The Hair Chronicles! -A new look in a unknown world

It is has been exactly a month to the day since my last blog post.  In the time I been away from blogging, I have continued to work, got another cold, then allergies, and family visits. In addition, I have also got a new hair cut.  The story behind it is peppered with a variety of ups and downs.

As some of you may know, I began to grow out my Bettie bangs into an angled style. I started this process in August. Despite my initial hesitation to let go of my once-heralded look, I got the cut and felt great. I was ready for a change! However, this elation was soon eclipsed by the news that my stylist of one year, a stylist who was finally becoming accustomed to my hair, told me she was moving out of state in late September. I was sad. I am happy she is finding her bliss in her new home and new life, but damn it! My hair has needs! So, the quest to find a new stylist began.

In late September, I discovered a new salon in my area.  The website looked great and the vibe was hip, edgy.  I made my appointment for a stylist who seemed to have a good grasp of vintage styles.  On the day of my appointment, I was nervous (silly, I know) and excited. I arrived on time and after over 15 minute wait, I was sent back to get a root touch up and a couple of foils on my emerging blond highlight in my growing bangs.

After color, the stylist cut a section of hair behind my bangs. The overall look appeared to form a deep, wide triangle in my hairline. Because I wanted to grow out my bangs to do a "suicide roll" and/or a side-swept look, I needed a more dramatic bang line. The stylist also cut a couple of inches of my ends to help my wet sets shape better during home styling. Needless to say, I felt great. I found "vintage hair heaven" but alas, something was amiss in hair world and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Upon the completion of my mystical hair experience, I made my way over to the reception desk to check out. Then I heard, "That will be $155.00 today, please." What? What now? $155.00 for a basic highlight foil in my bangs, a cut, and root-touch up? My old salon was $105!! How much is full color gonna cost?! Good lord. I walked out there feeling both magical and in shock. My  hair was "Breck Girl" glowing but my wallet was crying and shaking in a corner, like it was just mugged in Central Park circa 1977.

A couple of days later, I washed my hair and when I was combing it out after my shower, I noticed several places where my roots were not touched up at all. I have natural light auburn roots (level 7) and my color is blue black (level 1). The contrast was really evident. Not only was I overcharged, my roots were patchy and uneven. I was pissed.

In spite of the fact I want perfection (especially for that price), I am reasonable. I do not expect me and a new stylist to be "on the same page" the very first visit, but I at least expect my color to be done correctly. Needless to say, I will not be going back there.

But, this story may have a happy ending! One of my friends who blogs, is an amazing seamstress, talented knitter, loves vintage, adores makeup, and is an awesome fun gal, is actually a board certified stylist in the next state.  She is very knowledgeable with vintage hair and how to create the looks I seek.

Even though my hair is okay for now and I am without a stylist at the moment, I am able to do a couple of new looks, apres-Bettie bangs:

The first look is with my bangs rolled back and the second is as they are styled forward in a side-swept look. As the months progress, I cannot wait to see what new styles I can create!

So, do you have any hair "she-mergencies?"

"Girl World" Strikes at the Makeup Counter

First and foremost, I would like to apologize for my absence!  This summer has been chock-full of travel, work, a vicious cold, sick kitties, and more work.  Nevertheless, now that life is seemingly 'back to normal' (what is "normal" anyway?), I am anxious to jump back into blogging!

With that said, I would like to address the post at hand: Girl World.  What exactly is "Girl World" you ask?  Let me explain.  Girl World is what I deem the subtle nuances, behaviors, and that energies that occur between women.  When we are young, we learn quickly what sly glances signify and how whispers literally speak volumes.  Moreover, we become familiar with the way a girlfriend can say "I'm fine" but we know she's is not.  With a few questions along with that look that says, "Girl, I am here fore you. You can lean on me," she's confiding in you.

As we age, we develop a sixth sense that heralds a power that can be used for "good and evil." This sixth sense so-to-speak can be an amazing tool to reach out and connect with the other women in our lives. However, this same element can be utilized for sinister intents like spreading gossip, being catty, and basically talking smack to bring down your fellow sisters-in-arms.

To the outside world, the delicate and elusive forces at play go unnoticed. A snicker accompanied by a fast glance can often be construed as mere happenstance but in Girl World, it's a crushing cacophony of alienation and shame.  We know they are talking about us.  We feel it.  In Girl World, we have a language all our own and we know it.

So, let me tell you how Girl World came to "strike" at Macy's Impulse Beauty in Boca Raton Town Center in Boca Raton, Florida.  In early June, I went to Boca Raton to visit family and one day, I went to the Inglot counter for some needed products.  As I approached the counter, I noticed a sales associate sitting in a chair at the adjacent Benefit counter.  She sneered at me and turned to other employees and loudly stated, "I am NOT helping her."  I was shocked. What? Did she just say that out loud?  She knows I can hear, right?  Wow.  Just Wow. 

After a deep breath and not wanting to get upset, I proceeded to browse at the various eyeshadows, pencils, and lipsticks.  Within a few minutes, the Inglot sales associate came over and assisted me with my purchase.  I ended up buying stuff because I wanted it but I really wanted to walk away and deny them the satisfaction of that sale.  In addition, as the Inglot associate rang up my final purchase at the register, I overheard hushed voices saying, "Oh my god! I know! Her dress! Ha ha ha!!"  The sales associate at the register was trying hard to keep a straight face as her colleagues carried on like bitchy teenage wannabes.  I could tell she was in on the joke at my expense yet I did not have the chutzpah to say anything.  Dammit.  I feel like my makeup lust made me into a sitting duck, gossip fodder, and basically a sucker.  I walked away and went back to my in-laws, feeling shitty.

When I returned home to D.C., I immediately filed a complaint with Macy's regarding my experience.  I will tell you this, despite my cosmetic addiction and admiration for Inglot, I will NEVER EVER set foot in that Macy's again. 

Even though I took the high road, I so wanted to tell those women to "**** Off!"  I wanted to say, "Hey bitches!  I know you are throwing shade at me! Cancel the sale! Where the **** is your supervisor?!" But, I didn't.   I walked away.  Was my lady-like demeanor and handling of the situation not the right way to conduct myself?  I think I have more to lose if I "lose my cool."  How do I navigate Girl World while holding my head high?

Who Says "You Cannot Wear Vintage From Head to Toe?" My Thoughts

This is me from earlier today. I am wearing vintage clothing at work and my hair is in rolls. This is me everyday without fail. Whether I am at the office, hanging out at home, out for cocktails, or going to bed. I wear vintage. Period.

The other day, the lovely Laura of Betty2ToneVintage blog asked me about thrift and vintage shops here in the DC area. I did some research and found a few websites detailing shops' locations, shop reviews, and an article listing five shops along with a vintage clothing "do and don't" list. Here is a link to the article:

http://galtime.com/article/fun-stuff/40206/6562/five-great-vintage-stores-washington-dc

Here is a 'copy and paste' of said list:

Vintage Shopping Do’s and Don’ts
DO check the stitching of a top, dress, pant, etc. before purchasing if it looks cheap-y, do not purchase it (unless it is ridiculously cheap and you plan on wearing it twice).
DO expect that some pieces will need to be tailored. Find a tailor you trust ASAP. (Trust us, all clothes look better after they’ve been fitted to you).
DO take a risk on buying vintage pieces; you are not looking for what everyone is buying at J Crew.
DON’T, and this is a big don’t, wear vintage from head to toe. Best rule to live by when debating on adding vintage to your outfit, no more then two pieces (pants and top do not count).

Overall, this is a good list with good advice. However, I admit that the last "don't" is a bit bothersome. What is wrong with wearing vintage "from head to toe?" 

I agree that not all vintage clothing looks good. Some examples of 'bad' vintage are certain polyester fabrics, 70s butterfly collars,  80s shoulder pads, corduroy bell bottoms, late 60s styles, and cat suits. Vintage or contemporary, there will always be a difference between flattering and stylish and ill-fitting and down right ugly.

Nevertheless, I know that many of us vintage bloggers wear vintage "from head to toe" while many wear vintage mixed with modern pieces. There really is no wrong answer when it comes to personal style. If a look suits you, wear it. Who  cares if it's all vintage or not?

I have never been one to worship fashion and/or follow the trends. Sometimes when I am in my salon getting my hair done, I will flip through Vogue, Glamour, InStyle, Harper's, or Allure. These publications will often feature their "Must Have" list, a "Do Don't" article, or a "What's In and What's Out" piece. Do I really care of if the editors of InStyle say gladiator sandals out and jeweled flat sandals are in? No. Therefore, I am not concerned if a "DC fashionista" deems my pure vintage look as a 'fashion faux pas.'

The main reason for "do don't" lists is marketing. If editors and fashion houses decide what's in, what's out, or what's a 'no no,' they make money. The fashion house creates the must-have style, they pay the magazine for advertising, and the editors and the fashion house make money. Create a false demand for a trend, lay back, and let the fashion-obsessed masses run to their local mall or Neiman or Saks to buy the latest thing so they can be an "in."

As for the 'no all vintage rule,' I am not sure why some think wearing all vintage is a bad idea.  Who decided this? Now, like I said, I totally understand the classic rules regarding fit, tailoring, dressing for your figure, matching colors, complimentary colors, accessorizing, not mixing stripes and plaids, and making sure your clothes are in good condition. But when it comes to applying the whole "do and don't" mantra to style, that is where I refuse to yield.

Vintage clothing flatters my figure best. Modern skirts, jeans, and pants have waist-lines that are too low. Due to my small waist and round hips, lower waist anything makes me look dumpy and bottom-heavy. In addition, contemporary cardigans are cut longer to match lower waist lines. Whenever I pair a modern-made cardigan with a 50s shirtwaist dress, the bottom edge of the cardigan hits the top of my bum and as a result, it covers my waist like a tent! Moreover, the cardigan makes me look shapeless and lumpy from behind. So, I wear vintage-made cardigans that are shorter in length that slim my waist and complement my shape.

I could give several examples why I prefer vintage over contemporary fashion I do not want to bore you! l also do not want to distract myself from my argument! Nevertheless, I wear vintage simply because I like it and because it looks good on my body. If a gal wants to wear something she likes that looks good on her, then why not wear it?

So, ladies, what do you think? I would love, I mean really love to hear your thoughts on this one!

Colorado on the Brain

It has been a long week. I have been super busy with projects at work, my best friend's husband (who was travelling for his new job) stayed two nights at my house (without giving me hardly any warning), I hosted my brother-in-law last night for dinner, I have to go to Richmond this weekend to get groceries for my parents' house (they have been in Europe for two months), and then on Monday, I have to take a day off work and pick up my parents at the airport. I know I am whining, but I am tired. I have not had a real break since late January.

It is crazy times like these that make me long for snow-capped, steel gray peaks dotted with lush green pines. I would do anything to smell the fresh, brisk air that tingles my skin. I want to close my eyes and sense the stillness and calm of the Colorado High Country. Just for a moment, I visualize myself skiing down Lower American on Peak 9. The skies are crisp and blue. The wind kicks up puffs of champagne snow and the mountaintops appear to be steaming against the backdrop of the electric blue sky. My skis leave gentle tracks in the opalescent snow that glitters in the bright afternoon sunlight and all is well with the world.

What is it about the High Country that intoxicates my soul? It is the beauty of the landscape? It is the laid-back nature of the local populous? Or, it is the placid energy that permeates everything from the trees, the snowfall to the mood of the residents. I am not sure. 

What I do know is that when I am in Colorado, I am a different girl. I am happier, calmer, and more peaceful. I tend to forget about long, traffic-clogged commutes. I ignore my tendency to worry. I let go of my usual anxieties and I just smile. I simply love being there. It feeds my spirit and fills my heart with joy. In Colorado, I am truly complete. It is my nirvana.

Here in the DC Metro Region, I tend to get cranky, stressed out, and tired. Just the other day, my good mood was ripped away when a rude SUV driver took it upon herself to drive like a maniac in a grocery store parking lot and then have the audacity to honk and flip me off! I was slowly pulling out of a parking space and then and all of sudden, this woman turned wildly into the lot and slammed on the brakes.  Let me tell you, she SLAMMED on the brakes. For a split second, I was sure she was going to hit me. Nevertheless, the SUV brat honked and flipped me off. I was floored. I wanted to call her a b*tch but I simply shook my head and said, "Wow." SUV brat angrily scowled and drove off like a madwoman. I admit there was a part of me that wanted to find her car and key it but I took a deep breath and let it go. I mean, it is just food shopping! It is not like the panzers are coming! Moreover, if I ever vandalized someone's car, aren't I no better than them? I have never road-raged and I do not plan to start! It is not worth it! Besides, whenever someone honks at me or acts rude, I actually feel rattled. My heart pounds and I get nervous. I hate conflict. Period.

Living in the DC Metro, there always seems to be bad drivers, rudeness, stressful situations, overcrowded stores, and traffic. I know DC is not special. There are many cities that have all of these characteristics. I think my perspective stems from me living here too long. I am over this place. If someone told me that I could move to Colorado tonight, I would rush home and pack up everything, get the cat, get the man, and head west!

One day, more than likely in the next couple of years, the husband and I will move to Colorado. It is not a matter of "if" but "when." Both of us want out of the DC area badly. We just need to get our business in order, get the house ready for the market, and have a viable moving plan. He and I actually looked at several High Country homes a couple of years ago and we were greatly inspired to make our moving dreams reality.

Until I live in Colorado, I have to focus on the positive and "keep my eye on the prize." I need to start saving money and cut back on my vintage purchases. I also need to take a deep breath and remind myself that all of this is temporary. The husband and I will be there soon enough.

(Above is an acrylic painting I did depicting North Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado. I know it's not that great, but it hangs in my office and it reminds me that everything will be fine.)

The Hair Horrors-A Cautious Tale from an Impetuous Color Addict!

On the 30th of September, I had my hair color done by my amazing stylist, Corry. He colored over my platinum blond streak and he adorned my formerly-light auburn stresses with a rich red tone. My hair was amazingly intense and bright on the first day and like most red hair colors, the lush crimson hue began to fade quickly.  After many years of experience with 'bottle color,' I expect color loss. It is an inescapable 'side effect' of having artificially tinted hair.

Being the impatient girl I am, last Monday I decided in my "not-so-infinite-wisdom" to re-freshen my color with a blend of Special Effects Devilish and Artec Color Depositing shampoo in Red Clover.  I wet my hair, applied my mix, and let it sit in my hair for 30 minutes. I then rinsed it out and put on my Paul Mitchell Super Strong Conditioner. I rinsed again and then towel-dried. After applying a dollop of Paul Mitchell Styling Glaze and then blow-drying, I was APPALLED at the color! While the majority of my hair had a nice, cool red tone to it like before, the once-blond sections were BRIGHT RED PINK! NO! NO! NO! The porous state of the blond parts caused more color to be pulled in and the result looks so bad. I feel like such a dummy! What on earth was I thinking?!

I have been using Artec Color Deposit in Ginger Root (a warm golden auburn) to try to cover the reddish pink but it only helps a tiny bit! I have also been using Head and Shoulders (since it's known to take out color) but my hair has only faded slightly. Like poor Janet Leigh pictured above, I feel like screaming! I did this to myself and my stylist is going love it (sarcasm) for sure.

So, does anyone know if there is something I can do to further fade the red-pink from once-highlighted hair? I would like to get most of it out so I can have semi-permanent color put over it when I have my next appointment in 2 weeks.

Frustration in Vintage Land

This is a photo of a vintage 'spaghetti poodle' figurine. They were made popular in the 40s and 50s and are now big collector's items. My mother-in-law has three poodles (one white, one gray, and one pink) and the other day she discovered the gray figurine was practically destroyed. Two of the legs were broken clean off and an ear was gone. These poodles belonged to her mother. It seems that the cleaning company mamaleh's uses are the culprits. And this is not the first time vintage things in her house have been damaged. Modern light fixtures to vintage Capodimonte flowers have also fallen victim to the cleaning company. And what is worse is how the cleaning people will often break things and hide them in odd places. Not only did they break valuables, they try to hide it and not own up to it. Another thing that stinks is that even though mamaleh knows these people ruined her things, how does she prove it?

So, what is one to do when faced with something like this? These poodles were precious antiques that have a family history. They can NEVER be replaced!

What do you think? What do you do?

Tara

Need Help! Bettie Page Bangs or Not To Bettie Bangs!

This was me last night before I went to bed. After my 3.5 mile run on my beloved treadmill, I decided to curl my hair with rollers instead of pin curl clips. Because my hair is on the shorter side, I have a difficult time pin curling wet hair. I can pin curl it more successfully when it is dry. So, used velcro curlers last night in the hopes of having a good curled set in the morning and instead I got this:

This is me this morning! The front part of my hair was so uncooperative! I tried doing a forward roll with curlers to try to do a faux bang look, but the result was pure disaster. I had to part my hair in the middle, re-wet the front and just pin the sides.
Despite the fact that the rest of my hair curls well, the front, ie bangs/fringe, is just rude! I had Bettie Page bangs before and they were so easy. I just blew dry and flattened with my ceramic iron and I was done. Now, I find myself frustrated. I am also finding myself taking too much time getting ready for work in the morning because of this. Here I am in 2007 with Bettie bangs:

This is a style I found and I think this is what I may want if I do get bangs again:

So, I know I am asking a lot of your girls but, should I just say "forget about it" and get Bettie bangs again? Do you girls think Bettie bangs with a Middy would work? I saw a late 40s education short recently and the teacher featured in it (it was about kids keeping tidy and neat) had a longer Middy with bangs. I am not sure. There is a part of me that wants the quickness but I feel like I am being lazy! lol

You Have to Be Kidding! Overpriced Vintage Site of the Day

Over the course of the last few weeks, I have been trying to find a vintage bathing suit in excellent, if not mint condition, with a price tag that won't 'break the bank.' During my Internet searches today, I found this website and this lovely 40s suit costs $499.99 USD! Wow, *only* 500 bucks, huh?

The bathing suit's description goes on to say that despite the musty smell and the fact the suit looks like it was crushed in one spot, it is in excellent condition! I am speechless. Like Temperamental Broad stated on her blog a few weeks ago, vintage clothing is still USED! So if an item is vintage and used, why in the 'H-e-double hockey sticks' would I pay 500 dollars for a musty suit? I want to know what is going on in the heads of the vintage retailers who think it is acceptable to charge these insane prices.

Here is the link for the website:

http://www.glamoursurf.com/womens.html

What do you girls think?

A Rant and A Promise

This is my car. Yes, you read correctly: my car. The other night, my car was broken into and property was stolen. I am shocked, hurt, livid, and I feel totally violated. I found out about this when a police officer rang my bell yesterday morning and informed me that my car window had been smashed.

I answered the door, wearing my PJs. The husband and I had just finished our morning coffee and I had just began cleaning the house. I was asked if the car in question was mine and if so, I needed come outside and check if anything was taken. As soon as I heard the word, "taken," I felt an instant sense of dread. I brought home an item from work on Friday afternoon. Due to the activity over the weekend (Father's Day), I forgot this item was in my car and lo and behold, now it is gone. I feel like such an idiot. I am also mad someone thinks they can vandalize others' property and steal. How does trash like this sleep at night?!

I try very hard in my daily life to be kind, considerate, polite, and a lady. Sure, I have my faults, but I feel confident in saying that I am a nice, good person. I also try to honor the good in people but situations like this really let down my hopes for a kind, thoughtful humanity.

Despite my disappointment, I have to be strong and need to be positive. Thankfully, no one was hurt, my car is covered my insurance, and my work also has insurance on the stolen item. I have filed a police report and made all the necessary calls to repair my car window. Moreover, I will use this experience to be more diligent when it comes to leaving valuables in the car.

I am still upset but I know in the end, all will be okay. However, I hope the person or persons who did this will get caught and get what they deserve. Although I have been victimized, I will hold my head high and continue to be courteous, intelligent, and classy.