Old Town

Old Town

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Dress: Minnie's Menagerie Vintage

Blouse: Thrifted (LOFT)

Belt: Sister's

Heels: Old Navy (last season)

Earrings: Forever 21

**Pictures By @katie.g.photography**

Well, March has certainly turned out to be a record breaking month for the number of posts that have gone live on the blog...13 in total! YAY! That averages out to about two posts a week:) Anyways, you all might remember my post highlighting my plans for spring break, one of which was doing a photo shoot with an up and coming young photographer friend of mine and well....this post is all about those pictures! Now granted, I cannot include all of the pictures (unfortunately) and this post is already verging on picture overload but I couldn't help but include all of my favorite images:)

For the shoot we decided to head to the historic part of our downtown Tomball area which includes a lovely old church, two old homes, two log cabins, a school house, two other building, and a gazebo....needless to day it houses (no pun intended) a number of fabulous picture spots that go perfectly for a vintage shoot. I still remember visiting these historic houses one December for their "Old Town Christmas" celebration fully decked out in my own fabulous 1800's creation (I even got to take a picture with the Mayor in one of the house's elegant parlors) and since then this old historic area of town makes me reminisce about the olden days. 

While brainstorming what ensemble I would wear for the shoot I remembered this darling and one of a kind dress from my grandmothers collection! While it is probably straight from the 1940's it also gives of a slight 1930's feel to me and when paired with this flouncy collared shirt I thought it the perfect combination to capture. Even though the wind at times proved trying in regards to keeping the ruffled collar flat, the over all look of the ensemble made me feel quite elegant :) Ever since discovering this dress I have always loved it. From the big white side buttons, checkered trim and back pocket it is truly a treasure. Thus, I chose to pair it with a tan belt, matching tan heeled sandals, large earrings and simple curled/twisted style. 

I can't help myself from looking at these pictures over and over again as I LOVE them sooooo MUCH! It was such a wonderful experience to collaborate with an actual photographer for a shoot since I am used to always talking my own pictures. On that note, it was also different because I am not used posing in front of someone who actually holds the camera (apart from my sister), but after awhile it simply became natural! 

I can't wait to collaborate and work with Katie again for a blog shoot later on down the road, but for now I am simply LOVING these shots that she captured:)

Have you ever worked with a photographer? 

Would you consider this 30's or 40's? 

-Madison

You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

Friday, January 29, 2016

Blouse & Skirt: Minnie's Menagerie
Belt: Minnie's Menagerie
Shoes: Old Navy
Lipstick: Rimmel London "Kate" 05
Nail Polish: Revlon gel Color Stay "All Or Nothing" 

Well hello dear readers, I am back on the blog this week once again.....yay! (Now, lets see if I can keep this up throughout the semester.....) I have been thinking recently about blogging. Why I have a blog, why it is so important to me, and why I am so intrigued and inspired by other bloggers. 

In the process of thinking about this topic I realized something very important, and that is this:

For most of us, blogging isn't something we do just because we have time. Blogging is a part of us, and for some it is more important than it is for others. We all blog for a specific reason, and we as people are all unique in our own way....in our own style, fashion, likes and dislikes, but most importantly in our personalities. For those like me, blogging is so important because it gives us an outlet to put our self out there for others to see.....it is a way to share who we are, talk, meet new people, and be exactly who we want without worrying about physically having to get out. Now, that might sound a bit strange, but just hear me out! 

Okay, so to put this in perspective for you, I am an Introvert in the broadest since of the word. Furthermore, my personality type makes up less tan 1% of people in the world as an INFJ. With that being said, blogging is important to me because it has become a part of me in the since that I can share my style, loves, hobbies, and thoughts with people who might share in some of the same things as I do.....but I am able to do this through writing! For me, it is so much easier to write about how I feel and the things I love rather than talking about them, though with the right people this does comes easily. 

Therefore, when it comes to other bloggers I have discovered that many of them are just like me! Yes...most of us as bloggers have cats (we might be on the verge of crazy cat ladies), love tea, coffee, taking, pictures, and writing, but that all comes with the territory of being a blogger and is part of our stereotype....we all share in those same things. Yet, I have discovered that the bloggers whom I can connect with the most when reading their post and hearing about their life, are those bloggers who are "Just Like Me"! The bloggers who are Introverts themselves, and very likely INFJ's or a personality similar to those. 

Sometimes I can feel like I am so alone in the world. Okay.....well not alone like I do not have any friends, for I am blessed by a close group of friends who I love dearly, but none of them are like me at all!! Thus, I sometimes feel like I am alone in the world in the since that there is "no one else like me." To be honest, I have never met someone who has the same personality type as me (wait....I take that back, one of my teachers said she is an INFJ...but still). When this is the case, it is easy to feel like you will never connect with anyone who shares in the same struggles as you, but just when I thought this was the case I discovered a hand full of bloggers who are ALL Introverts themselves and a few of them are even INFJ's. It was crazy to see just how much I can connect with those bloggers when reading their posts....when scanning the words on the screen I always feel as if I am reading a part of my life because I find myself nodding in agreement and exclaiming "That is exactly how I feel!!" 

So here is the thing in all this that I have said.....YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! If you are like me, quiet, Introverted, sometimes shy, don't like meeting new people (at least not in person always), would rather stay in your room with a book or a movie than go out with people, than take heart that I can TOTALLY RELATE to how you feel!! Even if you are not like me in your personality, always know that even when you feel like you are alone there are people out there in the world just like you and they know what you are going through. 

Therefore, I have realized these last couple of weeks that blogging is more than just taking pictures and writing a post....it is a part of me and I now understand why so many other bloggers whom I have grown to love share in my same personality type.......for people like us, blogging is so much more and will forever be a part of the people we are!

**If you are curious as to your personality, you can take the quiz HERE!**

Are you an Introvert like me?

What is your personality type? 

Do you ever feel alone?

Do you have a favorite blogger whom you can relate to?

-Madison

//Throw Back Thursday// Face Behind The Muse

//Throw Back Thursday// Face Behind The Muse

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Well dear readers, it is Thursday and I am throwing back to the days long ago (well, not that long). I mentioned before that I would share more pictures of my grandmother and today is the day!

For those of you who did not see my first post, Face Behind The Muse, today you get the priveledge of meeting my Granny Minnie, a wonderful woman with a fabulous since of style (and who was also the inspiration for my blog).

I am not sure about you lovely ladies, but I LOVE old photos!! Either old photos of family members or simply random pictures I find in a quaint shop downtown:) Pictures freeze time for future generations to later experience and reminisce about, and they inspire us to delve deeper into the history behind the black and white silhouettes. 

It seems as I have gotten older that rummaging through old pictures at my Dad's house where he grew up has been a constant activity of mine. That and listening to all of the exciting, comical, and adventurous stories told by my 95 year old Paw Paw (who you might just get to meet today?)! Whenever I was a girl, I did not appreciate the old pictures and the stories, but now, it is like a part of me and thus I relish the moments. 

This past trek to Thorndal (my dad's home town) I was rummaging through old photos as always and came across all of these lovely shots that I am sharing today:) The first two photos above were of my Granny Minnie in her early 20's I would assume. I absolutely love the first picture of her sitting in a garden, and Oh, her snow suit (and the snow) is great in the second photo:) The picture right above was taken in 1952 on the porch of what looks to be the farm house my Paw Paw grew up in and is such a perfect candid shot.

As per the date on the top of this picture, it was taken in 1957. My Granny Minnie is holding one of my Uncles. Can we just take a moment to admire her white dress and matching hat! Oh, and leas we forget about the wonderful  car in the background, which just happens to be my dream car (hehe):)

This picture might be an older one, considering that she is holding the hand of my Uncle Jerry who was the youngest of her five children. However, I loved how authentic this picture looked and I also love what she was wearing (this picture was probably taken in the 40's) :)

And now for one of the best pictures of the post.....this fabulous portrait taken on the day she married my Paw Paw! She looks so stunning and elegant, especially on such an important day. This photograph definitely captures the essence of her style, but also the wonderful fashion of the decade.

As I come to a close on this post today, I couldn't help sharing a few more photos, the two above being of particular importance or interest because here my Granny Minnie is pictures with my dad...Yes, my dad. Wasn't he the cutest little boy ever! 

Last but not least, the newest introduction you lovelies might have been anticipating....I now have the privilege of introducing you to my Paw Paw, a lifelong farmer and man of full Scottish blood, Sydney McQuary (but everyone calls him Sid)

I know I could have picked a better picture of my Paw Paw to introduce you all to, but this is one that I found and loved because of the stories it can tell. However, while I would love to tell you all the army adventures of a man who was a commander on a half track in WWII, the day and post are not long enough, so for now I must content myself with the fact that you all have now been introduced to my Paw Paw :)

I hope the day finds you cheered by the sunshine, but whatever the case may be, I hope you dear readers enjoyed getting a little taste of my inspiration and a introduction to my family history. 

Until Next Time!

What picture of my Granny Minnie is your favorite?

Do you have any old pictures you LOVE?

What do you love about old pictures?

Random Ramblings

Random Ramblings

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Well dear readers, I finally found time to escape this past week (during the Monday holiday) and snap some pictures for a post. It has definitely been awhile since I was able to share an actual outfit post, and I have missed it terribly, so here it FINALLY is!!! 

I will have to warn you all in advance that this post might really be full of "ramblings," as I would choose to call them, for sometimes when I have a lot of random things to say I ramble in my writing. However, while some might see it a sporadic and unorganized writing, it is my favorite type and always manages to make since to me (or maybe just in my head), so hopefully you will be able to follow :)

Okay, so enough with the forewarnings and introductions to this post, and here's to moving forward with everything I wanted to write about. First on the list of topics for today is the fact that my camera is finally cooperating with taking pictures of me (with the self timer). The last few times I took pictures for a post all my shots came out blurry, but thankfully I was able to get the camera situation all sorted out, so I am happy!!

I am truly envious of all the bloggers who have sisters who blog along with them, or simply have siblings or a friend who likes to take pictures (LUCKY). I do have a brother and a sister, but I might as well take my own pictures rather than talk them into helping me. And yes, I do have some friends who love taking pictures, but to try and fit our schedules together is sometimes not even worth it (no offence). On that note, I have to say that I might have finally/somewhat mastered the "art" (if that is what you call it) or taking self portraits. YAY!!

Quite honestly, while taking pictures of yourself can be challenging at times, what with the tripod, self timer, lighting, etc. it really can be fun. Sometimes, I actually have more confidence with pictures when it is just me in front of the camera.

Sweater: Hand me Down :)

I suppose I should talk briefly about my ensemble for this post, so here it goes. This skirt is one of my all time favorites, and I really don't know why?? Maybe it is because I love the shade of blue and the small specks of yellow in the pattern (that are really unique). I tend to usually wear this skirt with a powder blue shirt and cream sweater, but for this shoot I decided to pare one of my grandmothers 1950's blouses with the skirt. This proved to be quite rewarding, for I love the style of the blouse, with the raised neckline and sleeves that are not separate pieces, for the blouse is only made up of a front and back. Plus, it is almost a mustard yellow which is one of my favorite colors to wear. 

Okay, so now for what I really wanted to write about today, which has nothing to really do with this outfit at all, but I thought it would be something you readers would possibly enjoy? 

Have you ever received compliments on your ensembles or had people tell you how much they love your style? I don't have this happen all the time, but it always happens when I least expect it. For example, yesterday I received three complements on what I was wearing, which was a very simple red sweater with a black and white checked skirt. However, the thing I found most unique about the three comments I received, was that the first comment was from a guy. Now, who knows why he complemented me on my outfit, but I honestly think (not trying to be proud or anything here) that he found it so unique that a college girl would be wearing something so modest and tasteful (because you don't often see that). No matter what many girls say or believe, guys really do like it when a girl dresses modestly, and when a guy complements you I believe (in most cases) it is because he really appreciates your standards of dress. 

Skirt: Thrifted, Vintage (Prophecy); Shirt: Minnie's Menagerie 

On the flip side of this, I know that most other people complement me because I dress so opposite of the ordinary human. Now, let me clarify that by no means do I dress the way I do to see how many compliments I will receive. I choose to dress this way because it is most comfortable for me, it makes me feel confident, and I love wearing clothes with a story. However, back to what I was saying before, I always just have to smile when someone tells me that they love what I am wearing, especially all of the ladies at that come into tearoom, because I am sure they find it refreshing and different.

Shoes: Thrifted (Bass)

Necklace: Grandmothers 

If you can't tell, this is a Selfie, but it was the only way to get a slightly decent head shot:)

What trouble have you run into when taking pictures?

How do you feel about getting compliments?

The Face Behind The Muse

The Face Behind The Muse

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

You dear readers will have to forgive me for not posting any of my latest ensembles, but life has been busy. Since I do not have any pictures of my latest ensembles I thought I would take the time to formally introduce you all to my Granny Minnie. I wish I had more than these two pictures of her to show, so next time I am back in Thorndale I will have to snag the other amazing picture of her:) 

As you lovely readers know, my Granny Minnie was the inspiration for my blog as well as the namesake for Minnie Muse. My grandmother passed away about eight years ago and unfortunately it wasn't until a few years after she passed away that I discovered her amazing since of style and treasure trove of vintage pieces, thus began my love of all things vintage!! 

I also have to take a moment and talk about the picture at the top of this post because it is one of my favorites captured of her. This picture is quite a candid and random shot and quite honestly we do not even know who took it, but somehow it came into our possession and I LOVE it (I have it hanging on my bedroom wall as daily inspiration). I believe this was taken when my grandmother was in business school (probably in the 1940's), so evidently she was in some bustling city and I suppose she knew the gentleman who was walking with her, but that is another mystery of this picture. I think for any of you readers, you all can understand why I love this picture so very much!! It is a picture you would not expect to see, much less capture so effortlessly, but to me it is perfect and holds a story and mystery that I will never know, but that says everything. 

I have always wanted to recreate the look she was wearing and also recreate this picture, so maybe one day you will see my adaption of this shot gracing the pages of the blog???? Who knows????

The picture above is the only other picture I have at home of my grandmother (she is the lady on the left) and I think I actually brought it home all for the sake of what she was wearing! My Granny Minnie always managed to look utterly fabulous in whatever she wore and definitely had a wonderful since of fashion. I absolutely LOVE what she is wearing in this picture because it is a perfect example of the typical casual and comfortable pants style of the 40's. I love to wear high waisted pants and go for that 1940's working woman look so this picture is definitely a treasure for me:)

I hope you lovely readers enjoyed this overview of the wonderful lady who was the face behind the muse of this blog, and enjoyed seeing just how she wore fashions of her day!! I hope you all are having a lovely 2015!!