I have lots of very old stuff in my home and in my life, and while it's all very evocative of the past and nostalgic and all that, I take a lot of it for granted and incorporate into my modern life without too much thought. Well, this vintage wardrobe trunk is a little different... it's one of those pieces I consider a real time capsule. Just looking at it and feeling its silky lining transports me instantly to an era when trunks like these were just a normal part of traveling. I wonder what fine clothes were stuffed in those drawers once upon a time? What trains or ships did it ride? Where did it go?
This beauty was a Christmas gift from my dear mother this year. I'd been harboring a deep, but unexpressed, hankering for such a wardrobe trunk ever since I saw Stage Door back in high school. In it, Ginger Rogers and Katharine Hepburn are roommate showgirls, and have a little tiff over Hepburn's oversized trunks. It's a fantastic film that you should most certainly see if you haven't already, but I think all I took away from it was that I had to get myself a glamorous old wardrobe trunk of my own! I was so excited when I received this one. Look at that fabric lining, folks! Still as bright as the day it was made! Unfortunately, it resides with my Victorian girl in the workshop, and it's there for the same reason-- too big to fit in our five room house. I'll be getting my own apartment as soon as I'm done with my school's residency requirement, but at this point I think my collection could fill up a whole house! (Preferably a Victorian farmhouse with gingerbread trim and plenty of acreage... ;)
What I wore today was a thoroughly modern t-shirt (with a picnic-ing animals motif!) and square dancin' skirt and ballet flats, teamed with '50s pearls and crinoline, plus an antique lace collar to keep things old. As you can also see, despite pretty much having a bob, I am still making a feeble attempt at my beloved big hair. Clearly my cropped locks are no longer suited to a beehive, but you'll have to pry my Aquanet and teasing comb from my cold dead hands ;)
Note: Behind me you'll see the back of the trunk, with its pretty red-and-green stripes.
What I wore today was a thoroughly modern t-shirt (with a picnic-ing animals motif!) and square dancin' skirt and ballet flats, teamed with '50s pearls and crinoline, plus an antique lace collar to keep things old. As you can also see, despite pretty much having a bob, I am still making a feeble attempt at my beloved big hair. Clearly my cropped locks are no longer suited to a beehive, but you'll have to pry my Aquanet and teasing comb from my cold dead hands ;)
Note: Behind me you'll see the back of the trunk, with its pretty red-and-green stripes.
LOVE your outfit, but absolutely swooning over your wardrobe trunk!!! Super amazing!
ReplyDeleteDakota, that trunk is AMAZING! I wanted one of those for such a long time but my bank account will not allow it ( they are very expensive and very rare over here in the UK). I have been lusting over them for the exact same reasons as you, old Hollywood has a lot to answer for when it comes to my hoarding and collecting habits.Your outfit is amazing as always and those silver tap style shoes made my heart skip a beat. x
ReplyDeleteThat trunk is about as big as a tiny bedsit flat - flippin' enormous!!! I can't believe the condition - it looks like it came from the shop today, simply A-MAZING. Love all the little bits and bobs you've popped in for us to covet:)) You look a picture today Dakota - the t-shirt is a real cutie with the collar and pearls:)). At least Victorian girl is in good company eh? xo
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you, I always look forward to your posts. I often open a bazillion blogs in tabs across the top of my screen, and always cheat and skip to yours first. I love this outfit - such a fun mix of old and new! And that trunk is INCREDIBLE! You'd also need a neatly dressed porter to get it anywhere without messing up your outfit though!
ReplyDeleteThat trunk is in OUTSTANDING condition! All of the ones I have seen here in Texas have been pretty heavily abused and damaged by the heat and humidity, that one is gorgeous! Also I love the outfit, it's so cute!
ReplyDeleteI am in love with that trunk! Stuff like that just isn't available here in Australia. I'm just imagining all the places its been, and all the amazing clothing its housed...
ReplyDeleteWow that trunk is magical, love that scene in Stagedoor. Your hair looks fabulous! x
ReplyDeleteOh I have been longing for one of these steamer trunks for what seems like an age! I am quite determined to get one, but I just haven’t found one in nice condition and in my price range yet! Lucky, lucky girl! It’s a cracker!!! Tups x
ReplyDeleteThat trunk is heavenly! What a perfect gift! And your look's so pretty :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you all love it as much as me!! <3
ReplyDeleteI was so shocked by the amazing condition, too... granted, it's got some age wear if you get up close, but I reckon it's been tucked away in an attic or something most of its life. My mother couldn't have payed much for it (50$ or less, I'd guess) as she's quite against expensive gifts.
It does have fragments of a NYC travel ticket/receipt glued on top, and traces of others, so it did see some traveling action!
That trunk is just gorgeous!! I am so envious! I can't believe the amazing condition it is in. Around here the only ones I have ever come across are completely dilapidated, and usually cost no less than $200 or $300. What an incredible find and gift from your mother!
ReplyDeleteI love that square dancing skirt, by the way. So cute!
I second all of the above paid compliments. Seriously, only you could rock a pile of lumber and a dusty gas can! Love it!!
ReplyDeleteI love that trunk!
ReplyDeleteI also adore how you mixed that tee with the skirt. Amazing!
Love love this outfit, the skirt is amazing. So jealous of your trunk, its really beautiful and historical :)
ReplyDeletethose are really awesome and I love how the skirt's red goes with your shirt's red. It looks so sweet together!!! Beautiful as always!!
ReplyDeleteby the way, posting photos tomorrow of myself in one of the dresses you sent! ;)
That is one amazing trunk! You've reminded me of a Louis Vuitton exhibition I went to in Paris which had lots of vintage trunks dating from the 1830's - I coveted everything! I just love your colour combining on your outfit - the skirt and the top look fantastic together.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog - love your style and your taste in music is top notch!
My heart did a little pitter patter over this beauty of a wardrobe trunk. I have coveted these lost pieces of a ladies collection forever now. I would love to find one at an affordable price and in my area. You are a lucky girl to have such a Mom who would gift you such a prized piece.
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