It's yard sale day!!!

Not only in front yards, driveways, garages and back lawns the world over, but this week, I'm turning the tables (quite literally) and am on the selling side of things for a fabulously fun change.

Earlier this year my parents, Tony and I all decided that we should have a collective garage sale, so after a few weeks of having to bump the date of our sale up due to weather, holidays (like Easter and Victoria Day), and various other reasons, unless the mother of all storms hits, in three hours time precisely, our sale will commence.



{The sun is shining in abundance, the grass is gloriously green, and the tables are being set up as we speak for today's exciting yard sale. If you happen to live in, or passing through, the Penticton area, why not pop on by say hello. Image source.}


It's been almost ten full years since the last time I held a yard sale and that one was a dozy, as I was selling off darn near everything I owned because I was moving to Ireland after our wedding, which happened a couple of weeks later, and couldn't bring most of my worldly possessions with me aboard. Nothing quite that grand or necessitated by circumstance here today, but we've still got plenty of treasures and great buys all the same.

Though I know it's fairly unlikely, as I don't have many local readers, I figured there was no harm in using this post as an opportunity to cordially invite one and all to come check out our multi-family yard sale today (some of my parent's neighbours are adding items to the sale as well, so three households will be represented). It's on from 8am to 3pm PST and you can find the address and further details here.

Not only am I psyched about this sale because it's my first in ages (I should mention, I adore holding garage sales every bit as much as I do going to them), but it's the first that Tony has ever had, as they're nearly unheard of in his native Italy.

I don't have any illusions of grandeur here when it comes to profits. Making anything above $100 would be super swell, $200 or more an I'll be giddy as our Annie when you tell her she's going to the dog park. I don't foresee more than that, just based on how the items are priced, but you never know! I'll be sure to report back here in a future post as to how much Tony and I cleared in the end.

I'd love to chat more, my sweet dears, but I've got tables to load with items and a long, fabulously fun day of selling ahead of me so I'll bid you adieu for now and in doing so wish you each a weekend that is busting with fun and enjoyment, whether yard sales are involved or not for you, too! :)

*PS* As I know some of you will be curious, no, I'm not selling many vintage items at our garage sale today. The spotlight is on high quality, lovely modern items that we no longer want, need or have room for. Most of the vintage pieces that I have available to buy are either already in or destined for my Etsy shop, or will be sold at various flea markets and local antiques & collectibles shows that I hope to attend later this year.

Riving the classic tradition of a wedding day going away dress

When it comes to weddings, as with so many things in life, certain traditions, customs and practises fall out of vogue over the course of time. Some disappear entirely and are all but forgotten, others live on as quaint relics of the past in our memories, and a handful, though not terribly common any more, still exist on the fringes on the bell curve of popularity.

One sartorial wedding related tradition that falls into the latter camp is that of the classic going away suit, dress, outfit or ensemble. Once a star player in many a soon-to-be-wife's bridal trousseau, this outfit or garment was typically a white, cream, ivory or other light coloured suit or dress (usually with coordinating accessories, such as a hat, gloves, shoes and handbag) that the bride changed into at some point after the ceremony on her wedding day.

For some, it may have been before or during some point in the reception (I've heard of brides who have changed right before the last dance), for others it followed the reception ceremony as the bride and groom made their way out of the venue and to the car, tins cans tied to bumper, a just married sign plastered on the back, and off to their gorgeously romantic honeymoon.



{A newly married, smartly attired 1940s couple in their going away outfits. Could the bride look any more elegantly perfect? Image source.}


Speaking of honeymoons, it was actually the writing of the first two posts in this spring's ongoing four part series about vintage honeymoon destinations (so far we've traveled to sublimely romantic Italy and passionately warm and beautiful Hawaii; later this month we'll be jetting back to Europe for another exciting post-nuptial vintage getaway) that got me really thinking about this lovely yesteryear tradition and how very nice it would be if more brides revived it (one recent, incredibly well known modern bride seen spotting a going away dress was Kate Middleton, who wore a floating, just-above-knee dusty blue frock).

Typically be far less grand and flashy than the bride's wedding dress itself, the going away outfit was intended to be something that would travel well as the couple embarked on their honeymoon, or at the very least, off to their new life together and Mr. and Mrs., wherever that may have been. It was an attractive yet highly practical garment or ensemble that the bride would then have to wear throughout her life.

Of course not every yesteryear bride donned a going away ensemble, and they certainly weren't as commonplace during the years of WW2 when strict clothing and fabric restrictions were in full swing (in fact, many brides simply wore their best dress or suit, perhaps with a fresh dye job to help perk it up, for their wedding during the lean war years, because buying or finding a wedding dress to borrow simply wasn't feasible for them) as they had been in the decades prior and later in the 1950s and early 60s, but certainly far more yesterday ladies did so then their modern counterparts.

It's worth noting, that the going away outfit wasn't limited simply to the bride always either. In some cases (then as now), grooms also slipped into less formal attire, such as a two or three piece suit (instead of their wedding tuxedo, military uniform, morning suit, or other fancier style of suit) as their big day wound down and they got ready to head off by carriage, car, train, boat, or airplane for their exciting post-wedding vacation.



{Bracing themselves against a barrage of confetti, the lovely couple in the 1950s illustration make their way through their throng of wedding guests and out to their car, en route to their honeymoon destination, while both wearing going away outfits. Image source.}


As vintage fashion loving folks, if there's anyone who seems poised to be able to bring this stylish and endearingly lovely tradition back into play, if only on a slightly larger scale than it currently exists, it's us! With that thought in mind, for all the soon-to-be-wed ladies out there, I've rounded up a selection of 15 vintage and vintage appropriate suits, dresses, and accessories which would see your off from your wedding in unendingly elegant style.

{Ideal for if you're leaving your ceremony or after party once the sun has set, this cozy 1950s two-piece knit suit featuring a shawl collared jacket has wedding day sophistication written all over it. Fits up to a 36" bust in the jacket/25" waist in the skirt, $122.00 from etsy seller Living On Velvet.}




{There are few outfits around, especially wedding related ones, that this agelessly beautiful Tarina Tarantino Ivory Rose Carved Lucite Necklace wouldn't go beautifully with. (On sale at the time of writing for) $23.00 from Unique Vintage.}




{Quintessentially 1950s, this becoming Harry S. Epstein sand hued cotton-linen blend dress features a scoop neckline, fitted waist, short sleeves, wiggle skirt, matching belt and lovely coordinating cropped jacket. It is, to my mind, the picture perfect mid-century going away ensemble. its up to 33-34" bust/26" waist, $144.00 from etsy seller Dear Golden.}




{A wonderful blend of beauty and refined elegance, these grey pearl, cubic zirconia and silver tone metal earrings are an endearing way to symbolize the fact that you've just tied the knot. $21.80 from etsy seller CreBijoux.}




{Ideally suited to a fall, winter or early spring wedding, this 1950s cream hued wide brim fur and sequence hat would look smashing with a skirt suit or tailored dress. $64.00 from etsy seller Denisebrain.}




{Cross something old, something new (to you), and something blue all of your list in one fell swoop with these immensely lovely 1950s Van Raalte sheer white gloves featuring delicate blue stitching on the wrists. $15.00 from etsy seller CleaninHouse.}




{This splendidly pretty, sweetly alluring three-quarter length sleeve Monte Carlo swing dress in sateen ivory from Heartbreaker brings your feminine figure to the forefront, while remaining wholly sophisticated and wedding day appropriate the whole time. Available in modern ladies sizes small to 2XL, $156.00 from Unique Vintage.}




{Cute, sweet and as pretty as a spring day, these round toe ivory lace pumps featuring darling handmade looking appliqué flowers with tiny clear crystal centers and would be perfect for a 1950s or 60s inspired going away outfit in particular. Available in modern ladies sizes 4 to 11, $62.99 from Amazon.}




{Coloured the same shade as the feathers of the birds so often associated with weddings, this lovely, form fitting dove grey dress featuring a sweetheart neckline would really work well if you're headed someplace warm for your honeymoon. Available in modern ladies sizes XS to 2XL from, $162.00 from Stop Staring Clothing.}




{Boasting tons of heirloom jewelry meets shabby chic appeal, this lovely multi-strand pearl, gold tone and fabric appliqué necklace would look glorious over a sheath dress or peaking out from beneath a suit jacket. (Currently on sale at the time of writing for) $14.00 from Unique Vintage.}




{Ravishingly beautiful and classy as the day is long, this stunning tea hued Chantilly lace Dusted Violette Dress channels a marvelous 1950s-60s feel and would the kind of piece you'd unequivocally reach for time and time again after your honeymoon was long over. Available in modern ladies sizes 2 to 20, $299.95 from Victorian Trading Co.}




{Weave a gentle touch of ladylike hue into your going away outfit with this enchanting 1950s pink velour hat bedecked with matching ostrich feathers. $48.00 from etsy seller My Vintage Hat Shop.}




{Tuck your post-wedding ceremony essentials (hankie, wallet, gloves, lipstick, compact, etc) into this fabulously lovely 1950s ivory beaded handbag featured an eye-catching floral design that suits a bride's going away attire so very well. $42.00 from etsy seller Vintage Chinchilla.}




{Exuding class and timeless elegance copiously, the curve hugging, cap sleeved Helena Dress from Stop Staring Clothing, which retails for $158.00 and is available in modern ladies sizes XS to 3X, is made of tan stretch cotton with a subtle, gorgeous floral print on it and would be a fabulous choice for your send off attire post-wedding ceremony.}




{Immensely pretty Minitoo Round Toe High Heel Ribbon Mary Jane Pumps that instantly call to mind similar shoe styles from the 1920s, 30s and 40s and would be a breeze to dance in with their 3.55" heels, if opt to change into your going away outfit before your reception is over. Available in modern ladies sizes 5 to 13, $55.99 from Amazon.}

♥ ♥ ♥

When selecting your going away dress, suit or outfit, a key point to keep in mind are that you want it to be clearly different from your wedding dress. They can certainly hail from the same era and have general similarities, but ideally they should stand apart from one another, typically with the wedding dress being the far more formal/fancy of the two.

If you are planning to head off on your honeymoon immediately after your ceremony or the following day, select a going away look that works best for the climate and weather of the destination you'll be arriving in (or at the very least, which will work well for the travel involved between the two points). Lace, linen, matte silk, rayon, taffeta, lighter weight tweeds, crepe wool, and cotton all make for especially well suited fabrics for this kind of outfit.



{Trunks at the ready, a young bride is aided by her bridesmaids - and a real maid to boot as well - in putting the finishing touches on her going away outfit, which features a beige skirt suit and fur stole, before she and her new husband embark on their romantic honeymoon. Every element of her ensemble would work perfectly in her everyday wardrobe, which is something to bear in mind for when compiling your own going away wedding day look. Image source.}



Keep your going away dress or ensemble understated, sophisticated, feminine and beautiful. Think light neutrals and other pale hues, a below-the-knee to mid-calf skirt length, relatively conservative styling, matching accessories, simple jewelry (such as cameos, pearls, diamonds, silver, white gold, platinum, yellow or rose gold pieces with in classic styles), and attractive, but easy to walk in, shoes (a comfortable 2"-3.5" pump/court shoe or kitten heel would be ideal for a long flight or cruise, as would a chic pair of softly hued ballet flats).

One idea I came up with years ago, though it's not traditional, that I think would be absolutely lovely, would be to select a going away dress or outfit in your wedding colours (assuming they're ones you'd typically wear). In doing so, you could keep the spirit of your wedding day going even stronger all the way to your honeymoon destination, new home, or wherever you and your sweetheart are headed after the ceremony.

Whereas most wedding dresses are commonly only worn once by (especially by modern brides), in all likelihood, your going away dress or suit is something that will then be folded into rotation in your usual everyday wardrobe. As such, feel free to spend a little more on it then you might if you were only going to sport it one time. The pieces in this classic ensemble will likely serve you very well for a long time to come in your exciting new life as a married, wonderfully stylish woman.

Chin up, buttercup!

My eyes felt like they'd been given a thorough scrubbing with coarse sandpaper. Weary and red, they blinked away a few more sleepy tears as I lay back against the wooden headboard, the bedroom fan rippling airwaves across my face as a full moon shone vividly across the dark sky outside. It was precisely nine days since I had opened my Etsy shop and you'd think that I would be nothing but a  bundle of happiness every second of the day as a result.

Nothing, unfortunately, could have been further from the truth. While I was, and very much am, elated that I launched a shop, what I wasn't prepared for once I'd done so was the toll and barrage of stress, challenging emotions, mixed reactions and responses (about having gone from being "just" a blog to a blog + a shop) from my online public, the toil that the financial investment I laid out to get things off the ground, and the incredible fatigue and long stretch of that zero sleep (three days or more sometimes at a time) that having done so would take on me. I was taken aback, and not in a good way, but how some people responded to me opening a shop and this hurt me to the core at a time when my emotions and nerves were already as a raw as a freshly peeled grape.

Beyond that though, was the larger picture. I was exhausted and worried and each new concern or reminder of what was troubling me seemed to heighten my anxiety and set me off into a fit of tears. This, I assure, sensitive soul as I always am, is not commonplace for me in the slightest. Quite the opposite actually, I'm usually the type to buck up instantly, smile through the stress, and plow forward with steadfast determination. But I think that I'd simply been pushing myself too hard, for too long, with a head far too full of concerns, and as a result I was going though a bit of mini emotional meltdown.

I loathed how I was feeling, knew that it was hampering my productivity, and that I truly was happy to have launched a shop, which, don't get me wrong, tons of folks (online and off) were, and are, wildly supportive of. I needed to pull myself up by the bootstraps and move forward right quickly. So that's what I did.

You see, I've always believed that we have the power to choose happiness and to create our own destiny. It's okay to be blue and sad, even to throw a pity party for ourselves from time to time, especially when such is justifiable, but hitting low points like that are incredibly draining and won't help you do anything more than tread water at best and at worst, they may cause you to sink entirely.

Glancing towards at the silvery May moon, I blinked away those straggling tears, got up, splashed cold water on my burning eyes, quite literally shook my head a few times, and vowed to look upward and onward, not down at my worries from here on out.

My Etsy shop is not my blog and I needed to realize that I can't see it as merely an extension of such. It is a brand new baby, with much growing and developing on its own to do. Yes, it may get a bit of help from my blog, its five year old sibling, and its audience sometimes, but I must look at it as the separate entity that it is and foster its growth and development right from the start in ways that are mix of familiar and brand new to me.

I had to remind myself that this (opening a vintage shop) was already the fulfillment of a dream of mine that took root years ago, that I'd already done so much and that I didn't have to push myself, no joke, to the point of collapse every single day for the shop to succeed. And, most of all, I had to tell myself that there will be times when peoples' true colours are shown and no amount of tears in the world will change the fact that there are plenty of fair-weather friends and blog readers in this world. It's flat out naive to think otherwise.

In the days since that last painfully long night, I have reevaluated and rejigged my schedule, stopped worrying quite as much (I'm a natural born worrier, so I'll never stop there entirely), began pacing myself better when it comes to handling the new trifecta of my shop + my blog + daily life, done several things that I believe will help grow my shop's sales numbers and reach, and above all, stopped crying, put a smile back on my face, and banished my temporary blues.

These are new and exciting times. I can't expect myself to know everything or to get each step 100% right all the time. I may know blogging like the back of my hand, but online business ownership and operation is brand spanking new to me and it will come with its fair share of challenges, and ultimately, I believe triumphs as well. Hard work and problem solving have never scared me away from anything, no matter how big the challenge, and I'm not about to let this be the first time that happens.

{Image source}

 

No way, no how! I'm following both pieces of advice in the graphic above, keeping calm and keeping my chin up alike. I can do this. I will do this. I am already doing this and it's going to be, as I knew months ago when I decided to open an Etsy shop, but nearly forgot in the process, incredible.

Chin up, buttercup? You better believe it, I've got a new business to run, grow, and to see turn into something utterly amazing!