I’ll be the first to admit I have a lot of coats. Enough to cover all the bases–rainy weather, only slightly chilly, full on freezing, somewhat casual, full on glamour. I thought I had pretty much everything I needed, especially since I have two coats that feature faux fur. But it occurred to me that I don’t have a more ‘casual’ coat (but my standards) that also has faux fur. Because, as it turns out, that totally exists, and it’s awesome!
It’s September and the weather seems to have settled for long enough that I think we can finally call it; it’s Autumn! And while for many that means getting overexcited about Halloween, something I could not care less about, for me it means joyously waiting for the leaves to start changing colours (my absolutely favourite part of the season,) beginning to layer up, and the chance to dig out all my tartans from the back of my wardrobe. Tartans and plaids are my favourite part of autumn and winter dressing, hands down, so I was thrilled to see Hell Bunny offering us more new tartan lovelies this season. Oh Hell Bunny, I can always count on you to make me happy. Today, it’s with Irvine.
Ah, Collectif; does anybody do coats better than you? Certainly I don’t think any other vintage inspired brand is as well known for their coats, especially when you consider the fame and fervor surrounding the yearly release of their Pearl coat. For me, it was the Riley coat that made my heart go a pitter-patter when I first glimpsed its preview, a coat so classic and beautiful I have already said a million times to anyone who will listen that I want to just wear it as a dress. I’m more than partial to a winter cape as well, so when the brainwave hit to pair the Paige velvet and faux fur cape with the Riley for hood coverage and extra warmth on very cold or drizzly days, I wasn’t just pleased with myself for the practicality of the idea, but downright obnoxiously proud of the glamorous combination it created. Behold, a pairing fit for most any winter wonderland!
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
‘Tis the season to be jolly and twinkly and glam! I love Christmas time, even though it’s busy and over far too quickly. Seeing friends and family as much as possible and spoiling them with gifts and joy warms my heart, and I’ll be honest, picking out my outfits for wearing over the Christmas period is one of my favourite parts now. It’s been an incredibly busy month though and I didn’t get to wear as many pretties as I expected. but hey ho, the perfect excuse to start 2016 off with a bang!
As usual, you can find links in the description to any item that is still available to buy. Anything not linked is from a past season and cannot be found for purchase any longer and/or is not available to buy online.
Manor Print Paris dress by Bernie Dexter from Ginnedupgillys.com, Mint Cropped Cardigan from Pinup Girl Clothing, old Truffle heels
Miss Amy May 