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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

· Autumn Ablaze ·


Oh, autumn.  How I love you!

I don't know what the last few months have been like for you, but we enjoyed wonderful weather and gorgeous fall colors for quite a bit longer than usual this year and I'm so, SO happy that a visit from Kathryn coincided with it!  I've wanted some wonderfully autumnal photos ever since I started this blog and every year it just never worked out... but it's all for the best since I think I *finally* am getting close to the autumn wardrobe of my dreams. ;-)

Every year I have high hopes for a grand new wardrobe since this season is the source of my favorite colors and tones, but every year seems to bring something along my path to thwart my ambitions.  This year was much the same, but with a few choice additions previously in the year I was able to expand my options exponentially and I'm pretty pleased with the direction I'm headed at last. :-)



Long-time readers (at least those with an extraordinary memory for trivial details!) will remember this skirt from its first incarnation.  I made it 2.5 years ago after admiring the fabric for quite some time and I was so excited that it would finally be my Ultimate Spring/Autumn Dress!  And sadly, it just really ended up falling short of my hopes.  I eventually put it up for sale in my Etsy shop since it was frustrating to glimpse it in my closet, just hanging there and mocking me.  But no one wanted to buy it.  And then I finally realized what I should have years ago- this fabric just really wanted to be a skirt.  It's a great print to go with several tops and sweaters in my closet and I think (fingers crossed!) it will finally fulfill its purpose in life. ;-)



This vintage wool sweater was purchased last February, but never got a chance to shine until this fall!  I really, really love it and it also helps me get a step closer to Eilis's Ever Coveted Wardrobe. (yes, I'm still obsessed...haha!)


My year so far has been full of big, life-changing things back-to-back and I've finally had a period of quiet over the past month.  It's given me time to reflect back on where I've come over the last year and gather strength for the path ahead!  If you follow me on Instagram, you'll already know that I've made the decision to remove myself from social media for the foreseeable future.  I've found myself growing less creative and more apathetic in many areas of life and I'm ready to step back and rediscover the things I used to enjoy so much!  One of which is blogging, so rest assured that this little site won't be going anywhere for a long time. ;-)


This past year has forced me to branch out a lot more and do things solo.  From big city living to taking dance classes to arranging lots of solo cross-country travel, I've been adventuring a lot on my own.  I'm highly introverted, but don't get me wrong- I do love company just as much as anyone else!  I might be quiet, but I love having at least *someone* there by my side.  But that's not always possible, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to realize that, yes- I actually can make my own fun. ;-) 

Through various circumstances in February, I found myself with a day to spend in Cleveland and without any of the companions I tried to meet up with.  I've never been to Cleveland before and while the day started off rather bleak, it brightened up quickly with a few excellent recommendations.  Wandering through a market in a reclaimed train station and agonizing over which wonderful foods to choose (an Irish pasty won the day!), trying my very first authentic phosphate at the most adorable old-fashioned soda fountain, and some vintage shopping later... and the day was a rousing success!  I still have fond memories of how wonderful that day was, and I'm so glad I made the most of it after all!


One of the vintage shops I visited in Cleveland was going out of business, so all the merchandise was 50% off and I was able to find 2 sweaters and 2 pairs of sunglasses.  They were all great additions to my wardrobe and.... definitely help give the trip a rosy hue in my memory. ;-)



Also, can I just say that I love that I've finally built up a tolerance for high necklines?  I used to feel like I was being strangled if anything touched above my clavicle which kind of puts a damper on a truly authentic 1950s look!  The sweater is in wonderful shape and just required a few minor repairs to the button loops.





(And how much do I love that these shoes match perfectly??)

Have a happy Thanksgiving week, everyone!

· Photos by Kathryn ·

36 comments:

  1. This is my new favorite outfit! I'll have to do something similar! And that sweater is adorable.

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    1. Thanks! It's definitely become a favorite of mine!

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  2. I hope you find your way back to enjoying the things you used to love! I can definitely relate to feeling overwhelmed by social media, and I have seasons where I am much less active. It's always refreshing to step back and not worry about HAVING to post at any certain time. I've just found your blog, so of course I'm hoping your break doesn't have to be too long. ;)

    You look beautiful in this outfit! I love that sweater, and what a great decision to make the dress into a skirt!
    Kristina
    eyreeffect.com

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    1. Welcome to this little corner of the internet, Kristina! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. :-)

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  3. Also being introverted, getting out there and doing new things (on my own) can be rather difficult. But I am glad that you are learning to expand your comfort zone! I may be moving across the country with my family and that will be an adventure in and of itself, but I am also looking forward to the adventure of getting to come back and visit.

    But, hurray! for you to get out and make the best of the circumstances.

    Sarah

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    1. Sarah, thanks for the comment! Wow- that sounds like a big change, praying that it leads to good growth for you all. :-)

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  4. Its funny that you want Eilis' wardrobe since you look just like her. Except different coloring.

    I love the Autumn season (I love all seasons, but possibly the more temperate ones best), but it is my WORST season for colors. I'm still thinking and planning for an eventual fall/winter wardrobe my dreams.

    But those colors look lovely on you.

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    1. Heehee, thanks! That ranks as one of the best compliments! <3

      Hope you can find your perfect autumn wardrobe eventually! (for my part, I think my new challenge will be doing a winter wardrobe- I tend to be way too schizophrenic with color schemes and then nothing matches! ;-))

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  5. Lovely sweater and just perfect shoes! :)

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  6. What a lovely outfit on you, Lily!!! The colors are superbly autumnal, and they suit you very well. I love the way you made your dress into a skirt!! Funny enough, I've been thinking of doing the same with mine. I guess we'll see what happens.
    So good to see you blogging again, and that there continues to be a promise for more in the future. And once again, bravo for taking the step away from social media. I admire you for that!! :)
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!!

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    1. Esther, thanks! Heehee, how funny that the dress didn't really live up to either of our hopes! :-P Oh well, you win some, you lose some....

      And thanks! I've been feeling a difference in just the week I've been away, and I think it was a wise choice for now. But, oh! I do miss it... :-P

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  7. This outfit is gorgeous and that sweater, oh my word, that is truly gorgeous! It goes perfectly with both the shoes and the refashioned skirt. It always feels good to figure out why you're not wearing an item of clothing. I've done it a few times and have always wondered why I didn't figure it out sooner. xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Cate! And yes, it feels so much more satisfying to have struggled so long with this fabric and *finally* conquered. :-)

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  8. I am always impressed with the style of your outfits and this one is amazing!

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    1. Aww, thanks so much Rebecca! And thanks for being such a faithful commenter!

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  9. I enjoy your blog so please keep posting!

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    1. Thanks Maria! Lord willing, I'm planning on continuing blogging! It's by far the most rewarding form of "social media" for me. :-)

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  10. Very lovely outfit! I've never been in social media and I've never needed it. Blogger community is enough for me :) Sure I miss out all the clothing swap groups and such, but I've never felt like I miss something important. The only thing I could consider was Instagram, but since it's related to Facebook and I don't have a smartphone either, I don't really need that either :)

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    1. Wise move on your part! I definitely got sucked into social media for the reasons you mentioned, and they really are great reasons! Just not healthy for me now, unfortunately. :-(

      Thanks for commenting!

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  11. I love this outfit. It is gorgeous.
    Marilyn

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  12. Love your outfit -great idea of refashioning your dress as a skirt.
    Good way of turning not so happy projects into something that you would like better.
    The prior dress, I thought, look absolutely lovely on you , Mind if I ask you what
    you didn't like about it? To me it looked perfection!
    Blessings
    Irene

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    1. Thanks Irene! The main reason I didn't like the dress was due to some fitting issues I had and could never resolve. :-/ It looked fine in the photos, but didn't feel quite "right" when I was wearing it.

      And I've found that I'm able to use a lot more of my accessories and sweaters with a skirt, so that's an added bonus! :-)

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    2. Yes as much as I like dresses, I love skirts for the same reason you do. ( I wear them everyday)
      I enjoy reading your posts , especially your sewing ones, you are so talented!
      I like to add , I very much enjoyed your photos from Germany, , as iam German also, I have gone to a few places that you visited. I love it there, wish I can live 6 months out of the year there!
      Irene

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  13. Man, Eilis's wardrobe in that movie was really something amazing. I'm glad I saw that film! I'm really glad this dress got turned into a skirt. This outfit is gorgeous. I really love that vintage sweater!

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    1. I KNOW! Her clothes.... to die for. ;-) Thanks!

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  14. I understand the need to withdraw from social media, I tend not to have the apps on my phone as I get anxious knowing that there are notifications generating by the hour & that I should be dealing with them. They're just another responsibility & if they're on my phone, they're within reach & should be dealt with directly (according to my brain) ... I have some health issues which have required bed rest in recent months & with the physical rest, I decided to have a bit of a mental "put-my-feet-up" too - I just went off of Facebook cold turkey (& I was always rubbish at Twitter anyway)- OMIGOSH! It's been the most relaxing time, I just can't describe how mentally free-ing (is that even a word?) it has been for me ... Now I'm starting to use my time more fruitfully, slowly decluttering & allowing myself both the mental & physical space to be creative once again. I'm even learning to paint ... Btw I do love that skirt fabric, the red petals remind me of little pomegranate seeds, scattered across the other flowers. :)

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    1. Haha! YES! The struggle is so real. And the relief is too!

      I have always been AWFUL at updating social media, but then I feel guilt about that and end up obsessing constantly about what I should post. Or what caption to put. Oy, such a waste of brain space! ;-P

      I was actually inspired to start a brand-new, just-for-fun project last night: it's been way too long since that was the case, I'm looking forward to settling into cozy, creative evenings this winter. :-)

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  15. Every time I think that I have seen your best outfit, you come up with another! Absolutely lovely, and perfect for fall time.
    The Artyologist

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  16. Dear Lily...
    OH! I am so delighted to have stumbled across your more than beautiful blog through Dolly Creates! I love vintage and I love sewing too...although I don't sew much clothing... I have my own business sewing home decor items and upmarket children's toys...it is a truly wonderful experience and I am learning plenty! But...I am determined to create more lovely clothing items of my own this year and am thus seeking inspiration... I am delighted to be here and am just in awe of the beauty you share! {{smiles}} Ah, you are so beautiful and this Autumn outfit is gorgeous...you look so like a lady from a past era! And really beautiful photographs... I look forward to returning for another visit soon...you've inspired me greatly today!
    With love and blessings,
    Kelly-Anne

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    1. Welcome, Kelly-Anne! So glad to have you in this corner of the internet. :-)

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