From the eBay Files...

'Ello! I originally hadn't intended this to be my first non-TNT post; I had written up a full post on something a bit closer to the vest, but I got scared and ultimately didn't publish it. But moving on, March is the home of one of my favorite holidays and my favorite color, so I wanted to incorporate some elements of those things into a couple of my posts this month. Let's get started! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Vinted Gentress St. Patrick's Day Dress, $99

I wanted to start this one out with something moderately festive. I appreciate that it's not overdone, it's not exactly subtle lol, but it's not a loud dress either. To me, anyway. You could totally tone this down with a white sweater and flats or Keds. I'm not one for wearing shamrocks and the like in quite this manner except for on St. Patty's Day, but depending on the weather in your neck of the woods I'm sure you can get away with it. There are some minor flaws with this dress but they're small, otherwise it's been kept in pretty good condition since it was made. I think it's a fun dress that still has a bit of simplicity to it. 

'50s Lilac Tuxedo Dolly Collar Sun Dress, $44

To be honest, I'm a little surprised that I like this dress so much; I don't mind Peter Pan collars but I'm not exactly crazy about them. But I'm really digging this dress. I like the detailing going down either sides of the buttons, loving the belt at the waist, and I like the length of the bottom half. At first, I thought the dress was like a cornflower, but up close it's actually lilac. Much like the dress above it, I also think this would look very nice paired with a cardigan or light sweater and flats. It has that breezy feel about it, which I seem to keep gravitating to for spring clothing. 

'30s Irish Crochet Fishtail Wedding Dress, $1,295

For some reason, since last spring I have been really into lace and crocheted clothing. I'm not really sure why since I don't own any of either and I never know how to style them, but there's something that keeps drawing me to them. Like this crocheted wedding dress, for example. I would have no idea in the world how to style it, but I think it's beautiful. I also wasn't aware that there was a difference between regular crochet and Irish crochet until I found this dress. If this was yours, how would you style it? 

Irish Republic Royal Tara Cup & Saucer Set, $9.50

I don't fancy myself much of a tea drinker but I have always wanted a tea set, for the rare special occasion perhaps but more so for decor than for drinking. I would love to own more fancy items, but I'm a hopeless klutz and not one for a bunch of knickknacks so I do worry about owning things that are easy to break. Despite that though, I'd love to have this sitting at my desk or in my office. It's simple, elegant, and a subtle nod to Irish culture, which I appreciate. 

'70s White Eyelet Dress, $82

I believe I mentioned this last spring, but I adore eyelet dresses. I'm not really good with white clothing, but the lightness of the material, the cute eyelet print and the loose fit in the legs and hips seem to epitomize spring to me. If this is a genuine piece from the '70s, it's in immaculate shape. I also like the belt; I think it breaks up what would probably be a monotonous and rather boring dress otherwise. I'd probably go for a pastel colored belt (love pastels for spring) but the addition of a belt in general makes the dress more appealing for me. 

Irish Family Names w/Map, Arms & Medieval Locations,
$1.50

First things first, I think this is awesome. lol I love history so much, especially medieval history, so this book is right up my alley. My uncle and I were researching our lineage a few years ago and we found out our last name is of Scottish origin, which was when I learned that families have their own coat of arms, and I thought that was so incredibly rad. Ever since then, I've had this fascination with learning about family coats of arms. To see these elements I've always been obsessed with researching combined into one book just tickles me beyond words. And it's so cheap too! I want it. 

Silver Charleston Flapper Dress, $185

I didn't appreciate a good flapper dress until I was in my '20s I believe, and I remember receiving a dress from my sister's grandmother for my high school graduation that was a bit flapper-esque in design. At the time I just thought it was the pits. It wasn't my style at all; I wanted something more form-fitting and I was not a fan of beaded garments at all at the time. I was convinced I was going to look like a granny at graduation, while my friends were in short, tight, sparkly outfits. I was having absolutely none of that. I ended up not wearing the dress because it had an issue with the zipper, but for some reason I never got around to discarding it. Fast forward to now, a time in my life where I often worry about cutting someone in my pursuit of another '20s dress, and I'm so glad I didn't throw mine away. Whenever I see beaded flapper dresses now, I'm reminded of that first introduction to '20s fashion and it makes me smile. I love all of the beading on this dress, the detailing, and the sheer panel on the neckline. I'm not sure if it's a genuine piece, but if it is it's in mint condition. 

Celtic Myths & Legends, $40

Another thing I really enjoy is reading about myths and legends, especially the much older ones. This particular book is about Celtic myths and legends surrounding wizards, pixies and fairies. I love fantasy and the supernatural a lot more than what is probably normal or acceptable for a 28-year-old broad, but I make no apologies. Either way, this is much like the Irish family names & maps for me; it'd be a very valuable purchase if I was able to get it. 

'70s Bronze Shift Dress, $33

I'm normally not big on slouchy shirts or dresses in this style because I'm petite and they have the tendency to overwhelm my body, but I do like them. I think this one might be a bit big on me because of how small I am, but even though it's a bit plain, for some reason I really like it. I think you could wear this as a dress, in its original style, or as a long top that you could modernize by wearing with some darkwash blue skinnies and ankle boots. There's something simple about it that I'm digging a lot.

Pink and Black 1920s Reproduction Cloche, $200

And finally, I have been jonesing for a cloche since October, and I fully blame the costume designers of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and Miss Phryne Fisher herself, Essie Davis, for it. If you've never seen the show you really should, and not just for the fashion, which is fabulous, by the by. The Australian detective series based on the Phryne Fisher novels was recently green-lighted for a third season and I couldn't be more excited. I won't be able to see it until it hits Netflix, but it's worth the wait. Anyway, Phryne has some of the best '20s fashion I've ever seen and said fashion sense extends to her choices in headgear. "Headgear," LOL. Moving on, as was the trend back then, Phryne owns a decent amount of cloche hats, all of which are exquisite and suit her face so perfectly. I love berets and pageboy caps, am in love with beanies, am proud to already own a basketweaved gardening hat, and it's one of my dreams to one day own a very large, very wide-brimmed church/Kentucky Derby hat. LOL Cloches just kind of drifted under the radar for me until I saw this show, and now I can't get enough of them. Another reason why I love this particular one so much is because it was handcrafted and from what I understand, is one of a kind. I love that the creator put so much effort and gave so much attention to the designs that she puts out, and it shows in every detail of this cloche as well as the other ones on display in her store. I think this one is stunning and would look amazeballs on Phryne.  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And with that awesome cloche, that brings this week's Files to a close. Sorry I didn't put it up in the morning as I usually do, but I'll be back on schedule next week. I have a question for you. Going back through the last hundred years of fashion, which decade is your favorite? Let me know! I'll be on Twitter for our TNT tomorrow (can you believe it's been a week already?) so if you decide to join me, tag your movie-related tweets with #atvtnt so I can see them. Hope to see you tomorrow!