Valentine's Day Outfits

My daughter was not being cooperative again. 

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!  I usually don't dress up for holidays, but I decided to today AND take pictures of our outfits!

This vintage 1960s dress WAS going to go in the shop, but one side of the dress was pretty faded, and I didn't catch that when I purchased it.  I don't usually like hemming vintage, but I'm only 5'2" (on a good day) and dresses that hit right below my knee really shorten my frame. So, I hemmed it a little and now it's mine!  Southern CA has hit the 70s today, so I thought what a perfect day to wear my "new" dress.

I also dressed my kiddos up in Valentine's Day colors since my son had a Valentine's party at his school and my daughter likes pink anyways.  Unfortunately, I have no idea where my kids' clothes are from because they were all gifts.  I rarely buy clothes for the kids because their aunts, uncles, and grandparents shower them with presents and love often.

Hope everyone feels loved today.

My outfit:
Dress- vintage, thrifted
Cardigan- H&M
Booties- thrifted

A Rare Occasion

My vintage Jantzen shades and my vintage bag that my husband decided to crop out.  Oh, and there's a bear in the back.  Hair's pulled back because I didn't shower.  Life of a mother.

I spent this past Saturday morning with my family, visiting the zoo.  That is definitely a rare occasion because every Saturday of mine is spent vintage hunting while my husband watches the kids.  I woke up this past Saturday and set out at the crack of dawn for an estate sale that listed some pictures of vintage clothes.  I've been having bad luck lately with estate sales, so I really tried hard to be early this time and just wait.  It worked!  I was the 4th name on the list and I scored some pretty amazing pieces, which will be hitting the shop next week.

This meant that I was able to return home around 10:30 a.m. and spend the day with my husband and kids.  I forgot how special and necessary these moments are.  Because these family outings are few on weekends, I must remember to capture them on camera whenever I'm able to go out!  

I just love her hands in this picture.  

My son is turning 4 this weekend.  It's amazing how much he has matured and grown this past year.  A few months ago, he would never have voluntarily touched an animal, let alone a hedgehog.  

Love.

I wore my gold vintage shoes, seen here.  Realized it when I saw it in the reflection of this beaver exhibit. 

I had a wonderful time with the family and although I'm sad I am not able to do this every Saturday with them, I feel blessed to still be able to be at home with the kids every day and to have a loving and supportive husband who does not give me a hard time for dumping the kids on him every weekend.  Vintage moms, when do you guys go and vintage hunt and do you take your children?  I've tried that and although thrift stores are doable, I just can't survive estate sales with both kids.  If you are a mom that can haul your children to estate sales, more power to you and any advice would be appreciated!

Summer Uniform

 

This summer in SoCal has been one of the hottest that I can remember.  I recycle about 2-3 of the same outfits every week.  My outfits must keep me somewhat cool and allow me to bend over to play with my kids.  This maxi dress I thrifted is strapless, so it keeps me somewhat cool, but is long, which prevents me from worrying about revealing too much while playing with the little ones. 

 

Also, this picture was taken by my little son.  He likes to take pictures and so I asked him to take one of me.  Not bad, right?

 

Outfit details:

Maxi Dress: thrifted

Coach Purse: thrifted

White strappy sandals: Cathy Jean

 

Anyone have a summer outfit they've worn repeatedly?  I think I may wear this one again tonight.  We're going to a baseball game, but it's still over 80 degrees.  Have a great and cool weekend!

Entirely Thrifted

I've recently fallen in love with saddlebag purses, especially because I noticed all the lead actresses in the korean dramas wearing this particular accessory.  Of course when I flip through my issue of Lucky, they list several options, all of which cost well over couple hundred dollars.

So, this is why I love thrifting.  I found the purse I wanted for insanely cheap and it is mine.  There are 4 little compartments inside, which keep me organized!  I never have to be afraid of anything falling out when I bend over to pick up my baby or anything she dropped.  It is practical, stylish, and I am delighted with my find.  May I add, my entire outfit is thrifted and mommy friendly, which is an added bonus. 

Paisley Print Dress: thrifted

Vintage Belt: thrifted

Vintage 1970s Blue Flats: thrifted

Black vintage saddlebag purse: thrifted

Thrifting allows me to have the little "splurges" on myself without feeling guilty. I don't know about the other moms out there, but ever since I've had kids, I rarely spend any money on buying clothing for myself and if I do, I feel bad. I really started thrifting about 3 years ago, after I stopped teaching, and it's been really fun and I think my style has evolved for the better. I mean it when I say I really do love thrifting and love that it's part of my "job." 

Anyone else have some great thrift scores as of late? Would love to hear about them!

What I Wore on Valentine's Day

As many of you know, going out on Valentine's Day is insane and takes much effort, patience, and cash.  Instead, the hubs and I spent an evening at home where he made me dinner and brought me beautiful roses. I wanted to be a bit festive, but not decked out in all red or pink since we were just eating dinner at home.  So, I just wore the following and I must say, I really do like all the colors and I always receive compliments on the bow belt, which is from Simply Audrey here.

I didn't wear the shoes inside the house, but I wore them out shopping.  I have to say they're my favorite thrifted pair to date. 

vintage 70s pink mohair sweater- thrifted

white t-shirt underneath- h&m

vintage 80s blue pencil skirt- thrifted

steve madden strappy platform sandals- thrifted!

bow belt- Simply Audrey

And here are the gorgeous flowers and meal from my husband.  I must say, I felt very loved!

How was everyone else's valentine's?  Did you go out or stay in?

A Quick Mommy Outfit

I realize that all my outfits are "quick" or "last minute."  The truth is they are.  I literally browse my closet for a minute and lately, I just have one requirement for my everyday outfits:

1) It must be breastfeeding friendly

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to maneuver your shirt or dress to provide a sufficient meal for a fussy baby.  I love this flowy top from Simply Audrey because it has buttons- a breastfeeding mom's friend. 

I threw this outfit on when my husband and I were going to meet (with the kids) for an impromptu lunch date, but then he backed out due to work piling up.  I kept it on at home though because I realize I feel better if I brush my hair and don't wear my pajamas at home.  Also, who says moms can't wear heels?  I'm 5'2" on a good day, so I need all the help I can get.  I get the occasional, "You're a mom and you wear those shoes?"  I've earned every right to wear whichever shoes I want, thank you very much.

Outfit details:

cropped blazer- Forever 21 for $15

navy blue flowy top on sale!- Simply Audrey

grey jeans- thrifted

grey booties- can't remember

Also, the winner of the giveaway is Melody! Congrats! 

I will be contacting you shortly!  Thanks everyone and you can enter my $30 giveaway over at VixenVintage's blog here, and stay tuned for another giveaway on this blog in the next couple of days!

A Little Shop Makeover Update

This week's shop update shows some of the makeovers coming to the shop - more natural lighting and modeling the clothing myself. It's a whole lotta me, and it's quite nervewracking. But, I've actually been enjoying it and it forces me to do my hair and makeup so I don't completely look like a slob when my husband comes home.

2 more pieces of news. First, I'm offering FREE advertising on the blog for the month of January.  Click here for more information about what a sponsorship entails.  If interested, contact me on the contact form above, or comment here on the blog.

Also, only 38 more sales until I reach 900, which means the next 38 sales will be receiving 15-20% discounts off their purchase. Sale ends once I reach 900 so don't miss out!

adorable 1960s red velvet dress. perfect for valentines day!

1950s peach chantilly lace designer dress.

had to share this one of a kind 1950s dress, again. it's amazing!

Beautiful 1960s ivory lace wedding dress with matching jacket.

lovely pointelle wool sweater dress for winter.

LOVE this mad men 1960s dress. reminds me of something peggy would wear.

1970s ankle boots. size 8 or 8.5.

left: 1980s black plaid boyfriend blazer right: 1960s daisies embroidered cardigan

left: 1980s white boucle cowl neck sweater right: 1970s black sequin flowy top

left: 1970s blue wrap midi skirt right: 1940s pink linen midi skirt (love both of these)

Quick Thinking

If you haven't noticed across Twitter, Instagram, and whatever networking site there is, Southern California has been having gorgeous near 80 degree weather for the past couple of weeks.  So, silly old me thought I'd wear this dress from Simply Audrey with my favorite summer platforms from Blowfish Shoes and go thrifting at this hip little place while my husband stayed home with the napping kiddos. 

I had a great thrifting experience and finally found some dark jeans that fit!  As I walked to my car to finish the rest of my errands, post office and Costco, I realized how cold it had gotten in an hour.  I had not brought a jacket or a sweater, and the thought of entering Costco's frozen section in my little dress gave me more of the chills.  So, I sat in the car in Costco's parking lot and not so discreetly put on my just purchased skinny jeans and it saved my a**.  Literally. I just tucked my dress in and made it a blouse. So, thank you thrifting, once again, for a lovely and cheap purchase.  Now I have two outfits in one! 

Which outfit do you like more- the dress used as a dress or as a blouse?

Happiest Place on Earth

My apologies for being MIA from the blog and from the shop for almost a week.  I think returning back to work and running on 4-5 hours of broken sleep per night for a month wore me down badly and I have needed this past week to recover physically.  Posting of some fabulous vintage dresses and accessories will commence again late tonight, so please stop by the shop, especially because there is a SALE occurring to celebrate the end of September!

Anyhow, our family lives less than 2 miles from Disneyland, so we got the cheapest annual pass.  Last week was Jessie's first time at Disneyland, and she did very well.  Here are some pictures from the happiest place on earth, albeit some crappy ones.  I had no idea for a while why my pictures were coming out with bright spots, but then I realized that my son played with the lens of the camera and there were some spots on it that just needed a good wiping.  Oops. 

1. So glad I finally fit in my 50s vintage dress!

2. I love the ergo carrier!

3. My son cracks me up. What a ham.

This shot melts my heart!

This shot best describes what I've been feeling like.  Out of it, not focused, but having a good time.

(See the bright spot I'm talking about?  Thank you son for your greasy fingers.)

I'll be back.

Semi- Outfit Post

1940s dress: estate sale

1940s black platforms: flea market

This is a semi-outfit post because I have not actually worn this dress, yet.  Ever since I began modeling for the shop, I keep coming across items that are hard to let go.  This dress fits me like a glove, and not many dresses do with my post-baby, breastfeeding body.  Although I have not worn this dress out yet, I may just ask my husband to take me out somewhere just so I can have a reason to wear it.  You can find the dress here.

Also, the shop is having a little sale for 48 hours, so take a look!

Growth and Loss

So, my bangs finally are starting to GROW out, and I've lost much of the baby weight! Still have 7 more pounds to get to pre-first baby weight, and 4 more to get to pre-Jessie weight.  I'm going to start Insanity soon, hopefully, if the kids don't kill me first. Ha. I kid. I love them.

The outfit is nothing special, but just a bit of what I wear everyday as a mom of 2.  I'd like to turn this blog into an adventures of a stay-at-home with an online business type of blog.  So, if that doesn't suit your fancy, you should stop reading this blog. (Thanks to those who do read this blog, btw!  I really appreciate it!)

Top: Michael Kors (for $10 at an outlet)

Shorts: H&M

Sandals: 70s Vintage, thrifted

I'm also going to start modeling a few items on Etsy.  It'll be a part of the "new" look for the shop, and people seem to prefer items shown on actual people.  Be warned, I'm 5'2" and nowhere near a model.  Anyhow, you can find this dress here.

First Night Away

This past weekend, my husband and I attended a wedding of some good friends of ours from church.  It was the first time we left Jessie for a long period of time, and I have to say, my heart ached leaving her.  But, as you can tell by the picture, we ended up having a good time.  Jessie did not, but thank goodness she can't remember.

I received many compliments on the dress, which I purchased online from Lulu's.  I searched for a vintage dress, but my body just wasn't ready yet to fit into those 1950s dresses I adore.  This dress had a relaxed fit on the bust and waist, which worked perfectly.   

And yes, my husband is apparently a happy drunk, and yes, that is him showing his nipples. Good times.

Mom and Son Fun Day

As my due date approaches, I become a little more sad for my son.  I know it's silly, but I love him very much and it makes me sad to think he will have to share the spotlight.  Of course adding a family member is a joyous occasion, but to a 2 year old, it may not be.  I know he will be fine and an amazing big brother, but the times he and I get to spend just the two of us are ending very soon, so I want to take him out, even though I look like the whale suspended from the ceiling of the aquarium. 

Here are a few pictures of some of our favorite moments at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

The only picture we took together came out blurry. I'm wearing a vintage 1970s peasant top that will go in the shop after I give birth.  It's really cute! Oh, and Heidi Klum maternity skinny jeans, Forever 21 purple cardigan, vintage moccasins (thrifted), and vintage bag (deargolden vintage).

His fish face.

So excited to touch the little sharks and sting rays!

Jonah puts his hand in his mouth if something makes him nervous.  I think the big whale caused this behavior.

Of course he's excited over Nemo.

Thanks for reading!