My New Favorite Things: Vintage Inspired Faves

The Apron - I completely understand why the apron is no longer an essential part of a woman's necessities. In its heyday every woman wore an apron daily; she did not want to get her dress dirty while she was cleaning, baking, cooking, and taking care of the house in general. Pants or grungy clothes were not an option for the 'proper' lady. One certainly had her day dresses that she would wear in the house but not outside the house, but even those had to be protected by an apron. When women began working outside of the home, wearing *gasp* pants, and sharing household duties with her partner, the need for the apron declined.

These days the only people that wear aprons are older adults and the vintage lovers. Of course, I also wear an apron, seeing that I am a vintage lover and older adult at heart. I find my apron to be a necessity. I am so messy in the kitchen! When I wash dishes, clean, bake, or cook, I always end up dirty; therefore, the apron is my BFF for life. Plus, it has pockets to put a rag in or your cell phone! It also makes me feel feminine, even if I didn't do my hair that day... and that in itself is worth way more than the cost of the apron.

Dresses - I was never a big fan of dresses until I began loving all things vintage. Growing up I was always the jeans and goodwill t-shirt kind of girl. However, the bigger my waist got the less I started liking jeans. If they fit around my waist they were too baggy on my butt. If they fit my legs they were too small around my waist. Jeans shopping is the worst. If I had to pick between going to a Justin Beiber concert or going jeans shopping, I would choose the concert.

Anyway, I realized that there was a better option for me than jeans; skirts and dresses to the rescue! They look super cute, make me feel feminine, and I don't have to worry about pulling a whole outfit together. I have a hard time figuring out if my clothes match, and since the husband is no help in the fashion department I opt for simple outfits instead of taking my chances. I also don't have to worry about finding tops that flatter my body type (which is - big belly and little everything else). I know some women prefer jeans/pants/leggings/shorts, but I love a comfy dress.

ps... speaking of Beiber Fever, watch this video.

What Outfit Makes You Feel Your Best

Last week Mrs. Attempted Domestication, Ms. Apt 16, and I were discussing the new real Simple magazine. Well, more like drooling over it. I didn't have anything to offer to the conversation since I hadn't read it yet (my mom gives me her copy when shes done reading). I have since read it and agree that it was FANTASTIC! Mrs. Attempted Domestication came up with the glorious idea that all three of us blog about the editors question of What outfit makes you feel your best?

If I were 9, I would have said a sweat-suit (matching with my Granny of course).

If I were 12, I would have said baggy Nike Shorts and an over-sized t-shirt.

If I were 15 I would have said a child sized goodwill t-shirt and my holey Mudd bell- bottom pants.

If I were 18 I would have said 'anything my friends would tell me'.

Right now, at the age of 25 I would have to say the outfit I feel best in is my teal 1940's inspired dress I got at Banana Republic in 2008. The dress is perfect for me: it highlights my natural waistline, has ruched shoulders, and falls perfectly at the knee. It is also silky and oh so comfortable! I bought it on credit for my cousins wedding when I was a VISTA and making 9,000 dollars a year. I justified buying it because it was on sale (as is everything I buy at BR) and because it had been such a rough year for me I decided that I deserved to splurge once in a while. Even though it might not have been the responsible thing to do, I believe it was the right thing to do. Ive had the dress for 2 years and still feel gorgeous in it!

I have worn the dress to weddings, swing dancing, and to a housewarming party I threw for myself! When I wear this dress I am completely in my element. I put seamed stockings and small heels on , and complete the look by adding a vintage hairstyle. This is when I feel my best (however, a close second are my pajamas. When I get home from work everyday, the first thing I do is change into a comfy nightgown).

What outfit makes you feel your best?