Simple Summer Layers

Cardigan: Target, Dress: J.Crew, Necklace: vintage shop, Sandals: Seychelles

I made a trip out to the J.Crew factory outlet one day last week to exchange an item I received for my birthday. Said item was no longer available in the size that I needed, so I put the credit toward this lovely cotton-linen blend dress. It was on sale, too. J.Crew, that's how I like to shop you: at the outlet and/or on sale. Speaking of sales, I got the deal of the day year today at the nearby J.Crew retail store, but more on that another time!

I kept the styling simple for this frock's first outing. I knew that my trusty white cardi would be perfect with it (along with a layering tank for modesty). Let's just ignore the fact that it was 80 some odd degrees out today. I tend to wear cardigans when it's humid out, too. I can't help it! Hehe, anyway. I thought about switching the chain on this I-don't-know-if-it's-scrimshaw-or-celluloid necklace, but decided that I rather like it as is. And not to put a rush on things, but I've already thought of a few ways to style this dress for Autumn. Exciting stuff ;)

Trash to Treasure

Well, I created this silly little blog feature a year ago, did a post or two and then forgot about it. Tonight I have decided to bring it back even though a handful of previous posts highlighting thrift and flea market finds have essentially been in the same vein. I have a few ideas for upcoming Trash to Treasure posts, but this one will focus on my dad's barn. The interior, to be exact, and all the randomness housed under its roof. Apart from tools and chickens, there is much to be found in the barn. And I'm not talking just hay and spiders. The lofts are stacked high with old chairs, the shelves are lined with old signs, bottles and oil cans among other things. Every time I go in there my eyes focus on something that I had over-looked last time and then I cannot help but laugh inwardly about our pack-rat tendencies. I can attest to the fact that certain things seldom, if ever, get used, but then there are those times when something stashed away in the barn is just what you need for a project or for repairs.

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

Resplendent respite

A ten day respite from blogging wasn't necessarily intentional, but without realizing it I found it most welcome. Even now my Google Reader is growing with unread posts and while I want to swing by your blogs and comment (and say hello to new readers), I've been telling myself to breathe and step back. Or at least to find more of a balance. I'm still here, just in a more delayed form.

The past ten days have passed much like most days do around here. In my free time I've been reading and enjoying the company of visiting family (most notably my sister and an out-of-town auntie). Heck, I've even been bumping into family in unexpected places, for example: an uncle at the Salvation Army and another auntie and some cousins outside of a big box store. My grandmother and I have been watching baseball, as usual, along with our other favorite television programming (Antiques Roadshow and American Pickers). I'm content and happy in these moments. Tell me, how have you been?

June has been rather funny weather-wise this year. One day it's so hot and humid you can't think straight and the next you're bundled up in tights and a cardigan. But, really, that's just weather in the Northeast for you. Today I've been enjoying the sound of raindrops pit-patting on leaves and marveling at the mysterious roar of thunder.

Cardigan: thrifted, Shirt: Pull & Bear/gift from Raquel
Jeans: Levi's, Shoes: H&M

Happy little frock

I happened upon this dress during a random Etsy perusal a few days prior to my birthday. I couldn't escape its lure - it was calling my name and staring me down through the vast sea of heyisellvintagestuff pixels. A dress is a tricky thing to buy without trying on first, but I put faith in this little frock and hoped for the best. And I really, really hoped as I couldn't quite believe my luck in finding such a dress. I mean, a nice & small floral print in one of my favorite color combinations, good sleeve length, and scalloped detail - how often does that happen? I wish I could give a high-five to whoever dreamed this dress up! After receiving it (it arrived on my birthday, no less!), I couldn't be happier with the way it fits. My only gripe is that I can't decide if the length makes my legs look stumpy, but that could be because I chose to wear flat sandals with it.

Vintage dress: Etsy, Sunglasses: Aldo, Belt: thrifted
Bracelets: borrowed from Mumsie, Sandals: Seychelles

P.S. I finished reading O Pioneers! by Willa Cather last night. I had to put it down for a few days (with only a few pages left to go) because I was so distraught at the thought of it coming to an end. Sigh. I wanted to fill my summer with a variety of books and authors, but I feel the urge now to delve into Cather's other works. I plan on starting The Song of the Lark tomorrow and am most eager to read My Ántonia after that. I've heard such wonderful things about it. After having such a preoccupation with frontier life (and the like) for nearly as long as I can remember it's a wonder I've waited this long to read the works of Willa Cather.

Peonies, a puppy and an old key

I'm convinced one of the best things about June is the arrival of peonies. Maybe it's the best thing; watching their buds slowly open and noting the few overeager petals peeking through before the rest of the bloom is ready. Then... hello blossom! Everyone is happy to see them: humans, bumblebees and butterflies alike.

There was only a short window to be out enjoying the sunshine today. The pup and I ventured out through intermittent rain showers to play and laze around the yard. She and I are good friends, but she had a bad case of missing my brother today. The poor thing gets so sad when he's not at home. She's sly, though, and knows how to work a tummy rub out of me. And I can't resist petting those soft, velvety ears.

It was also a good day for a quick little D.I.Y. session. I have a small collection of old desk and skeleton keys and decided to put one of the neglected rusty ones to good use. All I needed was some emery cloth from the hardware store and velvet ribbon from the craft store and a new necklace was born. Oddly enough, all of my old keys seem to end up as necklaces. Is that too much of a good thing? Nah!

Corduroy in June (and grandmother approved)

Shirt: Target, Necklace: self-made, Skirt: thrifted
Belt: gift from Erin, Shoes: H&M

Sometimes I have a hard time separating certain textiles from certain seasons. Somehow it feels odd to be wearing corduroy (albeit a fine wale) in late spring (especially since we've already had an early & unpleasant taste of hot humid summer - ugh), but this skirt's fabric weight was quite perfect for this past Saturday. It was warm, but not too warm and the air quality wasn't oppressive. My grandmother even mentioned how much she liked my skirt and remarked how the slightly-above-the-knee length was always her favorite. She spent her twenties in the mid-to-late '40s and early '50s, so having her tell me she likes my stuff is always a treat. Everything was so nicely made and impeccably tailored back then that one looked good without even trying. I'm sure that ladies of that era didn't always feel that way, though, but I digress.

P.S. I'm reallyyyy excited for the new Bon Iver album that comes out two weeks from today! I've been listening to the Blood Bank EP and the newly released tune ''Calgary'' nonstop for the last few days. Can't wait!

Floral ephemera

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