Ahh….the 80s. A time where some of the best classic vinyl, hit movies, and fashions were born. From neon pink and sequins galore to Guns n’ Roses and Motley Crue to Pretty In PinkĀ andĀ The Breakfast Club–the 80s will forever have a place in my heart…even if I weren’t privileged enough to have been born or to have lived through the epic era *wink*
BUT…since I was NOT born in the 1980s (#90sKid), I would like to embrace the awesomeness through my 2016 wardrobe by teasing my curls, using too much hair spray, wearing lots of sparkle, and singing to David Bowie’s latest and last album, Black Star. *crying* RIP David Bowie…RIP
Now, in honor of the one and only David Bowie, classic vinyl, hit movies, and vintage fashion, take a look at this week’s fabulous VIP Weekly Whistle featuring photos by Andrew Love of Snapshot Avenue. Photos were taken in historic downtown Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Jam out to this epic song while you take a gander at the photos + outfit details.
Credit: Andrew LoveCredit: Andrew LoveCredit: Andrew LoveCredit: Andrew LoveCredit: Andrew LoveCredit: Andrew Love
Behind-the-scenes of the shoot with Andrew.Behind-the-scenesBehind-the-scenesBehind-the-scenesBloopers behind-the-scenes *wink*Bloopers behind-the-scenes *wink*Bloopers behind-the-scenes *wink*
Ahh…a new year! A time to celebrate, over-sleep, make resolutions, and break resolutions. I’m kidding–I’m kidding…we shouldn’t break resolutions this short into the new year *wink*
Over the past year, I have drifted from some of the things I love the most–blogging, writing, family and my faith; however, there is no time like the present to put the turnips back on the truck and get my life back together*wink*
Instead of making a list of resolutions and things I am going to change about myself because it is a “new year, new me,” I am simply going to make a commitment to myself, y’all (my readers) and my awesome family to become the best me I can be. I want to retreat to the roots that made me who I am and inspired me to start this blogĀ almost four years ago.
So, VIP readers, raise your glasses of Diet Dr. Pepper (I am still upset about Pepsi switching to aspartame free–it tastes disgusting now *wink*) as we say hello to a brand new year!Ā Here’s to a new year where I am going to dedicate my time loving myself, bettering myself and blogging like there is no tomorrowĀ ā„Ā *clink*
Now, without further ado, take a look at some photos from a recent photo shoot with my fellow blogger and friend Andrew Love + have a listen to my New Year’s theme song!
All of the above photos were taken by Andrew Love.
Clickhereto see the rest of the photos taken in downtown Jonesborough, Tennessee.
What are some of your New Year resolutions? Share them with the VIP on Twitter or Facebook!
One of my resolutions for 2016 is to get back to my blog roots by buying and wearing more vintage, and while on a recent photo shoot with my dear friend Andrew of Snapshot Avenue, I found this AH-MAZINGĀ vintage gemĀ at Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans.Ā This 1980s, gold, sequined jacket/dress is an absolute power-piece, and I am tempted to slap the VIP logo on the back and wear it all of the time *wink* Oh. My. Goodness. I love sparkle…and especiallyĀ vintage sparkles *wink*
Behind the scenes of the photo shoot with Andrew Love.
This stately frock isĀ so gold that it reminds me of one of my favorite James Bond movies,Ā Goldfinger! Now, asĀ you take a gander at this week’s fabulous Weekly Whistle, listen to this killer Shirley Bassey Bond theme song and get inspired to wear more gold, vintage and sequins*wink*
I am attracted to sparkly things as a moth is to a flame! I wonder why moths are attracted to flames? I am going to go research that before I forget. Ā Here we go.Ā According to www.earthsky.org, āScientists think moths arenāt so much āattractedā to the light of a flame as they are disoriented by it.ā Well, that explains why I buy so many vintage sparkly tops. Ā I am disorientated by their luster!
Fascination and admiration for shiny, sparkly things is nothing new-not even vintage or antique, but ancient! Hop in the VIPās time machine and travel back to the times of pharaohs, kings, queens, and gypsies.
How would we define sequins? Ā Would we say that they are tiny pieces of shimmering plastic used on wedding gowns and prom dresses?Ā To fully understand the meaning of sequins, we have to take a look at their history. Sequins date back all the way to Ancient Egyptian times. Ā āBlonde waitresses take their trays. They spin around and they cross the floor; they got the moves. You drop your drink then they bring you more. Walk like an Egyptian, Walk like an Egyptian, Walk like an Egyptian, la la la words I donāt know, walk like an Egyptianā¦.āĀ I could not resist singing and dancing that catchy tune!Ā I digress.Ā Egyptians drilled small holes into their coins and attached them to their clothing to represent wealth.Ā This ancient adornment was not just for the living. Ā āArchaeologists have found mummified pharaohs wrapped in sequined cloth,ā says www.worldette.com.
Sequins were used in centuries past to bedazzle the clothing of royalty and the rich as a sign of power and prosperity.Ā There were some kings and queens who had āsequinsā made from super thin gold discs, and even traveling gypsies embellished their clothing with gold coins to show off their wealth.Ā Talk about a statement ensemble! I would love to have a real gold sequined outfit.Ā I bet it would be a bit heavy and uncomfortable.Ā I am thinking that it would be dry clean only.Ā My apologies, back to our little fashion history lesson.
A variety of vintage garments had āsequinsā made of pearls, metals, crystals, celluloid or other early period plastics. When the 1940s approached, a substance called āgelatineā was discovered. Gelatine was used to create sequins; however, soon after the invention, it was discovered that gelatine sequins could not be near heat or water.Ā Talk about a āone-night-standā garment! Ā Manufacturers stopped producing these fashion disaster bedazzlements pretty quickly after discovering that they would not hold up to real life situations.
Sequins did not stop there, but enough about that!Ā I encourage each of you to do a little fashion research on sequins.Ā Now, itās time for VIP tips on how to wear vintage and modern sequined garments!
VIP Tips on How to Wear Sequins:
SequinsandDenim: Ā First, go shopping for a vintage cocktail blouse, or go to the back of your closet and find one, and pair it with dark denim straight leg jeans for a āwear it anywhereā look. Ā To take this ensemble to the next level, roll up your jeans and pair with neutral or black stilettos. Let the blouse do all the talking!
SequinsandBlack: Ā Pick yourself up ANOTHER vintage sequined top (because a girl can never have too many!) and pair it with black. Wear it with a frilly black skirt or black trousers, or even wear it over a little black dress! Black is the perfect hue to make those sequins sparkle!
LayeringwithSequins: Ā Layer a modern, short-sleeved, sequined sheer top over a solid colored, long-sleeved blouse to create a mesmerizing āwork-to-playā ensemble.Ā For added drama, look for a blouse and skirt combination in the exact same hue.
LettheSequinsDotheTalking: Ā When wearing sequins, keep your jewelry to a minimum. Ā Diamond stud earrings, a few silver or gold bangles, and a statement ring are all that is needed. Ā The sequins deliver all the impact so feel free to go sans jewelry.
SequinedAccessories– NEVER EVER wear sequined accessories with a sequined garment.Ā I am all about self-expression, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing!Ā Ā Sequined accessories such as headbands or belts pair well with iconic denim.
Sequins arenāt just for proms, weddings, and trips to New Orleans. Their stellar personality deserves to shine all the time- day or night, winter, spring, summer, and especially fall.