Maximizing Creativity

Post Holiday-Apocalyptic No Business Blues....

If I can brand a mood, that's what I'd call it. And it's not just me or my shop. It seems the whole of our hometown is carrying the weight of the world on its shoulders. But that won't keep me from doing what I love to do! No sir! (Ma'am.)

My friends and loyal vintage customers inspire me constantly! At the moment, I'm inspired by a 365 Create project and I challenge you to jump on this bandwagon! Here's the gist: Each day for 365 days, we create something. It doesn't have to be large or in depth. For example, a few days ago I created a pancake recipe from scratch, no cookbooks or guides using creme de coconut as the flavor guide. They were tasty, muffin-like cakes that I made!

Here's yesterday's creation:

Upcycled Femme Fatale Serving Tray

I found an old scratched, wooden picture frame and resurfaced the frame with a teal, metallic finish. Using a saved napkin from my handfasting ceremony and clippings from my favorite magazines (Bust, Bitch, and Juxtapose), I decoupaged the cardboard insert and replaced the glass! I intend to locate some handles that will fit nicely on the sides and then it will really be complete! After I made mine, I went online and found some really interesting alternatives. You can use old family photos, scraps of material or dried flowers for a different effect. I prefer the mixed media look myself.

Over the past few years, there's been a recurring theme to my motives, goals, and aspirations and that is the rise of girl pride. I hope that doesn't sound as lame as it looks in type. What I really mean is I find it inspiring (there I go using that word again) that so many women are kicking their heels up and having a blast just being themselves at work, at play, and at home. With this rise, we have seen a renaissance of magazines being published for every kind of woman, she-blogs out the wazooo, and women entrepreneurs crawling out from under rocks all over the globe! I must say that it makes me extremely proud to be a woman and for the first time in years, I feel empowered to make a difference. With this new powerful & creative energy flowing through me, I have teamed up with another fascinating and talented lady who shall be named at a later date to co-found a unique organization dedicated to the promotion of female artisans and their trades. I will post more information about this project at a future date and time so be watching for something new and wonderful in the Texas Panhandle area!

So onto business! I am very much a flop as a blogger and let the hectic schedule of life as a vintage peddler, wife, and mother get the best of me! But I find myself with a bit of extra time today, so I offer to you this week's feature!

In Vintage: Late 70's/Early 80's Maxi Dress $45 on Etsy

I love this dress for so many reasons! It closely resembles Ariel's dress from Footloose with it's super feminine maxi length and those flirty, off-the-shoulder sleeves. The pleated skirt is graceful and flattering! And the blush pink color is perfect for spring!

There's no tag availble, so the dress designer is unknown but it measures:

Bust: 30"
Waist: 28-30" (stretchy)
Shoulder to Shoulder: 34"
Hips: 36"- Free
Length: 55"

And in case you're going for an authentic "Footloose" look, you can score a maroon jacket for your very own Ren McCormack at Sazz Vintage.

The maxi dress was born of the 60's & 70's femme movement and traditionally displayed a skirt length just shy of the ankle. They often featured intricate paisley or floral patterns and fluid movement in the sleeves and skirt.

vivavintageclothing.com

Lotus Vintage NY

The maxi dress resurgence a few years back had me wondering why they'd ever gone out of "style" to begin with. The goddess look of the dress is very forgiving and gently frames a woman's figure. More often than not, the fabrics are light and breathable.

Comfortable and Chic! Rest assured, I don't think they are going anywhere any time soon!

Viva la Maxi Dress!