Sunday Brunch with Jenny

After Christmas, my favorite New Orleans boutique, Trashy Diva, extended their 50% off the clearance rack sale. Since Santa had not brought me enough vintage reproduction clothing, I couldn't resist. I had my eye on the Lillian Dragon dress, but had to pick up a few more things on the sale rack. One that took me by suprise was the Jenny in military green. 

Dress: Trashy Diva "Jenny" in long sleeve

Hat: Ducks in a Row, sold on UniqueVintage.com 

I usually pick out clothing with bright colors and whimsical patterns, so this one went unoticed during my last visit to TD. However, when I tried it on, I instantly loved its understated, simple elegance. The fit is very flattering and the knit fabric is extremely comfortable. I think it goes perfectly with my new hat from UniqueVintage.com. It's from a brand called Ducks in a Row, who have many more adorable hats on their website.   

I originally was planning on wearing the hat with a black dress, but I think the deep military green compliments it much better.

A special guest appearance by my neighbor's cat, Rosie, who has decided she is our cat now (I guess our cat food tastes better). She is checking out my vintage purse that once belonged to my grandmother.

 Two seconds before Rosie bolted. She hates being picked up. 

A Golden Valentine's Day

This year, Mike and I celebrated our eighth Valentine's Day together. I have to say he is the best Valentine ever. He's never failed to bring me a beautiful gift, roses, candy, and take me out to dinner. He says he's not romantic, but what else can you call a man who has dinner reservations booked at your favorite restaurant before you even ask?

This year we had a candlelit dinner at a small,quaint place in Biloxi called Jazeppi's. Though I usually will wear red or pink on Valentine's Day (cliche, I know), this year I was dying to wear my new "Monica" dress from Pinup Couture. I ordered it last summer during a sale in July and haven't had an occasion to wear it until now.

Dress: Pinup Couture 

Shoes: Nine West

Pearls: Mikimoto

It is patterned after a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe and is available in a variety of colors. I was tempted to buy it in red, but already have a few red dresses so I opted for gold. I slipped on the dress and instantly felt like a Hollywood starlet. Though fitted, it is not tight and surprisingly comfortable. One of the best parts is that shape wear is built into the dress. This is definitely becoming one of my all-time favorite dresses and I'm considering wearing it when Mike and I chaperon the prom coming up soon!  
   

Remember Madonna's Marilyn phase? They both rocked the Ava style, too! 

Mike looked so cute, I had to take his picture too. 

This is how he feels about photo shoots!

New York, New York

Michael and I attended "Toast to the Coast," a fundraiser for the school where I graduated from high school. This year's theme was "New York, New York" and featured all the iconic elements from one of my favorite U.S. cities.   

It was the perfect time to wear a dress I picked up in the historic town of Bay St. Louis, MS. While there for a Second Saturday Art Walk, I came across a shop called "Identity Vintage." The owner and I instantly bonded, as we were both wearing cat-eye glasses. I picked up a beautiful champagne-colored dress and a pair of maroon gloves. (The shop has all kinds of accessories, too, from purses to pins and scarves). I am once again wearing a fur that belonged to my great-grandmother (her monogrammed initials are on the interior lining!)   Identity Vintage has great prices and a great selection of all things vintage, from clothing and accessories to knick knacks. 

Dress and gloves: Identity Vintage

Pearls and other jewelry: Gift from Michael

Shoes: Nine West

 

                             

A Pinup Couture Christmas

Ahhh, school is out and I'm through teaching until next year. With my two weeks off, I've found plenty of time to relax, eat, paint, eat, write, shop online, and eat again. The holidays have been great and I've been enjoying all the UPS deliveries from Modcloth and Pinup Couture (isn't it great to buy gifts for yourself and get exactly what you want?)

Me, ordering on the computer: "Mike, you just bought me 3 pairs of Deadly Dames capri pants and a Modcloth skirt for Christmas."

Mike: "Sounds good to me."

  Cecily: "And now a Hell Bunny dress, too." 

It has become an after-Christmas tradition among the women from my husband's family to get together for an a ladies-only lunch and "Dirty Santa"ornament exchange. This year it was held at the Beau Rivage Casino, which everyone on the Coast knows is the most beautifully decorated place around during the holidays (and they have a shoe boutique, too!)

Dress: Pinup Couture "Birdie" Dress in Cobalt

Shoes: Payless 

Necklace: Swarovsi (thanks to a Dillard's gift card!) 

I won the mistletoe ornament in the Dirty Santa exchange. Just another excuse to smooch Mike when I get home. 

I have been scoping this at the Dillards jewelry counter for a year (ever since I opted to get the Dooney and Bourke purse with my gift card instead last year). 

Gingerbread village of the Bellagio hotels. 

Tender is the Night

Back in May, I order a beautiful flapper dress from Blue Velvet Vintage. Though I don't mind dressing a little costumey on a regular basis, I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear it. The weekend before Halloween, Mile and I attended "Gatsby on the Gulf" at the Beau Rivage Resort. The 1920s-themed fundraiser was inspired by the Great Gatsby and the Art Deco period.

Mike tried on a few gangster-style costumes at a Halloween store, but they all seemed very poor quality. Instead, we put together a look with a new black shirt, suspenders, vest, tie, and of course-- a fedora. I love this era in men's clothing and would love to see it return.

I am regularly a 1950's-style girl and it was fun to experiment with the Roaring 20's style. It was such a great for women in America. They were expressing their new-found freedom by cropping their hair and dropping and relaxing the waistlines of their dresses. I think the look fit my artistic sensibilities and I would wear this dress anywhere, costume party or not. The fur stole belonged to my great-grandmother who would have purchased it in the 1920s. I would love to find more casual style clothing from this period to wear ona daily basis.

Dress: Blue Velvet Vintage

Shoes: Nine West

Accessories: Amazon.com

Mike's clothing: Belk and Dillards