A Fairy Tale

     Once upon a time there was a College Student. It was Fall time, and since this was her favorite season, she was very happy. Until the day that the storms came. For an entire week the sun did not come out and the rain poured relentlessly down on her; and since she did not own an umbrella, she spent a very soggy and miserable week. All during this time, she kept wishing that she had waterproofed her pretty ankle boots, but she had not got around to it yet, and was forced to wear her waterproofed white sneakers most of the time. Then, at the end of this week, the sun came out again. It was warm and beautiful, and in celebration, she had to wear a summer frock. Of course, it was still quite chilly outside, so she paired her sundress with a maroon sweater. After a week of sneakers, it was beautiful to wear her maroon heals as well.

      Around this same time, the College Student was very much in need of a new school bag. The bag she had been using was simply not practical. She wanted a pretty leather bag that wasn't too big or to floppy. With this in mind, she went to the thrift store on one of these rainy days, and was thrilled to discover a bag that perfectly matched her description and, since it was only $6, she couldn't pass it up. Some things are meant to be. And it was on this sunshiny day that she was finally able to use her new bag; and everyone was much happier in the end.

A Splash of Red

      Dark, dreary days call for a pop of color, especially red. There is nothing better than a chilly Fall day in a bright red trench coat.

      I have watched "Breakfast at Tiffany's" several times this semester already, as well as "My Fair Lady". Audrey Hepburn is simply the epitome of elegance. She always inspires me with her simple style that turned heads wherever she went. This day, I decided to wear a simple shirt-dress (which I found at JCPenny's) tied with a black sash, as well as nude heels, a string of pearls, and the red trench coat. I am not a fan of fussy clothing. The clothes that make me happiest are always the tailored, simple pieces without too many frills. I  never want my clothes to wear me, and I have admittedly messed up in this regard on a few occasions. I think that everyone has worn an outfit that turns out to be just too much and regretted it; but style is all about taking chances and discovering what works for you. I love looking to the style icons of the past and trying to decipher what it was that made them special. I don't want to copy anybody, but I do want to be inspired. As you may remember, I had a Marilyn Monroe Summer, and I have learned a lot from reading about her life and studying her style. I think I'll make this an Audrey Hepburn Semester; who knows what the Spring will bring!

     Rehearsal's are becoming intense now. We'll be performing "Pygmalion" the second and third week of November, which is coming very quickly now. I am trying to get my lines memorized, but mostly I am still trying to find Mrs. Higgins' character. Anyway, I know that all will turn out well. Life is rather busy, but it is turning out to be such a wonderful semester! Of course it has its ups and downs, but overall I know that I will fondly remember it. Last Fall I was just trying to get my bearings, but now I know that I belong. I have a wonderful family of friends here, and though it will never replace home, I am so glad to have this college experience. 

     I want to focus on taking the good with the bad, and never neglect what is important. College is a juggling act, and I hope I never drop anything precious. 

Lots of love!

School Spirit!

     It's that time of year again! Crisp breezes, hot drinks, and football games. Now, I'm not much of a sports fan, but I love going to sporting events. I love Fall time and the beginning of school. There is nothing that brings out school spirit quite like a good old fashioned football game, with cheerleaders and marching bands and school colors everywhere you look.

    The first home football game for my school was last Saturday, and the theme was blackout. It was delightfully chilly that day, so I wore my black pencil skirt, a black turtleneck, a checkered bandanna, and my maroon cardigan - I needed a little of our school colors! It actually got quite cold, and I was glad to get home by the end of it! And yes, I wore heels, and I did "charge" the field in them.

     I have been busy with beginning of the year activities around here, namely auditioning. I auditioned for the school movie first. I didn't expect a part, since the only female character was described as a college athlete . . . so I wasn't too disappointed when I didn't get a callback, and I got some great, and much needed, experience auditioning. Then I auditioned for our school production, which I did get a callback for, and when the play changed, I had to go to callbacks again. I am pleased to announce that I will be playing Mrs. Higgins in "Pygmalion" this semester!This is the first significant role I have ever received, and I am beside myself with excitement!
     I hope to get back to regular blogging again, now that I have settled into my routine. I will be quite busy this semester, which is quite fine by me! I am taking 16 credit hours, I am a main role in the play, and I will be assisting with sewing costumes again. Also, I did bring my sewing machine this year, and I will hopefully find time soon to get some of my waiting projects done.
Lots of love!

A Hot Day in Warm Clothes

     I am pretty sure that I did this to myself last year too; I make something new for cold weather, and I can't wait till it's cold to wear it. Oh well, I wore this to church, and it is always cold in there anyway. So, this is my brand new blouse! I found this taffeta for just $5 a yard, and couldn't say no to it. I have only finished the blouse, but there is going to be a matching skirt as well. I am really happy with how this turned out; I think that it is a very comfortable style with its dolman sleeves. I lined it with white muslin, and it's going to be wonderfully warm (already is). The skirt I am wearing comes from the same pattern as the blouse, and I am making the matching skirt the same. I found this skirt to be wonderfully comfortable and practical last year, and currently have not just one, but two skirts cut out in the same pattern waiting to be sewn. I used Retro Butterick 5557, and I absolutely love it. I'm just going to be honest here, many slim skirts make you feel a bit stuffed in like a sausage, but this pattern is very well constructed. It has seams and darts in exactly the right places to make it flattering. Actually, can I just say that about vintage clothing in general? Anyway, back to the blouse. I love all of the details on this blouse. It has beautiful darts all over it, including elbow darts, which I have been dying to try on something. They just look so pretty! I had to do a bit of tinkering to make it fit properly in the bust. I have come to the conclusion that, since I do make my own clothes, I ought to put in just a bit more effort to make sure that it fits as it should in all places. Just because I can zip it doesn't mean that it fits. It's a subtle difference for me, but enough to make me feel better about myself.

     I have been settling into my school routine once again, and it is interesting. I know it's a funny thing to complain about, but I don't have enough to do right now. Last semester I was so busy with school, job, and theatre that I could barely sit down. The main issue there was clashing schedules, though. I want to really push myself this year. I am looking for a job (which is looking hopeful), and I will be auditioning for the campus play and movie this semester. I would like to get involved in some more areas as well, and I have been exploring my options. I think that it is good for me to keep pushing myself; I don't want to miss out on anything, and I know that I can handle it. Not to mention that a resume packed with extra curriculars is a good thing to have.
     I brought my sewing machine this year, and even though I haven't pulled it out yet, I have peace of mind just knowing that it is nearby, ready for me when I need it. I mentioned the two skirts I am making, but I also have a gorgeous green brushed cotton that is to die for, and is being made into a dress. I also have a completed (for ages now) dress that I simply can't wait to wear! It is lined in flannel though, and I don't think it's practical this time of year.
Lots of love to you!

A New Year

     The semester has officially begun! I can't believe how quickly that happened, but I am very excited for what this year has to offer. I am moved in, and my room is completely put together. One of the advantages of being a returning student is that I don't have to participate in all of the Launch activities; which basically means that I was able to spend all day Saturday putting my room to rights. As I have mentioned my need for cleanliness before, you can imagine how wonderful it was for me to have no clutter while I slept. I felt bad for my new roommate, Mackenzie, who is a freshman and did have to be out in the heat.

     My suite-mates and I had to get a first day of school picture (sadly, Mackenzie was not present). I don't believe that this dress has ever made it onto the blog, which is quite shocking. It is several years old now, and I made it from Vintage Vogue 1172. I love it, but my one complaint would be that the shoulders are rather restrictive. Other than that, it went together beautifully. I do love Vogue patterns.

     It is interesting to be back in school. I love being able to see all of my friends again, and there is nothing like a fresh start to get one excited! I am determined to make this year even better than last year. The starting place for that goal is in putting myself out there more. I want to have a large circle of great friends, and I have everything I need for that right here. It is basically up to me to put myself out there and develop the friendships I already have, and make new friendships with those I haven't met yet.  Again, there is nothing quite like a new beginning. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here, and there are such fantastic people to know and love all around me.
Whether you are going to school yourself, or have young ones who are; enjoy the wonderful year of learning ahead of you!
Lots of love!

I'm a Wanderer, Oh, a Wanderer

     Can you believe it? I sure can't. School is starting again. I have spent the last two days packing up my life yet again, and the space that my life takes is quite shocking. Rachael is moving into an apartment this year with two other girls, and is therefore taking a couch and her twin bed. I, on the other hand, am bringing no furniture. For one thing, there isn't any room; for another, I have furniture waiting in a garage for me there; and for another, I now have a roommate who is going to bring a chair. I am bringing some couch cushions (pretty ones at that) for floor lounging; and I am taking my sewing machine. I learned that lesson the hard way, as some of you will remember. It'll be a tight squeeze to get everything in, but then again, when isn't it?
     I have been trying to figure out what to say. The summer has been fast and slow, lazy and busy, overwhelming and easy-going. I don't know how to describe what it has been. I worked at a pizza place all summer, and my hours were always 4:30 to about 8:00 or 9:00. It is interesting how those hours leave so much time, but also manage to limit one so much. Now, I am not complaining; you see, I loved that job. It was a good job, with good people to work with. I find that I can enjoy most things in life if I like the people I am surrounded by. In July, we had visitors, a lot of them; that was also the month that I didn't appreciate my job as much. Many outings were cut short because of my hours, and precious time was not spent with those who live across the map from me.

     It seems that the last moments are the most precious moments. The closer that I come to leaving home, the more I love it. My family, my church, and my workplace are going to be missed; it always seems that friendships, old and new, blossom at the very moment they must be left. However, life must move forward, and in all reality, I am excited to begin a new year. Adventure is in my blood, and I detest stagnation. So, though it is hard to part, adventure is calling. To those I am leaving behind, know that I love you. So, here's to home, and here's to adventure.

Lots of love to all of you

     I have shared this blouse at least once before, and I wear it regularly. However, did I ever mention that there is a matching skirt? Perhaps not. I love this set, but some changes are in order. I need to change the pleating so that it lays better. The current shape it gives is not always pleasant. 

     So, I realized that Vintage Perfect had a birthday! August 1 marked exactly one year. I looked back over everything that I have shared here, and though it's far from perfect still, I am pleased with the progress that has been made. Some of the photography in my earlier posts is so horrendous it made me laugh!

     One of the main reasons I started this blog was as a means of recording my life. I want something to look back on that will tell my story to me in the future. Today I am young, and I don't want to forget what it is like. 

     Thank you for sharing in this with me. Thank you for caring enough to return and read what I have said. Thank you for being present. 

Lots of love.