Wearing: 1970's Autumn Leaves

On this, the first day of Twenty-Eleven, I decided to go back...40 years back.

I'm wearing a vintage dress from the 1970's that I bought from Emily at her amazing Etsy store, El Vintage.

My mother can hardly handle this...the polyester, I mean.

Of course, she did live in it for an entire decade, so I guess I sorta get the nauseous look that comes over her face at the mere mention of polyester. I have to concede that if I had nothing but double knit to wear, I'd probably tire of it, too...but I have lots of options, so I really don't mind it now and again...and actually, I've worn this dress three times since I bought it last month.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a little bit flighty.

Actually I'm a lot bit flighty, but anyways...

Instead of making a New Year's Resolution this year,

I decided to focus on one word that could improve every area of my life.

My goal for 2011 is to be PRESENT...

as in focused, tuned-in to what's going on in the moment, mentally available in conversations and activities.

Creativity is great, but if my head's always in the clouds when I'm playing with my children or talking to the husbie, then I'm not really engaged, now am I? It would be a real shame to stay at home with my children and realize years from now that I was only really present in body, but not in mind and heart.

I want to put all my energy and focus into what I'm doing in the moment:

whether it is designing, sewing, playing, loving, praying, or conversing.

So, if I'm ever talking to you and start to stare out into space, lost in thought, you have my permission to slap me upside the head and say, "Be present, Kristina!"

OK, maybe you could just snap your fingers or something... =D

Happy New Year!

(El Vintage dress, LOFT fur vest and belt, Anthro Renssalaur t-straps, UO tights)

Favorite Things: El Vintage

I recently discovered Emily's Etsy store, El Vintage and have become a huge fan, especially because she carries so many pieces from the 1970's (a personal weakness). I just received two amazing dresses from her and can vouch for the quality and authenticity of the items she sells. And now through December 15th you can get 15% off with the coupon code--PRECIOUS. You can also catch her on her blog. These are some of my favorites in her store right now.

70's Ecru Ruffle Blouse

Doesn't this look like something coming out of J.Crew about now?

70's Oatmeal Wool Coat

What girl doesn't need a great camel-colored coat?

60's Bullocks Pasedena Silk Dress

This one was in my cart, but the measurements were just a tad too big. Must make myself a version of this one!

70's Albert Nipon Evening Dress

Wouldn't this be so pretty for a New Year's Eve party?

60's Norman Berg Evening Dress

Love, love, love the beadwork on the sleeves. Exactly the sort of detailing I love, but don't do too often because it's so time-consuming.

60's Oatmeal Dress Suit

Only for California Sophisticates--that's what the label says...

70's Retro Print Dress

This just has boho-chic written all over it.

Can't wait to show ya my recent purchases from Emily!

And about the wedding dress. I took some pics, but it was FRIGID out, so I had a coat on the whole time, and my husband said it would be really lame to post them. I disagreed 'cuz it's a really simple column silhouette and you can still see the best parts.

So, it's really up to you. Should I go ahead and post the pics I have or wait and do a spring version? Let me know.

Reconstructed: 1970's Vintage

I will never understand Indiana weather.

It was frigid here last week...snow, hail, sleet...everything.

Then, all the sudden, it's 68 degrees outside.

So glad I could be organized for once and have everyone's summer clothes put away, (apparently, just in time for the second Indian Summer).

You've seen this before, but over here on this blog, you're likely to

see most everything WAY more than you really want to.

I loved this great, little vintage dress when I found it tucked away obscurely in a small store.

And, I only had to replace the lace!

(Vintage Dress, LOFT blazer, J.Crew Patent Belt, Steve Madden booties)

Restoring: 1970's Vintage Dress

I'm in love!!!!

I've lived in this town for five years and just recently discovered the adorable vintage

clothing store in Historic Downtown.

I walked in, breathed in that slightly musty smell only associated with old things and felt like I'd come home (am I really a 65-year-old woman or something?).

This little number from the 70's was my very first purchase and I'm quite positive my mother owned

some version of this dress at one time.

Of course, it was a Large, so I had to take it in a bit

and the lace at the bottom was torn and had to be replaced...

but these are piddly details in comparison to the sheer joy of owning a pretty little something that comes with it's own history.

Was it worn on a first date?

By a mother at her baby's dedication?

To the last party of the summer?

To greet a soldier home from the war?

...if only it could tell me it's secrets...

what fun we could have giggling about all the delightful facets of being a girl.

(Vintage Dress, Anthropologie Roaming Frills Cardigan, J. Crew Pink Patent Belt, Target Marylynn Suede Pumps)