Spring Time Tea Time

Cheers to spring and lovely tea party weather. This embroidered dress from http://www.oasap.com/ was perfect to celebrate the occasion with a cup of tea in the park. This adorable little dress can be found at http://www.oasap.com/dresses/54030-green-sleeveless-flare-embroidered-dress.html. Featured in this post is a 50's leather handbag, vintage gloves, parasol, pearl necklace, and beautiful antique cup. 

I was very inspired by the style of Alice in Wonderland. This picture accurately shows what I was influenced by: 

"It's always tea time." -Mad Hatter

And of course, I leave you off with my favorite woman in the world, as we share a cup of tea together.

Samsonite Silhouette

Last week the weather decided to provide me some pearly white snow for this shoot. It was the perfect addition to finish off the winter season with this look! Featured in this post is a suede coat with a mink fur collar, brown leather and tweed gloves, green Samsonite luggage, and a handmade hat, (all vintage, duh).

This location was a historic train station, which fit just nicely with my green luggage. 

My vintage hat is an original by a designer known as Margie Golick. I tried my best to research her and came to nothing. Finding older designers that aren't widely known intrigues me. The more you find out about independent individuals, the more you learn about vintage design all together. It also gives you a sense of luxury knowing you might also have a one of a kind. 

Featured in these vintage ads for Samsonite is my exact luggage set! Founded in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder, he named one of his first pieces the "Samson" after the strongman from the Bible. The brand later became known as "Samsonite" in 1941. They were very popular and loved for their strong suitcases that were also lightweight, and came in fun colors and designs.

As beautiful and rare as these pieces are, you can get a very good deal on https://www.etsy.com/ or http://www.ebay.com/. Just because they are old doesn't mean you still can't travel with them. They are built strong and have adorable compartments which range depending on which piece you find. The lining on the inside usually matches the outside, adding a touch of old glamour.

DIFFA

Last night I had the privilege of attending DIFFA for the first time. DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Against AIDS) raises money for organizations that help fight against HIV/AIDS. Each year they host the biggest fashion show/performance in Dallas, known as House of DIFFA. They are also known for their famous jacket auctions that I gladly had the opportunity to be apart of. Money raised goes directly to the charities. 

Vintage attire was the only way to go for me. Black and white, tuxedo inspired, paired with white gloves and a beaded purse. 

Here is how it went throughout the night! I got to auction off these beautiful men's suit jackets. From left to right is a Robert Graham, Billy Reid, and Theory. These were some of the most sought after pieces of the night. I think I realized that I love working with menswear.

After working hard, I had the chance the to view the beautiful and well choreographed show. Here are my super professional camera phone pictures.

A great organization to donate to is the AIDS Outreach Center (AOC), founded in 1986 by volunteers to help HIV+ individuals in Fort Worth deal with end of life issues. Today, AOC stands as the largest AIDS service organization in Tarrant County in the fight against HIV. Through an approach of outreach, prevention and community information programs, AOC educates the public about HIV prevention while offering free and/or low-cost services to HIV+ individuals and their families. If you would like to donate to this great cause go to http://www.aoc.org/get-involved#donate.