Vintage Style

Why do I live vintage style? Because women back in the 40's, 50's, and 60's knew how to dress sexy without showing a bunch of skin. They looked put together, stylish, fashionable, and my oh my were the dresses and shoes to die for.  Much of my work wardrobe consists of this kind of style.  Cute, full dresses in large prints, pencil skirts, cigarette pants; you name it, I have it if it's vintage-inspired.  My mother in law is an expert seamstress and is constantly trying out vintage patterns on me.  Her next project? A vintage inspired pin-up style high waisted bathing suit especially designed for moi. I'm a lucky girl! It will be just as it is in the photo below but with white accents on navy. Sailor inspired colours, if you will.

I am constantly scouring the shops to find anything vintage inspired. And as luck would have it, vintage is so in this season. You'll see it in handbags, clothing, shoes, and accessories. Everywhere I turn I am seeing vintage. This is so great and I'll tell you some of the reasons. First of all, now we can look as glamorous as our grandmothers. Second of all, I don't have to look at your thong hanging out of your pants. The low, low, low, jeans are finally leaving the fashion world to be replaced by more flattering rises. You know what is also great about this type of vintage inspired fashion? Big hats. The wider the better. And I have a few of these. They are great for the beach, or you can go all British on me and where a hat to a wedding. I did last summer with a dress made from a vogue pattern from 1954. Here it is here from the front...

And here is that same dress from the back

Oh and here are some wonderful shoes that went with that outfit...

As you can see mine are the t-straps on the right. Anyway, back to my point. Vintage fashion is great. There is definitely something to be said about looking ladylike. Pastels, sky-high heals, dresses, it's all great. And before you get all PC on me about the term lady-like, hear me out! Women of those decades knew how to dress without looking trashy. They looked sexy without looking slutty. So if there is something un-PC about looking like that then oh well! As I was watching The Help, I couldn't help but fall in love with all of the beautiful dresses on the screen.  I wanted every single one! So although we have come so far in this century concerning rights and equality, there are times when I wish only our fashion sense would take a trip back in time.

See, it really is a wonderful life!

Sorry I've been a bad blogger this month, but it's been busy around our house.  There are three birthdays in this month for our family so lots of singing, cake, and gifts have been passed around and mailed. Two of those birthdays are dog birthdays, one of those is our dog, Ryder. This year was a big year for him, he is out of the terrible two's...he turned three.  So in light of this hopeful change in his chewing habits (my couch to be exact) I made him a birthday cake, seen here:















It was super easy, and healthy for animals and possibly for humans too. He loved it, and we sang happy birthday like the goofy people we are while the dogs stared at us like we were nuts....maybe we are. Regardless, it was a good time had by all, mutt's included. Next year I'm thinking birthday hats are a must.

But all these pup-parties reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family.  I have a wonderful husband who spoils me rotten (much to the chagrin of my father who happily passed me off to him, happy to be rid of the thing that put a dent in his wallet daily)and two amazing pups that are the most loving, affectionate dogs you could ask for, despite the few bad habits (my german shepherd, Midnight ate butter that I had left on the counter last week. It had been months since she did something bad, so I'm assuming she was keeping us on our toes; not letting us get too comfortable). Oh and yes, I have wonderful parents and brothers who would do anything for me at the drop of a hat. Yes I am spoiled and I know it (think of me singing that to the tune of "sexy and I know it"...not dancing around in the spandex animal print) and thats okay with me. I may not have the perfect job, the cleanest house, and the most well behaved mutts but all that doesn't matter when you have such a wonderful life. Everyday I look forward to coming home from work, being showered with love by my dogs. Everyday my husband comes home and me and the dogs shower him with love too. Sometimes, when hubby and I are slowdancing around the living room with dogs poking us and jumping on us wanting some love too, I feel like I'm in this amazing movie that is never going to end. You know, a romcom movie, but just the ending where everyone is undoubtedly the happiest they will ever be. That is my life. And I thank God for it on a daily basis.

Nosy Neighbours

Why do people insist on being nosy? My husband and I live in a townhouse complex and it seems that our neighbours thrive on nosiness. Why? Who knows. Bored and fed up with their own lives I suspect but I would prefer if they left me, and my life, out of it.  I have a friend that recently moved in to our townhouse complex and of course she is their topic of conversation. My neighbours are actually pathetic and I'm not exaggerating. Our so called "strata president" doesn't even know the rules of pets in her own complex.  You see, she gave my friend the evil eye and made a comment about her dog not being on a leash.  The dog was minding its own business, listening, and being attentive to it's owner.  Our strata rule is actually dogs must be in control of the owner at all times OR on a leash.  Her dog is 13 years old....it is definitely in control and listens to it's owner.  So my question is why is it this lady's business to criticize others when she herself doesn't know the rules?

Another way my strata neighbours are pathetic.  We had a new sign made up for our complex.  Not too hard to put the sign up.  Really it's a one person job but could be made into a two with one person holding the sign and one to screw it on.  So here comes my husband walking in with a can of paint, his lunch box, and still in his uniform, just getting off a long day at work.  What does our strata president do? Stops him and asks him if he can stay to help....there were FOUR people there already.  Finally, our ex strata president tells him he can go home, they really didn't need him. Keep in mind this ex strata president quit BECAUSE all of my neighbours are nuts.

But here is the best part of everything.  My neighbour next door to me, attached to the left side of my house (I am on the end and have no one on the right) is the nuttiest of them all.  No one wants to be near her.  My husband says she keeps her vehicle in the closet....her broom.  She has called the police on us so many times for pointless reasons that they won't even come anymore. When they did come they would simply tell us to carry on.  We do renos, she calls the cops, we brush our teeth too loud, she calls the cops....you get the picture.

The whole point of this was just to say....please, mind your own business.  Quit staring out your window at me while I walk into my house, walk my dog, go for runs, walk over to my friends.  It's none of your business. Oh and please...get a life.

Thanks,and again, in true gossip girl style,

xoxo