if I have offended anyone, but please believe me when I say that I am not opposed to women's rights. I also realize that the wisdom of writing a post like this is somewhat questionable, but some things need saying sometimes. I would love to hear from you in the comments, just keep things polite :)

Giveaway

Hey everyone! So sorry I have been gone for so long! Drop on by Flashback Summer for a giant giveaway. Vintage Perfect is in on some of the prizes, including a scarf crocheted by myself, some highlight posts here, and some vintage handkerchiefs! The giveaway ends October 25, so go on over and enter. Also I have now created a Facebook page, so go on over and like it. I will be coming back tomorrow with a real post, so stay tuned.
Lots of love!

A Beautiful Pair of Trousers

     So I was in a movie this weekend. My University makes a movie every semester, and I tried out a while back (I spoke about it here). Now, I was rather hopeful that I would end up with a line, and indeed I did. It was so much fun, and I get to be in another scene. One of my biggest dreams is to be an actress, so this is a fantastic experience. Well, I went to get my costume and found out that I was only receiving a police shirt. That meant that I had to find trousers, a belt, and shoes; and I had about half an hour. So I rushed over to my favorite thrift store with two friends in lieu. We were on a mission and found all three items plus a pair of rather remarkable trousers, all for thirteen dollars. I love this store. This is also the same store where I found my vintage stockings (same post as above).

 I had about a split second to examine them, so I thought that they were possibly reenactment trousers. They fit me except for the waist, and since they have the lace up back I knew that I could easily fix them. When I got them home I was absolutely shocked to find out that they are part of a navy uniform. They are 100 % wool, the perfect length, and probably never worn (there is no name or service number written inside), and they cost all of three dollars. That is what I call a deal. I have tried looking up similar items online, and they are not exactly in my price range. I was so thrilled when I found this out. I am having major issues dating them though, since uniforms don't really change. If anyone has any knowledge on this subject, please tell me.

Lots of love!

How I Became Vintage

     I know that when I am following a blog there are certain questions that I like to have answered. One of those is 'How did you become a vintage enthusiast?' I do not know if this curiosity holds true for all of you, but just in case it does, I am going to answer that question now.
     My lovely mother raised my two big sisters and I on good old movies. I used to be confused by the difference between what I saw in old movies and what I saw in real life. I honestly thought that people still dressed that way, just not where I was. When I got a little older and realized my mistake, I was heartbroken. I wished and wished that people still dressed that way; and then one day, it hit me. I am in control of what I wear, and nobody can keep me from being myself. I was watching 'The Parent Trap' (Hayley Mills) when I had this epiphany. I remember thinking how wonderful it was that a thirteen year old was wearing such beautiful dresses, even to travel in! I decided then and there that I was going to start building my wardrobe the way I wanted it. That was when I was fifteen. I came down that day wearing a sundress, to get started with my resolution, and my sister looked at me like I was crazy. I think that everyone got used to it pretty quickly though.

Charlotte

     I have been sewing for years now. I started hand-sewing when I was about seven (making a rag-doll named Charlotte), and I was taught to use a machine when I was thirteen. I started by making what I already had as vintage as possible, while beginning to sew dresses and skirts. I used fabric from my Mom's stash (she is very generous). I got some lovely repro patterns for Christmas, and sewed some dresses from them (one of which I just finished this summer...). I found out a lot of things I did not know before; such as the fact that circle skirts have bias areas. They are serious when they say to let it hang overnight. Or that all seams truly must be finished. I think that my true sewing breakthrough was when I found out that I had two weeks to make the following for a Civil War Ball: drawers, chemise, corset, hoop-skirt, and gown. And I did it, very poorly! Again, they mean it when they say that hoop skirts should be five inches off the ground.

In this picture you can see the hoop skirt peeking out. I was
tripping on it all evening, and it didn't fill out the top right.
That is my wonderful Dad escorting me.

This is my dress the next year. As you can see
there is a huge improvement in the shape of the
skirt.

    When I started school last year I got a work study job in the library. There was not much for me to do; so I did homework and browsed the web, which led me to the discovery of vintage blogs. I was looking for a tutorial on making a fur collar, and I found this tutorial from Casey.

     I was hooked, and I went on to find many other lovely blogs. The great thing is that everyone has her own personal style, and is simply not afraid of it. In real life and in the blogosphere, she doesn't give in to peer pressure to conform. I went back and forth with the idea of starting my own blog, wondering if I would actually have anything interesting to say or show. When I finally decided to, I was so happy with my decision. Even if I never have any followers, it makes me happy to write about my passion for vintage; and who knows, maybe I'll even inspire some girl to dress the way she wants to.

     One more thing, I found these stockings at the thrift store for 99 cents, which is incredible. I have decided that they are from the fifties or sixties, based on three things: they have reinforced heels and toes, they are thick and durable, and they are shaped. The last is probably the most important. Anyway, one of them has a run in it. I am so mad at whoever did that. I was wondering if any of you lovely ladies have any knowledge regarding darning vintage stockings? I really want to fix these so I can wear them, they are in excellent shape otherwise. 

You can see the run in this picture.

Thanks a bunch!

'Birthdays Come but Once a Year' or 'Fall Is In the Air'

   

The weather has turned to lovely chilliness, and I couldn't be happier!

     I meant most faithfully to post about my birthday a few weeks ago, but a few things happened. First I was required to go on a 24 hour technology fast for one of my classes (which was actually quite wonderful), and then Monday came again, and again. I am quite determined to start posting more often than once every 1-2 weeks, but habits take time to form. I am also hoping that it will be easier once we get our router working. Anyhow, it was my birthday two Saturdays ago! And what did I do? A lot of wonderful nothing-in-particulars. I love doing things because I feel like doing them, and a birthday is the perfect day to indulge oneself :) So I auditioned for a campus movie, I went to an antique store, I went to a thrift store, and I watched Anne of Green Gables. It was lovely.

This was actually a very warm day, but I was ready for cooler weather!

Rachael's totally thrifted outfit (except for the shoes).

     Now, the movie. I did not get a callback, and it was hard because I had not gotten a callback for the play I auditioned for either. But I knew that being brand new here meant that it would take some time to get into the 'inner circles' (not that my school is clique-ish, but the upperclassmen still have precedence). So I was beyond thrilled when I was looking at the Facebook page later that evening and my name was on the casting list! It is a very small part (which is why I had no callback) but I am thrilled to be in the movie at all. I am looking at this as a foot in the door, not to mention a challenge; I am a cop, the only girl cop. I am not really cop material, so acting skills ensue!
     The antique store was . . . interesting. It was full of crazy stuff, but it was kind of sketchy too. I did not buy anything there, but I wouldn't be opposed to going again. I am simply never going to go alone (I did not go alone that day, but now I know that I never will). Then we headed over to the thrift store. This place was pretty amazing. I found a gorgeous lamp, a candle warmer, a turtleneck with a huge 'H' on it (Tommy Hilfiger, but I like to pretend that it was made for me), a couple of movies, a buttonholer for my mother, and a huge bag of tupperware. Don't buy tupperware in huge bags; not a single lid will fit a single container, and you will be disappointed.

Some of the lovely flowers that are planted all over campus.

     I unfortunately still do not have my router working, and that is what I am blaming my lack of posting on. It's up to you to decide if that is a legitimate excuse or not. Probably not. Anyway, I did call the IT people the other day, and they will be coming to help sometime this week. Apparently the router that we bought doesn't like the Internet service provider, so it isn't us being stupid (what a relief!).

See, I'm studying! That's a good excuse, though not the one that's true...

     I want to do a post on my dorm room, and maybe get some nice outfit pictures together. I have been wearing pretty things, but the idea of taking time to take photos when I could be doing something else (like napping, say) is rather ludicrous. However things are starting to fall (pun not originally intended; cause, you know, fall is practically here) into place. Well, hopefully I will become a better blogger from here on out!
Lots of love,