Vintage Ensemble 3: Springtime Sweetheart

I haven't done one of these in awhile, so I wanted to try and squeeze one out before my spring break is over. I've been wanting to do a spring-themed VE since last month to celebrate the early coming of spring, which I've been fortunate enough to see living in Texas. I've learned to love spring; before I just saw it as allergy season and dreaded it with my entire heart. I don't think I gave the season enough credit before, I've learned the beauty that comes with springtime and couldn't wait to see it this year. I think some of my excitement also comes from being able to be out and about and enjoy the warmth rather than having to stay bundled up, freezing my buns off and getting cabin fever from having to stay indoors all winter. So in celebration of the warmer weather and finally being able to leave my jacket at home, I've put together a few looks that I would love to wear for the beginning of spring.

Tell Me a Secret Garden Dress, $59.99

I loved the simplicity and light feel of this dress when I first saw it. I think the colors complement the dress well, the cut is simple and flirty, and is versatile enough to be dressed up or down. I went for dressed down, something simple for a day of easy work or errand runs.

Vintage Eyelet Destination Bolero, $58.99

I went with white accessories to accompany the dress, although peach and/or coral would also suit it well. This white bolero has vintage undertones, has a light and breezy feel, and isn't a fussy outer layer. It's a refreshing change from the winter coats and sweaters we've been wearing for so long.

Vintage Always Bead True Clutch, $58.99

I also went with this small white clutch, because it's simple, light like the bolero, and fits the daily essentials. Your cell phone, id/credit or debit cards, compact and lipstick should fit with no issue, leaving you with less to worry about as you go about your day. I went with a more embroidered type of bag rather than a larger purse or leather bag because when I envision going out in this outfit, I want something uncomplicated. Don't want the hassle of a large bag or a bunch of junk; just the essentials.

White Crochet Ballerina Slip-ons, $21.47

These ballerina flats match quite nicely with the other white accessories in the outfit, and I like the dainty feel that they have. They're easy to put on or take off (hence the name of the shoe), which makes them great to wear for an afternoon at the park with the grass between your toes, or a day of running errands in which comfort and style have to be combined. :-)











I know that look wasn't entirely vintage, but I wanted to bring a few vintage elements into an otherwise modern-day dress.

Watercolor Me Impressed Dress, $162.99

This watercolor wiggle dress is definitely vintage-inspired. I actually like the silky feel to the dress; it'll be a much lighter feel than the cottons, flannels and other heavier materials that we've been wearing for the past few months. Floral is back in this spring, and I think this captures it with a little throwback flair. I think its a versatile dress, so you can wear it to work then for play and still look good in the process.

Strut Your Day Right Heel, $79.99

I'm not usually a big fan of white heels and I always think shoes should make a statement, especially if they're uncomfortable. LOL The statement I wanted this shoe to make was a bold but subtle one, to enhance one of the minor colors in the dress. A mustard heel brings out the hints of the yellow in the dress but can still pass for professional.

Garden Arty Dress, $54.99

Floral prints are back in this year, are perfect for spring and when done correctly can perfectly combine femininity and nature, which is a win both ways for me. This halter dress can be dressed up or down, meaning that you can use the bolero and flats I included above or you can wear a cute wedge---I'm going to go for a wedge. The dress is light and flouncy, everything I think a springtime dress should be. If you've noticed, all of the dresses above have a bit of versatility and can be used casually or for something a little more fancy, which I think spring dresses should be. I picked this particular dress because in addition to liking it lol, it reminds me a bit of the '50s housedresses but with a modern twist on it by being a halter cut.

I think this crocheted coral wedge is the perfect shoe to wear with the garden dress. It's light like the dress, brings out the lighter floral shades, and keeps the look feminine and flirty without having to dress down and wear flats, although flats would match nicely as well.

Tropic Sentence Dress, $52.99

This dress reminds me of a muumuu LOL, but I adore it regardless. Now because of the length and the season being the perfect time for wind, I wouldn't advise wearing this dress....and only this dress. lmao I would pair this with a patterned legging or jeans. It's light enough for spring, plays on the lighter colors of the spectrum, but doesn't have to be worn just as a dress like the other options above. I think because of the length that there is some room for variety.

What a Breeze Flat, $39.99

I really like these flats. I originally paired them with the first dress, but I realized that I also like them with the tropics dress above. They won't really match the watercolor dress, but they'll be just fine in a coral for the garden dress and even for the last dress and a pair of leggings. These shoes are airy, versatile and match just about every outfit I've featured. I don't love the price, but I love the shoes.



















Not saying all of these jewelry pieces are vintage or match any of the outfits above, I mainly selected them based on color--I don't know if its weird, but I associate seasons with colors. Lights, pastels and whites are for spring and summer, but more so pastels for spring. I find spring to be more of a light and feminine-oriented time as far as fashion is concerned. Nothing too dark, large or heavy in clothing, makeup or jewelry. Or maybe that one item for statement purposes but not all over. I know that sounds weird and one day I'll explain. Anyway, these are just a few pieces that I liked. As always, click the photo link to go to the product page.

Vintage Bead Necklace, $44.99

I love the robin's egg blue and teal with the pop of orange/coral in the flower. 

Vintage Floral Earrings, $27.50

These are a bit heavier but I love the pink roses weaved into the leaves. It lightens up the look.

Ivory Plastic Rose Brooch, $30

I don't think enough people wear brooches anymore. I think this light ivory brooch could accompany many an outfit or could even be placed on a purse or handbag. 

Multi-Facet Colorblock Bracelet, $6.99

This one's a bit more modern, and I love chunky bracelets like this. It saves from wearing a bunch of other bracelets, they don't make noise like bangles and I love that each section is a different color. 

3 Rose Pearl Necklace, $8.99

I like this necklace because it combines two feminine elements--the rose, and the three chain necklace. This is a lighter and more modern version of the first piece I included above. 

Vintage Ivory Hair Flower Headband with Pearls, $48

This could also be seen as a good headband for a wedding but I put it on here because its kind of dainty, frilly and feminine. I also dig it because I'm partial to both hair flowers and headbands. LOL Similar headbands are also pretty easy to find in DIY tuts on the 'Net.

And this concludes the Springtime Sweetheart Ensemble! I've always liked pastel colors, floral prints and light, breezy pieces for spring. Maybe you won't like every piece I've included, but hopefully you can get some good color inspiration for an outfit or to put together a similarly styled outfit.