With What You Have | 62

Words about contentment inspired this series that celebrates ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness. Join me in the comments and share what you've done with what you have.

A wedding is coming. A winter wedding, where temperatures may dip and snow may fall. Wonderland, indeed. 

The curation of an elegant ensemble was necessary. Here, though, was where I wanted to pause for a moment, to not only give mindful consideration to the dollars I have, but to the ethics to which I aspire. A regard for sources, fabrics, and practices guided my search.

There's a reason why silk is chosen over synthetic, why leather shoes made in Italy are sought after, why the construction of garments made decades ago still keep them in service today. There's a reason why we should be mindful of who is making our garments, and under what conditions.

These things. All these things were the inspiration. A personal interpretation of these values, combined with a crafted hunt brought garments together that I can't wait to wear. 

First, there's the vintage mink-collared coat that came from my very own closet, rescued way back, from a thrift store rack. Tucked under the three-quarter length sleeves of the wool coat? Black opera gloves, naturally, from the 50's (Etsy, I love you). Then, an elegant silk dress, the color of chocolate, fetched for a song at the delightful ThredUp. If, if I can pull it off in time, a handknit mohair and silk capelet. And finally, suede leather shoes, made in Italy, scored on eBay. 

Do what you can with what you have. 

 

Carmella Rayone

Wyoming interior designer. I believe tasteful design and simple living can meet in an inspired, organic way. I call it living well.

http://www.carmellarayone.com
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