Saturday’s outfit, 100% Thrifted and/or Gifted:
Vintage hippie blouse - thrifted (from previous post)
Vintage Cardi - flea market, last Fall
Scarf - Gift from Jocelyne (I love this scarf!)
Black Skinnies - Recently thrifted ($4, Angel’s Attic)
Red Boots and Bag - thrifted last year
Vintage hippie blouse - thrifted (from previous post)
Vintage Cardi - flea market, last Fall
Scarf - Gift from Jocelyne (I love this scarf!)
Black Skinnies - Recently thrifted ($4, Angel’s Attic)
Red Boots and Bag - thrifted last year
I received this gorgeous hand-beaded leather and wood bun holder as a birthday gift from my sister-in-law Kelcey. It had been passed on to her by her step-mom, who it was hand-crafted for by a Native American friend back in the late 60’s/early 70’s. Apparently, the size of it never really worked for either of the women who owned it before me, but when I twisted up my hair and plunged the stick through, it was as if it was custom-made for my locks! I love it so much, and treasure it not only for it’s beauty but for the history and family connection as well.I did a little poking around on the interwebs and discovered that the design is that of a Navajo ceremonial basket. I also turned up the following symbolism description:
"According to tradition, the ceremonial basket is viewed as a map through which the Navajo people chart their lives. The center, or sipapu, represents emergence from the prior world. As the people emerged, all was white, or pure, representing birth. As you travel outward, the black represents darkness and the travails of life. As you make your way through the darkness, you reach the red band, representing marriage, the mixing of blood and the creation of a family. Here, there is no darkness. Beyond is more darkness and travail, but interspersed with white light and joy. And further, the white bands represent increasing enlightenment. The opening from the center to the rim, traditionally facing the East, is there to remind you that no matter how much darkness, there is always a pathway to the light."
- source
I’m loving the images on these vintage Navajo and Pueblo postcards found here. Lately I’ve been longing for some Southwest roadtrippin'... it’s been far too long!
I took these two film photos in Monument Valley, something crazy like nine years ago. The second one was the view from our campsite... *sigh*Hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend!
30 comments:
Love all of your Navajo style accessories. They'll be perfect for wearing in the summer!
i couldn't see all the photos, but pretty much the best post ever!!!
your lovely outfit and hair pin are amazing, and the story behind its pattern... even better :) a little fashion anthropology don't hurt a soul!
What an amazing place to go camping! We're really deprived over here I feel - although it's probably just a case of the grass is always greener - because we do have some really beautiful spots. I love your hairpiece - I've been readings lots about native americans lately because I ordered a few books from amazon - I have so much respect for their connection with the land and with nature - not many spiritualities can claim that. And they have cool clothes - so uh, perfect!
Also, thanks so much for the very meaningful comment to my true love crisis post haha - the things you wrote were really sweet and I do hope for those things for me and my boy, I think we're definitely heading into a better place now after a few years of transition limbo. Some guys (?- I know, weird right) were saying similar things to me at work - about how you may lose all the firsts you've had, like first kiss, first house, first love letter etc... but that instead you find a whole heap of new firsts, deeper ones that keep you going on and on forever, and that you learn something new about that person everyday that makes you love them more. Isn't that just the sweetest. One of these boys is single I might add, any takers?! hehe
xx
That bag is amazing!
Great look! and I love the story behind the bun holder. Those Navajo postcards are really intriguing - their culture and the way that adornment fits into that is very interesting.
Oh South West trip, that would be the bees knees. Our friends Nick and Talu just went last fall and it seemed really cool. I am however, sadly ;), more keen on a California road trip first...
Thanks girls :)
Well good Milla, 'cause I'm more keen on you doing a California road trip first too ;)
Andrea, thanks for letting me know about the pics not showing up, they should be fixed now!
this is such a beautiful post. i have been hankering for the southwest as well and i think we're going on a big road trip to the canyonlands and taos new mexico in the fall! so exciting...that is, if we can save up the dough. we were in monument valley a couple years ago and there was a crazy red dust windstorm! we took refuge in a cafe for some delicious flatbread. when we finally arrived in utah to visit my brother, it seemed that all our belongings, hair, clothing, and van were COVERED in red dust. best thing in the world: handcrafted jewelry at road side stands. okay, i need to stop.
i love the cultural references to red, black and white. that was such a beautiful description!
What a gorgeous outfit, I am loving that bag of yours and of corse the Native american treasure. I'm so glad you can give that scarf some wear, I bought it and just never wore it. It looks great with that outfit!
You look like a double helping of adorable in that outfit; doesn't hurt that this is one of my favorite color combos. I WAS going to say that your tote is my favorite element of your ensemble...until I saw that INCREDIBLE "bun holder." Beautiful.
Love your beautiful handmade beaded hair accessory - and I definitely remember that red bag from when you first posted about it! I fell in love with the gorgeous thing then!
wow, that hair piece is amazing! I could see how it wouldn't work for anyones hair (mine when it was longer it would've been too thick a stick). It goes great with that bag too.
Oh man...what I wouldn't give for a southwest road trip right about now! Love that bun holder...and what a sweet description of the meaning!
What a score on those black skinnies!! And that bag - absolutely amazing too. Makes me want to take a roadtrip through Albuquerque :)
That bag is adorable!
love love love the bag and boots!
those boots are so perfect!
Love everything about this. xo.
My DREAM is a Southwest road trip. That Monument Valley picture is how I imagine heaven.
love your boots!
I really love this outfit, very unique and inspiring. I also loved the clip of clover enjoying her new toy and your outfit with the bowerbirds bag. They are such a great band.
the beaded hair piece is beautiful...
and knowing the meaning behind it makes it even more so.
What a facinating pattern! Thanks so much for the little teachings there of the Navajo colours. I love native concepts, love to learn about them. That's a facinating bag there too! You look beautiful :) Hope your easter weekend was wonderful too.
the navajo bun holder thingy is so awesome! i love what was said about the symbolism, very true about life!
last summer we took a road trip to durango, colorado. it was so much fun. we visited santa fe, four corners and many other cool places. i can't wait to go somewhere, anywhere this summer :D
btw- that last shot from your campsite pretty much rules! oh how i'd like to climb out of my tent in the morning and have such a beautiful view!
i'll be sending off your prize in the next few days. just have a few other little goodies to add to it:D
those photos you took in monument valley are amazing. we haven't been to arizona in 10+ years, and those pics make me want to go back!
LOVE that beaded bun holder!!! Your outfit is equally amazing and the handbag....ahhhh.
I think it's funny too about the little ones! My girls like to browse the blogs with me every once in a while. And how sweet that Clover's middle name is Olivia. That sounds so pretty! Tell her my little Oli says "hi"
i left an award for you on my blog:)
Wowee what a pulled together and rockin' outfit! I see that you share an appreciation for Southwestern style...something that I've realized in myself just recently :)
You look amazing!
This is one of the best outfits I've seen on you! I think the word "fierce" applies, and yet it is soft and sweetly familial.
With all of the trendiness of "tribal" things and the like, I have to say that I'm very impressed. Most people say something inappropriate, stereotypical, in some way appropriating tribal culture or generalizing Indigenous people altogether. As a Native woman living in modern California, it is very refreshing to see another woman who is respectful and understanding.
Again, I'm impressed with you and your blog. Thank you!
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