Thompson Family-Life

rare 50's styling

I don't usually gravitate towards 50's styling in clothes, usually more towards the 60's and 70's. But I was looking for a dress to wear to Palm Springs, CA when I go for a girl's weekend in July with Heather and friend Holly. (My first time in Palm Springs! I'm beyond excited.)

I checked this shop, Trashy Diva, because I had purchased a 40's style dress a while back that I really liked and it fit well, had a flattering shape and was well-made (again, I don't generally gravitate towards 40's styles either, but I wanted to check out their dresses and really loved it!) 

I got their newsletter that they had some new summer styles and really loved the turquoise dress with the birds. It felt very mid-century Palm Springs (or maybe mid-century Miami? ha.. both are good). So I ordered it but still not totally sold on the 50's styling, wasn't sure how it would look on me.

I got it today (pardon the wrinkles.. straight from the box!) and I have to admit I really love it. It's a flattering shape and is an easy fit because there's elastic around the sides and in the back. (I added the belt.) It is also seriously comfortable and lightweight. So I definitely recommend it! I still can't decide if it's me, but I do like it on me. And It feels very vacation-y! 

If I keep it, I might ask my Mother-in-law to take up the length a bit right above the knee or at the knee.

Have you been shopping for any special outfits for summer vacations?

(The shoes are Harajuku Lovers and are *surprisingly* comfy. I initially saw them on Elsie's blog. I don't do well with high heels, but these have a reasonable heal. I love them! Cardigan is from Target.)

more of our Kentucky Wigwam adventure (& a new fav dress)

You can see how this would be fun for two little boys right? It's like going to camp. Using that shower was like going to camp... you know when you'd use the shower and hope and pray that no scary bugs would come out of the drain and crawl over your feet?

Definitely an adventure.

(and I have to say that, no, there were no bugs in the Wigwam!)

I loved all of the Native American inspired decor. Just how a Wigwam should look inside. I have Native American heritage on my Mother's side and I remember seeing a picture, similar to that portrait of the man, in my Grandmother's home.

The gift shop was pretty awesome, too. It was in the BIGGEST Wigwam of the bunch (naturally). Lots of semi-overpriced stuff, but fun stuff like dreamcatchers, little miniature teepees and plastic horses and Indians. I found the most amazing coloring book that looks like it was designed in the 60's that I'll share with you soon.

And the dress I'm wearing in the photos.. I had to share some details of it. It's vintage that I found on Etsy. It's my new favorite dress. I've gotten better at keeping my measurements in mind when I order vintage now, but even measuring, you just never know how something is going to fit. It's always a gamble. It's always such a relief when it works out. I love the gingham lining and neckline with the gingham peeking out. The gingham piping and of course the embroidered pear pockets. It's such a perfect dress (in my mind). And it's great to wear in the summer!

I'm still a cardigan-a-holic, even in the summer because I'm not fond of my arms, but I have to admit it gets hot! Can anyone recommend a good lightweight, half-sleeve cardigan out there? all of mine are too sweatery. (thanks in advance!)

What They Wore: Little Boy Edition (featuring Polarn O. Pyret!)

My friend Heather (who has a pretty amazing vintage childrens clothing shop here) tipped me off on this AMAZING kids clothing brand, Polarn O. Pyret. They were founded in Stockholm in 1976 and their Swedish roots are very evident in their CUTE designs. Any mother of boys knows: (let's say it together) There are not a lot of cute options for boy clothes.

There just aren't.

So when I saw these clothes, I flipped and promptly broke out my credit card. It didn't hurt that they were having a HUGE sale (and still are!) and the prices couldn't be beat. I *adore* Scandinavian design in kids clothes. I'm a big fan of brands like IttiKid, but boy they are pricey. I have a hard time spending $30 plus on a shirt that they'll wear very little.

The clothes are very well-made and very soft. I could see these being handed down through several kids if you have big families (Shelly, dear sister, you'll see these on your boys in the future I'm sure! ;) The quality reminds me of Hanna Andersson, but the Polarn O. Pyret designs for boys are much more appealing to me than Hanna.

I have a particularly hard time dressing Cooper. He is my sports fan. Yes, I'm raising a jock, which I never thought I'd say. ; ) BUT, I support anything he loves, even if it's always athletic gear. And he's pretty picky about what he wears, most of all it has to be comfortable (no tags!). He promptly took these skinny jeans off because they were "itchy", but I think that's because I had to adjust the adjustable belt all the way because of his little waste. I'm hoping once he grows into them more, they won't be so "itchy".

Campbell on the other hand is still at that age where he doesn't care whatsoever what he wears (LOVING THIS). So I can pretty much dress him how I want, but for the most part he wears the standard hand-me-downs from Cooper. I've hardly bought anything for this child. But every once in a while I splurge and get him some new things that I love (and some vintage, too!)

I'm growing Campbell's hair out and it has caused some controversy in the household. Ethan thinks it's too long and is constantly threatening to cut it (ok, he's really not threatening, but he likes to tease me about it.) Cam's hair is perfect for growing out because of his natural curls/wavyness. His curls kind of disappear when his hair is short, so since it's gotten longer, the curls are slowly coming back! And I couldn't be happier! I just love it. Although he's starting to be mistaken for a girl lately. He's just too pretty. ; )

I got these photos of the boys with our dog Sherpa because she hasn't been feeling well. She's an old dog and you just never know how long elderly animals will be around. She has a large tumor on her neck and has had some other ailments, but she seems to be doing well with some new medication. We're hoping she'll still be around for a long while.

She's been such an amazing, laid back dog. Which helps when you have a family full of allergic parents and kids! Not sure what we were thinking when we adopted her 12 years ago (I remember holding her in the pet store begging Ethan for her, while at the same time my eyes were getting redder and itchier by the minute and a rash was breaking out all over my body from holding her... I looooved dogs, but was very much in denial about my allergies ) She's been such a swell dog though. We love her.

What Cooper Wore:

Shirt and Jeans: Polarn O. Pyret
Shoes: Target

 

What Campbell Wore:

Shirt: Polarn O. Pyret
Shoes: Converse, Thrifted
Pants: hand-me-downs