Sapphic Sunday
spend-the-night bags
Oh my god, we’re so glad you came!
You better not forget the strap or the lingerie..
This is my first curated vintage collection. It’s inspired by 3 lesbians living their best lives in Chicago, and having a weekly debrief on Sundays. It is my special request to hear the gayest things that happened the past week, and has become a little treasure of mine. Recently going through heartbreak has made me miss the romance of being in a committed relationship, but now I’m dating someone extra special- myself. We’ve never had a positive relationship, constantly doubt each other, gaslighting, sabotaging, and don’t even think about trust- because it doesn’t exist. This time around, I did things differently and chose myself and my dream to move to a big city. Even when I didn’t know what it looked like, I trusted the unknown and it got me here.
This 3 piece luggage set is a upcycled thrift. I remember leaving the store feeling like I won the lottery (just another Friday afternoon) but feeling obsessed with these Protocol Red Roses Tapestry styled bags. It’s a special interest to show my vintage treasures, and my roomie said omg you’re set for life! But these were different. I knew I wanted to take them with me and pictured myself at the airport with my matching set getting ready to head back to Italy… So I started getting ideas.
Working from home has been a bummer for my social life, and I decided I was going to go to a local queer cafe to work on my laptop. I just got a new vintage checkered blazer, so I wanted to show it off. I styled this fit with Fran Drescher in mind- Nanny Couture. I romanticized my day and took time getting ready, doing my makeup, buying my favorite breakfast sandwich; just so I could go work on a social media campaign. So I decided I was going to make a little spend - a - self care - day with me video. Once I was ready, I packed my laptop in my bag and headed towards the CTA. I took footage of the bag like it was my bestie and showcased our travel (even if it was 2 stops away.) Once we got to the cafe, my anxiety was so bad. I had to fight for my life to ask for the wifi password, but I chose to be brave that day and ask for help. (If you know, you know) I sat there for a few hours brainstorming tons of ideas for a social media campaign for my Household Management company. I always feel like it’s challenging to sit for hours and do something but I got it done and felt like Chappel.
Once I got the job done, I decided I deserved a little treat. So I went to a place I had never been before. The plus size vintage store. Not to be dramatic, but this store healed apart of my soul. I found tons of y2k & 90’s fashion, pieces I never even knew existed. And fell in love - with myself. It was so amazing seeing fashion that was trendy when I was a kid. I never got to wear anything like that then, but I realized I could now. I found this silk shirt and remember feeling like an italian mob boss was in Saturday Night Fever meets Midnight disco. Yes that is a category. I had a mini fashion show in the dressing room and tried on things that were completely out of my comfort zone- but I felt hot. I felt sexy and confident and that yeah, this is what success feels like. I got two pieces that I wouldn’t normally buy myself - and felt like a true queen. I felt like a part of me finally integrated the inner child healing into becoming the woman I know would have protected me as a kid.
So now, a new story can begin.
When I got home, I had a fashion show for my long distance platonic wife. We laughed, did makeup on video call, and had a little yap sesh just enjoying the vibes. Even when we were 100+ miles apart, that was the best Saturday night I had in awhile. So when I was like okay goodbye gotta go do some witchy shit in my basement, I wanted to just reconnect to the person in the mirror. I got myself flowers and created an alter with many candles, tarot cards, coloring supplies, crystals, etc. I also brought the luggage set. I set the intention that I would like to connect with the inner child within - to just hangout with them and let their creativity flow. So I created three names on red card stock- The Giver, The Taker, and The Please Her.
My three piece luggage set had a name. It wanted to be seen and it wanted to go places. So Sapphic Sunday was born! It is inspired by the pedicure you get for Feet Friday, Saturday Night fever going to the function, then you can sit and enjoy your Sapphic Sunday without the scaries kicking in. It’s about making the necessary time for rejuvenation and connecting to those who love you. Taking the day nice and slow, pampering yourself, and don’t you dare forget about gay brunch. When I think about Sapphic Sunday, I think about how my roomie wants a manicure with picnic vibes, little ants and flowers, very demure, so cutesy. & that shit is gay as hell.
So now that I I knew that there was story behind this collection, I built it out a little more. When I think of Sapphic Sunday, I knew I wanted it to have very romantic and intimate vibes. I like to spend my Sundays doing spa activities, like a face mask or slip my feet into a foot bath. So I built the set with relaxation and rejuvenation in mind. The set can be described as a self love shrine to yourself. When I think of the renaissance rooms I like to create, it’s basically just my imagination traveling back through time to hang out like a queen would, surrounded by their favorite things. My style of art is unique because there is intention with every object and prop. If you would like an in depth synopsis, check out the director’s cut video on youtube. The next step came from a burst of inspiration where I decided you know what, I think I’m just going to make a short film about my self love journey. So I gathered all my content I took in Italy, and started editing a video on Capcut. Never dont that before, but I found out that day.
When thinking of my self love journey, I am finally able to recognize the intense strength and resilience it took to get to this point. Why it’s so important is because I am someone who has struggled with body image issues my entire life. I can’t take a compliment, I don’t believe them, even when my friends tell me how much they love me. My bestie and I like to write notes back and forth to each other, and I will never forget one they wrote. It ended with, “ I just hope you know that you are an incredible person, and one day you’ll think so too.” And honestly, I’m starting to. Just like Ru Paul said, if you can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else? I have watched about 10+ seasons of Drag Race in the last year, probably heard that quote a million times. It’s just one of those things that until you figure out it on your own, you don’t get it till you get it.
When it comes to the fashion aspect of the set, I knew exactly what to do. I have this red roses lowcut dress I’ve had for years, and we’re keeping that one in rotation for life. Every time I wear it, I meet someone I end up falling head over heels for. Or is that everyone? lol oops. But being so for real, I love this dress with my whole heart. It’s special to me, and the fact that the 3 piece luggage set was also red roses- simply meant to be. One thing that I have always loved is lingerie and how it makes me feel. I knew I wanted to incorporate a boudoir aspect to this scene, so I found literally the perfect fit. An all leather corset and matching skirt. What doesn’t matter is the extra effort it took to put all these curves in order because got damn. I could hardly breathe but I knew I was living my renaissance dream. Meow.
I never had an opportunity to wear the skirt, and I’m convinced it was for this specific occasion. I saw the picture of the back of the skirt, and knew I was like okay. This is the shot. And had a profound realization. I am someone who has identified with their past mistakes, replaying failed scenarios over and over, and just like. Not having a positive relationship with myself. Ever. So when I saw this pic, I had the thought that hmm, if my internal wounds were scars, this is what they would look like. And that is what made me fall in love with my body. My story is beautiful and has lots of layers, and ultimately got to me where I am at. So I guess I can start looking in the mirror and learning to like what I see. Maybe even get to know them? So this is what Peach Palace is all about. Learning to accept and love yourself, finding what you like about yourself and your relationship to your sexuality. Thank you so much for listening to my tiny GURL talk about this set. It means so much to finally be in a place where I feel comfortable enough to share my art. Hope you enjoy <3
Can’t wait to make more art for everyday of the week.
