My computer is fixed... finally! I've been without my laptop since Thanksgiving due to horrible software issues; it had to be reformatted (this is why I need a Mac). This means lots of blog posts within the next few weeks as there is a backlog of photos and thrifted treasures to share starting with this belated Valentine's Day post.If you're curious, the outfit details are below. I'm actually wearing one of the first items I've purchased NEW in over a year. While I usually purchase new shoes (and of course tights and underwear) the rest of my wardrobe is vintage or thrifted.
Red Wool Beret: Christmas Gift From MomRed Heart Cardigan: Bought at the Untitled store closing saleBlack Cotton Slip worn as a shirt: Old Navy 3 years agoRed Wool Skirt (1970s?): Village Thrift Store, ChicagoBlack Tapestry Purse (1950s): Estate Sale, ChicagoRed Suede Heels: Urban OutfittersBlack Leather Jacket (1980s or early 90s): Salvation Army, Chicago
Lately I've veered away from the full-skirted dresses I usually wear and have started to wear more fitted items like this red pencil skirt. I'm also mixing in 'tough' elements like the leather jacket. While this isn't the WWII bomber jacket of my dreams, it was a bargain and is a new alternative to a blazer or trench coat come Spring.
Here is a portion of my vintage Valentine collection. My all time favorite is the one with the 'pop', especially since I call it 'soda' rather than 'pop' (yes, fellow Chicagoans, I'm from the South and that's what we call it down there!).
My Valentine's Day consisted of eating dessert before dinner-- a red velvet cupcake with an iced vanilla latte-- a tasty roasted pork banh mi at Ba Le Bakery on Argyle Street afterwards then a free screening of the classic 1920s film, Metropolis.
I'd previously seen clips of the movie over the years in different classes but never got to see the feature length film. A few years ago historians discovered 20 minutes of lost footage so this version included what is thought to be the closest to the director's original vision. It was an unusual film to show on Valentine's Day as it's a dark and dystopian view of the future. As a child I was fortunate enough to see silent films, mainly Charlie Chaplin movies, that my grandma projected in my parents' home. It had been a while, however, since I had seen such a long silent film so I have to admit that it was slow at certain parts. The makeup, flat backdrops and exaggerated expressions of the actors also was more reminiscent of the theatre than contemporary films. The 1980s movie, Bladerunner, draws inspiration from Metropolis so if you're a fan of that movie you'll most likely enjoy seeing Metropolis.