Guest Post: Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

Flashback Summer: Vintage at Heart - Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

Flashback Summer: Vintage at Heart - Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

From Emileigh: I am still on vacation this week in Florida, and I'm so happy to have a post from the gorgeous Harlow of Vintage at Heart sharing an outfit with you guys today!

Hello, my name is Harlow and I am honoured to be guest posting for Emileigh on Flashback Summer today! I blog over at Vintage at Heart, and like Emileigh, I am a huge fan of intercultural fashion, so today I am posting about this beautiful quipao-inspired swing dress that I wore on a visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney.

The Garden of Friendship is a little piece of Chinese culture and history wedged amongst Sydney’s high rises and is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I have ever visited. Modelled on the ornate gardens of the Ming Dynasty, the gardens were designed to celebrate the relationship that Australia has with China.

I was lucky to spend an amazing morning in the gardens admiring everything and watching some very large and lively Koi fish jumping around in the water! I felt that this Trashy Diva dress was perfect to wear for the occasion as it reflects the way different cultures are able to influence each other to create something beautiful.

I love wearing both swing dresses and quipao and this Trashy Diva dress brings together the things that I love most about those designs; the elegant mandarin collar and embroidered chrysanthemum, and a swishy full skirt perfect for twirling and dancing!

From Emileigh again: I adore her look and the way it doesn't copy a qipao but is still inspired by it. It's a beautiful reflection of the Australian-Chinese Garden of Friendship she visited, since it's a mix of both cultures' styles!

Flashback Summer: Vintage at Heart - Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

Flashback Summer: Vintage at Heart - Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

Flashback Summer: Vintage at Heart - Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

Flashback Summer: Vintage at Heart - Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

Flashback Summer: Vintage at Heart - Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

Flashback Summer: Vintage at Heart - Chinese Garden of Friendship Outfit

Guest Post: 3 Ways to Pick Up Your Day

Flashback Summer: The Boyer Sisters - 3 Ways to Pick Up Your Day

From Emileigh: This week I'm on vacation in Florida!  You better believe I'm soaking up the sun and taking a million photos of the outfits I've been sewing for the occasion!  Meanwhile, I've got some lovely blogger pals that have agreed to guest post for me over the next few days, starting with the Boyer Sisters!

Hello there! We are the Boyer Sisters: Jessica, Brigid, and Charlotte; and we blog over at Boyer Family Singers Blog! Over there we post all about vintage fashion, living a creative lifestyle, and the occasional singing adventure (we sing 1940s Andrews Sisters music, which you can check out more on here).

It's a given that we all have days that just don't turn out sunny-side up... But that doesn't mean we can't try and flip them over! In following along with Emileigh's theme this month of "April Showers bring May Flowers", we girls have collected up our favorite ways to pick up a day that is down in the dumps.

Flashback Summer: The Boyer Sisters - 3 Ways to Pick Up Your Day

Jessica's Tip: Go an a Walk
After a long morning of clicking on my keyboard, doing household chores, or an afternoon spent working at our local Greenhouse, a good walk always sets me up for the late hours of the day until bedtime. I can’t explain why it is that a walk makes me feel so good, except that it has been a daily practice of mine for the past 6 years. After one has been doing something for 6 years, one does not readily drop the habit. So, I have found that when I can’t go on a walk, and the end of the day comes around, I always get the feeling that something is missing–my body doesn’t feel thoroughly done-in. My mind becomes slightly restless.  

Walks for me are the time when I can use up that extra bit of energy in exercise; a time to lift up my heart and soul to the Lord, and overall just let my thoughts wander, peacefully. I always have a furry friend with me, whose company I enjoy greatly. I like to look down and see the four little legs trotting in quick time with my longer strides. Along with all of this I keep my ears alert for bird calls. I have been an avid bird watcher since my childhood, and going on a walk always means an opportunity to see new activity from the pretty dwellers of the sky. I can name each and every bird just from the diverse sounds of their voices, and I love to play the game of hearing them and trying to spot them in the trees before they fly!

 Ah me. There is nothing like a good walk!

Flashback Summer: The Boyer Sisters - 3 Ways to Pick Up Your Day

Brigid's Tip: Create Something
Any time that I am feeling down in the dumps, as I examine the reasons why I may not be feeling very happy, typically I will realize that I haven’t made anything that day. I am such a hands-on, creative person, it really messes with me if I can’t create or work with my hands. Of course there are days where I don’t feel inspired to do or make anything, but just doing the smallest creative activity can lift your mood. Whether it be adding a row to my current knitting project, or sewing a seam on a dress, or even cleaning up my workspace so I can get started on a project the next day, the little things really do lift my spirit. If you ever find yourself in a slump, examine the reasons why, and if one of them is “I haven’t done something I love today” then do something; knit, sew, bake, cook, clean, even if you think it’s too small to help your mood! It will help!

Flashback Summer: The Boyer Sisters - 3 Ways to Pick Up Your Day

Charlotte's Tip: Wear Makeup
I am a makeup fanatic of sorts, so I guess in that reality, it's no surprise that my tip relates to that subject ;) When I'm having a rough day, my appearance is definitely affected. A tired face, messy hair, and overall blah-ness really doesn't do much to boost one's morale and mood. I like to counter this by freshening up my face a bit with some basic makeup essentials: foundation (just here and there, where I need it), blush (it does wonders to liven up a droopy complexion), filling-in of the eyebrows (the most basic way to define your features without going too over the top. They do frame your eyes after all!), mascara (duh!), and my signature lipstick (Revlon Super Lustrous in Siren). It doesn't have to be much, keeping things simple on an off day is probably best too, since messing with layers upon layers of makeup can be very time consuming and tedious, which is the last thing you need! Do whatever works best to lift your face and give you a fresh, pristine look. It's always nice to be able to look in the mirror and see a face that has been looked after and manicured.

That's all for today, folks! Be sure to check out & follow our blog for more uplifting & inspiring blog posts all about fashion, creativity, and lifestyle!

How do you like to pick up your day?

xo,
-The B. Girls

Moroccan-1960s Fusion Dress

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

After a sneak peek the other day of the fabrics and pattern I used, I'm finally ready to show you all the Moroccan-1960s fusion dress I made for my sister Aria!  In case you didn't see the other post, the formal at my sister's university (the occasion for this dress-making venture) was "Night in Morocco," and my sister said that although the theme of the night didn't come across in more than some Middle Eastern-esque lanterns in the center of the tables, she coordinated perfectly!

(If you'd like to read more about the traditional Moroccan garments inspiring this and the designing thought behind it, go to my sneak peek post!)

I ended up using the vintage pattern, 1960s Simplicity 3929, because it looked like it would be more likely to fit my sister's more petite size than the modern re-released 60s pattern.  I made a mock up that fit, but when I tried it in the fashion fabric the top was far too tight!  Though frustrating, I had enough fabric left to try again, and it worked the second time!

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

I lined the top in another silky gold fabric I had in my stash and hand-sewed all the trim around the neckline.  I added a notch into the neckline to give a faux layered look that is incorporated into traditional Moroccan caftans, then I added fancy embellishment and ribbon.  Next, I made self-covered buttons with a layer of the gold fabric and two layers of the navy tulle and centered them down the front.  These buttons in combination with the chunky belt seem to be a popular detail on Moroccan garments, too.

For the bottom, I gathered several yards of tulle (folded in half with selvedges at the top) onto the skirt for lots of volume.  I think it contrasts nicely with the pencil-shaped skirt below for some extra drama!  My sister was afraid it would come off as too poofy, but I assured her that poof only means one's waist looks smaller, and it's never anything to be afraid of!  In the end, I think it turned out with enough puffiness to make us both happy.  I got my drama and Aria got her easy wearability!

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

She wore this to her university's spring formal and said she not only got lots of compliments, but she was perfectly comfortable dancing in it, too!  Success!  This was the first time I have ever made a full garment for someone else from scratch, and I'm very relieved that it turned out and that Aria liked it.  (I was nervous about botching it, I won't lie!  I'm connected to Aria forever; high stakes!)

Doesn't she look amazing?!  Her hair, makeup, dress, everything!  She's rocking it!

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Flashback Summer: Moroccan 1960s Fusion Dress, Simplicity 3929

Upcoming Video Peek!

You guys seemed to really enjoy my Q&A video, so I'm working on making more videos for you guys!  My friend was kind enough to assist me in making a video, and it's almost ready to show you!  Meanwhile, I've got a sneak peek for you in some of the behind-the-scenes photos my sister Aria took.

Seriously, super pumped about this video.  Can't wait to show you guys.

Flashback Summer: Upcoming Vintage Lookbook Video Peek!

Flashback Summer: Upcoming Vintage Lookbook Video Peek!

Flashback Summer: Upcoming Vintage Lookbook Video Peek!

Flashback Summer: Upcoming Vintage Lookbook Video Peek!

#TBT Blog Style!

So in the past few months my blog has grown quite a lot, and I'm very excited about that! However, that means a lot of you that just met me in the last few months probably haven't read my older posts. (Unless you like to look at bloggers' very early posts and how generally amateurish and awful they are.  I do that to encourage myself that blogging is a learning process, so no judgment.)

Anyway, here are some of my favorite posts from back in the day that you may not have run across yet:

8 Ways to Make Your Waist Look Smaller

Flashback Summer: How to Make Your Waist Look Smaller

The Smell of Smoke and Grandmas: How to Remove Icky Smells From Items You Can't Wash

Flashback Summer: How to Remove Smells from Items You Can't Wash

6 Ways to Make Your Legs Look Longer

Flashback Summer: How to Make Your Legs Look Longer

Hospitality: Teavana Tea Review

Flashback Summer: Teavana Tea Review

Travel Week Series

Flashback Summer: Travel Week Series

West African Commemorative Fabric



Time for some more intercultural fashion!  Today I've got a couple of West African fabrics, both commemorating events.

In Africa it's pretty typical to create fabrics specifically for a certain event, and these two fabrics are some recent examples.  Both of them are the result of events held by Assemblies of God members (a Christian church denomination).  The one with pink in it celebrates the 40 year anniversary of the opening of a theological seminary in Togo, and the purple and white one was for an annual meeting of leaders and church members in Burkina Faso.




I'm no expert, but I think the purple one is what's called a "fancy print." It's a 100% cotton roller-printed fabric.  The pink one is a "wax print," and the "wax" part refers to how the colors are separated as it's made… with wax.  You can usually tell the difference because wax prints feel a bit waxy!  Clever huh?  (You can read more about the difference here.)

It's common for West African fabrics to feature large, bright prints like these, and they can incorporate pictures and words like these do, along with geometric designs.  They differ from a lot of East African fabrics in that the print isn't divided into rectangles; it's continuous.  Kangas in East Africa also tend to feature proverbs, and these West African versions don't (at least not nearly as often!).




My friends attended these meetings, and these are scraps leftover from some fabulous clothing they had made!  I LOVE how this works: everyone attending buys the same fabric, then everyone takes it to be made into an outfit.  So, everyone can be identified as part of the group while still maintaining their own personal flair.  To me, this is a great picture of a lot of African cultures: community-oriented and individually unique!

How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Today, you and I are going thrifting!

Although I've heard amazing stories of people finding older vintage in thrift stores, that doesn't seem to be the case in most cities nowadays.  Most thrift stores have been picked over as vintage has gotten more popular, and mid-century and older items are becoming very difficult to find.

My area has very little vintage (probably because it wasn't an affluent area by any means, and there are VERY few people even on the lookout to save vintage pieces).  This means the thrift stores in my area are full of 80s, 90s, and 2000s awfulness.  

Never fear, though!  There are ways to get fantastic vintage style from these decades if you know where to look and how to get past the polyester to the treasures!  Here are some tips you can keep in mind when thrifting to get that older vintage style you love:

The 90s had a LOT of rayon!
Few people realize how much rayon had a comeback in the 90s!  If you look around for those "Full House"-worthy floral gowns and check the tags, you'll likely find a large percent of them are rayon or rayon blends.  These are great to wear as "90s does" dresses if the print and silhouette match your decade, and you can also repurpose them into other pieces.  The 90s was also great for long, fabric-generous maxi skirts that can be cut up and made into blouses, skirts, etc. that have that fabulous 30s-40s rayon drape.

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Look for "Diane Chambers" blouses
Diane Chambers, a character off the 80s American show "Cheers," had an entire wardrobe basically made of 80s does 40s/50s pieces, and these pieces can still be found in thrift stores!  Blouses are especially easy to adapt to a midcentury or earlier look by pairing them with a pencil skirt and cardigan, for example.

Look for blouses with pussy bows, unique pintuck details, silks, and lace.  You'll often even luck out and get a shirt with built in (albeit possibly giant) shoulder pads!

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Don't pass up the plaid!
The 80s also had a throwback to classic plaid skirts. Lots of them are wool and look very similar to midcentury styles, though the color palettes may be a bit brighter.  These are fabulous, classic pieces to work into a vintage wardrobe for easy-care items you don't have to be so afraid of ruining.

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

If you're brave… check out the undergarments.
I don't know if your thrift store are like this, but I'm pretty sure mine is largely stocked with old lady clothes.  While that can be disappointing at times, it's fantastic in the undergarment department!  Older women's bras still tend to be made like vintage ones with horizontal seams across the bust and/or a more generally "bullety" shape.  Slips are also plentiful items that most people nowadays have no use for, so you can pick up some pretty ones quite cheap!  Shapewear is also an option if you can find it in your size and aren't weirded out by it!

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Give ugly dresses a chance.
As I go through the racks, I'm constantly feeling fabrics and looking at prints.  The 80s and 90s had some AWFUL floral prints, but they also had some good ones, too!  Give those ugly floral dresses a chance, though they usually majorly lack in hanger appeal.  Imagine these loose dresses with a waist belt, and many of them can look fabulously vintage!

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Don't forget to check men's shoes!
Men's shoes haven't changed that much over the years, so it's a great place to look for classic styles like penny loafers and brogues.  Check boys' for smaller sizes.

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Check out the sweaters for classic knits.
I like to look for sweaters in thrift stores.  Often 80s and 90s tops are still oriented on the natural waist and shorter than modern ones, so sweaters can go very nicely with midcentury and earlier trouser styles.  Chunky cables, 60s-style beatnik turtlenecks and Land Girl-esque sweater vests can all be found in thrift stores.

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Shorts racks are your friend!
While, admittedly, many 80s and 90s shorts make me cringe, there are still lots of options that can be found that resemble more midcentury looks.  High-waisted ones with era-appropriate prints aren't hard to find!

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Classic skirt shapes are abundant.
Classic silhouettes like the pleated skirt and pencil skirt have stuck around for decades.  Look first for prints or colors that could work in your wardrobe, then narrow it down to high-waisted pieces with a vintage shape that flatters your body.  I especially love these for everyday, easy-wash wearing.  I've also found that 70s and 80s pleated skirts to be especially practical because the fabric is usually a synthetic blend and the pleats have been chemically or heat set.  They don't need to be ironed after washing to reset the pleats!

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Flashback Summer: How to Find Vintage-Appropriate Styles in a Thrift Store

Here are some of my own thrift store/ "80s and 90s does" pieces I've shared on the blog:
90s does 40s dress
An Open Apology Letter to the 80s Dress
Corduroy Shorts made from an 80s skirt
90s rayon skirt
80s does 50s pleated skirt

What are your tips for finding vintage styles in thrift stores?  What has worked for you?

That Time I Almost Made an Egyptian Man Cry in a Market...


I've decided to switch gears in the emails I send out to subscribers and turn it into more of a "behind the scenes" newsletter!  I think it'll be more fun for you guys to read and different from the content you're getting on the blog.  I'll be including stories from my life that explain the behind-the-scenes good times, struggles, and the "why" behind my blog and some of its posts.

This content will only be available through subscribing to Flashback Summer emails, and I look forward to being able to show you guys a different side of myself that may not come through on the blog as often!



To give you a peek of what some of the new emails will be like, here is what went out earlier this week to current subscribers:

While living in Egypt, I studied Arabic everyday with my family and delved into the culture full-on.  I loved practicing my language skills in the local markets and prided myself in my tough bargaining.

I went with my sister and a friend that didn't know Arabic to a market, and the friend wanted some nail polish. I took it upon myself to bargain for her in Arabic.  The man told us they would be eight pounds each, and I got him down to five. He told that price in English to my friend. As he started to bag them, he then said in English the price would be three for thirty pounds and winked to my sister and I.

Infuriated, I thought, "He's trying to pull one over on me! Didn't he just hear me speak Arabic?! We agreed on five each! Just because I'm white doesn't mean I'm stupid, geez!"

So... in proper Egyptian style, I began to flail my arms and exclaim that we had a deal, basically reaming the guy out for trying to cheat us.

When I stopped I noticed he looked horrified and his eyes were a little glassy. He said it would be no problem, five each, and started putting them in the bag.  My sister then whispered that he was just joking with our friend... I then remembered the wink. Dangit. I had missed something in that cross-cultural communication.  I apologized profusely and slinked away, very red.

Moral of the story: I attributed the price change to the guy raising prices because I was white, when in reality he was being friendly and just joking. I learned to keep from jumping to conclusions in cross-cultural situations if I was feeling offended and to instead try to figure out the "why" behind a person's actions first. It would've saved me a lot of embarrassment in this situation!


If you'd like to subscribe for more, click here!