Two Things at the Same Time

I don't really seem to be able to handle doing two things at the same time.  To wit, I've been posting semi-frequently on a different blog, The Great Vintage Sewalong of 2011, and have dropped off the face of the earth here at Dum Spiro Spero.


Here's what I've been busy working on:

Isn't it cute?  The dress is from 1941.  I'm making it out of a deep pink velvet.  And I'm hoping to have it completed by Valentine's Day.


I've sewn it up in muslin once, made some alterations, and sewed up the bodice part again in muslin.  This is how it looks:

I'm happy with my progress, so I'm ready to cut it out in the fashion fabric and to proceed.


It's a vintage dress party over at the other blog.  Do stop by and check out all the fun garments people are making!

My Brilliant Career

It was pure serendipity that led me to stumble upon the film, My Brilliant Career.  Frankly, I am surprised that the reams of fashion bloggers out there haven't jumped on this film like they did with say, Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975).  I have polled the audience and even among my Aussie friends I have not found anyone who has seen it.  Rather than being excited about discovering such a gem, I am disheartened that more do not know it, as this is a film to be relished and loved.

The story plays out quite simply: a young Australian girl has little else to live for in her life than her dreams.  After falling in love with a wealthy man, however, she is forced to choose between love and the dream of a "brilliant career."  The plot line is simple, yet I was captivated by every moment of it.  The main star, Judy Davis, lights up the screen and her chemistry with costar Sam Neill is palpable.  The character, Sybylla Melvyn, reminds me of another auburn-haired beauty, Anne Shirley (of the Anne of Green Gables series).  She is fiery and independent, and I must say, an inspiration to me.  The film seemed to be Anne of Green Gables-cum-Picnic at Hanging Rock-cum-Days of Heaven.   If you have seen the latter two films, then you know how slow-moving, yet achingly beautiful they are, possessing sublime cinematography.  This movie follows suit.


My Brilliant Career is currently available as a Watch Instantly option on Netflix (or you can rent the DVD).  You can also download a free copy of the novel for Kindle, PC, or other device at Project Gutenberg.

Below are some screenshots of the film.  Drop me a line if you end up watching this (or if you've already seen it) and let me know what you think!


XOXO,

Vintage Berlin

Thanks so much for all the comment love I got on my last post-- you guys are so lovely! It's so nice to get positive feedback every now and again:) It's also nice to know that there are people out there who actually read what I write!

I know I posted about Berlin last time, but I'm not quite finished yet. I promise after this post, I'll stop living in the past and will write about what's going on in my current town, Dubai.

I'm a big fan of the "outfit post," although I haven't quite gotten the hang of it quite yet (see Liebemarlene, Strawberry Koi, Some Girls Wander..., Clever Nettle, Sally Jane Vintage, Casey's Elegant Musings, etc. for better examples). These girls have mastered the art of romantic settings (think train tracks, moss-covered trees, cemeteries, historic mansions), the lens flare, soft lighting... Truth be told, even if I could learn these techniques, I'm not usually wearing outfits that are really deserving of their own outfit post. I'm usually living out of a suitcase, which means my outfit/accessory/shoes choices are VERY limited.

Dress - Vintage, found in a Berlin vintage shop

Cardigan - borrowed from Corrie's closet
Tights - Hue
Boots - Madden Girl, bought at DSW last year
Scarf - (not pictured because it blew off in transit and is forever lost) Corrie's, CNC

I absolutely fell in love with the shops in Berlin. We got around on bicycle (something new to this American girl-- don't try that in our cities, unless you have a death wish!), which meant I had ample time to check out little shops-- and pull over and stop when time allowed! They have a plethora of shops just stocked to the brim with vintage dresses and shoes and what-not. I was in hog heaven, and without the prohibitive price tags, lack of suitcase space, and the flagging US dollar, I might have gone overboard!

Alas, I allowed myself only one item... and that was the creamy lace dress seen above (better picture at the top!). I had been looking for just such a dress for a while, and had even seen contenders at Modcloth and Ruche, but I'm glad I waited as this one is one-of-a-kind (it even appears to be homemade!). There was also something about wearing a dress while riding a bike that made me feel super cute:)

A parting picture of me and Corrie in the local neighborhood photobooth (seriously, it's on the corner outside Corrie's apartment-- shouldn't all neighborhoods have photobooths?!?) goofing off.

Okay, next time I'll tell you a little bit about life in Dubai. Promise.

XOXO,