Since the Saint Louis Fashion Week Designer Showcase, I have been obsessed with the vintage Neiman Marcus vest. I mentioned before that the vest was part of my childhood dress-up box, but I didn’t really explain what that meant. As a kid, I had the greatest toy a future fashion addict could have: a killer dress-up box full of vintage treasures my mother and grandmother scored at yard sales and the like. I would parade around the house in the pieces, and every Julia slumber party birthday celebration included a photo shoot in the living room with my friends; my mother would drop the film off during dinner and send my party guests home with pictures in the morning. From a purple velvet mini-dress with lace bell sleeves to purple velvet evening gown with low back and halter neck, the pieces were incredibly unique and in a variety of sizes—several of which are perfect for me as an adult, including this Neiman Marcus beauty.
This lion vest leaves me feeling ultra energetic and playful. I was re-watching some Gossip Girl on Netflix the other day, and I came across that scene where Serena tries to teach Blair to be silly while having her photo taken; sans the roaring, I channeled that while Lance snapped these. We started joking and laughing, and I did a little dancing… And then I almost fell off the ledge, which is what was captured in the final frame seen below. There were also a few less graceful near-falling shots, but we’ll pretend those don’t exist. I always look like that while tripping, sliding, or otherwise busting my ass. Trust me.
Currently wearing… Neiman Marcus vest, vintage | Shorts, H&M [SIMILAR] | Tights, TJMaxx [SIMILAR] | Necklaces, vintage | Mother of pearl bangle, vintage | Acrylic bangles, c/o Color by Amber [HERE and HERE] | Crop top, Forever 21 [SIMILAR / cheaper SIMILAR] | Boots, c/o Diba True [HERE] | Sunglasses, Quay, Nordstrom Rack [SIMILAR]
This is ABSOLUTELY TOO CUTE! I am dying. You look so happy and lovely, and dang your hair is perfect. I go back and forth about a bared belly, but this is just the right amount!