The closet historian

I used to be a real stickler for these things, no black and brown together or black and navy blue, but the key to making it work is intention. If you merely have one item out of sync, it can look like a mistake, but if you are obviously pairing the two neutural shades together I think it can work. Today we're breaking the rule...because in fashion, there are no rules! I also have really anachronistic eye make-up going on here in these photos too. I knew I would be changing into a more 50's…

I promise this isn't another navy suit, its really black, but since its got flecks of burgundy and teal running t...

I always put off working with rayon challis, but it's not that slippy, I don't know why I am so hesitant! This tropical print rayon was one of the challis languishing in my stash. I was originally so exited to use it when I first bought some (at Joanns! They still have it) and then put off turning into a dress for ages. But boy am I glad to have this 1940's inspired dress out of this lovely print now! So lightweight and perfect for summer, someone take me on a vacation! This dress was part…

Finished making this dress and had to wear it immediately. This project was for my Patreon exclusive sewing video for October, and what a very October fabric is is too. This striped polyester taffeta is from Mood Fabrics of course. Please remember to vote! Outfit details: Dress: Made by me Earrings: Made by me Bracelet and Necklace: Vintage (gifts) Belt: Thrifted Handbag: Vintage Shoes: Remix

Even for those of us who like to dress up everyday, Halloween is the prime time to go all out! Us vintage gals have an instant leg up, as so many great costumes can be created easily from classic basics bound to already live in our closets. Whether you don't have the time or funds for a new costume this year, or are just ready to get frugally creative, here are a few costumes you may be able to create from what you've already got! Getting Audrey's classic look from the great film Funny Face…

I was driving to work and back today and this one very simple line of dialog popped into my head. Ju...

This brown dress has been such a reliable piece in both autumn and winter for me over the last few years. I need to make another in black, these sleeves are just too fun to wear and I don't have a black wool dress in my wardrobe for some absurd reason! This time I paired the cozy woolen dress with coordinating brown "crocodile" accessories, having recently snatched up this handbag on Etsy for just $12 to wear with my much loved pumps from Remix Vintage Shoes. A matching belt, also found on…

I had this delightful moment recently where I needed to force myself to take a few days "off", a break if you will, and what did I decide? Oh I'll make a dress, off camera, just for me, a nice easy project. So I pulled out this gorgeous sateen from Mood Fabrics with it's detailed watercolor print and decided to finally put it to use. A simple design, high neckline, all in one sleeves, just an A-line skirt, but then thanks to this beautiful print...it took me AGES to cut out this project! I…

I thrifted this amazing huge blue 1980's coat back in November. I was excited to try and style it, but I'm actually not very happy with this ensemble in the end. I wanted to wear solid black tights with this, but I couldn't find a pair in my dresser and these sheer tights just aren't giving the same all-black-everything look that I was after. I also love wearing this dress, it is one of my winter staples, but I wish it had a higher neckline. This fabric is a polyester crepe from Joanns that…