Day 3: The Other Half of the Challenge + Turban Madness

Day 3 is really the official start of the "50 lbs" part of the challenge. "K" wrote me yesterday, and asked me to share what weight I'm starting from. Yes, I need to do that - thanks for keeping me honest. Okay... here it goes... (ouch) 185. There, I said it. I even put it in bold so you can't miss it. So, my goal weight is 135 at the end of one year. That's safe, steady, slow weight loss. I'll post my weight and what the waist size is on the dresses I'm wearing week by week starting in a couple weeks.



I've had to write myself a schedule in order to ensure that I actually get to the gym. I feel pretty clever about it - 6 days on, 1 off, and arranged to allow me to get two days out of each hair set.

Obviously, I'm not nearly as stylish at the gym.I think it is one of the reasons that I hate to go. There was supposed to be a photo of my folded gym clothes here, but they aren't out of the dryer yet.

I knew in advance today would be a turban day. I really, really REALLY love turbans. And I was just too inspired by this amazing photograph from the Kyoto Costume Institute. There are details on the individual pieces here.

I am working on coming up with some way to mimic or even recreate this look, but for today - I'm in daywear! Still, I wanted something BIG. This is a large square 1950s Mexican tourist scarf paired with a 1930s silk charmeuse oblong solid. It ended up being a little trickier than I planned to tie, but I LOVE the result.






A note on the pants - they are Jitterbuggin' productions, made by a lovely and stylish gal right here in Portland, OR. I own six pairs, and I'll be honest - you'll see a lot of them, paired with different blouses, hairstyles and accessories. If she had twenty fabric options, I'd own one of each! They're my go-to day wear for comfort and style combined. This style/color actually appears to be on sale right now, too!





The famous Bakelite cherry necklace is actually a damaged bracelet that I purchased for $10 at a garage sale when I was 16 or 17, and did all my garage-saling on foot. (I know, hardcore, right?) I added some extra chain, and wear it with high necklines that just show a little peek-a-boo of the cherries.

Pants: Jitterbuggin'
Rayon blouse: Lost in the sands of time. I have no memory of buying it.
Shoes: ReMix  from Top Stitch Vintage
Scarves: Estate Sale purchases
Bakelite Necklace: Garage Sale find

Day 2 of 365: Out to Lunch with Lisa

Day 2 included a sushi lunch date with my friend and long-time vintage partner-in-crime, Lisa. We started at Pop Up Shoppe on NW 23rd - it has been open for sometime now, but I hadn't managed to make it in. Okay, "for some time" turns out to be since 2008, but I'm so used to my regular haunts that it takes a while for me to try someplace new.

I have found over time that most vintage gals come in pairs of shopping buddies. When collecting became full-time for me, Lisa was the gal who hunted dark thrift stores and crowded estate sales with me. During what we affectionately call "The Salad Days" we were both selling media online - the economy was good, and the competition for vintage was low. We went out every Sunday on a vintage time warp, and came back with carloads of goodies. We both had VERY impressive wardrobes. Many of the pieces I bought during that time are what I'm working to fit back into now!

Julie and Lisa before heading out shopping, 2005

Lisa took all the outfit photos today, so all the details were captured! Maybe my favorite thing about the whole ensemble is what you don't see - the cherry print lining in the dress, that only peeks through the eyelet outer layer. Eeks! So cute. We used to have "Christmas" nearly every other Sunday, gifting things we'd found for the other through the week. The bow earrings and blue purse were both gifts from Lisa.

Darling sleeve detail

Aurora Borealis Rhinestone Necklace

Faryl Robin Shoes from the 2008 collection

1950s Cherry Print Lining

Two days down, 363 days, 50lbs and 6" at the waist to go.

Dress: Recently purchased at Magpie
Hat: Borrowed from my own inventory! It's for sale here
Shoes: Faryl Robin - I wish I'd bought five pairs, I'm sad in advance for them wearing out (I know they will.)
Purse and Earrings: Gifts from Lisa
Necklace: Gift
Umbrella: Purchased in a lot
Gloves: Estate sale purchase

365 Days, 365 Outfits, 50 Pounds.

So, I've been trying to come up with something that will motivate me to get blogging. And for something that will keep my motivated to lose weight. They're both challenges for me to be consistent about, for whatever reason.

Then, while at Viva Las Vegas, I met the author of this amazing blog: 365 Vintage Days

If you haven't seen it before, it's absolutely inspiring. She wore 365 completely different 1950s ensembles. My hat is off to her! (Heck, make that all of my hats!)

I'll admit, even being in the business, I don't have *quite* enough clothing - let alone in my current size! to make it through an entire year without a single garment repeat. But, I do love to mix and match separates, find new ways to use and pair the accessories I've got, and - when you count all of my clothing, across all sizes - not an unimpressive collection.

The challenge: Wear a unique vintage ensemble (reproduction pieces may be included) every day for 365 days - I'll start at my current 34" waist and plan to end with a 28" waist, which will allow me to wear pieces in my collection that I haven't put on in over three years. With your encouragement, I know I can make it!

So here we go with Day 1! Hopefully my self-photography skills will improve with time. My options for a place to set the camera were limited - forgive the tree branches!About the ensemble: I love brown with red. It lets the red speak for itself, buts lends a casual feel. Perfect for early spring in Oregon.

Dress: 1940s Red Gabardine Dress from Jumblelaya - this is current favorite, you're sure to see with paired with separated and accessories in varied colors.
Accessories: Wooden Pin, an antique store find. The bakelite is mostly thrifted, but one of the red was a gift from my father when I was 17, and a carved butterscotch from a Christmas present from my ex-husband.
Socks: Purchased deadstock at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender
Shoes: The Remix Scroll Platform Wedge