On our big road trip from South Carolina to Idaho after our college graduation, we decided to make it our goal to collect unique vintage items along the way. One of our best stops included a packed vintage shop in Denver called Boss Vintage. We purchased an array of vintage hats that my mom planned to use in charity fashion shows that she coordinates throughout the year because it would be silly if we actually wore these hats in real life, right? Today, hats like these are rarely worn with the exception of horse races and British royal events. Fashion has gotten to be a lot less formal. As a self-proclaimed "hat person" (which means I can rock just about any hat), I styled an editorial-like shoot with our new vintage hats. An informal take on a once formal item, each hat befriended a modern staple denim item. From my head, take a journey back in time to a more eloquently accessorized era. From my outfits, take a peek at what I consider to be my denim wardrobe staples with a special appearance by Russell the Golden Retriever.
Mom jeans
Mom jeans are the only jeans I buy, because even though I have a love for denim, I just really hate jeans. This hat was a personal pick to be worn by me. I love a good veil that adds a little drama. It coincidentally matched the fringe on this vintage button-up. Sometimes I love matching and sometimes I hate it. It all goes by feeling, really.
Jacket
Did I tell you I have been really into sheer dresses for summer? Oh, yeah I did. I bought this dress from Ebay and planned to wear it with white briefs as shown here. This is my summer version of a denim jacket with cut sleeves. I kept the garden party vibes going with my white straw hat. The brim comes out farther in the front, anyone know if there is a reason for that?
Skirt
Nothing like a nice stretch, a wide brim hat and a store-brand sparkling water to kickstart summer. Denim mini skirts feel a little too 2000's to me, so I prefer a button-up midi version (although anything can look awesome if styled well). I did the scarf top thing that magazines talk about when discussing the versatility of a silk scarf. I am not sure how to keep the knot from slipping, so I am not convinced (yet) that I can wear this all day without flashing someone. Comment any solutions. Also, peep muled sandal.
Overalls
No joke, the right overalls are hard to find. I have been looking for some for about two years before I found one in my size that called my name at a vintage store and I cropped the bottoms for a different look. I always say that clothes must "speak to me" in order to buy them. When I get dressed, I like to pair contrasting items. To avoid looking too childish, I chose more lady-like accessories: leopard print heels, flower-adorned veiled headband, and a tapestry bag. Denim and white are the perfect combo, but instead of a tee, I wore a lace top. Plus, I like how this hat keeps my bangs in place.
Cutoff Shorts
It would be hard to find a hat quirkier than this. I wanted to keep the outfit simple(r) to let my topper stand out. It seems I have been into cropped things lately because I cut my grandmother's top too. The cuffs are my favorite part of the top. My shorts are a couple sizes too big which provides further evidence that clothing sizes mean shit. I like belting them to create a paperbag waist and puffiness in the hips that others might try to avoid. Clothes don't always need to flatter your body to be cool!