Junk Love: And a Ship to Sail Her By

As we creep closer to the 4th of July, I find myself yearning for saltwater taffy and sand between my toes. As an adult, I would never go to the beach at this time of year--too many people for my taste. But fireworks at the beach defines the summers of my childhood. We didn't go to fancy hotels or quiet beaches. Nope, it was the lights and kitsch of Myrtle Beach, back when the Pavilion still existed. The Fourth of July was all about the rickety Log Flume and walking the Boardwalk with wet shorts to get dipped ice cream cones and spend all our money in the Gay Dolphin. And then it was rushing back to the cheap hotel to crowd onto our balcony just in time for the bursts of light in the sky. I tend to get nostalgic this time of year, and if you follow our blog, you'll notice a lot of nautical, red, blue, and beachy-type things. Like today, where we are focusing on sailing-influenced fashion. This graphic sailboat dress is a dream come true:

On Etsy

This Malia dress still has sailboats, although they are a little more abstract:

On Etsy

And nothing is better than a big, bold Vera:

On Etsy

One of my favorite things in our shop is this 1960s drop-waist skort dress:

In our shop

And I love the applique on this 70s wrap skirt!

On Etsy

If you're not into red, white, and blue nautical, you could always go for something a little more intellectual, like this 1950s skirt with maps, globes, compasses, ships, and sea monsters in the print. Love it!

On Etsy

Or this one with sailboats and nautical info for Nantucket Sound:

On Etsy

Nautical flags and anchors are a great way to pay homage to the sea without dressing like a sailor:

On Etsy

In our shop

Or perhaps your own little sailboat! On your finger, of course....

On Etsy

Junk Love: Red, White, & Blue

On Etsy

It's no secret that one of our favorite color combinations is red, white, and blue. One of the Blackbird girls has a collection of scarves that fit this description, and if you look at the other Blackbird's assortment of Vera scarves, you'll find quite a few variations on the good old red, white, and blue. For us, it's a happy combination. Yes, it's typical of the Fourth of July, but it's also graphic and makes us feel good.

With this in mind, we've decided to throw an imaginary party, where we actually fit into vintage bathing suits and no one is too ashamed to wear a crop top and shorts. Indulge us, dear reader, as we dive into the fantasy....

I haven't worn a two-piece since I was four, but I'd be willing to give it a shot in this one:

On Etsy

Seriously, can it get cuter than this? No. No, it can't.

On Etsy

On Etsy

And just in case we're not feeling brave enough to show skin, we've got plenty of bold prints to choose from:

In our shop

On Etsy

On Etsy

With the grooviest accessories:

In our shop

On Etsy

Weiss brooch, On Etsy

On Etsy

On Etsy

And of course every party needs drinks. What better way to serve than with bold stripes?

On Etsy

On Etsy

Now, isn't this a party you'd want to come to?

Vera Vault: Patriotic Edition

Happy 4th of July, Blackbird readers!  We're still trying to get back to our normal blog routine, but I thought I could share some red, white and blue Vera scarves with you while you're (hopefully) cramming your face with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and other cookout goodies.  Enjoy the festiveness of these Vera Neumann beauties, and then party on!

Junk Love Monday: Love is Red, White, & Blue

I have always been drawn to red, white, and blue. I just love the combination. In fact, I have a collection of scarves in this patriotic scheme. Their place of honor is on my (navy) bedroom wall, draped on a wall-mounted coat rack. They make a beautiful cascade of different patterns and shades.

So, in honor of the 4th, and as tribute to my many scarves, I decided to search Etsy for other adorable items that pay tribute to the good old flag. Say, if I got a time  machine, and then I got an invitation to a cook-out in the 1940s, maybe I would need a cute dress:

vintagecurve

And with such a cute dress, perhaps I would need a brooch to accessorize:

TheBackShak

Or, if I thought I might need to know what time it is:

hensnest10

But, having a watch might remind me that I have a time machine, and that I could pop in on a party in the 1950s. If so, a change of wardrobe would be necessary:

LeMollusque

With these shoes:

vintagerunway

Properly accessorized, of course:

QuiltsETC

But, I wouldn't be able to stay very long, because I'd be on the way to a 1960s shindig. With, perhaps, a pool? July is so very hot, you know. I'd probably start with this (modesty is a virtue, or something--really, it's so fabulous, I'd wear it in the desert if I had to):

RanchQueenVintage

But, eventually I'd get hot, so I'd have to change into something a little breezier:

MissSunnyDayz

Properly accessorized, of course:

TabbysVintageShop

Until it was time for swimming, in two acts:

FearlessVintage

rudysroundup

All that swimming would probably make me hungry, but I would have to wait at least 30 minutes to eat, so I might as well use that time to skip to the 70s and see what's up. Again, a wardrobe change would be necessary. It's time to salute my shorts:

DorisVintage

Did I mention that it's a skating party?

cupolavintage

Whew! All this partying has done me in. And made me want to wear all of my red, white, & blue scarves (at the same time!). Now, you should get ready for your own festivities. Might I suggest starting with something from our shop?

BlackbirdAntiquesNC