A fun late summer outfit, with some precious pieces included.
Hello everyone!
If you follow me over on Instagram (and if you don’t already, click here! Let’s be friends!) you’ll know I’ve been talking a lot about dressing for the transitional period that is late August and early September. It’s still hot out? But… It could also be considered early fall? And for a while, these seasonal in-betweens used to stymie me. How does one keep one foot in summer, and the other in fall? But this year, after some pondering and some research, I’ve reached a conclusion that a fair amount of others on Instagram have come to as well: western themed style!
Western themed colors, prints, and cowboy boots have taken over the media I’ve consumed, my favorite being Taylor Made Style’s new video on YouTube. But for me and my wardrobe, this has translated into a renewed love for my cowboy boots. These teal colored boots have a story behind them, and so do most of the pieces in the outfit below! I’ll walk you through each piece, and I hope you enjoy this outfit as much as I do. I like to call it: my yee-haw limoncello ‘fit.
Now, let’s start with the star of the show: the cowboy boots! I adore these, with their hand-tooled embroudery and the white piping lining the tops and sides of the boots. I have had these since I was about 14 (almost 10 years ago!!), and I got them in Wyoming while I was on a month-long cross country trip with my family. In this trip, we planned to drive from our home on Pennsylvania to California, and back, and making as many scenic stops along the way. We saw the Badlands, the Grand Canyon, Yellow Stone, Route 66, and so many more! And the only souvenir I knew I wanted from the whole trip was a pair of cowboy boots. I saved up for months beforehand. And finally about 2 weeks into our trip, when we parked our RV in a campground near Yellow Stone, a store with all cowboy boots was right within walking distance. I picked these boots out, and they’ve held a place of prominence in my closet ever since!
The second and another new favorite is this prairie cropped blouse! I recently got this piece on Depop from a very sweet seller, @pdarm on the app if you’re a fellow Depop user like myself. In talking to the seller after buying this blouse, I found out that this top had actually belonged to her grandmother! It is a beautiful piece, and I feel quite honored to be able to give it a new life.
And lastly, I can’t forget the hair scarf! This was a piece I inherited from my grandmother after she passed away 2 years ago. She left me quite a collection of vintage scarves, and I’ve gotten so much use out of them this summer. She also had plenty of autumn colored scarves, so you’ll be seeing me wearing them well into the fall-time, too. I’m thinking of maybe even using them as a layering piece, tied like a tube top over a turtleneck and tucked into red high waisted pants. Can you tell I’m pumped for fall?
Thank you for reading my little remembrances here in this post! What are some of your most prized and special pieces in your closets? I would love to hear your stories, either down below in the comments or over on my Instagram @thegingerintrovert! I would love to chat 🙂
Read all about my experience buying from the popular Insta brand, my overall review of my purchase, and some tips for you!
Hello everyone!
If you’re like me and you love sustainable fashion, you might already know of Maison Cleo, the mother-daughter owned label based in northern France. They are known for their sustainability friendly tie-front tops, over-sized puffy sleeves, and the fact that each piece is hand made and to-order. Also… They infamously sell out in minutes every time their e-shop opens on Wednesdays. See an example of one of their Instagram posts below, of some of their new arrivals!
Now, I have been following the Maison Cleo Instagram account for a year or two, and I’ve always been besotted by said tie-front tops with the puffiest sleeves imaginable. I’ve also always been super impressed with how they keep it real about how they run their business. Marie Dewet, the daughter in the mother-daughter Maison Cleo team, is staunchly anti-fast fashion, and makes that known, both on her personal Instagram account and on Maison Cleo’s account itself. Recently, they even started a movement where they posted a “receipt” of what all goes into the making of each of their pieces. This receipt includes the fabric, the time of production, fees for shipping and Paypal, and others. But this exercise in clarity proved that Maison Cleo was committed to producing hand made ethical pieces for a fair price, and called for other fashion brands to do the same.
However, when I say fair price, I must also say that Maison Cleo blouses have always been out of my price range. But I knew that I would eventually want to invest in a piece from them, and was recently able to save up enough to buy my own. And, as with all luxury purchases (I imagine), it was an experience.
So first, I did a little daydreaming. Scrolling through the Maison Cleo Instagram and their e-shop, what pieces did I like the most? What would I get the most use out of, and what would be the most flattering on me?
I tried my best to strategize. Their clothes sold out so incredibly fast, I needed to know exactly the pieces I was most interested in. So a day or two before the e-shop opened, I picked three options. Two different styles of a red gingham and a blue gingham top (can you tell I love gingham??). I knew I would be happy with each, in case I tried to buy one and it winding up to be all sold out. I copied the links of the web pages to an email and sent it to myself, so that it might make my life a little easier when I was attempting to access the website on the day.
And then, the day before the shop opened, Maison Cleo posted a new piece they were listing the following day. It was a beautiful yellow gingham top, in a similar style to the others I had selected, with the same tie-front and puffy sleeves. This new addition changed the game. Yellow is my favorite color, if you didn’t know! So I copied down this new link in my email, and fell asleep so I would be ready to rumble in the morning.
I woke up on Wednesday morning on July 8th, and as the 12:30 opening time approached, I prepared myself. I brought up my email, opened each link, and did the same on my phone. To be honest, it felt a lot like I was waiting to buy concert tickets for someone like Taylor Swift or Harry Styles. Or, alternatively, if you’re a former college kid like me, it felt like when I signed up for my preferred housing choices when I was living in the dorms. That is, sitting on the edge of my seat and sweating it, re-re-re-loading until the moment the e-shop opened.
I refreshed the web page for the yellow gingham top, and at 12:30 exactly, I was allowed to choose my size. And it worked! I was so excited, and added it to my cart. Shooting up to the top of the web page, I attempted to check out.
This, my friends, is where I made my mistake.
In order to make a purchase through Maison Cleo’s website, you need to first have an account on their website. Which, of course, I did not know before logging on that morning… Big oops! Frantically, I autofilled all of my info to create my new account, and in the long run it only took about 30 seconds to do. But alas, it was too much time to take in order to keep their arguably most desirable piece in my basket, since it was their newest addition to the shop.
So, of course, it was too late. The yellow gingham was all sold out, and I couldn’t help but feel a teensy bit disappointed. But alas! I wasn’t going to give up just yet. I decided to check the other pieces that I had chosen before, and my next best choice, the blue gingham version of the same blouse, was still available! So, I was able to nab one in my size. I clicked on the check-out icon quick, put in my Paypal info, and voila! A Maison Cleo piece of my very own would be on it’s way to me.
And then, just about three weeks later came the magical moment where I received my package and opened it up!
Let me tell you, I was instantly enthralled! When I tried it on, it fit me like a glove. For reference, I got a size 40 (or a size L), and my measurements are 38″ bust, 32″ waist, and 42″ hip. The stitching and the overall quality of the garment was obviously extremely well done. The blue gingham fabric is so obviously of the highest quality. The collar is even way more intricate and artful than I was expecting… There are two flaps (for lack of a better word?) surrounded by the frilly, pleated detail along the edges. And do NOT GET ME STARTED on the puffy sleeves! This blouse was just everything I imagined it would be and more, and I know I’ll be wearing this piece for years and years to come.
I will say, while this is not necessarily a gripe since this is definitely an attribute of the top that I appreciate, I do think the front of the top should be addressed. The ties in the front leave a big enough gap expose quite a lot of midriff, cleavage, etc. It’s designed to be this way, and I do plan to just wear a bralette underneath it sometimes, even to just make it a little cooler for humid summer days. But in the interest of modesty, if you buy a similar top be prepared to have some tank tops or other light layering pieces to put under the top. What I ended up doing was wear a vintage royal blue scarf (that was once my grandma’s!) tied as a bandeau top beneath, so that a little skin was still exposed, but I didn’t flash the girls to unsuspecting passersby. I may even play around with this idea a little bit more too, maybe even wear some floral scarves beneath to peek through!
Overall, I would give this dreamy blouse an 11/10. Chef’s kiss. Tres bien. It was totally worth the wait (and the investment). I honestly have to restrain myself from wearing it every single day. I paired it with my favorite Levi’s here so we could just focus on the blouse itself, and I really do love how it looks with denim. But I’m also super excited to experiment with this blouse and pair it with some lemon yellow shorts, worn over a slip dress, or even with a pair of simple jean shorts also. The sky’s the limit, and as you all know, I’m pretty shameless.
So, if you’re interested in getting yourself a piece from Maison Cleo but you’re feeling intimidated by the competitive nature of their weekly e-shop opening, never fear! I have some tips for you.
First off, don’t be like me. Make a damn account profile ahead of time. Have multiple different options for pieces you would like to buy, and that way if your first choice sells out you can move onto the next. Have the links to each choice set aside ahead of time, and have them up, loaded, and ready to go well before the opening time. Also, know your measurements and size choice ahead of time! If you’re an American like me, the French sizing chart is a little bit more confusing, and you don’t want to accidentally buy the wrong size. And finally, while I’m not 100% sure if they accept payment through anything but PayPal, I would recommend just using the PayPal app so that check-out is quicker and you don’t have to worry about filling out all your shipping info in the heat of the moment.
What do you guys think of this look? I would love to hear your thoughts/feelings/emotions, and even suggestions on how to style it! Go on over to my Instagram @thegingerintrovert and connect with me there, I would love to chat!
The perfect layered outfit, even in the depths of summertime!
Hello everyone!
I bet you guys have been wondering what crazy outfit I would come up with next, right? Well even if you haven’t, this one may take the cake, despite the obvious lack of spandex or lycra. Gigantic bell sleeves with an Edwardian cuff? A dress with… vegetables on it?? Yes to all. I’m so in love with this outfit!
The slip dress is a recent thrift find on Depop, from one of my favorite vintage sellers, Saule Vintage. I’ve been into slip dresses this summer, and why not? They’re breezy and keep you cool, and are therefore super comfortable. And if you’re a Sex and the City fan like me, whenever I wear a slip dress I feel like Carrie Bradshaw (minus the thousand dollar Manolos). They’re also really fun to layer with. With turtleneck underneath in the fall time. With a chunky sweater overtop in the and boots in the winter. And, in this case, I chose a wrap top!
This particular piece was an investment from one of my favorite independent brands, Maison Cleo! I got this blouse, or as it’s formally named, the Silver Julie silk-mesh wrap top, on sale from their Net-A-Porter collection. I bought this blouse because of how versatile it is as a layering piece. It can be worn tied in the front or wrapped around the back. I have both styles modeled below. For layering in the summertime, I like how it looks tied in the front, so you can see the details of the bell pepper slip dress even better.
Here it is worn as a wrap top, which I think will be better suited for fall. I’m picturing this worn over a lacy black bra or a spaghetti strap tank top, with those Levi’s I wrote about in this post. Or, I’m also excited to pair this with a black and white plaid pleated skirt, along with some ankle boots! Can you tell I’m already pretty amped for fall?
I love to give you guys little behind-the-scenes snippets and stories, especially ones where I feel a little like a dingus. When I was showing my boyfriend these pictures after my ~hour long~ photoshoot, and he brought something to my attention. Before I left the house, I of course knew that I should check to make sure nothing was… showing through the white slip dress, if you catch my drift. In the light in my room, I didn’t notice anything. However, glaring natural light works differently! So in most of the pictures I took, you could see my light blue underwear through the slip dress. These were the pictures where you can’t see it, especially after editing them on Lightroom, as I usually do. But let me tell you, I’ve learned my lesson!
Also, my boyfriend likes to call this top the “shiny shirt,” like the quote in the last Lord of the Rings movie, “Hands off that shiny shirt!” Here’s a YouTube clip if you can’t remember the exact scene:
A classic summertime outfit, and one of my favorite online vintage shops!
Hello everyone!
Nothing seems more summery to me then gingham! It makes me think of long afternoons in a park, sitting on a red gingham picnic blanket reading a good book and a sandwich. It’s one of my favorite patterns, no matter the color. Especially since around this time in July I’m already thinking about the end of summer into the early fall, and what clothes and colors can be worn in this transitional period. Gingham of all kinds seems to fit the bill quite nicely, in my humble opinion!
This shirt is a thrift find from Goodwill that I’ve had for years now, and it’s still one of my very favorite shirts for the summer and early fall. It’s so classic with the red gingham and the small embroidered white flowers. The fact that it buttons down the back means that I can also cinch it in by tying it at the bottom, like I’ve done here, or leaving it be for a more relaxed look.
Now, let’s talk about these jeans. I got them from one of my favorite vintage stores on Instagram, called Saguaro Shoppe (@saguaroshoppe on Instagram). I had never owned a vintage pair of Levi’s jeans before these ones, since vintage sellers don’t typically stock my waist and hip size in Levi’s. However, when Saguaro Shoppe listed these, I found it hard to pass them up since it’s always been on my thrifting “bucket list” to get myself a pair. They were an investment, but now that I’ve been wearing them almost daily, it seems to have been a worthy one! I can’t recommend the shop enough, I’ve gotten many pieces from them and the seller is always super friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have. I can’t recommend them enough 🙂
The shop owner, Britt, has even kindly offered for my readers to use 10% off your purchase over at Saguaro Shoppe! Check out her Instagram to see all the vintage goodies, and if there’s one you would like to buy tell her in your DM message you read this blog post for 10% off your purchase! I hope you’re able to find a piece you love ❤
Want to see more from me? Head on over to my Instagram @thegingerintrovert and we can connect. I would love to hear from you!
Staying cool as a cucumber (or a peach) in this gingham seersucker outfit!
Hello everyone!
Lately, I have been obsessed with all things breezy and comfortable. However, even if I am a somewhat sweaty mess, I still want to be looking good in the summer heat. So, when it comes to keeping cool, I try to stick to lighter materials.
Enter these lovely gingham seersucker pants! They are the sweetest peach color that reminds me of all things summer… Think peaches and cream, sorbet, watermelon, the fluttering of your clothes as you walk along the oceanside.
Okay, okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but these pants are a dreamy thrifted find. I got them at a Goodwill last year, and I remember that they caught my eye because of the peach gingham, but they also caught my attention because of their seersucker texture. The added fact that they had pockets? I was sold.
Even though I typically don’t wear colored pants, the seersucker texture helps to distract from any belly that might stick out in a solid color high-waisted pant. Another thing I like about these are the fact that they seem to hit on the perfect place and highlight the smallest part of my waist, especially when I wear it with this white quarter-zip crop top.
This was another adorable vintage find on the Depop app! And to be completely honest with you? I actually wore the crop top backwards! The zipper was technically supposed to go in the back, and I had to cut the tag out of the collar near the zipper. But overall, I feel like the top is much more flattering on me when it’s worn like this. And, it adds an interesting element to the outfit overall, I think. I got this particular piece from @isabelleikpeme on Depop, and I would highly recommend her shop if you use the app, too! The top came really quickly after I ordered it, and Isabelle was a super sweet seller.
The final part of the outfit are the accessories! I usually go pretty light with my jewelry, so I only wore a pair of vintage gold half-hoops. The best part? I got these earrings for free! A while back, I was driving in my boyfriend’s neighborhood and a house had a bunch of things out for free, enough for a yard sale. So I picked through, and found a small basket filled with jewelry. So I picked up these, along with a bunch of other pairs to add to my collection! Vintage earrings are always my go-to when it comes to accessorizing, and my collection has become quite extensive. So, keep an eye out for a future post all about my vintage earring collection!
And finally, if you’re curious about my blue eye makeup as well, I wrote all about it in my recent Glossier Skywash Review! I wear this eye makeup look nearly every day, and I tell you all about my secret weapon to making the Skywash eyeshadow last there.
What have you been wearing so far this summer? Let me know all about your favorite summertime pieces below in the comments, or come connect with me on Instagram @thegingerintrovert! I am almost at 400 followers over there, so please be sure to go on and follow me over there to see my daily posts and Insta stories, where I post all about what I get up to every day! I am also posting an IGTV a week as well, and this week I am posting a new Picnic Chat where I talk all about my tips for thrift shopping on Depop to stay safe during the Pandemic. You won’t want to miss it!
A cute thrifted summer look and a few lessons learned.
Hello everyone!
It is officially summertime, and where I live in Pennsylvania, we are feeling it! With the temperatures rising and the humidity making it seem even hotter, I think we’re all trying to stay as cool as possible. So, when I’m dressing for the day, my motto is the breezier the better!
I have no shortage of pretty floral dresses in my closet to keep me cool during the summertime. But… we all know I’m a thrift nut, so I’m always on the hunt for a new addition to my collection. Usually at this time of the year, I’m going to my local Goodwill or my favorite church charity shop and I’m picking up new house dresses and the like. However, what with the Pandemic going on, all of these thrift shops are closed!
Enter Depop.
Now, I’m no stranger to Depop. I’ve been using this app for years, and I even sold clothes on there for a little while. But since Miss ‘Rona came to town, I’ve been using the app more and more. I found this adorable romper on one of my daily swipe-throughs and fell in love. It was your typical thrifting romance. And in the words of Ariana Grande, I saw it, I like it, I wanted it, I got it. But, I did make a blunder or two in the process between buying and wearing this romper that you can learn from!
What I liked the most about this romper were all the details that gave it character. The scalloped neckline, the buttons, the fluttery sleeve, and the ties on the waist and back all make this romper unique. This is exactly what I look for when I’m thrifting, either in person or online. These little details that seem to make the garment in question something special, and set it apart. And, when it arrived in the mail, it did not disappoint! This is such a fun and *breezy* little number that I will definitely be wearing all summer long.
Now. I also will tell you a few things that went wrong with this little venture into online thrifting. I made a few rookie mistakes with this purchase that I will share with you. First off, the seller only had one picture of the romper on the listing. I could zoom in on the buttons and the neckline, but not well enough to see that there was a button missing. Also, when I took the romper out of its mailer, I realized there wasn’t a zipper on the back or the side! Meaning, I had to button myself in and out of this thing whenever I… say… had to use the bathroom? Now, for a girl such as myself who likes to keep herself hydrated, this might have been a deal-breaker had I known before buying.
And finally… There was no care label. So I threw it into the washer with the intention to hang it up to dry. Now, this may seem fine to some of you. But other seasoned thrifters may be groaning internally, already knowing what I’m about to say. Even on the most delicate cycle setting, some clothes just aren’t designed to be put in the wash. Especially vintage ones. When I took it out of the wash, there were luckily no holes that had formed in the material, but the pretty scalloped neckline had come apart at the seams in some spots.
Now as you can see in these pictures… The damage isn’t too bad overall. The romper is still pretty and wearable, and you can bet I’ll still be wearing this weekly! I’m probably being too hard on myself. But it’s just enough to make it noticeable in some spots. I’m going to repair it and steam the neckline to hopefully make it what it once was, but I’m still frustrated with myself!
I’m telling you this so that you all can learn from my mistakes! Here are my tips: If you’re interested in an item online (not just on Depop!), ask the seller to post more pictures if they don’t have many up already. Ask to see the care tag (if there is one), the back, up-close shots of the details. Ask where the zipper is. You may think you’re being annoying, but the sellers worth working with will be happy to answer your questions.
And, when in doubt, take your clothes to the dry cleaner. My kingdom for an in-house dry cleaner. Do those even exist??
The Ginger Introvert 