Hearst Castle

I grew up in California but I'd never been to Hearst Castle until a few weekends  ago.  I expected a normal size Victorian mansion with some castle-like features. Boy was I wrong!  It was overwhelming to look at.  I enjoyed taking photos of it.

Side balconies on the great house.  Hearst was a cowboy and called the whole place "The Ranch".

Beautiful medieval doors.

The view looking back down toward the entrance from the guest house landing.

Wouldn't it have been fun to wear this dress to a lavish party in the 40's?

The lady lanterns inside the indoor theatre.

The fence surrounding the outdoor pool.

One wall in the guest house which had 4 bedrooms.

 

Autumn Comes

I love Autumn in California.  We stopped in a little town on our trek to Southern Cali and found this adorable little market.  I wanted to buy one of everything: gourds, apples, honey, bread, fudge, goat milk lotion and Apple Pie!  

charming Outdoor Market in Templeton, CA

R.I.P. Camera...Look SHOES!

Well my camera died when my mom and I got caught in a rogue wave/riptide.  Thank the Lord, it was the only thing that died!  So I'm not sure how I will do my regular blog posts, but that's ok.
Here are some fun shoes I've seen while perusing some magazines and the internet.  What do you think?  Would you wear these?  What would you wear them with?
Discuss.

bye Yves Saint Laurent

by Alexander McQueen

by Roger Vivier

When you're budgeting your shoe shopping, don't forget to help those who must make do!

What are you doing?

For those of you not familiar with fashion blogs and "outfit posts" I wanted to explain.  The intention is not to show off, but to share with other bloggers who are interested in fashion, clothing and sewing.  It's kinda like a do-it-yourself, average people, community fashion magazine.  Here are some of my favorite fashion bloggers: (click on the pics to check out their beautiful blogs)

Enjoy!

Thank you for bloggin on in :)

Renaissance Dream

I was so inspired by the Art Museum that Dody took me to.  I always gravitate toward art that includes clothing.  I loved looking at the details in these works, depicting the clothing of the time.

I think that's why I dreamed about this dress design for my niece to wear.  My fashion illustration skills are sadly lacking, but you get the drift.  It would be mostly blue velvet, smocked at the top with an orange collar  and gold button details.

Blush Pink Polkadot Twist

Music to view by: A Fine Frenzy "Electric Twist"

Thoughts are whizzing through my head in a pink cloud right now, so I don't have many words today.  I hope your Fall brings as many exciting new ventures as mine!
(sweater: vintage, thrifted, brooch: Gramma's, tee: Sears, jeans: hand-me-down, shoes: ebay)
I will forever be inspired by the Lord's handiwork:

Another Brick in the Wall

"Hey Teacher!" I felt kinda "schoolgirl" in this outfit today, too.  It's been cooler here, Fall is moving in and the kids are already back to the books.  I don't ever remember ending summer vacation before September when I was a kid. I feel sorry for munchkins nowadays that have to get on the yellow bus while it's still August.  I think I used to get more excited about shopping for notebooks and pencils than any other part of the back to school process.
I just can't stop wearing my new favorite necklace that I bought at the public garden that David took me to.  There were the same beautiful yellow butterflies all over the grounds.  It was a special day in a lovely place that I'll never forget.  I gathered these seashells on the beach to make another necklace.  As we sat in the sand with the tide washing over us, I grabbed any pieces that had orangey stripes to match my sweetheart's gorgeous ginger hair.
Because it's now stuck in my head, I'll share it with you.  Don't miss the nice guitar solo near the end!
(top:F21, skirt:dress I bot on my trip, Macy's clearance for $5! Woohoo!, sandals: Rite Aid)