Photos by Kyle O’Brien

Lovely Orange dress, wearable art, by Daniel Laukat 

Fur and Feathers previously posted:

Lilli Ann

Live Like a Lady

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Accent

Reptillian

Living well presents opportunity to step out of comfort zones. Why not do it in style? Not much is more stylish than well-fitting clothes. Everyone’s fabulous in a good fit…gloves, hat, shoes, dress, and yes the ultimate well-fitted overcoat. How often do you find a coat of perfect shoulder width, arm length, and sweep? Makes you look, and feel like a million bucks. When you feel that good, any step outside comfort zones is more manageable.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: This series is photographed by my friend, Kyle. We met a decade ago swing dancing at Midtown Stomp. If you know or meet Kyle in person this may be cause for you to cock your head to the side and ponder. Kyle has been wheel chair bound since adolescence. Yes, he can still dance! He has Spina Bifida, a word I first heard when the first of my friends was pregnant with her first child and received prenatal diagnosis. Her son is now the same age Kyle was when a spinal surgery went sideways. Kyle is an amazing man of faith and is planning a wedding this year. Belief will take you miles beyond what may have hoped or dreamed. Believe.

Photos by Kyle O’Brien

Fur and Feathers previously posted:

Lilli Ann

Live Like a Lady

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Accent

Reptillian

In the darkness, we face our fears. Night falls, and we find our tears, explore our pains and discover our gains. Is there a depth of soul, or just a blank hole? Deeper living accompanies struggle, therefore our emotions we must learn to juggle.

Black vintage Fredrick’s of Hollywood dress, and vintage necklace procured from other online traders.

Photos by Kyle O’Brien

Fur and Feathers previously posted:

Lilli Ann

Live Like a Lady

Shop

Accent

Follow this blog any length of time, and soon learn I go back and forth recommending online shopping. I do admit the “affordable” options I told of in a previous post include the disadvantage of not trying on and therefore taking a loss ratio which for me at this point is a loss of 9/10 items ordered direct from overseas do not fit nor do they best compliment my body, and you get what is paid so don’t expect those garments to do anything for your figure. In fact, unless you look like Barbie the original, I do not recommend many options available on the silicone bodies pictured. Not trying to be a negative Nancy, just pointing out that for the chances I just delivered based on past experience, I could have had enough money to buy a garment from a local artisan or put toward a quality piece that would last for years and look stunning. I suppose we all can enjoy throw-away pieces made of cheap fabrics for a time, but what are we doing to the environment when we send such ill-made garments packing? The same chances I have with getting a good fit are the same each piece you toss to the donation pile has of landing in a dump somewhere. So I am being responsible and true to myself, then I will let go of the desire to have something new to wear every other week, and embrace or re-create what I already own and only add to my wardrobe collection responsibly. Shoo away that desire for novelty from without and embrace novelty from within. New pairings and creations with treasured pieces. Best fit always comes from working directly with the garment maker, or learning to sew and modify. The dress in this photo I stitched together in a garment construction class I took just before becoming pregnant with my son. I liked the basic piece so well that I made two, and six years later they are still relevant. Just like this vest I found at a clothing swap with friends. The booties are an indulgence with my favorite shoemaker, Irregular Choice. The feather hat and pink lucite jewelry as well as the pink leather gloves are all authentic vintage acquired online.

Basic pieces alongside favorites can mix and match for fun new looks, when we are daring enough to play with wardrobe and conjure a presence that is anything but basic. Again folks, its how you wear it. But also keep in mind some materials and garments, no matter your inner strength, can be a hindrance. Know your body and rock it. Discover inner peace between what you indwell and what you present, and getting dressed for the day can be a breeze. Sometimes, getting dressed begins with your shoes…or an accessory…or a mood. What inspires you?

Photos by Kyle O’Brien

Previously in this Fur and Feathers series:

Lilli Ann

Live Like a Lady

Shop

People often ask me where is a good place to shop. Shopping karma can happen, or not, anywhere. Look many places online and brick and mortar as well. Friends’ closets also work. Though I must say if you are on a tight budget for both dollar and time, check out SammyDress . A year or more ago I would have scoffed at such “cheap” made in China “crap”. But my lasses, a budget is a budget and most of what you find at modern stores is this same stuff with hiked prices. Sometimes, what matters more is how you wear it. I don’t support mass manufacturing of fashion like this, but if you’re going to do it, get it here instead of Macy’s. Second-hand stores and garage sales, etc. where vintage may be had can offer the best bang for your buck, but that is also a time and gas situation unless you belong to online communities who trade and sell. Meanwhile, also check out the Sacramento Antique Faire. My ring is family heirloom, the purse and gloves are online community trade and shopping. I found my hat at Rack’s Boutique in Sacramento, and this coat at the Folsom Antique Fair. Happy hunting, dames.

Photos by Kyle O’Brien

Previously in this Fur and Feathers series:

Lilli Ann

Live Like a Lady

Heeled suede boots, leather gloves, and an ostrich plumed hat…anything between really matter? Sophistication classically defined. Take any look to the next level with heels, hat and gloves.

Photos by Kyle O’Brien

Previously in this Fur and Feathers series:

Lilli Ann

This look is SO ME. I found these boots shopping Zappos when I was pregnant with my daughter three years ago, they are still a staple. The mink cap is real vintage, acquired at some fair I am sure, as I adore brown in real life though it less often makes a pretty picture. This was the favored dress by designer Daniel Laukat discovered on set with him and crew, I had to have it! Earth tones are a favorite of mine. Finding this vintage Lilli Ann coat at my local thrift shop on a 50% off day was a gold mine, perfect fit, even though I didn’t realize it was a “Lilli Ann” until a year later! Shop your style and fit, and you can never go wrong! I found this fab alligator purse at Racks Boutique in Sacramento. My jewelry are more vintage pieces collected from online sellers. Collect what you love, and it all pulls together. Live your dreams and dress your life!

Images courtesy Photos by Kyle

Crochet dress by Daniel Laukat

Amid the dark and dank, dare you be bright? Permissions granted. Allow your light to shine.

Midnight Mass this past summer themed their Pinup Pageant as a beach party from the sixties. I have tended to lean toward forties and fifties style from my Lindy Hop days. Interesting challenge to research and outfit a different era, but I discovered that I dig! Inspiration served for my Swinging Sixties series. This suit has been in my closet since the precious summer when I talked about collecting a small Spartan army of swimwear, and I discovered this yellow piece of history as accurate, on my body as well. So I ordered accessories and these shoes, which came with the original 1960s price-tag still attached. I found this fabulous white purse in my favorite vintage community online. A new hair gal did a fabulous job, and I adore this style! I decided to not attend the pageant nor the event. So here is my fabulous look, exclusively revealed here and now.

Speakeasy Photos

Brix the Salon

Previously in this Swingin’ Sixties Series:

Black and White

Black Frost

Winter White

What’s in my wallet?

What’s in your wallet?

Oops, nothing left.

Speakeasy Photos

Mama Bear, time to plan for Christmas.

We try so hard today to live in the grey. But, some things are black and white I say. Yes or no; right or wrong, when I want to know, I pray.

Speakeasy Photos

Irregular Choice Shoes

mama and baby panda

Previously in this Swingin’ Sixties Series:

Black Frost

Winter White