Things that inspire me: How to Marry a Millionaire

This is easily my favorite old movie of all time, and my love for it was rekindled this Sunday as I watched it while getting ready for an Oscar's party. It has the holy trifecta of imagery- -1.)gorgeous apartment in a gorgeous city 2.) gorgeous actresses/actors 3.) GORGEOUS outfits/hair/make-up. Very few films can achieve all three, although there are a few which just may appear in future entries.

Things That Inspire Me: Xtabay Vintage in Portland, OR

I've always had a bit of an obsession with things from other times and places, be it old houses, antiques, or vintage clothing and decor. I've always appreciated the uniqueness of clothing from past decades that is no longer accessible to the masses. Also, finding a great vintage piece is like finding a hidden treasure. I mean, have you ever been sifting through the racks at Goodwill and found something timeless and amazing for $6?! I found a great I.Magnin jacket at Goodwill two years ago for $6!!! I wanted to scream and hug the tiny foreign cashier.
Anyway, it's probably for all of these reasons that I've always envisioned myself owning a vintage women's clothing store (I would be less discouraged to do so if there weren't all ready dozens of amazing vintage shops in this city that I would be competing with)...and if I were ever to actualize that dream, Xtabay is essentially the exact manifestation I would want for my vintage store. I actually have a vintage store name all ready picked out (hence "obsession")- -some people pre-plan baby names, I pre-plan vintage store names.

Look at the decor! Doesn't it inspire you to want to dress up and feel beautiful?!? To escape and transport yourself to a different place in time where clothing was all mostly beautifully hand-crafted and elegant.... (I'm not a swooner, but I feel that the only punctuation appropriate for the end of that last sentence is a swoon, so please read it and envision a swoon.)

Anyway, please check them out in person or check out their blog!http://xtabayvintage.blogspot.com/

Where do you even find these lights? I've scoured Etsy to no avail.

"Honey, please sit here while I try on everything in the store. Thanks..."

Things That Inspire Me: Mad Men

Who doesn't love Mad Men? The cup runneth over with 1950's-1960's imagery!! The only unfortunate downside of this show is that I feel wholly inadequate if I watch it without bourbon and/or a martini and/or cigarrette in my hand. I hope I'm not alone here....

I don't condone marital infidelity....except in Don Draper's case, but then again, that's a specific exception that applies largely to entertaining my exclusive company....God, I sound like a wistful tween.

LOVE: SHOES!

It may be cliche...or it just may be metaphysical certitude. There are too many to possibly post them all, so here is a sampling. (I still lament that I never got those Stella McCartneys!!!)

LOVE: People Who Are Pulling Off Winter in Style

Originally, I'm from Maine and even though I don't particularly miss the cold, winter months I find that there is something nostalgic for me about seeing people all bundled up when it's cold. Secondarily, I found winter in Maine to be terribly unglamourous, as usually fashion ends up relenting to function and utility. Even the MOST fashion-committed individuals will give up trying to rock spike stilettos when there is a 3 ft. snow pile preventing entrance to your destination. It's for this reason that I utterly admire people who can pull off some of the following looks when it's legitimately cold outside. You may recognize some of these images from The Sartorialist (http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/) and also some from http://myvintagevogue.tumblr.com/ which are two of my favorite fashion blogs.