Made in Dagenham

Today's styling inspiration comes from the 2010 film Made in Dagenham. The film is set in 1960s England involving an all-female branch of Ford Motor Company, where the women workers stage a strike to protest gender discrimination, and stars Sally Hawkins (along with Rosamund Pike, who is clearly one of my faves as she keeps appearing in these posts).

The costuming features bright colors, big florals, A-line skirts, and short hemlines--- elements that can be easily incorporated into today's trends.

Made in Dagenham, set 1 by helloblythe featuring high rise shorts

Made in Dagenham, set 2 by helloblythe featuring enamel brooches

Made in Dagenham, set 3 by helloblythe featuring teal heels

Made in Dagenham, set 4 by helloblythe featuring a waist belt

Similar posts:
The Edge of Love
An Education 

Conscientious Shopping

31 Bits and Krochet Kids International are Orange County based nonprofits I've become familiar with in the past couple years (we did a Christmas gift guide that included both of them when I worked at The OC Gazette Magazine). I received an awesome Krochet Kids knit laptop case from my sister in law for Christmas that year after putting it on my list, but that Christmas and this past Christmas I put some things from both 31 Bits and Krochet Kids on my list that I didn't get, so I dipped into my generosity fund (a portion of my income I devote to being an actively more generous person) and got myself some things.

I'm aware that true generosity probably ought not involve a payback for me (in this case necklaces and a tote bag), but I couldn't resist this time around. It's not a habit I encourage myself to regularly do, but I felt good about doing it this time. Besides, both nonprofits represent great causes I really believe in, so I want to support them.

From 31 Bits, I chose the Meadowsweet Necklace in yellow (pictured below),

and the Riverbed Necklace (in the two photos below):

From Krochet Kids, I ordered this tote bag:

 Elsie Larson blogged recently about Radiant Cosmetics (an organization that focuses on fighting human trafficking in the world by supporting justice initiatives through the sale of cosmetics), and I was inspired to share these other great organizations with you. I think we can all make an impact-- not "only" through donating time or money (both awesome ways to help!), but also through the things we choose to spend money on and the missions we support in the process.

Are there any great nonprofits you'd like to spread the word about? Leave a comment; I'd love to know about them!

Interview Apparel

Interview outfit by helloblythe featuring a knee length pencil skirt

I had an interview this week at a company that I would really, really love to work for. When I first heard the job description, I had the rare feeling that I would be perfect for the job, and when I landed an interview, I was overjoyed. My main trouble was choosing the perfect interview outfit; I needed to look business casual, while simultaneously being very fashion forward. You'd understand if I told you the company and the position, but I'm going to hold off on that for now.

Anywho, above is the look I came up with: a silky but structured collared top from Madewell's spring collection in a bright poppin' purple (a color I seldom wear, but secretly adore), a chambray pencil skirt from H&M (a friend and I debated over whether it was too casual, but I ended up sticking with it), a silver envelope clutch from Madewell (couldn't find it on Polyvore, so I used a similar one from Zara for the mood board), glittery croquet shoes from Aldo, a tiny chambray bow from H&M pinned onto my collar (similar to the one above, but without the stones), and a brushed "gold" stone ring from Banana Republic (similar to the one above).

Here's a cheesy shot I took in my bathroom before leaving for the interview (I ended up ditching the bracelet [partially with Coco Chanel in mind], but it's from J. Crew, if you're wondering):

Really really really REALLY hope I get the job!

SEEING --- a photography class by Shannon Leith

 I had the wonderful privilege of attending my dear friend Shannon Leith's SEEING classes last Saturday, and wanted to share a bit about that with you. SEEING is a photo class that helps people discover their unique vision; it's a photography class that takes a fresh approach.  Through a ten week experience, Shannon teaches you how your eyes see light and how to tap into your own unique vision of the world. She helps you gain confidence in your vision as an artist through both group sessions and one-on-one mentoring.

The day started at 10am and was filled with amazing exercises in seeing light, learning to slow down, be patient, and push ourselves to see things differently. We spent a good chunk of time with a white vase-- walking around it, seeing how the light hit it differently when we stood in different places, and the things our changed perspectives caused us to notice. At one point, I was struck with [slightly terrified] awe at the realization of the millions of possibilities that exist with just a white vase. To me, that translated into infinite possibilities for myself, for my art, and for my whole life.

The day lasted till 5pm and was filled with other amazing things like lunch at Heirloom Cafe, portraiture in the courtyard nearby, and a solitary walk with our cameras in hand.

It was an incredible day-- not only because I got to see my marvelous best friend do one of the things she does so very well, but also because I stepped further into my unique vision of the world and what is beautiful in it specifically to me. Below are a few photos from the day, including some of my favorite things Shannon said during our time together.

"Discovering your artistic vision requires slowing down. 

It takes time for the bread to rise." 

(btw I made that bread! It was my first go at it, and it turned out awesome! I've made two more loaves since! I use this recipe ....that calls for 8-18 hours for the bread to rise)

"Moving toward your unique vision can be a really lonely experience
because no one sees the world the way you do."

Read more about SEEING here, or visit Shannon's site here.

$50 DRY Vintage Giveaway!

My friend Amanda started a vintage etsy shop called DRY Vintage + Thrift and I was so excited when she told me she wanted to do a $50 gift certificate giveaway on my blog!

Amanda has flawless taste, and her shop is a carefully curated collection of on trend vintage pieces. I love the thrill of wearing a great vintage piece and knowing I'm not going to bump into someone wearing the same piece.

I love this drop waist tribal dress from DRY:

To enter to win a $50 credit to DRY:
1) "Like" Dry Vintage + Thrift on Facebook
2) Become a follower of my blog on bloglovin or google reader
3) Leave a comment with your favorite DRY Vintage piece, how you're following, your email address (so I can let you know if you're the winner!)

+1 extra entry if you tweet: "I entered to win a $50 credit to DRY Vintage! http://bit.ly/xnY8EL @dryvtgandthrift @blitheblythe"

And check out DRY's tumblr as well! This giveaway will close and a winner will be randomly selected next Monday, January 30th at noon, PST! Good luck to you!

C.Z. Guest Style

My friend Ashley posted the above photo of 1960s Palm Springs socialite C.Z. Guest, swooning over the crisp simplicity of her preppy look, so I whipped together a contemporary equivalent on polyvore:

C.Z. Guest (for Ashley) by helloblythe featuring round frame sunglasses


I might have to nab those shoes myself!

An Education

 

Tonight I'm inspired by the costumes in the 2009 film An Education, featuring my girl Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard (Rosamund Pike, another fave, also). The film is set in 1960s suburban London, and the outfits shift between English schoolgirl and London socialite. Brocade shifts, voluminous updos, oversized hats, and other delightful '60s nuances make appearances in the film. 

An Education, set 1 by helloblythe featuring a heart necklace

An Education, Set 2 by helloblythe featuring clutch handbags

An Education, set 3 by helloblythe featuring knit gloves


Click here to see a similar post about the film The Edge of Love.