Dressed Her Days Vintage ~ Life in yesterday's clothes

Ugly-pretty shoes. High-waist panties and jeans. A tea revolution. (Check out the links!) It seems that my moment has arrived.

These things suit me (and a whole lot of other middle-aged women) for reasons I can’t go into—because that would require words.

“Ooooewww … words.” –A direct quote from one of my colleagues in the industry, explaining the bounce rate on web pages with mostly words and not enough eye candy.

Not exactly music to the ears if you’re someone who loves to read and makes a living by writing. But, oh well. I get it.

I haven’t completely conformed to this new post-word world, but today’s post has fewer words and more pictures.

Four vintage buys from Queen Bee Vintage—one each from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. (I’ll save the 1950s dress for another post, after it returns from the dry cleaners.) On a funny note: the lady at the dry cleaner thought the 1970s Goldie Hawn-esque lamé tunic was a dress. She recommended that I wear it with gold boots. Uh-huh. I picture it with a pair of slim jeans and gold ballet slippers on a date night.

This has happened twice lately—my score is my age. Evidently, this is my new personal par.

I’m unaccustomed to turning heads, but it was hard not to notice how noticeable this skirt made me—the invisible woman. It drew comments from an old lady in a wheel chair, a 40-something woman in an optical store and a 20-something guy in a tea store. Then there was a young man in the mall, who literally swiveled his body 180 degrees to get a second look. I think I want to go back to being invisible again.

The downside: Eye-popping as it is, I was HORRIFIED when it arrived with a  Shanghai, China return address. Yes, indeed, you’d better select the correct size. If you order from this online seller, all returns and exchanges go directly to China. This was a fast fashion faux pas. (Say it three times quickly.) I should have known by the price that it was made in one of those factories where people are paid a pittance for their work. So, so sorry.

Now the opposite extreme: Meet Dianne Frewer, a professional seamstress who is working on a made-to-fit dress with silk I purchased last summer in New York. We met for a Saturday morning fitting just before she departed for a wedding, where she played fairy godmother to a bride and her bridesmaids, helping them dress. (She even has a sparkling magic wand.) It’s an ancillary service she offers to brides. Here she is, pretty as a doll with no makeup, taking all precautions to avoid soiling the dresses she’ll transport to the wedding.

I recently spotted Pretty Little Greek, a mobile boutique parked on a corner near my neighborhood and met founder Genesis Rosales. She’s a Los Angeles native, and her mobile boutique is the realization of a lifelong dream. I found an edgy denim jacket and felt good about supporting a local entrepreneur.

I had my first summer lunch on the deck last weekend and finally discovered a better way to drink herbal teas—ice-cold and mixed. I know it probably looks like a glass of sangria, but this red concoction is actually a mix of two Teavana blends, Raspberry Balsamico with Limeade Twist—a refreshing alternative to sugary lemonade, if you’re watching calories. It needs no sugar!

Feeling bookish?

I’ve spent the last six months being less digitally social in my non-work life. Call it a social media diet. (There are 99 notifications in my Facebook inbox, if that tells you anything.) Here’s what I discovered: 1) There is a community of people of all ages who are repulsed by online social culture for reasons I can’t go into—again, because that requires words, and 2) I can read more books when I spend less time online and more time living. That isn’t important to everyone, but it is to me. In the first half of the year, I’ve read 16 books—which isn’t as many as I’d hoped for, but still not bad for a slow reader with little free time.

If ever there were a book for my mood, David Brooks has written it. The Road to Character delves into what defines a meaningful life. Using remarkable people as case studies, he differentiates traits that lead to modern success from traits that build true character. Anyone who is on a spiritual path should give this book a go.

I couldn’t resist Selfish, Shallow and Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers On The Decision Not to Have Children. As a married woman who probably could have, but didn’t have children, I have been shocked how often people seemed okay with my status if they thought I was unable to have kids, and not okay with it if they thought it was a choice.  In the notes section of the book, there are some staggering statistics about the U.S. birth rate, which has declined significantly since the 1950s.

A new blog for guys

Finally, I want to introduce you to Jonathan (I hope I spelled your name correctly, Jonathan!) and Matthew King, two friends who’ve started The Designed Man to encourage young men who want to lead an intentional life, build character and develop careers without selling their souls. I think they’re onto something good, here. I’m blessed to have friends who remind me that thoughtful people will not go the way of the dinosaur.

That’s as wordless as I can be in a quick summer update. Have I missed anything since I’ve been on my social media diet? Well, yes—yes I have. I’ve missed hearing from you. If you like this post, share it or leave me a comment.