helgesok

memphian #26

2011-01-28T09:01:00.003-06:00

The lovely Kerry featured me this week over at I Love Memphis, also linking to MEMSTYLE and the shop. Thanks, Kerry!

Let this serve as my first-ever outfit post!

Dress: Ace & Jig (bought at the lovely Le Loup-Garou)
Coat: Vintage, gift
Harmonica necklace: Gift from Z
Scarf: Gift
Tights: Target
Purse: Vintage Coach, thrifted
Lipstick: The soon-to-be-ubiquitous Heat Wave, by Nars (love!)

resolutions

2011-01-27T10:35:00.003-06:00

In the last few years I've tended to set new year's goals, as opposed to resolutions. It's maybe the same thing, but "resolutions" sounds a little more dire.

This year my goals are pretty simple: be positive, and be healthy. At first I thought, "Yeah, simple = easy," but now I'm thinking these goals are more difficult than the usual (which have included specific things like sales goals in the Etsy shop, or savings goals for my savings account, or taking a certain art class), because in order to achieve them, I have to apply them to every aspect of my life. I don't know about you, but my mind is unruly and loves to indulge in negativity from time to time. And lately I have had a hideous craving for all things sugary and sweet and bad for you. And since it's winter and cold out, I would rather watch almost anything on TV, wearing my baggiest sweatpants, than go outside for a walk. So I expect my goals will involve a lot of self-wrangling this year, but it will be worth it to make my life a little more the way I want it: positive and healthy.

(Image stolen some time ago from the internet, source unknown, sorry! And for the record, in #6 I would swap "perfume" for "lipstick.")

December: shop update #3

2010-12-10T11:31:00.004-06:00

I'm breaking a lot of blogging rules, including posting about things late (shop updates), posting practically never for a long long time, and trying to make up for infrequent posting by way of posting multiple entries in one day. Also you could argue that self-consciously posting about the way you do or do not post is breaking a blog rule. It's certainly not my favorite type of post to read, but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway.

MOVING ON, here is the latest shop update for December! I continue to be very excited about my (to me) huge batch of new items this month. This batch goes under the "very fancy/party" category.

From top: champagne-colored ballerina-style party dress, faux leopard collar with velvet tie, gold polka-dotted tank dress, and 1950s wool swing coat with fur collar.

December: shop update #2

2010-12-10T11:21:00.004-06:00

I put these things in the shop like 5 days ago, so it's kind of silly to post about them so late, but I love these pieces so!

From top, floral tapestry pullover sweater, navy blue swedish clogs, and adorable folk dress with floral ribbon trim.

musings on a mall santa

2010-12-10T10:56:00.007-06:00

I braved the mall last night to take care of a little Christmas shopping. While making my escape I noticed the "photos with Santa" area all set up below. I was hoping to witness something amazing, like maybe some terrified screaming children (I suppse it's strange that I'd think that was amazing), but I guess it was a slow night. Santa looked rather lonely as he waited for his next victim. Also very very patient. I stood there for quite a while, waiting, and watching him wait, and he never moved a muscle. It got me thinking about what a strange job that would be. Is it boring? Or a mix of boring and heart pounding, like a fireman, waiting between fires? What is his day job? And what kind of place does he go home to at night? Also, what a weird tradition, to put your child on the lap of a total stranger and take a photo. Imagine doing that any other time of the year.

December: shop update #1

2010-12-06T17:30:00.004-06:00

I'm so excited about my shop updates for December! I added these items to the shop last week and love the neutral palette of brown, black, and ivory.

From top: icelandic sweater, 60s tent dress, metallic plaid slouch dress, mustard striped silk dolman sleeve blouse,
black silk fringe blouse shown with houndstooth wool skirt, and a very APC-looking bow tie tent mini dress.

November shop update: 50s and 60s

2010-11-03T14:21:00.003-05:00

I recently scored several adorable, classic 50s/60s dresses during one trip to the thrift store (including one new old stock! that never happens to me). While organizing the shop rack I realized I'd built up quite a collection of these pretties--now check them out in the shop! I threw in the cardigan as well--love it, it's cozy and a great color, and in perfect condition. I'm tempted to keep it, but it doesn't quite fit me right, lucky you.

shop update: southwest style

2010-10-18T16:23:00.003-05:00

Updating the shop now with these and more!

holy cowza

2010-10-14T10:52:00.007-05:00

Ah, Jason Schwartzman. This makes me want to buy an iPad AND the iPad New Yorker app (sort of ... theoretically I have also been wanting to buy a MacBook and an iPhone for a combined 5 years or so). Do you think this would help me keep up with my New Yorker subscription?

(via Commas and Clauses)

EDIT: Sorry the frame is cut off. My skills are not allowing me to fix this.

fall

2010-10-01T14:46:00.002-05:00

October! It's finally cooled off in Memphis. Both of these photos are from HEL LOOKS. I love the top one especially--the colors are perfect for fall.

I've been really busy lately with big, huge, major life change types of plans :) but hope to get together a good shop update soon, with plenty of dresses, boots, and cardigans.

shop update: late summer

2010-08-08T21:06:00.005-05:00

Some of my favorites from a late summer shop update.

in color

2010-08-02T10:40:00.004-05:00

Look at these amazingly vivid photos, taken in the late 1930s/early 1940s by photographers from the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information. Apparently these (part of a larger set) are some of the only color photos documenting the effects of the Great Depression in rural and small-town America.

Honestly my first reaction upon discovering these was to admire the prettiness: the saturated colors, the print dresses, and the lipstick. Then I noticed how "real" the people are. The man in the top photo looks like somebody I might see out at a bar here in town. And that woman sitting center in the showgirl costume, if I were to run into her today, would definitely intimidate me with her coolness.

This may sound weird, but often when looking at old black and white photos the people themselves--not just their clothes and hair, but their faces, and by extension their lives--seem different, old-fashioned, and irrelevant. So, moving on from total superficiality, I'll say that these old color photos make the hard times they depict feel very real, and even current. Which also makes these photos a reminder of the hard times many people are experiencing today.

See more at the Denver Post photo blog.

gabrielle on memstyle

2010-07-27T11:46:00.004-05:00

I love this look on Gabrielle, captured by Grace over at MEMSTYLE.

Also, this photo looks way more awesome (bigger) over at MEMSTYLE. Must figure out how to enlarge photos here at helgesok!

Memphis guide on Design*Sponge!

2010-06-24T14:58:00.004-05:00

Illustration by Julia Rothman, via Design*Sponge

How awesome! Kerry has a guide to Memphis up on Design*Sponge.

It's a pretty complete list of awesome places to go in town, but be sure to also check out the comments for even more excellent ideas.

North Carolina IV

2010-06-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Final shots from the Outer Banks.

North Carolina III: under the boardwalk

2010-06-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Out of the sun, we'll be having some fun. More photos from a lovely cool, overcast day on the beach in North Carolina.

North Carolina II: collection

2010-06-16T09:42:00.000-05:00

More photos from our trip: the results of a walk on the beach.

North Carolina

2010-06-15T11:54:00.003-05:00

I'm back from a week at the ocean with Z and his family. Walks on the beach, champagne and margaritas, a visit to the fish market, a good book, putting together puzzles, parasailing (!), and good company. Perfect!

This is the third summmer in a row that we've visited North Carolina's Outer Banks, and we love it there. We feel so fortunate to have such generous, fun-to-be-with families.

Shop update: country girl dresses

2010-05-31T12:03:00.004-05:00

I've snuck in another shop update for May! Lots of cotton print dresses for warm weather. I'm particularly enamored of these sweet country girl dresses.

Blue with ruffle, and red with western-style details.

Shop update: black and white

2010-05-18T19:14:00.003-05:00

I'm working on a shop update, with more warm-weather items! Like this lovely smocked bodice japanese-print black and white dress, and adorable 60s mixed-lace top.

Shop update

2010-05-11T21:06:00.004-05:00

The shop is updated with a batch of new things for summer! In addition to the rompers etc. previewed in the last post, also check out these great bags.

A totally 80s shop preview

2010-05-07T17:26:00.002-05:00

OMG, the next shop update will be awesome: two floral 80s rompers (top and bottom photos, above), one a "pants romper" in a cabbage rose print. If it fit me, I would so attempt to rock it.

Also a classic pink and white gingham oxford shirt, and a lovely 80s floral Laura Ashley dress with a v waist.

These and more coming soon!

Shop preview preview

2010-05-05T16:58:00.003-05:00

A peek at what's in store for the next shop update (or two or three shop updates!). Lots of amazing dresses in all sizes and styles, in wonderful prints (I love a good print).

I've been working on a giant photo shoot for the shop over the last couple of days. I'll post better preview photos as I go!

Shop update!

2010-04-23T15:48:00.004-05:00

I've just updated the shop. Up for grabs: lots of lovely blue items for spring. Also these gorgeous and amazing 1970s platform clog heels, in excellent condition.

New homes for old things

2010-04-23T10:14:00.007-05:00

Photos (and sweet scalloped edges), calivintage

I opened my Etsy shop to share the love, and the wealth--the wealth of vintage clothing exploding out of my closets.

As I pack up an order for shipment, I love to imagine the lady (or gentleman, as the case may be) who will open it, and how she will wear it.

But sometimes I don't have to imagine! Check out these photos from the adorable Erin of calivintage, who recently purchased this eyelet blouse from my shop. I just love how she's layered it under a little strapless dress. If you've never checked out her blog, you should--it's packed full of outfit inspiration. Thanks for shopping helgesok vintage, Erin!

Tokyo style

2010-04-22T10:26:00.004-05:00

Love these photos from Tokyo at The Sartorialist. I'm really inspired by the layering and volume you find in Japanese style.

The shape I'm in

2010-04-22T09:51:00.006-05:00

Last night Z and I braved a six hour, on-a-school-night, round-trip drive to see Levon Helm and friends (Gillian Welch! Emmylou Harris!) play at the Ryman in Nashville. I'm a bit sleepy today. But it was totally worth it, and amazing to hear classic The Band songs played live (with a horn section!). And did I mention Gillian Welch was there? I love her. This was my first time seeing her live, hopefully not the last.

Eggs

2010-04-21T13:40:00.000-05:00

Farm eggs from the downtown Memphis Farmers Market, a gift from Grace. I ate one for lunch. It was awesome. Thanks, Grace!

Shop preview!

2010-04-21T10:12:00.010-05:00

Oh man, I have so many awesome things for spring and summer waiting to go into the shop!

Here's a little blue-themed preview of the next shop update.

-Striped boat-neck 80s T-shirt with sailboat print
-Reversible robin's egg blue raincoat with whale print
-Structured 60s navy blue scooter dress with matching belt and jacket
-Collarless oxford striped shirt dress with button placket
-Mexican sundress with all-over pintucks and floral emboidery detail

"An outfit works when it makes me laugh"

2010-04-20T14:39:00.007-05:00

Photo, HEL LOOKS

I know it's nothing new in blog land, but I love HEL LOOKS. I don't read it religiously, so every few months I like to scroll through the pages and catch up. More than any other street style blog I read, HEL LOOKS features people who seem fearlessly committed to following and developing their own sense of style, and who have a sense of humor about style and fashion.

Take for example the photo above. I don't love this look exactly (though I do own those leggings!) but am totally inspired by her attitude. Says Sara:

"Old music videos inspire me, for example the ones by Nina Hagen and Salt'n'Pepa. I love old female jazz singers and Marlene Duras' art.

I like sequins, shoulder paddings and drama – clothes that look somehow wrong and ugly. An outfit works when it makes me laugh."

Flowers in the attic

2010-04-20T11:24:00.016-05:00

When I was a kid, I longed to live in an old house complete with a mysterious dusty attic full of treasures. Well, here at this apartment we have attic access. The house is old, and the attic is definitely dusty. When we moved in, it mostly contained junk left behind by previous tenants. But I suppose the old wallpaper on the walls of the attic stairs could be considered a kind of treasure. I think it's so beautiful, with its oak leaf and dogwood blossom print. Also, judging by the look and texture, I'm pretty sure it was hand printed. The house was built in 1912, so this wallpaper could be nearly 100 years old depending on when it was installed. I even think the patterns formed by age and water damage are lovely. Or mysterious at least. Here and there an even older, silvery printed wallpaper peeks out from underneath.

Speaking of flowers...

2010-04-15T13:05:00.008-05:00

Photo, Alternative Apparel

I'm kind of obsessed with this floral T-shirt from Alternative Apparel, but I cannot justify spending $55 on a T-shirt. The usual "it's an investment" argument does not hold.

I've been looking for something similar at the thrift store but haven't found it yet. Patience, grasshopper...

Full bloom (and the plague)

2010-04-15T08:29:00.011-05:00

We are at this awesome point weather-wise where spring has fully sprung here in Memphis but the mosquitoes have not yet descended (or ascended, actually, since mosquitoes breed in standing water, which, incidentally, I learned by reading this great book by Molly Caldwell Crosby about the horrible yet fascinating population-decimating Memphis yellow fever epidemic of 1878; yellow fever was [is?] spread via mosquito; speaking of Crosby, Hannah recently recommended Crosby's new book, Asleep, about the sleeping sickness epidemic that came on the heels of the 1918 influenza pandemic; I love a good disaster book [almost as much as I love parentheticals]).

ANYWAY, I took these photos early in the morning one day this week. Dandelions are already growing in our crazy old overgrown secret garden-esque yard. I think of dandelions as more of a summer thing, so I was surprised to see them. But I'll take it, especially since yard care is included in the rent.

Roadtrip needed

2010-04-09T09:19:00.007-05:00

All images, secretlake

I've been super busy lately. Like, no-free-time, maybe-I'm-a-workaholic busy. Sigh! I need a vacation. I love these 70s pieces from etsy seller secretlake. Perfect for driving down a dusty road, windows down, classic rock on the radio.

Shop preview!

2010-04-01T20:43:00.008-05:00

Some lovely new things for spring making their way to the shop. Eyelet, florals, and lace, oh my! Oh wait, eyelet is lace. Make that florals, ruffles, and lace, oh my!

EDITED 4/7: Shop finally updated!

Spring

2010-03-24T22:12:00.005-05:00

Early spring in my neighborhood.

Perfect swimsuit?

2010-03-24T14:52:00.008-05:00

Images, Lands' End

I know I should be happy that spring is finally coming to town, and I am, I promise! But that doesn't stop me from dreaming about summer--swimming in the ocean and river canoeing with friends. (Sigh!)

This swimsuit from Lands' End might help me finally fulfill my years-long search for the perfect strapless one-piece (the straps are removable).

Shop update

2010-03-21T19:55:00.013-05:00

A few of the things soon to make their way into the shop!

-black and white 50s/60s polka-dot wiggle dress with sheer sleeves
-red 70s empire waist mini dress
-graphic rose print 80s cotton mini skirt
-navy blue corduroy 60s shift dress
-blue and white polka-dot 80s mini dress
-green and blue cloud print 50s/60s day dress

In the Realms of the Unreal

2010-03-09T16:38:00.021-06:00

All images, work of Henry Darger

I recently watched In the Realms of the Unreal (see trailer here), a documentary about the life and work of outsider artist Henry Darger.

Darger worked as a janitor at a hospital in Chicago. He was quiet and reclusive, poor, with few friends and no family. It wasn't until just before his death that his "real," amazingly vibrant life as an artist and writer was discovered. In his rented room, Darger's landlords found an 15,000+ page manuscript, In the Realms of the Unreal, illustrated by hundreds of paintings and drawings. The fantasy epic tells the tale of the Vivian Girls, a beautiful but fierce band of seven little girls, princess sisters fighting a violent battle against a regime of child slavery.

I'm blown away by Darger's amazing use of color; his total dedication to (or obsession with?) his art; the sometimes creepy combination of violence, innocence, and beauty in his paintings; the way he repurposed ordinary images of little girls from newspapers, advertisements, and children's books; and the monumental contrast between his lonely daily life and his vibrant personal work.

It was fascinating and inspiring, and I totally recommend it. Netflix Instant, dudes!