Showing posts with label vintage fashions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vintage fashions. Show all posts

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Day 10: the Balancing Act (as told through vintage advertisements)

It is day ten at the Institute, and Mrs. Marple decided that it was time to address something that often challenges us in the pursuit of fine living: time management.

She commented about how busy we all are today, and how it is difficult to keep a balance between diligence (a necessarily quality for fine living) and burn-out.


The pressures on our time are numbered. First there's the expectation that we will put in a full day of work, because "what you do" often equates to "who you are" (a fact that clearly bugs Mrs. Marple).

But work is only the start. Then you're supposed to keep a clean and tidy house. Wearing heels. The heels are important. As is the apron.

And like it. Oh...you better like it.

And of course cooking is crucial (as is keeping the kids away from narcotics, which apparently this well-manicured mother has overlooked).

You are expected to make sure that kids have a well balanced meal. Although these parents might be more concerned that their son is clearly a serial killer waiting to happen. He's horrifying.

Multi-tasking is an obvious must. Like organizing your food in colorful tupperware while also catching up on the latest news.

And of course there are the garden-variety pressures of maintaining appearances so that you can enjoy a night out on the town with your friends (who are also clearly using some kind of narcotic...what was in the punch, I wonder?).


And with our rising health costs, it is important that you make time daily for fitness.

Do it for your country. Do it for yourself.

And yes--apparently these sexy sauna pants were a real product. They claim to slenderize exactly where you want in an amazing one-size-fits-all easily inflatable model.

Finally, after all of the above is accomplished, you also have to pursue those intimate times. Thankfully there are fashionable temptations like the above swim shorts to aid you.

As does this his-and-hers cowboy attire. Nothing is sexier. Except maybe that hairstyle.

And if you're really struggling, you can opt for these matching white jumpers. Because let's be honest--we all could use some help from time to time.

Mrs. Marple warned us that capitulating to all of these pressures on our time, appearance and mind can drain our creativity, which is the keystone of fine living. And though there are no easy tricks to keeping the right balance, practice can help.

As can white jumpers.

See you in class tomorrow!

Previous Days at the Institute:
Day 9: Pink, Pink & Pink
Day 8: Ditching Class
Day 5: Getting Ahead

Friday, August 14, 2009

Five Things I'm Loving this Friday

It is a cloudy Friday, so my end-of-the-summer plans to lounge by the pool soaking up rays while reading books suddenly looks a little gray.

But I'm not worried.
I have other things to tickle my fanc
y. Here are five things I'm loving on this cloudy Friday afternoon:


These earrings, which I'm raffling off today. I love the fresh green color, don't you? They'll be a reminder of summer during the whole year!


These strawberry cupcakes
With strawberry frosting. I had a hankering for them when I saw a photo of a similar sugary delight on a blog last week. So I consulted Martha, and found a recipe. After a few modifications and a lot of licking the frosting beaters, I now have strawberry goodness to last all week!


These vintage fashions.
Oh how I wish I was born in a bygone era... (for more info and links on these dresses, click here.)


This cardigan I'm knitting with fervor.
Yes, it is probably the fifth cardigan I've tried, and yes, all of the others were disasters. But what can I say? I'm shamelessly hopeful that this is the The One that will turn out.


And these socks, which I just finished.
Didn't I tell you that summer was a great time to knit--if not wear--socks? They're complete in plenty of time for fall weather!

Hope you enjoy your Friday!

Previous Related Posts:
Creative Hour: Wool Socks in Summer
Crave
Box Store Boycott
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