Photo by Josh
I would like this to go down as the day I got a big pink Christmas tree, and Captain America waved at me.
In case you haven't noticed, I'm very attached to "things". It's taken me a while to realize that as it may be superficial, things make me happy. Of course it's not the only thing that make me happy, there are those cliche moments that I love the most, but honestly I love pretty things, and surround myself with them.
Lately I've been simplifying. To de-clutter, and make some extra cash, especially this time of year.
I pull out all my clothes, look at each piece, and decide if I need it. Some stay, there are those that I know I will keep forever like the skirt I was wearing when Sam proposed to me, and some I know I'll eventually have to let go of. Then there are those that are on their way to be sold.
Today I did it again. Only this time I meant to be rock solid, and really get rid of things. That dress I've only ever worn once? Yeah, someone else will wear it all the time. Those skirts you've grown out of? Time to let go.
Then I got to a robe. My beautiful navy blue wool robe, with a silk polka dot hood. I'ts a little too small. I'm usually too warm to wear it inside. But I remember spotting it at the shop, hidden on the back of a pillar, and my heart skipped a beat. And I asked to see it almost in a panic, as if someone would grab it before I could. And how perfect it was.
And then like a little girl, I started crying. I hate crying. I'd rather eat a worm than have anyone see me cry. Actually I'd feel sorry for the worm. How about oilves? Gross.
And then I realized that my clothes aren't just things. To other people they are, but to me, they're my lifes work. Iv'e spent years accumulating all my clothes, and wearing them, and taking proper care of them. They are me. I didn't just walk into a vintage store one day and buy an entire wardrobe, these all come from different places, and different times of my life. And I remember buying them, and the excitement and thrill of finding that one of a kind, special piece. Wearing each one, and gosh what was I thinking paring that with those shoes, and when I wear this dress everyone calls me Snow White.
I think anyone who has a collection of any kind can understand. It's practically impossible to let go, because this is at it's core, your life. I'm sure it would be different if I had children, but for now my wardrobe is what I've created, something I'm very proud of, and something I have a terrible time letting go of. I get offended when people want to buy my things without them being offered because I think "I spent years of constant searching and building to have what I have, you expect me to just hand a part of it over?"
So here I am, surrounded by piles and racks of beautiful clothes, with a pile to let go of. I know you guys will give them good homes, much better than in a box under the bed. But I'm still attached to the robe. Maybe next time. Maybe never. I have lots of clothes I don't wear anymore that I can't even begin to think of selling. Perhaps one day I'll wear them again, or hopefully one of my little cousins will want to wear them.
Either way, I like my pretties. They're as much a part of my life as anything.
Oh hi, yeah, this is just my coat.
My awesome coat.
I got it at the antique expo last month, and while I searched it inside out five times, the Christian Dior tag seems to be missing. If anyone finds it laying around, let me know.
I wore it Saturday when Sam and I did a little shopping and sushi-ing on NW 23rd. We stopped by Goorin Brothers and I blushed a little when everyone in the store went gaga over it. But then we went to the M.A.C. store and I actually did buy blush, so it all worked out.
{I asked the makeup artist for blush, and she said "this one will make you look like you just stepped in from the cold. Or like Snow White.}
How did she know that's exactly what I wanted?
It's called "Pink Swoon" in case you're wondering.
I even met a blog reader on the street, she was nice enough to say hello and chat for a moment! To be honest, it never really hits me that more people read my blog than my mom and friends until someone I don't know says something in person.
I am oblivious.
But oblivious in a fabulous coat.
Coat-Antique expo
Beret-Thrifted
Shoes-Chie Mihara
Gloves-Estate Sale
Purse-Michael Kors
And the winner of the My Week With Marilyn book and poster giveaway is...........
Rachel B. of Untouchable Treasure!
Email me at solanahraquel[at]gmail.com for details :)
Apologies to non-U.S. entrants, I forgot to ask the company if international entries were eligible and unfortunately they are not for this particular giveaway. There will be more fun items up for grabs in the future though!
Thank you everyone for entering!
Have fun seeing My Week With Marilyn!
Photo courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
The much anticipated film My Week With Marilyn opens in the U.S. next week, and you can bet I'll see it at least once! So you can imagine my squeals when I was contacted in hopes of hosting a giveaway in celebration!
The movie, set in 1956, stars Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe, and reading the cast list I'm excited to see some of my favorite actors also in the film, such as Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Emma Watson, and Dominic Cooper. Eeep!
So, The Weinstein Company has offered up a "My Week With Marilyn" book, and a movie poster. Lucky you!
All you need to do to enter is comment in this post, only one entry per person please. U.S. residents eligible for the drawing, sorry international readers! The winner will be chosen at random Sunday night. Good luck!
All images courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
My favorite (and only) knee high boots. When searching for these all I could find were lace up boots with zippers on the side. Drives me crazy. Both aesthetically and because I walk with my legs so close together the zipper gets caught and I trip all over the place.
Why have lace up boots if I don't get to lace them? That's half the fun!
And now that the cooler weather has hit, nothing is warmer than knee high boots, warm socks, soft sweater, and a wool skirt. Ok, tights would probably be warmer, but it's not that cold.
Boots-Urban Eccentric Vintage
Socks-Handmade by me.
Another shop my closet post! Only this time, you can shop my mothers closet, who has some pretty beautiful items for you :)
All items are sold as is, I have not attempted to mend any flaws or wash any stains. All flaws are described as best I can, but if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at solanahraquel [at] gmail.com. There is one item from my own collection, a black 40s princess coat. Also, thank you Twila Jean for letting me borrow your model and set! Happy shopping!
1950s Watercolor rose dress $80 
A beautiful silk watercolor dress from the 1950s, it has a criss-cross bodice and sash like waistline. Three quarter length sleeves, and even a small petticoat built in. Dress is shown with a separate petticoat underneath, which is not included. The only flaw is a small area of thread separation on the right shoulder. Not prominent. Small, non invasive marks may be on the dress, but the watercolor print is so busy, I could not detect any that were immediately visible. Bust-34 Waist-24 Bodice-15 Skirt-26
Sold
Late 1940s black wool princess coat $250
This coat is from my own collection, dating from the late 40s, it's a very "New look" coat. Made from very soft black wool, it has two pockets, a fur collar, lined in black silk, shoulder pads, and even has a little padding at the hips (yes, women used to pad their hips, not try to hide them, imagine that!)
The coat is missing a button, in the photo below you can see the way it's meant to be closed, and in the photo above, the way I always just wore it. There is only one pin sized moth hole in the side skirt, not visible unless held up to light. Some of the lining has been stitched in an obvious way (not by me, I swear!), but surprisingly there's no major holes, and no stains. Bust-38 Waist-30 Length-48.5 Shoulders-16.5 Sleeves-21.5
Sold
1950s blue watercolor dress $80
Another beautiful watercolor dress, this one a "Mode O' Day"! Aqua flowers print the silk, with a gathered waist, and bow and the front, and two bows at the back. A small mark on the front bodice, and a few light stains on the skirt, as shown, but they get lost in the print. Shown with a petticoat, not included. Bust-34 Waist-25 Bodice-19 Skirt-24
1950s black fringe wiggle dress $40
A flirty little wiggle dress! Black rayon makes up this mid century classic, with a beautifully draped cowl neck trimmed in fringe. You'll have to do a little wiggle now and then ;) Fully lined, very very light wear under the arms, not prominent. Bust-36 Waist-25 Hips-38 Bodice-16 Skirt-22
Sold
1950s iridescent party dress $80
This dress is THE holiday dress of all holiday dresses. Iridescent silk shows off vibrant blues and purples, and sometimes in the right light, a little pink. The shelf bust is framed with an extended collar, and the nipped waist is accented with a matching belt. A small petticoat is built in, shown with separate petticoats, not included. The front has some stains, the largest at the hem, as well as some smaller ones not pictured. Also some pin holes on the bust, as shown in the photo below. Bust-36 Waist-26 Bodice-16 Skirt-30
1960s black wool skirt $20
A cute little skirt for cooler days, basic black wool, with pretty floral trim at the base. Fully lined, excellent condition. Waist-26 Hips-37 Length-21
1950s/60s red cocktail dress $40
A perfect little red dress, of floral printed brocade, from the 1950s or 60s. Above elbow sleeves and a semi-gathered waist are delicate details on a devilish dress. There is a stain on the back hem, as shown below, as well as a rather messy repair on the sleeve seam (not by me!). Can be easily repaired on a machine. Bust-34 Waist-25 Hips-40 Bodice-15.5 Skirt-23.5
Sold
