Dear Maraudistas—

I hope you all had a fabulous summer! With the kids being back to school & Labor Day soon approaching, it’s officially time to transition to fall. This is always a little tricky, sartorially speaking. Temps in the 80s & 90s are forecasted for next week in my area. You can certainly keep wearing your summer clothes! At the same time, I think we feel like mixing in some fall colors & touches during this phase.

At Maraud Vintage, you’ll continue to find great summer pieces, along with items perfect for mixing & layering to get that early fall vibe. You’ll also see the addition of autumn touches in our home decor.

Beginning in September, the boutique will be open on Fridays 11 am to 3 pm, select Saturdays, & by appointment. We will be closed the Friday before Labor Day, so September 11 will be the first regular day. We’ll be open by appointment this coming week. Please follow our Facebook page for updates: Maraud Vintage.

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Call/Text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

*We accept cash, check with ID, & Paypal

Currently in the shop, we are featuring the ‘90s Butter Mom trend. I had initially decided to forgo getting into the aesthetics & had been ignoring the trends all summer. Then last month I just happened to see something about this popular look & lifestyle, which apparently gained momentum in the spring. I have to say, it’s the perfect casual-yet-put-together inspiration that I need, & you might like it too.

The color butter yellow has been trending for several seasons, & that seems to be part of the equation. But what it really amounts to is a soft, nostalgic focus on a nurturing, maternal approach to both getting dressed & parenting. Think Nancy Meyers movies, relaxed button down shirts, home cooked meals, gardening, & lots of faded denim. Vintage J. Crew, Gap, LL Bean, Banana Republic, & Ralph Lauren are some of your go-to brands.

Stay tuned for a deep dive into this aesthetic. Here’s a peek at what you’ll find in the boutique, with many more fall goodies to come!!

Hope to see you soon!🌸

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dearest Maraudistas~

I think we can officially call it summer! I’m excited for this boutique season. Maraud Vintage will be open tomorrow (Saturday May 30) from 11 am—3 pm. I’m taking a leap of faith for June, cutting back on my regular job hours to give you more time for marauding!!

So here’s the scoop.

*We’ll be regularly open on Tuesdays from 10 am—2 pm. In addition, you can shop the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month from 5 pm—7 pm, in conjunction with the Montpelier Cruise-Ins, which run from 5 pm—8 pm. Those dates are June 9 & June 23. It’s just a short walk down the street! 💕

*Thursday hours will be 11 am—3 pm. We’ll be open on select Saturdays. For the month of June, this will be the 6th, 11 am—3 pm. You can also shop by appointment.

The schedule is subject to change, so please follow our Maraud Vintage page on Facebook for updates, photos, & pop-up hours.

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Phone/Text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

I’ve picked up heaps of vintage clothing from new suppliers, so come get the goodies!!

See you soon, me hearties!🏴‍☠️

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Maraudistas~

Please forgive the late notice! The 2nd annual Montpelier Spring Soirée is tomorrow, Saturday May 9, 10am—3pm. Shops on Main Street & near downtown will have special sales & activities, & there will be a farmers market, craft show, food vendors & live music.

We are hosting our 2nd Maraud Vintage Boutique Bash in conjunction with this event & will be open 10am—2pm. Please set your course to enjoy a Vintage European Summer atmosphere with gorgeous new vintage clothing & unique home decor & gifts. Prices are slashed throughout the shop, & it’s not too late to find a lovely Mother’s Day treasure.

The weather looks great for this fun festival day!!🌝

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Call/text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

We accept cash, check with ID, & PayPal.

Hope to see you soon!!😍

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Marauders & Maraudistas~

I especially want to thank those of you who supported my small business in 2025. I sincerely enjoyed meeting everyone who came through the door! January is universally a slow retail month, but I’m taking the opportunity to refresh the boutique, create vignettes that reflect current trends, and add new inventory every week, often each day the shop is open.

For 2026, I want to expand my charitable mission and more deeply reflect the values of community, generosity, hospitality, environmental stewardship, and a return to real things with meaning and purpose. Please help me keep the lights on by considering Maraud Vintage any time you need a unique gift or piece for your wardrobe or home. Our inventory is curated for quality and beauty in a cozy, inviting 1908 home.

Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 11 am—3 pm; Friday 12—5:30 pm; Saturday by appointment

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Call/Text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

Follow us on Facebook: Maraud Vintage

We accept cash, check, PayPal, & CashApp.

Here’s a peek at the show floor updates. Come find things you love!💕

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Happy New Year, dear friends!! I hope this is a day of rest, dwelling, and dreams for you. Just about the first thing I did this morning, after a night of little sleep, was cry. And maybe that’s not a bad thing. We collectively feel compelled to release all in our lives that has not been working, and we resolve to do better in the new year given us.

I suspect, however, that many resolutions fail and plans fizzle because that crucial release is not allowed enough time and attention. We can’t seem to let go and let God. An indispensable component of moving forward is to process grief and pain, to allow oneself to heal, and then to resist the temptation to pick open the old wounds. This is easier said than done. What seems apparent to me is that until I surrender my life entirely, in every corner of my home, work, and mind, to the care of God, I will keep suffering deep feelings of resentment, loss, and abandonment.

This Substack forum is a type of social media. As such, I want to entertain, teach, and inspire; so I feel like I can only show myself at my best and most positive. But what I’ve been noticing while researching the trends for my Maraud Vintage shop is that Gen Z is clearly rejecting perfectionism and sleek internet aspirationalism. We have a deluge of relationship coaching, a ton of self-care counseling at our fingertips, yet most people seem to feel more burnt out than ever.

The Pinterest Predicts list for 2026 and other indicators characterize the young people as particularly nostalgic, going analog and dramatically reducing time on their phones. They’re embracing individual expression and escapism. What intrigues me is that the escape doesn’t seem to be toward fantastical micro trends (I give you Castlecore chain mail and the Mermaid Aesthetic, for example), like we’ve seen in recent seasons. What we seem to be craving en masse is stability.

The idea I’ve been pointing to lately in regard to fashion trends is now being summed up in the word Heritage. The sudden explosion in popularity of Ralph Lauren in 2025, in terms of both fashion and home design, is no fluke. Ralph Lauren started his career in 1967 and built a brand on quality, tradition, and story telling. That last component is key to the whole thing. Whether it’s the selling of products or ideas, there is no better way to move people than with a story.

In 2020, under the combined influences of the pandemic and its deplorable handling, and the rioting allowed in major cities all over the country, the young people were robbed of their stories. They have grown up now, and they want their stories back. I want mine back too. Don’t you?

Heritage isn’t exactly a trend. It’s an overarching direction, an acute shift in way of life. Stylists and influencers will try to hijack it, as they did with Dark Academia, in which they made the aesthetic about modern, black-on-black walls and furnishings, the exact opposite of the actual look and feel. It was all dreadfully the same, a commercialized interpretation devoid of soul.

I’m calling the vision I’m seeing Signature Heritage, because the heartbeat of it, the essential impulse, is to recover our unique humanity. The point is to put your personal stamp on everything. Not as performance, but rather to show up as yourself.

Unfortunately, some people will fall down the AI rabbit hole and continue their lives in blind obedience. We’re all in danger of this, because I believe there has been and continues to be a diabolical plan to ruin our collective mental health. For the last number of years I’ve suspected that society will split in two separate directions: those who remain prisoners of homogenization and control, and those who break free and forge a new path.

I think that is the escapist plan of Gen Z. They are quietly opting out of the status quo and building from real materials. And I don’t think it’s a right vs. left thing. They want something truly life giving. Oh Lord, redeem our time. Restore what was lost. Fulfill your promise to prosper us and give us hope for a future.

The keys are in the past, a buried treasure. But I believe there is a map and as many variations of the map as there are people. We want to look like ourselves, feel like ourselves, and live in homes that reflect who we are. We seek a sanctuary. Though we reach back to bygone eras for knowledge and inspiration, we want to bring that treasure to our present time and carry it into the future. Rather than endeavoring to recreate the past, we will use it to customize a new way of living. History will serve to enlighten the path, as we take what we like with us and weave unique tapestries for a time such as this.

Last Sunday, though I had gone to church, I was suddenly overwhelmed with feeling like people were not doing what I had expected them to, and it meant that they weren’t thinking or caring about me. Efforts had recently been made to heal a broken relationship, which was encouraging, but it also opened my heart to facing my grief. What if I get my hopes up, only to be disappointed again? It would kill me.

I drove to my daughter’s house in something of a state, but my emotions were diffused more quickly than they otherwise would have been, had I not entered the sanctuary of peace that she and her husband have built. Aside from the rude barking of a certain beagle, their home is filled with the calm presence that comes only from the Spirit. There is a feeling of containment there that is rare. It’s cozy but uncluttered. One feels like one can think and breathe in the atmosphere they’ve created.

This is the example to emulate. If just 3.5% of the population moves in a certain direction, rarely will it fail to bring about change. Consider the massive growth of homeschooling, directly following the pandemic, and you have a prime example of a profound cultural shift, led by a minority, that shows no signs of receding. We need a sea change.

The way that we approach getting dressed, decorating and caring for are our homes, working, and designing family life are all connected. Stability comes with aligning our insides with our outsides.

The ladies in the picture at the top are most likely fishing for sport, not of necessity to feed themselves. Yet they are connecting to nature, outdoors breathing the fresh air and getting sunshine, all while looking incredibly stylish. They are not rushing. They are just being. Everything around them is solid, steady, real. I’m going to put my screens away now and make a soup. Work on the poem I wrote a couple of days ago. Read something to feed my soul. Maybe even go out in the cold and shovel snow.

Listen for the answer to the question, why am I really here?

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Oh me hearties! I was working in the boutique yesterday afternoon, thinking about which of the 3 style aesthetics I mentioned recently to write about first, when I had the sinking suspicion that Pinterest had dropped its trend predictions for the coming year. And I was right. Here’s the thing. The trends change at breakneck speed. I’m still in love with the Fisherman aesthetic! I’m not ready to move on. And why should I, when according to Pinterest, it’s all about nostalgia?

There are two points of very good news that I wish to emphasize. The first is that you can find a lot of what’s on the list at Maraud Vintage! The second is that I’ve been noticing how, over the past few seasons, rather than disappearing, some of the trends just adopt a new name with a slightly different inspiration. It’s all about repackaging, so things don’t necessary change as quickly as we are led to believe.

Take, for example, the various, ever evolving Academia aesthetics: Preppy, Dark, Light, Modern, and Cozy. Library Core is a subgenre of Academia, and it’s one of my winter fashion inspirations.

But wait! Pinterest says that Poetcore (!!!) is going to be big in 2026. We can easily apprehend the connection between academians, librarians, and poets. Brooched and Laced Up are two other big trends, both of which are carrying over from 2025. That’s just wearing brooches and lace, ya’ll. Pen Pals is on the list, not referring to fashion, but rather to journaling, letter writing, stationery, and quiet hobbies.

Add these all together, and you have the beginnings of a cohesive look and lifestyle vision. Put your own spin on whatever ideas you like, and you don’t have to go out and buy any new clothes. You will, however, have a heck of a time finding stationery. Or maybe not. If Gen Z wants it, we might see it being made again.

It just so happens that I’ve been writing poetry (and letters and journals) for decades, so my eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw Poetcore. Right when I felt like I was getting into a rut, and believe it or not, right when I had been thinking that I should seriously start writing poetry again, this news blew in like a cold breeze to wake me up. Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m dying over this.

The point of the whole thing is to start with the trends to get your creative juices flowing and then to curate your unique style, not copy anyone else’s. And if you don’t like a trend, you ignore it. Simple as that. Which brings me back to Fisherman Core. It, too, has simply continued on under other guises. We’ll look at that later.

Since these Pinterest trends are fresh predictions, there aren’t actually a lot of pictures out there yet. But I’ll share some looks I’ve been saving for my own inspiration, plus a few I could find today. They fall under Librarian or Poet Core, with some Frazzled English Woman overlap. And considering the romantic image of a poet by the sea, don’t be surprised if a little Fisherman Aesthetic works its way in…

I think Gwyneth Paltrow in the 2003 Sylvia (Plath) movie could be a huge Poetcore style icon! We’ll explore her in upcoming posts…

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear friends~

Happy Advent! We are already in the second week, and this liturgical season notoriously flies by. We’re in the midst of preparing for Christmas, shoveling snow, and guarding ourselves against the cold. All while attempting to slowly savor the coming of Our Lord. Though the winter solstice isn’t until Sunday the 21st, where I live the season has clearly arrived. And after the hubbub of the holidays are over, we will be met by what some of us experience as dark days to be endured—barely tolerated—until spring finally saves us.

But what if we could do it differently this year? What if we could thrive?

“Romanticizing” is a buzzword used by content creators to suggest enticing ways to make ordinary days more special, to live one’s best life by incorporating small pleasures and routines into our daily round. Who would have known how to do this better in winter than the Celtic and Scandinavian hearthkeepers of old?

Today, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, I propose a Women’s Gathering to accompany us through this passage of time. Yes, this forum is particularly for women, but I think that my male subscribers will also find prospects to consider and enjoy. And of course you may have a woman in your life who would greatly benefit from this community.

My plan is to bring back Hearthkeeper Magazine on a quarterly basis. If you are a newer subscriber, you can read previous issues in the archives. Basically, the topics are Celtic history, Christianity, and spirituality, with hearthkeeping being the traditional role of women in Celtic society.

There will be a weekly Women’s Gathering post in this Hearthkeeper Hub section. We’ll explore beauty, self-care, music, literature and poetry, liturgical topics, nourishing food and routines, creative pursuits and movement, nature, and the edification of our relationships. We’ll go deeply into what it means to be a daughter of God.

Because I want this to be an intimate refuge for sharing, after a couple of initial posts, I’d like to transition the Gathering to paid subscribers only. However, there will still be an occasional newsletter in the Hub for everyone.

I personally crave a supportive community of women, and the winter months can be lonely and isolating. Imagine instead that winter could be a season you look forward to all year!!

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Friends~

To be forthcoming, I’ve been worried lately that the components of Where Lady Wisdom Dwells are too diverse, and that most of my recent content has been related to the boutique. I considered creating a Substack newsletter just for Maraud Vintage, rather than it existing as a section of this one. But that seemed like a complicated prospect, and I like to keep things simple. Then a most providential discovery was made. I was searching for new podcasts for Catholic women on Spotify, when I encountered Lillian Fallon and her marvelous book, Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You.

Here, dear readers, is the missing link! I think that Christians can sometimes be overly scrupulous. We feel uncomfortable about caring what we look like. And even the idea of wearing one’s “Sunday best” to church is disregarded by many. After all, Jesus doesn’t care about our clothes, right? Lilies of the field and sparrows and such. Being invested in our personal style can seem like a guilty pleasure. But what if we’re on the wrong track entirely?

Fallon gives an account of how reading St. Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Theology of the Body while in college rocked her fashion-loving world. Her professor quoted from this work: “The structure of [man’s] body is such that it permits him to be the author of genuinely human activity. In this activity, the body expresses the person.” He went on to explain the pope’s words, “the body manifests the soul.” This sparked the thought in Fallon’s mind, if the body manifests the soul, then the things we wear can aid this manifestation.

What if the expression of personal style and beauty is not a frivolous and vain pursuit? What if it can indeed serve as a reflection of the Christian teaching on the inseparable unity of body and soul? Fallon asks, “What if more women understood their true identity as someone made in the image of God? What if style could help them get there?”

Is it just me, or is this a revolutionary idea?! I’m not far into the book, so please comment if you’d like to join me for a book study. With this connection between spirituality and style being offered, my topics merge in harmony. The decoration and beautification of one’s home being included in this theology is a logical extension. Woman in her sacred role as hearthkeeper, using her unique beauty and talents to glorify God, cultivating her personal style as an actual tool for evangelization—these are threads in a picturesque tapestry. As Anne of Green Gables might say, this view opens much scope for the imagination.

I’m not sure what posts will go in which section in the future, since I foresee such an interrelatedness now. Updates for the boutique specifically will of course appear in the Maraud Vintage section. I’m just glad that now we can both have more fun and take our wardrobes and homes more seriously!

I’ve been thinking about my winter wardrobe a lot today, as we’re under a winter storm warning in my area. I’ve settled on three aesthetics that I think express the different, but related, aspects of my personality. These are Fisherman, Frazzled English Woman, and Vintage Librarian. Here’s a sneak peak:

I’d love to know what you all think of this new direction! And it isn’t just for women. Men too can find much satisfaction in exploring personal style. I can’t wait to continue the conversation!!

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Friends~

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so grateful for all of you who subscribe to this newsletter, many of whom are family members, friends, and boutique customers. I recently updated my email list, so thank you for your patience if you’ve been waiting to be added.

Tomorrow, November 28, Maraud Vintage will host a Black Friday sale from 11 am—3 pm. Bundle two or more items for 10% off, or 15% with purchases of $50 or more. Prices are slashed throughout the store, with a special rack of warm weather items. Who knows, you may be planning a trip south this winter, so I didn’t put that clothing away.

Don’t forget that we carry the lovely Luminous Arrows tallow whips and lip products! We accept cash, check with ID, and PayPal. If I owe you a customer rewards coupon that you haven’t yet received, please stop by and I will honor an additional $10 off. Come shop in a festive, cozy, olde tyme atmosphere, and find things you love!

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Call/Text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

Follow us on Facebook to stay current: Maraud Vintage

Beginning next week, open hours will be as follows:

Thursday & Saturday from 11 a.m.—3 p.m.; Friday from 12 p.m.—5 p.m.; and by appointment. Your treasures await!!

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Marauders & Maraudistas~

In my neck of the woods we’ve already had our first snow! Nothing puts one in the holiday mood quite like the sight of a red cardinal perched in a snow dusted bush in the backyard. I’m excited to help you greet the season with a vintage flair!

Maraud Vintage hours this week: Wednesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, and by appointment. Regular Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but this week is Montpelier’s Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering, & we are scheduled for a two-hour open house during those festivities. Please stop in for refreshments, door prizes, and a 10% bundle sale when you purchase two or more items! We accept cash, check with ID, & PayPal.

We endeavor to be consistent with our holiday hours, but please follow our Facebook page for updates: Maraud Vintage

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Call/Text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

Come find a stunning outfit, fabulous gift, or lovely loot to spruce up your home! We also feature Luminous Arrows tallow whips & lip products, perfect for a stocking stuffer. The new Fall Embrace aromatherapy blend is heavenly.

Here’s a few more shots from around the shop. Hope to see you soon!!

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Happy October, me hearties! Maraud Vintage boutique & gifts will be participating in Montpelier’s Harvest of Sweets Walk this coming Saturday. The community event is from 1 pm to 3 pm, but the boutique will open at noon. This way you have time to shop before the walk officially begins, in case you aren’t participating in the event itself. You can get tickets through Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce & participating businesses, as well as online. Only 25 additional tickets will be available on Saturday.

We’ll be having a “slash sale” throughout the store, with price reductions reflected on the tags. There will also be a rack of slashed summer clothing in particular. The boutique features four areas of vintage treasures: the front porch, entry way, living room, & parlor. Located in a 1908 home, the atmosphere is a delight.

Our offerings include clothing, antiques, jewelry, accessories, books, educational materials, handmade items, & home decor. Most of the inventory is genuine vintage, along with some good, pre-loved fashion brands. We are also proud to carry Luminous Arrows tallow-based, aromatherapy skin care & lip products.

We provide well curated, unique, fun finds for yourself and your gift giving needs. A fitting room is available for your convenience. Keep in mind that vintage sizes tend to run smaller than modern, so it’s best to try on the clothing!

Maraud Vintage sources clothing & accessories that reflect current trends and special pieces to enhance your personal style. Vintage tends to be better made than new, fast fashion styles, & nothing beats the real thing.

We accept cash, personal checks with ID, & PayPal. This business supports local charitable needs.

Come find things you love!!

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Call/text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Maraudistas~

I was driving in the countryside on my way to work last week, and my eyes wandered to the forest in the distance. Unmistakable fall colors met my gaze. Just like that, apparently overnight, autumn had arrived to northwest Ohio. Though summery weather still prevails, the mornings are chilly, the days grow shorter, and the mood has decidedly shifted toward this festively melancholic season. How’s that for an oxymoron?!

I’ve been thinking for some time that returning to a literary life would be essential to my solitary hermitage path. Yet it’s difficult to break the digital addiction. Gen Z vloggers have actually been the ones to inspire me to focus on reading again. With real books in my hands. The dreadful decline of my attention span is shocking. So much of what we encounter in the digital world is likewise, horrifyingly shocking. I know I’m not alone in asking, what has our world become?

Though it may seem counterintuitive, the Dark Academia aesthetic, in both clothing and home decor, hits just the right note. It’s saturated with analog nostalgia. It’s accessible for the everyday person. I think it’s reflective of this season often characterized by drawing inward, of the longing for quiet places and the reassurance of things we can touch. Textures and fabrics such as tweed, wool, silk, crisp cotton, and velvet are substantial, classic, comforting.

Dark Academia is tied to the traditional university, to the obsession with knowledge, wisdom, and creativity. But at this time in history when critical thinking is blunted in the realm of higher education, the romanticism of the past is what the trend truly draws upon. I think the more intriguing and empowering image of Dark Academia in our present era can be found in libraries, both public and in the home, in secondhand bookshops, and at small cafes. Estate sales, vintage boutiques, antiques shops, and time spent in nature also provide a great deal of scope for the imagination. Let this post serve as an introduction to my topic of focus for fall.

My intention is to explore this idea of analog nostalgia and the moody academic style, not just as something to daydream about, nor as an escapist fantasy, but rather as a practical antidote to our modern ills. The young people are craving ancient things. They are desperate for the true, the good, and the beautiful. And I’ve heard the whispers of people of all ages, especially women, who just want to be home. We are weary of the world. So very worn out. But revival’s in the air. Catch it if you can.

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Friends~

I haven’t written here at all since May 29. That last post was in contemplation of cultivating a life of solitary hermitage, and the notion to write a book on this topic. Now it is early August. What have I discovered?

I’ve determined that there are four pillars upon which to build such a life: Solitude, Silence, Simplicity, & Stability. And there are three paths to peace & contentment: Prayer, Walking, & Writing. And somehow, what to wear, with the key being to dress like me, is an indispensable feature to becoming the woman God has created me to be.

Alas, there is too much noise for one to know oneself, much less to be true to oneself. There are too many voices. Maybe looking in your closet is as good a place to start as any, & at least you won’t be looking, with unfocused eyes & mind, out into the cacophonous world.

I think that the luxury people are actually seeking is not about material wealth. Rather, it’s the luxury of time, the restoration of our attention span, a release from addiction to trends and screens. There is too much change, all the time.

The fall 2025 fashion trend, lazy luxury, touted as the replacement of quiet luxury, is secretly about reclaiming individual expression. It’s a rejection of the bombarding profusion of endless aesthetics and micro trends. It’s a signal to be comfortable in one’s own body & skin, to carve out time & attention for the interior life, to stop feeling like you need to be endlessly moving forward.

Yet there is structure. A juxtaposition of softness with groundedness. The feeling that you aren’t going to float away into the ether, with your head perpetually in the clouds. There is the hope that the dream actually materializes, that the bread has a substantial crust which takes time to chew. It’s nostalgia with a purpose.

Those of us who experienced life before social media, constant connectivity, & a 24-hour news cycle remember a better, richer way to live. And the younger generations are embracing not only vintage clothing and vinyl records, but what might be called an analog lifestyle.

This isn’t about sticking one’s head in the sand. It’s about seeing clearly. Facing the awful truth of the world & laughing at the latter days (Proverbs 31 Woman, wink). It’s subversively being in the world but not of the world. Quiet rebellion. The pretense of laziness. A self-defined vision of success. The power to take it all back.

Godspeed, Rita Michele

My Dear Readers~

Have you ever had an idea catch you by surprise and then had to scramble to capture it on paper? This was my experience at work today (during my down time, of course!). Luckily I had my journal handy, plus internet access. I went from thinking of a topic for this Substack section to imagining an entire book project!

As I previously mentioned on the main page of Where Lady Wisdom Dwells, I decided that I don’t have time to manage the monthly Hearthkeeper Magazine; but that I would consider continuing to cover Celtic history and spirituality in shorter form, changing the name to Hearthkeeper Hub. So here we are.

You may wonder, why on Earth would a single woman who is not a nun wish to live like one? Well, good question. And it’s a long story. When I was married I read about the Catholic idea of the home as a “domestic church” or monastery. In traditional Celtic Christian communities, such as those in Ireland during the time of St. Patrick and St. Brigid, the whole of village life was centered around the monastery. Adopting a monastic approach to modern family living and the ordering of one’s days, especially in the case of homeschoolers, reflects a long tradition.

But now, as a divorced empty nester who will soon be a grandmother, I’ve begun to wonder how I could apply the idea of a domestic monastery to my single life. Perhaps the fact that I’m currently seeking an annulment of my marriage is playing into this contemplation. I will hopefully be free to marry again, but it could be years before that happens, if it ever does.

I began to search the internet for books on the topic of a single woman living like a nun. I found nothing on Amazon. Nothing. Which to my mind means that I’m supposed to write the book. As in, she “wrote the book” on living like a nun as a single lay woman…

Fortunately, AI was happy to give me some encouragement that this could be done. You may be thinking, that actually might be a clue this is a bad idea. And you may be right. But the project is already giving me such scope for the imagination, and I have a feeling that it’s exactly what I need to connect all the dots of my life; all the hopes, dreams, and desires of my heart. Especially this one term: solitary hermitage.

Now you may be screaming, are you mad, woman?! You want to be a hermit??? Not exactly. But kind of. You have to admit that “solitary hermitage” is quite poetical. Hermitess has a lovely ring to it. And I think it goes with the whole wabi-sabi thing that I recently wrote about. You will just have to trust me, it’s all going to make sense. And yeah, it’s gonna be a book. A sort of spiritual memoir, which is a genre I just love.

Right now I’m planning to write a few introductory pieces here for free and then transition the project to a paid subscription, released on a bi-weekly basis. It will likely have its own, separate section, so that I can continue to write short Celtic content here in the Hub.

There is a legend which claims that Mary Magdalene spent the last of her days, after Jesus left, living as a hermitess in France. The idea is tres intriguing, no?

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dearest Maraudistas~

A big thank you to everyone who came out for our May 10 Boutique Bash! From what I gathered, the Montpelier Spring Soiree was a great success, and we had a wonderful turnout here at Maraud Vintage. LeighAnn Easton’s Luminous Arrows tallow based, aromatherapy skin care products were well-received, and they are now a permanent feature in the boutique. As an experienced esthetician and proponent of natural skin care, I’m proud to carry these high quality treasures and would be thrilled to help you find your perfect blend.

I want to share some thoughts with you regarding the benefits of vintage clothing and decor, but let’s talk upcoming hours first! We are open by appointment only for the remainder of May. I’m working on a summer refresh of the boutique and tucking in new goodies for your marauding pleasure.

Summer hours at my seasonal job will begin in June, so I’ll be working around that schedule. Maraud Vintage will be open for business on Mondays and Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m., except for June 10. In addition, we will be open on Saturday, June 28 and the Sundays of June 1 and 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please follow our Facebook page for any changes to the schedule, info on special sales, and updated pictures: Maraud Vintage.

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Call/Text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

So why am I passionate about all things vintage? First, as Anne of Green Gables might say, it leaves much scope for the imagination. Even from childhood, I was intrigued by my mom’s love of collecting antiques. Decorating our home was always her creative outlet, for which she has a natural gift. As such, my eye for unique treasures from the past was cultivated from a young age.

There is an inherent romanticism in contemplating bygone days, especially as a balm for the harsh realities of the present, that has drawn generation after generation. Vintage and antique items tell a story, connect us to our history, and help us to feel less lost at sea in such confusing, unsettling times.

My mom also instilled the value of quality in all of her children. We always wore clothing and shoes that fit well and were well made. She was aghast when I started shopping for cheap shoes at Payless as a teenager with my babysitting money! Oftentimes, vintage clothing, furniture, and decorative items are better made than modern offerings. Fast fashion has only gained momentum over recent years, sacrificing quality and uniqueness for an of-the-moment, constant turnover of trends.

At the same time that cookie cutter, copycat style surrounds us, there is a resurgence of interest in individuality, combined with a greater ethical consciousness, which is notably prevalent among the members of Gen Z. I recently sold a vintage, vinyl Christmas album to an 18-year-old man! We’re talking Doris Day, my friends. This young generation (ages 13 to 28) reminds me of myself at their age, only they have the added impetus of breaking from the rapid technological advances they’ve grown up with.

The human attraction to Beauty is perhaps the simplest explanation for the popularity of vintage and pre-loved things. For my paid Maraud Vintage newsletter this month, we’ll take a deep dive into the concept of wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic of imperfect Beauty. The patina of well worn, beloved objects and a deep appreciation for tradition, simplicity, authenticity, and the natural world characterize wabi-sabi values.

Summer is an ideal time to sink into a mellow, pared back, slower way of living. Won’t you join me?

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Friends~

I haven’t thought of it till just now, but May is a good month for a soft reset. We are fully into spring and have seen the early flowers come and go. At this moment my rose bushes are blooming, and the most glorious iris was on display this morning. All the trees are green, the bees and mosquitoes are in the air, and in one week it will be Memorial Day, the official kick-off to summer.

I’ve been contemplating certain categories of things that drain my energy and what tweaks I can make to mitigate my obstacles to feeling good—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Being that I’m back at my seasonal job, my schedule is less flexible, which can be a good thing. It’s easier to waste time when one doesn’t have enough structure. I’m finding that time management is increasingly crucial, and I need to put some routines back into place. I want to be able to optimize the time that I’m not at work toward focusing on my priorities.

Preparing for the summer season can help us to direct our energies. For example, if you have a porch, make it ready to sit on it. Wash pillows and seat cushions, wipe off surfaces, and sweep the floor. Plant some container flowers and herbs. Pull out your warm weather clothing and put away your off season items. Get back to walking outside, and plan something for a weekly excursion into nature or for exploring a new area.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted, not knowing where to start, when you feel behind. You look around and see dirt and clutter and wonder how your life can ever change for the better. When I find myself in this situation, I go back to the “FlyLady” routines. You can learn about Martha Cilley’s method for homecaring via her book, YouTube, and internet articles. What we always begin with is shining the sink. Get the dishes out of the sink, clean it till it shines, and put your kitchen to bed at the end of your day. That is basically step 1.

I haven’t been eating enough nourishing food, which leads to eating too much sugar and snacks when I’m hungry. Sometimes we just don’t keep our kitchens stocked well enough. So get to the grocery store, armed with a list, and be very intentional about what you put into your cart. What can you buy that would facilitate packing your lunch instead of grabbing fast food on your work lunch break?

If my mind is distracted by thoughts that are destroying my peace, I find that I can pull myself out of negative patterns and relationships by creating simple prayer and Scripture routines, journaling, and returning my attention to my ultimate goals. If I’m focused on God and myself, prioritizing the divine will and my own self-care, then I don’t have the time or space to be worrying about what someone else is or isn’t doing. If any person, place, or thing is beyond my control, then it’s none of my business.

A reset doesn’t have to be dramatic. As soon as you begin to shift a few small things, then you are moving forward. And if you are moving forward, then you are not behind! Rather than thinking in terms of charging ahead, striving to overhaul your entire life at once, which will quickly lead to burnout (especially if you’re a woman), imagine a soft approach. Gradual and steady. The building of new habits with consistency, day by day.

For this Substack enterprise, I’m thinking that less is more. I’ll be able to have consistent Maraud Vintage boutique hours soon, when my job switches to the summer schedule. I won’t need to post updates every week. So instead, I plan to write a free, monthly overview for that section like I do here, and then there will be an additional post in each place for paid subscribers. Only when I can be consistent will I consider adding more.

Summer is perhaps the best season for romanticizing our days. There may be big events and numerous activities that we feel pressured to engage in. Let’s be more selective. In every area of life, set firm boundaries with ourselves and others and be very intentional in our choices. And perhaps we can do what we choose to do more simply. Order facilitates simplicity, and simplicity facilitates Beauty. Making ordinary days beautiful and special does more to raise our quality of life than does expending all of our energy on the big events. Enjoy those big moments, of course, but do it within the larger context of creating your desired life.

I feel inspired to see how simple I can make my life, how much I can pare things down to the bare bones. And perhaps, in the space that remains, will be the birth of something grand.

Stella Maris, Star of the Sea, pray for us.

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Hello Marauders!!

As promised, I’m giving paid subscribers the full spread that I mentioned in the last post, from the May 2003 issue of Victoria magazine. I gave you a sneak peek with the polka dot dress above, which I’ve included with a closer view, in case you missed that newsletter. As you will see, these looks reflect my Presiding Aesthetic of Vintage Romantic for spring/summer this year, with a lovely nautical backdrop. I was amazed when I looked through these pictures at how many current trends are reflected here. The maxi dress features the polka dots that are trending now, and I’ve even recently seen this idea of a pearl necklace wrapped around the wrist! In fact, I often wore a very long strand of faux pearls as a bracelet back in the day…

Read more

My Dearest Marauders~

I will be resuming my seasonal job on April 30, with hours that vary from spring to summer. This will substantially affect the boutique schedule, so please stay tuned for upcoming changes and follow our Facebook page: Maraud Vintage. Also, I will be launching the Marauders Market section soon, so that you can purchase items and have them shipped to you! Our first listing will be a collection of little black dresses. The Montpelier Spring Soiree is in two weeks, on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Maraud Vintage is hosting a Boutique Bash in conjunction with this event, with guest vendors LeighAnn of Luminous Arrows (tallow-based skin care) and Joe of Rath Antiques. There are exciting things in the works, not to be missed!

Location: 321 Empire Street, Montpelier OH

Call/Text: 419-451-0039

Email: baladylady@protonmail.com

Hours: Monday April 28 and Tuesday April 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday May 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and by appointment. We accept cash, check, and PayPal. Maraud Vintage features vintage, antique, upcycled, preloved, and handmade clothing & accessories; furniture & home decor; books & educational materials; original floral designs & more. We have goodies on the front porch plus three interior areas for your treasure hunting pleasure. Find things you love!!

Looking forward to your visit, me hearties!!

Godspeed, Rita Michele

My Dearest Marauders~

You may recall that back in January I shared my 3 style words for 2025—nostalgic, offbeat, and romanticized. I was leaning heavily into the grandpacore trend during the winter, but alas, it is spring and therefore time for a refresh. It’s so warm today that I’m sitting on my porch wearing a sleeveless dress!

Yesterday I took some photos of my outfit, reflecting the fishermancore style, and today I was delighted that Jennifer of "The Daily Connoisseur" on YouTube posted on this very aesthetic. I've mentioned that it’s the 2025 trend I’m most excited about, and it has inspired me, along with certain other vibes, to define my style with a new method.

My 3 words certainly still apply, but I thought it would be helpful for myself and others to create a 3-step template for honing your personal style even more specifically. The first step is to choose a Prevailing Aesthetic. This is your overall look. Step 2 is to narrow down your Era Inspiration. This can be either a vintage (or even antique) historical period or a more modern era. The last step is to determine your Guiding Characteristic. This is a word or phrase that focuses on a key element of your personality.

My Prevailing Aesthetic is Vintage Romantic/Nautical. Yes, it’s okay to choose more than one, especially considering that many of the offerings for this year overlap. I had a tough time deciding upon an Era Inspiration, and the decade references of a fashion season can likewise be related. For example, the dress I’m wearing in my outfit of the day is vintage Land’s End from the 1980s. Yet I wore the same dress to a decades dance and made it a 1940s look. The ‘80s contained strong ‘40s and ‘50s elements.

I actually settled on the early 2000s, but not in the way you might imagine. In a future post for paid subscribers, I’ll show you photos from the May 2003 issue of Victoria magazine, which is my main inspiration. Here is the beginning of the article, to give you an idea:

This image evokes old Hollywood glamour and idylls by the sea. Worry not, there are casual but elegant looks for your everyday style as well, if this idea appeals to your sartorial senses.

My Guiding Characteristic is whimsical. This is similar to offbeat, but for me it calls to mind Edwardian stories like The Secret Garden and Alice in Wonderland, and the pre-war dreaminess of Downton Abbey. Think in terms of the wistful, playful, adventurous, and unexpected.

When we continue the conversation, I'll give additional examples for using my template, show you more of my outfits, and explain how I put them together. For now, here is my look! In addition to the dress, I’m wearing a lace embellished leather belt (thrifted), fisherman sandals (Ebay), and vintage nautical jewelry. My purse is vintage Longaberger (yes, the basket company!).

We will be exploring not only the development of one’s wardrobe, but also how it relates to one’s home decor and lifestyle. Remember, you need not follow any trends. Your Prevailing Aesthetic can be entirely something of your own creation. I just find it fun and helpful to narrow things down in such a way. Having too many choices leads to indecision and randomness, which does nothing to make us look and feel great. Which is, of course, the entire point, yes?

So that is what I have for you today. I hope it sparked your curiosity, and I look forward to engaging this community in deeper dives. Enjoy the blissful weather, me hearties!

Godspeed, Rita Michele

Dear Friends~

Happy Earth Day! The question today is whether or not Christians ought to celebrate this secular holiday. Coming a couple of days after Resurrection Sunday, here at the beginning of the Easter season, I personally think it's quite appropriate. However, our perspective as Christians on this topic is unique, and it’s thankfully laid out very simply in Scripture:

And he said: Let us make man to our image and likeness; and let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole earth, and every creeping creature that moveth upon the earth. And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. And God blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth (Genesis 1: 26-28, DRV).

Clearly our Creator celebrates his creation, and there should be no doubt as to the relation of humankind to the rest of the natural world. Yet in modern times, as in all areas, we have seen the Bible turned upside down; in which the good of God is twisted into idolatry. The temptation might be to throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water. But can we recover the true environmental path, restore sanity, and baptize some of the secular mindset? Let us explore, together, the meaning of Christian stewardship and the beautiful design of our Lord.

In the near future, the conversation will continue for paid subscribers. We will discuss issues such as climate change, preservation of nature, the growing of food, product ingredients, population control, and the like; and consider how we are obligated as Christians to steward our planet, what it means to have dominion, and why secular approaches to these issues are misleading and have failed.

In the meantime, enjoy the spring flowers and blooming trees, fill your bird bath and feeders, and consider how you might begin a simple garden, no matter where you live. I have dreams of a mini homestead on my property, complete with ducks. More on that soon…

Godspeed, Rita Michele