Violet turning violet.
I met Ira Glass on the day I wore this outfit. I even got to hand him a Story Story Night poster depicting him as a potato (welcome to Idaho, Ira).
Thankfully, I wasn’t spotted by any oompa loompas. If they’d seen me, Mr. Wonka’s minion surely would have mistaken me for Miss Violet Beauregard and wheeled me off to some unknown corner of the world. And then I never would have met Ira. And that would have made me sad.
I know I risk being mistaken for a giant blueberry in this coat, but I absolutely must wear it. Any opportunity I get. It is amazing.
(The other stuff I’m wearing is pretty great too.)
Coat: Worsted wool – made around 1950 by Hirshcraft. Purchased at an antique store. Scarf: Raw silk – new. A gift from mom. Clutch: Bakelite – made around 1950. Once belonged to my manfriend’s grandmother.
Blouse: Silk, lace, abalone buttons – made around 1900 (over 100 years old, and this top still looks incredible. I don’t think I can ever buy new clothing again….) Purchased at a vintage clothing store. Skirt: Velvet – made around 1960 by The Villager. Purchased at a vintage clothing store.
Earrings: Black pearls – new. A gift from mom. Necklace: Pearls & silver – made around 1890. Once belonged to my great-grandmother. Rings: Diamond & gold – made around 1920. Purchased at an antique store. Gold filigree – made around 1910. Once belonged to my other great-grandmother.
Shoes: Patent leather, brass – made around 1970 by Selby. Purchased at a thrift store.
I love the way this necklace so perfectly complements the detailing on the blouse. They were both made around the same era, so they really do belong together.
Something I’ve noticed as I build my vintage wardrobe is that eras in fashion can oftentimes be paired to create a unique look that represents multiple decades of style. In this outfit alone, I am spanning more than 100 years of design. Beautiful.
