Trashy Diva Trixie Dress

*Outfit Details*

Dress - Trashy Diva

Cardigan - I can't remember

Shoes - Walmart

Bandana - Walmart

This was our second day visiting Brookgreen Gardens, if you missed what I wore on our first trip there, you can see it here.

The Mister is a huge Sci-Fi fan and since it was his birthday that we were celebrating, I chose the adorable rocket print version of the Trashy Diva Trixie dress, but, I believe this print has since sold out on that style.

I ordered the same size in this dress as I did the Annette dress but the fit was entirely different.  I probably could have sized down a size with this dress and I'm guessing that is due to the elastic sides.

The dress itself is very well made of a slightly stretchy cotton material.  It is not lined and the skirt is not as full, more of a true circle skirt with no gathers.  Even though you are not really able to see it in these photographs, the top has a cross-over front and has sort of an inner bra setup to provide support along with the straps that tie behind the neck.

The day before these photos were taken, we spent a couple of hours playing with our grandson on the beach and it just so happened I forgot to apply any sunscreen to myself, the results of which is this terrible sunburn you see here.  Over the last few years I have developed a sun allergy.  Its not to the point where I can't be in the sun at all, but when I am out for any period of time across a couple consecutive days, I will break out in a horrible, itchy rash.  I have found, though, that if I get out a few minutes a day and slowly build up a tan, it doesn't happen as bad.  And, yes, I know the dangers of the sun but I am one of those stubborn women who enjoys sporting a suntan in the summer.  

But, I digress........ Because of the sunburn, I threw on this little butter yellow cardigan to try to shield my already burnt shoulders from acquiring any more sun.  I wore the same, comfortable walking shoes as before and threw a bandana in my hair, which had actually been set into a dry pincurl set the night before, but the humidity pulled the curl right out resulting in, you guessed it, frizz.

Overall I like this dress, but I think if I get this style again, I will size down.

Travel - Vintage Style

For some time now I have been daydreaming about getting a vintage travel trailer.  I think it stems from my desire to escape. (*grins*)  I periodically scour craigslist for them and I joined a group on facebook that is for enthusiasts like me.  I even have a pinterest board that I have mainly dedicated to these lovely creatures, but, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would actually be able to get one.  They can be rather pricey and hard to find, especially if they have been restored.

So, imagine my surprise when a friend recently told us that he had one of these cuties and said that we could have her if we wanted her!  First of all, I was floored by his generosity, and secondly, I was over the moon excited!

The Mister says, before I get too excited though, we need to see her to see how much work would need to be done, or how much money we would need to sink into her.  I say, money - schmoney, whats a few kazillion dollars when we can have one of these beauties and get the joy of bringing her back to her former glory.  For some reason, he doesn't share my attitude.

Said friend gladly sent us a couple of photos of her and says we can come look at her anytime.  Cross your fingers for me that she will not be a total loss on the inside and that she is structurally sound.  Here she is, what do you think?  Should we get her?

She is an early 1960s Shasta Astrodome.  We aren't sure of the exact year yet but I think she may be a 61 or 62?  And, she doesn't really look like the canned hams because of the cabover but that gives her extra sleeping room.  Any experts out there want to offer up any advice or resources?

Remembering The Fallen

Today is Memorial Day and it is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our Nation's service.  It was originally called Decoration Day, because of decorating the graves as a way to honor the war dead.  The origins of the day are not readily agreed upon, but it is known that groups of Southern women as far back as during the Civil War, were decorating the graves of the Confederate soldiers. Regardless of where the day got its start, the day is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Lovely patriotic basket of red poppies.  Image source.

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies

In 1915, Moina Michael penned the poem above then she conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. 

Madam Guerin, visiting the United States from France, learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and upon returning to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. 

This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. 

In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

Postage stamp honoring Moina Michael

Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.

3rd US Infantryman placing flags in Arlington Cemetery.   Image Source

There are a few notable exceptions. Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. 

BSA decorating graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. 

Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria

More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Program). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years.

Civil War veteran's resting place near our home in Virginia.  Photo taken by me.

How is it that over the years the true meaning and spirit of Memorial Day have faded away? It should be considered a national day of mourning.  We need to remember with sincere respect, those who paid the price for our freedoms; we need to keep in sacred remembrance those who died serving their country. We need to never let them be forgotten.

We need to stop and pay, with sincere conviction, our respects for those who died protecting and preserving the freedoms we enjoy, for we owe those honored dead more than we can ever repay.

Today, I remember.

Trashy Diva Annette Dress

*Outfit Details*

Dress - Trashy Diva

Cardigan - Walmart

Shoes - Walmart

Hair Combs - Belle Blossoms

A while back I shared with you that I had purchased a few new outfits to wear while at the beach for the Mister's birthday.  If you missed that post, you can find it here.  I also shared our visit to the sprawling Brookgreen Gardens so I wanted to show you what I wore on that visit.  This will be a two part post because the Gardens were so huge that we made it a two day adventure.

Our first day at the gardens I decided to sport my brand new Trashy Diva Annette dress.  This is my very first purchase from Trashy Diva and I love the quality of this dress but I have a little difficulty with the fit.  I ordered according to my measurements and their size chart but it is really tight in the chest area and mushes the girls.  Its also a bit tight for me in the waist area and I really have to suck it in to zip it, but once zipped up, it gives a nice snug fit.  The other thing I found really odd is that the belt that came with the dress seems really large.  I have it cinched nearly as tight as it will go and still have room.  Odd that the dress itself I struggle to zip but the belt is too large.

But, other than fit issues, I love this dress.  It is extremely well made, not as low cut as some others, so I feel more modestly covered, and it has hidden pockets.  How awesome is that!!  The material is a nice soft cotton and it is completely lined.

The day started off a little overcast and chilly so I grabbed a simple, super soft, white cardigan that I picked up at Walmart.  It was on clearance at the time and I think I paid like $9 for it.  Also, since I knew we would be doing a ton of walking, I threw on these super comfy sandals from Walmart.  They are a dream to walk in, lots of cushion.

My hair that day was more or less wash and go.  (Pay no mind to those gray roots shining.)  The humidity always causes my hair to frizz so I knew it was pointless to take the time to set it.  And it was a vacation, who wants to spend all day or night fixing their hair?  Not me!  I pulled it back with some Belle Blossom side combs and let it do its natural thing.  Frizz.

Art Deco Interiors

With the release of the Great Gatsby movie, which I recently reviewed for you, there has been an influx of 1920s style - everything from fashion to home decor. Here is a modern day example of whats available, fashion wise, with a very 1920s feel.



The links to these items can be found on my Polyvore

There are some really amazing items in this collection and I could totally see myself sporting any number of them, but what I wanted to focus on today is art deco home decor.

The mood during the early 20th century was optimistic and hopeful, and like society's attitude, their interiors were sparkling and bright. There were sleek, glossy hardwood floors laid in geometric patterns. The gleaming furniture consisted of mirrored dressers, black lacquered cabinets and ebony veneered tables, chrome lamps and sparkling chandeliers. Area rugs and other fabric items were bright and colorful - consisting of zigzags, chevrons and sunbursts. Sweeping, curved lines and angular shapes were a common sight and brushed steel finishes and glass were used liberally as they contributed to the sleek, modern look.

Here are some great modern day examples as showcased on Houzz.

Traditional Bathroom by Chicago Architect Erik Johnson and Associates

Traditional Bathroom by Rochester Interior Designer Robin Muto

Contemporary Bedroom by Miami Interior Designer Toby Zack Designs

Traditional Bedroom by Atlanta Architect Bryan Alan Kirkland Designs

Contemporary Living Room by London Furniture And Accessories Imagine Living

Contemporary Staircase by Minneapolis Architect TEA2 Architects

Contemporary Entry by Cumming Interior Designer Interior Styles, Inc.

Art deco style was modern for it's time, and it still has a very fresh, eclectic, contemporary feel today.  I believe that you could incorporate bits and pieces into any decor setting, don't you?