11.18.2012

Lightness

I'm not sure what it is about hot air balloons that I love so much. I think there's just something wonderfully surreal about floating away in a big, colorful balloon. And I can only imagine how incredible it would have been to walk into an air show or World's Fair in the early 1900's and see these flying machines tethered down indoors!

I always seem to pull out this hot air balloon skirt when I'm feeling particularly stressed--like today, when I felt down about this blog and somehow managed to burn a 50's skirt I was ironing for my etsy shop. On off days like today, I try to remember that getting dressed ought to be joyful, and I think of all the times my dance students have told me I'm "so pretty." Eventually, the uncertainty recedes and I start to feel lighter.

The first air show at the Grand Palais in Paris, France. September 30th, 1909. Photographed in Autochrome Lumière by Léon Gimpel. (via Art Nouveau and Art Deco)

Metal hot air balloon wall sculpture by Curtis Jere (American, 20th century). (via Antique Helper)

Outfit details:
Anthropologie sweater
1950's skirt via Very Vintage
1933 World's Fair bracelet via the Washington Antiques Fair (blogged here)
Nine West heels

4 comments:

  1. That skirt!!! Oh my how it tickles my novelty print fancy, it is so beautiful and the colours and print are just lovely. And that cropped sweater goes beautifully with it too!

    Also, I've given you a blog award on my blog - The Liebster Blog award :)

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  2. I love the pattern on this skirt - it's lovely. And the picture of the air show is strange and beautiful. I've recently been researching images of world fairs and exhibitions as part of my full-time job and I'd like to find a good book that traces their history. That bracelet is such a unique find.

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  3. Your skirt is really amazing!! I love the photo of you floating away too. Too cute. XOXO

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