Paper Doll Vintage Boutique

I've talked about my favorite local vintage shop...a lot.  As a history major/fashionista I absolutely love vintage fashion from previous eras; one of my favorites is the 40s and 50s. 

A year of two ago my younger sister introduced me to Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, a little vintage shop on Main St., in Sayville, Long Island. 

Now, Rachel and I go at least once a month (sometimes we'll go two or three times!).  We actually go so often, and I'm forever tagging or posting about the shop, that they recognize me from my Insta posts (insert blushing emoji and fangirl squeal of excitement, here haha) when I walk into the store!

I think the reason why we go back (and so often!) is because it's such a fun and inviting place to be!  The staff there, especially owner, Dominique, are so sweet to everyone that walks in; and they're so passionate and knowledgeable about their products and vintage fashion in general. 

They have everything; both vintage and vintage inspired!  Hats, bags, clothes, shoes; you name it, they've got it!  I'm addicted to their sunnies, and I just picked up the cutest turban (totally the new beanie); I plan to go back to get more of each!

So, I think a post, sharing this treasure is overdue!

I LOVED this gingham romper, but alas, it was not meant to be (AKA, my butt was too big for it, haha).  Even though it didn't really fit right, I felt like a pin up star in it!  I'm definitely keeping my eye out for another (slightly bigger) one to put away for next summer!

Peace!  I'm not really sure if I can rock these round sunnies, but they're bubblegum pink and I think I'd wear them anyways--they're too fun not to wear!

I've gotten quite a few things from the shop over the past few months that I absolutely adore.  I've also tried on a few things as well, that I loved, but couldn't justify buying because I had nowhere to wear them (*sigh* broke girl problems), but I had a ton of fun trying them on and daydreaming regardless!

1. Tortoise shell cat eye glasses

Like my pin-up wannabe pose? haha :D

2. Black cat eye sunnies

If you follow me on Insta (here!), then you know how much I love these sunnies.  They've been my summer staple, and I wear them everywhere!  I like their plain black matte color, because it's classic, and the shape is just to die for.  As a devoted winged-liner girl (going on ten years!), I also love a good cat eye.

pic from this post here; also feat. in this post here, here, here, here, annnnd here...so far!

3. White Heart shaped sunnies (sadly, broken)

pic from this post!

4. Kate Spade Blazer!  I haven't seen too many blazers in this gorgeous green color, and the shape is awesome; the asymmetrical collar, and the longer length...I'm in love.

pic from this post here, and also feat. here!

5. Straw hat with black ribbon, A.K.A. Madeline's hat, plus a ton of other vintage hats that I wish I had somewhere to wear!

This straw hat in particular has been one of my favorite pieces I've seen at the shop!  It reminded me of vintage French fashion...which I guess is why I refer to it as the Madeline hat.  The little bow in the back is just darling, and the simple shape of the hat and it's straw material, makes the hat great for summer/spring...or a great vacation hat (a vacation to France!!!).

6. Swan print skirts and petticoats!

7. Peep that chandelier action!  The whole shop is so beautifully decorated; filled with art from local artists, a gorgeous chandelier, and racks and displays filled with vintage treasures!

So if you're ever on the Island (Long Island, for all you out-of-staters!  lol), make some time to stop by!  And if you're too far to make a trip, check out their site (and their Etsy shop!)!  :)

Do you have a favorite local shop that you can't get enough of? :)

Easy Peasy Retro Scarf Hair Style

If you're like me, styling your hair all by yourself is a challenge.  Anything I've accomplished hair styling-wise is the result of lots and lots of practice (for example, it took me the longest time to learn how to curl my own hair, I used this youtube video, by my friend, and awesome hair stylist, Sam!  Seriously, if you're not so hair savvy, this video will be a major help; I can now proudly boast beautiful 10-minute curls!).

Now retro hair styles are a whole 'nother ball game.  I've tried quite a few times to recreate those glamorous victory rolls that my favorite pin-up IG'ers rock, and let me tell you, they must be using magic, because I can't for the life of me figure out how to get it done.

But fear not!  I've found a super simple way to add some retro flair to your 'do without wanting to pull out your hair.  The easy peasy solution?  A vintage scarf.  You can find one of these at any vintage/thrift store for under $10.  You can even use a bandana!  And those you can find at a craft store for about $1.

This look is perfect for summer.  It keeps the hair out of your face, and looks like you put a lot of thought into your hair (when we both know, it only took a minute or two!).

Here's what to do:
1.  From top to bottom (aka, one point to another), fold your scarf.

2.  Fold the point at the top to the edge of the bottom.

3.  Repeat step #2 at least once or twice more (or even three times!), depending on how thick or skinny you want the band to be.

4. Tie the scarf around your head, with the knot and scarf tails (ends?  What do you even call them? haha) at the nape of your neck (but I usually push mine to one side and let the "tails" hang over one shoulder). 

5.  Use bobby pins to keep the scarf in place (especially if you're using a silky scarf; they get a little slippery and slide off if they're not held into place). I usually do two bobby pins on the top sides of my head and two on the back side. 

6. Voila!  A super easy way to add a little vintage touch to your outfit! :)

So breathe easy friends!  It doesn't get any easier (or cuter!) than this!  :)

P.S.  These cat eye sunnies, from Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, (which I talked about here), add an extra touch of retro glam!

Past and Present + WIWW

Fun fact: I am a huge history nerd (in college I majored in history).  As such, I've always been convinced that I was born in the wrong era (...even though I'm obsessed with my iPhone...oops, lol).

Given my love of history, and being an avid thrifter, I've come to really love and appreciate vintage fashion.  I love to try and incorporate it into my outfits, big or small; sometimes with a bold, red lip and winged eyeliner (which I kinda do everyday...), or I'll incorporate it into the shape/style of a dress I wear that day.

Today I even incorporated a fun hair scarf, along with my usual winged liner and red lips.

My favorite place to shop and get vintage inspiration is a local boutique called, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique (Sayville, NY, right on Main St., so if you're ever on Long Island, definitely go check it out!).  They have the cutest shop, and amazing vintage pieces.  Plus, owner Dominique, is an absolute sweetheart!  It's like stepping back in time, and it's just heaven for me!

On one of my many trips to Paper Doll with my sister, I spotted a new display: sunnies.  I had a blast trying them all on (and I do mean all). These sunnies (also styled here) immediately caught my eye, and it didn't take too much convincing to buy them right then and there.  They are hands down, one of my summer staples.  They're black, classic, and can go with anything!

I've really been digging this fishnet nail art on a "naked" nail.  It's super easy to do, and looks awesome (stay tuned for a DIY post!)!  And these little Ciaté nail pearls make this manicure feel a little more summer-y, and a whole lot more fancy-schmancy.

I know sometimes (...okay, most of the time!), it's a big ol' pain to keep a scarf (or bandana) on your head all day, especially if it's silky, like the scarf I wore today.  No worries; throw a couple of bobbies in, and you're good to go!  I like to use two on the top sides, and two on the back (keep them evenly spaced of the best look).

Another fun fact: I need glasses (womp).  But I won't settle for any ol' readers, I go all out; because if I need to wear them all the time, they need to be cute.  I actually ordered a pair of Versace frames when I went to the eye doctor for my exam, and they're totally pin up glam; I'm obsessed with them already (still waiting to pick them up lol).

For more inspiration, follow my pin up/vintage Pinterest board @classicallycait!

Shop my look (and similar pieces), here!

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Book of Leisure

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Gracefully Made