Fanny Packs Done Right
I hope everyone had an amazing Easter. This weekend in Chicago was absolutely beautiful. I'm beyond ready for summer. I was so excited to wear this new crop top/tank from SARAROSE ON OAK. I honestly couldn't even believe I was able to wear a tank, it was 80 degrees in April! Love it!
Sara had an event in Wicker Park on Saturday, all of her products are vegan and cruelty free. She made this tank after her dog Mr. Freddy that passed away not too long ago. Share the love by purchasing this tank, a percent of every shirt goes to Chicago Canine Rescue here in Chicago. Share the message of love found through adoption.
The fanny pack I'm wearing is by Hipsters For Sisters, their mission is to liberate women from their baggage and celebrate the joy of less and the freedom inherent in living life hands-free. Their belt bags, designed to fit just the essentials, are a reminder of the ease of living a life of simplicity--a life filled with more experience, happiness, wholeness and joy in exchange for less stuff.
I haven't worn a fanny pack since the 90s and I was so excited to see this one. The minute I tried it on I purchased it. It's perfect for traveling or shopping boutiques when you don't want to haul around a huge purse. I'll be traveling quite a bit this summer so I know this thing will be around my waste the entire time! You can purchase more of these fanny packs (belt bags as they call them now) on Sararoseonoak.com
My jeans are vintage, my shoes are Michael Kors loafers. (Shop these exact shoes and more of the same looks below). I'm wearing my 555 rose gold necklace from my line Meeka Meditation, and a Paul Miller DeZigns turqoise statement ring.
Until my next look,
XO
Amelia
Why I love Vintage
It's not that I love used clothing. I actually really don't. You won't find me at goodwill or thrift stores. You'll usually find me at a vintage or antique fair or shop. Even though they probably purchased their items at a thrift store ha!
The grade of vintage clothing is just unmatched to that of modern day clothes, with the exception of the best high-end designers. Luxury details like French seams, hems that are generous, and beautifully crafted buttons were on even the simplest of garments. Today, the dresses that cost countless of dollars, if you look closer on the inside of the garments, it shows that they were built with heightened attention to saving the manufacturing company cash. Today clothing is more affordable to make, but not economical to own, so the only way you can really wear classic luxurious clothing that's authentic is by buying high-end vintage clothes at a less-than luxury price (think Chanel). They are artfully crafted and there just isn't anything as flattering. All that additional material on the interior of vintage clothing is just amazing and easy to tailor to make your own.
Another huge reason I love it, ummm the uniqueness!!! When you invest in vintage clothing you can be sure that you will never walk into a room to find another person wearing the same thing. Vintage pieces are entirely unique and full of fine details that cannot be accurately reproduced; the prints, the embroidery, the buttons.. there's just nothing like them. Every style is just magical. I can go from the 80's with an over-sized blazer with shoulder pads and crazy embroidered sparkle to a simple chic 1990s Oscar de la Renta pant suit. The quality will be better than any other dress at Barney's and I pay half the price. I'm not saying that all the stuff out there is garbage now and I still buy my luxury staple pieces, shoes for example I won't buy vintage, but they have to be high quality. Of course I still shop at the local mall and boutiques. But with the way that I love to switch out my outfits and change my look all the time, I like to keep it 50/50.
Lastly, the clothing is more than just used clothes, it has a history. It is more than new unworn clothes. It's a story and art of those who have come before us. Owning and wearing vintage clothing is a way of keeping those people and those histories and that artistry alive. At the end of the day, to wear vintage clothing is to be wrapped in romance, art, beauty, an era, a mood. Vintage clothing is simply satisfying to wear. It just is. I love it and always will. Not just clothes; the hand bags, the hats, oh gosh don't get me started on the hats!
I'll be meeting and introducing some really cool vintage shop owners in Chicago so stay tuned. They will have much more to say on why vintage is important and clearly the best.
Until next time, xo!
Amelia
Photography with The Fox & She and The Golden Girl
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Ok, so I just got a new Nikon, well not really new, I bought it at a vintage fair. I know, I know, it's like I have a partially vintage style blog so I gotta have a vintage camera! Just can't stop ha. When I first started blogging I only used my phone because I thought what the heck, they look fine, the pics are pretty clear, and if socialite barbie can use it, so could I. Remember her? The barbie that had the most amazing Instagram, well she only used her iPhone. This is how I think sometimes people. Clearly I had no idea what I was doing. I'm still learning!
So I got this new camera and I did all this research on what lens to buy. I purchased this sweet new lens and it takes pictures that are ten times better than an iPhone. Take note above, although I still have to actually get another lens but I won't get into too many details.
I've been working with professional photographers to take my blog photos, but I really need to start taking my own. I don't always have the time to schedule in shoots. So I bought this awesome new camera and had no idea how to use it!
If you live in Chicago you probably know Blair Staky from her chic blog The Fox & She and Jess Keys from her fabulous blog The Golden Girl Blog. These two have a site together called Blogging For Keeps. They have advice, tips, classes, workshops, basically everything on being a successful blogger. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it if you are new to blogging, interested in it, or even if you already have a thriving blog.
Last weekend was perfect, they had an awesome class at Jess's home in Wicker park on photography. Just what I needed! Lets just say I learned a lot on what NOT to do anymore ha. They had a slideshow at one point and it said "What's wrong with this picture?" I honestly in my head thought, "Absolutely nothing, its beautiful." Ha! I clearly had a lot to understand.
Blair and Jess said they're always learning too so I didn't feel so bad. They also went into detail on how to have your husband, bf, or fiance take a photo. Teaching them to understand a few things, such as not cutting off your feet etc.
Jess's fiance helped out with a little slideshow about that. I wasn't aware of how many bloggers have their significant other take their photos. I always feel bad for Tim when he's struggling and trying to take my picture and worried that I'm going to get mad. I would wonder if I'm this horrible vain wife making this poor guy take photos of me. It felt nice to connect with other girls who are doing the exact same thing and that its completely normal. So I guess Tim just has to get use to it, and I of course need to be patient with him. We have fun with it but sometimes it could get a little annoying (I'm sure more for Tim).
The class was from 10am-5pm so we had a lot of time to learn, play with our cameras, test, shoot, drink mimosas, and ask questions. I met some awesome Chicago bloggers and I'm so glad I went. I'm really looking forward to connecting again and for future events.
Hope everyone had an awesome week, looking forward to this coming weekend, vintage fair time! I'll be sharing my new finds from that in my digital diary next week.
XO
Amelia