New MCM Wares for My Ever-Updating, Rockabilly Abode! (Oh, and Vintage Eyewear Too!)

This past Saturday, my sister and I went to Southeast DC to visit the District Flea Market.

http://districtflea.com/

The day was sunny but the air was crisp with a windy autumn bite.  I wore my Freddies of Pinewood classic indigo jeans, a 50s camp shirt, and a red 49er jacket.  I thought about wearing a housedress with tights but jeans seemed like a better, more logical (and warmer) choice.

As we grabbed a hot coffee, we browsed several booths containing vintage records, hi-fis, books,  prints, art, clothes (mostly 60s-80s but I did spot a cute 50s patio set with gold ric rac but it had holes), jewelry, wall scones, lighting, mirrors, melmac, shabby chic furniture, vintage eyewear, and mid-century furniture.  In addition to the shopping vendors, the District Flea also boasts food vendors. 

Now, I admit that I went to this market with a few doubts.  I was not expecting to walk away with anything.  I was hoping to see the vintage eyewear booth and maybe stumble upon some bakelite, but my hopes were reserved.  However, my doubts were soon proven wrong when I found two Lane two-tiered end tables in gorgeous condition.  I was floored.  The tables only had minor stratches (nothing Scott's Liquid Gold couldn't fix!) and the seller wanted $250 for the pair.  I recently spotted similar tables on eBay for $500 or so.  I took notice of the tables and decided to think about it.  After a few sips of coffee and some brief hemming and hawing, I went back and told the gentleman, "You have a deal."

While I was coming down from my "end table high," my sister and I found the vintage eyewear booth.  I was in total acetate, cateye, and aluminum heaven.  I tried on a few pairs of various colors and styles and then found the pair I wanted: a 50s silver aluminum modified cateye frame for $55.  The hinges needed to be cleaned but overall, they were perfect.

I already own four pairs of vintage frames that have been fit with my prescription: a solid black cateye, a clear acetate and soft gold cateye, a pale blue and clear acetate cateye, and lastly a black, brushed silver, and clear acetate cateye.  In addition, I have three pairs of vintage sunglasses also fitted with my near-sighted/astigmatism prescription.  I am addicted to vintage frames. Yes, it's true.  I am not ashamed.

Here are my new frames:

After returning home from the flea market, I placed the two Lane tables in their spots in my living room.  I treated each table with the Liquid Gold and then let them cure.  Then, I accompanied Big Daddy to his barber appointment, we had lunch, and we went to my local optician to have my frames fit with my prescription.  I love them!  There is nothing like a great pair of vintage cateye glasses!  I used to despise the fact I needed to wear glasses (modern frames are typically boring to me)  but once I discovered vintage frames, I am happy to wear glasses again!  It is just another way to accessorize and accent my daily vintage style!

So, overall, this weekend was a huge success!  I got some pretty new frames to wear and my home is continuing to be updated in proper, mid-century style!

What are your newest vintage treasures?

More Body Art!

It has been a while since I blogged anything! In my absence, I have been working, running more, visiting family, Halloween came and went, and I had more body art done!  The last tattoo I had was a bright pink peony cover-up done in late August.  As I was finalizing my payment and tip after my peony was finished, I made another appointment with my artist, Liaa Walter!

http://www.cirquedurouge.com

I have been getting tattooed by Liaa (who is super sweet and amazingly talented) for just over a year.  I love her work and getting tattooed by her feels more like two friends chatting and hanging out rather than sitting in a chair and getting poked with needles.

On the late morning of Halloween, I ventured from the suburbs of Northern Virginia into Northeast Washington, DC.  Despite the fact I left my house super early, I ended up arriving to the shop 15 minutes late.  The DC Metro was seemingly running slower than normal. (It is always running slow but this day it was especially lagging behind schedule). 

As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by Meredith (shop maven, front desk authority, and all around great gal) who directed me up the third floor where Liaa was preparing her work station.  At this point, I was feeling a bit nervous and stressing a bit about the pain.  The back is not an easy spot to get tattooed.  The spine and nerve endings can make things a bit tough. However, I came prepared!  I had Vitamin Water Zero and my beloved Kashi granola bars to keep me hydrated and glucose levels up during the procedure. 

Before Liaa began the actual tattoo, she drew a freehand cherry tree branch and blossoms to join a celtic design I have in the middle of my upper back.  In addition, Liaa connected the new branch segment to an existing cherry tree branch on my left arm/shoulder I had done in 2007. 

Here is a little background: In 2000, I had a Celtic triskele dragon design created.  It was my second tattoo.  I was 25.  I recall the actual tattoo process was not pleasant.  Instead of breathing slowly in and out, I held my breath and as a result, I almost passed out.  Moreover, I remember not eating beforehand.  Let tell you, eating a proper, balanced meal 1-2 hours before a tattoo session is VITAL.  If you go dehydrated and hungry, you WILL be miserable. 

Nevertheless, 13 years after my dragons were done, I noticed the design looked like a faded mess and a bit like "peel and stick."  "Peel and stick" means the tattoo looked like a floating sticker.  It appeared to be disconnected from my other tattoos.  

After Liaa finished drawing out my new design, I took a quick look in the mirror, loved it, and then we began the session.  The pain was not as intense as I anticipated.  However, the previous session on my lower back (my peony), that was rough. Wow.  The total work took about an hour and a half and this is what it looks like now:

 I am so happy with my updated and refreshed art!  In January, Liaa is going to add a couple of snowflakes to the piece.  I cannot wait! 

 

Trading in My Blue Suede Shoes for a DC Suit

Today's look:
Urban Outfitters Black and white polka dot chiffon blouse with self-tie bow
Black lyrca-blend camisole
Black crepe, three-button Ann Taylor suit jacket
Black crepe, wide-leg Banana Republic trousers
Charcoal Pewter Cole Hahn heels with ankle strap

Today's Makeup:
Stila Stay-All-Day, 10-in-One Illuminating Beauty Balm
MAC Blush in "Well-Dressed"
MAC Brow Crayon (very lightly applied) in Spiked, set with Model in a Bottle Brow setting liquid
Eyes done with Urban Decay Primer Potion, MAC Paint in Untitled, MAC eyeshadows in Vapour, Vex, Blanc Type, and White Frost, and MAC Opulash Mascara
Givenchy Lipstick in Brun Createur and Chanel Lip Pencil in Rose Tawny
Coty Loose Setting Powder and Urban Decay "All Nighter" Setting Spray

So, you may be asking: what is the meaning of all this? Well, today the look at work called for a more "DC professional" esthetic.  On a typical day, I can "get away" with wearing vintage, "office girl" attire paired with cat wing liner, dark, defined brows, and a bold red lip. However, due to various meetings with new clients and government officials, I am blending in with the DC masses!

This town is not know for being a hub of cutting-edge and/or unique fashion. Instead, it is the epicenter of government employees, Senate staffers, lawyers, lobbyists, military personnel, government contractors, and professionals. Therefore the look requires suiting textiles in charcoal, black, and navy paired with sensible shoes and an ID badge on a lanyard. While cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and Portland are famous for their funky, hip  'come as you are' vibe, DC's "business and politics" atmosphere tends to leave us off the bullseye of cool.

 http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-worst-dressed-people/15

Despite the horde of the dark-suit masses that dot the concrete, traffic-clogged landscape, there are little pockets of trendnistas in DuPont, Adams Morgan, and even in nearby Baltimore. Now, these 'hep kids' are the exception and not the rule. Most of the people here range from the yuppie soccer mom in Crocs and Gap khaki capris to the preppy guy on the Metro reading "Freakonomics," decked out in his crisp heather grey J. Crew suit and striped tie. If anyone (like me) has the gall to dress differently, then be prepared to endure the judging stares and stinging whispers.

Like the "Travel and Leisure" article stated, I suspect the reason for DC's lack of fashion is due to the nature of the workforce. This is the center of our nation's government. DC is also known for it's museums and monuments. We represent the nation, both politically and historically. Our local news makes national news. On more than one occasion, I have spotted Marine One (the President's Helicopter- and there's more than one) flying over the city. I love it how no one looks up in awe and wonder. Oh, we DC kids are so seasoned to the POTUS! Aren't we just too cool for school?!

So, today, in my modern professional attire, I feel I am playing "dress up!" I do not mind. It is just another day.

Eartthquake in DC

Earlier this afternoon I was working from home and all of a sudden, my tiki bar started to shake. My stem ware was tinking and I thought it was due to a low-flying plane. (I live near Dulles airport).

Within a few seconds, the shaking became more pronounced. My tiki bar became a clamorous mass of clanking dishes and glass. For a few seconds, the shaking was intense. I realized what was going on. This was no plane buzz. It was an earthquake. I ran under a door frame and grabbed on to each side. My husband, who was also working from home, ran up from his office in the basement and told me to go outside. For some reason, I started to cry. I felt weird. Emotional. And no pun intended: shaken up.

As soon as the husband and I got outside, the quake was over. Apparently, it was a 5.9 on the Richter scale. In all of my years living in Virginia, I never thought I would ever experience an earthquake.

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=109&sid=2509622

After the earthquake stopped, my husband waited a while and then proceeded to check our house for damage. Other than the crack in  the east-facing wall of our tiki room (seen above. Sorry for the blur), everything is fine.

Here is a black and white view of the crack:

I know this crack is new, and therefore caused by the earthquake. I have been decorating the tiki room recently and I know this crack was not there on Sunday when I hung up new prints. I hope this line on the wall is cosmetic and not a structural issue.

Nevertheless, I hope all are well. I am a bit weirded out but I am ok. It is moments like this that make me realize how little control we have in life. I somehow feel more aware of what's important and what is bupkis at the end of the day!

A Snow Day in DC

This is a view of my street yesterday afternoon. The snow was really coming down and I was in winter wonderland heaven! The wee morning hours brought snow which turned to rain as the morning progressed. But around 1 pm, the rain turned to sleet and by 3 pm, the temperature dropped and snow began falling. I drove to Michaels Crafts in my father-in-law's truck while it was sleeting and I spotted several spun-out cars on Interstate 66. Most commuters were driving slow, marred in a state of panic. I quickly bought a few art supplies and drove home before the traffic and/or chaos got worse.

The DC area is first in the nation (tied with Chicago) for worst traffic. Combine the intense gridlock with a wintery mix bag of precipitation and you get absolute pandemonium! My husband, who normally has an hour + drive home, was stuck in traffic for three hours!


This is the back deck last night:

I was so happy to wake up this morning and see my neighborhood coated in snow! I estimate the area got about 7+ inches! I just wish we lived in the mountains because I would be skiing in heartbeat!

Today, I worked from home and I started a painting. I am doing an atomic/abstract piece that will go in my foyer. I also ran some errands and went to the post office. Due to the icy and slushy conditions, I wore my old pair of combat boots, tights, a black Cure Tee, and a pink cardigan. I also styled my hair differently.

I normally do a middle or left part in my hair but today I did a right side part. I think I like it! My blond highlights can really be seen:

 I hope everyone is staying safe and cozy this winter!

DC Covered In Ice

(photo courtesy of the AP)


Last night around 8 pm, snow and ice started falling here in the DC Metro Region. As the night progressed, the precipitation turned to sleet and freezing rain. When the man and I woke up this morning around 7 am, we looked outside and saw our yard, street, trees, and patio furniture glazed with a crystal-like sheen. It was pretty for sure. But pretty can be slippery and dangerous so today we are working from home. The government opened late and the lcoal schools are closed.

I feel so indulgent since yesterday was a federal holiday for Martin Luther King Day and today I find myself home again (even though I am working). It is 11:30 am and I still drinking coffee and wearing my robe! I am going to work on my projects for work, pay bills, make a fire, and cuddle with the cat.

So, on days you find yourself at home due to inclement weather, what do you do/like to do?

A Night on Capitol Hill

This is a view of the the Capitol in Washington, DC taken last night. My company and I went to a reception on "the Hill" that kicked off "Cyber Security Awareness Month" for October 2010. It was neat to meet a few government "big wigs" along with a couple members of the House of Representatives.

Due to the nature of last night's events, I had to keep the vintage at home and wear a black suit. I often feel like I am "in costume" whenever I am not in my usual vintage attire! Despite my "typical DC-ite" look, I still wore red lipstick and did my hair in rolls:

Here is me posing with the Capitol in the background. Notice that my brooch looks wonky? It's kind of heavy so it tends to migrate!:

After the meeting/reception, our group visited the recently updated Capitol Visitor's center:

Because I have lived in the DC area for 16 years, I often overlook the majesty of the city.  We are the home of the federal government, Supreme Court, and the President. There are scores of amazing museums, including the Smithsonian Institution. The city has so many wonderful dining and entertainment options and most importantly, DC is the epicenter of our nation's politics, both past and present.

Speaking of dining, upon leaving the Hill, the gang and I went to Capital Grille on Pennsylvania Avenue. The restaurant was filled with lobbyists, lawyers, locals, and tourists. I was surprised how packed it was for a Wednesday evening! It was hard trying to find a spot in the bar while we waited for our table. A yuppie in a suit even tried to hold a bar stool (just so he could use two stools to chill on) by saying his wife was sitting there when clearly he was with his buddy and he was not wearing a ring! Uh, if you are going to lie to people, at least do it with some originality! Talk about lame!

Anyway, after we got seated, our dinner was amazing! The service was impeccable too! I am so glad I got to see and experience DC in a new light.

The Many Charms of Living in The DC Metro Region- Traffic!

Even though this blog's main purpose to share aspects of my vintage life, I thought I would share another element: living in the DC Metro region!

I have lived here in Northern Virginia since 1994. I first came to the area in 1993 to attend George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. I am originally  from Richmond, Virginia. I did not go far but wow, what a difference in lifestyles!

Richmond represents quaint southern charm, rich with Civil War history. The city was once the capital of the Southern Confederacy. Outside the city where I was raised, farms and plush green countrysides make up the landscape.  People say hello to each other and wave at every car passing the house. Neighbors will have conversations with each other from across the street.

Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas, however, are quite the antithesis of the laid-back "Old Dominion."  The federal government is based here along with President, Supreme Court, and Senate.  The national and political news is our local news.  People are lobbyists, contractors, lawyers, government employees, senate staffers, and military personnel. Due to the heavy concentration of the federal workforce, there are a LOT of people here. And as a result, there is a lot of traffic!  Did you know that the DC Metro Region is number 2 in the country for worse traffic? Whoo-hoo! I am so proud!

The above photo was taken at 5:03 pm. See the time on my car's console  pictured below?

This is me, not moving:

Here is my exit! The traffic was actually moving faster today. It was still bad but me and the other cars were moving a bit!

 
I think people are still out of town for summer vacation because the traffic was not as painful. School starts next week and I know the roads are gonna be bad!

So, how is the commute where you live?

A Blah Day Here in DC

(The above pic is courtesy of the Nation Park Service website)

This is DC right now. It is just 69 F degrees today (21 C)! It has also been cloudy and drizzling off and on for most of the day. Some June weather, huh? Well, according to my "boyfriend," meteorologist Doug Hill of my local ABC affiliate, it is going to be sunny and 87 F (31 C) tomorrow!

I do not like cloudy and wet days like this, especially in summer. I think summer should be hot and humid and winters should be snowy and cold!

Anyway, I had my hair done so great but the frizz came out and tried to steal the show. I wore my vintage, teal blue chiffon scarf today in an effort to protect my hair.

It is funny to see the odd looks I get from some people whenever I wear my head scarves on rainy days like this. Just today, I was in the car during my lunch break and I was stopped at a red light when I happened to look over and see this man staring at me like I was some weirdo. Oh well. I guess he was just jealous that he cannot 'rock out' the chiffon like me!

So, here is a question, on days when the weather tries to ruin our victory rolls and curls, what do you do to safeguard it?