The Fiercest Lilliputian

The Cape

2012-02-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned to you all in a previous post that while I was on my honey moon I got many a vintage treasure from The Loved One in Pasadena. Here are some of them:

I adore this cape! I've always wanted a full length cape with a hood, and this is just so perfect. I was afraid that the weather wouldn't be cold enough for me to wear it, but since our cold snap here in Tennessee I've gotten to wear some great winter things.

50's dress the loved one

sweater gift/anthropologie

vintage cape the loved one

thigh high socks american apparel

shoes nine west

This cape is another one of those things I'm not sure of the era. It's felt and lined, but no label so I assume it's hand made. Once again if any of you have suggestions throw them my way!

xo,

Inspiration: Ralph Lauren Fall 2012

2012-02-19T07:28:00.001-08:00

I recently saw Ralph Lauren's line for the fall and just completely fell in love. Inspired by Downton Abbey, who couldn't love this amazing line! Here are some of my favorite looks:

I'm just adoring all the tweed, jackets, adorable hats, and amazing shoes. Ahhh. Here's a few evening looks I loved:

source

I know everybody is just longing for spring now, but I still wouldn't mind living in the chilly weather and wearing some of these amazing items.

xo,

Valentine's Day Outfit

2012-02-15T06:24:00.002-08:00

My husband and I (it's still so crazy to say that!) had our first married Valentine's Day yesterday. We had a splendid time filled with tasty foods, lovely wine, and romantic company. It was a delightful first Valentine's Day.

40's dress the loved one

shoes anthropologie/also the shoes i wore on my wedding day
fully fashioned stockings vintage

I've really been trying to get better at telling exactly what decade a garment is from. I know a lot of basics and can generally tell, but when it comes to late 40's/early 50's I can sometimes be stumped.

What are some good tips you all use to determine exactly what era a piece is from?

xo,

Valentine's Day Instagrams

2012-02-14T18:59:00.003-08:00

The lovely flowers my husband gave to me.

The super sweet card my hubby gave me. He's too adorable.

Stockings to choose from while getting ready this evening.

Shoes and part of the dress.

Stockings.

Wonderful husband.

There's a few snap shots of what my Valentine's Day has been made up of. I promise you some outfit photos of what I wore later on.

I hope you all had a fantastic day!

xo,

Feeling Quite Edwardian

2012-02-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

Hello Darlings! I'm sorry it's been so long since you've heard a peep from my neck of the woods. I'm back now, and I hope to keep up a better schedule with blogging.

I wore this outfit yesterday to go furniture shopping, and it was a tad inspired by my watching Downton Abbey. Tyler and I both have fallen in loveee with that show. So. Good.

I was so afraid winter had decided to skip Tennessee, but it's come back with a vengeance. There were several pieces I was dissapointed I wouldn't get to wear, one of them being this beautiful 40's riding coat, so I'm delighted I get the chance, even if the temperatures are below freezing.

40's riding jacket the loved one
skirt american apparel
scarf trip to italy
thigh high socks american apparel
blouse thrifted
gloves vintage/estate sale
shoes nine west

We have our wedding photos back now, but I'm wanting to do a little template change with the blog so that everything looks a tad better before I show them to you all. I'm so excited for you all to see them!!

xo,

We're Back!

2012-01-30T21:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies!

I'm officially back from my honeymoon and nesting in Nashville with my new hubby. I'm sad to say at the moment I don't have any wedding photos to show you, it will probably be a little while before they're ready, but here is an outfit post from last week.

I wore this outfit last week when we visited Pasadena and went to The Loved One, which was incredible, but I'll show you more pictures of it and my finds there later. The whole honey moon was amazing. We loved being in California and had so many adventures.

skirt american apparel

blouse american apparel

vest j crew

shoes anthropologie/gift

necklace vintage/wedding gift from my love

bakelite bangles vintage/wonders on woodland

hat vintage/antique mall

We're both just so happy to be back home now. I can't wait to share everything with you all!

xo,

Mrs. Litton

Becoming A Mrs.

2012-01-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I walk down an aisle and become Mrs. Litton. As you can imagine I have a million things running through my mind. I'm so incredibly excited and so nervous. The name change has been especially on my mind. I've realized I'm done writing Emma Robertson. I won't sign my name that way any more; I'll be Emma Litton. How strange and exciting. It's the blending of two families and creating a whole new one with Tyler and I.

I'm so very thrilled to be embarking on this new journey, and I'm excited to share my stories with all you lovely people.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow as we start our journey into a new chapter of our lives.

xo,

Body Image

2012-01-17T21:04:00.000-08:00

Body image has been on my mind lately. A lot of it is because I'm getting married this Saturday and what bride doesn't think about how she is going to look or how she will be perceived? However, I think we as women often think about body image far too much. I recently read this article: The vintage girl – a new feminist? and it really got me thinking about the way we think about our bodies in today's culture.

I know that being healthy is important. I work out and try to eat healthy, but lately I've realized that what our culture is often times telling us is that that's not enough. I need to be a certain size and weigh a certain amount. I came to grips today that that is not important. I read this article and just starting thinking about how wonderful I felt while staying healthy, and began wondering why I still felt the need to try to shrink my body down to a smaller and smaller size? There's no reason for me to. I'm staying healthy and that is what is important.

We are bombarded constantly with images that we are "supposed" to look like. As an example, I love Pinterest, but I've become slightly disturbed by some of the things girls have put on there. Such as:

Under these images are words like: "Wow, what a motivation". That disturbs me. Before I go on I will say I have been just as guilty of looking at pictures and thinking "This is a great motivation" I'll look at this and think "I need to work harder", but then I started thinking how twisted that really was. I'm going to sit and look at a picture of a very thin woman and think "I need to be that". Some woman are totally beautiful and slender and other women are beautiful and curvy, and we are all shaped differently. No matter how hard I try I will never have slender ankles and legs. I will never have a tiny booty AND that's ok. I need to embrace my body and be a healthy me.

This just happened to be a small wake up call for me. On my wedding day I may not be 100 pounds and be what our culture today deems perfect, but I will be perfectly happy with my body just as it is, and who I am.

I encourage all of you to always be yourself. Dress how you want, be healthy, but don't obsess about a weight or the way you're "supposed" to look, it's not worth it. You're supposed to look like you. Nobody else.

xo,

Dressed For Tea Time

2012-01-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

Today my grandmother, mom, and sisters took me out for a little bridal tea and luncheon. We went to a sweet old house that the tea room was in and drank out of lovely tea cups. It was so wonderful. They also got me an amazing nightgown worthy of somebody like Carol Lombard. We then stopped by and picked up a cute cake topper and a few other little odds and ends for the wedding. This is what I wore:

I'm sorry my photo quality has been slipping lately. My parents house is really difficult to take well lighted photos in, and Tyler is not always the photographer...which makes them suffer a tad.

sweater vintage/hip zipper
skirt vintage/hip zipper
tights target
shoes nine west
scarf vintage/borrowed from my sis sarah

Today is one week away from the wedding. I'm so excited and nervous (in a good way) that I'm starting to have a little trouble sleeping. Any suggestions from all you lovely married ladies as I'm going through this pre-wedding/wedding time?

xo,

My new favorite thing

2012-01-10T17:51:00.000-08:00

My apologies on being so absent of late (really for the last month or so) my wedding is now about 10 days away, and there's so much to be done blogging falls by the wayside a tish. Any who, I wanted to stop by and share one of my favorite Christmas gifts I received and it has quickly become one of my favorite things I use on a daily basis.

Say hello to the lovely Mason Pearson brush. I had been wanting one for a while and was happily surprised to receive one for Christmas! I admit I was a little doubtful it was really such a great brush (especially for the price) but it is amazing. It makes my hair so smooth and shiny, and it untangles without hurting, which is quite a feat with my very thick and curly locks. Altogether, the most amazing brush I have used. Do any of you have a Mason Pearson or prefer any other brush to it?

xo,

Ringing in a new year

2011-12-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

It's been an amazing year here; so many changes and achievements. I started this blog, which ended up being a wonderful adventure, and I'm so excited for this up coming year to keep exploring what I want it to be. I got engaged!! And have been planning and looking forward to my wedding which will now be happening in about 20 days. I also graduated college. THANK GOODNESS that is done with. The point is that 2011 will always have a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to see what 2012 will bring.

This evening we went out and started our New Years celebration by eating at out favorite Indian restaurant. Yummm. I think later we're going to play a bunch of board games and perhaps watch some old movies.

sweater gift

pants vintage/the hip zipper

shoes gift/etsy

fur vintage/estate sale

I hope all of you have a fantastic New Years Eve and a wonderful year to come!

xo,

Some Belated Blogging

2011-12-28T21:42:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas I tried to do a little faux bang. It's kinda sloppy but I think I'll try again and make it a little more smooth. These pictures were taken even before Christmas while I was visiting Tyler's family. I had a completely delightful time visiting family and a fabulous Christmas. Tyler and I both got lots of goodies for ourselves and for our new apartment.

sweater blouse target/ages ago

skirt vintage/the hip zipper

red hankie/my dads

shoes gift/anthropologie

We've almost got the entire apartment unpacked and organized, which is so very nice. We've been rushing around trying to do wedding things, and in fact I'll be in the wedding of my dear friend Rachael not this weekend but next. So many exciting things! My wedding band came in today! I just want to go ahead and wear it as it's the most lovely thing, but I'll have to wait.

xo,

What's Up Butter Cup

2011-12-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

I've been roaming around lately and thought I'd give you all a little update on what's been going on. I'm in Alabama currently with Tyler's family celebrating an early Christmas. It's been so wonderful to feel like I have two families now, and we've had a splendid time Christmas shopping, and the ladies at Tyler's church threw us such a lovely wedding shower yesterday. We are so lucky to have so many people willing to love on us at this exciting time in our lives.

This is Ty and I at the shower:

We're going to be here until Wednesday morning then we'll head back to Nashville. We have so much unpacking to do, we really need to get on top of that. Also, the wedding planning is coming along. We pretty much have all the big things out of the way (thank goodness it's 33 days until we get married!) and now we're just tweaking everything. I'm so excited for you all to see my wedding dress soon! I know...I'm such a girl.

I wanted to say thank you to all my lovely followers, I'm so excited to be approaching 300! You all make blogging so much fun. I love making new friends and seeing who else is out there in the blogosphere.

xo,

A College Graduate

2011-12-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

I'm writing today from Nashville, Tennessee. My new home. On Saturday Tyler and I both graduated from college! It was such a weird-bitter-sweet-freeing thing. I will be getting married in a little over a month and starting another chapter of life here searching for jobs (Tyler already has one) and nesting in our new apartment. Looking back 4 1/2 years ago this time never seemed like it would come, and here it is all ready for us.

This is what I wore on graduation. With the lovely addition of a pearl necklace and earrings my parents gifted me.

dress vintage/hip zipper

fully fashioned stockings vintage/hip zipper

shoes thrifted

pearls gift

Sadly, Tyler and I are sick right now so we we won't be running around enjoying our new found college graduated freedom quite yet. Just lounging around sniffling. But, here's to graduating!

xo,

Mountain Man

2011-12-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

I have recently discovered the band Mountain Man and this song has been running through my mind.

What's some of your favorite music at the moment?

xo,

Green

2011-12-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

Today is a good day. I had my exit interview and now I'm pretty much done. I have to show up to school the next two days and that's about it. I can really focus on packing and looking forward to Nashville. I also have another reason to be excited about moving to Nashville. Quincy of Q's Daydream Vintage will be living super close! I can't wait to do some hanging out with that girl.

coat anthropologie

pants vintage/hip zipper

shoes steve madden

xo,

Changes

2011-12-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

I've been writing recently about all the changes that are coming up in my life. I don't mean to tire you all out with talking about it, it's just what my mind is focusing on. A week from today I (along with Ty and my entire family) will be moving all my things into our new apartment in Nashville, and Tyler and I can finally begin nesting. In six days I will be a college graduate. I'm beyond excited. To add to all these large changes, I made a smaller personal change. I tried on my wedding dress yesterday and I felt like something needed to be a little different. I just looked all creamy from head to toe. I've been thinking of doing this for a while, and this confirmed it needed to be done. So, I dyed my hair.

I really like it so far, and I think it'll be the pop my wedding attire needed.

skirt vintage/hip zipper

blouse american apparel

sweater vintage/hip zipper

tights target

shoes anthroplogie

I'm also really happy because these shoes have been away for a while being mended and I finally have them back! Expect to see a lot of them on here.

I hope all you lovelies are having a wonderful weekend!

xo,

Wish List

2011-11-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

As Christmas time draws near I start to think of what I'd be hoping for underneath the tree. (Also it's snowing here and making me think of it as well.)

Pretty Undies:

Anything from The Loved One's lingerie line. I especially love these tap shorts. Just divine.

Victorian Era:

(here)

Victorian items. Lately I have become really entranced with clothing and styling from that era.

Pretty Frocks:

(here)

Pretty vintage clothing is always acceptable. These pieces are especially affordable (wink wink)

Bakelite:

(here)

Bakelite is always a welcome gift at any time.

What are some things you are wishing for?

xo,

Sneak Peek

2011-11-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek of our engagement photo shoot!

This is the lovely lady who took our photos: Sarah Taylor

Once again there has been so much going on. I got sick recently and that really messed up my schedule and whatnot. Tyler and I are headed down to Mobile tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving with his family, and then as soon as we get back we have to start boxing up the apartment and get ready to move. After Thanksgiving break I will have just under 2 weeks of school left (thank goodness!). In exciting apartment news we have a bed for the apartment and I'm just so excited to have it start filling with furniture! Ok, so that's my little update.

xo,

Whew

2011-11-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

I have been gone for a bit, and I'm sorry for that. I've been adjusting to my new student teaching placement, and trying to get wedding stuff done. Tyler and I got our engagement photos taken today! I should be able to post a little sneak peek on here tomorrow or the next day. Eek, I'm so excited! Everything is starting to seem so real and almost here, I just can't wait. We booked our honey moon today as well. We're officially going to California to L.A!! He lived there for a semester and I visited him and we both loved it so much. It'll be a fantastic honey moon, we're already planning all the things we want to do while we're there.

I already said this in my last post, but everything is going by so quickly. I'm so excited for so many things, mainly getting married and moving to Nashville, I just can't wait to get the ball really rolling. ALSO, it's 27 days until I graduate. Sooo crazy. Any way, forgive me if things are a little sparse on the blog for the next little bit, I will try to keep up with blogging it just may be a little sporadic.

I hope all you lovelies had a fantastic weekend!

xo,

Seasons

2011-11-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day at my first placement in student teaching. I spent 10 weeks at the school and now I'm going to go to a different one for the last 5 weeks of school. It's got me thinking a lot about the future. I loved the kids at my first placement so much, and it was horribly sad to leave them. They left me adorable notes on the dry erase board and gave me little gifts. I teared up as I walked down the hall for the last time. Now that one large part of my last semester is done it has me thinking about the very near future, graduating and getting married.

I feel like time has gone by so quickly. I'm starting to get all sentimental over graduating and starting a new life. A new stage of life. I always tell myself I love change, but there's something bitter sweet about leaving one season of life for another. Don't get me wrong I'm so excited to get married and graduate, but it will be a little sad to leave this season behind.

coat gift/anthropologie

shirt american apparel

skirt american apparel

tights target

shoes steve madden

xo,

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

At the school I'm student teaching at all the teachers surprised the students and dressed up in costumes for Halloween. The students loved it and it was so fun to dress up. I was...dun dun dun LUCILLE BALL from I Love Lucy!

I chose Lucy not only because I have red hair (and plus I love Lucille Ball) but also because I didn't want spend anything (poor college student and all that) and I had everything at home to do this costume. I was afraid at first that none of the kids would have ever seen I Love Lucy or even know who Lucille Ball was, but I was pleasantly surprised that pretty much all the kids recognized who I was.

dress vintage 50's

petticoat vintage 50's

slip vintage 50's

apron vintage 50's

shoes gift

Did you dress up for Halloween?

xo,

Coat Weather

2011-10-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

It's such wonderful weather here in Tennessee! I'm loving wearing my coats and being chilled when I walk in the door after coming back from school.

I'm in. love. with this coat. I had lusted over it several times at Anthropologie, but it was far out of my price range (somewhere near $300) but the other day I happened to step into Anthropologie and they were having a huge coat sale and it was $50! Needless to say I snatched it up.

And here is what I'm wearing underneath the coat:

coat anthropologie

dress anthropologie/gift

blouse thrifted

tights target

shoes nine west

xo,

Red and Pumpkin

2011-10-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

It's been changing it's mind all over the place weather wise here in Tennessee. One moment it's in the 50's the next it's 80 again. Tomorrow ushers in another time of 50 degree weather, which I'm quite looking forward to.

I think these tights are just the perfect fall color. I had seen a couple other bloggers wear them and just had to pop on over to target and pick myself up a pair.

blouse thrifted

vest vintage/the hip zipper

skirt vintage/the hip zipper

tights target

shoes naturalizer

xo,

Make Up Tutorial: With A Fall Twist

2011-10-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

Here is my first make up tutorial! This is how I do my every day make up, except the lip stick is darker than usual in celebration of the autumn season.

Products I used:

Prep and Prime by MAC

Pro Longwear foundation by MAC

Select Sheer Pressed Powder by MAC

Brow Shaper in Soft Brown by Clinique

Orb eye shadow in a satin finish by MAC

The Falsies Volume Express mascara by Maybelline

Powder blush in Melba by MAC
Prep and Prime Lip by MAC

Lipstick Dare You by MAC

Lip liner pencil in Cherry by MAC

I'm really loving doing tutorial's so if there's anything in particular you'd like me to do one on, please let me know and I'll try to do it!

xo,

P.S. Thank you all for your sweet comments on my last post, it really cheered my day up!

This Bitter Earth

2011-10-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today has not been the best of days. I keep it pretty cheery on the blog, and so I'm not gonna go into a big spiel, but it just isn't my day. I'll leave it at that, and post some pictures of the outfit I wore today.

The trousers I'm wearing are one of a few I bought this past weekend. They're men's so they're a bit large and I have to belt them pretty tight, but they are so comfy and I love them.

sweater ty's I accidently shrunk..whoops

trousers vintage/the hip zipper

belt thrifted

shoes steve madden

xo,

Monday...Monday

2011-10-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

I think the weather is finally supposed to be really fall like the rest of the week, no more 80 degree weather for Tennessee! I know my outfits are deceiving because it seems like I'm already dressing for chilly weather, but it's just that it's early morning when Ty takes these and the school I work in is freezing all day long, so I have to dress warmly.

This little sweater was one of my finds over the weekend, and I completely love it. I also found a lot of mens trouser's from the 40's and 50's! I can't wait to show you them.

shirt american apparel

skirt vintage/hip zipper

sweater vintage/hip zipper

shoes online somewhere

socks j crew

belt thrifted

xo,

Productive

2011-10-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today has been a wonderful productive day. We met with our wedding planner and got lots of things planned and in the next week or so I think we're gonna do some cake tasting, yummm. We also signed our lease!! The apartment is officially ours. We can start moving in things! I'll take some pictures once we have a little bit of furniture moved in. We also found Tyler's suit today! We thought we were going to have to have a custom suit made because he was having some trouble finding one that fit quite right, but we found a beautiful one at J. Crew!

These are some pictures from a few days ago. This was my hair from a wavy pin curl set I did. This was second day hair though, the first day it looked really intense.

shirt tyler's/urban outfitters

jeans tyler's j crew

shoes minnetonka

cardigan american apparel

socks j crew

How are your weekends going my lovelies?

xo,

Product Review: Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion

2011-10-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

I thought I would do a little product review of something I have just found and completely fallen in love with.

Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion is for wet sets and I found mine in the ethnic section of Walmart. I assume it can probably be found in most drug stores as well. I heard various things about it on the vintage blogosphere and wanted to try it for myself.

As some of you know from watching my rag curl tutorial I usually just use a leave in conditioner to set my hair since it's so thick and curly, however I will be using this from now on. I used it for a pin curl set last night and when I took my curls out they were amazingly strong, like it took me forever to brush it out. It left my hair feeling healthy and shinier than before, and my curl has held like nothing else all through the day and I anticipate it staying strong through the next day or two. I imagine this would work great for those of you with thinner or finer hair as well.

Well, that's my little spiel about this product, I hope it might help some of you!

xo,

Victory Rolls

2011-10-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

So I caught a little bug while I was at home and am now laid out on the couch doing fun work to my portfolio for teaching instead of being at school. While I'm laid out I thought I'd share with you how I did my hair one day over fall break.

I just put my hair up in hot rollers and did some smaller victory rolls. This was such an easy do I think I may start doing it more often.

shirt tyler's

lipstick mac ruby woo

I hope you all are having a lovely week!

xo,

Sister Day

2011-10-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday my sister Sarah and I went on an estate sale hunt. We planned to get to one super early, and then ended up just going to a few others to just look and whatnot.

We didn't realize until we were out that we were dressed oddly similarly. Whoops.

We found some great stuff. Sarah found some beautiful scarves and I came away with a lovely fur hat and a little turban hat. I also got Tyler a beautiful camel colored vest and Sarah found several items of clothing.

It was a lovely day we ate crepes for breakfast and talked about girlish things while driving around the beautiful Franklin area. It was fantastic, a day I'll cling to as I finish up the semester.

I hope you all have been having a lovely weekend!

xo,

P.S. Thank you for all the sweet comments on my first video! I can't wait to do more.

Hair Tutorial: Rag Curls

2011-10-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here's my first hair tutorial. I'm sorry the video quality is so poor, I just did it on my mac book. I really want to try to keep doing tutorial's, but I want to make sure I get an actual camera next time. Also, I get a little confused with which is my right and left because the video was opposite on the screen, haha so I kind of stumble along at some points.

I hope that this is helpful for anybody who wants to do a super simple vintage hair style.

xo,

Wedding Hair

2011-10-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

I've recently really gotten into Pinterest and that has sparked me looking at a lot of inspirational photos of different things. Here are some lovely hair images that have got me thinking for my wedding day.

Oh my goodness, recently I have been completely inspired by Lauren Bacall. I adore her hair, and I think this style would be amazing for the wedding. I don't know the original source, but if anybody does let me know.

This is just too dreamy. Everything about it, but I especially adore the hair. Here is the original source and Miriam's beautiful blog.

How beautiful! I haven't decided if I'm going to wear my hair up or down yet, but this is totally a lovely option for an up do.

Ok, ok another Lauren Bacall, but her hair is just too amazing!

So that's what's inspiring me at the moment.

xo,

Navy

2011-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my my last day of school and then fall break! Thank goodness. I'm looking forward to having a few days to sleep in and relax. Thinking of a nice break here's my causal outfit for teaching today.

I love the color navy and I feel like I've been inspired to wear it lately since my nails are a half moon manicure with navy. I also feel like I've been wearing my bakelite bangles constantly, I'll have to expand my collection soon.

pants vintage/hip zipper

shirt tyler's

sweater american eagle

belt j crew

shoes steve madden

bakelite bangles vintage/wonders on woodland

lipstick mac ruby woo

xo,

October

2011-10-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

It's finally feeling like fall around here in Tennessee, at least a little bit. It was chilly enough for me to need tights this morning when I left for school. October is by far my favorite month, and I'm so excited to enjoy as much of it as I can.

This sweater is from my mom's vintage collection, and it's so wonderfully warm and cozy. Not to mention the beading which is so beautiful.

dress vintage/adelaide's homesewn

sweater vintage/my mom's

tights target

shoes jessica simpson

I got my hair trimmed up finally. It's a nice blunt cut, which makes it so much easier to set. Since it is a bit shorter it's not quite so comfy sleeping on rag curls though . Maybe I'll experiment with soft rollers.

xo,

Nesting

2011-09-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Since we are only about two weeks out of us signing the lease for our apartment, I've been getting inspired by different home decor photos. Now, we'll be pretty poor in the beginning so we may not be able to do everything we ever wanted to right away, but it's good to get inspiration and ideas going.

I love the teal of the cabinet here so much. Also, the mis-matched chairs are such a great idea. (1)

I love love love this room! The green sofa reminds me of the orange one from the 60's my grandparents are giving us at some point (Tyler is not so sure about it fitting in our apartment, but one day we'll incorporate it in) (2)

I love the idea of storing things in lovely hat boxes, plus they're just so pretty. (3)

This crafting nook is just dreamy. All the wonderful colors make it. (4)

As much as I love color I also think whites and creams can be so soothing. (5)

That's just some of my inspiration so far. I'm always on the lookout for new things to inspire me. What are some of your home inspirations of late?

xo,

Stolen

2011-09-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

So I have something to confess. When I go home to Nashville I usually steal one or two items of clothing from my sisters. My sister Hannah is still waiting to get a lovely pair of sage green shorts back. This past weekend I went hunting in my sister Sarah's alterations pile and found a lovely forest green wool skirt that was perfect and this lovely polka dot dress.

I especially love the length. It's such a 30's/40's length. So beautiful.

dress thrifted/stolen from sarah

sweater vintage/hip zipper

shoes neutralizers

belt thrifted

bakelite bangles vintage

I love dressing in a vintage fashion, but since I can't always find affordable vintage I love improvising with thrifted things (or vintage inspired clothing). Even though this 80's dress is not a classic 30's dress, I feel like I've given it that feel by pairing it with my T-strap shoes, and little vintage cardigan. Also, adding a red lip doesn't hurt either.

xo,

The Future

2011-09-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

As the wedding is drawing nearer I get more and more antsy about planning, us moving to Nashville, and all general wedding everythingness. I found my shoes for the wedding this past weekend, and they are everything I could have ever wanted. I wish I could show you all so many things! I'll just have to wait until after the wedding ;)

blouse stollen from hannah

skirt vintage/the hip zipper

cardigan ann taylor

shoes gift/anthropologie

scarf trip to italy

I'm so excited about what the future holds, and I'm fully intending on enjoying every moment.

What are you looking forward to in the future?

xo,

Let Your Hair Down

2011-09-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Last night was one of those nights where I was so tired I slept on wet hair, and not wet hair that was set, but just plain wet hair. It was kind of nice in a way to just not care and wake up and run out the door without done hair.

This weekend while we were in Nashville I bought my first Bakelite. I got two bangles, and I love them! I've been looking for affordable Bakelite all over the internet, and stumbled upon Wonders on Woodland and their incredible Bakelite collection while I was in Nashville. Most of it was far too expensive (the average cost of their bangles was about $300) , they had earrings, beautiful bangles, pins and such. The plus side was that they had a little collection of bangles that was in my price range ($10-$30). So I now own my first Bakelite and I can't wait to get a little collection going.

blouse thrifted

skirt thrifted

shoes old

bakelite bangles wonders on woodland

xo,

A Sneak Peek

2011-09-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I are both back in Jackson now, but this weekend we got to go see an apartment that looks just like ours. Ours doesn't free up until October. It was sooo wonderful! It's a lovely apartment complex built in the 30's with original bathrooms, hard wood floors and such. The only thing the people have really touched is the kitchens (which I hate but some people like re-modeled kitchens). We went in the evening so the pictures are no stellar, but here is a little sneak peek of what our apartment will look like.

I adore the bathroom, the original tile is my favorite.

The master bedroom. The ceiling light was creating those crazy shadows you see.

The dining room. I can't wait to find a cute vintage table to put in it. Sorry the pictures are a little dark in some areas, there were no over head lights put in the living rooms, so people keep there apartments lit by lamp light, which I also love.

The doorway as we were leaving. That's my mom and dad there, barely visible.

That's the apartment. I completely love it, and can't wait to move into our own. Another wonderful thing is the apartments actually have basements!! Since being at Union (for those of you who don't know Union was hit by a tornado, demolishing a large chunk of the campus and trapping me underneath my dorm) I have had a strong desire to live somewhere with a basement and this was just a dream come true. The apartment is all we could want in our first one, and I can't wait to sign the lease and start moving our things in.

xo,

Smile Like You Mean it

2011-09-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm so amazingly happy that tomorrow is Friday. My student teaching is still going super well, it's just really wearing me out. Tomorrow Tyler and I will go to Nashville and we'll get to see an open apartment that looks just like ours (ours doesn't free up until October 1), so I'm really excited about that. There's so much to be excited about in the future it's been a little hard to get through the here and now, but I know I need to enjoy the process.

This jacket is part of a beautiful 40's suit I own, but the skirt portion is a little too tight to teach in, so I had to break it up.

You'll have to excuse my roots in these photos. Tyler dyed my hair and it is processing as I type this. Yay for freshly done hair.

jacket vintage/the hip zipper

dress vintage/vintage couture savant

slip vintage/the hip zipper

shoes ross

xo,

Where is fall?

2011-09-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

I found this amazing vintage jacket while I was in Nashville, and I couldn't believe it! It's so perfect. There was a tan one with a V in the front that I wanted even more but it was huge on me. Sigh.

I'm once again wearing my new favorite pants. You'll probably be seeing a lot of them, especially when the weather gets chilly. If it ever does. I feel like it'll stay moderately hot and humid forever here in Tennessee.

sweater vintage/the hip zipper

pants vintage/the hip zipper

scarf vintage/the hip zipper

shoes ross

xo,

Stockings

2011-09-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

I found two amazing pairs of fully fashioned stockings at The Hip Zipper this past weekend, and I wore one of them to school today. I had ripped my other really nice pair of stockings to pieces. But now I have a great replacement pair! I've wanted to maybe try some vintage reproduction stockings (maybe from What Katie Did) but I'd heard mixed things. Do any of you wear reproductions? If so what are your favorites?

sweater vintage

shirt anthropologie/old

skirt vintage/the hip zipper

stockings vintage/the hip zipper

shoes old

xo,

These Pants

2011-09-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

I went to Nashville this weekend and went by The Hip Zipper mainly looking for pants and skirts. I knew there was little chance I would find pants, but low and behold I literally found the most amazing pair of vintage pants ever.

I have a feeling these pants are gonna get a ton of wear out of them. It's not often I find pants that accommodate my hips and are actually fitted at the waist.

I did rag curls last night because I haven't been able to bring myself to sleep on pin curls lately. It's so uncomfortable, at least for me. It worked so well, and it was super comfy to sleep on. I think I need to tie the rags a little further up on my head, but this is gonna be my go to way of curling my hair from now on I think.

blouse thrifted

pants vintage/the hip zipper

shoes nine west
belt j crew

xo,

Lovin' It

2011-09-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share with you two MAC products I'm obsessed with right now. The first one of them is Prep and Prime for lips. It is incredible, and if you're a girl who likes your bright red lipstick this is for you. You apply it all over your lips and a little around the mouth as well, and it eliminates all feathering and bleeding. It also keeps your lipstick nice and fresh all day long, which I love for when I'm teaching, because I don't have a lot of time to keep touching up my lipstick.

The other product I've been wearing every day is the blush Melba. It's incredible. Especially if you're wanting a more peachy color for fall. I'm in love with MAC's blushes, the color is fabulous and it stays on pretty much all day.

What are some of your favorite products at the moment?

xo,

The Dress

2011-09-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for a day like today to wear this dress. A day that was chilly and felt like fall. These pictures are a little dark and dreary, because Ty took them this morning, but it cleared up as the day went on, and it was so beautiful when I walked out of the school this afternoon.

It's a tad too big for me, but I don't care, it makes it more cozy.

dress vintage/the hip zipper

shoes old

belt thrifted

lipstick mac russian red

One thing I love about this late 40's dress is the length. I feel like it's so graceful. There's something about a longer hemline that makes me feel sexy. I feel like I'm being more mysterious and feminine.

xo,

Pants...Oh my!

2011-09-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

I hardly ever wear pants. This is mostly due to the fact I never find any that suit me or fit quite right. I have quite the child bearing hips, but a small waist and apparently nobody makes pants for ladies with hips and little waists. Such is life. I really want a pair from Heyday, these in particular, but the price is a bit out of my reach at the moment. So for now I content myself with the gray pants my sister thrifted for me.

I rolled my pants up a little later in the day to reveal the sweet mint socks Tyler bought me at j crew. I wish I had thought to show them off for pictures.

pants thrifted

blouse anthropologie/gift

sweater gap

belt j crew/gift

oxfords steve madden

socks j crew

xo,

Sweet Flowers

2011-09-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Today was my second day of teaching everything at the school. It went super well! It's overwhelming, but also wonderful to be able to teach each class. I've been quite tired lately as I have to make incredibly detailed lesson plans for every thing I teach (Oh, Union's complicated lesson plans I will never use in real life) and it takes up sooo much time. Not to mention I'm just pooped from everything, so when I got home guess what was waiting for me!? Beautiful flowers and a hand made note from my darling Tyler. Just the perfect way to end a day.

My mom bought me these darling hair combs at Pangea in Nashville. This has been the first chance I've gotten to wear them, and I really want to again soon. I love the colors, they're just so lovely.

dress vintage/the loved one

sweater ann taylor/old

shoes nine west

Some adorable 6th grade girls asked me how I did my hair today, and said they like it. I thought that was so sweet! If you follow me on twitter you know my 6th grade girls are pretty much my favorite class I have. They're all just adorable.

xo,

A Red Lip

2011-09-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

I did it! I got up the courage to wear a red lip to school. Now that I did it once I think I'll feel comfortable doing it again.

I'm still in love with my MAC make up. It's just too wonderful.The matte lipstick is amazing.

Do any of you use photobucket? I'm having issues with the color of my photos when I upload them. It de-saturates them like crazy. Sometimes it's nice, but it's kind of an odd thing to happen all the time. Do any of you have this issue?

skirt vintage/the hip zipper

blouse thrifted

sweater ann taylor (super old)

belt thrifted

shoes (too old to remember)
lipstick MAC russian red

I promise my hair tutorial is gonna happen sometime soon. I'm trying to figure out what style to do and when to do it. But it's coming!

I hope you all have had a swell Monday!

xo,

Neutrals

2011-09-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

So I didn't do a colored lip today. I spent way too much time on my hair and realized I had to run out the door because I could do my lips. But I'm gonna do it. Promise.

We're heading to Nashville...in like 5 minutes. I have tons of lesson plans to write this weekend, and so much work. BUT I will be in Nashville, and!!! We're gonna get our apartment! Oh, yes.

blouse thrifted
skirt american apparel
belt thrifted
shoes pay less

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

xo,
Em

Got It

2011-09-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to figure out how to do some nice curls with my bangs (I'm growing them out) and I finally got it right this morning!

Miriam of Kafferepet has been my inspiration lately in the hair department. She always has the most lovely hair, done in the most beautiful vintage ways.

Sorry my face is all weird looking here, I was trying to keep my eyes open as the sun was right in my eyes. As you can see I'm still working up the courage to wear a real fully colored lip to school (I'm still just barely dabbing color on). I'm thinking tomorrow might be the day.

sweater vintage/the hip zipper
skirt american apparel
shoes ross
socks j crew

xo,
Em

Curls and Merry Widows

2011-09-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do something different with my hair for a while, so I decided to try out some small curls near my face today. It didn't look quite right so I threw a scarf on and, ta da! It worked.

blouse thrifted
skirt vintage/the hip zipper
shoes nine west
stockings vintage/the hip zipper
merry widow what katie did

I've gotten several requests for a hair tutorial over the last couple of weeks. What would you guys like to see, anything in particular? Also, do you all prefer video or picture tutorials or does it even matter? I was trying to think what to do and figured I'd just ask :)

I also got some questions a while back about the comfort of wearing a girdle. I've worn one and a merry widow (both by what katie did) now and I must say I really love the girdle. I think it's super comfortable and just makes me feel good. I wore the merry widow for the first time today, and I loved how it felt on my waist but it was a tad uncomfortable because it had to stretch so far to my stockings it pulled the front down. I think a Corselette might be better.

I hope you are all having a lovely week!

xo,
Em

Autumn

2011-09-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

This dress has been waiting in my closet for the first cool day. Today was that day. It was a wonderful 54 degrees out when I woke up this morning and went off to school. Amazing! Autumn is by far my favorite season, and by the end of summer I'm always incredibly antsy for it to get here. Knowing Tennessee weather this cool front is not here to stay, but just sent to taunt us *sigh*. Eventually it will get cool though, and I'm so excited for that.

I bought my first MAC products the other day (also my very sweet mother treated me to some amazing foundation and powder). My make up from clinique was not the right color any more. It was starting to look like my face was dirty and brown, bleah. Some girls would be sad their skin was becoming paler (mine is already quite pale), but I'm super thrilled to be getting paler! I adore pale skin I think it's the most beautiful thing. I had heard wonderful things about MAC matching paler skin types, and it is completely true. I also have problems with my skin getting quite oily, but their primer and foundation really fights against that. I also had been wanting to try out some more peachy/warmer tones for fall so I got their blush in Melba and Lady Danger in their matte lipstick. Both are just beautiful. I just dabbed on some lipstick here, I'm still not quite brave enough to wear a fully colored lip for student teaching (I hope to be soon though).

dress vintage 60's/local honey

shoes nine west

tights target

Also, I recently made a facebook page for my blog. If you'd like to "like" it here's the link: The Fiercest Lilliputian.

How is the weather where you're from? What's your favorite season?

xo,

Borrowed Blue

2011-08-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

This morning was another that I had no idea what to do with my hair so I just threw it really quickly. I tried to do a nice roll in the back but since I don't have a rat filler or anything like one I just rolled up a comb in my hair and pulled back the fronts. It's a bit messy, but I think it got the vibe I was going for. I'll also be really excited when my bangs grow out a bit more so I can do more with them.

blouse gap
skirt gift/anthropologie
shoes gift/anthropologie
sweater vintage/from my mom's closet

I don't think I told you all, but I went to my first estate sale last weekend. I've always wanted to go to one, and it was AMAZING. I got a bag of vintage gloves, scarves, collars, and an apron all for $22. I think I'm addicted. I'm going to try and find as many as I can.

xo,
Em

It's Only Tuesday

2011-08-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

Today I went with a little bit more of a 60's vibe. My hair was kinda a mess when I woke up so I just teased the back of it, and said that's good enough.

dress ann taylor (old)
shirt american apparel
belt thrifted
shoes payless (old)

I think my brain is fried from teaching today so I can't think of anything else to say. I'm going to go snack and take a little cat nap.

xo,
Em

Early Morning

2011-08-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

I owe the catching of this amazing light to my amazing fiance. My amazing fiance who woke up this morning, made me breakfast, packed my lunch and then took pictures for me. He's so super sweet.

skirt thrifted

sweater target (super old)

belt thrifted

shoes old/don't remember

I think this week is gonna be slightly crazy. But I know this weekend is going to be amazing and that's what keeps me going. That, and a fiance who makes me breakfast.

xo,

A Casual Sunday

2011-08-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today has been full of work and trying to get laundry and a little cleaning done. I'm trying to get back in the swing of writing lesson plans, I'm a little rusty, but I know I'll get back into it soon.

I'm really excited about this up coming weekend (I know I'm already thinking about next weekend). Tyler's family is coming up to visit and Kayla, Rachael, and my sisters and I are all going to finish up dress shopping (they're all my bridesmaids). Both my sisters already have theirs, two beautiful vintage dresses, now we just need to find two more. I can't wait to see them all lined up in their lovely dresses.

sweater j crew

shorts thrifted

moccasins minnetonka

scarf pangea

I need to get back to lesson writing and such. I hope you all have had a glorious weekend and enjoy the last evening of it.

xo,
Em

Inspiration for a tired mind

2011-08-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

I'm still trucking along with school and so thankful tomorrow is Friday. I thought I'd post some nice inspiration to get me through the last day until the weekend!

1 2 3 4

I hope you all have an amazing Friday and keep on truckin', it's almost the weekend!

xo,

First Day of School

2011-08-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day of student teaching, and this is what I wore!

I saw this suit at The Hip Zipper a while back, and knew that it was my first day of school outfit as soon as I saw it. I love it. I had put my hair in curls this morning, but they fell out throughout the day. Darn you humidity!

The placement I got is wonderful and I'm really looking forward to be challenged this semester. I'll also probably go a little bit crazy, but it'll just prep me for the real world.

I know it sounds silly, but I was so nervous bringing my vintage wardrobe into the classroom. I was afraid the teachers would think I was really weird or the kids would make fun of me, but for the first day it's been fine. Maybe if I come to school in victory rolls they may look at me a little strangely, but I'll ease them into it :)

suit vintage/the hip zipper

shoes old/ i don't remember

xo,

Blue Dress

2011-08-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

I bought this dress the day after my birthday with some birthday money I got. I saw it at Savant Vintage Couture and fell in love.

The dress needs some minor repairs. A few snaps have fallen off and need to be replaced, but that's all. It's in such amazing condition.

dress vintage/savant vintage couture
slip vintage/hip zipper
petticoat vintage/flashback
shoes gift/anthropologie
scarf from my trip to italy

xo,
Em

Old Film

2011-08-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

One of my passions is 35 mm film. I love the way it looks, I love processing it, I just love it. I haven't done as much the past year, but I used to develop quite often. I have all the chemicals/tools to process and print but I don't have the space to set it all up. Hopefully when we move I might.

My friend Lindsey

Project for school. Andrew Norman.

Tyler when he had long hair.

This was done with a pin hole camera.

I'll show you guys some more another time too. Maybe this will spur me on to get my 35mm out and use some color film.

xo,

Getting Ready

2011-08-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I are back in Jackson now, and we're just trying to get ready before school starts next week. Lots of grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning.

shirt gap
skirt anthropologie
shoes gift/anthroplogie

I've already planned what I'm wearing for the first day of student teaching (an awesome early 50's summer suit) and I can't wait to show you!

I hope you all are enjoying your last days of summer(for those of you school bound)!

xo,
Em

Chanel and Poirot

2011-08-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

I had a couple questions about the comfort of wearing a bullet bra and girdle in every day life. As I have still not ordered a girdle I can't really say about that, but I'm really loving my bullet bras. They are super comfy, no different from modern bras really, and they make me feel wonderful. So if any of you were wondering I would totally recommend them.

shirt american apparel
skirt american apparel
belt thrifted
scarf from my trip to italy
shoes gift/anthropologie
lipstick chanel/rouge allure

My lovely future-sister-in-law got me this wonderful Chanel lipstick for my birthday, and I've been wearing it every day. I really love it because it's nice and matte and doesn't smear all over the place.

Today is our last full day in Mobile, so we're going out for some tasty Thai food and going to see The Help. It'll be the second time seeing it for us, but it's so good we'll enjoy it a second time around. Have any of you seen it yet?

Also! Tyler bought me the first season of Poirot and I can't wait to watch it all! I've loved the show since I was a child :).

xo,
Em

Traveling and neutrals

2011-08-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

I'm in Mobile with Tyler's family, relaxing before the start of student teaching (*gasp*). I've realized my outfits lately are once again composed of almost all neutrals. Maybe it's a traveling thing, but it's always a hard habit to break. I love my neutrals.

Tyler and I have been running around the past few days registering, it's so much fun! Today we registered at Williams-Sonoma. I drooled over all the lovely things, and I have my fingers crossed that we'll at least get a few goodies from there.

blouse american apparel
pants anthropologie
belt j crew
shoes minnetonka
scarf vintage/the hip zipper

Do not be deceived by the scarf in my last picture, I did not in fact wear it out, I just felt my poor neutral outfit needed a little color to spice things up.

I hope all you darlings are having a fantastic week!

xo,
Em

Apartment Hunting

2011-08-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I've been neglecting my blog a bit this week. Tyler and I are once again in Nashville (then headed to Mobile to see his family) and have been apartment hunting like crazy.

We found our dream apartment. It's called The Westboro. It looks like it was probably built in the 30's with beautiful wood floors and white and black checkered tiles. Huge windows and french doors that lead in to the kitchen. We walked in and fell in love. The apartment was going to be ready to lease in October which is a little early, but we could manage. However, we went with three other couples to look at it, and before we knew it the other couple was saying they would take it. NOOOO. Our dream apartment was gone...taken from us. We're going to keep checking for apartments there though, the lady seemed hopeful one would become free between now and December. I sure hope so.

blouse anthropologie (old)
skirt vintage/the hip zipper
shoes ross
belt thrifted

Keep your fingers crossed for us and our dream apartment!

xo,
Em

Unmentionables

2011-08-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

When I first started becoming seriously interested in vintage dressing, I realized at some point I would have to get the right vintage/vintage inspired undergarments to make the clothes look right. I've been on the hunt for the past several weeks for the right things and have finally found most things I need and I thought I'd share some of the lovely things I've found.

This vintage slip is perfect for my dresses that are a bit more sheer, plus the lace work is just amazing.

To get the real vintage look a bullet bra is a must. I was happy I found some vintage dead stock bras on etsy.

A garter belt is also a must to hold up those lovely stockings. The one thing I'm lacking right now is a girdle, and I think I'll be purchasing one from What Katie Did. If any of you feel weird about wearing vintage undergarments What Katie Did is a great place to buy vintage inspired new ones.

I was so happy to find fully fashioned stockings still in the box!

I'm really just in love with the beauty of vintage undergarments and the lovely silhouette they give.

xo,

Outfit # 2

2011-08-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

As I said in my last post I started out my birthday in one outfit, and promptly changed when my sister gave me a super cute vintage dress.

My sister brought this dress for me back from a vintage shop in London. I love the red and polka dots, so great!

I got lots of lovely gifts, and did some vintage shopping while in Nashville, and I can't wait to show you all the things I found! (I've been searching for a late 40's/early 50's suit and finally found TWO...bahhh!)

We're gonna be in Nashville most of this week (after a brief return to Jackson to pack more things) doing wedding planning, searching for apartments, and whatnot. Then it'll be off to Mobile to visit Tyler's family. Then school starts August 23. It seems like this summer has flown, oh my.

I hope all you darlings have had a lovely weekend!

xo,
Em

Birthday Outfit #1

2011-08-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

For my birthday I really wanted to do something different with my hair and I wanted to experiment with the victory roll. So I did! It's not really traditional, but oh well. Also this was the outfit I left the house with but I promptly changed when I received a lovely vintage dress from my sister Sarah. I will do another post of that soon.

These are one of the pairs of shoes Ty got me for my birthday *swoon*. I love them so much, and for-see myself wearing them all the time.

dress vintage/the loved one
belt thrifted
shoes gift/anthropologie
bracelet gift from dad/fire finch

I wanted to say thank you all so much for your sweet sweet comments and well wishings for my birthday. You all are so kind.

xo,
Em

Birthday!

2011-08-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday, and this morning Tyler made me a super tasty breakfast and then got me way too many presents!

This is so great, because my favorite food is Indian food and this has 1000 recipes! WOW.

This adorable teddy bear that I promptly named Percy. He's so soft and cuddly.

Yess! I've been wanting some curling irons to try out for vintage hair styling.

Amazing shoes!

He spoiled me rotten, and I'm so excited for this evening as he's taking me to my favorite Indian place in Nashville. Yummm.

Well, I'm off to Nashville to spend the rest of my birthday with my family. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

xo,

Pin Curls

2011-08-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

I put my hair in pin curls last night and slept with them in over night. It was kinda uncomfortable, but I really wanted to see how it would work out. I took them out this morning, and my hair still wasn't dry, which was disappointing (but my hair is sooo thick I expected it). I dried it up a bit, and brushed the heck out of my hair, and I think it turned out well.

I don't think I'll be sleeping in pin curls every evening, but it's a good break for my hair from the heat I usually have to use on it.

dress anthropologie (old)
belt thrifted
shoes gift/nine west

These are the shoes Ty gave me as another early birthday gift! I lovee them! The little bows are so cute.

I hope you all are having a fantastic week!

xo,
Em

Tutorial: The Half Moon Manicure

2011-08-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

I've really been enjoying the vintage half moon manicure lately, and so I thought I'd pass on a little how to!

What you'll need:

(I use a nail oil first but you don't have to)
a base coat
the color of choice
a top coat
hole punch enforcers (found at Walmart but you can get them any where)
nail polish remover
cue tips

1. Put the base coat on and let it dry well. Then cut the little stickers in half (I like to cut them in half because it makes them more manageable) and put them at the base of the nail on both hands.

I put them fairly high up because I like a little bit bigger half moon, but if you wanted a more subtle half moon just make sure they are further down.

2. Paint on two nice thick coats of your color.

3. Make sure the polish is completely dry or you'll get icky smudges. Peel off the stickers and if you have goops, just remove them with the nail polish remover and a cue tip.

4. After you've cleaned them up put a nice top coat on and TA DA! You have a lovely half moon manicure.

If you want to put on a complimentary color underneath just put a coat on before you put the stickers on, but make sure the polish is super dry before you put the stickers on or they will pull off the color.

xo,
Em

Who We Are

2011-07-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Who we are has a lot to do with who is around us. Who your family is, what friends you hang out with, and who you are with romantically. Your partner, your better half, that one person. I've always been thought of as an out going person I'm pretty sure, but I've always known I was timid about who I was, afraid to express myself, afraid to say what I wanted and wear what I wanted. Every boyfriend I ever had made me feel like I had to fit into some mold, to stay where I was when we first met, be somewhat un-changing. I never felt comfortable in my skin. Until.

Ok, I know it's a cheesy picture, and he'll probably kill me for putting it up here...but he looks pretty smashing I think.

Since I've been with Tyler I've felt the most like myself. ever. I can dress however I want to. I can say what ever I want to. I know it sounds silly, but he's given me the confidence to dress in a more vintage inspired way. I always felt like I would be judged and people would think I was odd for dressing differently, but I feel really good about being me now that I'm with Tyler.

I think when you find the person that you're supposed to be with, they make you feel more comfortable, more you. I'm really thankful I found that person.

dress gift from ty (modcloth)
belt thrifted
petticoat gift from ty (flashback)
hat kohls
shoes nine west

Sometimes I'm mushy. I'm ok with that.

xo,
Em

Re-arranging

2011-07-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

If you follow me on twitter you may have seen I'm itching to re-vamp my room a little. I went back and forth about this because in December I'll be moving to Nashville (yaaaayyy). I finally decided it was a must for my sanity. I'm in the process of completely re-organizing, taking down some things, and hunting for some cheap old furniture. If I ever finish it, I'll make sure to take some pictures for you all.

I finally got my hot sticks to work! I just wasn't leaving them in long enough I think. But any way, they give amazing curl, the exact same as if you slept in rollers over night.

blouse gap
shorts thrifted
shoes urbanog
purse from my trip to italy

The work out kick is still going strong. I've only skipped one day of The 30 Day Shred, but it was because I wasn't feeling well, so I think that's ok. I also tried doing the workout video and running yesterday, whew that was rough, but I made it!

I hope you all are having a fantastic Wednesday!

xo,
Em

It's Too Darn Hot

2011-07-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

I think much of the country can sympathize with the horrid heat that seems to be sweeping many of the states. Tennessee has been sweltering. You walk outside and you're sweating. I don't feel super comfortable in shorts all the time, but today demanded them.

I adore these sun glasses (and have been wearing them every where) that Tyler got me as an early birthday gift. He's so sweet. I'm also super excited for my actual birthday (August 5th) to see what other goodies he's gotten me. He knows my tastes so well. I'm one lucky gal.

blouse american apparel
leotard american apparel
shorts target (old)
belt thrifted
shoes urbanog
sunnies gift/anthropologie

xo,
Em

Hair Inspiration

2011-07-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

I've been looking around the internet a lot lately for vintage hair inspiration when I stumbled upon this tumblr account, and found many a lovely hair style. Here are some of my favorites.

I'm really liking hair styles with curls all loose and down, but I also want to master the art of the lovely up do, and perhaps learn how to work with tighter curls. One day soon I'm gonna try to pin curl my hair, it just intimidates me so I have to work up the courage :)

I hope all you darlings are having a grand Monday!

xo,
Em

Corn and Coffee

2011-07-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend Ty and I went to Nashville (per usual) and met with the wedding planner, and I think we might have found our venue! It's this wonderful place in down time Nashville called aVenue, we both loved it, and it would be an amazing place to celebrate our special day in.

While we were in Nashville we were also able to stop by whole foods and get me some tasty corn free treats (I'm allergic to corn and coffee, and just recently found out, so I'm having to re-structure my diet as pretty much everything has corn in it). We also got some Indian sauces I can't wait to try out. May I also say it stinks to find out you're allergic to coffee the month before you begin student teaching.

dress anthropologie
belt thrifted
shoes steve madden
scarf vintage/the hip zipper

I slept in curlers for the first time last night, and I really loved how the curl stayed all day long, even against Tennessee's horrid humidity. I actually have naturally very curly hair, but it's very kinky curls, so I blow dry it out and then curl it in a more manageable way. I also have gotten hot sticks, but am having problems using them. Do any of you use hot sticks?

xo,
Em

The Loved One

2011-07-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

I got this dress in from The Loved One's etsy shop the other day, and I was sooo excited when it came in! I adore the little detailing on the front, and the way it fits perfectly, such an amazing vintage dress.

In other super good news today was my 5th day of The 30 Day Shred! I'm making it, and I think I can make it the whole way. Also, Tyler and I had our last day of official biology class (we just have our final next week), and we're about to watch some Breaking Bad (any of you lovelies gotten into that show?). It's been a good day.

dress vintage/the loved one
flower anthropologie
shoes thrifted

xo,

Vintage Hair Styling

2011-07-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

I've realized that once you put something on your blog, like that you want to complete The 30 Day Shred, it motivates you to complete it. Today was my 3rd day, and I just kept thinking "I have to do it, I wrote it on my blog". As silly as that sounds, it's actually a great motivation. So, here's hoping I make it all the way!

You may have noticed that I'm really getting into the vintage hair styles as of late. I always lamented when I didn't have bangs because I never really did a whole lot with my hair, but now I'm discovering a whole new world of styling. I'm so excited to actually do things with my hair. This book just came in the mail today, and I can't wait to try out some more vintage styles!

blouse made by me
skirt vintage/the hip zipper
shoes nine west

xo,
Em

Petticoat

2011-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

When Ty and I were at Flashback he bought me a lovely little petticoat so that I could make some of my skirts and dresses a little fluffier. I haven't worn it too much as it has been burning up here in Tennessee, but I'm look forward to the winter months when it'll be more temperature appropriate.

Today I did the new Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred for the second day in a row, and let me tell you I feel like my body is on fire. My goal is to do it for the 30 days. I think I can, as long as my body doesn't give out. Have any of you tried it?

blouse vintage/the hip zipper
skirt american apparel
shoes thrifted
petticoat vintage/flashback
head scarf from my trip to italy

xo,
Em

Feelin' the 40's

2011-07-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to put this outfit together, as I was really feeling the desire to put something together with a 40's feel. I've been working on trying to get my hair to do a little bit of a 40's thing, and I think I'm getting close. (I have a book coming on how to do vintage hair styles that I'm super excited about.) I pinned up the longer bits of my hair so that it would look a little shorter. My bangs have proved quite tricky though, as they are still quite long. I can't decide whether to grow them out or not.

Another thing I was excited about was that I finally accomplished the half moon manicure. Thank you to all of you who suggested ways for me to do it. I think it turned out quite well.

blouse marshals ($8..yesss)
skirt vintage/hip zipper
shoes very old/not sure
watch not sure
belt thrifted

I hope you all have had a great Friday night!

xo,
Em

For The Classroom

2011-07-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

This is one of the dresses I found at Flashback. I love it because I'll be able to wear it all through the fall and probably winter, but since it's a light material and sheer sleeves I can wear it now too!

dress vintage/flashback
shoes thrifted

I've been on the hunt lately for outfits to wear while student teaching (hopefully to one day wear while I'm teaching my own classes as well) this fall. It's so hard to find modern things that are really cute and still modest enough for the classroom, but vintage dresses give me the modesty the classroom demands while still maintaining my style.

I've also fallen in love with using hot curlers. I just blow dry my hair and put them in, and ta da! I think they will be something I'll be carrying into the fall, since there will be lots of early mornings, and I know I will not feel like devoting loads of time to my hair. Do any of you also have a little love affair with hot curlers?

I hope you all have had a lovely Monday!

xo,
Em

Date Night in Memphis

2011-07-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight Tyler and I went on a spontaneous date to Memphis. The original intent was just to have dinner (we ate at Huey's-yummm) and see a movie (Horrible Bosses-which was quite funny), but since we decided to head to Memphis we just HAD to stop by Flashback. My mom used to go there when she lived in Memphis, and it's a fantastic vintage store. Tyler and I found quite a few gems there.

This is the vintage dress I mentioned showing you all. I ADORE it. I think I might have become hooked into buying mostly vintage. The cuts are so much better, and everything is just so darn cute. Speaking of cute, I convinced Tyler to let me take a few pictures of him as well.

The best thing about this vest is the back, I think it's so super snazzy. Plus I do think my man is quite the cutie.

Me: dress vintage: Adelaide's etsy

belt thrifted

shoes belk (i can't remember exactly)

Ty: shirt american apparel

pants gap

vest local honey

tie j crew

shoes chucks

I hope you all have had a lovely Friday evening!

xo,
Em

Twirls And Such

2011-07-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Today has been a lovely day. We had a lot of biology work and had to go to class, but I got a lovely vintage dress in the mail from Adelaide's shop, and it is simply wonderful! I'll have to show it you all in the next day or two.

dress anthropologie

blouse american apparel

shoes urban outfitter

I tried those Sally Hansen nail polish strips the other day for the first time. I did the butter fly ones, and I quite like them.They're a fun change from plain nail polish, but it would get quite expensive to use them all the time. I've been wanting to do my nails like this, but haven't been able to find the little round sticky things to use for it. Have any of you ever done your nails like that?

xo,

Little White Dress

2011-07-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

This is the outfit I wore on the 4th. I think I'm addicted to white dresses for the summer time. I mean, who wouldn't be?

This is the satchel I carry around with me everywhere. I have a few other purses, but this carries everything so well, my camera, wallet, extra anything-ness. It's my favorite.

dress anthropologie
shoes borrowed from hannah
satchel fossil

It's always so hard to get back into the swing of things after a long weekend. I'm struggling along today, but it helps that Ty is about to cook me up a tasty dinner of grilled salmon.

xo,
Em

Bombay Palace

2011-07-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

My favorite food in the world is Indian food. I adore it. I crave it. It's wonderful. My favorite place to go for Indian food in Nashville is Bombay Palace. Mmm. Tyler and I went there yesterday for lunch, and it was tasty as always.

Another thing that makes Bombay Palace wonderful is the entire place is orange, very bright orange.

My favorite drink is the mango lassi and one of my favorite dishes is the chicken tikka masala. The na'an bread is also to die for there.

I was so happy we got to eat there yesterday. I'm feeling a craving come on again though. We may have to go the next time we're there as well.

What are some of your favorite foods?

xo,
Em