vintage styles


Brady Bunch memories

summer long sleeve mini dress 1summer mini dress 1mini dress for summer 1chloe hudson handbag 1long sleeve mini dress 1

Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel  / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa 222 / Dress: Free People / Handbag: Chloe / Ring: Kendra Scott (obsessed! Wearing everyday) / Nail Polish: Chanel Mariniere / Shoes: TopShop

I don’t often wear mini dresses. In fact, I shy away from hemlines above my knee. I like to portray a certain sense of modesty when I dress; and hemlines above the knee are a bit on the racy side for me. Another reason I shy away from high hemlines, is the way my legs look! I feel like my legs are out of shape, not tan, and really should be covered up. So why did I choose this dress you ask? Let’s discuss.

Raise your hand if you remember “The Brady Bunch.” It was one of my favorite re-runs when I was a kid. I loved the early ’70’s, late 60’s styles, and the funny situations the kids always got into; sometimes the parents too! And Alice! Oh she was fabulous. That household would have fallen apart with out her!

The girls from “The Brady Bunch” always wore mini dresses, mini skirt, or flared pants. With the 1970s, and 1960s inspiration designers have favored over the past several seasons, many of the styles remind me of the funny episodes I enjoyed as a kid from the show. But that’s not all!

Last year, my Mother remarried. My Father passed away when I was a baby, so for my entire life, it was always my Mom and me! We were a team; us against the world! Then, in my adult life, when everything seemed set for life, my Mom shakes it all up and marries a man with four adult kids my age. FOUR KIDS! I grew up an only child, now there are other kids around? Um . . kay.

Not that I am complaining, I always dreamed about having a sibling. It was quite lonely being an only child. I also grew up in an neighborhood that did not have a lot of kids, so I always had to make plans to see my friends. Having siblings, would have been a ton of fun. I watch my kids play together, and it is the most beautiful thing in the world.

Now that my family has turned into a real-life Brady Bunch, wearing a style or two which remind me of the show, seems fitting. I chose to wear this dress, not as a move towards higher hemlines in my wardrobe, but as a one-off to remind me of how happy the kids on “The Brady Bunch” were, and how happy we can all be when we get used to our new-found Brady Bunch lives.

Now about those legs which need to hit the gym, and that un-tan . . . um, yeah. Got some work to do before summer!

XOXO

Cathy


Best saddle bags for spring 2016

top IT saddle bags for spring 2016

The hottest saddle bags for spring 2016 from top left: black bag / cobalt bag (IT bag-sells out fast) / tan saddle bag / blue handbag / soft pink shoulder bag (IT designer bag) / pale blue handbag (hot designer-under $200!)

Saddle bags have been a huge trend in handbags for the past couple of years. For spring 2016, the retro handbag style is still going strong; and looks to continue to go strong into 2017. Love that!

The fabulous thing about saddle bags for spring 2016, is that the style is perfect for everyday wear. Remember when large, daytime clutches were all the rage? Um yeah, how practical was that?! The saddle bag offers style, practicality, versatility, and more! It really is the perfect handbag style.

I am in love with the hottest saddle bags for spring 2016. There is only one IT bag over $1000! The rest are under $1000, and many are under $500; with one being under $200! How often does that happen in the IT bag world?

The six handbags pictured above are from the hottest designers in the marketplace right now. They are all highly sought-after; especially the cobalt blue bag by Mansur Gavriel pictured above. It will sell fast; and the wait list can be long! It is in stock right now, so if you have been eyeing it, now is the time to buy it! I own one in red, and one in tan, and it is a fabulous handbag. It is lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear.

The Chloe Drew is also pictured above. It is the only IT bag over $1000. This beautiful bag is in high demand, and since it is offered in several colors and designs, there is a Chloe Drew for every taste! I have one in off-white and love it. If you are looking for a fabulous, luxurious saddle bag for spring 2016, then this is the bag for you!

Saddle bags for spring 2016 offer so much versatility. They are simple in style, and offer a minimalism aesthetic. Saddle bags look amazing with casual attire, but can work with dinner attire, or a outfit for the theater. The only time they look out of place is with a very dressy, or formal ensemble. Saddle bags for spring 2016 are an everyday, power use bag! Plus, who doesn’t love that retro, 1970’s vibe? I know I do!

If you are looking for a fabulous, and perfect, saddle bag for spring 2016, the six pictured above offer the ultimate in IT bag status. Which one is your favorite?

Top and best saddle bags for spring 2016:


Larimar ring

vintage missoni skirtsmall givenchy sugar antigona handbag larimar ring larimar ring and dior nail polish vintage winter style winter outfit with vintage skirt vintage missoni skirt

Pictured: Earrings: Kendra Scott / Sunglasses: Chanel / Lipstick: Chanel Mighty / Sweater: White + Warren (less exp. option here) / Skirt: vintage Missoni (also love this one) / Handbag: Givenchy (similar here) / Ring: c/o Official Larimar Shop / Nail Polish: Dior Bleuette / Boots: Tory Burch (on sale!)

Larimar jewelry is absolutely beautiful. So, when I received this Larimar ring, I was dazzled by it’s beauty! The Larimar stone is a fabulous, light turquoise gem with small streaks of white in it. I love how, in this ring, it is set with a pearl in silver. I also love the bypass style of the ring.

When I was putting together an outfit around the ring, I knew I had to pair it with my light blue vintage wool skirt by Missoni. The blue in the ring, and the blue tweed in the skirt, played well together.

I love how well-made the Larimar ring is, and color is just spectacular. I am looking forward to wearing this ring often, and for many years to come! I have only had the ring for about one week, and I am already wearing it almost everyday! Love!

Larimar has so many jewelry options on their website. I am in love with their cuffs, and their earrings are stunning! I definitely want to add more Larimar jewelry to my collection.

The Larimar stone is found in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, around the Dominican Republic. The Larimar stone is created by volcanic activity, and is considered a powerful throat chakra. It is believed to aid in the expression of emotions. Love that!

The perfect blue hue of the Larimar stone makes it ideal for wearing this spring season. It will look amazing paired with shades of blue, and this season’s rose and blush hues. I cannot wait to wear this ring often!

You can find more fabulous pieces by Larimar online at www.Larimar.com.