House Hunting with Lucy

m- The other day Lucy and I went on an adventure in Downtown Raleigh in search for an estate of our liking. We were not disappointed. 

I am wearing a vintage button-up from a thrift store in Asheville, North Carolina. I've paired it with maroon corduroys from Urban Outfitters and matching maroon booties, also from Urban Outfitters.  

 

Because we're obsessed. 

Fresh and Precious

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Men's Vintage: 70's Trousers

m- Ok so there is this vintage shop in Raleigh that I (truly) can't get enough of. Lucky Strike Vintage has reached it's arms across the state from Winston Salem to the Capitol City and we are SO thankful for these newcomers in town. Lucky Strike, owned by two super cool vintage lovers, Vicki and Michael, has a beautiful collection of threads from every decade imaginable. My favorite finds thus far have surely been the one-of-a-kind vintage shirts Ive started to collect but the PANTS I have scored at this new, local gem, should not go unannounced. 

 When I saw this pair of plaid trousers on the rack at Lucky Strike, they were mine before I even looked at the size. Then, I looked at the size. Could it be true? A 29 waist and 34 length? Not often do I find the perfect size for my awkward and long shape, but hot damn here it was. In red, white, and blue no less. I couldn't WAIT to take these puppies for a spin. 

 

 I had more fun at our dinner party because I was wearing these pants. 

Here is another pair of pants from the amazing Lucky Strick Vintage. These green beauties are super 70's like the first pair, but were not as long as I would have liked at purchase. So, I took these, and others to a tailor and had them take out the bottom a little bit for optimal pant flattery. I am obsessed. 

Inspired by all of the new pieces I found at Lucky Strike, I contacted an extremely talented photographer in Charleston, South Carolina.
Jonathan Balliet is a ridiculous talent and I was so fortunate to venture to his stomping grounds for a shoot. All of these beautiful shots came from the lovely J. Balliet. 

 It was fun bringing these vintage pieces back to life.There is no telling where the dapper owner of these pants once traveled, or how much of the world these trousers have seen since their birth over 30 years ago, but they have a whole lot more living to do. 

I can tell you that.

 Because we're obsessed. 

Fresh and Precious 

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What to Wear to a Derby Party

m- Not often do we find ourselves at parties that require headgear....but let me tell you, it's all kinds of fun. Last week was one of America's greatest traditions, The Kentucky Derby, and you bet your horses we celebrated. Mint Juleps, bow ties, horse bettin, and all. 

Now my mom's side of the family is from Kentucky itself, so this celebration is close to home. Our family loves them some dressing up for the Kentucky Derby, ya'll. Pour yourself a bourbon, draw a name out of the hat, and take a look at this year's Derby day. 

The hostess with the mostest on our Kentucky Derby Day: MamaNay.  MamaNay has been hollerin at horses her whole life, so there was no better host. 

Let's have some good ole Kentucky redneck fun. 

A very important rule at the Kentucky Derby: Guests must wear a hat. 

You can wear a floppy hat. 

A straw hat.

A fedora. 

A fascinator. Defined as a woman's head decorator, that is often referred to as delicate and frivolous. Exactly why we love them.  

A cowboy hat. 

And many, many more. 

You should always consider a bowtie. (It's a southern staple, you know.)

Women come in their sunny dresses of bright colors and prints.

And there is ALWAYS a drink in hand. 

Miss Diana DaPontes looked absolutely marvelous in her Kentucky Derby look. Her lovely, tropical printed dress paired superbly with her accessories of flowers and wonderful jewelry. The taste of safari made this my favorite outfit of the day. 

There is no party without food and friends. 

There arent too many ways for men to switch up an outfit but we do have endless possibilities when it comes to the tie. I started the day with this vintage emerald tie my mom got me a few weeks ago. This tie, donning horse heads, was my obvious choice for today's festivities. But of course I quickly became envious when guests arrived, wearing bow ties. So I wanted to switch it up a bit.

 But how to tie a bow tie...

Good thing we have a frat in the house! Never thought I'd say that sentence but they are good for something, these frat boys. Dewey had no trouble whipping up a good bow.
This is a skill every established man should master. 

Thanks Dew. 

Who doesnt love a good bow tie? 

The Kentucky Derby is all about having fun. Karen came in full equestrian gear to the party. 

It was grand. 

Contrary to popular belief, the Kentucky Derby is not just about drinking the bourbon, it's a horse race too. This is when the good fun comes. Pull out that wallet, ladies and gents because it's time to do some bettin. Although the race is just a few minutes, this few minutes literally means a fortune to big and small betters and gamblers alike. Everything is a little more fun when there is money on the table. 

And the're off! 

Win, place show.

Amy picked herself the winner and went home with some cash. My horse, Revolutionary, came in third, also known as "show." 

There should always be an excuse to dress up with your friends, and play outside with a nice drink. The Kentucky Derby is a perfect combination of American class and grassroots, backwoods,
bourbon-drinkin fun.

So put on your best hat and start drinkin, ya'll. 

Because we're obsessed. 

Fresh and Precious 

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