It had been a while since I’d been back to my home state of North Carolina. My parents are always in need of a getaway so they’ve been coming out to Oregon pretty frequently. I don’t think I’d been back to NC since 2018, so a trip there was definitely overdue. 

Up until my trip this month, going home had always been bittersweet. It always seemed to be a reminder of “who I was” now I finally saw it as a reminder of “how far I’ve come”.  I like to describe Wilmington, NC as the smallest town of 200,000+ people you’ll ever see. Either you fit in or you don’t, at least for me that was the case. I had a really hard time finding myself there. Moving away from Wilmington in 2008 was the hardest and yet the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I say hardest because my parents are my best friends. From a very young age though I always had wanderlust, I guess that’s what ultimately led me somewhere else when I got the chance. I also thought moving meant some of the personal issues I was dealing with wouldn’t follow me elsewhere but that was not the case. It wasn’t until recently that I started making changes and discovered if I’m happy with myself and comfortable in my own skin, it’s possible to be happy and confident anywhere. Like Dorothy, I just had to realize I had the power all along. 

Ruby sneakers from Akira // light blue gingham active set from Aerie top here bottoms here // bow earrings from the Erst Wilder Wizard of Oz Collection //

 
I just adore nautical style! There’s something so classically chic and timeless about it! From Old Hollywood to First Lady Jackie O., nautical style inspiration is everywhere (or at least it’s in all the places I look for it)!  

These photos were taken not too long ago in downtown Vancouver, WA. My friend and I made long overdue trip to Most Everything Vintage and then went to The Sedgwick for lunch and cocktails. The Sedgwick may be my new favorite place, not just because of the amazing Marilyn Monroe statue in the entryway, but the food and drinks are absolutely incredible!! It’s a chef owned, small plates restaurant on the corner of Washington and W 8th Street . My friend and I ordered at least 4 plates to share. If you go, I definitely recommend the baked brie, the harissa roasted cauliflower and the truffle mac & cheese. Seriously the best mac & cheese I’ve ever had in my life!

Long story short, a look that works for the French Riviera also works for a day around town! 

Navy cigarette ponte pants from Vixen by Mitcheline Pitt // Striped top from Vineyard Vines // Headscarf and brooches from Erst Wilder, Eiffel Tower brooch, Bon Voyage brooch // True vintage red purse

On this day in 1962, Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden and the rest is history. 

I bought this vintage dress back in January because the color and silhouette reminded me so much of Marilyn’s “Happy Birthday” dress. Little did I know what recent events would unfold.

For me, THE dress has always been in the spot light. It didn’t need to be worn by a modern day “celebrity” for a photo opportunity. It needed to be preserved as a piece of American history.

Do I feel differently about the dress? No. It was Marilyn and Marilyn alone that made the dress sparkle. It could never shine that bright on anyone else. Today I’m paying tribute to a moment only Marilyn could create.

Vintage dress from Still Chic

Photography by Shauna Peniche aka Little Photo Fox

Did you know the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, in Carolina Beach NC, was named one of the top 10 boardwalks in the country by Food & Wine magazine?? I actually had no idea, but after visiting for the first time in a LONG time, I can see why! It’s a seaside dream!! My mom and I visited the boardwalk mid morning on a weekday and practically had the place to ourselves (which was great for photos)! Between the colorful shops, restaurants and amusement park rides I was in vintage boardwalk heaven! The boardwalk’s history which spans over a hundred years, includes a fair share of hurricanes and fires. Although it has been fully renovated, it’s still a really great glimpse in to the past. It honestly makes me so happy to see the essence of places like this being preserved!  

Utilize this link to learn more about the boardwalk or plan your trip today!

White shorts from Saks Off 5th, sweater vest from H&M

Photography by me and my MOM! Don’t we make a great team?!

I don’t always dress modern but when I do, I call it “Gaga Casual”. If I’m not turning to Marilyn (or the 1940s and 50s for style inspiration) I’m turning to Gaga. If you don’t believe me look at my Pinterest boards, there’s really no in between for me. I guess I’m just lucky to have two icons for muse’s, nothing I wear is ever considered “normal” and my closet is everything but boring 🤣. 

If you know your Gaga, then you know this “Gaga Casual” look was  inspired by the Joanne era. Not only was/is the album amazing but the outfits that came with it were SO GOOD! I just love the overall vibe and I’m a sucker for this shade of pink.

Silma booties in rose suede // white crop top // slim high waisted ankle jeans (the black washed denim is also a must for a Gaga Casual look) // pink wool fedora similar here

I am SO glad it’s the weekend! I feel like the week flew by…I literally only remember bits and pieces of it and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. Luckily my vacation starts soon and in the meantime there’s always coffee! You guys know I’m a huge fan of Alejandro Mogollo’s art and of course I’ve been looking for another excuse to wear my Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Little Rock headpiece so…..naturally this was bound to happen. It works though right? The red satin pajamas really bring everything together and they’re perfect for lounging around at home. See, I’m practical!

I hope you’re all having a wonderful weekend!

Little Rock coffee mug // Red pajamas // Headpiece custom made by Kramaric’ Millinery

Photography by Shauna Peniche aka Little Photo Fox

I can’t remember which Old Hollywood podcast I was listening to recently (it wasn’t any of the ones referenced below) but in conversation with a guest speaker, the host simply stated “Lana Turner isn’t a household name anymore.” Since this was a podcast about Hollywood’s Golden Age, the statement was definitely said sadness and that’s exactly the emotion it sparked within me. Sadness. Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Lana Turner, Carole Lombard…these blondes are my household names SO – this one is for you Lana. Inspired by the 1946 film noir, The Postman Always Twice! 

I’m obsessed with all of Lana’s looks in the film but this one, well this one makes quite the first impression. I was fascinated to learn the movie adaptation, based on the 1934 novel by James Cain,  took a while to come to fruition due to the censorship codes of the time. It’s amazing how this movie was able to abide by the codes without loosing the heaviness of the subject matter. Lana, who plays the role of Cora Smith, wears white the majority of the movie and stuns every time. Angelic femme fatale are words that shouldn’t go together but when it comes to describing Lana’s character in the movie, I can’t find any other words.

If you’d like to learn more about Lana, I definitely recommend the following podcast episodes:

Vanguard of Hollywood Episode 59. Platinum Perfection: A Lana Turner Birthday Tribute

Vanguard of Hollywood Episode 43. Lana Turner, John Garfield and The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)

“You Must Remember This” a Karina Longworth Podcast Episode 67. MGM Stories Part 12: Lana Turner

AND if you’re looking for some Lana inspired headwear, be sure to check out My Retro Palace!

Photography by Shauna Peniche aka Little Photo Fox

Have I really not published a blog post since January??? Clearly this isn’t my day job and posting regularly didn’t make my New Year’s Resolution list…Luckily it’s never too late to set intentions so I’m going to make a goal to at least publish once a week. Or once a month…I’m all about setting realistic expectations for myself so maybe I should start small 🤣. 

Shall we talk about spring??? Shooting content outside this time of year in Oregon can be a little tricky. Currently lows are in the 30s and maybe just maybe we make it to 50 degrees. It actually snowed in Portland the other day so to say our weather is unpredictable right now would be an understatement. I guess when you need spring content, you need spring content. Just know I’m freezing in these photos. 

Despite it still feeling a bit like winter, I have managed to add a few new pieces to my spring wardrobe (like this rib knit cardigan and tank from H&M – exact tank here similar cardigan here ) but primarily I find myself rewearing old favorites. My faux denim capris from Vixen by Mitcheline Pitt start getting a lot of love this time of year, they’re restocking soon so be sure to get on the wait list! I’ve also been loving these high waisted capris from Zara, I just ordered my 5th pair recently (they’re that good) so be prepared to see me wearing them all spring and well in to summer.

Are you a fan of capris?!

Photography by Shauna Peniche aka Little Photo Fox!

I’ve been on a Judy Garland kick lately, so of course that means rewatching The Wizard of Oz! 

Late last year my husband and I went to Los Angeles and visited the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. I was completely in awe of the pieces they had on display. When I think of Old Hollywood memorabilia, my mind automatically goes to items from the 1939 classic. In case you’re wondering…yes, I did see a pair of ruby slippers and yes, they still sparkle! If you’re fascinated by Old Hollywood and know your MGM history, then you know it’s amazing that some of these items are still around today. Reading the book The Ruby Slippers of Oz: Thirty Years Later by Rhys Thomas put that in perspective for me even more. If you haven’t read the book, I definitely recommend it! 

As someone who’s constantly inspired by Old Hollywood, this coat gave me Emerald City vibes the moment I saw it. Naturally I imagined a color palette fit for the city (or a wizard) and voila! Stay tuned because I’m currently styling another Oz inspired look for spring!  

Coat (sold out) and dress (old from last season) from H&M. Earmuffs from Amazon.

Photography by my gal Shauna Peniche aka Little Photo Fox!

I couldn’t think of a more appropriate title for this blog post. Maybe it’s the pink wool beret, the plaid circle skirt and the cute little coffee shop. If you’re looking for a way to beat the winter blues, try adding some pink to your winter wardrobe! This bubblegum tartan circle skirt from Vivien of Holloway may be the perfect winter to spring transitional piece but can easily be styled for summer! For this post, I paired my circle skirt with the Rosa Peasant top for a winter pinup look that’s fun and flirty. Be sure to follow the Vivien of Holloway size guide to find your perfect fit. 

Thank you to Vivien of Holloway for sponsoring this post.