It was no easy feat, but I finally managed to dig out my bin of summer clothes from storage.
Honestly, I hate the practice of trying to switch out my wardrobe. Stripping all my winter clothes from their hangers to replace them with summer clothes, only to be swapping them back again in October just feels so futile.
It didn't used to be like this, once all my clothes occupied space in the closet year round. But my penchant for new pieces culminated with my modestly sized closet and the fact that I reside in a climate where seasonal weather shifts can be over 100°, resulted in the introduction of the rubbermaid bin.
As much as I abhor the bin, it does produce one benefit - when forced to unpack clothes I haven't laid eyes on in months, I find I'm either anxious to wear them, or ambivalent if they come out of the bin at all. For my little white dresses, I'm excited.
The Rundown White Dress Macy's similar Wedge Sandals Loft similar Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar vintage Panama Hat J.Crew Tear EarringsEtsycustom designvia Bonanza Studio Mint Etta Necklace c/o Jami Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
I tried my best to work with the wind coming off the water in these photos. My hair was so snarled by the time I was through! I haven't been to this spot in ages - it's at the beach, but without the usual signifiers of sand and water, how would you know? Trying to get back into the groove of taking photos with the tripod has been hard. When I started this blog it was the only way I took my photos, so you'd think it would be like riding a bike, but not so much. I feel a lot more self conscious as of late, I feel like my remote is conspiring against me, as I stand there with arm outstretched trying to get the shutter to fire. Some days I'll rope my mom into playing photographer, some days I just don't take photos at all.
Today is Independence Day, and I know in my heart I will not find happiness until I find my own independence.
The Rundown Gingham DressCupiovia TJMaxx Jeweled Espadrille Sandal"Lemins" Dune London similar Round Rattan BagEtsy Yellow Flower Earrings Coco's on the Green similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
When I buy clothes that I know full well need alterations, often they will sit in my closet for months, or even years before I get around to doing them. There once was a time when my sewing machine was a permanent fixture in the room, and I prided myself on stitching together my own creations. But I was always afraid. Afraid of messing up, of ruining the piece. To force myself to move forward, I'd just rationalize that I could always go back to Joann Fabrics and buy more material and start again. Yet, that self doubt always caused me to dislike my creations. I have almost nothing left in my closet that I made myself.
When I know a dress needs a simple hem, it intimidates me. This dress was nearly maxi length on me, and deciding to chop off six inches made me fearful. The slippery silk refused to be cut in a straight, clean line, and once again I wanted to just give up and let the dress sit unfinished.
I had plans to meet up with five other bloggers last Friday, and I wanted my polka dot dress to be a reality, so I forced myself to finish. I know the hem isn't perfect. The stitches are crooked in some places, a tiny pucker here and there, a raw edge inside by the buttons. It isn't perfect, but it's done. Sometimes done is better than good.
The Rundown Polka Dot Shirt DressKate Hill via ebay similar Toe Cap Pumps "Varesse 70"Shoes of Prey Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar vintage Versailles EarringsJulie Vossimilar Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
