Cause A Frockus

My Vintage Fashion New Years Resolution

Jan 6, 2016 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns

It’s prime time for fresh starts and exciting adventures. This year I started a few new traditions – a thankful journal (every night I write down all the things I want to give thanks for), a happiness catalog (magazine clippings of inspirational images, quotes, etc.), and I switched up my New Years resolution approach. In the past I would list out all the goals I wanted to accomplish – some were unrealistic, while others were mundane – but the result was the same: it felt overwhelming. This year I tried a different process. I wrote down a few things I want to leave behind (for me that included not worrying about things before they become an issue), a few things I want to take with me into this year (reading before bed and listening to music while I make dinner, to name a couple), and lastly some things I wanted to improve upon this year. I spent a good portion of 2015 in self-reflection, focused on my emotional well-being. This year I want to start spending as much time appreciating the outer me as I dedicate to the inner me. This goal led me to my vintage fashion New Years resolution. I went through my closet and selected a trio of dresses that I adore but haven’t spent as much time with as of late. I’m resolving to change all that and make new memories with these beauties. Let me know what your resolutions are in the comments!

Sapphire princess

To my favorite blue dress (pictured above) – just looking at you makes me smile. I remember when we first met at Funky Finds in Des Moines. I immediately gravitated toward your simple, clean lines and once I tried you on I knew we would be the best of friends. Every time I wear you (especially with my pearls) I feel like a million bucks. Your structure complements mine and your color sparkles against my ivory skin (my pale complexion sometimes makes me feel self conscious – but with you around I’m strong and inspired!). I can recall a trip to the grocery store when I received compliments from three different ladies in the produce section – I was still grinning ear to ear as we unloaded the heaps of grocery bags. Bottom line: I feel happy and beautiful with you around, so this year I endeavor to spend more time with you. I promise to get out of my “pants and a cute top” rut, find those cute pumps you like so much, and go run errands in style!

Yellow rose

You are a ray of sunshine – from your vibrant color to your full skirt (that just begs to be enjoyed by spinning around in circles), I feel pretty playful when I’m with you. Adding you as my stow-away during my trip to Portland was one of the best shopping decisions I ever made! Trying you on for the first time behind the heavily curtained fitting room at Simply Vintage, I felt lighter. Somehow empowered – like anything was possible.

I remember the day when this photo was taken – in downtown Austin, getting ready to explore my new city. I felt like I needed some sort of intro music on my journey. Something upbeat. Something Mary Tyler Moore would have for her “walking down the sidewalk” soundtrack. This year, on the first clear and sunny day – it’s you and me kid. We’ll go downtown to a park, grab an ice cream treat and feel a light breeze embrace as we soak up a new year in a familiar city.

Sparkling skirt

You are the newest addition to my wardrobe, but the oldest. We don’t know each other that well yet, but you knew my great grandma Iva. She bought you on a trip to Mexico as a present for my grandma. Grandma Carolyn wore you whenever her mom would give presentations about their trip. I wonder if grandma wore you on an occasion when you weren’t called into duty. I’ll have to ask. I haven’t even worn you yet, but I’ve often pulled you out of the closet to admire your beautiful details and construction. This year I will get the elastic in your waist band replaced so I can whisk you away from the confines of the closet. And we’ll do something fun – no more working vacations for you!

Because it will be our first adventure together, I have something special planned (naturally). We’re going to create a new memory together. Once the weather warms, you and I are heading to the Mexic-Arte Museum. We’ll enjoy art, culture, and who knows, someone may be able to tell me more about your history. I am excited to see how we get along – I promise to let you be the diva you are by pairing you with a simple top and minimal jewelry. Of the trio, I must admit I’m most excited about you because I have no idea how our friendship will develop. Here’s to making our new adventures count!

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For our readers – if you could write to your top three vintage dresses or skirts, what would you say?

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