Are We Human?

Or are we dancers? The age old question... Cate sent me a link to these beautiful flickr photos by J 0 2 e this morning, and I fell absolutely in love with the movement and detail represented through this beautiful embroidery. It has inspired me to do some kind of craft using colorful stitching on top of art... Hmm. Enjoy!

All images ©J 0 2 e on Flickr

Shape Up or Ship Out

I'm a modern girl with an affinity for all things mid-century. We know this about me by now, right? I may have a full-time job, but it doesn't mean my heart doesn't long for a time when I could have been a Donna Reed type housewife...I'm grateful that our sisters of the Womens' Liberation came before us, but you won't find me burning my bra anytime soon. And now that shapewear like Spanx or Skweez Couture are back and very much in demand, I have to ask myself, Isn't this just a girdle, but ugly? Clearly after the freedom of the seventies, eighties, nineties and aughts, the women of America aren't quite as stifled by the idea of squeezing into their underthings again. And while mid-century style girdles have found kind of a...fetish niche, I am wondering if beautiful, luxe, and sexy underwear that provides a bit more shape to the female body could ever make a comeback. Just a little something I've been thinking about...

Original Maidenform Advertising campaign

Mad Style

I don't know how I never knew about it until now, but bloggers Tom & Lorenzo give fashion breakdowns of each character on Mad Men, paying special attention to Betty, Joan and Peggy from seasons 1-3, and then a breakdown of each episode in Season 4. I have been simply salivating over a closer look at Betty Draper's clothing... If you are a Mad Men fan, you need to check this out post haste.

In my opinion, Betty never looked better than in this moment.

Could any woman look more amazing at the Super Market?

This dress is childish and fabulous all at the same time.

Always playing the part of the perfect wife & hostess.

I especially die for Betty's equestrian looks.

Also, can I take a moment to say that Janie Bryant, costume designer for the show, published a lovely book on style, The Fashion File, that Eric got me for my birthday. I loved it, and the illustrations are adorable! Check it out on Amazon.

Moccasin Double-Take

Now, while we're on the subject of Moccasins, aren't these handmade ones from Darlingtonia on Etsy adorable? They are $129 each, which is not in my price range, but I can still appreciate them! I love the little flower details on them, and the color palettes she has created are working beautifully. Not to mention the styling...tres cute!

{Photos from Darlingtonia on Etsy}

American Woman

How exquisite are these antique clothes? They are from The Costume Institute's latest exhibit, American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity, which closed today. I am obsessed with the clothes from the Art Deco era, especially. I can't imagine ever owning something so incredibly beautiful. The dresses are so detailed, and dutifully constructed. Take a look at some additional photos from their flikr site!

Sew, a Needle Pulling Thread

Throughout Christmas, I worked on a little sewing project for my friends Sarah and Rachel. They are both working at their first big jobs after college and grad school, and living in two great apartments. I wanted to sew them something that they could use in the kitchen, so I came across a pattern for a really cute vintage-inspired ruffled apron. I gave them the aprons on New Years Eve, and here are some pictures of the girls modeling them!