Late Bloomer

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“After women, flowers are the most divine creations.” – Christian Dior

There is something remarkable about flowers’ unmistakable beauty, fragrance, and natural wonder that helps lift spirits and brings smiles to those who receive them. Now that it is officially spring, many beautiful flowers are in full bloom as well as increased usage of antihistamines much to the dismay of allergy sufferers everywhere. To them I say, have you tried some local honey lately? I’m available in the Bay Area.

vintage scarf (similar here & here) / thrifted Tracy Reese blouse (similar here & here) / Cooperative denim pant (similar) / GH Bass & Co. shoes (similar here & here) / vintage earrings (similar) / H&M flower bracelet (similar) / vintage flower cuff (similar)

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I can’t remember the last time I was sprung in the spring, but I experienced those same feelings of enjoyment, happiness, and obsession when I thrifted this lovely silk floral blouse. It’s been patiently waiting in my closet for the darkness of winter to pass so that it may bloom in the spring sunshine.

A green thumb I do not have, so on the contrary, how does my garden grow? With a silk blouse, a matching headscarf, and a pair of goody two shoes, all in a row. There’s no beating around the bush: I sowed the seeds for this floral spring outfit to sprout one thrift shop at a time. Flowers for moi? You shouldn’t have!

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While there’s no doubt that my style is in full bloom, I often question whether I have fully blossomed, or whether I am a late bloomer. The permeation of social media and status updates about professional accomplishments and milestones achieved leads me to believe that my friends and acquaintances have it all figured out. I am left to wonder: am I there yet? Comparison is the thief of joy so I should nip this in the bud right now. You can’t force a flower to bloom, and in the end, everything will come up roses. Preferably a dozen please.

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Circus Circus

Circus Tent

Come one, come all! I may be a lady, but let the freak show begin!

I went to my one and only circus show when I was ten years old. It was actually my dad who really wanted to attend, so he insisted on taking my sister and me. As much as I protested against going, I actually enjoyed the show – minus the smell of elephant poop.

While the circus I visited took place in an indoor arena, I am still enchanted by the whimsically striped circus tents from the olden days. The dizzying array of vertical and horizontal wide stripes on this dress is reminiscent of just that. The crisp blue and white can only be complemented by bold pops of cherry red in my belt and shoes. I kept all other accessories to a minimum except for a bracelet, a brooch, and a blue headscarf to match the blue stripes.

I know what you’re thinking and the answer is yes: beneath this tent is the greatest show on earth. That’s what he said.

Where’s a lion tamer when you need one?


thrifted I. Magnin dress (similar) / thrifted Selby shoes (similar) / thrifted scarf (similar) / vintage brooch (similar) / red belt (similar)