Where I Am

Though I don’t have the pleasure of attending the IFB Conference this month, I will be making a trip to NYC in March for a writing conference. This will be my first time in New York. While I’m incredibly thrilled, I’m also incredibly frightened. 

See, I’m directionally challenged. Navigation is not one of my talents. I get lost in my own town, so I will likely be meandering hopelessly through the streets of New York with a GPS system in my hands and a glassy, bewildered expression in my eyes. 

Thinking about what I’ll wear there...probably exactly what I wear when I’m home. I don’t worry much about fitting into my environment. I don’t fit in here, so it makes no difference to me whether or not I fit into the New York aesthetic. 

Clothes aren’t so much about where I am geographically. I dress according to where I am in my mind. (And according to the temperature because no matter how strong the will, I cannot conquer the climate.)

People often ask me why do you wear that. I like to dress as though I’ve just climbed out of a novel. I like to look intriguing and whimsical because that’s where I am in my mind. I wear it because I like it. Because it makes me feel good about myself and good about my world. Because it’s comfortable. Because it inspires me and tells a story. Why would I wear something that didn’t accomplish those things? 

Why do you wear what you wear? Does it depend upon where you are on the globe?

Details:

Photos by Josh. 

Don't you love the awesome effects he used? He's such a genius. 

To see more of his snazzy photography, click here.

Earrings//The Quirky Poet

Trench Coat//Vintage, thrifted

Ring//Target

T-shirt//Hand-me-down

Skirt//The Quirky Poet

Purse and Shoes//ModCloth

Vintage Jedi

I tell no lies. I thrifted this beautiful vintage trench coat for a grand total of 49¢.

And it's fully lined. And it's warm. 

Makes me feel kinda dumb for buying a trench coat from target a couple months ago for $20, thinking that was a nice price for a basic trench. But I was young and naïve then.

So how did I manage such a thrifty win? Well, during my most recent excursion to the Salvation Army, I discovered that each Saturday, the clothes marked with the color of the week are all 49¢ from 4pm to 8pm. Pretty cool, right? 

So, no, I'm not really a Jedi, capable of mind-tricking people into giving me pretty clothes for mere pennies. 

Outfit details:

Trench coat//Vintage, thrifted

Earrings//Vintage

Scarf and gloves//Target

Necklace//Charming Charlie's

Dress//The Paraders

Blouse//Charlotte Russe

Cardigan and Jeans//Target

Boots//Ross

Everyday Vintage

There is no sweater I adore more than this cozy friend. I live in this sweater. I've been informed that it is "the frumpiest sweater in existence," but I beg to argue that this is what makes it so perfect. Its over-sized, draping goodness is unmatched.

To some, vintage clothing seems inaccessible as everyday wear. But this sweater is proof that vintage can be everyday. It is possible to find vintage that is comfortable and soft. Not every vintage piece is dry clean only, scratchy wool, and made with shoulder pads.

The plaid dress and shoes in this ensemble are vintage as well. Amazing that a dress from the 1970s could appear so modern. Fashion is cyclical, so it's a wonder that more people don't use vintage in their wardrobes.

Incorporating vintage into your life becomes easier with practice, and after a while, it becomes difficult to go a day without wearing at least one vintage item.

Special thank you to Steffy of Steffy's Pros and Cons and The Paraders Vintage for the giveaway which earned me this delightful plaid dress! <3

Details:

Photos all taken by Josh! Isn't he so talented?!

Dress//Paraders Vintage, 1970s

Sweater//Vintage (Thrifted) 1980s

Pocket Watch Necklace//ModCloth

Tights//Target

Shoes//Paraders Vintage, 1980s

Rope Ring//Charlotte Russe

Cross-stitch ring//Antique

 

Jack

This ensemble strays far from my typically girlish attire, but I sort of like that about it. I feel very relaxed and comfortable in my structured, boyish threads. 

Whenever fashion challenges gender roles, I always get a little excited. I like when traditional culture ideals are pressed and changed in fashion (and in other areas as well). When I discovered that in the 18th century young boys wore dresses up to age 10, I was intrigued. They were not allowed to wear pants during this part of their life because, supposedly, the flowing fabric of dresses allowed for better growth. Nowadays, if a young boy put on a dress, he would be severely, severely ridiculed. Dresses are for ladies. Ties are for men. Those are the rules. But why? Does a woman need a dress in order to be recognized as a woman? Does a man need pants in order to be recognized as a man? If gender does not change the quality of a person, why must it be distinguished at all? 

How do you feel about all this? I'd love to hear other insights. 

Outfit details:

Earrings//Vintage

Shirt//Old Navy, thrifted

Belt//Vintage

Shorts//Vintage BONGO

Shoes//Payless

Thursdays are for Thrifters