Thrifted: Tea and Tennis

I found this rose colored, floral, strapless dress at the Goodwill a few months back.  I think it is perfect for a baby shower or lunch with girlfriends. I would say a tea party, but I haven't been invited to one...ever.  I wish Americans had high tea because I would be prepared!  

I like the dress with this blue and white cardigan because I think it makes it more wearable.  

Another thrift store find:  this blue and white number is the perfect summer staple.  Easy and comfortable.  The only thing that I don't like about it is the pockets in the seams; they give me a bit too much extra hip.  I am sure it can be fixed though.

via threads of my life

My blue and white stripe dress paired with straw and suede oxfords are reminiscent of Judy Garland's tennis outfit in Meet Me In St Louise.  I would NOT play tennis in this dress btw, but it reminds me of that wonderful movie.

Meet Me In St. Louis

  I grew up watching Meet Me in St. Louis and it gives me a sense of comfort and warmth still.  I love the Halloween scene in the movie with cute little Margaret O'Brian.  As a child I remember watching the kids in the movie dress up in old clothes, build bonfires, and pretend to kill their neighbors by throwing flour in their faces.  What fun! (I think most little kids, like adults, have a gruesome side). Halloween has such a diverse history in terms of how people have celebrated over the years.  Today, of course, there is the ever popular trick-or-treat excursions that children so love,  as well as the fun of finding the perfect costumes, but I like to reference the past when I celebrate with my friends and family.  

Directed by Vincent Minelli in 1944.

Adorable Margaret O'Brian's scary adventure!

Snap-Apple Night by Daniel Maclise: Victoriafiles.com

Here is a painting depicting the festivities that accompanied Halloween (or Snap-Apple Night, as
it was called by some).  It makes me think of Washington Irving's, "Ichabod Crane" another of my favorite
Halloween stories!

Unfortunately, I am too busy with this blog to actually host a Halloween party (something is wrong with that) but if I was, here are a few things I would use:

Vintage Halloween Tags

Vintage Halloween Cards

Vintage Treat Bags

Vintage Sheet Music

Vintage Crepe Paper Garlands

Vintage Napkins

Halloween Silhouette

Gwenna little lamb.
My daughter's not-so-scary Halloween costume, made by my
friend Min--thanks Min!