It always amazes me when I can put together an outfit in less than half an hour. Most days I spend way more time than I should trying on multiple combinations, changing my mind at least five times, and feeling very frustrated by my tiny closet. Some days though, like yesterday, an outfit just magically comes together with little effort. I’d love to have more days like that.
Today’s outfit came from a desire to create a vintage glamour feel. Which is somewhat ironic, considering that I’m not wearing any vintage pieces. Most of it really came from a desire to style my hair. I’ve seen so many gorgeous long-haired bloggers creating beautiful vintage hairstyles, but I’ve only longed for them at a distance because of my short hair. Yesterday, I realized that it was still long enough in sections to create a French braid, so I went for it. And I absolutely loved the result!
I just did two French braids starting at the top(ish) of my head. Once I got them behind my ears, I stuck a whole bunch of bobby pins in to keep them in place. I used a good amount of styling cream before I started the braids to help keep them together.
This really is a perfect summer hairstyle for me. It stayed in place all day, it kept my hair out of my eyes, and by the end of the day it had a nice, slightly messy but still elegant look to it. I think you’ll be seeing this on me again.
That cardigan is a new handknit I just recently finished. I didn’t have a pattern. I just used Elizabeth Zimmermann’s basic instructions for creating raglan sweaters found in The Opinionated Knitter, and used a stitch attempting to emulate Boden’s Portofino cardigan. I left out buttons so that the cardigan can be more versatile. This will certainly be remixed often.
I had so much fun with this outfit. As I mentioned the other day, I love the fact that so many modern designers are using vintage inspirations. It really turns out awesome for someone like me, who has trouble finding real vintage in their size.
Cardigan: Handknit by me
Camisole: Old Navy
Skirt: Boden (thrifted)
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Purse: Morelle Oyster
Belt: Thrifted
Earrings: Sara Westermark
Pearls: Coryell Design
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Brooch: Thrifted
Hi and welcome! I'm Diana, and this is my blog, Smiles Go With Everything. As the title suggests, I write about a little bit of everything, but the majority of my focus is on style and sustainability and how the two interconnect. In between are sprinklings of baking, gardening, crafting, and whatever I feel like sharing.
Ooh, I love how you’ve done your hair! And your crocheting ability constantly astonishes me! Great colorful summer outfit!
You made that cardi! You’re so talented!
The hair is amazing, doll! And love that funky skirt. AND the brooch fastener – what a fun detail.
That cardigan is incredible! It goes perfectly with the style of the outfit.
I really need to get back into knitting….
I love your glasses – and the cardigan looks perfect with the flower skirt
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Your hair looks gorgeous! Perfect for summer and with your haircut, too. And that cardigan is absolutely fantastic– I can’t believe that was hand-made!
I love the braids in your hair!
I love ALL of this – the hair, the clothes, the accessories – you look wonderful!
cute outfit and i love what you did with your hair. just too adorable.
Wow, great job on crocheting that cardigan. It’s gorgeous!
I also take about a half-hour getting ready in the morning. I’m not used to my closet yet (just underwent a complete turnaround in sizes and clothes) so it takes forever to figure out what goes with what. So don’t worry about it; if you’ve got the time, and you get results like this, it’s worth it!
i love your green cardi!!!
Cute outfit, and super-cute cardi! Love the moss stitch
(I LOVE the idea of using a vintage brooch to hold it closed! I may have to try that on my recently-finished Hey Teach cardigan 
)
I love the outfit, particularly the cardi. I’m a big fan of top-down raglans – surprisingly flattering, and no seaming!
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