Autumn: Might Not Be A Bad Idea, Part I

You'll notice {maybe, maybe not} I deleted my Lap {Dog} Of Luxury post from last week -- the one wherein I list four things I'd like to be able to one day buy for myself. That's because I'm interested in developing the idea into a small series here, in the cupboard. I want to be faithful to both practicality and the season, and I'd like to use this series to narrow my focus on something attainable and truly smart.

Meanwhile, whenever I add an item to the cupboard, I notice I either continue to lust after it just as strongly as before, or it ceases to have that magical effect. A pretty reliable litmus test, if you ask me. So, the benefits of the series are twofold: I get to dally in a not entirely hand-to-mouth existence by entertaining options within my {current and/or eventual} budget, and I allow myself the opportunity to consider what personal luxuries will really endure the test of time.

Okay, enough yakking.

First up: the driving moccasin. More specifically, the driving moccasin in a punchy, happy-go-lucky color, like autumn sun {appropriate, eh?}.

My feet dig driving moccasins. I know this to be true. Also, this type of shoe is classy, timeless, and a totally practical investment, considering my line of work and the number of hours I spend on my feet during the day. While some might say preppy, I say chic and I say it loudly. A more elegant alternative to my usual choice of autumn/winter footwear -- the cowboy boot -- the moccasin will hold up just as long and become just as much of a personal style trademark.

The {punchy, happy-go-lucky} driving moccasin for autumn? Might not be a bad idea.

{Photo from jcrew.com}

Spot On

This Ali Ro top is everything I'd ever want in a floral silk blouse.


{Photo from Bluefly}

Glossy Research

I'm kicking off this fashion interlude with some bits I've pulled from my style archives. The kind of research that involves my sitting down at eleven o'clock last night, flipping through all the clippings I've collected for outfit inspiration. It's interesting, because, as I studied each page, I knew exactly what I'd loved about it and exactly why I'd saved the look for future reference. And, last night, I found that I still adored the ensembles I'd adored months and years ago!

The following images represent some of my autumn sensibilities. These channel my favorite silhouettes, colors, and patterns, as well as several looks I'm hoping to try come fall. Please note, I do not have a scanner, so the image quality may be below par. Click on each for a clearer sense of what I'm proposing.

{Images 1 - 4 from Lucky Magazine; image 5 from In Style Makeover}

Late Summer

I'm so inspired by this photo from Lucky Magazine's fabulous site. I'm going gaga over that slouchy, drapey jacket and its amethyst color. Also, it helps that the woman has gorgeously tousled hair, doesn't it?

Wearing Layers

Friends, you are wonderful. Your replies are incredibly helpful and encouraging, and have made me realize I'll think about that painting forever if I don't snap it up while I can. A masked reader called The Night Url has mysteriously suggested parental support in the snapping up of the painting ... so, there's that to consider ;)

I am behind on blogging, and I'm feeling it. I get this little twinge of sadness when I don't visit this space every day, and I'd like to remedy that, though it's difficult when all I've been doing is working and I feel a little out-of-sorts, creatively speaking. The slow arrival of fall always makes my mind whirl with fashion-related excitement, and I think I've been feeling a bit reluctant about indulging too much in that aspect, here in the cupboard. I don't want this to become a blog solely about clothes {though there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!}, because that's not how I originally envisioned this space. But, I love clothes! And self-expression through fashion is a huge part of my private life {and my job}! Dear readers, would you mind so terribly much if we veered into that territory for just a little while? I won't get carried away, I promise. We are, after all, nearing the season of new shoes and wardrobe updates, though I'm not so interested in buying and consuming as I am in using what I already have in new and fun ways. Really, I just want to make a little more room for fashion in my cupboard.

I must go -- it's time to get dressed!

Safe-Keeping

Yesterday morning, Mr. Original left for his native California. I miss him. Without his warm, good-smelling arms, I have bought a sweater. I should probably admit that, in my neck of the woods, it's eighty-seven degrees Fahrenheit. I'll not need a sweater for another month or two. Mr. Original will be back on Sunday. But, still. If I must go without his warm, good-smelling arms, I'll do so with a just-in-case sweater.

I'm gearing up to add several more kits to the shop -- each a bit different from the others -- and will post here just before they go live, but probably not until Monday, as I continue searching for the perfect containers {in addition to vintage cigar boxes, vintage candy, cookie, and tea tins are at the top of my list}.

Sweets, Shoes, & Vacuum Cleaners

I have had a week-long sweet tooth.

Mr. Original laughs at me whenever I guiltily mumble something about having eaten another chocolate chocolate-chip cookie. Last night, we had caramel cone ice cream on the carpet {um, I bought it and sort of forced it into our floor date}. Mr. Original took a few spoonfuls and then reclined. I kept going. It's just that there were so many little chocolate chunks that needed to be pried out. Oh, dear.

So, the only thing sitting on my cake stand this weekend is FRUIT. Juicy nectarines, plums in two colors, and a bunch of bananas. That's it. Nothing with butter or cream inside. Nothing involving greasing a pan or preheating the oven. It's time to start thinking about a late summer trip to the swimming hole, and I do not want to feel like a pound cake in my polka-dot bikini.

I worked last evening and I'm working tonight. There appears to be the tiniest of dramas there, completely unrelated to me and of which I want no part. But still, I can sense it, and I'm trying to sidestep whenever it hovers near. Luckily, my shoes are quick and excellent at sidestepping {ah ha, you liked that little insertion of fashion, didn't you?!}. In other news, I think I might've broken the vacuum at work. Shhh. Don't ever tell a soul. I call him Nobles, because that's what's printed across his tubby body. He's a stout little guy, and he usually gets the job done. Last night, though, he just gave out. I accidentally {side}stepped on his hose, for the briefest of seconds {the shoes aren't perfect -- sometimes, they let me down}, and when I plugged him in again and went to fire him up, he wouldn't go on. It's electrical, that much I know. Can you affect the electrical business by stumbling over/onto the hose? I didn't think so, but maybe he took it personally. In any case, Nobles is busted and I fear it's my fault.

Okay, friends, that's all I've got for this Saturday, a half-sandwich after noon. Rest assured, I'll be back.

Double Ruffle

I'm keen on the idea of scoring a skirt like this double ruffle one, and wearing it well into fall and winter with a pair of opaque black tights and stellar Mary Janes.

{Vintage Double Ruffle Skirt from Skinny and Bernie}

SPF 45

I'm not really a beach-going gal, though I'd love to be, if only for sarongs and straw hats, beach bags and pink cheeks. I attribute my lack of beachiness to the fact that I'm incredibly fair-skinned and also, the fact that sand has a tendency to find its way into my bikini bottoms.

I do love rocky beaches, however, like many of those in Maine, and I enjoy searching for things -- bits of bright sea glass, broken china, and heart-shaped stones. Which brings me to this: a tote is essential {even if it's not filled with tanning lotion and glossy magazines} for collecting and carrying. A market-type straw satchel is my favorite and always reminds me of the summers of my childhood, even though we never had a bag quite like {Mom, who did we know who had one? Why do I love them so?}.

from Skinny and Bernie


from Westland

from Moxie Thrift

from Red Beard Vintage

from Kisses From Ana

While I was searching for the above totes, I came across a whole other breed of vintage straw handbags. These are less earthy, and more glamorous, beachy-holiday.

from Dewberry Vintage


from Porchlight Vintage

from Yellow Dog Vintage

from Recycled And Wearable

from Moxie Thrift

from Cut From The Same Cloth

Hanging On Every Word

Inspired by her blog header, I'm sort of itching to begin
a collection of these:

from In With the Old

from Elizabeth Wren Vintage


from Material Excess


from Kitchen Cupboard {a name after my own heart!}


from Peppermint Bark

I'd likely use the hangers for displaying a few prints I haven't gotten around to framing ... maybe even some more vintage postcards. Love notes, tea tags, favorite ribbon. Endless options.

But I'm also really keen on the idea of just letting them be: pounding a nail into the wall, hooking them on, and enjoying the way a good, old, wooden hanger speaks for itself.

Are you beginning any new collections, or have you admired another's collection{s} lately? Tell me about them.

Not For Beginners

Wow. This 1970s Lillie Rubin crocheted dress from Jett Vintage is stunning.

Mediterranean Blue

Isn't this pattern fabulous?


{Vintage High Waist Mini Skirt from Nod to Mod Vintage}

Never Too Late

When I first moved into this cupboard, almost two years ago, I realized I needed to maximize my use of space {because there wasn't much at all} by going vertical. Woven baskets went above kitchen cabinets and hid magazines I couldn't part with, as well as board games and old drafts of short stories. Jewelry was cleverly {if I can say so myself!} displayed as art, hung from pearl-tipped pins inside shadow boxes. Towels and linens were tucked into a covered box with wheels, under the bed.

The one thing, however, that I really wanted to implement, but couldn't find anywhere, were racks like these:

from Vintage Renaissance

I have one in my childhood bedroom, inside the closet door. It's red with some gold detailing, and it always prompts a bit of a Proustian trip back to the years of quilted purses in pastel colors. I searched high and low for a vintage accordion rack, and came up with nothing. I don't think I knew then that Etsy could be depended on for so many goods. Now that I know, I can't help but spread the word.

Making Eyes

I wouldn't even consider wearing a romper ... but, when it's styled as sweetly as this one, I can't help but pause.

Easy Dress-Up

This dress would be great worn with bare feet, just as it's shown. Maybe for hosting a backyard party. No jewelry, except for a bold cocktail ring on an index finger. Hair swept up into a loose knot. Yes, I think that's about perfect.

{Sixties Yellow Paisley Dress found in Anchor Vintages}

Fascinated

A coral ostrich feather fascinator? Yes, please! How fun would it be to wear this on your birthday, while you're out on the town with friends or your hunny? So fun. La Meow Vintage puts together the best little photo shoots to display their vintage clothing and accessories.

One Word

Yes!

Printed Silk Dress by Thakoon found on net-a-porter.

Spade's an Ace, Once Again

I adore Kate Spade's aesthetic. It's cheery and vibrant and very playful, qualities I'm always trying to incorporate into my style. Here are a few sale items that have me smitten:

Art on Heels

I'm really digging this See by Chloe silk minidress,
found on net-a-porter.


Maybe it's because I like the idea of wearing something
that makes me look like a Klimt painting.

Free Dry-Cleaning?

Obsession of the Week:

Floral Silk Blouses

{Please, let's ignore the toothpick legs ... }


{All images courtesy of shopbop.com}