I’m not gonna lie, 2017 started off rough. There were some family health scares and accidents that, coupled with an insane workload throughout the whole month in my department at work, really left me feeling low on energy and not much in the mood to dress up some days. I think sometimes since vintage dressing is such a time-consuming and energy-intensive style that ladies can look at pinups who wear this style every day, or at least regularly, and think ‘Wow, they’re flawless and they seem to find it so easy! I don’t think I can do that,’ then get put off the idea of dabbling with the style.

So in the interest of full disclosure, I want any of you lovelies who sometimes feel that way, or who feel discouraged in general by the seemingly perfect pinup lives so easily presented on social media, to know that that perfection or ease or even excitement isn’t necessarily the full truth. While typically getting dolled up gives me energy and positive feelings, this month I’ve just been too low on energy to enjoy it in the same way. Normally wearing jeans and a hoody in public makes me feel weirdly both exposed and invisible, but this month it’s often what I’ve felt I’ve needed simply because I just couldn’t be bothered to care about my appearance so much. And there’s nothing wrong with that, whether that’s a temporary or a permanent status for anyone, but I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that you can wear what you want, when you want, and it doesn’t mean anything other than ‘this is the outfit that I wanted to wear today.’ You do you, boo.

Saying that, I got my 50% off Collectif order through this month, holla, and that injected a little more excitement back into my wardrobe. I have a week off work in February and I’m hoping to fill it with some fun activities and much procrastinated productivity, so here’s hoping next month leaves me feeling revitalised and ready to get my pinup on with my usual enthusiasm.

Happy New Year to you, if I haven’t said it already; I hope January has treated you kindly and that you feel hopeful and happy wherever you are. And now, on to the clothes!

Gold Jacquard Juliette swing dress by Collectif, old Aliexpress necklace, Deluxe clip in Bettie Bangs by Classy Rebel, old New Look shoes

Claret Lana dress by Vivien of Holloway, Burgundy Tootsie Cropped Cardigan from Doll Me Up, thrifted belt, Red Signature Rose Double by Daisy Jean Florals, Burgundy Suedette pumps by New Look

Eleanor dress by Retrolicious, Sage Tootsie Cropped Cardigan from Doll Me Up,  Sarah Coventry starburst brooch, Burgundy Suedette pumps from New Look, Deluxe Clip In Bettie Bangs by Classy Rebel

Adalene City Lights skirt by Lindy Bop, Yolk Modern Love top by Dancing Days, Honey Tootsie Cropped Cardigan from Doll Me Up, Magnetic silver starburst brooch from eBay, Light blue suedette flats from New Look

Brown Lillian cape by Collectif, Inspiration top and black Diva Skirt by Heart of Haute, Obi belt by Collectif, old Aliexpress necklace, old Primark bangle, old Everything5pounds.com heels

Black Sabrina top from Deadly is the Female, Rosie Sparkle Tweed skirt by Collectif, Luxulite brooch, Banned Moss Garden Hound Heels from Bluebanana.com

Katy pearl cardigan by Voodoo Vixen, Black Jasmine skirt by Collectif, old Jessica bag by Collectif, Burgundy Suedette ballet pumps by New Look, Deluxe Clip In Bettie Bangs by Classy Rebel

Brown Lillian cape and Caterina Sherwood Check dress by Collectif, Sage Tootsie Cropped Cardigan from Doll Me Up, Tan gloves from eBay, old New Look ballet flats