Modish Matrons #33: Old Thing - New Way

Long time no see! 

How have you been, dear friends and readers? February proved to be a super busy month despite being the shortest one, and March is going to be even busier. A few times I tried to finish a post which I started back in January, but alas, it still stays unfinished in my drafts. It's challenging to find extra energy or time for new photo sessions these days. But I couldn't miss my favorite style party with my dearest friends, TINA und BEATE! So on one of the last windy February days, Anya and I stopped by a beautiful park featuring some of the oldest buildings in the area. The park was recently revamped which fitted our March theme to a T! You see, Beate suggested to wear our oldest clothing item in a chic new style. Which our park definitely has done brilliantly - the 1930s art-deco lighthouse (the only lighthouse in Pierce county, by the way) and even earlier lighthouse keeper's cottage now got a fresh treatment in the form of a concrete path leading to the lighthouse from a newly built parking lot. So now we can visit our good old friends, the lighthouse and the cottage, in any weather, even on a rainy day.

While Beate left it to our interpretation, whether we use the oldest item that we used to wear (providing that it still fits, hehe) or the oldest vintage or antique item in our possession, she insisted on wearing an item of clothing versus an accessory, which, I agree, would be too easy.  Not too many of my own old things fit me these days, let me tell you that right upfront. I applaud those of you who can still wear your prom dresses 25 years later, but I can't. You see, in the last 25 years or so, I've gained a lot of ... yes, wisdom, and what did you think I've gained? And while wisdom is pretty cool to gain, it weighs tons, let me tell you! So I mostly wear what I bought 5 years ago or so, which is fine by me, because I love buying stuff. Most of times, I buy new stuff, but I also get secondhand and vintage.

   

So my choice for this style challenge was this vintage blouse by Teddi of California. I don't know the exact age of it, but I suspect it's from the 1960s or 1970s, so at least as old as I am, if not older, which makes it just about the oldest clothing item in my closet. I found it at Goodwill a few years ago and loved everything about it - style, pattern, colors... I showed it on the blog multiple times: in JAN 2018, OCT 2016 and SEPT 2015. Despite its respectful age, the blouse still is fully functional - only some buttonholes became too loose for the button size, so I pin it upfront to avoid embarrassing malfunction. Not a problem. Something's gotta give, right?

You might remember my suede skirt from previous posts (NOV 2017, JAN 2017, DEC 2016), and my wool hat and suede booties are at least 4 years old. But the cape makes its first appearance. I wanted to find a coat in a classic buffalo check pattern, and was happy that this Draper James for Eloquii coat went on sale for about a third of its original price. Eloquii is one of my favorite plus size brands with fun fashion-forward designs, and if you're not familiar with the name Draper James, I recommend that you look into it. It's a company launched by actress Reese Witherspoon, which produces beautiful clothes and accessories with Southern charm. I am quite pleased with the quality and attention to detail, and sale prices seem affordable.

Anya did a great job on photography, and we managed not to freeze or blow away - the wind was quite strong and the temperature was freezing!

And now I want to read my friends' stories - they are always unique and inspiring!

Come over to BEATE and TINA to see what they wear! And don't forget to share your oldest clothing item styled in a new chic way - you have the whole month of March to add your links!

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