I’m starting a new series called 100 Dresses, better known as OOTD (outfit of the day) for the rest of you. The post will focus mainly on my dresses but some outfits will have skirts. I take the title from a book I’d partially read when I was a child by the same name which inspired me to one day have a closet of dresses and skirts only – no trousers! I do not intend to have 100 dresses and over time, some will be donated or sold. Without further ado, I present to you my Easter 2013 outfit!
Ta da! I feel like a princess! 🙂 Please excuse the crinkles. I assure you I did not go to church like this!
Dress: homemade – no label (original dress most likely from around 1958; altered later with added lace and trimming) / Hat: Maggie’s Bonnet-arium and Beyond
Why did I purchase this dress?
A vintage dress for $25, how could I say no? I love blue and this hue was just the kind that reminded me of Marie Antoinette. In fact, this dress from my favourite book that ignited my love for reading at age 12 (late bloomer!):
Cover from The Royal Diaries: Marie Antoinette (Source: amazon.com)
Yes, ideally, I would love whatever the MA on the cover is wearing. One day.
This dress conveniently comes with a ‘tutu’ underneath to puff out the dress. There’s also a cute bow at the back, though that, along with the white trim at the bottom, make me look like a little girl in an adult body. (It actually reminded me of Cinderella’s pink dress before it was ripped apart.) I still love it!
Where have I worn this?
So far, just church on Easter Sunday.
Photo credit: M. Waterman
Back in the summer of 2012, I visited Aberthau House for its 100th birthday. There I got to try on a vintage bonnet with which I immediately fell in love (and was super tempted to bring home with me!). It was that moment, while discussing this with my Dad, that I realised I should stop caring about what people think and wear what I want. There are different fashion and style groups out there but none – except for historic reenactors and costume enthusiasts – for those who love historical clothing (pre-vintage clothing girls). I really wanted a bonnet so I did my research and found Maggie’s Bonnet-arium. I saw some photos of what she had made and I felt she would be able to create something that I wanted. After exchanging a number of emails back and forth, Miss Maggie Waterman set forth and worked her magic. When I saw the photos of her completed work, I was elated. I was squeeing in my head! Let me tell you, there’s nothing more exciting than having someone read your mind and know your style! I wanted royal blue and green (I asked her to figure out which shade would match royal blue), as well as pink roses (I prefer real red roses but I’d rather wear pink rose accessories). Oh, and a white feather! She suggested sage green which I loved because it would be perfect for spring and summer. 🙂
Photo credit: M. Waterman
Photo credit: M. Waterman
Photo credit: M. Waterman
There’s even an adorable blue bird!
Isn’t it beautiful? Now you have no excuse but to ask her to commission you one as well. She’s very talented so you won’t regret it!
Sadly, I did not end up wearing the bonnet to church on Sunday as I was still too afraid that people would think I was going to a costume party. 😦 Yes, I care too much. I’m working on it. Some encouragement is greatly appreciated! 😉
I would love to find an occassion to wear my bonnet outdoors. Pity that Vancouver does not have [any?] costumed events. 😥
The Lady and the Rose 