Wardrobe Diaries: Mod Style, Red White and Blue

Being 4th of July this week, I thought it would only be appropriate to include a red, white and blue outfit. But I must admit, the colour scheme is about as patriotic as this outfit gets. In place of stars we have gingham and in place of stripes we have colour blocking. Before starting this blog, I really had no idea how much I was drawn to vintage inspired clothing. This dress could easily look right at home on one of Warhol's muses at the Silver Factory. If anyone is interested in creating their own Warhol pop art, there's a great photoshop tutorial here.

So what does everyone have planned for this July 4th holiday? We usually go watch the fireworks display on our Army Post. It's always a grand event that's followed by gridlock, honking and the occasional curse word in our attempt to get home. This year since the kids are a little older we're also going to attempt setting off some fireworks of our very own in the street! If it goes well, I think this may be a new tradition for us. Every year around this time, the city is littered with pop-up firework stores. It creates a really fun and festive atmosphere. I love having little traditions for each holiday. It makes each one a little more personal and familiar.

{ thml dress not sold online, also loving this one and this one 60's inspired dresses . pietro alessandro satchel . guess wedges . nail colour forever yummy by essie }

Wardrobe Diaries: The Gingham Tourist

I'm such a sucker for a nice pencil dress (aka wiggle dress) so when I saw this gingham number at Asos, I knew I had to have it. This dress is the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe- sultry, sweet and ladylike. I love the gingham and combined with the midi length and pencil cut conjures up images from the 1950's. I can imagine this dress worn in an old movie where the heroine takes a road trip across America with a set of matching luggage poking out from her cream Cadillac convertible. To modernise the dress, I threw on a cable knit sweater and some chunky gold bracelets.

Speaking of the 1950's, my husband bought me a copy of The Good Wife's Guide circa 1955. It was meant to be a joke, but when I started flipping through, some of the rules I found were quite lovely. I know, I know, being a woman of today means I should shun any form of gender stereotyping and be all for equality and female empowerment. But the more I think about our love affair with all things vintage, I can't help but wonder if this is because life has become so complicated that we yearn for a simpler time? One where men were men and women were women. My favourite rule in the book is: Be happy to see him. So simple yet so easy to forget.

Thank you to the lovely ladies at Invitation to Inspiration for the Blogger Appreciation Award. These ladies are masters at creating posts full of insight and inspiration. Check out my favourite post, Under Audrey's Hat.

{ asos dress . j.crew sweater . kate spade bag similar here . nine west pumps . bracelets by j.crew, dillards, nordstrom, j.good, a necklace by jennifer zuener, gorjana . target circle sunnies . longines watch . nail colour mink muffs by essie }

* * * Last chance to enter my gift card GIVEAWAY, ends Tuesday 10pm EST

Friday's Fancies

Is anyone else as excited about the weekend as I am? It's been a long week, I spent the past few days feeling unwell and curled up on the couch. My girls surprised me by keeping to themselves and only bothering me for food or naptime. But now that the weekend is approaching I'm miraculously feeling better and ready for some lazy days under the sun. TGIF! xx

It's been two months since I first started camo meets couture. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I first started but I'm glad I did. Not only have I come across some amazing stylists and incredible women but the highlight of my blogging experience so far is the friendships forged with fellow bloggers. Thank you to everyone for visiting and leaving all your encouraging comments.

Recycled glass bottles, flowers from the supermarket, there's something about a shabby chic table setting that's so delightful in all it's unpretentiousness.

I pass this little red barn almost everyday, it's especially beautiful in the summertime surrounded by a sea of green. I make sure I slow down whenever I pass by, it's rustic simplicity gets me every time.

I don't know what everyone else thinks, but to me abandoned buildings just beckon to be explored. It's probably full of hobos and druggies but I'm always up for an adventure. Actually this one looks rather lovely with it's retro signage. 

I am absolutely infatuted with Jeni's Splendid Icecream. Every time I go I make sure I try a new flavour alongside my favourite, salty caramel. For those who don't live near a brick and mortar store, great news you can even order online!