Wednesday, September 15, 2010

consume more than you need, this is a dream

9-15
song of the day: 'mountains o' things' by tracy chapman (good song)
these were the second set of photos i took of this outfit. the first ones were HORRIBLE. my face had zero color in it and my hair was frightening. so you can just imagine what those looked like if i'm showing you these. sorry, i'm going through an ugly phase. i do that every once in a while. i don't like it.
now on to something nicer. i was checking out archives blog yesterday, and she mentioned that she likes to wear at least one vintage thing in every outfit, even if it's just a piece of jewelry. so that got me thinking about my own outfits. i've noticed that almost every single thing i wear is either vintage or thrifted. when i do put on the odd outfit that has all new stuff, i don't quite feel like myself. strange. just a year ago that wouldn't have been the case. now, all three of us in our little family wear used clothing. it wasn't a conscious decision, nor was it an abrupt one. just kind of a shift in focus. realizing that you don't have to buy new to look good or stylish. plus, it's just a whole heck of a lot cheaper. and truly, i like it this way. so many people come into my shop and talk about how they strive to dress differently and love that i carry stuff in the store that you don't see anywhere else. that is the biggest compliment to me. i like being different.
i even rarely buy a new gift that wasn't handmade. that was my goal last christmas. everyone loved what they got from me and i was able to help out some etsy sellers. it was a win/win.
i don't know how many of you are familiar with dottie angel and her 'challenge of the utmost kind,' but the jist of it is that she challenged herself to buy only handcrafted or second hand things for herself and her house for one year. i've been reluctant to join her in this only because i know the minute i do, i'll want a thousand new things and there goes my integrity! but what a cool challenge for yourself. and what an impact it could have too. i don't know, could definitely be interesting. but if you want to find out more about it, head over to the dottie angel blog. she's super funny and has beautiful photos.
9-15
9-15
9-15-1
details:
tank-from years ago
skirt-vintage, thrifted
shoes-jessica simpson (what???), thrifted
bag-vintage 'balenciaga' (still not so sure), ebay

10 comments:

Amanda said...

Ugh, I had the same problem with photos yesterday. The first time I took them, the lighting was horrible and I pretty much just blanked in front of the camera. Definitely didn't work it. But you look gorgeous lady, so I don't know what "ugly phase" you're talking about!

Anonymous said...

Cute skirt. I'm really inspired by tea-length dresses and skirts right now. And I'm very impressed that you found some Jessica Simpson flats at a thrift store. They are absolute perfection!

Melanie@UnravelledThreads

Ana said...

I think you look great but I know the feeling. That's why I ended up posting a photo with no head yesterday.

That skirt is amazing! I envy your collection!

Madilyn Peiper said...

I'm going through an ugly phase at the moment as well so I feel your pain. I love those shoes! and I cannot believe they're jessica simpson!

Rosie said...

Great skirt lady! I love the plaid print!

KristiMcMurry said...

I think you look great! I love that skirt on you, especially with the little belt.

Kimberellie said...

You look so lovely here. I adore this skirt, the length, the pattern, the way it is belted: perfection!

Oh, and as far as I can tell you are not going through an ugly stage. But I know what you mean. I felt that way the other day. And then later when I reviewed the photos I was like: "What?! I look fine!" So it was all in my head (it usually is). So it's all in yours. Because my eyes are telling me you are as smokin' as always.

Kimberellie

G said...

Adorable skirt! Lovin the outfit.
Hope you like my jumpsuit post too :)

-Gayle from www.gayleisvolatile.blogspot.com

archives vintage said...

thanks for the shout out!

i loved hearing your thoughts regarding sponsorships....couldn't agree more. actually, its funny...ModCloth is the reason i even found this whole fashion blogging thing. i bought a few things from them and saw some bloggers featured on their website and a whole new world was opened to me.

anywho...

DUDE. i, too, have been thinking about aborting all "new" shopping and going thift/secondhand only, but i also feel like HOLY CRAP i'm gonna want everything new the second i tell myself i cant. perhaps thats even more reason to do it? :/

have you posted pictures of your shop before and i missed it somehow?? if not, i would LOVE to see what it looks like! glad you've inspired people to be more creative with what they wear!

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

I love the skirt and shoes