Thursday Purseday: A Tote for All Weather

Our first day in Puerto Rico we ventured into Old San Juan to grab a bite, explore, and join a friend who was hosting a party for us. After noshing, we wandered down Calle del Sol.

Credit: superpigs4all via Flickr; used with permission.

Almost all of us had our cameras out, capturing the gorgeous light and amazing architecture. I love that even standing side by side, none of our photos are never the same. Before this photo was taken, we'd stopped at the intersection to admire how the sunset was reflected in the clouds over the Caribbean. I shared my photo of this view on Tuesday; check out my friend's photo for a completely different take.

The outfit I wore for strolling was my favorite of the trip, purchased just for our honeymoon. I actually designed the outfit around my purse (a John Romain straw basket purse I fell in love with and couldn't resist adding to my collection). I'm taking liberties with the Thursday Purseday meme today (as I did with the Tuesday Shoesday meme earlier this week).

With the exception of my black hat (I got a straw hat but couldn't find a way to pack it without crushing it), everything was purchased on Etsy and is vintage or retro from the 1950s or 1960s; the shoes were either from 1970s or 1980s.

My Treasures: Red polka dot drop waist dress by Kerry Brooke, Sears and Roebuck, from Trolley LA Vintage; Butterscotch sandals by Pappagallo from White Fluffy Clouds, NOS; Lucite bangle bracelets from Better in Time and Ann Primrose; Leather trimmed straw basket purse by John Romain from Angels Camp. Total Price: $127.98

I think the reason I loved the outfit so much was that it fit (no tailoring needed), was flattering to my figure, and was comfortable.

"Discipline makes you the woman you are rather than a hodgepodge of everyone else's ideas chosen without consideration of your own coloring and proportions. Fashion ideas are meant to be copied and borrowed, but be careful in your selection. It's a little like borrowing clothes, something you wouldn't dream of doing from someone whose looks you admire but whose type is no more yours than the man in the moon. 

[Don't] confuse discipline with hardness or calculation. Look around you and you'll see that the most delightfully casual women ate those who know exactly what they're doing and why. 

Know who you are, what you stand for-your enthusiasms, your ambitions, your hopes ... ."

- Anne Fogarty, Wife-Dressing, c.1959, p.10

I'll reveal what I carried in my purse in a later post. You'll be amazed at what fit in it!

Have you designed an outfit around a purse before? Did you love it?

Ciao Bella!

Eden

 

Credits: First image taken by superpigs4all; all other images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for A Timeless Affair.