Thursday, December 12, 2013

Bringing Back the Sparkle

Today I wanted to reflect on an article I read in the Huffington Post. 

It was entitled "10 Vintage Styles That Really Need to Come Back" http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4414558

Day gloves. pencil skirts, heels and red lipstick. The trademarks of our grandmothers. Ever wonder where that glamourous fahsion sense went? I know I do. I mean, don't get me wrong. Sometimes a hoodie and jeans is the best remedy to a bad day. Or a baseball cap and yoga pants are the best items of clothing to accompany you on a brisk walk outside. But more often than not I wish I could throw on some tights, a fluffy dress, fascinator and hit the town with B.    

What made me decide to post about this topic? No ladies I am not aiming to be hard on us girls of the 21st century. I follow so many wonderful women bloggers that have magnificent fashion sense. BUT. I do wish some of these styles would make their way back into the pages of Vogue. Some will make the occaisonal appearance. But altogether? Haven't seen it yet. I just remember flipping the pages of my Grandma Doris's photo albums and gazing into the photos that took me back in time. Those images are part of why I love fashion. 



  


Things I love about the '50s: The dresses. The leather jackets. The Fonz's hairdo. 

Believe me I am almost the definition of the driven, independent woman. But the gloves and the skirts in this picture are lovely. So classy. Do I even own an apron? No.  I am sure my Garndma Agnes looked this beautiful. My Grandpa to this day dons the Fonz's hairdo. Just for one day I'd like to step out of my house in white heels with those headbands!


And the '40s. These Rosie the Riveters broke the tradition of staying at home and took over the workforce during World War II. But leave those pencil skirts behind? I think not! I own more jeans than skirts. This picture makes me want to toss the blue jean look aside and buy deep red lipstick, set my hair and never leave the house looking anything less than this fabulous again. 

And the Women of the Roaring '20s.

This generation is getting a LOT of attention. These women dripped with elegance. I am so happy to see some of these styles coming back due to the rising poularity of The Great Gatsby motion picture. The film makes you want to step into the television and the join the party.  Gatsby along with a personal favorite, Downton Abbey, bring this generation to life.


For the girls who have never asked their grandma which shade of lipstick would work better with an outfit or simply have never tried on a full skirt: I challenge you to one day pick out a dress worthy of one of  these genrations of ladies. Go out on the town. Take pictures. Experience how beautiful these looks can make you feel!


A glimpse at a couple family photos that helped inspire this post










Sunday, December 8, 2013

Randomness in the District... And the Beginning of Winter!

Hello everyone! Sorry I have been absent from my page for so long. I am not a professional wrtier but totally felt like one recently. Just because I had to wait until it felt "right" to sit down and write for Miss Madison in Heels. Truth is, I missed it!

So this post really has no theme because it can't have one. I have done a long list of activites this month. And of course I want to share the highlights with you all!

Volunteering. 

I first came to DC in 2009 as a Political Leadership Program Intern at The Washington Center.  I have been missing volunteering and decided I needed to make room for it again in my life. Just because I have a big girl job that is 60 hrs/week (UGH) doesn't mean I can't be that passionate young person anymore that looked at DC with widest eyes and biggest smile ever. So with the help of some friends I attended some great events that you should make a priority to attend yourself. 

Dr. Ray Solano's 6th Annual Food Drive and Fundraiser for Capital Area Food Bank 




Mali Creative's SOAR Retreat 




Thanksgiving Weekend with Fam.

So I am curious, what do all you DCers do when you have family come into town? For the Blankschen/Gonska/Weber families we hit the usual Smithsonians and monuments. This time I switched it up and took us to the Newseum and Busboys and Poets for lunch. But my little sister had never seen the Declaration of Indepence or the Constitution. So being the history nerd I am we had to Uber there so she could take in all that history. The line was huge, but as a thank you for my mothers service (she is a Cpt. in the Army) we got to go through the side door. Thanks Mom!



And what would life be without friends?

This is Michelle. One of my best friends from back home in CT. She is new to the DC area and is embracing so many opportunites/friends! I am definitely spoiled to have her around, she joins me in most of my adventures. 

The Tabard Inn, One of my favorite places to eat in DC

 

At ICE! At the National Harbor. $34 and really cool Christmas activity. A whole winter wonderland of ice sculptures. They give you coats and there is an ice slide! (Note: bring a scarf and gloves it is 9 degrees inside.)


And Keaghlan and Caitey. We visited a friend DJ at Midtown DC. The men (who were annoyed that we made them take a million photos) took so many pictures of us we just burst out laughing.




So there it is, my last three weeks! Until next time my faithful readers :)