Fall leaves (outfit #38)

I'm trying hard to deny the seasons, it is NOT winter, I swear!  This dress has all the perfect Autumn colors; pumpkin, mustard, olive, sunflower yellow, and tomato bisque red.  This rayon, late1940s dress came from an estate sale.  I initially thought the dress was later, because the pattern seemed late 60s and the colors are so saturated.  I love it when I get to meet the people who know the history of a dress and give me the accurate details.  It's by a maker called Pornette... no, seriously!  It has a really interesting tri-split collar and a matching belt.  My mustard colored gloves are from a different estate, and my multi-colored t-straps were thrifted.  I have accomplished one of my 2013 goals, and am wearing my first ever bullet bra.  I purchased it on Etsy as vintage deadstock, and am totally loving it!

Happy Sunday!

Green with envy (outfit #37)

Today was insanely, painfully, bitterly cold!  I think it was only about 12 degrees in the shade.  I chose this dress, because in the middle of winter, everything is brown and dead.  I'm already dreaming of the days when little spring bulbs start to peak out, and the grass starts to turn that perfect spring bud green.  My 50s dress is from ebay, and has the sweetest lace smocking on the bodice.  My vintage mint green belt was a gift from my friend Sam, at the Robot Exchange. My green and white spectator pumps were thrifted and then hand-painted by me.  It was really popular to match all the details of your ensemble in the 1950s.  Hats, shoes, gloves, purses, etc were all coordinated.  Since finding matching shoes seemed like such a daunting task, I created my own.

Happy Sunday!

Sweater set (outfit #36)

Forgive how over exposed these photos came out, but it's hard to find good, complimentary light for photos in the winter.  I purchased this lovely sweater set from the Robot Exchange.  The label says, An Original by Olga, and they really are such beautiful and unique pieces.  The sweater has a side zipper, ties in the front, and has embroidered flowers on the back of the collar.  The skirt has rhinestones on the flowers and a built in crinoline (which is pink!!)  I saw this outfit on the mannequin and had to try it on.  When my friend Sam told me the width of the waist, I almost gave up, but after some wiggling, we were able to get it zipped up!  I will admit, I had to lose about 5 lbs to really fit into this set, but I think it was totally worth it!!

Happy Sunday!

Put a bird on it! (outfit #35)

This is a lovely 1950s, velvet and taffeta dress with a built in crinoline and a scattering of rhinestones.   I think it's the perfect frock for a holiday party, and has the right amount of sparkle for ringing in the New Year.   I purchased this dress on Etsy for a mere $18!  My hat, was a Christmas present from my mother from a local antique store.  I spotted it over the summer and couldn't get it out of my head, so she was kind enough to go and pick it up for me.  I believe it's from the 1940s, and it has the most adorable little black (raven?) perched on the brim.

Happy Sunday!

Dinner party dress (outfit #34)

This green rose pattern, 1950s, L'aiglon dress and matching bolero jacket were purchased from ebay.  The fur hat, is made by The Hat Box, and was discovered at an estate.

Happy Sunday!

Wrapped up in a bow (outfit #33)

I found this darling 1960s red wiggle dress at a thrift store.  I love the two bows at the waist and the faux fur cuffs.  It reminds me of something Joan from Mad Men would wear to a debauchery filled holiday party.  My pearl, grape cluster, clip-on earrings were thrifted.  The Brownie "Holiday" camera is from my collection.  These cameras were produced sometime between 1953-57.

Happy Sunday!

10 Goals for 2013

1. Master wearing a beehive!  The clothing of the 40s and 50s is really my cup of tea, but I can't help loving the mod look of the 60s.  Bright colors, ascot collars, knee-high boots, winged liner, and the ever amazing beehive.  There's a certain amount of backcombing and hairspray that is going to take some practice.  2013 is my year to master this style.

2. Craft some retro inspired accessories. 

 vintage headband, bow belt,  pearl collar necklace, and simple birdcage

3.  Take a family photo.  No, I'm not talking about the type of photo where we all have matching sweaters and we're sitting strangely in front of aspen trees.  I want an artfully done, funny photo that expresses who we really are as a family.  I'm looking for an excuse to dress the whole family up vintage and find an amazing backdrop.  It's going to take some planning, but I'm determined to make this happen in 2013.

4.Learn to cook the perfect Indian chicken Korma.  After many practice rounds, I figured out how to make a delicious chicken Tikka Masala (in the crockpot no less!)  Now, it's time to find a simple, lovely Korma recipe.

5.  Buy a bullet bra!  Yes, that's right.  Every vintage loving girl should own one.  I'm amazed I've made it this far without one.

6. Finish my nine year old son's bedroom and blog about it.  It's by far the most difficult to decorate for someone who has opinions about their space, especially when they are contrary to my own.  He's got his own interests and it's certainly been a challenge to meet his needs, and create a space we both like. He's very interested in history, just not "my" particular decades.   Stay tuned...

7.  Open my Etsy store.  I've already picked and registered the name.  Now I need to create some listings and link up my blog.  I'd love to hear some tips on maintaining a successful online shop, if anyone cares to share.

8.  Finally reupholster that amazing "atomic wing back" chair I purchased from the thrift store.  I spotted the coolest turquoise chair.  It was clean, had amazing lines, peg legs, and was only $12!   I got so excited, I forgot to sit on the damn thing.  It was only later I realized that the springs in the seat are not level and it's not comfortable.  I've been afraid to attempt to fix it, so it's been taking up space in my basement.  This is the year, friends.  (similar to this chair)

9. Sew some clothes for the baby girl.  There are plenty of free patterns on the web, as well as some cute vintage ones I've collected.  I'm going to get motivated and make her some pretty things.

 vintage heirloom dress,  reversible circle skirt, romper, and  nurse

10.  Go on a trip with my honey.  It's sometimes really difficult to just get away and go somewhere with my husband.  There's always some force plotting against us, like busy schedules, finding reliable babysitters, and of course money (or lack thereof).  It is so worth it though!  Couples have to dedicate time to try and connect.  It's fun to get to fall in love all over again.  Even if it's just one night away, I vow to make it happen.

What are your goals for the new year?