Easy Dress

One of my wardrobe staples and absolute favorite things in the world is the "easy dress."  That's a term I use to describe a dress that isn't high maintenance, not too short, you don't have to layer, hide bra straps, wear a slip underneath, or anything.  It's a dress that can be thrown on for an effortlessly chic look and doesn't require any maintenance throughout the day.  There's nothing more ladylike, feminine, and classy than a modest dress that one feels comfy and confident in!

The dress I wore today is one of those, and I LOVE it.  I got it several years ago from Charlotte Russe, and I will wear it until it completely falls apart.  Then I will cut apart the pieces and make a dress pattern out of it.  And reproduce it again in every color of the rainbow.

dress- Charlotte Russe
cardigan- thrifted
boots- Kmart (true story)
coat- Billabong

Flashback Summer: Easy Dress- dress and cardigan

Flashback Summer: Easy Dress- dress and cardigan

Flashback Summer: Easy Dress- dress and cardigan

Flashback Summer: Easy Dress- boots, lace tights, and wool socks

Flashback Summer: Easy Dress- boots and wool socks

Flashback Summer: Easy Dress- boots and wool socks

Flashback Summer: Easy Dress


What Can I Do to Be Glamorous?

Today I bring you a fabulous video from the 1940s answering the age-old question:
 What can I do to be glamorous?

This episode starts with the basics.  It's real, it's timeless, it's classy.  Not to mention all the fun old verbage, and they all have such a different lilt when they talk than we do nowadays!  And I just die looking at all their hairstyles and clothing.

So while you watch, let's get back to that idea of real beauty: healthy, put-together, confident.  It doesn't come in a certain size or shape.  It's about valuing yourself and taking care of yourself, presenting yourself in a way that will garner respect from people around you. 

THAT is where the glamour begins!  Enjoy!


Thanksgiving Festivities!

It's 11 pm here, and the Thanksgiving festivities have finally wound down at my house!  It was a MUCH more sedate Thanksgiving than any other year we've had, but my family seemed perfectly alright with it.  This year was also different because my parents are staying in an apartment while they're here, so my mother didn't have her usual array of decoration options, a big kitchen, or a large table.  However, she did a great job (as usual) with adding all of her homey touches and making it beautiful!

It was also an especially sentimental day because it's the only time for at least the whole university careers of my sister and I that our whole (immediate) family will be in the same country for Thanksgiving.  Today we cooked our traditional foods, watched our traditional movies (though watching "White Christmas" without my cousin Ian mocking it the whole time was actually sad), and started the Christmas season off with decorating the tree.  It was refreshing to spend time with my family, and we had good times.

Flashback Summer:  Thanksgiving Festivities!

So here's a few snapshots, songs, etc. to give you a peek into the ambience of my house at Thanksgiving.  The only other thing you could add to make a truly in-depth experience would be to burn a "Merry Christmas" swirl Yankee candle when decorating the tree.  (My mom is very into seasonal scent-matching, haha. To this day that scent is immediate Christmas to me!)

"I've Got the Sun in the Morning" by Les Brown
"I've Got Plenty to Be Thankful For" by Bing Crosby.


Flashback Summer:  Thanksgiving Festivities!
Yes, my mother insisted we all do hand turkeys, despite the fact that my sister is the youngest... at 19 years old.  But it was fun.

Flashback Summer:  Thanksgiving Festivities!- Decorating the Christmas Tree

Flashback Summer:  Thanksgiving Festivities!- Fall decor

Flashback Summer:  Thanksgiving Festivities!- Fall decor


Hospitality: Company's Comin'!

In honor of everyone's Thanksgiving preparations, I have the song "Company's Comin'" by Porter Wagoner!  It pretty well describes the atmosphere in my house.  Haha.

"Company's Comin" - Porter Wagoner (1963)
(And just look at his sweet suit!)

This evening my mom and I made the pies, and I also tried out my great-aunt Cindy's cornbread casserole recipe, which I'll share with you guys!  It's super easy, quick, and a delicious twist on a good ol' southern food.


Flashback Summer:  Company's Comin- cornbread Casserole recipe


Ingredients:
- 1 can creamed corn
- 1 can drained whole kernel corn
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 stick butter
- 1 egg
- 1 small box corn muffin mix
Flashback Summer:  Company's Comin- cornbread Casserole recipe


Directions:
1. Melt stick of butter.
Flashback Summer:  Company's Comin- cornbread Casserole recipe

2. Add butter, sour cream, and egg into mixing bowl and stir well.
Flashback Summer:  Company's Comin- cornbread Casserole recipe

3. Add in the corn muffin mix and cans of corn.
Flashback Summer:  Company's Comin- cornbread Casserole recipe

4. Pour everything into a greased, preferably glass pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Flashback Summer:  Company's Comin- cornbread Casserole recipe

5. Serve and enjoy!
Flashback Summer:  Company's Comin- cornbread Casserole recipe

Keepin' It Real, Yo.

Today I want to talk about being authentic.

authentic- (ɔːˈθɛntɪk) (adj.) accurate in representation of the facts; trustworthy; reliable

It seems that in the blogosphere, authenticity can be lost rather easily.  We can be anyone we want to be online and almost no one will be the wiser.

However, if I try to be someone I'm not..... I'm not good at it!  I'm really only good at being me, and when I'm inauthentic I give up the unique combination of experiences, worldview, beliefs, passions, interests, and knowledge that is existent- out of the entire history of the world- only in me.

I don't want you guys to come to my blog and see a person that seems to come up with fabulous crafts all the time, looks adorable 24/7, has plenty of money to get clothes at trendy shops you may not be able to afford, has it all together, might be skinnier than you, and never sews anything incorrectly.  I want you guys to see a real woman, the real me!

In honor of this pledge of authenticity to all of you, here are 10 very authentic things about myself:

I recently had to trial and error the muslin of a fairly simple dress piece at least three times before getting it to fit right.  (Many blog post consultations and google searches later...)

Today I wore yoga pants, a headband, boots, and a sweater because it was cold and rainy.  And it was great.  (See below for exhibit A....)  I really don't look cute all the time.

Flashback Summer:  Keepin' It Real, Yo

Some days I get very annoyed with political correctness.

I am very firm in my beliefs and tend not to change them (because I've already examined them and determined what I believe based on that analysis).

I started running to impress the guy that is now my boyfriend.  I keep running because I like how I feel and look afterward... definitely not because I enjoy it.

Oftentimes I have to work up the courage to wear my more blatantly vintage clothing.

Sometimes when people tell me about their problems, I'm at a loss and feel like Sheldon from "The Big Bang Theory."  (All I can think of is to pat their back, say, "There, there," and offer them a hot beverage.)

I ate chocolate with bacon bits and salt in it today.... and it was magical.

The best remedy for when I'm upset: sipping tea while sitting with my boyfriend on his giant bean bag and watching a "man movie" like "Gladiator" or "Jeremiah Johnson."

What do you think about authenticity in the blogosphere?  What are some authentic things about yourself?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is....

Flashback Summer:  The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is... - McCall's 5517

What is the biggest part of hospitality?  What is the most important element?  What's the universal commonality in every culture, place, and time? 

I'm glad you asked.

It's spending quality time with people!

All the money in the world, skills,and resources are pointless if they aren't used to enhance relationships with others (ask any wealthy but neglected child).

I credit a lot of this lesson I've learned to my time in Africa.  Granted, Africa has issues just like anywhere else, but they know how to stop and take time for people!  My Egyptian friends would call me every few days if they hadn't seen me to ask how I was doing and say they missed me.  We would spend hours in Sudan sipping tea with friends and talking about life.  This idea of "slowing life down" and chilling is also something that people look back on fondly when they reminisce about the "good old days."

Did this require lots of money?  No.  Did it require a nice dining room with fancy dishes and a table big enough to fit everyone?  Nope.  Did it require a perfectly clean and trendy house?  No way.  It simply required time.

Here are some pictures of a couple recent events I've attended with the girls on my floor.  We know that there's just no substitute for spending time with each other and having fun to strengthen our relationships!

Flashback Summer:  The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is..., Evangel University Spence Girls
Outside a sushi restaurant and looking cute!

Flashback Summer:  The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is..., vintage retro outfit
Seriously.... It's really good sushi.  And we wanted a chance to wear dresses!

Flashback Summer:  The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is..., Evangel University Spence Girls

Flashback Summer:  The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is..., flea market shopping on Commercial Street, Springfield, Missouri
Today I went shopping on Commercial Street with some girls

Flashback Summer:  The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is..., flea market shopping on Commercial Street, Springfield, Missouri
Laura Bear discovering treasures

Flashback Summer:  The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is... - McCall's 5517


Pink and lace dress: made by me

White and red rick rack dress: made by me from McCall's 5517 (pictured below)
crinoline: Relics Antique Mall
shoes: Payless

Flashback Summer:  The Biggest Part of Hospitality Is... - McCall's 5517


Hospitality: Ways to Incorporate "Little Beauties" Into Your Home

"Little beauties" are small things that bring a lift to our spirits through the day.  They aren't huge events, they aren't expensive, they're just tiny things that make life a little happier to live.

Today I've included a few simple ways to incorporate these "little beauties" into your surroundings.  Whether it be a giant mansion, house, apartment, or dorm room, small details can make a big difference in our mental state throughout our time at home.  Enjoy the ideas, and I'd love to hear from you guys on ways that you, too, incorporate little beauties into your lives!


Flashback Summer- Hospitality:  How to Incorporate Little Beauties Into Your Home

Display Your Memorable Items
Put a couple very sentimental things around your living space to remind you of the good times you've had.  Here I have pictures with my boyfriend, a little candle holder from Egypt, a ring box from Venice, and some of my grandmother's items.  Keep it simple and uncluttered.  (It won't do to feel closed in or stressed looking at all your happy memories...)  Make room to take a few homey items to college or that new house.  Who cares if it doesn't go perfectly with the decor?  It's your space!  Surround yourself with happy memories, not just mall-bought trends.


Flashback Summer- Hospitality:  How to Incorporate Little Beauties Into Your Home

Add Hand-Made Touches
Make your possessions truly your own.  Paint that ugly table a color you like.  Embroider a pillow the old-fashioned way.  Add fun trim to that plain lampshade.  Use your own creativity to take your items from made-in-China-copies to little pieces of art that reflect your own style.


Flashback Summer- Hospitality:  How to Incorporate Little Beauties Into Your Home

Make Housework Prettier
No matter where you live, eventually a space will need cleaned, dishes done, etc.  Add in some "little beauties" to make your work more pleasant.  Wear a pretty vintage apron while you cook or clean. (I also keep mine tied on my chairs as decoration.)  Go 1950s one day and vacuum in pearls and heels, just for the heck of it.  Buy soap with a fun seasonal scent or cute dispenser.  Scoop your laundry detergent out with a retro mug.  Sure, housework isn't always fun, but take the chance to "beautify" it a bit.

Flashback Summer- Hospitality:  How to Incorporate Little Beauties Into Your Home

Indulge a Little
Don't go overboard, but allow yourself to enjoy life.  Schedule time to sit and read a book in the quiet for a few minutes.  Give yourself a prize at the accomplishment of a little goal, like watching an episode of your favorite show after cleaning the kitchen.  My sister recently decided to eat a chocolate truffle in the morning with her coffee every day, just because she likes them and it gives her motivation to wake up.  Don't feel guilty about it!  You can't be generous to others if you have nothing yourself.

Hint o' Vintage

Flashback Summer: Hint o' Vintage, outfit

Today had a super rushed morning as I finished a bunch of homework then showered and got ready in about 20 minutes.  (All my ladies out there understand.... that is quite a feat.)  Hence, I didn't have time to dry my hair, and I do not like going out with wet hair (a thing from my Middle East time).  So.... scarf solution!  I dried the front of my hair just enough to get it a bit poufy like I wanted, and twisted the rest up and put it in a Rosie scarf.  It's kind of an even easier, quicker version of the Rosie hair tutorial I did here, but instead of leaving the curls out, I tucked it all in and did a fringe/bang twist-pouf-and-pin thing in the front.  It works really well.

The rest of the day went much better.  It's somewhat chill, this time between midterms and Thanksgiving break.  Not TOO much work is due right now, so I'm resting up and planning for hitting it hard the last part of the semester!


Flashback Summer: Hint o' Vintage,  boots

Flashback Summer: Hint o' Vintage, outfit
adjusting my socks so you can see the snowflakes on top!

Flashback Summer: Hint o' Vintage, pearl necklace
pearls.  classic.

Flashback Summer: Hint o' Vintage, outfit
blurry, but you get the idea!

Flashback Summer: Hint o' Vintage, outfit

Harvest Fest 2012

Every fall my school has an event called Harvest Fest.  It's sort of a talent show/ short film festival/ Halloween/ roast event, and it's fun stuff.  Every year they come up with a new theme that the acts revolve around and the attendees dress up based on that theme.  This year was "Face Off", so the idea was to dress in opposites, enemies, etc.

I made my costume out of a fairly hideous gold 90s dress (underneath like a slip) and a giant sheer white old lady slip, both thrifted.  The accessories are ones I already had or borrowed.

I was WAY more proud of Jacob's costume (inspired by "Gladiator").  I made it out of thrifted curtains, a pleather jacket, belt, and an old fur stole I found at a flea market a while back.  (It's very versatile.  I used it for a 1920s look here.)

Here are some pictures of people at the event!  There were SO many clever costumes; it was entertaining to look around and try to figure out all the pairs and groups!

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
Jason, Danielle, my bf Jacob, and I

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
Octavian vs. Cleopatra (it makes more sense if you're a history buff...)

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
Da Bears vs. Packers

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
Laura and Maureen are Mario Kart characters; so clever!

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
the whole gang

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
Several of the girls from my floor were part of the "Suite Life" cast

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
Jacob switched to sandals at the event 'cuz it was 2 degrees outside. It felt like it, anyway.

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
More of the Mario Kart gang!  Isn't it SO clever?!

Flashback Summer: Harvest Fest 2012, Evangel University
My sister and Sam were hoodlums vs. the elderly.  They said they really just wanted to wear these sweaters they found in a thrift store!

Fall Wish Outfit!

Flashback Summer:  Fall Wish Outfit!
dress/belt/earrings/coat/shoes/tights

It's been normal Missouri weather here, switching between high and low temperatures all the time.  My favorite way to deal with crazy weather changes in fall is having dresses and tights available to mix and match.  Opaque tights make dresses warm and provide endless color combos to work with, and dresses can be worn without them for a warmer weather look!

I also ran across these shoes recently, and they're SO CUTE!!!!  Alas, they don't come in my size.... but someone get them so I can live vicariously through you!

Petite Pretties

In a world of soaringly tall, thin models all over the place, it can be depressing.

To be honest.

Oftentimes I feel that as a petite woman (I'm 5'0" even), I'm living in a "tall man's world," and it can be really frustrating.  However, small IS beautiful!  Some of the world's most iconic beauties have been on the vertically challenged side, and they came in all shapes and sizes. 

The variety in shape, size, and build is what makes womankind so intriguing and gorgeous, so here's a post celebrating it!  Check out some of these vintage and modern shawties that rock their shortness!

Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties
Kristen Chenoweth
4'11"


Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties
Veronica Lake
4'11"

Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties
Christina Aguilera
5'2"



Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties
Mae West
5'0"


Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties
Winona Ryder
5'3"


Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties

Shirley Temple
5'2"

Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties
Jada Pinkett Smith
5'0"



Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties
Mary Pickford
5'1"

Flashback Summer: Petite Pretties
Salma Hayek
5'2"