Last night brought a wave of Johnny Depp and Tim Burton fans to the local cinemas to see Burton’s latest creation, his twisted take on Lewis Carrol’s classic, Alice in Wonderland. And of course, I was there.  Personally, I’ve always hated Alice in Wonderland, especially the Disney animated version, however I quite enjoyed the TV show Adventures in Wonderland.  But, I have long been a Depp and Burton fan, and with them composer Danny Elfman and costume designer Colleen Atwood go hand in hand, and when this quartet get together, they can do no wrong.

I’ll be honest, I have not read the original novel, I’ve had no real desire to, so to me, watching the midnight premiere of Alice was just like being Alice herself, stepping into Wonderland with no expectations (or at least very few) at all, and of course, was pleasantly surprised by it all.  I adore Burton’s warped trees and other fauna, he takes the strangeness of Carrol to the ninth degree, and you never know what’s around the corner.  And Atwood’s costumes are stunning.  I left the cinema with a slew of ideas for costumes.

I understand that Burton isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (no pun intended)  But there is no denying his intense level or artistic imagination, creativity and ability to make fantasy worlds a reality.

Of course, being the theatre kids we are, we couldn’t help dressing up, and what fun it was.  However, I can’t express the amount of laughter and joy a few 50 cent fake mustaches brought while waiting in line…

Friends Ava Hansen and AlexSandra have filled a much needed void in both the vintage realm and the bridal realm: a ‘marriage’ of the two.  Their project, the Portland Vintage Bridal show, is a wonderful event that caters directly to the vintage woman tying the knot.  “We thought about splitting a booth at the Portland Bridal Show, but we realized that wasn’t our audience,” says AlexSandra, “we didn’t want to be part of the Wedding Industry Complex” a phrase they have coined, “We want to offer an opportunity to help brides be more sustainable.”  So they put their skills to work and put together a fabulous, close-knit event that focuses on going vintage for weddings.  “The first one was excellent,” says Ava speaking of the first show last year, “Our event gives brides an opportunity to go out of the box and be unique.”

When asked what are the advantages to going vintage, Ava said there are many advantages, “being unique, getting an more authentic look.  It’s more glamorous, and brides can kick their wedding up a notch.”  AlexSandra agreed and pressed that shopping for a vintage wedding gown is a much more pleasant experience and results in a better product,  “when you buy a vintage dress, you’re getting a dress that is made with better material than what dresses are made of today, plus you’re supporting the local economy…when you shop vintage, you are buying something that has generally been union made, made in the USA, and not with slave labor,” says AlexSandra.

Vintage Dresses: The Dos and Don’ts

So, you’ve decided to become a vintage bride…where to start?  “The dress,” says Ava, “The dress sets the theme and era of the wedding.” Which is where I started.   I didn’t know if I wanted to go 40s glam or 50s kitch, and the dress decided it for me.  “AlexSandra’s Vintage Emporium, of course!” cries AlexSandra, and suggests shopping in person, not the internet, “If you don’t have any idea what you want, the internet is a place to get ideas, but not a dress, unless you’re really, and I mean really good at taking your measurements…Look for places that offer good customer service, places that allow you to take photos,” AlexSandra continued, “Also your mom’s or grandma’s closet is also a good place to start.  Even if the dress doesn’t fit or isn’t exactly what you want, we can refashion it and make it something special.”  As for concerns, have no fear, “A lot of brides fear sizing, they think vintage means a 24-inch waist,” says AlexSandra, “Body image is a big issue, but you just need to manage your expectations and find the look you feel good in.  Don’t be afraid of your measurements!”  Even if you find that perfect dress and it’s too small or too big, AlexSandra is the woman to go to to get that fixed.  Self-taught, AlexSandra is a wiz at the sewing machine, “Leave your preconceived notions at home.  You don’t know until you try it on!”

More dresses awaited upstairs, where The Vintage Bride, Rose Crossen offers true blue vintage gowns that are beautiful.  The Vintage Bride just launched in January and it began out of a career shift for Rose, “My husband said I needed to collect something…I kept finding myself drawn to the vintage gowns at shops, and it seemed like the natural thing to do.  My husband made a loft for me to work in” complete with pink walls. Rose’s dresses are gorgeous and in wonderful condition, plus, she’s a real doll to talk to, “I love the history a wedding dress has.  I buy veils that still have rice stuck in them, or see dresses where she spilled something, and think ‘Oh, she must have had a fun reception!’ Each dress has it’s own little romantic tale to tell.”  If you plan on buying from Rose, make sure you get your measurements correct, “Especially your ribcage.  Your waist is squishy, but your ribcage is solid.”

Vintage Hair Styling

In addition to Ava’s lovely vintage and custom made hats and veils, and AlexSandra’s  and Rose’s beautiful dresses and accessories, the show boasted Kristen Behlings and her hands that make hair miracles a reality.  Kristen has been doing hair since she was asked to do the hair of the models at one of AlexSandra’s vintage fashion shows about three years ago.  If you want anything from the 20s through the 60s, Kristen is your go-to girl.  “I mostly get asked to do what I call the ‘Kristen Classic’ which is a simple set of victory rolls,” she says while showing me some sketches she has come up with and images of actresses boasting the WWII-era do.  When asked where she gets her inspiration and ideas, she laughed and pointed to a stack of books on a table across from where she was performing sample hair styles, “Yearbooks actually.  I’m addicted to them.  And vintage magazines, and of course movies.” At the show, Kristen offered free sample hair-dos so brides-to-be could get a sense of what they may look like on their big day if they decide to go all out vintage.  She did me up, what do ya think?

The show also offered a few photographers, make-up and DJ vendors.  The event continues tomorrow, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Queen Anne Victorian Mansion, located at 1441 N. McClellan in Portland.  The event is free, but a donation of canned food for the Oregon Food Bank is suggested.  If you’re within a hundred miles of Portland and getting married soon, you need to go!  You won’t be sorry!

For the most part, every other weekend brings the Picc-a-Dilly flea market to the Lane County Fair Grounds.  This go around, I found two great pin-up items.

Elvgren Playing Cards

A classic staple in cheesecake – playing cards.  Often playing cards can be the most scandalous of pin-up area, bearing images of nude photographed women, instead of the cheeky illustrations. Sometimes the playing cards only have the pin-up on the back, and only one or two images, limiting the players enjoyment of the lovely ladies.  These however “bare” a different girl on each playing card and are illustrated by the famous Gil Elvgren, “one of the world’s greatest artists” according to the Joker card, which reads a mini-bio of Elvgren and his work.  This deck is from the early 1960s, most likely printed in 1962, since several of the illustrations were painted in 1961 (source: Gil Elvgren: All his glamorous American pin-ups, Martignette and Meisel).  Sadly the deck does not have its box, which would greatly increase the value, but all of the cards are present and accounted for.  I paid $10.00, which was actually a bit more than I wanted to pay.  Four decks with the box have sold on Ebay ranging from a selling price of $54.95 to $102.50. (I by no means deem Ebay a proper means of appraising items) There is a deck currently available for a buy it now price of $125.00, however the seller is misrepresenting the product, because she says they are “circa 1940s”.   I sent the seller an e-mail, informing her.  We’ll see what happens.

Chalk Wall Plaque

The 1950s and 60s brought an array of kitchy wall plaques for your bathroom.  Usually they were sea related like fish and mermaids, but a few were of the more scandalous nature, such as this bathing beauty.  Flat on one side, these plaques could easily hang on the wall and add a 3-dimensional effect to your decor.  First made of chalk, like this one, then later ceramic or resin, and finally plastic, often in the late 60s or early 70s, which is when they went out of vogue, although your may have a grandmother or aunt who still has a rainbow painted fish or two hanging in her bathroom just above the toilet.  I picked up this beauty for $18.  She’s not mint, due to some small chips on her legs, but still a fabulous hand painted dear to add to my collection.

With wedding planning taking over my living room, dining room and even the bedroom, it’s on the mind nearly constantly.  Additionally, I can’t stop hitting the “Stumble!” button (if you don’t know what I’m talking about check out StumbleUpon) with it on the Wedding channel.  With it, I found the fabulous Stephanie James line of wedding attire.

James began designing wedding gowns with her own, for her 2005 wedding,  “I just couldn’t find the right dress” she shares on her blog introduction, “My husband was so impressed by it, he urged me to start and entire line.” And what a line it is!  She offers wonderful 40s suits and full length gowns as well as fun and perky 50s tea length dresses.

James’ phenomenal gowns are available in a handful of stores in the United States (including one in Oregon! Which I plan on going to next weekend after the vintage bridal show, as well as stores in Canada and the UK.  Of course, there is her own store in Huntington Beach, California.

So, if wedding bells are in your future, and you consider yourself a retro bride, you need to check out Stephanie James’ line.

Today, Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke on my campus to a crowded room of university and high school students.  The Civil Rights leader and former presidential candidate (1984 and 1988) spoke of the hurdles Civil Rights activists faced including the famous Selma Bridge moment, Emmitt Till, and the Woolsworth Sit-In, as well as those of other minority groups including women and students.  Students applauded and cheered at mentions of President Obama’s election, calling it an end to a 60 year battle. Students were also a topic, advocating for an elimination interest on student loans, “Why should banks get bailed out with zero percent interest when you, students, who aren’t even guaranteed a job upon graduation, be forced to pay seven percent interest?”  Good question!

Rev. Jackson’s main focus was the importance of voting.  Voting is the right of citizens, and the way that America can voice its opinion and practice democracy.  To calls of “Amen” and repeated phrases, he spoke of Haiti, and that the United States had a debt to pay since the Napoleonic era, and that it should not be pitied, but instead lifted up, rebuilt and respected.  Since Jackson’s speak was one directed at students, he really pushed forward the message of voting, and how it will impact the future.

Here we are, February the 14th…bring on the heart shaped boxes of chocolates and roses and red and pink glittered this and that.  Personally, I don’t care for Valentine’s Day.  Usually, such a comment comes from someone who doesn’t have that special someone, and that’s certainly not the case for me, considering I’m getting hitched in ten months.  For me, I don’t like the idea of being told that I need to nice and all lovey-dovey to that special someone on a specific day, it’s not like it’s a day that means something special between me and my partner, like an anniversary or something.  So I don’t really celebrate…except for watching Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown.

But in the collecting world, vintage Valentine cards can bring a pretty penny.  Just take a gander at Ebay.  Vintage Valentines can range from Victorian and Edwardian postcards with elegant images  and script to fun and funky children themed ones of the 1930s through the 60s.  The 1950s brought space themed everything, including Valentines.  Like a lot of other collectibles, condition is everything, and can decrease the value of even the rarest of Valentines.  When framed, vintage Valentines make for great decor items for the month.  But if you’re in the giving mood, thankfully, many vintage Valentines are being reproduced, so you can send some vintage love.

As most of you know, February is Black History Month.  February 1 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Greensboro Woolworth’s Sit-in.  While it did not spark the Civil Rights Movement, it was a key moment that made the country focus on racial equality.  Cable provider Comcast has chosen to create a Black History section for their OnDemand service, which is full of documentaries.  One of the choices is the Civil Rights/LBJ portion of the 2004 series, Decisions That Shook the World, a highly informative look at both of movement and Johnson himself.

As the country grieved over the death of President John F. Kennedy, now President Lyndon B. Johnson was faced with some big decisions.  A Texan with a moderator reputation, Johnson chose to take a stand and passed Kennedy’s Civil Rights Act of 1964, and that was the beginning of Johnson’s Civil Rights crusade with the presidential pen.   Johnson worked hand in hand with Martin Luther King Jr. and pushed forward stellar, yet controversial bills throughout his career in office.  But as the war in Vietnam escalated, Johnson’s status among both the black and white communities began to falter.  Most know Johnson for his failures in Vietnam, and this documentary takes the time to focus on some of the great domestic things Johnson did for the country.

If you are interested and have Comcast, go to your OnDemand menu, select “Top Picks” followed by “Black History”, “Specials” and finally “Civil Rights Movement”.  I highly recommend it.

On the same note, Rev. Jessie Jackson will be speaking on my campus this upcoming Tuesday, and guess who’s going? Ah, yes, that’d be me.

First off, I adore used bookstores.  You’ll never know what you’ll find!  Yesterday I headed to Smith Family Bookstore, to take a gander around while waiting for Patrick to finish up an appointment.  I decided to look at their wedding section to see what they had to offer in terms of wedding advice books, even though I already had a planner and my new bible The Anti-Bride Etiquette Guide.  While there, I picked up Wedding Bell Blues: 100 Year of Our Great Romance with Marriage.  The cover caught my eye because of its fabulous 1950s bride tossing her bouquet.  I flipped through it to discover it was not a wedding planning guide or an advice book, but instead a wonderful book about how marriage is reflected in our pop culture…movies, books, TV, even comic books.

The book mainly focuses on the 1930s through the 1970s, and especially on celebrities – on and off screen – and the movies they starred in, such as the classic screw-ball comedies of the 40s.  There are also quotes from various vintage wedding advice books.  It’s a very interesting collection of ideas and images about marriage through the 20th century.  It’s also filled with a great selection of vintage images and perfect for the vintage lover who is getting hitched.

This is a call to all brides-to-be in Oregon.  On February 27th and 28th the Queen Anne Victorian Mansion will play host to the Second Annual Vintage Bridal Show, sponsored by the Ava Hansen Millinery and AlexSandra’s Vintage Emporium.  The show is free, but there is a suggested food donation for the Oregon Food Bank.

In addition to going vintage, the show is also focusing on going green, and how the happy couple an reduce the environmental footprint of their wedding.  There will be loads of local businesses in attendance, ranging in dresses and accessories services to hair, floral and photography services as well.

This looks like it’s going to be the place to be find vintage dresses and accessories!  I’ll be there and have lined up an interview with Ava from Ava Hansen Millinery, which I’m greatly looking forward to, so look for a full interview and show review afterward.  Be there, or be square, Oregon Brides!

2010 Vintage Bridal Show: Beautiful and Sustainable
Saturday February 27th
Sunday February 28th
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Queen Anne Victorian Mansion
1441 N. McClellan St.
Portland, OR