The Good, the Bad, and the Rainbow
The story of my first poncho, how it came to be mine, and who everyone says I look like when I wear it.
They say you never forget your first poncho. This is mine, and it was love at first sight. I spotted it from across a crowded field on a hot, muggy day of the most recent Brimfield Antique Market. As it was August, the last thing I wanted to touch was a heavy wool item, but I couldn’t resist the beautiful colors, and I knew my future self would thank me come winter. Man was I right! Wearing this is like hanging out inside a hug. And I always get smiles and winks from the people I pass. Based on this blog post title, which was suggested by my Studiomates, I gather my poncho makes me look like a Technicolor version of Clint Eastwood. Hey, I’m cool with that.
Outfit Total - $72
| folk-artsy hat | $20 | Carousel Antiques | Hudson, NY |
| rainbow poncho* | $20 | Brimfield Antiques Market | Brimfield, MA |
| color wheel pendant necklace** | gift from Maria | ||
| printed canvas vest | $7 | Buffalo Exchange - East Village | Manhattan, NY |
| striped shirt | $8 | Buffalo Exchange - East Village | Manhattan, NY |
| teal britches*** | $3 | Goodwill - St Matthews | Louisville, KY |
| bright green belt | $2 | Goodwill - Livingston Street | Brooklyn, NY |
| red roper boots | $12 | Repeat Street Revolution | Starkville, MS |
I see the resemblance!
* Originally, this poncho was priced at $30 and would have been worth every penny. But after the vendor recognized me for having helped him push his hand cart out of a rut in the mud earlier in the day, he offered it to me for $20.
** This handmade pendant necklace by Yellow Owl Workshop in San Francisco was an extremely thoughtful gift from my Studiomate Maria Popova. I wear it all the time; it goes with everything! You can get one of your own here. If you don’t already subscribe to Maria’s amazing blog brainpickings.org, you should. She writes relentlessly about, well, pretty much everything I can think of related to culture and creativity, and I learn about amazing things from her.
*** My friend Casson calles these britches my “Z. Cavariccis.” I wish!
Comments
love the poncho and the story behind it. But especially love the vest!
will check Maria’s links.
xx
maya
“Rainbow” is my favorite search on Etsy! :) Love the brightness and joy of it all!
found your blog through your TED talk! I like the idea of sustainable fashion and its definitely fun to put outfits together :) and that poncho is such a great find.
Today I watched your speech for ted.com.
You are so beautiful: inside and outside :)
I wore my bright red pants today.
I saw your Ted Talk, it gave me courage. :) I always wanted to dress up differently than what the trend was… everyone looking the same is depressing. Thanks for daring and I hope my positive comment can annihilate some bad ones you may have received. ^_^ You are beautiful!