Almost summer

It isn't summer yet, but it sure feels like it. I've been drinking almost-daily frappuccinos (which I can only justify because I still have Starbucks gift cards left over from Christmas), and ladybugs have taken up residence in one of my bedroom windows. Two signs that the weather is changing. It was actually a little warm for jeans, but I felt very summery in this high-rise pair from Gap and a funny 80's wrap top that I tied in an enormous bow. And the bracelet! A few weeks ago I went to an estate sale with tons of vintage jewelry. It was mostly costume and not all that old, but while I was digging, the woman running the sale started unpacking some extra boxes. She handed me a Ziploc bag filled with jewelry, and when I opened it, I realized it was all Victorian! Portrait pins, lockets, monogrammed bracelets, etc. This bracelet was one of my favorites in the bag, and it only cost me $3!

Outfit details:
Vintage polka dot wrap top via etsy
Anthropologie tank
Gap jeans
Nine West flats
Antique bracelet purchased at an estate sale

Ode to common things

The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda loved "things." His three homes are filled with his treasures--colored glass, figureheads from old ships, masks from around the world--and he composed odes to birds, to salt, to socks. In "Ode to Common Things," he writes, "many things conspired to tell me the whole story. Not only did they touch me, or my hand touched them: they were so close that they were a part of my being, they were so alive with me that they lived half my life and will die half my death." He believed that everything ever made bore "the trace of someone’s fingers on their handle or surface, the trace of a distant hand lost in the depths of forgetfulness."

I can relate to Pablo Neruda, because that's exactly how I feel about vintage clothing. That by slipping on a dress I might be able to share a piece of the previous owner's spirit. It's not about capital-F Fashion at all. So I wasn't even mad today when the wind kept blowing my dress askew or passersby stared. I felt romantic and content, illuminated by the hazy afternoon sunlight, and it was a nice feeling.

Outfit details:
1940's dress via Dethrose Vintage
Madewell heels

Kicky Feet Vintage at Trade Union

On March 29th, I was one of the vendors at Trade Union, a newly-established biannual trunk show held at the Mine Factory here in Pittsburgh. It was the first time I've ever sold vintage clothing at a show, and I was so glad that the incredibly talented Laila Archuleta took a few photos of my booth. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, and keep your eyes on the Facebook page for more information about the next one!

Lately

I know it's a little silly to start a blog post by talking about the weather, so I'll keep it short and just say that we've had a few really beautiful days in Pittsburgh. I've been eyeing my floral rayons all winter, and I finally pulled one out of my closet for a coffee and tea date with my sister.

Nothing much new to report since I last updated this blog. Life has been dance studio choreography, yoga classes, and prep for the Vintage Mixer. It's this Saturday, April 12th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Heinz History Center, and I'll be selling clothing from the 20's through the 60's. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you there!

Outfit details:
1940's dress via etsy
Coach belt
Nine West flats

Kicky Feet Vintage

Just stopping in to announce that I will be selling vintage clothing at several venues here in Pittsburgh! I've been trying to expand my vintage clothing business, Kicky Feet Vintage, and a couple great opportunities have popped up in the past few months. For one, a selection of my items will soon be available at Mid-Atlantic Mercantile, a boutique in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. And second, I will be a vendor at two upcoming markets. If you're in the Pittsburgh area, stop by and say hello! (And keep your eye on my Instagram for sneak peeks of some of my favorite pieces.)

Trade Union, Saturday, March 29th, from 11AM - 6PM at the Mine Factory, 201 N. Braddock Ave.

Vintage Pittsburgh, Saturday, April 12th, from 10AM - 3PM at the Heinz History Center

Also, I'm definitely not abandoning this blog! The weather's warming up, and I'm ready to get into the swing of outfit posts again.