Tag Archives: st johns bay

“We never catch butterflies”

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(my camera battery died in the middle of this shoot, so I only got two photos)

This outfit may look familiar.  That’s because I wore a variation of it just a few weeks ago.  There have been a lot of repeat outfits this summer, and I’m okay with that.  If I had a larger space for storing clothing, I might have a greater variety of outfits.  I have a small closet, and the heat limits what I can wear even more, so there are repeats, and that’s fine.

With blogging, I’ve become a lot more conscious of where items of clothing come from, and I’ve begun to happily notice that a majority of my wardrobe is second-hand and/or handmade.  When I had my shopping ban (as opposed to shopping plan)  I was only allowed to shop at non-second hand/handmade locations once a month.  I got rid of that restriction with the shopping plan, but honestly I still haven’t bought much that was new and mass-produced.  Most of the times when I go to the mall, I end up not finding anything that I really love, even when I’m more than ready and willing to spend money.

All of this fits in with my sustainability focus, because when you buy second-hand, you’re keeping clothes from going to the landfill, and reducing the amount of new clothing that needs to be produced.  When you buy hand-made, you’re supporting small businesses and helping artists to earn a living.  Being green can be a beautiful and stylish thing.

Shirt: St John’s Bay (thrifted)
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Sandals: Clarks Rime (via 6pm)
Scarf: Vera (vintage via garage sale)
Cuff: via Classy Consignment
Earrings: The Peach Tree
Purse: Morelle Charlotte

Quote: Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire, by Jane O’Connor

“A solitary Schwinn, casual on its kickstand”

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After being lazy for a good half of the summer, I finally hopped on my bicycle last week for a trip to the library and the post office.  And I’m so glad I did!  I didn’t realize how much I had missed riding until I felt the wind on my face, the sun on my back, and that supreme satisfaction that comes from getting around town by your own two wheels.  Yes, it’s true that it’s hot and muggy.  Yes, I started sweating like crazy when I got to the library.  But a washcloth and some extra deodorant later, and I was no more sweaty than anyone else dealing with the Florida heat.  Now I’m really, really wanting to try bike commuting.  I’ll have to wake up even earlier than I already do, and I might not be able to do it every day, since I often have to go to meetings on the other side of the county, but I’d love it if I could even work up to bike commuting twice a week.  Riding a bike is just so much more fun than driving a car, and it’s better for the earth too.

I think that riding a bike is better for me psychologically too.  Whenever I drive, I tend to get really stressed out.  I’m often really distracted too (not be cell phones or anything, I just have difficulty paying attention).  I always feel disconnected from my surroundings.  On a bicycle, I can breathe deeply.  If I see something that’s interesting, I can stop and look at it.  I can wave to neighbors and fellow cyclists and feel a sense of community.  I’m also more vulnerable, which can be a bit scary at times, but I always carry pepper spray when I ride, just in case a mean dog (or human) tries to mess with me.

By the way, my bike is a vintage (Chicago) Schwinn Suburban from the 60s or 70s.  I love it.  It still doesn’t have a name yet – I don’t seem to be very good at naming things.

Tank: Soma (thrifted)
Sleeveless shirt: St John’s Bay (thirfted)
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT
Shoes: Keen Barcelona (via eBay)
Cuff: via Classy Consignment
Earrings: Gift from cousin
Purse: Timbuk2

Quote: On The Wings of Heroes, by Richard Peck

“I don’t think I’m abnormally obsessive”

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I think I’ve discovered something about myself – I’m a jersey girl.  Not New Jersey, but jersey fabric.  This outfit of a cotton woven shirt and a linen woven skirt looks great, but it didn’t feel so great.  I had to readjust it through-out the day.  It wrinkled after five minutes of sitting down.  I didn’t have a full range of motion in my arms.  I like the look of woven fabrics when I first put them on, but I’m not so crazy on them after that.

This doesn’t mean that I’m getting rid of all my cotton woven items, I’m just realizing that I’ll probably be focusing more on soft, comfortable jerseys in the future.

Which do you prefer?  Crisp, woven fabrics, or soft, jersey fabrics?

Blouse: St John’s Bay (thrifted)
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Skirt: Lane Bryant (via Revolve, altered)
Sandals: Dansko Novalee (eBay)
Belt: Thrifted
Earrings: Mackie Jewelry

Quote: Me and the Pumpkin Queen, By Marlane Kennedy

“No sense of what was proper”

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Last week, I styled this skirt to look like Joan Holloway.  Today, I went with more of a Peggy Olson look.  I love how vibrant all the colors looked together.  I’m not so sure how I feel about having all black on the bottom half of my body, though.  I think this would have looked amazing with some white pumps.   I know a lot of style advice columns recommend matching shoes to tights to elongate your legs, but to me, it felt just a bit boring.

 Originally, I was going to wear a strand of pearls with this outfit, but that felt just a bit too prim and proper.  Tying the blue scarf in a bow threw an extra color into the mix, while still retaining the vintage flair of the outfit.

Unfortunately, this will probably be the only time I’ll wear this green sleeveless button-down.  I got it while thrifting last week, but it’s a bit too short and the arm holes are a bit tight.  I could fix the arm hole problem, but the length is a bigger concern.  Even though this is my highest-waisted skirt, the blouse kept popping out when I would sit down.  I don’t like garments that I have to constantly fuss with, so this will likely go to the swap pile.  I might hang onto for a bit longer in case I get some true high-waisted skirts.

Do you incorporate vintage stylings into your wardrobe?  How do you make them look modern?

Cardigan: J Crew (via Ebay)
Blouse: St Johns Bay (thrifted)
Scarf: Thrifted
Skirt: Semantiks
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Earrings: Sara Westermark

Quote: The Red Balloon, by A. LaMorisse

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