Idaho Queen

I don't know about you guys, but I have an irrational need to be ready for formal events. Like, what if I get invited to a ball? What if the governor calls and wants me to go to her New Year's Day brunch? What if I find out I'm a princess and Julie Andrews is my grandmother and I have a coronation to attend?!

How horrifically awful would it be to get an invitation to such amazing events and have to go underdressed because I had nothing proper to wear?!  The HORROR!

Snow Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of those things that I've always thought about but hadn't tried for myself until recently. I've had pretty naturally bright teeth, but as the years have gone by and my tea and coffee habit has grown, I've noticed that my teeth are starting to stain a bit. 

Turns out, the ladies of yesteryear were also concerned about that! 

Vintage Capsule Wardrobe Update

So I’m a bit over halfway into my two month trip, and I’ve got an update on how my capsule wardrobe is working for me!

I’ve created this video showcasing one of my capsule wardrobe outfits and some of the things I’ve noticed about my capsule wardrobe so far.

It basically sums up to this: The capsule wardrobe is actually working quite well for me; I just wish I had a mid-weight jacket of some kind for this in-between, cold-ish weather that doesn’t quite merit a big coat.

But overall, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how many outfits I’ve been able to make.

6 YEAR Blogiversary!

Wow, guys.  I just can't even believe it: October marked my SIXTH blogging anniversary!  I published my very first blog post on October 14, 2012. (You can read it here if you'd like a chuckle and hopefully appreciate how far I've come, ha!)

My Two-Month Vintage Wardrobe

Just this week, I've hopped to the other side of the country to attend a two-month training for my job in the military. I'm super excited to learn new things and be in a different part of the U.S. for a bit. 

However, I've really had to think through my packing.

Of course, I'll mostly be wearing a military uniform during the day, but I still need to bring enough clothing to last me for nights and weekends for two months. This clothing also needs to be appropriate for both fall and winter, and--obviously--I'd like to also look great.

Home Sweet Mountain Home Air Force Base

In this post I've linked to my Spoonflower shop. I'm not officially partnering with Spoonflower, but if you buy any of my fabric designs I do receive a percentage of the profits as a designer. This money helps me buy coffee, fabric, hats and supports my blogging habit; you all know how it goes!

I've long complained about the uninspired quality of modern military-themed fabrics. Particularly compared to the creative and beautiful patriotic prints of the 1940s, they're pretty icky and there aren't a lot of options.

It was finally time to stop complaining and DO something about it!

Art Deco Gina Dress

Whew, it's taken me a while to finish this dress, and it's taken me a while to post on here. It's amazing how much energy it takes to move across the country, start a new job, and live a new lifestyle! I'm finally feeling like I've got my legs back under me and I'm moving into a new "normal."

*FREE* 1940s Crochet Hat Pattern!

Anyone out there that, like me, has been on the search for a particular kind of vintage hat, only to be thwarted by something like budget, color, material, or just plain not being able to find one?! Well you are thwarted no longer!

I'm Back with New Adventures and New Garments!

Wow, so much has happened since I told you guys I'd be going to military training just a little over two months ago. I successfully completed training and commissioned as an officer, moved across America to my new assignment, found a house and moved into it, and started my new job. It's quite an adjustment, of course, so I've given myself grace to put some things on the back burner and to ease into this new life.

Vintage Wearers Speak: What vintage reproduction piece (or supply to reproduce your own vintage) has become a treasure to you?

This post is part of the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.


Q: What vintage reproduction piece (or supply to reproduce your own vintage) has become a treasure to you?  What product would you recommend to other vintage wearers as an indispensable must-have?

Vintage Wearers Speak: If you could give one piece of wisdom or advice to vintage brands as an influencer and/or consumer, what would it be?

Photo courtesy of Atomic Redhead

This post is part of the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.

Q: If you could give one piece of wisdom or advice to vintage (reproduction or vintage-style) brands as an influencer and/or consumer, what would it be?

Vintage Wearers Speak: When do you NOT wear vintage styles?

This post is part of the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.


Q: When do you NOT wear vintage styles? What modern clothing is in your closet?

Vintage Wearers Speak: Have you developed any new skills as a result of your interest in vintage style?

This post is part of the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.

Q: Have you developed any new skills as a result of your interest in vintage style?

Vintage Wearers Speak: What is one area of vintage style that you struggle with?

Photo courtesy of Atomic Redhead

This post is part of the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.

Q: What is one area of vintage style that you struggle with?

Vintage Wearers Speak: What non-Western fashion aesthetics are you particularly attracted to or draw inspiration from?

Photo courtesy of Chronically Overdressed

This post is part of the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.

Q: What non-Western fashion aesthetics are you particularly attracted to or draw inspiration from?  Why?

Vintage Wearers Speak: What is one of your favorite interactions you've ever had with another vintage wearer on social media or a blog post?

Photo courtesy of The Artyologist

This post is the second of eight in the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.

Q: What is one of your favorite interactions you've ever had with another vintage wearer on social media or a blog post?

Vintage Wearers Speak: When you first started wearing vintage, what was one thing that encouraged you to continue?

Photo courtesy of Nora Finds

This post is part of the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.

Q: When you first started wearing vintage, what was one thing that encouraged you to continue?

Vintage Wearers Speak: Introduction

I'm excited to share this eight-part series with all of you! I've been planning it since last fall, and so many of you have contributed and shared your insight. 

One of the things I love about the vintage community is that we're a motley crew tied together only by a love of old fashion. Literally everything else about us is totally variable, even the reasons why we wear old fashion. I've enjoyed getting to know many of you and to learn the complexities of vintage wearers and their lives, and I hope this post series showcases this diversity a bit more.

Reproducing 1940s Navy Dungarees

Last summer I attended my first WWII reenactment, and while I was there I got to try on these original 1940s US Navy dungarees that Emily of Emily's Vintage Visions brought to the event. Surprisingly, they fit me perfectly! They must have been owned by a very tiny, Depression-diet man back in the day as the hips and even the length fit me, a 5' tall woman. 

Early 40s Valentine's House Dress

Today you're seeing something rare in my wardrobe: the color pink and puff sleeves.  But I like it and it's Valentine's Day appropriate!

Navy Suit & New Sweater

You may notice a pattern in my pictures for my last few posts and the next few: taupe siding and wooden fences.  Well... That's because it's frigid here and I'm venturing only just outside my apartment for photos then hurrying back inside to warmth. Both of these backgrounds happen to be around my building, haha!

So today... taupe siding and my outfit of the day! I recently started working in an office again, so I've been bringing out my nicer day wear again.  My absolute favorite piece in my closet now is this 1940s navy blue suit.  Since I've bulked up a bit, it actually fits better now, which was a very pleasant surprise amidst the rest of my wardrobe suddenly becoming too small. 

1930s Cynthia Sweater

Sweaters are just the best, aren't they?  They're comfortable, they're size-forgiving, they can be dressed up or down.  Solid ones, like the one I just finished, are fantastic wardrobe basics that go brilliantly with patterned bottoms, suits, etc.  After my eagle sweater and striped sweater, I figured it was time to make something more versatile.

Red Overalls

I am SO excited about this make. In fact, I think it's one of my favorite projects in a long time. It addresses a wardrobe gap, I wear it all the time, and it fits well.  Check, check, check!

Frigid Winds and New Friends

At the end of December, the weather here got suddenly, pointlessly cold.  There was no snow, just frigid, biting wind. However, there was a highlight! One of the friends Jacob met in Air Force training last summer was coming to town, so we got the chance to see her. Turns out, she is also a photographer and asked if I'd like to do an impromptu photo shoot.  I always need photos for this blog, so that was a definite yes!