Old clothes and fond memories...

Or, reflections on a rainy day.

Cardigan: thrifted, Shirt (old): American Eagle Outfitters, Necklace: self made, Jeans: Levi's, Moccasins: Minnetonka

I've had this pretty floral blouse for about nine years. I remember finding it on a clearance rack at American Eagle when I was a junior in high school and asked my dad to get it for me for Christmas. I wore it frequently back then and one of my favorite memories associated with it is when one of my friends told me the pattern looked like one you'd find on an old sofa. C, if you're reading, do you remember that? We had a good laugh over it and, of course, I took it as a compliment. Since then I've lovingly referred to this shirt as my ''old sofa blouse.'' For the last few years this shirt has spent most of its time folded up in my dresser. It comes out maybe once or twice in the autumn and winter months only to be forgotten about for the better part of the year. I realize that this is quite a shame and I'm resolved to give it the attention it deserves once again. Oddly enough, I only thought to wear it today after seeing one at the Goodwill yesterday. Haha.

Tell me, do you have any favorite old things with fond memories attached to them?

Oh, hi Autumn. You're my favorite.

Today is one of those splendorous days where it feels like two seasons in one: springlike temperatures warming up an autumnal landscape. I love it and opted for a lightly layered golden yellow and brown ensemble - quite perfect for squirreling away the mild weather. I will remember this day fondly when I'm shivering come winter. To round out the joy of this fine Saturday I've had Buddy Holly songs stuck in my head for hours upon hours (Everyday! Oh Boy! Rave On!). Swell!

Cardigan, hat, & necklace: H&M, Dotted Swiss blouse: Old Navy kids
Dress: TJ Maxx, Tights: gift, Moccasins: Minnetonka

Our funny little dog has been enjoying the outdoors today, too! She's taken to chewing on a deflated soccer ball instead of my shoes. Good thing!

Film photos from Berlin, Maryland

One of my favorite outings during my recent beach vacation was to Berlin, Maryland. Quaint and charming, historic downtown Berlin was the perfect place to while away the quiet hours of late morning.

If these snapshots of Main Street look oddly familiar, it's because the Disney adaptation of Tuck Everlasing was filmed there.

My friends and I had a wonderful time strolling through town, stopping in different shops and eating lunch at a local coffee house.

There were so many pleasant sights to be seen and the atmosphere was so relaxing. I took great joy in stopping mid-stride to snap photos of it all! Berlin is a destination I would revisit without hesitation.

Camera: Nikon FM 10
Film: Fujicolor Superia X-tra 400

You and me and that red sweater

Cardigan: thrifted; Shirt, necklace, & rings: H&M

Skirt: vintage, Tights: Hue, Shoes: Aldo

At first it seemed that the headless-Emily outfit shot would be the only one to make it into this post. The reason being that my left eyelid kept getting all droopy while I was taking these photos. Weird, I know. Perhaps it was some sort of crazy side effect from the colder weather? Hmm. Eventually, a photo was snapped with both of my eyelids cooperating. Thanks guys. Let me tell you, it was a goofy time!

Want to know what else is goofy? The song this sweater reminds me of. Back when I was in middle and high school I liked listening to ska-punk. Some of my favorite bands at the time were Save Ferris, Less Than Jake, and The Aquabats. Oh, The Aquabats. They have a large repertoire of very silly songs including the sartorially-titled "Red Sweater." If you're up for a laugh, have a listen!

Haha, sometimes I really like my music less than serious. So much fun. Anywho, this red cardigan is a foray into the world of red clothing. I've had an aversion to the color for awhile, but I'm slowly making nice with it again. I snagged this cardi back in August, but I forgot about it until last week. It spent a few months hanging out in a shopping bag on the backseat of my car. Since it's come inside I haven't wanted to take it off. It's so cozy!

Tell me, is there anything super cozy that you've been living in lately?

On the forest's edge

Here it is November already. Can you believe it?! The world outside has started to turn bleak as is custom for the 11th month. The colors of autumn cling stubbornly to the trees and rattle in the wind. Intermittent snow flakes have been flying for a little over a week now. And here I am dressed to match my surroundings. While this isn't exactly the safest thing to be doing this time of year (what with hunting season creeping up and all), what can I say? I like brown. And other earthy colors. Dark green, anyone?

Sweatshirt: J. Crew, Leaf pin: Gap, Dress: vintage, Belt: thrifted

Sweater tights: TJ Maxx, Boots: L.L. Bean

Back in the early spring (March or April, I think), I snatched up three of the most perfect vintage dresses in one shopping trip at my favorite thrift store. The first was a sweet brown gingham, the second a lovely green & pink floral, and the third, pictured here, a deep green topped with orange and cranberry floral medallions. Oh so perfect for autumn! Can I just gush a little bit over how truly wonderful this dress is? Okay, thanks. The fabric weight is nice and sturdy making it perfectly suited for the colder months. Next up, the length: not too short, not too long, but just right! The full skirt (always fun for twirling) features one pocket. Score! One dress pocket is better than none. Lastly, but definitely not least, comfortable sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. Pretty autumn dress, you're my favorite!

Alright, I think all of that is out of my system now ;)

Wallet-friendly Wednesday

It's been a great while since I've done one of these posts. That being said, today I was inspired to share some recently thrifted items that were largely inspired by a film that's pretty much held my brain hostage for the past few days. Never Let Me Go.

The filmmakers seemed to take great care in creating a film where the visual beauty nearly rivaled the poignancy of the tale being told. While the idyllic scenes of the English countryside can momentarily make you forget the movie's premise, the story is a story of sadness. Through and through. I won't delve into particulars in case you haven't read the book or seen the film yet (both of which I would highly recommend doing). What I will say is that I was overwhelming struck by the film's wardrobe, particularly those of Carey Mulligan and Sally Hawkins, and even more so by the sweaters and knits. I couldn't find many photos, especially of those items I would have liked most to share, but trust me when I say that they were superb.



So, with all of this on my brain, I went thrifting this afternoon certain that I would strike cardigan and pullover sweater gold. Hopefully in utilitarian yet feminine styles, warm earth tones, and preferably vintage. Funny how those things work out, because I did. Well, for the most part. And this being Wallet-friendly Wednesday and all, I didn't break the bank. With tax, I spent $3.97.
Let me show you what I found!




I can't wait to get these beauties washed so I can start wearing them! Three cheers for sweater weather!

Movie poster photo from reelmovienews.com
Movie stills from foxsearchlight.com

Film photos from Ocean City, Maryland Part II

As promised, here is the second batch of film photos from my vacation last month. Now, as much as I express my love for autumn, I wouldn't mind a taste of the warm summer weather in these photos right about now! Just a taste, mind you ;)

On our last full day in Ocean City, we walked the boardwalk again. As people were packed together and scattered about with their varying amusements, I couldn't help but admire a bunch of kites being flown. It was the perfect day for it! I secretly wished I had one, too!

The water as seen from the pier.

We didn't go on any rides, but it was still fun hearing the laughter and cheering of others. The setting sun tried to get in on the fun by glinting prettily through the structures.

These last three were taken the morning of our departure. Unfortunately, the vibrancy of the sunrise was somewhat lost in the digital transfer. The original photos appear closer in color to the photo (from the same morning) shared in this post. While we relished our last few moments of peaceful beach time, a couple of guys headed out to go surfing. I've always admired the toughness and tenacity of those partaking in that sport. At the time, there was a hurricane working its way up the coast, which, I'm assuming provided some good crests.

Camera: Nikon FM 10
Film: Fujicolor Superia X-tra 400