What's Up?

Blouse - Vintage Havana, Altar'd State (Made in USA)

Skirt - Vintage, Goodwill

Sandals - Gianni Bini, Dillard's

Bracelet - Vintage, Great Aunt's

So what's been going on in my life since I last posted six months ago? Well, we had the usually holiday hub bub, followed by the first of the year, be a better person push. I'm drinking more water and eating more vegetables, and I've started running. Another resolution I have stuck with was one that started out somewhat unintentionally, purchasing only secondhand clothing. I didn't specifically resolve to avoid new clothing, it just kind of happened. I was throughly disgusted by the clothing factory fire and collapse in Bangladesh and even more disgusted with American retailers response (or lack of one). I read the book "Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion" by Elizabeth Cline. There were just several things that added up to me saying, "You know what? I don't need new clothes." I've learned by now that I can satisfy my sartorial desires in a way that lessen my impact on the planet and on other people. I've keep my second hand only policy all year, until Saturday. 

My parents were up and my mom and I were killing time at the mall. Since I'm not buying new that limits shopping options to Sephora and William Sonoma. The men folk weren't back from Cabela's so we decided to check out Altar'd State. I knew it was a Christian based store, but I didn't know what their angle was, modesty or more along the social justice line. Well, the shorty shorts in the window told me that it probably wasn't the first. We began browsing and after a while found a piece made in the USA. Intrigued, we searched further and before long I had a handful of US made clothing to try on. 

I ended up buying three new pieces. Now, I don't know for certain the conditions of the factories in which the pieces were made, but at least by being US made hopefully they are following minimum wage as well as health and safety regulations (not to mention building regulations). 

For now, I'll mostly stick to secondhand (still best for the environment regardless of where the new clothing is manufactured), but its good to know that when I'm craving something new there might be some slightly better alternatives out there.

Arkansas Women Bloggers Ornament Swap

In an uncharacteristic spurt of participation I signed up for the Arkansas Women Blogger's Ornament Swap.  I received the name of a lovely Arkansas blogger and my name was sent to another lovely blogger.  It was all hush hush until today, reveal day. 

Last week, I received the ornament that was made for me as well as a extra present.  I received an ornament made by Rebekah of Oh Beloved.  In keeping with the theme of her blog, she sent me a lovely paper ornament, incorporating a bible verse, a reminder of the true meaning of this holiday season. 

She also send along a surprise gift.  A copy of her book.

Please head over to Rebekah's blog to check out what ornament she received.  You can also visit the Arkansas Women Bloggers' site to see all the ornaments that were exchanged.

P.S. If you want to see the ornament I made, check out Karen's blog, Ting's Mom.

arch+craft giveaway

The lovely Kim of The Made Thing is hosting an giveaway on her blog.  The prize?  One of our arch+craft necklaces!  So head over there and enter!

Bright Friday Sale

Long time readers of my blog will know that despite my architecture background, and architects' penchant for black, I can't get behind Black Friday. But I can get behind Bright Friday!

Unusual Form Vintage is having a Bright Friday Sale running today through Friday, November 30. Take 25% off you entire purchase by using the code: BRIGHTFRIDAY25.  Happy shopping!

arch+craft

Lately I've been alluding to an exciting new project.  Well today is the day for the big reveal.  In the last few months, my friend Rachel and I have been working on a new jewelry and home decor line. We launched our Etsy site today. We also just got notification that we will be participating in this year's The Little Craft Show.  Everything is happening in fast forward.  Check out our first products below and let me know what you think. 

Blah to Blogworthy

What can I say? This nice Fall weather has reinvigorated me.  Expect to see more posting from my neck of the woods. In the coming weeks, I'm also hoping to share an exciting new project that I'm working on.  Stayed tuned for that, but for today I present to you a Blah to Blogworthy that is kind of blue.

Outfit 1 - Blah

This outfit is not terrible, but once again, "not terrible" shouldn't be my goal.  I think the general shape and balance of the outfit is flattering, but the too-close color of the cardigan and trouser jeans make for a weird onesie look.

  

Outfit 2 - Blogworthy

I simply switched out the trouser jeans for a wooly red pencil skirt. The contrasting color of the skirt helps all the items in the outfit to stand out on their own accord. The tripartite color scheme strikes a slightly nautical note without be over the top.  Overall, I think the outfit is sharp and professional with the pop that the above outfit lacks.

Yellow Blazer - 3 Ways

Colored jeans were all the rage last fall.  I even covered how to style them earlier this year.  This fall the fun has moved from jeans on up the body to blazers.  A yellow (or teal or purple) blazer may seem intimidating at first, but I promise, it's not.  Think of colored blazers as the even more professional version of the colored cardigan that you are probably already wearing to work.  Below I've styled my new mustard blazer three ways for your viewing pleasure.

Yellow Blazer + Gray Tee + Leather Pencil Skirt + Fringe Booties = Edgy Professional

Yellow Blazer + Printed Tank + Skinny Jeans + Black Booties =  Quirky Casual

Yellow Blazer + Vintage-y Dress + Neutral Belt + Neutral Flats = Fresh Professional

Shop Feature Saturday

I'm going to start a new feature called "Shop Feature Friday"  (today's just didn't happen until Saturday).  Each week I'll feature one item from my shop Unusual Form Vintage.  It will be a fun way to let you know what's in the shop and to show you how it looks on a real person and how it can be styled.

First up is this darling 1950s day dress.  I love the varied plaid print in navy, one of my favorite colors.  It looks especially cute with red accessories.  I would guess that it was originally meant as an "around the house dress", but what a 50s housewife wore to clean house, now makes a perfectly cute date night look.  The dress is a little shapeless on its own, so you'll definitely want to belt this one.

The dress can be found here in my shop.  It's currently $27.00, but this weekend only you can get it and all other items in the shop for 20% by using code: welcome20.  So head on over and check out all my vintage goodies.

In & Out - Denim Jackets

In: Vintage Denim Shirt (Thrifted)

What's not to love about this jacket?  It's vintage.  It's thrifted.  It was a few bucks.  It's already worn in and has pleather patches.  Front and back.  I can just imagine this being my go-to weekend topper for chilly fall days.  On a side note, this is totally the outfit I would wear if I went glamping (red wedges and all).

Out: Gap Denim Jacket (Thrifted)

I have had this denim jacket for over a year and have never worn it.  It's pretty standard denim jacket fare and the fit is a little weird.  Oddly cropped/wide in the shoulders.  Plus, I have a similar, but darker version of this jacket that I wear more frequently.  Seeing this photo with the ones above definitely makes this jacket seem kind of blah.  

Welcome Sale!

To jump start Unusual Form Vintage on Etsy, I'm having an exclusive sale for Unusual Form readers.  You can take 20% off your purchase now through the end of this month.  Use coupon code: welcome20.  Happy shopping!