Here's looking at me kid

Inspired By: The Hard Rock Cafe in 1971

As someone who does a lot (or perhaps far too much) thrifting, I'm always looking for new ways to put together outfits with my finds from the '60s and '70s. It's pretty easily to just figure out what works, and go back to that same sort of look time and again. But lately, I've been considering new ways to stretch my wardrobe- especially since I'm getting ready to downgrade my closet space.

Well, imagine my surprise when I stumbled on these images from 1971's Petticoat magazine, full of primary(ish) colors... and actually thought, Woah! What fun! I'd love to try some of these combinations! Primary colors! Who knew.  This '70s editorial features some punk does prep styles, with a little class, and a touch of tacky. It's rare to see that combination expertly executed, and definitely inspiring!

What are your favorite looks here? I'm loving the athletic socks over tights (image 2) and the jumper dress over wide-leg trousers (image 4).

images: 1 2 3 4 5 all from emmapeelpants on Flickr

INSPIRED BY: Warm Colors in Vintage Homes

After the house inspection (for house option #1) today, Phil and I were hit hard with the realization that home owning will bring about a dramatic shift in the way we think about "keeping house." A phrase that used to alude to furniture selection, floor coverings, dishware, and other fun accessories has now turned into a savings-eating monster that reminds us of looming repair projects in our very near future. So yeah. The budget shift from decorating to damage repair has happened.

Now that's not to say we still can't have a little fun in decorating our new house! We'll be working with drastically different architecture- going from white arched, cathedral ceilings over warm, wooden floors and a giant Tudor-style fireplace to mid-century terrazzo floors, minimal brick walls with built in fireplaces and appliances, and sleek wooden accents. I'm admittedly overwhelmed with the change, so I've been studying the decorating styles of beautiful homes from around the same era, mulling over ways we can incorporate our current furnishings with the new space. So, how about another round of Inspired By Vintage Homes? This time I'm studying warm color pallettes. I hope these homes inspire you too! All images are linked to original Flickr sources.

Finding the Courage for the Cuta personal hairstyle story

I've already begun bracing myself for the onslaught of false compliments and dodgy "Oh! You cut your hair!" comments I'm bound to receive over the Christmas weekend. It's alright, not everybody needs to love my shockingly different hairstyle, and when people ask me what "made you do it," I could easily (and awkwardly) talk about dealing with grief and the ensuing emotions that impress the need for a fresh start. And sometimes I do talk about that. But superficially? I've got to say. I'm not sure I would've been able to sit there in that black vinyl chair watching long strands of hair tumble to the ground if it wasn't for the beautiful and courageous crop-haired ladies who've gone before me.

So let's start with the actresses above. I've always thought these ladies above were so fresh, fun, and really super cute. Not so much on the sexy front, which is fine by me, because I like to think of myself as happily "just cute." So, they made me wonder, is the pixie cut right for me? Concerned about my body type being able to pull off such a minimal style, I decided to nix it. I just don't have that much courage yet, and being unable to make that step actually made me really appreciate these trailblazers even more. Maybe after a bit of time with shorter hair, making the step to pixie might be easier than I think.

pictured above and linked to sources: Jean Seberg, Mia Farrow, Audrey Hepburn

Lacking the courage to go all the way to a pixie cut, I looked to the short, curly styles of these actresses I've always admired. A little body would be nice for someone with a curvier figure like mine. So, you guys! I actually got a perm. The lady at the salon was so relieved when I described the end product I was looking for. She said after looking at her appointment book that morning, she was really concerned I would walk through the door (maybe gum chewing and rainbow eyeshadow wearing?) asking for a big '80s style or something. Oh goodness, no! Not for me. Give me Liz, I say!

So that's the long and short of it. Elizabeth Taylor is now my style icon. Late '50s and early '60s Liz, that is. And I don't even mind needing a perm to make it happen. At first I was a little worried about having a similar hairstyle to the frumpy lady sitting in front of me at church. But friends, I really don't think I need to worry about being frumpy at almost 26-years-old and as someone interested in fashion and design. The point is- if you want to try a certain style, just try it! That's my motto, anyways. Does looking young and thin always have to the the yardstick we use to measure beauty? Not for me. I just wanted to feel fresh, sassy, and excited again. Have fun. In the end, it's really just hair.

pictured above and linked to sources: Deborah Kerr, Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor

Inspired By: Vintage Paperbacks

It's been a while since I've settled down with a good book. Now that our fireplace has made its debut for the season, I've been feeling the urge to read, read, and read some more! But the silly thing is, the prospect of picking up a book again after so long away from printed pages is pretty similar to reintroducing a starving person to food. Better start small and light. Wouldn't it be fun to giggle your way through a vintage dime store horror novel? I'm thinkin' YES! And the funky cover illustrations look mighty tantalizing.

I've rounded up a few of the books behind these pretty covers. Isn't the first title a kicker?!

• Never Kill a Client
• Picture of Death
• The Least of All Evils

images via Valentino Vamp