vintage black dress

Look #2 of the Summer Finn series was inspired by the ensemble Summer wears to her and Tom’s first trip to IKEA. Basically, I went for the 1950s housedress look; and this purse, which I never use, screams Summer to me. She has a lot of wicker bags in that film! I’m so used to wearing purses with long straps I can throw over my shoulders that it’s really different to have a purse I actually have to carry by hand. But I really enjoyed this purse. I’ll definitely start using it more often now. Also, I absolutely adore this dress. I’ve had it quite a while, but I wear it very sparingly because the fabric is extremely delicate. I’ve managed to rip a hole in one of the little sleeves already in the couple years I’ve owned this beauty. Oh, and just so you know, these pink wedges I’m wearing are the only pair of heels I own!

There’s more chez moi.

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Now, for the Chictopia 10 contest: I would be eternally grateful for the chance to attend this summit. I first joined Chictopia because I wanted to keep a sort of visual diary for myself. I love clothes, but have never really followed fashion designers. But, this Chictopia community has opened my eyes to an entire world I’d never before thought to enter. Not only am I learning so much about designers, fashion history, and the like, but what’s even better, is that I get to share my own style and learn from others. I fell in love so much that I even started my own fashion blog about two months ago. Everday I have the chance to travel around the world and see what other young women like myself are wearing, what they’re inspired by, what they’re thinking about. And, now I strive harder each day to up my game and show style I think worthy of this place, the wonderful people, and the fashionistas within it. I never thought I would say this but, on a personal level, I’ve actually made so many friends on this online community; it’s a community filled with love and support. For instance, I was chosen as one of the winners of the recent Modcloth Vintage Inspiration Contest which was such a shock, honor and boost for my self-esteem. And, inspired by friends I’ve made in this community, I have vowed to run a 5k and reduce my shopping to thrift stores as two of my New Year’s resolutions. Without Chictopia, this would not be!

On a larger scale, Chictopia has taught me that style and fashion come in all shapes and sizes. Chictopia itself is changing the face of the fashion industry. What does the word “fashion” really mean? Chictopia has innovated a space in which that very word and social concept can be shaped and redefined by everyday people. “Fashion” is no longer solely defined by the creative designers of Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other institutions of like status that show their collections in New York, Paris and Milan. Chictopia is a space in which everyday people from every nook and cranny of the globe have the chance to take those designers and play with, re-envision, and mold a new fashion or a new style that’s available to anyone with a DSL line and laptop computer. Each of us has the chance to show our personal style collection, even if we’re far from those fashion capitals previously named. “Fashion” is no longer a product given to the masses by designers, but, thanks to Chictopia and similar communities, “fashion” is a constantly evolving process whereby the designer inspires the individual, and the individual can now inspire the designer. Chictopia has given each of us a change to make our mark on that thing we call “fashion.” From the thrifters and vintage shoppers like myself, to the ladies and gentlemen wearing designer pieces, we all meet together in this space to bring inspiration and creativity to one another across these varying lines of fashion culture. I would relish the opportunity to go to the Chictopia Summit to continue to learn from others (in person!), influence fashion, and also bring a bit of my Midwestern style to the Big Apple.