Thursday, July 30, 2009

Finds & Inspirations

I've been inspired by so many things lately. As always, I've been watching quite a few old movies (Pillow Talk, Rear Window, etc.). But beyond that I've noticed that the clothes that I gravitate towards in thrift and vintage stores have changed slightly. Recently I've wanted to wear skirts and filmy blouses, light colors, floral patterns and 1930's and 40's silhouettes. That's not to say its all that I've been wearing, but I've felt my style shifting a bit...and I think this is because of all of the lovely blogs that I read on a daily basis.

For example, the other day I found myself flipping through a book of floral taxonomy at the library where I work and appreciating the 'What Genus Are You?' inspiration posts over at The Snail and the Cyclops. Or when I found the 80's jacket below that, when I tried it on, evoked a 40's shape with strong shoulders and a nipped waist, and the 40's inspired heels I thought of Jill over at Letters from the Home-Front. So thank you ladies for all of your lovely posts, I appreciate them ever so much!



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Oh...and one more piece of vintage luggage:)




Okay, as if this isn't long enough already, I just wanted to also feature my new flat oxfords. I've been really interested in the masculine/feminine mix in fashion lately and have concentrated this interest in shoes. While wondering around a church thrift store that I visit about once a month, I happened upon a pair of Oleg Cassini men's shoes yesterday. Now this is exciting for two reasons. First of all, he was a famous designer whom Jackie Kennedy chose to be her white house couturier. Second, he dated Grace Kelly in the 50's and I'd just read about their relationship in that biography that I can't stop writing about:) The shoes are perfect, the leather is supple, the shape is narrow enough for my feet, and due to a lack of laces, I threaded red ribbon through the holes adding a little feminine touch to them.

Well, I only set out to take a few shots, but couldn't help but overdo it, so here's the outfit that I wore with the shoes today in all its masculine/feminine glory!

(Please click on any of the photos if you wish to enlarge them:)










Shirt: Thrifted from Savers
Shoes: Thrifted Oleg Cassinis
Bag: Thrifted
Jewelry: Gifts
Shorts: F21

25 comments:

  1. Oh, Kelley Anne, where to begin??? First of all, thank you sooo much for the compliment. Not only do I love your blog and look forward to your lovely ensemble photos, which I find inspiring as well, but I've really really appreciated the time you've taken to comment on my blog posts. Thank you very very much.

    Now, let's get to the goods. I too am a HUGE fan of the masculine-feminine balance, so I am loving your recent finds. This has become a big reason why I adore 1940s fashion (and your fab new shoes). However, I've got moments where I lean more towards delicate, soft colours and flowery patterns, or more towards the 50s "new look" style, too, so I agree with you about Grace Kelly being amazing and the delicate mid-30s looks being lovely (and they look oh so fantastic on you!).

    Anyway...this post is turning into a novel, so I'll stop rambling....but thanks again. Oh, and GREAT handbag.

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  2. I really like the way you displayed your garments in the first few photos. They looked almost etherial. I also like the red shoelaces- they add such whimsy to your already adorable shoes.

    Thanks doll,
    The Glamorous Housewife

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  3. Such pretty vintage finds and outfit. I love your new oxfords, the red ribbon laces are great! I'm off to look at your blog inspirations... ♥

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  4. Those shoes are amazing! What a great find.

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  5. What deeply lovely pieces, I adore pale hues and soft fabrics too, especially during the blistering summer months.

    You looks awesome, sweetie, those shoes are so fantastically wonderful!

    Have a gorgeous Friday,
    ♥ Jessica

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  6. What a lovely collection of vintage clothing. I love how delicate they look.

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  7. ah you make me wanna go thrifted again!! xD
    btw i loveeeeeeeeeeeee your shoes. the red just pop! xD

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  8. I love the shoes, those laces are so fun! I've actually been wanting to watch Rear Window, still haven't seen it.

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  9. beautiful...I really like the blouse in the second photo...you put your outfits together so perfect

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  10. Wow, you look totally stunning! I'm in love with those oxfords! ANd such lovely finds as well! Especially the dress<3

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  11. The second blouse is sweet. I love your shoes :)

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  12. Oh I have both those movies on DVD, I love them. I love Grace's bracelet in Rear Window and Doris is so stylish.

    Well done on the shoes, totally love the 2nd blouse and the dress after it.

    My fav pic's are the second and third last. Too cute :)

    xxx

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  13. Brilliant finds! I love the collar on that dress and well, I love everything with poladots so I love your jacket too. And you really did a great job with that outfit you're wearing, it looks great. I really want to steal your shoes and handbag by the way...

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  14. the red ribbon is sweet, i just saw somewhere (good god i cant remember if i see something in a magaine or online these days) a spread with a girl wearing be-ribboned spectators and it looked adorable! as do you ;)
    happy weekend! xo s

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  15. the red laces are great!

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  16. Wow, love your shoes and bag!! And that vintage luggage is amazing!! So beautiful!
    clothedmuch.blogspot.com

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  17. Fun outfit and I love those shoes!!

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  18. That is such a feminine outfit, I can see the retro inspiration right away: the wavy hair, the blouse, the shorts. And the red ribbon through the oxford's?? Genius!! And that thrifted black handbag deserves a blog entry all to it's gorgeous self. I'm loving the style!

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  19. these are great outfit shots - the shoes are absolutely lovely with your feminine style!

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  20. That dress is beyond pretty... I can only imagine how excited for it you must be! Love the suitcase too :)

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  21. I love your shoes so much. The red laces are fabulous! The dress is also lovely! Looking at your other posts since I've been away your outfits are always so lovely and I love the picture of your cat and dog in a previous post! :)

    ~Kirsty

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  22. Darling, I love that jumping shot! The shoes couldn't be more adorable and the outfit is a dream! The vintage collection is incredible!

    xo
    Sophie

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  23. wow did those shoes come with red laces? they're wonderful!!! and so is the dress you got!

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  24. You look wonderful! (love the shoes!)

    And yes, you definitely should check out 'MAD MEN'.. it's quite the drama series.

    <3 Gina

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I'd love to hear your thoughts!