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

  








You can never go wrong with a free flow colorful dress and Sam Edelman sandals. Shop these off-the- shoulder spring dresses below. I'll be posting more of my spring finds this month so stay tuned...

                                       







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

One of my favorite things to wear are flats.  If I don't have to wear heels I definitely wont!  Loafers are perfect for dresses, jeans, or any occasion. I especially love the shiny ones, you can really dress them up or down.

Chicago is still struggling with it's weather for spring. It changes every few hours, so I always bring a blazer instead of a coat this time of year. My friends actually always make fun of me because I'm always the girl with the blazer.  Even in college, we'd go to night clubs and they would be wearing short dresses and I'd walk up in my jeans and black blazer. It's like my staple piece, I can't get enough and there are so many different gorgeous and cute ones. It really makes any outfit look sharp.

My dress is a vintage Sue Wong fashion dress, I'll be selling it soon. Handbag is also vintage, jewelry is Paul Miller DeZigns silver tube ring. Shoes are Ralph Lauren Barrett Loafer in Burgandy.

Shop this look and similar styles below!