Tag Archives: fellow bloggers

Bakelite & Bowties

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This morning a group of us vintage gals, and guys too, got together for brunch at one of Portland’s swankest restaurants, Gracie’s.  As always, we had a theme…today’s theme? Bakelite and Bowties.  I’m loving that we’re coming up with more co-ed friend;y events.  It’s so nice to see men all dapper…even if we only had three.

We enjoyed brunch while basking in the glow of crystal dripping chandeliers as we chatted while our bangles clicked against each other.  It’s so delightful getting together with people who “get” things such as Bakelite.  Like Solanah of Vixen Vintage toted a gorgeous very wide carved piece that she paid only $60 for! How amazing is that!? And all of us oo’ed and aww’ed over such a steal, while the average person would say “You paid $60 for a hunk of plastic!?” So, needless to say, I adore my vintage crowd. Thanks for being in Portland, ladies!

Outfit
Dress: Bombshell Vintage, Portland
Sweater: From a Toby Berman sweater set, Buffalo Exchange
Hat: Don’t recall…
Purse: Flea market
Bakelite Oranges Necklace: Birthday gift
Bangles: Various
Bakelite Ring: Hattie’s, Portland
Vintage Stockings: Expo…I think…
Shoes: Gosh, I think Payless, like six years ago…

Patrick’s Outfit
Cal-Anita Expressing for Miller’s Jacket: Thrifted by my dad!
(New) Dress Shirt: Nordstorm
Bowtie: Flea market
Cufflinks: Expo
Pants: Who knows…
Shoes: Allen Edmonds by way of Living Thread’s Vintage

Fur & Feathers

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This afternoon I joined some of the most marvelous fellow vintage gals in the Pacific Northwest for the annual Fur & Feathers Luncheon as hosted by Julie of FabGabs Vintage.  (You can view last year’s event here!) So get ready to see some amazing fur and feathered concoctions on some even more amazing ladies in loads of pictures!

I know, you’re probably tired of seeing Algernon, especially if you’ve been participating in the rather heated fur debate on his debut entry. (Please visit the entry to read my views regarding fur). But it was the first time I was able to take both him and his brother Earnest on a little outing.

Everyone giggled and chatted as we took up a whole corner of the dark restaurant and several people even took our pictures. But who can blame them? We looked marvelous…just look for yourselves!

Solanah of Vixen Vintage looked stunning with the most darling hat and brown mesh (yeah, I know, crazy, right?) dress!

I wasn’t the only gal who brought along a little fox buddy. Fellow blogger Sara of Lilies & Remains brought along her fox, named Tod!

Also I finally got to meet Sarah of Stutterin’ Mama’s! Who had the most delightful hat!

And I nearly died when I saw the skirt that Jennifer of Jumblelaya was wearing!

It was a fantastic afternoon, and our fur actually got a very positive reception.  Multiple people commented on how lovely we all looked and praised us for our no-fear attitude. Although one gal did say she loved our “costumes” … *sigh*

Outfit
Algernon the Fox Stole: Antique Alley, Portland
Earnest the Fox Muff: Anniversary present from Patrick (but I know he bought it on Ebay)
Hat: Expo
Helen of California Suit: Brownsville Antique Show
Stockings: Oh, who the hell knows!
Shoes: Remix by way of Ebay
Nail Color: Skyfall, part of the OPI James Bond Collection

Liebster Blog Award Take II

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Okay, seriously, this blog post is long over due… But better a little late than never, eh?  Just prior to leaving for California (the December visit that is, this post isn’t that late!) I was awarded the Liebster Blog Award from fellow vintage blogger Hannah of Just Peachy, Darling.

If you’re unfamiliar with the award, it is a “pay-it-forward” type of award in which the person awarded it passes it along to five other blogs.  It’s a way of discovering new blogs and sharing the love.  Part of the award is also learning new things about bloggers in the form of a small Q & A.  Bloggers answer questions that were given to them from the blogger who gave them the award, and when the blogger writes about the award they choose new questions for the bloggers they are giving the award to.  Here are the questions I was asked from Hannah…

1.  What is your favorite clothing era?
The 1940s. So much creativity went into the clothing. And who doesn’t love a good femme fatale look?

2. If you could be any vintage starlet, who would you be?
Oh, good one! Well, I love Veronica Lake, but Rita Hayworth was pretty damn gorgeous, so let’s go with her.

3.  What’s the biggest vintage clothing splurge you’ve made?
I think that would have to be my dear fox stole, Algernon.  And he was somewhere of $75 to $100. I forgot. I tend not to spend a whole lot on vintage because at a certain price point I quit seeing the item and just see like a dress made of money and I am fearful of wearing it!

4. What’s your best kept secret for finding deals on vintage?
Well, I don’t think I have any with regards to where I shop. Most places are known about. I think mine would be being polite as possible, but without turning into a doormat, especially at an antique show. Showing interest in items can be tricky depending on the dealer. Some dealers may not wheel-and-deal if you show too much interest because they know you want it, and therefore may pay anything.  However other dealers will admire your interest, and give you a good price because they know their item is going to a good home.  But be polite and gracious in shops and at shows and avoid any snootiness, even if you are treated poorly. Dealers and shop owners often remember the very polite and kind just as often as they remember the rude and frightening.

5. Do your friends and family wear vintage?
Loads of my friends do.  As for my family, my dad and brother wear vintage Hawaiian shirts and western wear from time to time. And my sister has a few vintage dresses she wears for special occasions.

6.  In what way does your home reflect your vintage style?
Lots of ways! Most of our furniture and decor are vintage.

7.  What’s the best show on television?
Currently on air? I would have to say Downton Abbey or Boardwalk Empire. But of all time? I Love Lucy. However my favorite show is a tie between The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Batman (circa 1960s), and Zorro (c.1950s).

8. What was the best vacation you’ve taken?
I think our honeymoon to Disneyland. Very few people and lots of special treatment.

9. Do you have any hair and makeup tips?
Practice, practice, practice!  And take a class if you can!  When I first started I was so frustrated with hair. And if often resulted in me throwing things.  I took a class and a lot of things got cleared up for me. It was nice to see how to manipulate hair in person, and talk with other people about it.  If you are unable to take a class, look on YouTube!

10.  What’s your favorite accessory?
Oh gosh! That’s a super tough one…my favorite winter accessory is a muff, and I have multiple muffs. My favorite hair accessory is a snood, and I have several of those as well. And I do love a good brooch! Especially if it’s western or Mexican themed or a piece of sweetheart jewelry and I have loads of those. It’s so hard to pick an absolute favorite! Oh, I just can’t decide!

11.  Do you have a goal for the new year?
To be more fabulous! Which is multidimensional. A combination of dressing up, being gracious and loads of other virtues.

And now…the award goes to…

Bonita of Depict This – who has wonderful outfits and loads of inspiration.

My friend, and new blogger, Sara of Lilies & Remains – who has stellar style!

Riikka of Harlean’s Heyday – whose pictures are absolutely magazine worthy!

Porcelina’s World offers up delightful inspiration and links for the vintage lover.

Retro Fashion is My Passion has quickly become one of my favorite blogs! This gal’s wardrobe is marvelous!

For those of you who I have selected, feel free to participate by following the rules below…

Write a blog post about the award. There are multiple images you can use floating around the web if you would like to use an image.  Then award five other bloggers, preferably ones that have less than 200 followers. The point of the award is to introduce blogs to more people.  Then answer my 11 questions and give your own 11 for the bloggers you award.

Here are mine! There are a few that make sense, but I threw in a few fun ones…

1.  What is your favorite film for fashion inspiration?
2. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
3.  Where is your favorite place to shop? Brick-and-mortar or on-line.
4. Is there a person who got you started dressing vintage? If so, who?
5. What do you enjoy the most about blogging?
6.  Where do you want to travel to the most?
7.  What is your favorite book?
8. What is your favorite lip stick? If you don’t wear lip stick, how about your favorite lip product?
9. What do you do when you’ve had a bad day?
10. Is there a vintage-themed event you look forward to all year? If so, what?
11. Do you enjoy meeting fellow bloggers in person?

Questions on the Street

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In my last post I wrote about common vintage misconceptions and in the comments Harlow of Suburban Retro said she would be interested in hearing my responses to the questions and comments I get while out and about.  Let’s be honest, we vintage gals don’t dress like everyone else, so it draws attention and sometimes questions and comments.  Below are some questions and answers from myself and some of my fellow vintage loving friends…

Are you in a play?/going to a costume party?

“Are you in a play?” is the question I get asked most!  I really don’t understand why I get asked this question so many times.  I was heavily involved in theatre growing up and unless the costumes were our own clothes we were NEVER allowed to wear our costumes out.  In fact, wearing make-up after a rehearsal or show was not encouraged. So, the questions seems rather silly to me.  I often reply with “No.” And either they do not respond or respond with one of the following questions.  However, if you are feeling daring, you can always respond with Solanah’s (of Vixen Vintage) answer of “No. Are you?”

Where are you going all dressed up?

Often where I am is where I was going… so I often respond with “Here.” Whether it’s the grocery store or a restaurant.  Sometimes that will shut them up.  My friend Lyndsie of Retro Rejuvenation had this to say on the matter “I just tell them it’s how I dress everyday and that it’s actually a lot easier to throw on a vintage dress and heels than it is for me to find pants/shirt outfit. I don’t mean to come off as rude but people dress so poorly these days…”

Do you dress like this every day?

This question often requires a simple and polite “Yes.” Sometimes people follow up with other questions or comments.  Comments often include “It’s nice to see a woman dress like a lady” or “I like it”, and in that case I simply say “Thank you.” My husband is very good and quashing questions from big-eyed on-lookers, by very curtly replying “Yes.” almost in a tone that says “Do you have a problem with that?”

“Why?”

This question often follows one of the above.  I often respond with “I really like vintage fashion. I think it has much better styling and of much better materials than that of today’s clothing.”  My friend Angelica responds with “It fits me better and the materials are better.” (Amen to that, sister!) And my friend Megan responds with a very good answer “Do you see the way my body is shaped? I wear clothes made for women with real curves.”  Which is a very fair response.  Vintage was made without stretch fabrics, so it is made for women’s bodies, not to accommodate them.

“Is that real fur?”

Fur has been the topic of debate for a long time, and has been covered by many blogs.  I covered it briefly after purchasing my fox.  I have yet to be asked anything or received any comments regarding the fur I wear.  However if someone were to ask me, I would respond with “Yes, but it is vintage.” If they still have qualms with it, I would simply respond with “I don’t buy new fur, so I’m not supporting the current industry, and there is nothing I can do about vintage fur.”  Angelica had someone inquire about her fur and they said “You know you can look good without killing God’s creatures.” To which Angelica responded with “It’s okay, it’s been dead longer than your mom has been alive.”  Megan responds with “Well the way I see it, this animal was killed long before I was even alive, I am in no way harming it nor even supporting the company that originally made it. I’m just being classy AND warm.”  By far my favorite response to the fur controversy is that of my friend Sara, of Lilies & Remains; “You’re wearing clothing made by children!”

“Are your seams tattooed?”

Wearing stockings causes a lot of questions, including “Are your seams tattooed?”.  My friend Hannah has the perfect response for that question as well as why many of us like to wear stockings in general, “While it would save me a lot of money to just make them permanent, for me it’s about the style of what I’m wearing.”  Often I get the comment “I like your tights” when wearing seamed stockings.  Depending on the situation and the person, I tend to just say “Thank you” despite their comment being incorrect.

“Where do you find this stuff?”

Many “normal” people seem to not quite understand vintage fashion and shopping.  It’s as if it’s shocking to find old clothes.  I just tell them “Vintage clothing shops, second-hand shops and antique malls.” Often they just raise their eyebrows at me…like they still don’t get it.

A Few More Words of Advice…

My friend Heather takes every question and comment as an chance to educate, “I treat all questions as a teaching opportunity! Any chance to preach the gospel of vintage and reuse and American/Union made is a good one. I love any chance to chat with strangers! If I didn’t, I wouldn’t dress this way. Always be polite, gracious and kind.” And I agree with her.  Sometimes the simple fact is that people don’t know any better.  They think everyone shops at the mall.

Vintage Quartette

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Yesterday Sara, who I met at the Fur & Feathers luncheon, came down from Seattle to get together with a few of us vintage gals for an afternoon of shopping! Also included in our group were Solanah and Cassandra of Dear John Vintage.

After a tasty lunch at Kenny & Zuke’s, we popped over to the photo booth next door in the lobby of the Ace Hotel.

Following our photo booth shenanigans, we made our way to the various shops where I bought very little actually.  I had a little voice in my head telling me “Expo is in just four weeks…” But regardless of purchases, we had a fun afternoon and we all looked fabulous too boot.

Outfit
Scarf: Was my mum’s
Earrings: Who wants to bet Antique Alley?
Guitar Pin: Flea market
Sweater: Garb-Oh Vintage
Skirt: Gift
Bangles: Various
Tooled Leather Purse: Bohemian Vintage
Penny Loafers: Buffalo Exchange

I’m Ready for My Close Up

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Over the weekend I had the absolute pleasure of being a part of a vintage fashion documentary.  Awhile back, a gal named Justine contacted me about possibly participating in her film.  I immediately said yes, and after e-mailing back and forth, she came to visit and we spent the weekend shopping, filming and chatting about vintage clothing, pin-up style, and even Disneyland.

On Saturday, she, with the aid of her boyfriend followed around not only Patrick and myself, but Solanah and Julie too as we shopped at Bombshell Vintage and Hattie’s Vintage.

I purchased two skirts, an H Bar C blouse, some pretty kitschy earrings shaped like straw hats, and Patrick bought himself a suit jacket.

On Sunday, Justine sat down to do an at home interview with me, where I discussed my passion for vintage, and shared a few of my favorite pieces.

She also joined me for the season finale of Mad Men at the Hollywood.

Prior to her visit, Justine covered events such as Viva Las Vegas and interviewed several store owners about the allure of vintage and pin-up style.  She was an absolute doll and such pleasure to work with, and I was delighted to discover we had so much in common.  Justine is still hard at work on her film, which has the title of Vintage Vixens.  She currently has a Facebook page, which you can “like” to stay up to date on her film’s progress.

Pearls & Beignets

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Last night Patrick and I went out to dinner with lovely Solanah and her husband, Sam, in Portland’s Pearl District.

We dined at Irving Street Kitchen, however, all of us failed to remember the hoopla that surrounds the Pearl come First Thursdays. Silly us. But regardless, we had a delightful time chitchatting (Solanah and I about vintage and the boys about technology) at drinking.  Okay, they had more fun drinking than I did. Mint Juleps and I apparently will never be friends. No matter how much I try. *sigh* I guess I’ll stick to my non-alcoholic Disneyland Mint Juleps.

I ordered the fried chicken, which was delicious, followed by my favorite dessert of all time.  I nearly exploded with happiness when I saw it on the menu. Beignets. Nom.

Outfit
Necklace and Bracelet: Birthday gift a few years back from my dad.
Earrings: A gift from one of my mum’s co-workers who knew I was into vintage!
Four Star Fashions Blazer: Guh…don’t remember.
Melvine Miller Dress: Thrifted (by my dad!)
Shoes: Farylrobin via Buffalo Exchange
Purse: House of Vintage, Portland