tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36283444838758541092024-03-13T10:04:51.770-07:00Betsy's BabySarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-31396137815855550612014-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:002014-12-12T00:00:03.446-08:00Primarily Yours<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you've read my blog at all, you pretty much know that I LOVE bright colors and one of the things I particularly like about vintage fashion is it's use of bright primary colors mixed together. And a great way to emulate a vintage look is to mix and match reds, blues, and yellows. </div>
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This outfit is a mix of vintage and modern pieces and is an easy way to incorporate some vintage into your wardrobe. (If you haven't joined the <a href="http://betsysbaby.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-12-days-of-vintage-challenge.html">12 Days of Vintage Challenge</a>, check out our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/12daysofvintage/">Flickr page</a> and join us throughout the month of December.) You can still get a passably authentic vintage look by mixing modern and vintage or you can achieve a completely new and modern look. That's part of what I love about vintage, the ability to be and wear it in your own way.<br />
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Outfit Details:<br />
Sweater-vintage 1950s beaded yellow sweater, I think from an Etsy seller a while ago.<br />
shirt-red and white striped tank from Old Navy years ago.<br />
skirt-navy lined circle skirt made by me<br />
bangles-vintage lucite and bakelite form various sources<br />
earrings-vintage bakelite berry cluster clip on earrings from eBay<br />
hair comb-vintage plastic red leaf-shaped from eBay<br />
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It's been a crazy race to finishing the fall term of our homeschool and preparing for Christmas at our house the last couple weeks and I'm so grateful school is now officially out until January. Now, my sewing machine is running every second I can spare to make Christmas gifts and I'm trying to catch up on neglected housework that I had been unable to do properly since my surgery a few weeks back.<br />
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Are you participating in the 12 Days of Vintage Challenge? How do you add a little vintage to your wardrobe? Do you like pairings of primary colors?</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-75259819433533088182014-12-11T06:13:00.001-08:002014-12-11T06:13:09.164-08:00Last Chance to Enter Birthday Giveaway <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you haven't entered yet, you have until the end of today to enter the <a href="http://betsysbaby.blogspot.com/2014/11/happy-thanksgiving-and-birthday-giveaway.html">Birthday Giveaway</a> and the winner will be announced Saturday!!!<br />
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Hope you win!</div>
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-40804147058312860132014-12-08T10:28:00.000-08:002014-12-08T10:28:00.062-08:00The 12 Days of Vintage: Starting Out Small<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, so you admire vintage style clothing/accessories and you've seen celebrities, fashion bloggers, and vintage enthusiasts rock vintage outfits and pieces for a while with admiration, but how do you bring that into your wardrobe in a practical and easy way?<br />
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The truth is you may have already been wearing some vintage in your everyday clothing. Maybe it's a vintage/antique piece of jewelry that you inherited and wear on occasion or maybe you have a piece of clothing that was your mom's back in the day (I used to wear my mom's awesome 60s and 70s styles in high school). Chances are you've at some point worn some vintage in an everyday and practical way if you love vintage styles.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add a vintage sweater or cardigan and be unique.</td></tr>
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Most people agree that vintage is anything about 25 years or older. Yes, that means that by most definitions 1980s and some early 1990s clothing applies. I realize this makes some vintage enthusiasts upset, but just because I don't prefer wearing clothing from those decades doesn't mean I am superior to someone who does or that my sense of style is better. It's simply different. Part of what I've always enjoyed when wearing vintage is the fact that I can wear what I like, what flatters my figure, and even what my husband likes to see me in, regardless of what's in style or for sale in my local mall. Fashion and clothing is a form of self expression and just like we each look different and have different personalities, so should our clothing reflect our uniqueness. We were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) the most fantastic and amazingly creative being that has ever existed. So, He being so creative and making us in His image, it would only make sense that we should be creative in every sense, even in how we attire ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9paecUFWxUY8y9-aQYdzQJkH8oiCC4beckanKJHIXYqnNnXfsFw-DFAR-virPSj-Ol-s_llBFFmTrg0MmAZegUSbXTl3rDizMdMk-atr8uiezfQaS8FBlSlNmFMNSF-lNunJdqwRS0A/s1600/new-oldglasses5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9paecUFWxUY8y9-aQYdzQJkH8oiCC4beckanKJHIXYqnNnXfsFw-DFAR-virPSj-Ol-s_llBFFmTrg0MmAZegUSbXTl3rDizMdMk-atr8uiezfQaS8FBlSlNmFMNSF-lNunJdqwRS0A/s1600/new-oldglasses5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget that your frames can also be a vintage accessory. </td></tr>
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You also don't have to wear an outfit comprising entirely of vintage or even vintage appropriate clothing to wear and enjoy vintage pieces. There are people who do that and seek perfectly accurate portrayals of certain time periods and that's great if that's your thing, but don't feel like you have to, especially when your starting out or for a daily look. Take what you like and incorporate it into your everyday, practical, wardrobe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nYlMOyVF1orXoo9glsk42Np9yqXcD35uELgThhH-v_kPNtGelFtb4MtCTsl_OKRO02IoeE48ZtBqG54qTdkTbTe2QIQtMCntSzJsOfWVEJUsaUfXndVDMroEPQW_k-pDgocX0Rt9kPQ/s1600/doubleskirt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nYlMOyVF1orXoo9glsk42Np9yqXcD35uELgThhH-v_kPNtGelFtb4MtCTsl_OKRO02IoeE48ZtBqG54qTdkTbTe2QIQtMCntSzJsOfWVEJUsaUfXndVDMroEPQW_k-pDgocX0Rt9kPQ/s1600/doubleskirt7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cute vintage purse is an easy way to add vintage.</td></tr>
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Some great examples of incorporating small vintage pieces would be a vintage brooch, earrings, bracelet, ring, necklace, a scarf, a handkerchief, a purse, vintage frames, shoes, or even a hat (it's especially easy in winter to incorporate a warm vintage hat).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeYX2LAQYV7y2FaAWj1_sWsfEWBMIp_8rFI0tQbjWK-hcbSzyxvznUxbfB76Xcpov-jR4f8P9iQ2RsKYwuYFFlLcxIdJlNuTWegBYMVvwP38TyfJ4U_G9UZcS2k64igFvhxG-ZX8B_78/s1600/pinaforematernity2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeYX2LAQYV7y2FaAWj1_sWsfEWBMIp_8rFI0tQbjWK-hcbSzyxvznUxbfB76Xcpov-jR4f8P9iQ2RsKYwuYFFlLcxIdJlNuTWegBYMVvwP38TyfJ4U_G9UZcS2k64igFvhxG-ZX8B_78/s1600/pinaforematernity2.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stack of vintage bangles or a hat can add a little vintage<br />flair to any outfit.</td></tr>
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Great places to look for small vintage accessories or pieces, after looking at what you already have, is thrift stores (cheapest way usually), yard sales (this one's hit or miss), estate sales/estate auctions, flea markets, or antique stores. Many of these also have online equivalencies if there's not much selection in your locality (eBay or Esty anyone?).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzz0uUK82-8wJlL_Cj90l9Oxs0F4BCLxTePAVLOD1x0iVL7LtvfIYBiULlBUOf_4HpH_sotaBRVmDtsDdW55KPJufDI7mx65cnM7H4iK_ied0LVdTQj8Q5xClRW0Hp97U-JFVuJNZk6k/s1600/doubleskirt12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzz0uUK82-8wJlL_Cj90l9Oxs0F4BCLxTePAVLOD1x0iVL7LtvfIYBiULlBUOf_4HpH_sotaBRVmDtsDdW55KPJufDI7mx65cnM7H4iK_ied0LVdTQj8Q5xClRW0Hp97U-JFVuJNZk6k/s1600/doubleskirt12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vintage headband style hat is easy to wear even for an easy everyday look, and they stay on better, too. </td></tr>
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Online shopping is actually where I've acquired most of my vintage in the last few years. That's not to say that I don't still go to the local shops/markets, but simply because it's at least a 20 minute drive each way to any of them, and with four kids (ranging from 7 to 3 months, two in diapers) it's way easier and sometimes cheaper to just have it shipped to my house. Online shopping is also great if you're looking for something particular or have an event or date you need it to arrive for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQNV2k9kmsjKNDTf6P0lGrq0f7p1hX5jZAKQFKkL7XdA0_cDxGPkqYFCBB3nZqxcqCvYkW6rstaCbWtRj6Zk1Z-p0oDYtxi7fGTTBNdX5IZDUqcUYThdFpGE141OKRcbFyt-QZvjGQ7o/s1600/Photo+358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQNV2k9kmsjKNDTf6P0lGrq0f7p1hX5jZAKQFKkL7XdA0_cDxGPkqYFCBB3nZqxcqCvYkW6rstaCbWtRj6Zk1Z-p0oDYtxi7fGTTBNdX5IZDUqcUYThdFpGE141OKRcbFyt-QZvjGQ7o/s1600/Photo+358.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about a vintage brooch? Or even a vintage dress?</td></tr>
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Another option is to ask for vintage items from people you know. This may sound weird, but once the people you know find out that you like vintage clothing/accessories, they are more likely to give you their grandmothers brooches rather than donate or sell them or even (Gasp!) throw them away. Often when an older person's loved ones go through their things they find many vintage treasures, and if no one in the family or friends have an interest in them, they may think of you. So, using your discretion of course, there's no harm in letting your friends and family know you have an interest in acquiring these types of vintage clothing/accessories.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvm6D51cE2f2MsTLnX1Pm1ii0fMZjwCAjJoBOyy3lfklWHGF7ixXXQVbkmby9JibCS9uydRpYzSRNxWxi9vQIJ-_2mOmvzRRSZSyLPplxc0Y-3cTHLaZrYQcugomO_6nj3hnL8oWG7GM/s1600/hatearrings&stripes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvm6D51cE2f2MsTLnX1Pm1ii0fMZjwCAjJoBOyy3lfklWHGF7ixXXQVbkmby9JibCS9uydRpYzSRNxWxi9vQIJ-_2mOmvzRRSZSyLPplxc0Y-3cTHLaZrYQcugomO_6nj3hnL8oWG7GM/s1600/hatearrings&stripes1.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try adding vintage earrings.</td></tr>
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Small vintage accessories are a great way to start incorporating vintage into your wardrobe. They also tend to be cheaper (depending on the item of course and shoes that are more than thirty years old are rarely found cheap) and more plentiful than say an original cotton sack thirties house dress. The older an item is, the more rare it is to find it, the more fragile the materials it's made of, and even the more iconic it was for the time period, can all increase the cost. But don't lose heart, because just when you think you'll never find a certain vintage item, I've found with patience they all turn up.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this introduction to The 12 Days of Vintage Challenge and that you will feel more confident in incorporating more vintage into your wardrobe. And don't forget to enter the <a href="http://betsysbaby.blogspot.com/2014/11/happy-thanksgiving-and-birthday-giveaway.html">Birthday Giveaway </a>ending December 11, 2014!<br />
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Have a Very, Merry, Vintage, Christmas!</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-85969263988434526462014-12-05T04:16:00.002-08:002014-12-05T04:19:11.327-08:00The 12 Days of Vintage Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm very excited to present the 12 Days of Vintage Challenge to you today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgPPNx2Su0X0EzEmoC2x8Nryz0ig1KhiScTApjxNBircLiCGF5Zrq10-CkbjlwsXRHXiXsKTzoY6eCsg2QpQBNy4Xl2qN_T5AVEjlvsUxjCqoO_WRqKrxvVI9KminLtKPlW35-6ZZf00/s1600/featherinmycapsmiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgPPNx2Su0X0EzEmoC2x8Nryz0ig1KhiScTApjxNBircLiCGF5Zrq10-CkbjlwsXRHXiXsKTzoY6eCsg2QpQBNy4Xl2qN_T5AVEjlvsUxjCqoO_WRqKrxvVI9KminLtKPlW35-6ZZf00/s1600/featherinmycapsmiling.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
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The idea comes from the fact that getting into vintage clothes can be a little scary at first, especially if you're familiar with most vintage bloggers. Bloggers can make it look so easy to wear it everyday, even if we don't wear it everyday ourselves. Unless you have a friend in real life who dresses in vintage clothing, it's very easy to get discouraged.<br />
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Interested? Well, here's the rules.<br />
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1. You have to wear at least one vintage item of either clothing or accessory for twelve days during the month of December. Style it and wear it any way you like.<br />
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2. Sign up for the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/12daysofvintage/">Flickr page 12 Days of Vintage</a> and post pictures of your vintage item or outfit there.<br />
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3. Link to this post, or at least credit Betsy's Baby, and post on your blog or social media, but you don't have to have a blog or social media to participate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc5EwhiFbXUHNjEXPORdyVt86E6upp7xzoYWY1HwE-tmtrTfPbP4LxaGVzKx-dgxqzicF2khRl7tu1JaA-sEdXb6Xu_Q9qbsxN5dpgBIacPMB9ZlIYJQwlxeKnfjYNy1A5vf4bb8ZAvc/s1600/bellsbrooch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc5EwhiFbXUHNjEXPORdyVt86E6upp7xzoYWY1HwE-tmtrTfPbP4LxaGVzKx-dgxqzicF2khRl7tu1JaA-sEdXb6Xu_Q9qbsxN5dpgBIacPMB9ZlIYJQwlxeKnfjYNy1A5vf4bb8ZAvc/s1600/bellsbrooch.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></div>
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The 12 Days of Vintage Challenge starts now I will be posting helps here as well as providing links and tips along the way. No pressure, but just the encouragement to wear a little more vintage this month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfGLl2y9QiqpWi1qGUZxS9jAbb_dcgk77B4joJEcK5dCvDjiniD9acxH2ZjjL22VMtInaMNjCFVUQNuyrEmMgEJJXkPl2NsyxhHlPEw5_FmnddGo9qsKqRyX2BFaKiPF_tRc0CIGhVeA/s1600/MyPicture-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfGLl2y9QiqpWi1qGUZxS9jAbb_dcgk77B4joJEcK5dCvDjiniD9acxH2ZjjL22VMtInaMNjCFVUQNuyrEmMgEJJXkPl2NsyxhHlPEw5_FmnddGo9qsKqRyX2BFaKiPF_tRc0CIGhVeA/s1600/MyPicture-20.jpg" height="320" width="176" /></a></div>
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Now, have fun and a Very, Merry, Vintage Christmas to you!<br />
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Oh, and if you haven't enter the <a href="http://betsysbaby.blogspot.com/2014/11/happy-thanksgiving-and-birthday-giveaway.html">Birthday Giveaway </a>yet, please do! The giveaway ends on December 11, 2014!</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-80830051867107716772014-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:002014-11-28T00:00:11.997-08:00Double the Skirt, Double the Fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaDl9IiU4-B0hXzQetLA3QLqKT56ZhBuJZErir6qhjoL9vKb7zaN0xJLD7rLlh4kzafkx8MKtX6gNWiVnuVBzOcG5LnAWbzJUUKHq6e5ZDQpO6OPGiKPnWWeZGxMxz5B932XchOZwaCQ/s1600/doubleskirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaDl9IiU4-B0hXzQetLA3QLqKT56ZhBuJZErir6qhjoL9vKb7zaN0xJLD7rLlh4kzafkx8MKtX6gNWiVnuVBzOcG5LnAWbzJUUKHq6e5ZDQpO6OPGiKPnWWeZGxMxz5B932XchOZwaCQ/s1600/doubleskirt3.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
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This skirt was something I whipped up kind of on a whim with no pattern or even a picture for inspiration. To be honest, it was born out of necessity and my love for both fabrics used.<br />
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Outfit Details:</div>
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Skirt: made by me</div>
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Shirt: Knit peasanty blouse from Old Navy ages ago</div>
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Hat: vintage ribbon hat from eBay</div>
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Bangles: vintage bakelite from various eBay sources and times</div>
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Earrings: vintage wire sunflower screwbacks from eBay this summer</div>
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Brooch: vintage bakelite 1930s/40s cowgirl from eBay maybe?</div>
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Purse: vintage 1950s tooled leather from local antique store no longer open</div>
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I also wore brown tights and some honey-colored lace-up oxford flats, but didn't get a picture. </div>
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I've always like a nice simple gathered skirt, but also enjoy the occasional wrap skirt. A drindl or simple gathered skirt is really easy to make and wear, but can be a little blah. A wrap skirt is pretty and interesting to look at, but somehow I always end up on the wrong end of too big of a breeze in them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeg8DoVu7CEA9yoQ6kc4tuTsL39UGMEpHa0rkDtBpinzXZDu99bNlGGuUz5cbqK8BjaPWWdIs7n0edXMajrisbJvOTsL_rupt3bb-MpnfsV1-T02XNsA8XMks6rMC4ohYwXCJwLOU-l4/s1600/doubleskirt11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeg8DoVu7CEA9yoQ6kc4tuTsL39UGMEpHa0rkDtBpinzXZDu99bNlGGuUz5cbqK8BjaPWWdIs7n0edXMajrisbJvOTsL_rupt3bb-MpnfsV1-T02XNsA8XMks6rMC4ohYwXCJwLOU-l4/s320/doubleskirt11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The answer: combine what I like about both of them. So, I made a feaux wrap drindle skirt! By lengthening the waistband at both ends I was able to make it close with a bow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeg8DoVu7CEA9yoQ6kc4tuTsL39UGMEpHa0rkDtBpinzXZDu99bNlGGuUz5cbqK8BjaPWWdIs7n0edXMajrisbJvOTsL_rupt3bb-MpnfsV1-T02XNsA8XMks6rMC4ohYwXCJwLOU-l4/s1600/doubleskirt11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiyyHvw3mh9uELJjh91cR1vzdzFw511tQS-ORcy_x7_5ee2vhmLDD6d89y16lspGDsXvPEm1jVVXo45pzEuWzNBCh9LTSlvPGprNygLlPqiLeUIHy2d7sZB5artAXeec_PS3MhJ3P4YY/s1600/doubleskirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiyyHvw3mh9uELJjh91cR1vzdzFw511tQS-ORcy_x7_5ee2vhmLDD6d89y16lspGDsXvPEm1jVVXo45pzEuWzNBCh9LTSlvPGprNygLlPqiLeUIHy2d7sZB5artAXeec_PS3MhJ3P4YY/s320/doubleskirt2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It also is very practical post-abdominal surgery (no, not a tummy tuck, lol) due to it's adjustability and loose fit, and....it's completely reversible(saving closet space)! I'm sure you'll see an outfit post with it's other side later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiyyHvw3mh9uELJjh91cR1vzdzFw511tQS-ORcy_x7_5ee2vhmLDD6d89y16lspGDsXvPEm1jVVXo45pzEuWzNBCh9LTSlvPGprNygLlPqiLeUIHy2d7sZB5artAXeec_PS3MhJ3P4YY/s1600/doubleskirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwnqHknwJ0VtBFgS8UDvwWAfYtrX35gxE2NyU9sXcPqfsLUnK6VOToOecMIjCnTOEeleu7ZK1LuXJbYhOj8JZTJ7jdkAFyiOPQ_JWHdX7oE2JgSXNwTGDKDBb9vnTnJOCLEnkyk-M8cU/s1600/doubleskirt9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwnqHknwJ0VtBFgS8UDvwWAfYtrX35gxE2NyU9sXcPqfsLUnK6VOToOecMIjCnTOEeleu7ZK1LuXJbYhOj8JZTJ7jdkAFyiOPQ_JWHdX7oE2JgSXNwTGDKDBb9vnTnJOCLEnkyk-M8cU/s320/doubleskirt9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Having four small children can take a toll on you both physically and mentally, but that was increased for me after the birth of my third child and made worse after our fourth was born due to some physical and health issues I was experiencing. Anyone who has experienced any kind of ailment that is remotely debilitating will understand that it can be more than a little depressing to be unable to do what you want to do or even used to do simply because you're body won't cooperate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYUjqIFEdLW1HOJXY9FXwKXjV39Nm7x5s2MX8exNv_MaFYmSepGn51LguQ9eJv7X5oQmMR4WxpyGFTl1BqXvYSeolipCZNd64802cDTH1Wrj2ckcFjaxLwOBli3VhHUflVwh-5FiTPfk/s1600/doubleskirt12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYUjqIFEdLW1HOJXY9FXwKXjV39Nm7x5s2MX8exNv_MaFYmSepGn51LguQ9eJv7X5oQmMR4WxpyGFTl1BqXvYSeolipCZNd64802cDTH1Wrj2ckcFjaxLwOBli3VhHUflVwh-5FiTPfk/s320/doubleskirt12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had surgery a few weeks back in order to get back some of the ability to do things I used to take pleasure in and to even be able to pick up my kids again and play with them in an active manner. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHkdkKKQ_ZSnZArdwaCic1u8mLROYWdcFma8mEB75SCMapO9wFPqdoZ6_JQV6SPWxJAkRyXVqe-PsI6TDUhHHaWOSkyzyFr49Ac22Y9TBkQFMb9NuRrGpRh9PLM3_dMdICmyg7ZHpE4k/s1600/doubleskirt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHkdkKKQ_ZSnZArdwaCic1u8mLROYWdcFma8mEB75SCMapO9wFPqdoZ6_JQV6SPWxJAkRyXVqe-PsI6TDUhHHaWOSkyzyFr49Ac22Y9TBkQFMb9NuRrGpRh9PLM3_dMdICmyg7ZHpE4k/s320/doubleskirt7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The post-op recovery period for surgery can be just as, or more, debilitating than whatever the surgery was supposed to correct. Sewing up this skirt not only gave me something to do, but something I could comfortably wear while still sore and healing, and it made me feel just a little bit better about myself and pointed to the hope that somewhere down the road things would be better and easier. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs-xzqmgGUv2YeNU6I-Lpqhul__TRZz7PUUBjKPCrnyF3CeuiM0A4entk0Tv4qVtzaZvEUXeZzubSHd6acwJk7AKWAyQjiVKyYYjqXotxtEkFMEdosRLA68WI_jWWV979PpZFO3TLnBs/s1600/doubleskirt6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs-xzqmgGUv2YeNU6I-Lpqhul__TRZz7PUUBjKPCrnyF3CeuiM0A4entk0Tv4qVtzaZvEUXeZzubSHd6acwJk7AKWAyQjiVKyYYjqXotxtEkFMEdosRLA68WI_jWWV979PpZFO3TLnBs/s320/doubleskirt6.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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My daughter also wanted me to share with you something else we have been doing together while I was recovering. We've been able to spend some girly time just painting our nails and looking at amazing and crazy nail art on pinterest. Just being able to do something with her made me feel a little more normal, too.<br />
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Do you have any hobbies or interests that help you to cope with difficult situations? Would you wear a reversible skirt?<br />
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-19882637605007115282014-11-27T20:59:00.001-08:002014-11-27T20:59:11.400-08:00Happy Thanksgiving! And a Birthday Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Thanksgiving to all the U.S. readers and I hope and pray that you have a very safe and blessed day full of thanks to God for all the many ways He cares for us through Jesus Christ His Son.<br />
I was born on a Thanksgiving morning thirty-four years ago and I've always thought that was special, and it's made doubly special when my birthday happens to fall on Thanksgiving as it does this year. To celebrate, I am having a giveaway!<br />
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If you didn't already know, Betsy's Baby is NOT a sponsored blog (I have thought of trying to get sponsors, but I don't know about that...) and I don't get any free stuff, so this giveaway will feature items from my own personal vintage collection. This giveaway will also include a choice of items to win. You can either choose two pairs of new-old-stock, still in the package, seamed stockings in size 9 & 1/2 or a vintage sewing pattern.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfq4U4gP2XnHGMMJ3uaU2-xt4nI3-Ya-0VE9QBfp03iFuOi-h-lbSmCe0NOCBCOeG2qXpCPehyey4UGBgrW2YnrMF4SJIPbP2nrhMT1D0Q8eNckYvWY8bbFteD-6DnEavlMfar1ZLvdM/s1600/2014bdaygiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfq4U4gP2XnHGMMJ3uaU2-xt4nI3-Ya-0VE9QBfp03iFuOi-h-lbSmCe0NOCBCOeG2qXpCPehyey4UGBgrW2YnrMF4SJIPbP2nrhMT1D0Q8eNckYvWY8bbFteD-6DnEavlMfar1ZLvdM/s1600/2014bdaygiveaway.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplicity 4905 in size 12 bust 32</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1d_UKwmu5nJvj7GRaso-jfacwPbWeTNJIukZGbfDHHxVFxVm56A-2i5yMOP4dn3kkpqH05hR3mNV11jZRVNFra3KXUsLH0jtuFjaS8s5iCEE_-OkkqPqR1RxqLf1BMCoZ-PjR17M5Tc/s1600/2014bdaygiveaway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1d_UKwmu5nJvj7GRaso-jfacwPbWeTNJIukZGbfDHHxVFxVm56A-2i5yMOP4dn3kkpqH05hR3mNV11jZRVNFra3KXUsLH0jtuFjaS8s5iCEE_-OkkqPqR1RxqLf1BMCoZ-PjR17M5Tc/s1600/2014bdaygiveaway2.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two unopened pairs of seamed stockings in a nice tan color.<br /> They are too long for me, so I hope they go to a good home and will gets lots of wear.</td></tr>
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To enter:<br />
1. Leave a comment below with your name and email and which you would prefer to win (stockings or pattern).<br />
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2. Earn extra entries by following Betsy's Baby on Bloglovin'.<br />
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3. Earn extra entries by posting about this giveaway somewhere else (i.e. social media or blogs).<br />
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4. Be sure to comment for each additional entry and leave a link for posts made elsewhere about this giveaway.<br />
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You have until Thursday, December 11, 2014 to enter (I hope this give it time to get there by Christmas!) It's open to anyone in the world and a winner will be announced on Saturday, December 13, 2014.<br />
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Hope you win!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qKfYaIOspLSftrDZWJNTvz8EkpYWbfvubDpd7uPMrkrzH-O5tQ-g-VT0gGUJpte4HdPST8hKdymZtLjnR_uKrKa-8qgolhKwRYTTWKTjAZ-ZTk4UYprJZF26P9RYAPBbKnlyh87yE-s/s1600/backporchview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qKfYaIOspLSftrDZWJNTvz8EkpYWbfvubDpd7uPMrkrzH-O5tQ-g-VT0gGUJpte4HdPST8hKdymZtLjnR_uKrKa-8qgolhKwRYTTWKTjAZ-ZTk4UYprJZF26P9RYAPBbKnlyh87yE-s/s1600/backporchview.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning view from my backporch.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Enter His gates with thanksgiving, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and His courts with praise!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Give thanks to Him; bless His name!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the LORD is good; </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">His steadfast love endures forever, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and His faithfulness to all generations."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Psalm 100:4-5</span></span></td></tr>
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-80316640444651485142014-11-26T00:00:00.000-08:002014-11-26T00:00:10.594-08:00Workbasket Wednesday: Vintage Ads Earn it!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today's Workbasket Wednesday is a collection of ads. As I look through my old Workbasket magazine collection, I've often noticed that advertising has changed a lot in the last sixty to seventy years. One of the things that seems to be a steady theme in vintage magazine are ads not to buy products, but for you to sell them. Sure, you may see an ad here or there in a modern magazine for you to earn money selling something, but it seems like the amount in vintage magazines is much higher. I'm not really sure what that says about our consumerism culture, but it does make me wonder if maybe we're less likely today to want to earn extra money by working an extra "job". Maybe we're just less productive in general, but what ever it is, I hope you enjoy looking at some of the opportunities you could've had to earn some extra money in 1951.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mlm1JZ5TklJB_IF1xRTjz3ymznqCyPQ6kPbogxeEhWsOjN29kYbAWhoqs_5lcc0tdHez3Y2zez1kupuZs5q3x1cxaivyzIjemMgQW_xHjpxyDA6NJefNeZTgy16EqAHcEmYslA92svs/s1600/wwads4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mlm1JZ5TklJB_IF1xRTjz3ymznqCyPQ6kPbogxeEhWsOjN29kYbAWhoqs_5lcc0tdHez3Y2zez1kupuZs5q3x1cxaivyzIjemMgQW_xHjpxyDA6NJefNeZTgy16EqAHcEmYslA92svs/s1600/wwads4.jpg" height="640" width="224" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGxV4jsRRA5Ipi1S1ZyEAHTT3uNg4LoupgIiw4pp1nBgL-T2tox__FEjoqggeS87SaciAcLBp7ZaiIRB4y6g4eqgQuJMv2-5aaDSB21qJAGoxuA7VBNwa0JLGa12YhSjkN4QNRpkqlVU/s1600/wwads3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGxV4jsRRA5Ipi1S1ZyEAHTT3uNg4LoupgIiw4pp1nBgL-T2tox__FEjoqggeS87SaciAcLBp7ZaiIRB4y6g4eqgQuJMv2-5aaDSB21qJAGoxuA7VBNwa0JLGa12YhSjkN4QNRpkqlVU/s1600/wwads3.jpg" height="640" width="296" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNeJba_2sVj_qYI7K4i1l4ZiPgbn0x3ZWxa84Ara1Aje-H2ze_3Va04Bntc0nDXtUr87hof9QwsJMlCtNNI0hLsUs0cIdrVTDvz9axhOFHP7rhd0TwPyyWG0MGrJ-kr29sWPekyxk_94/s1600/wwads2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNeJba_2sVj_qYI7K4i1l4ZiPgbn0x3ZWxa84Ara1Aje-H2ze_3Va04Bntc0nDXtUr87hof9QwsJMlCtNNI0hLsUs0cIdrVTDvz9axhOFHP7rhd0TwPyyWG0MGrJ-kr29sWPekyxk_94/s1600/wwads2.jpg" height="640" width="268" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vJPmyVk7oLWIt_lScww3efsyo_uZjpw2ruP7IhGLbzSftGUVsvrfU50voIgDM7ZKI5BKGybPVoTgZqJEtWndW4PYX4jVQ9sxqKy1-q3RuvX_S_qPAP51ClYiOR68vZCjsfCBvlTGWz8/s1600/wwads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vJPmyVk7oLWIt_lScww3efsyo_uZjpw2ruP7IhGLbzSftGUVsvrfU50voIgDM7ZKI5BKGybPVoTgZqJEtWndW4PYX4jVQ9sxqKy1-q3RuvX_S_qPAP51ClYiOR68vZCjsfCBvlTGWz8/s1600/wwads.jpg" height="640" width="260" /></a></div>
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Do you do anything to earn extra money on the side? Is it harder now with the internet and easy at home shopping for individuals to sell products? Do you wish you could take advantage of any of the opportunities in these ads?</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-47976816336819634082014-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:002014-11-21T00:00:21.073-08:00Fall Pastels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hvluV9gJRoXhyphenhyphenDktyiKzJ4l5LhDy6IsXD-ZVDv2OL7ruxM-Z1Ec5JWcWZjGLXy2KfMh4w2-0FzE8ublBAPI8FB4RIfQQj_5Pwsm4_7YZgfhkwE2MSn1lnNag8tpWJmzsIZ8_uuRLJYk/s1600/fall+pastels4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hvluV9gJRoXhyphenhyphenDktyiKzJ4l5LhDy6IsXD-ZVDv2OL7ruxM-Z1Ec5JWcWZjGLXy2KfMh4w2-0FzE8ublBAPI8FB4RIfQQj_5Pwsm4_7YZgfhkwE2MSn1lnNag8tpWJmzsIZ8_uuRLJYk/s320/fall+pastels4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Goodness knows I am not what I think anyone would describe as "on trendy" or even very "fashionable", at least not for modern times. I have always dressed in a way described as "different" by most people who have ever known me. Oddly, even though my style has obviously evolved, the basic elements and style preferences I enjoy have not really changed much. I met my husband when we were both seventeen and he says the fact that I dressed my own way actually made me not only stand out, but attracted him to me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pastels" class="media-img" src="http://images.fashiontimes.com/data/images/full/8823/pastels.jpg?w=600" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: top;" title="Pastels" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/4358/20140401/fall-2014-runway-trend-spot-pastels.htm">source</a></td></tr>
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However, when I put this outfit together I later found out that pastels were on trend for this fall, lol. Not that it matters, but I thought it rather funny that I was accidently sort of trendy. Obviously I'm not wearing them in a trendy way though, lol. And clearly I don't look remotely like a model, which I'm actually kind of glad about, because I'd rather be me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrIyO561mzUrNoH8S-yPB-vZBjw0LKiVB3L4TLBGt33c7nOgOWKU6jMEdxjSSNEb2mY0EvXkbKCY6IfAag1Cf8p2iEHcDyFjsVBDXhUEX7slqzqSanfkqAUiTLstQlRpGD1ZiMtyod5s/s1600/fall+pastels2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrIyO561mzUrNoH8S-yPB-vZBjw0LKiVB3L4TLBGt33c7nOgOWKU6jMEdxjSSNEb2mY0EvXkbKCY6IfAag1Cf8p2iEHcDyFjsVBDXhUEX7slqzqSanfkqAUiTLstQlRpGD1ZiMtyod5s/s320/fall+pastels2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even though I'm naturally very pale and some pastels can wash me out, I still love them and feel totally girly and very feminine when I wear them. I think pastel peaches, blues, and some lavenders look the best on me, and it's kind of fun to wear them in fall or winter when they are least expected, and they cheer me up. It's hard not to be a little happy when wearing pastels.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jQbA21WskM42ZFbtigPLm1xBNet5KQ0SJ8tv4mO3quSWsaZIQLm-Hhft4gTitBXUnTPi8_NCXbUN4_xtglNLRV-mdW_l70oIddFWTUxuXrrLvRmGhF0KX0y9pcnxAQ4SJP3DRduLLcw/s1600/fall+pastels3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jQbA21WskM42ZFbtigPLm1xBNet5KQ0SJ8tv4mO3quSWsaZIQLm-Hhft4gTitBXUnTPi8_NCXbUN4_xtglNLRV-mdW_l70oIddFWTUxuXrrLvRmGhF0KX0y9pcnxAQ4SJP3DRduLLcw/s320/fall+pastels3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wouldn't say that my style fits perfectly into a specific vintage period either, though, I guess I will never completely "fit in" as far as fashion trends, but I'm okay with that. After all, a big part of the reason I wear vintage clothing and styles is because I enjoy being a little unique and eclectic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIdJsgIvXjoq0_SeYTtfYvTzzGvKkX6AUgf9MN9V88vPQ-WjN3Q8nmiRZCxh8D_lblN3fWpn86ZdbecNZPmEwZvfH89Pz_OvSPr2bplC6H-9_Nnxl8R8-GWA9TA-kCgeZnhJpOGhepGA/s1600/fall+pastels5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIdJsgIvXjoq0_SeYTtfYvTzzGvKkX6AUgf9MN9V88vPQ-WjN3Q8nmiRZCxh8D_lblN3fWpn86ZdbecNZPmEwZvfH89Pz_OvSPr2bplC6H-9_Nnxl8R8-GWA9TA-kCgeZnhJpOGhepGA/s320/fall+pastels5.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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I have elements in this outfit from at least four different decades, but I think just like I'm not completely from one decade, neither is my clothing. It's amazing how everyone is made up of all the time, experiences, and elements from many years (unless you're a kid reading this, lol), yet if we look at pop culture or to the fashion world, we are supposed to forget everything we loved or wore ten years ago and follow whatever current fashion dictates regardless of whether we like it or whether it's flattering on us. If this logic were applied to any other part of our lives, we would laugh. I love that wearing vintage clothing and thrifted clothing allows people to show more of who they really are through what they wear. I've always been interested in older things, whether it be vintage clothing, antique furniture, antique cars, or traditional and older music styles. Why not let your clothing speak to who you truly are?</div>
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Outfit Details:<br />
Skirt: drindl skirt made by me<br />
Shirt: peachy turtleneck from who-knows-where because I've had it since college<br />
Sweater: vintage 1980s, purchased from Brittany from <a href="http://www.vavoomvintage.net/">Va-Voom Vintage</a>'s Etsy (Vintage Under 30) store this summer (Pssst! Here's a link to her new awesome new Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WackyTunaVintage">Wacky Tuna.</a>)<br />
blue leather belt: don't remember, but online somewhere<br />
Earrings: vintage Niagara Falls souvenir clip-ons, because I'm touristy like that and that place is special to my husband and I.<br />
I also wore gray tights and some black oxford ankle bootie flats, and yes, one day I will take pictures of my shoes! I'm just a germaphobe and do not wear shoes past my basement door at our house.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG1QRZuCfRJpG6jIhw5hc-R648BWT0etr_SF6ERsEydBcc44tXaWoKyRdYN__-78w7a7UYH6fJrQZGKfxI5CegCgE8SrM_Ob1_neD5nfhla1js9vzEJF04Ev3zJXNnKTstmiCaVYGorw/s1600/fall+pastels7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG1QRZuCfRJpG6jIhw5hc-R648BWT0etr_SF6ERsEydBcc44tXaWoKyRdYN__-78w7a7UYH6fJrQZGKfxI5CegCgE8SrM_Ob1_neD5nfhla1js9vzEJF04Ev3zJXNnKTstmiCaVYGorw/s320/fall+pastels7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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With the upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving here in the U.S., I'm sharing a big part of what, or rather who I am soooo thankful to God for right now. Above is a gratuitous cute baby picture with the girls, because I'm head over heels for our sweet little girls. Can't believe I'm a mom of four and get to have TWO little girls! God has truly blessed our home and family with an unbelievable sweetness!<br />
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Do you wear pastels in fall or winter? What does your style say about you? What have you been blessed with lately?<br />
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-47427142630725185292014-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:002014-11-19T00:00:17.746-08:00Work Basket Wednesday: Crocheted Bread Tray Doily<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't done a Workbasket Wednesday in a long time, but I've still got plenty of Workbasket magazines from the 40s and 50s, so I hope to continue posting them, and I hope you enjoy them, too.<br />
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I'm not the greatest crocheter. I can crochet simple things, but never really have tried to tackle anything very difficult. However, I actually have always had a soft spot for doilies. They're just so pretty. I've inherited many from both of my grandmothers and do occasionally use them in decorating (The past few years I've used a sort of snowflake patterned set to decorate at Christmas). This pattern doesn't look too hard, so maybe one day when patience and time are on my side I will attempt it.<br />
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I hope you enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhhNdnsJ4vb09SCMmj0qtNunzUWHiab0-PA_iZkXHJTf9tALQ6Mxlq8SUkdhxi93YDPmB2zOV2kV_2Dcc9ErAYc4EB_RmpdsZiePr0_aJJD_oDuuos6ibsg-UNP3QdTR2wkgl3ytve-w/s1600/wwbreadtraydoily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhhNdnsJ4vb09SCMmj0qtNunzUWHiab0-PA_iZkXHJTf9tALQ6Mxlq8SUkdhxi93YDPmB2zOV2kV_2Dcc9ErAYc4EB_RmpdsZiePr0_aJJD_oDuuos6ibsg-UNP3QdTR2wkgl3ytve-w/s1600/wwbreadtraydoily.jpg" height="489" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-53509308489363623612014-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:002014-11-17T00:00:16.800-08:00Vintage Mama Monday: Shirtwaists and Breastfeeding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Vintage picture of woman breastfeeding in the 1950s" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3874" src="http://whatsomewouldcalllies.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/breastfeeding.jpg" height="223" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; height: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 520px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;" title="breastfeeding" width="226" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whatsomewouldcalllies.com/this-is-the-one-that-says-diabetes-is-like-breast-feeding/">Where </a>I found this picture, but not the ultimate source. I really found the contrast between<br />
the nursing mom who looks tired and a bit tense next to the young woman with beautiful<br />
hair and makeup seeming so happy very funny. Motherhood is more enjoyable when you feel good about how you look, but sometimes I look more like this lady nursing her baby.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">I've now had four children and have breastfed three successfully for a year or more and hope to do the same with our youngest. I absolutely love breastfeeding. I love, the closeness, the ease of always having her food with me, the health benefits for us both, and being in awe of God's incredible design for mothers and feeding their babies. I say all this not to make anyone who does not or cannot breastfeed feel badly, because it's okay. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image-wrap listing-thumb" data-palette-listing-image="" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208267693/1930s-cotton-dress-xl-laundry-day-dress?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=1930s+shirtwaist+dress&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery" style="-webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f5f5f1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 4px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 4px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 4px; color: #0192b5; display: inline-block; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; width: auto;" title="1930s Cotton Dress / XL Laundry Day Dress / 30s"><img alt="1930s Cotton Dress / XL Laundry Day Dress / 30s" data-src="//img1.etsystatic.com/045/0/5926445/il_340x270.672359825_godm.jpg" height="170px" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/045/0/5926445/il_340x270.672359825_godm.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="214px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1930s with a great print and colors and pintucks on the shoulders.<br />Find it<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208267693/1930s-cotton-dress-xl-laundry-day-dress?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=1930s+shirtwaist+dress&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery"> here</a>. Oh, and this is actually an XL if you're interested.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">While I am passionate about breastfeeding, I find it next to impossible to be as passionate about how it changes my wardrobe. Things like nursing bras, huge breasts and cleavage, and everything needing to have easy access for feeding. It means almost no dresses for most women, as well. But let me just let you in on a little secret, breastfeeding is, I think, a little easier for the vintage wearing mama and her wardrobe, depending on which era of clothing she prefers to wear.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image-wrap listing-thumb" data-palette-listing-image="" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/203316367/vintage-1940s-shirtwaist-dress-shaped?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=1940s+shirtwaist+dress&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" style="-webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f5f5f1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 4px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 4px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 4px; color: #0192b5; display: inline-block; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; width: auto;" title="Vintage 1940s Shirtwaist Dress Shaped Shoulder Yokes Flared Skirt Round Pocket 1942 Advance 2752 Bust 32"><img alt="Vintage 1940s Shirtwaist Dress Shaped Shoulder Yokes Flared Skirt Round Pocket 1942 Advance 2752 Bust 32" data-src="//img1.etsystatic.com/041/2/5640161/il_340x270.652956273_cpck.jpg" height="170px" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/041/2/5640161/il_340x270.652956273_cpck.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="214px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grab up a 1940s version for a totally different look.<br />
Find it <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=1940s%20shirtwaist%20dress">here.</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">We have the advantage of the quintessential, the amazing, shirtwaist dress. There's nothing like being able to put on a cute dress and still being able to feed and take care of your baby. I love that it makes looking and feeling a little more put together so much easier than trying to match up or find separates that still fit. Put on a shirtwaist, grab a few accessories and you're out the door a whole lot faster. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image-wrap listing-thumb" data-palette-listing-image="" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196456553/1950s-vintage-sewing-pattern-shirtwaist?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=shirtwaist+dress&ga_vintage_rewrite=vintage+shirtwaist+dress&ga_original_query=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery" style="-webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f5f5f1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 4px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 4px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 4px; color: #0192b5; display: inline-block; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; width: auto;" title="1950s Vintage Sewing Pattern Shirtwaist Dress Bust 34 UNCUT Butterick 6710 Full Skirt, Wing Collar, Tab Accent Day or Evening Dress"><img alt="1950s Vintage Sewing Pattern Shirtwaist Dress Bust 34 UNCUT Butterick 6710 Full Skirt, Wing Collar, Tab Accent Day or Evening Dress" data-src="//img1.etsystatic.com/031/1/6141906/il_340x270.627635213_hs3v.jpg" height="170px" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/031/1/6141906/il_340x270.627635213_hs3v.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="214px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great change up from the standard shirtwaist.<br />
Find this 1950s pattern <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196456553/1950s-vintage-sewing-pattern-shirtwaist?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=shirtwaist+dress&ga_vintage_rewrite=vintage+shirtwaist+dress&ga_original_query=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">I love that shirtwaists came in a variety of prints and colors and were made with easy care materials. I love that they are relatively easy to find in vintage or to purchase a vintage pattern and sew. You can even find many modern shirtwaist dresses that look vintage. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image-wrap listing-thumb" data-palette-listing-image="" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193203185/nos-1960s-shirtwaist-dress-peter-pan?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_query=1960s+shirtwaist+dress&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" style="-webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f5f5f1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 4px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 4px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 4px; color: #0192b5; display: inline-block; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; width: auto;" title="NOS 1960s shirtwaist dress. Peter Pan collar short sleeves. June Cleaver. Button front dress. Jeune Liegue by Cherberg. Toile look dress."><img alt="NOS 1960s shirtwaist dress. Peter Pan collar short sleeves. June Cleaver. Button front dress. Jeune Liegue by Cherberg. Toile look dress." data-src="//img1.etsystatic.com/026/0/6107970/il_340x270.615743683_ffv7.jpg" height="170px" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/026/0/6107970/il_340x270.615743683_ffv7.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="214px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome rooster toile print. Get it <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193203185/nos-1960s-shirtwaist-dress-peter-pan?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_query=1960s+shirtwaist+dress&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">here</a>. </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">Some tips for planing your postpartum and breastfeeding wardrobe are things like looking for looser fitting ones on top, because well, you're gonna be bigger. Also look for elastic waistbands, yes, some vintage shirtwaists had them, definitely makes your fluctuating size a whole lot easier to deal with. A great source for cheaper priced shirtwaists often with elastic waistbands is to look for 70s and 80s vintage shirtwaists. (A little tip that I do to keep elastic waist 80s shirtwaists from looking too much like 80s and not enough 40s or 50s is to buy them to fit me with the elastic stretched almost as far as it will go. It's still comfy, but looks a little more fitted at the waist, something that may mean a lot to you after 9 months of no waist.)</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image-wrap listing-thumb" data-palette-listing-image="" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208137112/1970s-japanese-pink-aqua-blue-floral?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=shirtwaist+dress&ga_vintage_rewrite=vintage+shirtwaist+dress&ga_original_query=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery" style="-webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f5f5f1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 4px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 4px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 4px; color: #0192b5; display: inline-block; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; width: auto;" title="1970's japanese pink aqua blue floral vintage dress,Floral dress,Pink dress,Shirtwaist dress,autumn winter dress,art deco dress,tea dress"><img alt="1970's japanese pink aqua blue floral vintage dress,Floral dress,Pink dress,Shirtwaist dress,autumn winter dress,art deco dress,tea dress" data-src="//img0.etsystatic.com/050/0/9729482/il_340x270.670915034_i0lw.jpg" height="170px" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/050/0/9729482/il_340x270.670915034_i0lw.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="214px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how crazy cute this vintage 70s shirtwaist is, but it ain't cheap.<br />
Find it <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208137112/1970s-japanese-pink-aqua-blue-floral?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=shirtwaist+dress&ga_vintage_rewrite=vintage+shirtwaist+dress&ga_original_query=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery">here.</a> </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">I think all us vintage mamas probably all have an appreciation for the shirtwaist dress, but when you're sleep deprived, need to wash your hair, and carrying a ton of supplies for baby everywhere you go, the shirtwaist dress just makes one more step a little bit easier. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image-wrap listing-thumb" data-palette-listing-image="" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/72432670/shirt-dress-red-dress-floral-print?ref=sc_1&plkey=b153f87d246e5def93adc85be17ad0c99392704f%3A72432670&ga_search_query=1980s+shirtwaist+dress&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" style="-webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f5f5f1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 4px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 4px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 4px; color: #0192b5; display: inline-block; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; width: auto;" title="Shirt Dress, Red Dress, Floral Print, Vintage 1980s Size Medium"><img alt="Shirt Dress, Red Dress, Floral Print, Vintage 1980s Size Medium" data-src="//img0.etsystatic.com/031/0/5916972/il_340x270.565386108_5kum.jpg" height="170px" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/031/0/5916972/il_340x270.565386108_5kum.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="214px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1980s red shirtwaist dress available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/72432670/shirt-dress-red-dress-floral-print?ref=sc_1&plkey=b153f87d246e5def93adc85be17ad0c99392704f%3A72432670&ga_search_query=1980s+shirtwaist+dress&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">here.</a> </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">Hope this encouraged and helped you to feel a little better in a season of life where feeling good about your appearance can be a daily struggle. And if you're expecting and think you might breastfeed, I would suggest that you start planing and thinking about your postpartum wardrobe and what you need to add if anything. It just makes that time a little less hectic and depressing. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" id="productImage" rfxccgroup="itemID=345720" src="http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000653&itemID=345720&swatchID=0424&recipeName=pdlg485x503" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" valign="top" width="307" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern "shirt dress" <a href="http://www.loft.com/plaid-shirtdress/345720?CID=GoogleDressesLT&mr:referralID=d89a2a60-6c2d-11e4-ac6c-001b2166c2c0">here.</a> I just pefer a vintage version because<br />you get more length and usually a little more design details than with modern,<br />but modern versions are pretty easy to find and fairly affordable.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Noticia Text', Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">What was your go to wardrobe staples postpartum or while breastfeeding? Do you love a good shirtwaist dress or shirt dress? </span></span></div>
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-69928770211787516402014-11-14T09:01:00.002-08:002014-11-14T09:01:37.276-08:00Help! Birthday/Thanksgiving Dress Decisions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, so here's the deal. Every year for my birthday, I think to myself, "I'm going to sew an amazing birthday dress." Some years it has happened, but most years, not so much, or at least not in time for my actual birthday. This year is very special because my birthday happens to also be Thanksgiving and I was actually born on Thanksgiving. This only happens every so many years and this would mean that I would actually have somewhere to wear a special birthday dress for my birthday (my husband and I don't always get to go out for or on my birthday, kids you know).<br />
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This year I really have been thinking of late 1930s and 1940s dresses, but I also need something fast and easy and I want to use this crazy bright and patterned fabric if possible. No, I'm not asking too much, am I? Oh, and I want a pattern that's super cute and doesn't require a lot of modification to fit me, because, well, there's not much time left to make it. All this, hence the cry for.....HELP!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6evXWmA7j0ZB03F0tTUQZHe9UZf945dcVvWuzIUkT77Ln6QssH__iuu0KccXF2L9GolTWzc4-Srjf7PzG74oxdgZ8K1AdFrkFkETCbY6q7lHMW_3s3vwJFecv2NANjhEjcqWdQp99YYE/s1600/fallbirdsfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6evXWmA7j0ZB03F0tTUQZHe9UZf945dcVvWuzIUkT77Ln6QssH__iuu0KccXF2L9GolTWzc4-Srjf7PzG74oxdgZ8K1AdFrkFkETCbY6q7lHMW_3s3vwJFecv2NANjhEjcqWdQp99YYE/s1600/fallbirdsfabric.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know this looks like a bright and crazy print, and well, it is, but I really love it, what can I say?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4On0N0s9q0FapnwXz7NNGmh8rvpPqlu9fB-ASJnT6umMkB1MCFvzpLaCLHRy4Bkin20vAvKtqZSfkybnugsns8ovBNjz-rek6Hctv5cKIiPTdJFY7_6TlX4SdmQIxCRQMx074sgAO53w/s1600/tealtoilefabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4On0N0s9q0FapnwXz7NNGmh8rvpPqlu9fB-ASJnT6umMkB1MCFvzpLaCLHRy4Bkin20vAvKtqZSfkybnugsns8ovBNjz-rek6Hctv5cKIiPTdJFY7_6TlX4SdmQIxCRQMx074sgAO53w/s1600/tealtoilefabric.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fabric was actually a birthday gift for me last year, so I would really like to use it. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIVRKC3pvjoZuBAm8SQ20CFnRjNMKkq01wE_ThB7fGN5TDu2SBJc9638ZG73CBuIQd0nWCSPLl5Nyryx3nQNY_-TZbJlV36YFKegdtsZRiYTFwWDtGlqi4U_nhfGk6jjOm2bVMrRRZqQ/s1600/blackredstripefabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIVRKC3pvjoZuBAm8SQ20CFnRjNMKkq01wE_ThB7fGN5TDu2SBJc9638ZG73CBuIQd0nWCSPLl5Nyryx3nQNY_-TZbJlV36YFKegdtsZRiYTFwWDtGlqi4U_nhfGk6jjOm2bVMrRRZqQ/s1600/blackredstripefabric.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some plainish black, red, and tan striped fabric. Very serviceable, but not very exciting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyiamFbds0y60xMOsZxPdvrjx1gnFDS8i9wjrNnZnoboXUQb-gpXYK4A-WIbxIKAwQ2pbZK6L6AP3nKAA3uRImcRpw0wsq6FF2RLaygeR3sFFnyS0CBtDmcnrAXPViMXl-ZuAZpZ8uug/s1600/kidscherrypickfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyiamFbds0y60xMOsZxPdvrjx1gnFDS8i9wjrNnZnoboXUQb-gpXYK4A-WIbxIKAwQ2pbZK6L6AP3nKAA3uRImcRpw0wsq6FF2RLaygeR3sFFnyS0CBtDmcnrAXPViMXl-ZuAZpZ8uug/s1600/kidscherrypickfabric.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This kitschy kids picking apples print fabric just screams to become a 1940s dress, <br />but I'm not sure it's birthday-dress-exciting enough. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlaLNZbBaSA5jAn99PIrx1abmAt0OfAooyYkPeAzO75gcWR7MgZpsMyRzeBZzvvQ8hkdZ0mLibB3w37NlWxV4M706iriZfOSfMOq_uHfilCF5bd2Kff71volCUZ19XFykYpRzQjUDHug/s1600/mailorder9030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlaLNZbBaSA5jAn99PIrx1abmAt0OfAooyYkPeAzO75gcWR7MgZpsMyRzeBZzvvQ8hkdZ0mLibB3w37NlWxV4M706iriZfOSfMOq_uHfilCF5bd2Kff71volCUZ19XFykYpRzQjUDHug/s1600/mailorder9030.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
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This first option is literally the kind of dress I dream about wearing, but I'm not sure it's right for the pattern on this material or if I could wear it without a lot of modifying to make it breastfeeding friendly. (If you have any ideas how I could easily adapt it to nursing friendly, please let me know!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Y4mJ37kSykRso6DaQ6DKPxICwhElAdsn7CrB9QrnIHdLttL2BQsqA62pqzkB1gwW7vIRTMFFO_1kVek9uOrzvc-bdS5Y0YCWu6KLwkQIb11jWKS2RK7LCC3yocLRbQXrKwfYAuIkTo/s1600/advance2492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Y4mJ37kSykRso6DaQ6DKPxICwhElAdsn7CrB9QrnIHdLttL2BQsqA62pqzkB1gwW7vIRTMFFO_1kVek9uOrzvc-bdS5Y0YCWu6KLwkQIb11jWKS2RK7LCC3yocLRbQXrKwfYAuIkTo/s1600/advance2492.jpg" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>
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This next one is super cute, too. I would have to size it up a little and I'm not sure how I would like it in the long-sleeved version, but I'm cool with making it short-sleeved. The only hesitation I have is that unbelievably long zipper, which would make it very nursing friendly, but oh, the logistics of finding such a zipper and then having to put it in! Hmmmm.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hQI7z2IuEEEU5puR4qY_yzlttiJsFclbI-i2ZwU11yhK4upVSfU5TSzvLL0rsN2A2AQ6ClOvJhw0LOYWJT5GmG-Mp19zyTw3UyEfHfG_CKpy_WFKEkJSnnN5IffHKFjTb33CSpz4Aww/s1600/mailorder4763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hQI7z2IuEEEU5puR4qY_yzlttiJsFclbI-i2ZwU11yhK4upVSfU5TSzvLL0rsN2A2AQ6ClOvJhw0LOYWJT5GmG-Mp19zyTw3UyEfHfG_CKpy_WFKEkJSnnN5IffHKFjTb33CSpz4Aww/s1600/mailorder4763.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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This next one is a pretty straightforward 1940s shirtwaist. I'm not sure that the design of the dress wouldn't get lost in this print and all those button holes would take a while to sew. However I wouldn't have to do any sizing up or modifying to make this one work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ug6oZW8weAABw1Idz3YjVX5Q4pjrlddaIkPvEnrFww_iwmCDWyaBUIQBXjAUrQB-qoLI9TpqtIvYLzRdR0TSar0U65Xhl8YUDWGV7BpFfuqtgGoRoIgDMgzh2ExD4SkALc-_jN4GthQ/s1600/mailorder1830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ug6oZW8weAABw1Idz3YjVX5Q4pjrlddaIkPvEnrFww_iwmCDWyaBUIQBXjAUrQB-qoLI9TpqtIvYLzRdR0TSar0U65Xhl8YUDWGV7BpFfuqtgGoRoIgDMgzh2ExD4SkALc-_jN4GthQ/s1600/mailorder1830.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
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Logistically, I kinda know this one is probably the safest bet, because the design is simple enough for a busy print, the size is right, and I think it would be a fairly quick sew-up.</div>
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So, please help me! I will not promise to do what you say, but I will definitely take any advice into consideration before I cut any of the fabric. I'm open to short or long sleeves, but the big thing is it has to be easily accessible for breastfeeding. </div>
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Which pattern would you choose? Which fabric? What should I do?</div>
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-48360610225004890632014-11-13T11:53:00.001-08:002014-11-13T11:53:17.566-08:00Stripes Ahoy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD51uBn1jocCdMAy_F1GYVrHq9zr8qiECNcNRakTk_wxBKVqNkC7gKkKII50mRq4tJkX4LBHd6gEBS_oxLBMjTdl7hd2X7fgONPGJI_AhNArR0HiBPm5FGTcOIgTP-Eb6hE402E33LeY/s1600/stripesahoydress3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD51uBn1jocCdMAy_F1GYVrHq9zr8qiECNcNRakTk_wxBKVqNkC7gKkKII50mRq4tJkX4LBHd6gEBS_oxLBMjTdl7hd2X7fgONPGJI_AhNArR0HiBPm5FGTcOIgTP-Eb6hE402E33LeY/s320/stripesahoydress3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was an outfit that I wore about a month ago, but I wanted to share it because not everyone lives somewhere that requires continuous covering of your arms and legs. Here in Tennessee the weather is as unpredictable as imaginable throughout the year. We've literally had Christmas day with tons of snow and below zero temperatures some years and sunny and 70 degrees other years. This means that I may be wearing a short-sleeved dressed with bare legs in the fall or winter. As I type this it's really cold outside and tomorrow is supposed to be the coldest day we've had this fall/winter so far. So, I honestly feel a little weird looking at these pictures. But I digress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA94wMpo-L8NsXq2yZoKgvvFO0EZshF12n1bexT2qY9uzmVemoqmen5A2f7MY3aX6KQ9RyPLnsOWlk1DxZ6IrHKlJtZ7w0rDut5PzRqs9BNzo4q8m3iRJho0qwQ_rZj7sixW6eTIxAv2M/s1600/stripesahoydress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA94wMpo-L8NsXq2yZoKgvvFO0EZshF12n1bexT2qY9uzmVemoqmen5A2f7MY3aX6KQ9RyPLnsOWlk1DxZ6IrHKlJtZ7w0rDut5PzRqs9BNzo4q8m3iRJho0qwQ_rZj7sixW6eTIxAv2M/s320/stripesahoydress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My absolute favorite color is yellow, and although I don't wear a lot of just plain yellow because I don't think many shades of yellow look so good on me, I love pairing it with my outfits for a pop of color or contrast. Blue is probably my second favorite color, so this was a winning combination in my book.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiP-gJbeVfEcQHIoeCkAmv16aT3GOOtoEhTzYT8DecnXuHxgNVpOZ0mfcGooZC6T5BLcpEv4mxFowtU6K72RNnQJ9b3Y14t_ayOPo6e6llYGan3GxH8BnrQgnVtjwMmrY-7PwCpybMkP8/s1600/stripesahoydress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiP-gJbeVfEcQHIoeCkAmv16aT3GOOtoEhTzYT8DecnXuHxgNVpOZ0mfcGooZC6T5BLcpEv4mxFowtU6K72RNnQJ9b3Y14t_ayOPo6e6llYGan3GxH8BnrQgnVtjwMmrY-7PwCpybMkP8/s320/stripesahoydress1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my yellow guitar brooch!</td></tr>
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This dress is extremely versatile as well. The coloring and medium weight of the fabric make it able to be worn in spring and summer as is, but also to be worn with a cardigan or sweater/jumper and tights or stockings. It's great for the post partum nursing mom, too, with the buttons on top and elastic waistband. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05l18gm0jsMI-ekYMnKahoWkB21EOZZ5AtZbYAHdGLDJc9KD0BUQQrzTFPDd_rwgch1P7DFWYR4YX62wsBV92Xux4UjC0jmahm6nfeKF0mSWBwEWMkOtsAVXgGpxKsjMpzfpcJGN7_ZQ/s1600/stripesahoydress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05l18gm0jsMI-ekYMnKahoWkB21EOZZ5AtZbYAHdGLDJc9KD0BUQQrzTFPDd_rwgch1P7DFWYR4YX62wsBV92Xux4UjC0jmahm6nfeKF0mSWBwEWMkOtsAVXgGpxKsjMpzfpcJGN7_ZQ/s320/stripesahoydress2.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
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But this is what I think is the best part of this dress: it's a vintage 1980s dress! So, it was under $10 in cost! If you don't know by now, I'm notorious for not wanting to spend much on my wardrobe (I would rather spend more on fabric and vintage sewing patterns, ironically), so this dress that cheap makes me really happy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB5QWPeaJYcwul0dY9Vg1ocOpRiV8ytwONZX3Ke8T4R4HPSTc04ssXqvaACQYvwXNfrThTb1rI7_-0Ic6p7D5Xey4kd_j_wb-j1wh5PvrDEZ8Y68Z7hDjhdx3wObKIaqXDKgT1Nvc_Po/s1600/stripesahoydress4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB5QWPeaJYcwul0dY9Vg1ocOpRiV8ytwONZX3Ke8T4R4HPSTc04ssXqvaACQYvwXNfrThTb1rI7_-0Ic6p7D5Xey4kd_j_wb-j1wh5PvrDEZ8Y68Z7hDjhdx3wObKIaqXDKgT1Nvc_Po/s320/stripesahoydress4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Outfit Details:<br />
Dress-1980s Vintage eBay find<br />
Bracelets-Vintage lucite from various sources<br />
Belt-from vintage 1950s yellow swiss dotted dress I own<br />
Brooch-vintage plastic guitar brooch from eBay<br />
How do you stretch your wardrobe to transition through the seasons? Would you buy a 1980s dress and actually wear it?<br />
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S.D.G.</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-57941266393688758492014-11-12T08:51:00.002-08:002014-11-12T08:51:45.217-08:00Bad Blogger!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCQgbPM5ZdAdCsWLlDY30Wn2h76z7HsLNK2AcAEAp_cHE1bdwamJv6TzedqdAAH4jcyiCOcaUmoVSk3jU8VLmPhXLaraG09FYZu1OBOKWnU-rnToqB5cbEybpAe61gYnQYgCXZ1EyH9I/s1600/doubleskirt8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCQgbPM5ZdAdCsWLlDY30Wn2h76z7HsLNK2AcAEAp_cHE1bdwamJv6TzedqdAAH4jcyiCOcaUmoVSk3jU8VLmPhXLaraG09FYZu1OBOKWnU-rnToqB5cbEybpAe61gYnQYgCXZ1EyH9I/s320/doubleskirt8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been a very bad blogger the last few months. Not only do I keep coming back and promising to post more regularly, but then don't, I wasn't even that concerned about my false promises and absence.<br />
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I really and truly am sorry for that, but just to let you know kind of what's been going on I'm posting today along with some previews of posts to come.<br />
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Well, I was seriously busy after the birth of our fourth child, but I've also had some continuing health issues that started after the birth of my third child two years ago. I knew that some of it could be helped with some physical therapy, but the biggest issue would require eventual surgery.<br />
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Well, that surgery wasn't as eventual as I had hoped. I ended up having some severely and physically restricting pain that led to me having the surgery a few weeks back. I'm doing well, and just got clearance from my doctor to lift the baby again (Hooray!!! That was the hardest for me.) and I will have about a 4-5" scar, but hey, now things should get back to normal again around here.....just in time for holiday madness, lol. I am so glad to be done with the surgery and now am just trying to focus on healing and savoring every moment with my family.<br />
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I have some new series and topics for upcoming posts and have several posts in the works already. So, look forward to some holiday surprises coming up and more sewing, vintage mama posts, and a birthday giveaway set up for later this month. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFL5cxC6pbaT1o9yZ7-SZ4DU8AR3RgF8DnkT7isr4DkGEnIavkE8BTRltxUy4FgjbqDe3clMvRxpnGRzFye_CYEXs8jD9Z-zKP9ueWO67t_z_tadcZwr5Og4RwCJuvnu6hDTOp77IWwU/s1600/fall+pastels6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFL5cxC6pbaT1o9yZ7-SZ4DU8AR3RgF8DnkT7isr4DkGEnIavkE8BTRltxUy4FgjbqDe3clMvRxpnGRzFye_CYEXs8jD9Z-zKP9ueWO67t_z_tadcZwr5Og4RwCJuvnu6hDTOp77IWwU/s320/fall+pastels6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls and me! Sweet baby Emeline Joy and my oldest daughter. </td></tr>
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Thanks for sticking with me in spite of my absence and I can't wait to jump back into the blogging world again!</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-39285569973764725502014-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:002014-09-19T00:00:00.998-07:00A Body of Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZqwVx9lC61OjAKGMOlQWDRzfjzlCgyv3UArYfuiwnU9aqe898z5vODOm2QpcmMr5gnw85PASYKVvf__7y8OxS1Toj3QiyLzsg00omPToT8fpZkImDvAMtswxYznMpBmkWigSlzh0gsg/s1600/reduceeasily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZqwVx9lC61OjAKGMOlQWDRzfjzlCgyv3UArYfuiwnU9aqe898z5vODOm2QpcmMr5gnw85PASYKVvf__7y8OxS1Toj3QiyLzsg00omPToT8fpZkImDvAMtswxYznMpBmkWigSlzh0gsg/s1600/reduceeasily.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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Something I've seen a little bit lately in the blog world has been posts about body image. Most of the posts I've read have been written by women, who in my opinion, have a more culturally ideal body than I do, and who adamantly say they have no body issues, but here's their opinion on it. I'm not writing this to negate anything they have said or feel, but rather to say that I find it odd that they are the voices on this issue, but also that as a society we are embarrassed to admit we struggle with body image or with being overweight in general.<br />
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It almost seems like you aren't supposed to admit you're unhappy about your body or appearance, but if you don't fit the ideal of our culture, then you will be bombarded with images and weight loss suggestions until you change. Of course, you will be simultaneously subjected to lots of food advertisements and people saying you have to be happy with your body right now and that you should just flaunt whatever body you have regardless of societal norms. So, to be unhappy with my body or weight is taboo, but in reality we don't want to be overweight either?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UpGVpeDnWoWUILGC2GndW9FcHMFBCxY0_Mjrlne-V2h5S3CibiK-Ekwd7vuldNmkedY8GJRXEWehEsPBM3FkhSUUGfzSsKPXmlfcKj32_6hF10I-pdbkVbnQzpGiIisfar93RIyKU9M/s1600/Reduce!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UpGVpeDnWoWUILGC2GndW9FcHMFBCxY0_Mjrlne-V2h5S3CibiK-Ekwd7vuldNmkedY8GJRXEWehEsPBM3FkhSUUGfzSsKPXmlfcKj32_6hF10I-pdbkVbnQzpGiIisfar93RIyKU9M/s1600/Reduce!.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
Not to mention the pressure put on moms in our day to look no different after giving birth (no matter how many children you've had) than they did as a teenager. If you don't bounce back than you just have no self-discipline or restraint and the implication is you are a failure as a woman, a wife, and a mom, and trust me, everyone puts in their two cents worth on this. Doesn't that just make you want a Hershey bar?<br />
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I struggled with posting pictures on my blog when I started it for a couple of reasons. I didn't want to give up a lot of my privacy, which is why you won't get my full name here, where I live exactly, or many pictures of my kids. Yet the main reason was because I was and am unhappy about my appearance. I used to be very active and never stick thin, but definitely a lot thinner than I am now. I used to have the time and ability to exercise every day, to go to the gym, and to run as long as I wanted.<br />
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Now, I'm not saying this to decry the effects of motherhood and pregnancy, nor do I want to use that as an excuse or crutch. Rather to say we have a wrong way of perceiving women and mothers in our culture. I am much more than my body or my appearance, and my body is more than my appearance, as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNjeCZRUFF7nkPb69hRlxvpSqrYPKL57ng_J5Ptc0q3G-KwIEnYUFgA_NflmF9q0Bd86VFYoaQj_zKQ6jAkVR_CiKURXM1vI2HHizbxhPmgUZzdY95qLiYljxJo2-AuCiCFB1OhITRcE/s1600/reducetomusic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNjeCZRUFF7nkPb69hRlxvpSqrYPKL57ng_J5Ptc0q3G-KwIEnYUFgA_NflmF9q0Bd86VFYoaQj_zKQ6jAkVR_CiKURXM1vI2HHizbxhPmgUZzdY95qLiYljxJo2-AuCiCFB1OhITRcE/s1600/reducetomusic.jpg" height="320" width="159" /></a></div>
No matter how many times the 22 year old skinny feminist tries to tell us that it's men making us feel this way, I refuse to believe that. I've never had a man, including my husband, say anything about my weight, yet have had girls and women make comments about my appearance since elementary/grade school. Men are much less obsessed with our weight than other women seem to be. Not to mention that it's women whom we dread their scorn in this area. It's women whom we hope notice just how "hot" we look after losing weight or while wearing an outfit that makes us look amazing. After all, they are the ones who can really appreciate it, right? Just go on facebook/instagram and see how many women are posting workout photos and bragging about their bodies to other women. I know when I first went on facebook and saw just how many of the women I had went to high school with now posted almost constantly about their workouts I was a little shocked, then I felt guilty for what I was or wasn't doing. Now isn't that the point of posting those pictures?<br />
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There's nothing wrong with enjoying exercise, I actually enjoy it, I just don't get to do as much as I would like, but only to say maybe we should question why we are talking and posting so much about our bodies. What's the point of that picture? Am I showing it only in hopes of making others feel bad? Do I take pride only in my appearance or am I more than the body that houses my soul? Why do we have to be embarrassed to have any body issues? I have a feeling all women in our culture struggle with body image to a certain extent, it's kind of unavoidable.<br />
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I realize this may seem like an odd topic to come from someone who is a blogger and has multiple pictures of themselves posted on here, but I am asking myself these same questions. I do take more than one picture for each post and I do only pick the ones I think make me look my best, but I am starting to question my motives. Am I doing this only to feel some sort of validation or is it only to share a love for certain styles of clothing?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uT2k_RmBTNs-G-SX_rVIGoFa-4O1_8bggYoR_59ywSl0kVtqcOjZvSnsDmcgxp_zxKV7K0ayzWcfDrwthhS7_jhTHuzEYqX5zjqLhyQbwOsx26F4qVcuZo1BPb6gBogV-fC1F1HdUV8/s1600/reduceyou're%2Bstout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uT2k_RmBTNs-G-SX_rVIGoFa-4O1_8bggYoR_59ywSl0kVtqcOjZvSnsDmcgxp_zxKV7K0ayzWcfDrwthhS7_jhTHuzEYqX5zjqLhyQbwOsx26F4qVcuZo1BPb6gBogV-fC1F1HdUV8/s1600/reduceyou're%2Bstout.jpg" height="320" width="115" /></a></div>
We live in an age of discontentment and I am resolving right now to not be ashamed that I've not got the perfect body, the figure I once had, or the figure I really want. But I will choose to be content where I am while endeavoring to make needed changes (seriously, I want to fit in my jeans, not have to buy new ones). I'm grateful that my body has withstood the growth and birth of four babies as well as the death of two. I'm amazed when I look at my children to know they were and are such a part of me and have such a connection and bond with me. I'm blessed that my husband still thinks I'm the most beautiful woman in the world and am sure he's lost his mind or eyesight when I look in the mirror.<br />
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This is partially why I have chosen to post pictures of myself post-partem, swelling and all. I want to show what motherhood actually looks like, not what we're told it looks like and in some way to celebrate that. To show the imperfection and yet the strength of the human body. The fact that we have been created to do so much with it and how it changes and survives and thrives in spite of all our bodies are put through. I don't want to hide behind motherhood or physical conditions as an excuse to being unhealthy, but rather choose to not hide away in spite of them. I'm not there yet, but by God's grace, I will get there.<br />
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How do you deal with your body image? Do you feel like there's shame to admitting we're unhappy with our bodies? </div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-77857871247362528082014-09-16T09:11:00.000-07:002014-09-16T09:11:29.641-07:00I've Plaid Enough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, it definitely seems like forever since I have posted, but I did have our baby girl and she's beautiful and perfect and we didn't know how incomplete our family was without her. I'm hoping to start posting more regularly again, but can't make any promises.<br />
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Today's pictures are of a vintage Kerrybrook plaid shirtwaist dress I actually purchased while pregnant and couldn't wait to wear afterwards. So, at our daughter's first check up with the pediatrician I wore it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYwyIWQQnTk_viZUu6KbE2YK960aMIcE9yqjnzD7ShABoW_NTMhxZeRh6m30TaMvsIS4RuclOtSWsgRSRMo1qKn2MUfJQcLdgJ2XYzNFUUD1HG3bAd8v1CCiT3rUiesIkG5gYo2yTTgc/s1600/Iveplaidit5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYwyIWQQnTk_viZUu6KbE2YK960aMIcE9yqjnzD7ShABoW_NTMhxZeRh6m30TaMvsIS4RuclOtSWsgRSRMo1qKn2MUfJQcLdgJ2XYzNFUUD1HG3bAd8v1CCiT3rUiesIkG5gYo2yTTgc/s1600/Iveplaidit5.jpg" height="320" width="159" /></a></div>
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I've always loved plaids and the colors of this plaid are actually more vivid in person and not so dull looking.<br />
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Shirtwaist dresses are awesome for breastfeeding as that usually makes wearing most dresses impossible, and a fuller skirt is a good way to hide that mommy tummy. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnRlgyIiICaC5lFff6MPhun0VEEl5UVKCD0QpqRdasCGibieD0XJn8FujBRBlx9DK42VlFAfz2Sm52D86dieD5YTBPqqleTaZdlq6gAhWB1pPBgvaNVMURzUCatXQMorRVpQKVHoiqEM/s1600/Iveplaidit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnRlgyIiICaC5lFff6MPhun0VEEl5UVKCD0QpqRdasCGibieD0XJn8FujBRBlx9DK42VlFAfz2Sm52D86dieD5YTBPqqleTaZdlq6gAhWB1pPBgvaNVMURzUCatXQMorRVpQKVHoiqEM/s1600/Iveplaidit1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've just been trying to get back to some kind of normal around here and re-figure life out with four kids. We've gotten back to a similar schedule, are homeschooling again, and her older brothers and sister can't get enough of her. But some changes had to be made, like a bigger vehicle, more stuff to carry everywhere and this last week a cold has went through our house. Just the everyday craziness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7jlaiEYT_ebLPHEjMbQRHEPOyjcHBB45hIyu82htmd9oFK8ro-rBr7U3zzVE9BnfvRBDxBfGLL5BYEInvXAePEiF5ZkwGNVlXzwrI4EFTsbtwTV3ZZ3f_vG35s41dzYmM3rpT7RmffI/s1600/Iveplaidit4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7jlaiEYT_ebLPHEjMbQRHEPOyjcHBB45hIyu82htmd9oFK8ro-rBr7U3zzVE9BnfvRBDxBfGLL5BYEInvXAePEiF5ZkwGNVlXzwrI4EFTsbtwTV3ZZ3f_vG35s41dzYmM3rpT7RmffI/s1600/Iveplaidit4.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm going to shift the focus of this blog more away from just outfit posts and hope to blog more about sewing and about just being a mom, but there will be vintage clothing still involved. I hope that doesn't make anyone upset or annoyed, but that's my life right now, so that's what I'm going to blog about.<br />
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Do you love plaid as much as I do?<br />
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-55045488491758379542014-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:002014-07-14T00:00:05.818-07:00Mysterious Hat of the Blue Bows<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2WmUnmiGYmKuew5vkrI-Xcu84uVRCOdxomd8MlM18PLX8jyMbKjXCGpVIWQ1oDJfmwEeVNs2yXTFMwQlg_xW7Upsb_8mxXiK7HRFh609NqMiusCw7ZIAryzDaYPcEkh7DTIYE5EG9i4/s1600/bluebowhat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2WmUnmiGYmKuew5vkrI-Xcu84uVRCOdxomd8MlM18PLX8jyMbKjXCGpVIWQ1oDJfmwEeVNs2yXTFMwQlg_xW7Upsb_8mxXiK7HRFh609NqMiusCw7ZIAryzDaYPcEkh7DTIYE5EG9i4/s1600/bluebowhat1.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
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I still feel like a relative newbie when it comes to wearing hats and I certainly don't wear them everyday. I don't have the confidence or the style to wear one like Jessica from <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/">Chronically Vintage </a>(who has great taste and style for wearing hats), but I'm learning what I like and what works with my hair or how to wear my hair with a hat. I am wearing them more often this summer than ever before and more than just sun hats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrELyGi7XLoVTFfe2Jrbw_QlWht-5rbh8pCoipBFSU1H9vJ0wYE4J6sQImGrUSYlXujVI-alGBdzGdaMh7CG_hx290N4zfVw_qZv-5_DjiVbm-wT9RihxNJ24iD6GuRlc7TaLbonznarY/s1600/bluebowhat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrELyGi7XLoVTFfe2Jrbw_QlWht-5rbh8pCoipBFSU1H9vJ0wYE4J6sQImGrUSYlXujVI-alGBdzGdaMh7CG_hx290N4zfVw_qZv-5_DjiVbm-wT9RihxNJ24iD6GuRlc7TaLbonznarY/s1600/bluebowhat3.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></div>
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Much of my anxiety in the past about wearing hats has actually been less about worrying what others will think and more having to do with the fact that I didn't know what hat to wear where or how to fix my hair with them. Not to mention, that some of the most fabulous vintage hats call for a stupendous outfit and/or occasion for them and I don't have a lot of fancy clothes or fancy places to wear them. So, sometimes I would buy a hat that I just loved the looks of, but couldn't quite figure out how or where to wear them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht16AtUXEKaWHPdg-0ruvyxh05oVJ-b5F0ABJUMTP-Et3e9Zdr3p5ABCTZIThov1jcoTFAyqViNpqMHHiT3MENK-392PmiwcEtfUiV-ZVGzZ2nogS8ZJ7k8N5zYo5Li78daD1q4h6YvBM/s1600/bluebowhat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht16AtUXEKaWHPdg-0ruvyxh05oVJ-b5F0ABJUMTP-Et3e9Zdr3p5ABCTZIThov1jcoTFAyqViNpqMHHiT3MENK-392PmiwcEtfUiV-ZVGzZ2nogS8ZJ7k8N5zYo5Li78daD1q4h6YvBM/s1600/bluebowhat2.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
This cute blue bow hat was one of those, not necessarily super fancy, but definitely a hat that I couldn't quite figure out how or what to wear it with. To tell the truth, it was a mystery to me. Well, whether it worked or not I finally wore it out of the house for the first time the other day and decided to take pictures and post about it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVmZnkg9sYL21SLGcfXZ0WbPvXn5SH2YFEnx8McoX4F221irTE3y_FjSQtt99ANg1H13GZ3UywVaw1yO9-mUhYGcBpo-6pR54D7a2yjVAU1zMC4HqaP6_gSF_0Rk8RPRf1zESaQdFE9M/s1600/bluebowhat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVmZnkg9sYL21SLGcfXZ0WbPvXn5SH2YFEnx8McoX4F221irTE3y_FjSQtt99ANg1H13GZ3UywVaw1yO9-mUhYGcBpo-6pR54D7a2yjVAU1zMC4HqaP6_gSF_0Rk8RPRf1zESaQdFE9M/s1600/bluebowhat5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I feel sure that when I can look outside of my maternity wardrobe I will find more outfits and opportunities to wear this hat and perhaps it will get more outings. I am so glad I gave this hat another chance. It was one of the first vintage hats I ever purchased and I was thrown off by what to do with the veil and the color. Yet, a change in my hair and a different positioning of the hat and veil, and I felt much better about the hat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqa6jyjQMZPmxekA-fqlWZH_-JFYCY3Z3uO2SP0Kus3uMHQAkhnWWXAM-ApyQBhPEmxmqB96U5UxuX_16IObzyL9HHRHg0YemhtR384ygZm576hNWlyZb6NXuQoXeVUUvr1x3wBgJV7M/s1600/bluebowhat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqa6jyjQMZPmxekA-fqlWZH_-JFYCY3Z3uO2SP0Kus3uMHQAkhnWWXAM-ApyQBhPEmxmqB96U5UxuX_16IObzyL9HHRHg0YemhtR384ygZm576hNWlyZb6NXuQoXeVUUvr1x3wBgJV7M/s1600/bluebowhat6.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></div>
Do you ever have a hard time figuring out how to wear certain hats? Do you try wearing your hats different ways?</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-75491482495090934672014-07-11T08:19:00.000-07:002014-07-11T08:19:50.937-07:00A Special Day For Papaw, Oh, and the 4th of July Girls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My Dad's birthday is the Fourth of July, which happens to be a national holiday here in the U.S. and is considered our nation's birthday. So, basically there's lots of outdoor fun, fireworks, and red, white, and blue. Every year we have a party/cookout for my Dad, and all the grandkids dress in red, white, and blue for their Papaw's special day.<br />
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My daughter really looks forward to picking out outfits in general. Yeah, I don't know wear she got that, lol. She also really likes for me to sew her up one of a kind special clothes. So, it was inevitable that I would try to sew her up something special for the Fourth of July/Papaw's Birthday. The only obstacle being that I started it three days before said event. Honestly I had forgotten she had chosen the fabric and all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1AdOhWbUMnMX_FLqTc6d2orqa1PIBDth0-8KDD3nHIpds88lNRLZmjplxM-xS4EKuKQal_J3Jx2b3VYXUGh3R9G8zUHQmh2ni51zvwlFnPeKjZveIn8H07SbUrWt400oIaVS3PD1Vc4/s1600/4thofJulygirls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1AdOhWbUMnMX_FLqTc6d2orqa1PIBDth0-8KDD3nHIpds88lNRLZmjplxM-xS4EKuKQal_J3Jx2b3VYXUGh3R9G8zUHQmh2ni51zvwlFnPeKjZveIn8H07SbUrWt400oIaVS3PD1Vc4/s1600/4thofJulygirls1.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
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I did a quick search of my box of girl's patterns and found this size 6 little Advance version of the popular patio dress of the 1950s. Knowing that this kind of skirt and top would be a quick and easy sew, I got to work right away and hoped I could at least get the skirt done. The hardest part was getting the fabric chosen and cut out, and then a million gathers and pins later there was a skirt.<br />
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Although I didn't get the blouse finished for her, she was still delighted with her new skirt and she had something red, white, and blue to wear to Papaw's birthday party which is all she really wanted.<br />
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The day also gave me the opportunity to try a 1940s updo that I'd been wanting to try for a while. I'm not sure how often I will repeat the hairstyle as it came out looking a little like Aunt Bee, but it did keep me cool and looked better with a vintage 1940s straw hat. It was fun to wear 1940s hair with my blue 1940s pinafore dress, though, and the 4th of July always stirs up images of the 1940s patriotic propaganda.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxK_eulymGdOyLdfALPjpnhp1lzKKHHpFoycnqAritiDK0LAWTVc4fZ5tHGq9njF_iDS4tPRHYYxqU7dhX4D0I5FpSNjUVBPTsfcDWDvfytdftdHnKYbJAjpxP5nNTx_tJsvgHAE-W8B8/s1600/4thofJulygirls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: right; color: black; float: right; font-family: Arial; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Aunt Bee's Online Cookbook" border="0" src="http://www.tagsrwc.com/interactive/cookbook/aunt_bee_recipes/images/noImageAuntBee2.jpg" style="width: 200px;" /></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxK_eulymGdOyLdfALPjpnhp1lzKKHHpFoycnqAritiDK0LAWTVc4fZ5tHGq9njF_iDS4tPRHYYxqU7dhX4D0I5FpSNjUVBPTsfcDWDvfytdftdHnKYbJAjpxP5nNTx_tJsvgHAE-W8B8/s1600/4thofJulygirls2.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></div>
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I really do enjoy sewing for my kids and particularly for my daughter. There just aren't as many fun and cute options for little boys. Even with vintage boys patterns it's hard for me to get all fired up about it, and I usually sew things for them out of necessity, but for girls its super fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only picture I got of two of the kids with me and of her skirt that wasn't a blurry running picture outside. </td></tr>
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Do you dress for holidays or in themes? Do your kids take some of their style from you?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy5NMSSwgRyCuinRSwmQkXmCHc_-k6g6pJ6VdZUG7302aUT50yWHutmEd_BKolG9iKY4m0y3AD8BORPv_ASIpFQHPkWHfsta5Auk-nfyDucvFHRmsqkfUwxiYBW6uCqbwNRQ8QLhlDxw/s1600/4thofJulygirls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy5NMSSwgRyCuinRSwmQkXmCHc_-k6g6pJ6VdZUG7302aUT50yWHutmEd_BKolG9iKY4m0y3AD8BORPv_ASIpFQHPkWHfsta5Auk-nfyDucvFHRmsqkfUwxiYBW6uCqbwNRQ8QLhlDxw/s1600/4thofJulygirls3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4th of July Girls and doll Grace :</td></tr>
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-42267685001606889112014-07-07T00:00:00.000-07:002014-07-07T00:00:10.662-07:00Seeing Dots: A Vintage Maternity Top<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaOYSb29IM0H2_nRytNWS3bjvHh09pRQpZNy5sYXfC5gg6yyyKSJ26YUd06h8XVj-Q4yGY2vOxqgvQ_V6cUVfJVhBEdfOxd5iklFUnf1KsN5KO2Vuor6FXTBgYxEmD50WJdVjMYImLXs/s1600/simplicty1174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaOYSb29IM0H2_nRytNWS3bjvHh09pRQpZNy5sYXfC5gg6yyyKSJ26YUd06h8XVj-Q4yGY2vOxqgvQ_V6cUVfJVhBEdfOxd5iklFUnf1KsN5KO2Vuor6FXTBgYxEmD50WJdVjMYImLXs/s1600/simplicty1174.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplicity 1174</td></tr>
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Okay, okay, I know at the beginning of this pregnancy I said I would be sewing more separates this time. Yup, I ended up sewing more vintage dresses, but in my defense, they are just so easy to sew and cute to wear. Not to mention that I already had more modern separates that I had either bought and worn in previous pregnancies and that had been given to me. It seems like there is no shortage of modern separates for maternity in my wardrobe, but I did get around to sewing up a maternity top the other day and now wish I had more time to sew some more versions of this awesome top. Probably not going to happen, so don't hold your breath. I'm looking ahead to my post baby sewing queue and especially fall dressing. (Hey, thoughts of cool autumn mornings are helping me not to go crazy as I literally melt in all the heat and humidity here in the south.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVxyGVgWfyuJy9AweUqQGPhXJDS7H3BNk-_NifqbepyiWAuzn9tQxWCSq46wLAzF9dBEPwGLgAXrHMbbgAMhDNTYj2bN7YOdSKWFcm3WnjIYWyhoBTd_081SuKhsmEgxtjBn-FPBzPO8/s1600/polkadotmama3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVxyGVgWfyuJy9AweUqQGPhXJDS7H3BNk-_NifqbepyiWAuzn9tQxWCSq46wLAzF9dBEPwGLgAXrHMbbgAMhDNTYj2bN7YOdSKWFcm3WnjIYWyhoBTd_081SuKhsmEgxtjBn-FPBzPO8/s1600/polkadotmama3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really love the fun details of this design.</td></tr>
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I used two remnants of a quilting cotton with baby blue dots on a soft brown background and sewed up the sleeveless version. Not only was it a relatively fast and easy make, but it's insanely comfortable and I get lots of compliments every time I wear it. I seriously love this top and am contemplating sewing another version even though I'm getting into the home stretch of this pregnancy and might not get to wear it much. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJMDYpt1il9ZLOM28sA16z2Ra0lUe8ZDIFBl-po70L1Ec6y03vNk4NKRjJhbjebqQb2Uxwr-n66VWqbG6__M6HoMctvMPElPiKCoLvmzfAyb74ApawoZ0u0owphOA99yhbg2d55CkrRg/s1600/polkadotmama2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJMDYpt1il9ZLOM28sA16z2Ra0lUe8ZDIFBl-po70L1Ec6y03vNk4NKRjJhbjebqQb2Uxwr-n66VWqbG6__M6HoMctvMPElPiKCoLvmzfAyb74ApawoZ0u0owphOA99yhbg2d55CkrRg/s1600/polkadotmama2.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to hold photobombing daughter still.</td></tr>
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It's more comfortable than the usual stretchy maternity t-shirt or tank top and the swingy loose nature of the top makes it super cool for the hot and humid summer weather we're having. If you're expecting and can sew or know someone who would sew for you, I cannot recommend a loose fitting vintage maternity top enough. This will, God willing, be our fourth child and I can tell you from experience that you will want to wear nothing tight fitting again while pregnant if you try one of these loose vintage styles. </div>
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I even had enough fabric leftover to make a pair of cute shorts for my daughter (to be seen in a future post).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJXN7GBV5k0zX56-EK5H8CAamwLK6Wb5nr2cYrprJEI_iSXrEQkzzL7KziVZ5NbPsbswqOy1OyD0iTAh_EeAV83SYtqneN6m7FrgEhlhLeWtJTFeTtDOz-2ki5XTTat0IE0KoX75VgPY/s1600/polkadotmama1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJXN7GBV5k0zX56-EK5H8CAamwLK6Wb5nr2cYrprJEI_iSXrEQkzzL7KziVZ5NbPsbswqOy1OyD0iTAh_EeAV83SYtqneN6m7FrgEhlhLeWtJTFeTtDOz-2ki5XTTat0IE0KoX75VgPY/s1600/polkadotmama1.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youngest son was napping, but Sir J the Brave couldn't let the Fairy Princess Cowgirl have all the photobombing fun.</td></tr>
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Since I'm getting a little burned out on making maternity clothing and I'm in the final weeks of this pregnancy, I'm thinking ahead to sewing for fall. I've been sewing a lot for the kids and trying to get into getting everything ready for the new baby. I don't think I'm "nesting" quite yet, but I am excited to plan out projects for the fall for everyone.<br />
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So, how do you plan out the coming season's wardrobe? Does it change your buying or sewing plans?<br />
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-26194667321149797822014-07-01T14:10:00.000-07:002014-07-01T14:10:03.431-07:0060s Mama Dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know it's been forever, literally, since I've posted, but since the last post there's been a lot going on. Not only am I in the last trimester and closer every day to having the baby, but I had a debilitating stomach virus, finished up our homeschool year, grades, and attendance for the spring as well as turning in my lesson plans for next fall, as well as finding out our oldest son is going to have to have surgery right away and I will have to have surgery sometime after the birth of this baby. Needless to say, blogging has been a priority, nor has there even been time for it, but I've missed it and am looking forward to getting back to more regular blogging again. </div>
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This has turned out to be another favorite maternity dress. It's made of a nice breathable, but solid linen printed with all these large colorful flowers. It looks a little too dressy for everyday wear, so I save it for special occasions and have already worn it to a wedding. My husband really like this dress, so I'm thinking it would be great to wear <i>if </i>we ever get a date night before the baby comes. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplicity 5271</td></tr>
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I made it up in the exact size on the pattern and again had to do some fitting around the bust. Tent style dresses from the 1960s seem to run a little too large in that area for me, but a little dart adjustment and taking in of the side seams fixes it right up. That was the only altering I did to the pattern, but I tied it in front instead of on the sides, because even though I feel huge, I'm apparently not large enough yet to fill it out properly with the side ties. So, as baby and belly grow this last little bit, I will keep trying the side ties, but am not sure it will ever be very flattering since I am already huge here. </div>
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It's slightly shorter than I usually wear, but no where near mini skirt length, plus the tent-like drapiness of the dress keeps things well covered when sitting down. I'm think this makes a great summer dress for when I want to be a little more polished and yet keep cool in the southern U.S. heat and humidity that is already come to stay. </div>
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I wore a vintage rhinestone brooch that I got for extremely cheap while I was in high school, but don't wear enough now. (That will have to be soon remedied.) I also had another photobomber for these pictures in the form of my youngest son who is 22 months and the only redhead so far.<br />
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Outfit Details:<br />
Dress-made by me from vintage Simplicity 5271<br />
Bangles-vintage lucite and bakelite from various sources<br />
Earrings-Vintage style rose earrings from Etsy<br />
Brooch-Vintage Rhinestone flower purchased at local antique mall<br />
(I wore shoes, but they weren't pictured, sorry.)<br />
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I was the most fortunate recipient of a great compliment lately, when a reader remarked how elegant I made pregnancy look. I must confess I was taken aback and very flattered, possibly even blushing a little as I read it, because I certainly don't feel that way. I've incorporated some vintage into my wardrobe since I was about 12, but really it was after my oldest was born and even though I lost a lot of the baby weight, I never really felt like my old self in my post-baby body. I took up sewing garments more in an effort to find more flattering styles and fit. As I got more into collecting vintage patterns and wearing more vintage styles, I found them to be much more flattering than most things I could just buy at a store. Learning older techniques for makeup and hair soon made getting dressed up a lot of fun. I realized that I still didn't have to spend tons of time doing hair and makeup, but with a little effort I could avoid some of the frumpy mommy looks. I don't dress to the nines every day, but I do often wear dresses and if I throw on a couple of easy accessories and a dash of makeup I feel better, am more productive, and have a better day. That doesn't mean I never wear jeans and a t-shirt, but that it's just as easy to wear a cute skirt and a t-shirt or a dress or a nice blouse with jeans.</div>
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For me it's a way to celebrate motherhood and bearing children and to accept and even welcome the changes that come to a person's body as a result and to give thanks to God for it. I don't by any means feel perfect, but I can take what I have and be content. This to me is a pathway that leads to true beauty, the inner kind that lasts, and as a Christian it is a way I can praise God for making me just as I am in this moment.<br />
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I'm not suggesting everyone has to share my viewpoint on having kids or even on dressing, but that what we wear is deeper than just putting on clothes in the morning. They do say something about us and to us, and that is something that should be considered when we get dressed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhAcBZHU4lC97o0L952h-z2CuCzje0JrnrLk5QS73jMprmEHGHkjoJ5m1tk7JUNh5NZINzPUKcaouO8Z-2gwnPRfgkYtwJTOPlFhJH3EPAVMaHcEzcGZrA36U5pn_uJMDbe9WDfFvsV0/s1600/60smamadress9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhAcBZHU4lC97o0L952h-z2CuCzje0JrnrLk5QS73jMprmEHGHkjoJ5m1tk7JUNh5NZINzPUKcaouO8Z-2gwnPRfgkYtwJTOPlFhJH3EPAVMaHcEzcGZrA36U5pn_uJMDbe9WDfFvsV0/s1600/60smamadress9.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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We see too many images and read too many articles or advertisements that are all about making us discontented with ourselves in every possible way. They scream to us that we are not enough, whether in looks or in personality or whatever we do, but if we remember and realize that is their function and aim, solely for the purpose of convincing us to spend our hard-earned money on whatever they're selling, this realization means they can lose their power. </div>
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As a mom, I want desperately for my kids to know that they are enough. That I love them just as they are for no other reason than I love them. To me as a Christian, it's because that's the kind of love God, through Jesus Christ His Son, has shown me when I deserved nothing but anger and rejection.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only not blurry picture I could get of him smiling. He's a mommy's boy.</td></tr>
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I know everyone will not and does not have to agree with my views on dressing, parenting, or kids, and I'm okay with that. All this to say that my dressing this way, whether pregnant or not, is a part of the process for me of being who I am and a desire to be the best me I can be for my God, my husband, my family, and for me.</div>
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Do you see how you dress as more than just clothes? How has dressing vintage changed you?</div>
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-61197491388371268952014-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-20T05:46:24.384-07:00My Last Maternity Dress....Maybe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplicity 4994</td></tr>
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I've sewn up what will probably be my last maternity dress to sew, at least for this pregnancy (although I've been known to tackle huge sewing projects in the last few weeks, even if I only get to wear them once). It's been done for a while, but I just hadn't got a chance to post about it. Seeing as how I only have less than 10 weeks left before baby arrives, I can't bring myself to sew up another dress. I have sewn up a couple vintage tops and lots and lots of stuff for my kids, all of which I hope to blog about soon (if I can remember to take pictures!), but have no plans to sew another maternity dress. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0tI1jk-IADBtACFmbqj4N6cXkABZ1r_Rdklh0yl0-4t_N2FI-HhJGFod6nmhfwhyphenhyphen6euMrd2hm9Btestfvzt8quz0Qg7B4_okIp5anfB900laTcL4QROmvwAzpA36_MAZcNIrKvwfD1Y/s1600/bigorangematernity3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0tI1jk-IADBtACFmbqj4N6cXkABZ1r_Rdklh0yl0-4t_N2FI-HhJGFod6nmhfwhyphenhyphen6euMrd2hm9Btestfvzt8quz0Qg7B4_okIp5anfB900laTcL4QROmvwAzpA36_MAZcNIrKvwfD1Y/s1600/bigorangematernity3.jpg" height="320" width="155" /></a><br />
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This is probably my favorite maternity dress to sew. It's fast and easy and totally flexible for your growing baby tummy, and I've already sung it's praises <a href="http://betsysbaby.blogspot.com/2014/02/baby-bumps-birdies.html">here</a> and <a href="http://betsysbaby.blogspot.com/2014/03/oh-spring-oh-spring.html">here</a> before. So, I won't bore you with all the reasons I think Simplicity 4994 from the sixties is so amazing, just know that it really is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYd85uNODEIEV4Wo-NZ78g1dFKOtV4UAe12AQBRyRMfuyzKs7ryAM26qCXWf3O39MgpXDeQP9pMZL5HGm_VZqoYWfm5q5x0xxGgn_MoBaywPcrNjO_tFek5rSZzfUFy0v3CcrUy-08n0/s1600/bigorangematernitydress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYd85uNODEIEV4Wo-NZ78g1dFKOtV4UAe12AQBRyRMfuyzKs7ryAM26qCXWf3O39MgpXDeQP9pMZL5HGm_VZqoYWfm5q5x0xxGgn_MoBaywPcrNjO_tFek5rSZzfUFy0v3CcrUy-08n0/s1600/bigorangematernitydress1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This time I used a very, very, very, bright orange printed cotton and it's called the Big Orange dress, because I live in "Big Orange" country, a nickname due to our state football team. (I, however, know nothing whatsoever about football and my husband isn't a big sports fan either, so, yay!) So, I'm guessing no one can say they didn't see me coming in this dress, but that aside, if you've seen my blog at all, you know by now that I absolutely love really bright colors and prints. It's also really amazing how this pattern looks totally different with different colors and prints. </div>
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I only changed one thing about the construction of this one, and used my own self made bias binding for the neck and sleeves. I cannot begin to say how much I love doing that since I figured out a really easy (think lazy and cheap) way to do my own. With the nearest fabric store carrying bias tape at least a 30+ minute drive from my house, I HATE having to do to the store to hope to find a bias tape that matches and then hope again I've purchased enough of it. Someday I will have to share here my easy way to make your own bias tape. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best picture I could get of my awesome orange lucite glittery starfish earrings. </td></tr>
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I'm still feeling okay, but am entering that uncomfortable last few weeks, the time when I'm already thinking to myself "How many weeks early could the baby be born and still be considered full term?", cause that's really my goal, but all my kids so far have went past their due date. Maybe I make it too comfortable on them in there? I don't know, but I do hate the heat and humidity we already have here and am not looking forward to July and August. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnANFoDf_EU_qx_FDJEZrNQzC9NBrkMsCOTV8deoA_y93Bw8eU72yDysg5mTAQZudjFN2ZF9vqHS3DKM_CIHVTpvB2cWIWzj4dbGLtXBy4nWto6emIuGSqT0RfUZz9K25LjPXuuPALZ4/s1600/bigorangematernity2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnANFoDf_EU_qx_FDJEZrNQzC9NBrkMsCOTV8deoA_y93Bw8eU72yDysg5mTAQZudjFN2ZF9vqHS3DKM_CIHVTpvB2cWIWzj4dbGLtXBy4nWto6emIuGSqT0RfUZz9K25LjPXuuPALZ4/s1600/bigorangematernity2.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am also huge, and no I am not having twins and yes, I really am due in August. To all those who ever run into someone pregnant, just remember that she already feels like a beached whale, so never make any comment that could in any way be interpreted as you saying she's too big. Seriously, it should be illegal. When you're pregnant you have a hard enough time feeling good or remotely attractive, don't make it worse, not to mention your hormones are so out of whack that you assume the worst whatever anyone says. Hmm, maybe the safest thing to say is you look great, no matter what and keep any thoughts about size or how much she's swelling to yourself, then just talk about anything else.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d_3MHalRs_TC496kImXOnP_oN37auT0WTK7Fs6Kr0UJWcKRNGb2SOM9pZb7oUgmoPOpG-t7c5mO5Mehf6PAEXsYkVM-L45w-D3NKZaeYkReGq5_TWQ_SVdHOgpt7LlhRHzEuzTdoMh4/s1600/bigorangematernity4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d_3MHalRs_TC496kImXOnP_oN37auT0WTK7Fs6Kr0UJWcKRNGb2SOM9pZb7oUgmoPOpG-t7c5mO5Mehf6PAEXsYkVM-L45w-D3NKZaeYkReGq5_TWQ_SVdHOgpt7LlhRHzEuzTdoMh4/s1600/bigorangematernity4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, I am so looking forward to this fall and cool weather and to fitting in anything but maternity clothing. I do have some health issues to deal with post pregnancy and eventually surgeries (Yuck!), but am still hopeful I can fit in some of my vintage clothes again (Can anyone say girdle?). I am trying to be satisfied and content with what's in store no matter what, but must confess I've only had two surgeries prior to these and one of these will be very major surgery(no, they are not cosmetic), and I am scared already. Prayers definitely appreciated.<br />
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I have also, after four pregnancies, had to learn to cope with changing body shapes a lot. The things I dread most are not being able to wear all my vintage and sewn clothes right away, but that gives me something to work towards.<br />
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Do you find that dressing vintage helps you maintain a certain weight? Have you found it harder or easier to dress vintage when your body shape changes a lot, especially from circumstances you have no control over (i.e. pregnancy, illness, side effects of medication, etc.)?</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-69079968059821022532014-05-23T05:54:00.000-07:002014-05-23T05:54:59.511-07:00The Little Black Maternity Dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xqu7KNzRo1KYlzk0HrvvYnI5wfFi4XZ1AkbDcZb0hN8TTC3g8Ev8bWUUhyphenhyphen_iUGfSg4qYBAygjcdiQFVagi9EpM3OtQliKzzDeFt0_s15JZjpdXIxWfenuAo1xMOJGxXJQ6bUnD0b2KA/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xqu7KNzRo1KYlzk0HrvvYnI5wfFi4XZ1AkbDcZb0hN8TTC3g8Ev8bWUUhyphenhyphen_iUGfSg4qYBAygjcdiQFVagi9EpM3OtQliKzzDeFt0_s15JZjpdXIxWfenuAo1xMOJGxXJQ6bUnD0b2KA/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity3.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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Is there such a thing as a <i>little </i>black dress when you're pregnant? Yes and no. This is my version of a little black dress which gives me something a little nice to wear for more formal events even when I feel huge. The good news is this dress kind of camouflages a big baby belly better than a lot of things, but the bad news is that you pretty much have no waist while pregnant and no dress can fix that. I just feel a little fancy in this and it's fun to pair it with a pair of cute (lower of course) heels. Sometimes just feeling pretty is priceless when you're pregnant. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6idWFJWUfqz9VjE_bX40gTsNo2pnEW0BfnDnqAlDV8krEYnsS-1QqSYBaLS-ypQw0rYU9g3MEwXoXgwZfSaIOJ17qN3TuW1T8EYoM_gFqurV7Qeh9R93sKPMZ8mryPFFChWrWdxB0DM/s1600/mccalls9747.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6idWFJWUfqz9VjE_bX40gTsNo2pnEW0BfnDnqAlDV8krEYnsS-1QqSYBaLS-ypQw0rYU9g3MEwXoXgwZfSaIOJ17qN3TuW1T8EYoM_gFqurV7Qeh9R93sKPMZ8mryPFFChWrWdxB0DM/s1600/mccalls9747.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></div>
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This pattern is from the 1960s and is McCall's 9747, but I think looks surprisingly modern, especially made up in this really groovy black polyestery knit. It was very simple to sew up, but was way too big on me even though my bust size is larger than what's listed on the pattern envelope. So, after taking it in what seemed like many inches, it now has a little more shape to it and I love it. I'd say it's safe to assume that many 1960s maternity dresses can become a giant tent regardless of the picture on the envelope showing a svelte woman in a loose, but not potato sack dress. Maybe it's just me and my body, but potato sack has never been a look I covet. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeGAoyVsuZzh9xgC2yXDmOG7kRzu3G6u4nGGeAPRATmFeJyamcN9gUpF21hwZUdjUY42A-YZnZsCvs_d6pZBDBY2oF1-Gl0u8ovUTkUiC9sOiZwgFQGt-DD-sawTcr6ObgOHluRT8gOU/s1600/Littleblackdressmaternity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeGAoyVsuZzh9xgC2yXDmOG7kRzu3G6u4nGGeAPRATmFeJyamcN9gUpF21hwZUdjUY42A-YZnZsCvs_d6pZBDBY2oF1-Gl0u8ovUTkUiC9sOiZwgFQGt-DD-sawTcr6ObgOHluRT8gOU/s1600/Littleblackdressmaternity.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It has a cute squared neckline, but it's the sleeves I think are really brilliant and make this dress super flattering. You see, when I'm pregnant, and even for a while afterwards, my arms swell. Yes, this makes me a little self-conscious about the whole thing, so a sleeveless sleeve is awesome in my opinion. I've found that most vintage "sleeveless" tops or dresses are much more flattering to my upper arms than any modern sleeveless garments have ever been. You'd think the constant lifting of kids would make me have the most defined upper arms ever, but alas, somehow it just doesn't work that way. *sigh*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqdwLidaPbTWtuVU5ol3b3EjMG9yIlJx-yHDBozzjoW8e7z9ypg8rDt0kNWLdXKvlgtz96HkigP48T2yzEYRrB7jtuuDxBntqYOb-fbOEj0nLi29gkEVCHMOyJNC-o21RYXd1qnF6dM8/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqdwLidaPbTWtuVU5ol3b3EjMG9yIlJx-yHDBozzjoW8e7z9ypg8rDt0kNWLdXKvlgtz96HkigP48T2yzEYRrB7jtuuDxBntqYOb-fbOEj0nLi29gkEVCHMOyJNC-o21RYXd1qnF6dM8/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity1.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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Being a mom of very young children doesn't afford my husband and I often with the opportunity to get out, let alone to get all dolled up for one another. So, any opportunity to put on something a little extra special can go a long, long, way, even if we take the kids with us. I won't say exactly where we went this night, but we all got dressed a little fancier than usual and it was a lot of fun to look a little special for my man.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNaFQ5l4PUXrZ50CiMiu7QID35ELwJb_ALbJktGDmx66HYoyi2MPl6uGyKikynlz0F1KADGQZRg_vSOq6CPrVdtkyf8SRqdVLARubSvPpSQvSshaQklLTSjPn4kVO4czzgrNzGDPPnnM/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNaFQ5l4PUXrZ50CiMiu7QID35ELwJb_ALbJktGDmx66HYoyi2MPl6uGyKikynlz0F1KADGQZRg_vSOq6CPrVdtkyf8SRqdVLARubSvPpSQvSshaQklLTSjPn4kVO4czzgrNzGDPPnnM/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also wore a fun 1950s hat. It's a very tight and finely woven straw with a unique texture that kind of mimics linen and has a black velvet ribbon and bow at the back. Upon seeing the shape of the front of this hat, my three year old son said, "You look like a clam, Mommy!". Gotta love the honest opinions of kids, lol.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TK4t-PSP_kazQ4vEQl7rRPplzPOyK7cPAmzKuwURhjMnE1IDsA5cJzvcgk7BofgR4qjpBX0jSjDpsEqn_hGta31BqkgKg8pGQWizgffP422WgwdV2DRxxLNPHn_AxODD1J7IdXgl8-Q/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TK4t-PSP_kazQ4vEQl7rRPplzPOyK7cPAmzKuwURhjMnE1IDsA5cJzvcgk7BofgR4qjpBX0jSjDpsEqn_hGta31BqkgKg8pGQWizgffP422WgwdV2DRxxLNPHn_AxODD1J7IdXgl8-Q/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity6.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
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I must confess that I didn't wear the hat all evening, but only because the event we were attending was not about us and I didn't want to distract from the actual focus. I live in a rural area and knowing I would be the only person wearing a hat inside, I thought it best and most polite to remove it upon entering. I don't understand, and I assume most people today don't, the ins and outs of hat etiquette for women, but feel I would rather err on the side of caution rather than offend someone, especially those who invited us. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Kf0uoecahoPbcKGk56nJ__5f4vkiLiz6q1QkNLD6d64O-thBNtNtdxBz2gtvO8TEDvLOFjX_ObiEnhcR3iU6FrVuqOsJeQn-oCBbkH6M33YFme6xtvDUjdO3VzsyrB5w84CtSl0cRDQ/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Kf0uoecahoPbcKGk56nJ__5f4vkiLiz6q1QkNLD6d64O-thBNtNtdxBz2gtvO8TEDvLOFjX_ObiEnhcR3iU6FrVuqOsJeQn-oCBbkH6M33YFme6xtvDUjdO3VzsyrB5w84CtSl0cRDQ/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity4.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini me and me. She usually wears glasses even, but her<br />18 month old brother had broken them when this picture was taken. </td></tr>
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I was also joined in this post by an infrequent photobomber, as my oldest joined me wearing a purple dress with ruffled layers made from a vintage 1980s pattern. She is wearing a blue t-shirt under it, but that's because she said she was afraid she would be uncomfortable without it underneath. She's my little mini-me in so many ways, and I love her that way. </div>
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Outfit Details:</div>
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Dress-Made by me (McCall's 9747 purchased at local charity shop, The Shepherd's Center for 10 cents!)</div>
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Earrings-Vintage confetti from Etsy</div>
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Bracelets-vintage bakelite from various sources.</div>
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Brooch-Vintage purchased from the Homestead Shop (a local antique mall)</div>
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Shoes-Strappy gold shoes with chunky wooden heels and platform sole, had forever, can't remotely remember where I bought them. (Sorry, not pictured!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-FOE6ets6mjGk6xnAVQywspWD960qNyVlReb_4WJFsiWb1JNXS98MA8zlBwq9OlOYU6oMrm3v9tl0iDKL5L3O0BNX7sVCvKrk-UGOq-DiBJ74RK_7D1ToPtJCG7wva39JLN3Z4InGFI/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-FOE6ets6mjGk6xnAVQywspWD960qNyVlReb_4WJFsiWb1JNXS98MA8zlBwq9OlOYU6oMrm3v9tl0iDKL5L3O0BNX7sVCvKrk-UGOq-DiBJ74RK_7D1ToPtJCG7wva39JLN3Z4InGFI/s1600/littleblackdressmaternity2.jpg" height="277" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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I suppose that if you just read my blog you might get the impression that I "dress up" every day, and while I do wear something vintagey in style at least almost every day, I don't wear dresses like this every day. I also don't always have my hair fixed this nicely or wear full makeup. I did, however, years ago (seriously may have been before I was even wearing makeup, lol) hear Cindy Crawford say in an interview that your daily makeup should only take about five minutes to apply, and if it's taking you longer than that, you are wearing too much. I pretty much follow that rule and most days don't even take that long, especially if I'm not planning on going anywhere that day. But things like a tinted moisturizer, a little lipstick, and having an easy way to set your hair so it looks styled for a few days can be a real lifesaver for any busy lady.<br />
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I used to think our grandmothers must have spent forever getting ready everyday in order to look so put together, but soon realized after learning a few techniques that doing it daily took surprisingly little time each day to look like you didn't just roll out of bed. I think that's one of the things I love most about vintage since I became a mom and have little time for anything, let alone for fixing myself up.<br />
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Have you learned anything about dressing vintage that makes your life easier? Do you think it takes a lot of time to dress vintage on a daily basis?<br />
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-82019695137731719912014-05-20T21:06:00.002-07:002014-05-20T21:06:16.317-07:00My New-Old Glasses!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApnsDroeMZJvVz9LmB5dAm0G5efQTL4q2VcdcvBFknxBgm4A3TABdFeV5QPCHVTZuPFYzx938jkJOywgZOlqpwU-BQgxGmZSKWeyR7ZDY7RtdpdOZo7BrW87MvNQEFBXott6veMBMCI4/s1600/new-oldglasses1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApnsDroeMZJvVz9LmB5dAm0G5efQTL4q2VcdcvBFknxBgm4A3TABdFeV5QPCHVTZuPFYzx938jkJOywgZOlqpwU-BQgxGmZSKWeyR7ZDY7RtdpdOZo7BrW87MvNQEFBXott6veMBMCI4/s1600/new-oldglasses1.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7NFkaAI5_oezC8iiWTJS4wNTdcWhGl9BkvwmwSKwi49bzLjtf1f9mN4zqZsiihZ0CrjeE_IZdT_dg1UNimigEFGoajlsQfcy-JUHawS7ril_c4yDwxSv7QgVH1ZOS2WXwkKRZBsr4QA/s1600/new-oldglasses11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>We interrupt our regular installment of Workbasket Wednesday for this more important post. Workbasket Wednesday will be back next week at the regularly scheduled time. That is all. </div>
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I got vintage new old-stock cat's eye glasses! Woo Hoo!<br />
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Okay, so I know that this may be a slightly vain and glasses geeky post, so please forgive me ahead of time. I've just not been so excited about new glasses in a very long time, if ever.<br />
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It all started with our insurance company. Up until this year our insurance hadn't paid anything for new glasses, so I hadn't gotten new ones for about four or five years, even though my prescription had changed a little (I know, I know, but seriously it didn't change that noticeably). This year, for the first time, they would pay half for new lenses. Yippee!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilYi1E4a7n_m7xX9MWOQkOFraQNe0lrW4AsC6nZojBbv9qAznn8q-50FoKVAX-CMoYVgv4_2YP5f7eZtoqNZdX9wDchbu0hUDh0vS5xShEapPtsoXvOKhNSL2TnEWIA6G4d7AyU7xIAk/s1600/new-oldglasses6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilYi1E4a7n_m7xX9MWOQkOFraQNe0lrW4AsC6nZojBbv9qAznn8q-50FoKVAX-CMoYVgv4_2YP5f7eZtoqNZdX9wDchbu0hUDh0vS5xShEapPtsoXvOKhNSL2TnEWIA6G4d7AyU7xIAk/s1600/new-oldglasses6.jpg" height="280" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how it changes everything about my face.</td></tr>
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Well, I had thought I would just select a pair from the regular stock at my optometrists, but I just kept seeing all these cute vintage frames all over other vintage bloggers and pinterest. So, I went to the two places you go to to find unusual vintage stuff: ebay and Etsy.<br />
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I searched a surprisingly short time when I found these brand new old-stock (meaning they were never even worn) frames for $29.95 on ebay! I knew almost instantly that these would be the perfect pair of frames for me, and could not wait to get them fitted with my lenses.<br />
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I do have some tips for finding your own vintage frames on ebay or Etsy.<br />
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1. Be sure that you know the measurement of some frames that fit you and/or of your face. Sounds weird, but if you buy a pair and they don't fit, it would be horrible. Any legitimate seller on ebay or Etsy should be able to provide the measurements or already have them included in the item description.<br />
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2. Look at all the pictures, read the descriptions, and ask any questions you might have of the seller. This is sound advice for any purchase from ebay and Etsy. With vintage frames you'll need to look at things like condition of nose pieces, hinges, and any wear that might make the difference between you purchasing them or not. I chose to go with a pair of new old-stock frames specifically for this reason. I knew I would want to be wearing the frames for as long as they would last and on a daily basis, so I decided to go with what had the best chance for lasting a while.<br />
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3. Know that buying prescription lenses isn't necessarily cheap and whether or not your insurance will pay for new lenses when the frames were purchased elsewhere and without any insurance. To get an estimate of cost I called my optometrist before I got the frames and also checked out what or if insurance would cover any of the costs. I don't like surprises in cost.<br />
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4. Be prepared to wait. It takes longer to get vintage frames fitted with new lenses, even at the one-hour places. The frames usually have to be shipped off somewhere else because the lenses will have to be custom cut to fit the frames. Vintage frames are shaped differently than modern, so they won't keep any lenses in stock that could fit the frames.<br />
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5. You will have to sign away any liability for your vintage frames. Because vintage frames are pretty much irreplaceable and they have to have lenses especially cut down to fit them, you will have to sign a waiver saying they aren't responsible if they break your frames while trying to fit the lenses for them. I wasn't too worried because I knew my frames were pretty solid and in good shape. I did wonder though while they were gone whether or not they would be broken.<br />
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6. It's a big commitment. Now, if the vintage frames are not the only pair you will have, it won't be such a big deal, but if you plan on wearing your frames on a daily basis know that they will look very vintage, because they are. I mean that you won't have a totally modern look no matter what clothes you wear if you're wearing vintage frames. I knew I wanted a vintage look even for my more modern clothing, so again not a big deal to me, but definitely something to consider. <br />
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7. Choose a pair that closely matches frames that suit you already in basic shape and size. If you've worn glasses for any amount of time (I've had them since I was nine), you've probably tried on lots of different style frames. Even if you've never worn glasses before you can use a pair of sunglasses that flatter you for an idea. Think about the colors of the frames as well. Having an unflattering color on your face and so near your eyes could be a disaster. I chose frames that weren't too far from the shape, size, color and basic design of frames I've had in the past and currently wear. For example, I like the contrast of dark frames on my pale skin, so I looked for darker frames. I don't like nose pieces either, so I went for a pair of plastic frames that had no nose pieces. It's all about your personal preference, what flatters you, and what's most comfortable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZTHeBL-BVRN7XlFeZ5-IKLnZKbfgQ9EWc7dUCf8IIAWJZaAnqKIz1baFGPyvpsYwOXFogol8wY5AsOBYAeCmlOVEf7VJGBiYdBmEe6xLi9PF8qm0GghNZUPDI6k77eB884h1-zrjszc/s1600/new-oldglasses8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZTHeBL-BVRN7XlFeZ5-IKLnZKbfgQ9EWc7dUCf8IIAWJZaAnqKIz1baFGPyvpsYwOXFogol8wY5AsOBYAeCmlOVEf7VJGBiYdBmEe6xLi9PF8qm0GghNZUPDI6k77eB884h1-zrjszc/s1600/new-oldglasses8.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope this helps and if you're on the fence about vintage frames, I can't tell you how excited I am about mine, and encourage you to take the plunge for yourself. I absolutely love my new old frames!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPe-JM1f9jMl7ojv2Av7UMmh7VweFem8lGlmFREyp9jnLk71goFlM9KnAYR-WkC5V0Uy8kXeKJccCbm1gIG155rsvYzTglRN0B2AzMhQ__OMVaDmnrIiurgQ1ed1h5K-wqn2NzaE21bU/s1600/new-oldglasses5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPe-JM1f9jMl7ojv2Av7UMmh7VweFem8lGlmFREyp9jnLk71goFlM9KnAYR-WkC5V0Uy8kXeKJccCbm1gIG155rsvYzTglRN0B2AzMhQ__OMVaDmnrIiurgQ1ed1h5K-wqn2NzaE21bU/s1600/new-oldglasses5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the awesome cut detail on the aluminum sides!</td></tr>
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What do you think of vintage frames? Would you wear them with your daily style?</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-26587963496820316272014-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:002014-05-12T00:00:11.738-07:00The Humble Housewife Maternity Dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjAwRsDMOmZhgIzZtbGRXV5zku57nmGcsr16yWnwewWbcRj_YqX0PKtUR1meaeVPoCb-Fg0Hpz2S7Vt4NY8teGpZ9vP5XoxmZPVMeb6YEsS5BBLkinfaR01XJAT-XV5boAWgSFeFYuzQ/s1600/humblehousewifedress6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjAwRsDMOmZhgIzZtbGRXV5zku57nmGcsr16yWnwewWbcRj_YqX0PKtUR1meaeVPoCb-Fg0Hpz2S7Vt4NY8teGpZ9vP5XoxmZPVMeb6YEsS5BBLkinfaR01XJAT-XV5boAWgSFeFYuzQ/s1600/humblehousewifedress6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I called this the Humble Housewife Dress not because I'm particularly humble (being a blogger, I think, automatically means I'm a little proud of myself), but I am a housewife and I thought this dress sewn from Simplicity 1766 is a great example of the everyday dress for the pregnant woman of the 1950s. I have a weird fascination with housedresses and the everyday clothing of women in the past. To me, the glamorous hollywood type fashions are pretty to look at and do set the trends to an extent, but it's the everyday clothes that really show who the regular people were and what their lives were like. They are also the vintage clothes I prefer to wear daily myself. They tend to be just so practical!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyojzLMYuKhSFkprylPLXgZgDUx1_oDfkgDvIljLHoicxyx_C0FsxAyNjVUthTtUheYmU3MZYyKOEsXRsBIcceI5Yl4gCQVHZRdNCRXFbQYy3K6AYXR0nZLNqrIiHvELcVEErPSgay6o/s1600/simplicity1766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyojzLMYuKhSFkprylPLXgZgDUx1_oDfkgDvIljLHoicxyx_C0FsxAyNjVUthTtUheYmU3MZYyKOEsXRsBIcceI5Yl4gCQVHZRdNCRXFbQYy3K6AYXR0nZLNqrIiHvELcVEErPSgay6o/s1600/simplicity1766.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplicity 1766</td></tr>
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No it doesn't look like the picture on me, but it's comfy and I love this dress just the same and wore it for my last two pregnancies. It features a same fabric tie belt and kimono sleeves and buttons part of the way down the front (Does that make it a shirtwaist?). This dress is also meant to be worn after pregnancy and I actually have worn it afterwards and can say it is flattering even on someone without a big 'ol baby belly. <div>
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Pockets with adorable feaux button tabs? Yes, please! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UDsFCB_yuXE8LxH2rpm2hV6rbA_PbfKVTbaYWr3MHs8sEUMf0-mwpU06eLEQ7WhV_oFSD7RJy5wVxHq0V7ibQryGeHFJmkS6-dlEEooEWnIdl14KGr-bJQPYgv_L54XDvHFE_cM8WWY/s1600/humblehousewifedress5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UDsFCB_yuXE8LxH2rpm2hV6rbA_PbfKVTbaYWr3MHs8sEUMf0-mwpU06eLEQ7WhV_oFSD7RJy5wVxHq0V7ibQryGeHFJmkS6-dlEEooEWnIdl14KGr-bJQPYgv_L54XDvHFE_cM8WWY/s1600/humblehousewifedress5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a little chilly out that morning and we were making a trip to our local library, so this blue sweater I've had literally since high school was perfect to knock off a little of the chill.<br />
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Outfit Details:<br />
Dress-made by me<br />
Sweater-purchased who knows where about fifteen years ago<br />
Brooch-Vintage orange celluloid pinwheel brooch from the 1940s(?) purchased on ebay or Etsy a long time ago<br />
Earrings-Vintage silver, screwback, flowers purchased at the Homestead Shop antique mall several years ago<br />
Shoes-I know I wore some, but cannot remember exactly which ones I wore. (My mocassins, maybe?)<br />
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I also have been experimenting with some vintage appropriate updos in anticipation of the hot summer to come. Keep in mind I'm not a hairdresser by any means and my updos always turn out a little messy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33CA1zIHwqKa51YpcKHxwYKL6lmusi3ccf7cfcNZ2TM2PE2LYBQrnueBl0Lwi3MdZqpNaNU7q8XWeZ7I4v_C_JHsHDd_zPIXGEDrjuej5rJgPIVfu9NyFz7jZ-da8myupbReZLNP3kTc/s1600/Humblehousewifedress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33CA1zIHwqKa51YpcKHxwYKL6lmusi3ccf7cfcNZ2TM2PE2LYBQrnueBl0Lwi3MdZqpNaNU7q8XWeZ7I4v_C_JHsHDd_zPIXGEDrjuej5rJgPIVfu9NyFz7jZ-da8myupbReZLNP3kTc/s1600/Humblehousewifedress1.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzOf30aABlxhdLeT99HYP1eWCOwl6OnmMXHs5BucLOuyBVeYJubrqYejXbwomFKOYeQuoJbVzXuvvhJPTncnL6oF7jd4_Gt30ofmI3dW9s3uOMvHuv99jEOKpbPZncyQhkZWcTDxbP6U/s1600/humblehousewifedress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzOf30aABlxhdLeT99HYP1eWCOwl6OnmMXHs5BucLOuyBVeYJubrqYejXbwomFKOYeQuoJbVzXuvvhJPTncnL6oF7jd4_Gt30ofmI3dW9s3uOMvHuv99jEOKpbPZncyQhkZWcTDxbP6U/s1600/humblehousewifedress2.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8Pq5X0JpRNRn8okrT7lKEX2CTR3DDZGjFU_EWuMv1aOi8n40VdddiDOC7ALOBs-wledPG2yL_92wj1Fj8-7Mm3xu_IHI05qF8LNDLXf71pTiXmhi-Olp5SNGXWVQjYCIjza2wSKspI8/s1600/humblehousewifedress4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8Pq5X0JpRNRn8okrT7lKEX2CTR3DDZGjFU_EWuMv1aOi8n40VdddiDOC7ALOBs-wledPG2yL_92wj1Fj8-7Mm3xu_IHI05qF8LNDLXf71pTiXmhi-Olp5SNGXWVQjYCIjza2wSKspI8/s1600/humblehousewifedress4.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQWNHKR701fu8Fd1hCQYe541ktMtdM-o8WIe75SPCo0oIrCsf9OfJfVqIbl_1EmxVEgXm5Z0dKAe-SVXGcFcnRshOUrBOxRlF8KDMnAn2DKuUM9KAiFmi4ExyH5TBDcgNwp4RCCzjm0M/s1600/humblehousewifedress3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQWNHKR701fu8Fd1hCQYe541ktMtdM-o8WIe75SPCo0oIrCsf9OfJfVqIbl_1EmxVEgXm5Z0dKAe-SVXGcFcnRshOUrBOxRlF8KDMnAn2DKuUM9KAiFmi4ExyH5TBDcgNwp4RCCzjm0M/s1600/humblehousewifedress3.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></div>
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I did a tiny ponytail ('cause that's all I got right now) and sectioned off a part of the front and just pinned a few pin curls in what, I thought at least, was a somewhat artful arrangement. I kind of like it, but will be playing around with it more I'm sure.<br />
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And to round it out is a full picture of the dress along with a couple photobombers. My sweet little six year old mini me and if you look closely at the bottom left corner you'll see the valiant and forever in motion three year old boy. I don't usually share pictures of my kids for privacy reasons and just 'cause I feel a little weird sharing their pictures with the world. So, I would ask that if you pin any pictures from my blog to pinterest or share them any where else, please only use the ones without my kids. I know I'm paranoid, but that's not going to change, so there.<br />
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Being a housewife and mom is definitely different today, but the clothing of past women who were busy taking care of their homes and children are still super comfortable and easy to wear. After this baby is born, I think I'll be sewing up some more housedresses, and possibly another version of this dress beforehand. I've got patterns for housedresses from the 1930s to the 80s and can't wait to sample them all. It may take the rest of my life, lol.<br />
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So, what do you think of this easy to wear maternity/post-pregnancy dress? Do you wear or like vintage updos? Oh, and if you have any links to any easy to replicate vintage updos, please share with me, I'd love to see them and try them.<br />
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-27789647666663120292014-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:002014-05-09T00:00:07.494-07:00The Mandarin Maternity Dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCall's 9385</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK8sA6imv4I5Ncq2iSx4mZHEzN30r29q8d5BiNx6bX2fUDyNQhHm8ReByPqjK8j4eBv5oZfsFsNmq9VHpBd_jBbexNiBISC49-heYGDyDvGPTICFPSc5U5hCIWYDOa2ChpV1qozSnqXc/s1600/50sdoesasian3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK8sA6imv4I5Ncq2iSx4mZHEzN30r29q8d5BiNx6bX2fUDyNQhHm8ReByPqjK8j4eBv5oZfsFsNmq9VHpBd_jBbexNiBISC49-heYGDyDvGPTICFPSc5U5hCIWYDOa2ChpV1qozSnqXc/s1600/50sdoesasian3.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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I'm calling this the Mandarin dress because it features a mandarin shaped collar. This was the next project I did after completing my pastel pink Easter dress, and I was so ready for some bright colors. I tend to be more of a bright colors kind of person in everything, so this printed cotton from M'Liss called Kimono was the first thing I thought of in my stash when I decided on this 1950s maternity pattern. </div>
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Again, though I wore it belted, it shows that you can wear it unbelted, too, but I can't stand the muu muu look no matter how big I get during pregnancy. It also is meant to be worn after pregnancy, but again, we'll see if that really happens. I am trying to only sew up things that I could potentially wear when not pregnant, as that seems more practical and this will be great for nursing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnknxC5K5w6Hbc6B4ifTmLTVtfWd5t8yxIi-lY_sxBbCDbB7JXk9mhf7mjboMP_8pYFTeVm-DoMU5hxl7EOf5PFmuswAdEzETBlxI8GeeMvvswF7I1kZW4HPxgZqZnh9R1GhS8hHk-Sw/s1600/50sdoesasian5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnknxC5K5w6Hbc6B4ifTmLTVtfWd5t8yxIi-lY_sxBbCDbB7JXk9mhf7mjboMP_8pYFTeVm-DoMU5hxl7EOf5PFmuswAdEzETBlxI8GeeMvvswF7I1kZW4HPxgZqZnh9R1GhS8hHk-Sw/s1600/50sdoesasian5.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></div>
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I didn't alter the pattern at all except in length, because I'm short. I also made the short sleeved version, and they reach my elbows, so I'm assuming 3/4 sleeves would actually be long-sleeved on me. However, I love me some cuffed sleeves whatever the length is. Oh, and pockets, who doesn't love a dress with pockets?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Look how vivid the colors are! And this picture doesn't do it justice even. </span></span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mGlzZQLtoXfjmBztDUzN9FqS06FC6xP_-AmOpvEFeLVwzfPxX2FdfGzgLzqpKQQMYzxVH3dBPCj7QS_XZ6_Ymy29dwRkpzEGx8tI7i7Jj3gaXaenZ7MDjbv0B0cZEQGmhOgxp9EwTSc/s1600/50sdoesasian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mGlzZQLtoXfjmBztDUzN9FqS06FC6xP_-AmOpvEFeLVwzfPxX2FdfGzgLzqpKQQMYzxVH3dBPCj7QS_XZ6_Ymy29dwRkpzEGx8tI7i7Jj3gaXaenZ7MDjbv0B0cZEQGmhOgxp9EwTSc/s1600/50sdoesasian1.jpg" height="106" width="200" /></a></div>
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Outfit Details:</div>
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Dress-Made by Me</div>
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Bracelets- Vintage lucite and bakelite bangles and clamp purchased from various ebay and Etsy sellers </div>
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Earrings-Vintage carved bakelite purchased from either ebay or Etsy. I can't remember, sorry. </div>
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Shoes-Red, peep toe, shiny flats from Catos years ago (sorry not pictured)</div>
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Belt-Skinny red leather purchased from Hannah Jane Boutique online</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVQGpqLwpAtNSuD9oYcZA5kSxqO9XNyO4FcZ5NzV5KYVNlyN3kM8Xms1BJITKMBieYRDTJkf1UpWspSLen05LbogaOqmocC8AM9E0utXhZF0rFVTi1zpiJoJCnEPJssJclFtsztFhCF4/s1600/50sdoesasian7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVQGpqLwpAtNSuD9oYcZA5kSxqO9XNyO4FcZ5NzV5KYVNlyN3kM8Xms1BJITKMBieYRDTJkf1UpWspSLen05LbogaOqmocC8AM9E0utXhZF0rFVTi1zpiJoJCnEPJssJclFtsztFhCF4/s1600/50sdoesasian7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tried to get a picture of the collar, please excuse the dazed expression on my face.<br />
I think I'm concentrating on my camera aim, lol. </td></tr>
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This dress was ridiculously fast and easy to sew up. The longest part for me were the ten buttons, but I think it turned out well, and the black background makes it look like a little more than a simple housedress. I don't know if I'll sew it up again, but if I do, I think I want to go completely different with the fabric and color, just to make it seem more different from this version. I'm on the fence about it, though, because after all how many high-collared, longer sleeved dresses do I want to wear while pregnant in the summer in the southern United States, where the humidity makes everything wilt in a matter of seconds?<br />
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It never ceases to amaze me how comfortable vintage maternity styles are. I know the super flowiness can make your belly look bigger to our eyes, but probably only because we're used to skin tight t-shirts over the baby belly. If you're ever pregnant and looking for a cheaper, more unique, option for maternity clothing, I highly suggest getting some vintage patterns and sewing them up. They're often easier to sew than regular vintage styles and you have the added benefit of customizing them, not to mention that most vintage maternity patterns are super cheap compared to regular vintage patterns (I've purchased some for as little as 25 cents a piece and lots are available for under $5 on Etsy and ebay), but the best part is that many are designed to be worn after pregnancy, too.<br />
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What do you think, is this worth another make or is one dress like this enough for anyone? Would you consider sewing your maternity wardrobe?</div>
Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628344483875854109.post-22183712122405442452014-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T00:00:04.850-07:00Workbasket Wednesday: Half Knot Stitch Doily<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today's Workbasket Wednesday is for a Half Knot Stitch Crocheted Doily. </div>
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It's odd isn't it, how doilies have fallen out of favor? There was a time where you couldn't have went into anyone's home and not have seen a doily or two. Both of my grandmothers had piles of beautifully crocheted doilies. My maternal grandmother still had her home decorated with them when she died and we found tons of them in storage at my paternal grandmother's house after her death. And anyone who has went into an antique or thrift store knows they are often plentiful and cheap there. </div>
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They really are beautiful works of lacy art and you know when you see one that someone, somewhere, has worked extremely hard to make such a beautiful thing. I have a lot of them I have inherited and have been known to rescue some I've found at little antique shops. There has to be a way to preserve and use them for our modern lives, and I'm seeking to find a way to not let these beauties rot away and be lost, especially those hand made by my grandmothers. What would you suggest?</div>
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Oh, and enjoy the dress ad opposite!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-qXFeBhHmI_0QZeo7MNdvvOItaCCWHJf_9GIKR6Mcqxba-l2s-QDM0EIFz1OI3xHs_vpmbochQU3abmi5ekbLu362OcR2llQNNU-rlWfNaGIXbTjOKfCaTTINLUvCdGmntGC3ILWriY/s1600/wwslipknotdoily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-qXFeBhHmI_0QZeo7MNdvvOItaCCWHJf_9GIKR6Mcqxba-l2s-QDM0EIFz1OI3xHs_vpmbochQU3abmi5ekbLu362OcR2llQNNU-rlWfNaGIXbTjOKfCaTTINLUvCdGmntGC3ILWriY/s1600/wwslipknotdoily.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8JGHtlIYcPL2jpCy5MDj549u0Yk0_pkBYJdTlutyYeo_T6i7yD1_Wj1NFmgkThjVo0DjRXvakmX64f_d4Gi48bAni4E6i6afI7ciyiExywwPYRlrja05f7qwYmME7MileEOxkt1w1l0/s1600/wwslipknotdoily2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8JGHtlIYcPL2jpCy5MDj549u0Yk0_pkBYJdTlutyYeo_T6i7yD1_Wj1NFmgkThjVo0DjRXvakmX64f_d4Gi48bAni4E6i6afI7ciyiExywwPYRlrja05f7qwYmME7MileEOxkt1w1l0/s1600/wwslipknotdoily2.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Sarah http://www.blogger.com/profile/18070656616946358428noreply@blogger.com4