Two New Dresses and a Trip to Portland

Howdy y'all! I'm about to fly out west to beautiful Portland, Oregon but first I wanted to share two dresses I was recently gifted. 

This dress is in such incredible condition it is hard to believe this is an authentic vintage piece from the late 40s/early 50s.

The lace has held up so well! If I didn't find the tell-tale metal zipper by Talon, I would not believe this dress is over 50s years old.

Next up is this sassy 60s button-up dress. How cute are the sleeves?

Aw, thanks for thinking of me Matthew!

Well, I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I'll be blogging from Portland for the next week.
heart,
--m

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the Zodiac Dresser: Aquarius

Welcome to another installment of my Zodiac Dresser series in which I explore astrology through outfits. This post  celebrates the sign Aquarius, ruled by the planet Uranus. (Photos by Charles O'Donovan.)

90s dress: thrifted * shoes: Holding Horses

Although symbolized by the water-bearer, Aquarius is not a water sign but an air sign. Aquarius's association with two elements is astrologically unique and helps form this sign's free-spirited, avant-garde and non-conformist character. Aquarians are known to be friendly, idealistic, intellectual and humanitarian. I wanted my outfit to exude those hippie-dippy, groovy vibes, maaaan.

(Is it gross that I thrifted these tights? I washed them like a dozen times before wearing them and they appeared unworn.)

I chose to wear these ankle boots because the body parts ruled by Aquarius include the ankles and shins.

The color associated with Aquarius is electric blue, hence my choice of Nars "Rated R" on my lids. My necklace features an amethyst, this sign's special stone.

by the Jasmine Gallery

Despite being so progressive and friendly, this sign also tends to be obstinate and emotionally detached/cold.

peace out!

Aquarians of note include: Oprah * Paul Newman * FDR * Edouard Manet * Philip Glass * Clark Gable * Jackson Pollak * Mikhail Baryshnikov * Langston Hughes * Zane Grey * Babe Ruth * my friend Sally who has been waiting on this post for nearly a year!

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--m

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Favorite Flicks: Rome

The miniseries Rome captivates me through both its plot and stunning visuals. Rome takes place during and just after the reign of Caesar with particular focus on the lives of two plebian friends, Lucius Verenus and Titus Pullo. Even if you are not into history, the plot is very engrossing and steamy. 

Verenus

There are some seriously foxy men and women in this show!

swoon-worthy and virile Pullo

One major aspect of the show I greatly appreciate is the attention to the many ethnic groups under the Roman empire and ensuing cultural conflicts. 

Defeated Gallic hero and hottie Vercingetorix 

Gallic men, unlike Romans, wore long hair, beards and tattoos

The depictions of Cleopatra and ancient Egypt are maybe my favorite part of the series.

awesome ankh pendant

Amazing wigs:

Rome features an abundance of beautiful hair, jewelry and clothes. 

A madame with blue hair and too much rouge

Pullo's favorite gal, Ireni, is an adorable, petite Gaul with beautiful ringlets. 

I love the vertical components of her necklace and want to create an inspired piece. 

How gorgeous are these sleeves? 

this necklace is so masculine and yet glamorous 

I want this pendant! 

Verenus's gorgeous wife

Scenes of daily life in ancient Rome come alive thanks to the cinematography. 

the Capitoline 

I especially love to see what the interiors might have looked like in their prime. 

inside a Sauna

a vanity complete with roman cosmetics 

such a lush interior

what a view! 

mobile shrine

ancient skull motifs 

how nifty-looking are ancient roman razors?

Have any of you seen Rome? What are your thoughts? 

heart,

--m

Five Things I Like

Celestial Seasonings 

via

This company makes the most comforting and flavorful teas. I like their sweet herbal teas best of all.

Cool-toned bright yellow

via

Touches of bright, cool yellow are so lively yet soothing. 

Tattoo Style Diamonds

for sale via

They make great tattoos but also beautiful drawings and neon signs.

Smashbook Journals

via

These scrapbooks are a really casual and satisfying way to organize ephemera. 

This Bear Jumper

Kate from United States of Tara S. 4

Wow!! I'm so glad this exists

heart,

--m

Jewelry and Hair Accessories I've Made Recently

As I've mentioned several times, I've gotten very into making jewelry and hair accessories. Here's a quick glimpse at some handmade goodies before they go up in my shop. (Please let me know what you think in the comments.)

heart barrettes

chain, crystals and real vertebrae 

not for sale, just wanted to show you my crafting journal

told you I liked cabochons!

made with vintage charms, I'd keep these earrings for myself if I weren't allergic to copper

str8 klownin

Any opinions or suggestions? Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. The weather here in Richmond is uncannily warm and gorgeous. 

heart,

--m

5 things I like

Cabochons

Hairpins I made using cabochons

They are like fancy French eye candy. (Fyi: A cabochon is technically a bead with a flat side.)

World's cutest push pins

Old-Skool Dymo Label Maker

Thanks to labels, now its easy for me to find my cabochons.  :)

I recently invested in one of these in hopes of improving my organizational skills-- it worked! My craft corner and closet look tidier than ever.

Mosaic

via

Not that I need yet another creative media to explore, but ever since seeing the work of Charlene Broudy in Costa Rica I can't wait to try my hand at mosaic. (My approach will be to treat mosaic sculptural collage.)

Sliced and Dyed Agate

I hope to find more of this to use in my jewelry making. I like how it is simultaneously natural and artificial-looking.

this Necklace (Made by my Friend Abby)

I love this necklace's tropical vibes and use of vertical beads. (Ps: I also find it very inspiring for pieces I'm making.)

heart,

--m