Frequently Asked Questions

My rockabilly style is quite different from the 'norm' in this modern era and as a result, I often get asked why I dress they way I do, why I have tattoos, why I wear red lipstick everyday, and why I live choose to live a rockabilly lifestyle.

I am sure you gals have been asked why you wear vintage as well! Isn't it interesting how our look gets strangers 'to come out of the wood work (along and friends and family who may question our style)?'

So, without further ado, here are my FAQ!

1. Why do you wear vintage clothes?
I wear vintage because I love the aesthetic of the 40s and 50s. The patterns and fabrics flatter me better than the lines of modern clothing. For example, modern trousers are cut much lower than their vintage counterparts and as a result, the torso and hips on my 5'3 frame look less defined. Moreover, I adore the feminine styling 40s/50s clothes. I feel modern clothing endorses comfort while neglecting style and femininity.

2. Do you wear vintage everyday or just for special occasions?
No, I wear vintage everyday. Without over-sharing,  I wear vintage lingerie, nightwear, and of course, for my day and night wear. The only time I do not wear vintage is when I work out at the gym.

3. Do you wear vintage reproduction clothing?
When I first began to wear vintage, I 'got my feet wet' with vintage reproduction clothing like Stop Staring, Bettie Page Clothing, and Heartbreaker Fashion. To this day, I wear Heartbreaker pencil skirts, Freddies of Pinewood jeans, and Trashy Diva dresses. I prefer vintage, but I like reproduction too.

4. Do you ever wear modern clothes?
Like I stated before, I wear modern gym clothes. I also wear Ann Taylor, Talbots, and J. Crew suiting for work when I have to go on Capitol Hill or meet with government officials/clients. (I am a technical writer for a government contractor).

5. Why do you have tattoos?
Like the clothing on our backs, piercings in our ears, or the makeup on our face, tattoos are just another form of adornment. To me, tattoos are a way to express myself while beautifying myself.

6. Why do you wear red lipstick? It's so bold!
I love red lipstick! In my opinion, it is the ultimate shade of femininity! I fell in love with red lipstick in high school and it has been my 'signature color' ever since. I have tried to wear nudes, pinks, and neutrals but I feel 'out of sorts' when I do. Nothing makes me feel 'like me' like a good shade of bright, classic red!

7. So, you are a 'rockabilly,' you must hate modern music. 
Now, I do love Carl Perkins, Johnny Burnette (before "You're 16"), Santos, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, Chuy and the Bobcats, Lil' Luis and Los Wild Teens but I also love the Cure, Sisters of Mercy, VNV Nation, Imperative Reaction, Razed in Black, and Combichrist. I also love Depeche Mode, The Smiths, and Morrissey. VNV Nation is my FAVORITE group. Hands down!! I have seen them four times in concert and each time it just gets better and better! I love rockabilly but I also adore EBM and new wave. (But I hate doo wop!)

8. You are in your late 30s! You have to 'grow up' sometime and dress like a 'normal adult!'
Why is age even relevant? Moreover and more importantly, is there an arbitrary, 'cut-off' age for dressing vintage? In addition, what is deemed 'normal?' I see it this way: life is too short and life is a celebration so I am going to live it my way and how it see fit! I am happy and I feel complete. This is how and who I am.

"No, you can't, Mother Darling."

Like Edith Bouvier Beale (aka Little Edie) of Grey Gardens, lately I have been covering my head in scarves (or in my case, mostly snoods). For over a month, my hair has been falling out again. In late 2008/early 2009, I began losing hair at an alarming rate. Due to heredity, I have been 'blessed' with female hair loss i.e. androgenic alopecia. My grandmother, mother, and aunties have thin hair that gets seems to get worse with age.

I stopped taking the Pill in July of 2009 (I was on it for 15 years) and by early September of that year, my already-thinning hair began to shed. Plagued with worry, I went to my dermatologist who informed me that not only was I experiencing a hair shed due to hormonal changes but this loss was compounded with the fact I was in the early stages of heredity hair loss. Great.

http://bettysvintagemusings.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-hair-obsession-tale-of-loss-and.html

Nevertheless, my doctor recommended Rogaine for Women (2% Monoxodil solution).  I began this treatment right away and for nearly two years, I had AMAZING results.

Despite the fact I use my Rogaine twice a day without fail, I started to lose hair again in late July. To say the least, I am devastated. I am at a loss why this is happening.

From what I have found via online searches, my recent hair loss could be stress-related or due to a synchronized hair shed (since my hair was put into an overall growing phase due to starting Rogaine two years ago). Moreover, some women experience seasonal hair sheds in the summer and/or early Fall.

I hope that my hair is just going through a synchronized hair shed phase (meaning temporary) and not because my Rogaine stopped working. If I am going bald despite my stringent Rogaine regime, I think I would just lose it.

So, I have to ask: do any of you experience seasonal or occasional hair shedding? Is this normal? And if so, how long does it last?

Need Help With My Viva Wardrobe!

After purchasing my tickets for Viva Las Vegas 14, I did an inventory of my closet and I realized that I have plenty of options for day wear but when it comes to Hawaiian/Tiki wear and evening dancing attire, I fall a bit short!

I have a nice array of vintage cocktail attire but I do not have anything that classifies as "super wow factor." I saw this dress on Etsy the other day but the price is a bit "ouch" (ie $185.00 USD):

Kim Bomshell warned me that Etsy prices would be going up as Viva approaches and holy guacamole, she was right! I have seen many pretty dresses listed and their prices are steepsville! I also notice that several listings now have "VLV" in the title. Hmmm, cashing in on the rush, eh? Interesting..... I have my 36th birthday coming up so maybe the husband will get me something special for the dance floor!

I recently found Whirling Turban dresses and I am in love! I am floored with their styles and fabrics:

I also am loving their Hawaiiana wear:

Along with evening wear and tiki wear, I think I need another bathing suit. I have one vintage repro suit by Esther Williams. I had two amazing 50s suits but I left them in my cabin during a recent cruise! Rats!!! Nevertheless, I would like to buy a vintage suit in a Hawaiian or tiki print. I found a lovely Shaheen suit on Etsy but it was $125.00USD!

So, I have a question for you gals who have been to Viva, am I worrying too much about having the 'right' attire, or should I just be content to grab what I have from my closet? I want to look good but I do not want to be obsessed about it! Viva is about fun, right?

Also, due to the airline restrictions, I think I need to keep a level head about what I pack. Nevertheless, what do you gals think?

Receiving Defective Merchandise! TUK Kitty Shoe Letdown

For about three years, I have wanted a pair of TUK "kitty face" mary janes. I love the kitty face on the front! There is even a black kitty tail on the back of the heel! How cute is that?! As a rockabilly "crazy cat lady" and TUK fan, I thought these shoes would just be perfect with either rolled jeans or red pencil skirt paired with a black turtleneck and a 50s plaid 49er jacket.

Earlier this week, I finally went on Endless.com and ordered a pair of kitty shoes! They were only 38.00 USD and they were available in my size 7! Well, today I received my shoes and as I excitedly opened the box, I noticed one of the straps looked a bit weird. Upon closer inspection, I saw that the back of the strap was totally cracked!

I am so disappointed! I mean, just look at that strap! These shoes have never been worn and yet this strap looks decrepit! I feel like if I try to buckle it, it could snap in half! I examined the other strap and it looks great. Talk about frustrating!

Despite my huge shoe letdown, I am thankful Endless.com has a great return policy and free returns. I also like how you can go to their site and print out a UPS label and simply tape it to your return and drop it off at your local UPS facility.

Since these shoes were defective, I hope Endless can replace them. If not, I just want my money back!

So, in the spirit of my shoe saga today, have any of you ever had a defective item experience?

Contemplating Going to Viva

Since I started blogging back in May 2010, I have met so many wonderful vintage enthusiasts! I have met people from all over the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Norway, and so on. I feel very fortunate knowing that I am not the only girl out there who puts her hair in rolls, adorns her home in atomic style, and dons red lipstick and vintage clothing on a daily basis!

As I have stated before, the DC Metro Region is totally lacking a vintage scene! There are no events, no musical acts, no shows, and no vintage-clad people traversing about the Beltway. Instead of circle skirts and platform shoes, all I see is Ann Taylor Loft, Brooks Brothers, and khaki-clad suburbanites. I have made peace with the fact that DC is not a vintage town. It is a government town where lobbyists and government employees are the standard. I stick out and that is okay.

Nevertheless, I have taken an interest in going to Viva Las Vegas. I have never been and I would really like experience it at least once. I love visiting Vegas in general and I think Viva would be a fun way to meet some of you and other vintage-loving people. I need an excuse to dress up, shop, and have martinis! I have been to Las Vegas three times for business. Despite the professional reasons for my trips, I was able to sample the amazing food, shopping, and night life. The best martini I ever had was at the Rumjungle in Mandalay Bay. I felt like I kid in a candy store when I was shopping at Sephora at the Venetian. That was the BIGGEST Sephora I have ever been in my life! Talk about sensory overload!

So, girls, what do you think? Should the man and I go to Viva? If any of you have gone in years past, what did you think of the event?

Poll of the Day- What Is The One Makeup Item You CANNOT Live Without?

So, I have a question for you gals! Of all the makeup you have, what is the ONE item you cannot be without?

I, for one, cannot live without vintage red lipstick! I have to have my brows tinted and mascara on at all times but if I had to pick one thing, I would be lipstick hands-down.

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Need Sewing Advice! Badly! Hemming Circle Skirt

This weekend I went to my local fabric store and bought 4 and 5/8 yards of purple plaid cotton fabric and a circle skirt pattern. Now that the easy part was over, I knew it would only get more difficult!

Even though I have had a Singer sewing machine for about 6 years, I was too afraid to use it until late this summer. I started out with pillow covers, tablecloths, table runners, and basic curtains. All went okay. I had a few 'bumps in the road,' but overall, I fared well.

Now that I have grown more accustomed to using my machine, I decided to venture into clothing. I decided on a very simple circle skirt design. The skirt pattern was easy to cut out and the sides were easy to sew. Come to think of it, even the waistband was easy! But I had to stop making this skirt because I realized I may be in over my head! It was the dang hem! The hem is circular, hence the "circle" in skirt, therefore I am unable to make a normal hem.  If I do a straight hem, the edges are going to look warped.

After trying to research the "best avenues of approach," I found myself even more bewildered! Some sites suggest bias tape, rolled hems, roll foot presser feet, grosgrain ribbon, etc. I am SO confused! I have no idea how to finish this skirt.

So, if any vintage-loving seamstress out there can help me out, I would be forever in her debt! Any suggestions would be so so appreciated!

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.

Trying to Keep My Red Hair From Fading!

Here I am this past Saturday, wearing an H&M vintage-inspired button-up (camp) shirt. I am also wearing rolled jeans and saddle shoes. I was about to head out to Whole Foods for some goodies. My stylist Corry, changed my hair color to a deep, true red two weeks ago. Even though it is still bright, I can already tell the color is starting to fade.

Red is THE most difficult color to maintain. In order to better preserve the intensity of my red, I use sulfate-free shampoo along with Aveda's Madder Root shampoo and conditioner. I used to use Artec's color depositing line but they got bought out by L'Oreal Professional and now the entire collection has been discontinued. I especially loved the Cherry Bark and Red Clover! These two color depositing shampoos did wonders for maintaining shades of intense red.  I recently tried to google for online stores that carry the Artec line and I found a few but they were charging up to 49.00 USD for an 8 ounce bottle! I used to pay 11.00 USD when it was available in mass. Talk about crazy! I hate it when products that actually work get discontinued!

The Aveda color line is okay. I know that without it, my red would be less vibrant. However, unlike the Artec that slowly intensified/ripened color, the Aveda seems to wash out each time I shower. I feel like I need to use it daily. The Aveda shampoo is a bit drying and I cannot use the color conditioner every day because it can cause build-up. Basically, my hair feels coated and looks dull.

I use color-safe and color shampoo but my hair is still fading. I know that washing (i.e. water) is *the* main culprit of color fade. Color loss is going to happen and "thems the breaks" when it comes to having dyed hair. I also try to cut back on weekly washings. I use dry shampoos and hair scarves on days I do not shampoo in the shower.

So, for those gals out there that color their hair, what methods and/or products do you rely on for maintaining brightness and intensity?

Just for Fun: Go Ahead and Ask me Anything!

Simply because I cannot think of anything to post about, I thought I would open a forum where you can ask me anything related to vintage clothing, makeup, hair color, hair care, or vintage home design.

If you have a question about where to buy vintage, or have a query about vintage sizing or fabric care, ask! If you want to know about what lipstick colors/brands are good for creating a vintage face, ask me! If you want to know what eyeshadows are great for creating the 40s eye, I can help!

This is intended to be an informative and fun post so feel free to post questions if you have 'em!

Do You Wear White After Labor Day?

This up-coming weekend marks the last hurrah of summer. Families take that last trip to the beach, folks fire up the grill one more time,  and parents drive their kids to the mall to take advantage of the holiday weekend's "back to school" sales. There is something sad about Labor Day. Despite all the picnics, grilled corn, and cannon balls in the pool,  Labor Day weekend means summer is over.  Hot temperatures cool down and the lush green trees transform into vibrant hues of gold, orange, and red. The light cottons and whimsical sundresses are put away and the wool blends and dark colors taken out.

Even though summer does not officially end until September 21st, many girls store their summer whites (especially shoes) when Labor Day arrives.

For as long as I can remember, I have always heard people say "White after Memorial Day and before Labor Day."  If someone was seen wearing white shoes after the first Monday in September (especially in the South), fashionistas and traditionalists were horrified.  How dare she wear white!


As for me, if the weather is still hot, I will wear white shoes. Here in the DC area, it can stay very warm until late September. I usually put the whites away when October 1st arrives.

My mother-in-law is from South Florida and she says the year-round warm temperatures make the "no white rule" null and void.

So, do you follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule?

How Much is "Too Much" When Buying Cosmetics?

As a self-confessed red lipstick addict, I can safely say that I will often go out of my way to find the 'best shade.' Before I invest in a product, I read reviews and hunt for swatches online. I will also swatch several colors in the store before I pick that "one." Whether a lipstick costs $2.99 USD or $30.00 USD, if the color wows me, I will buy it. But I have been thinking: how much is too much for makeup? $45? $50? $60? More?

This year, designer and perfumer Tom Ford released his highly-anticipated "Tom Ford Private Blend" lipsticks. These lipsticks boast high-color payoff and a luxurious silky texture. The collection includes bright and deep colors with sultry names like Cherry Lush and Smoke Red. Even that white and gold case is sexy! But the price is a steep $45.00 USD! For 45 bucks I can buy four MAC lipsticks using the 30% off discount I get with my MAC Pro membership! Better yet, for $45, I can buy a pretty vintage dress or a Salem North Star place setting for 4!

Moreover, Cle du Peau (a luxury cosmetic line by Shiseido) is known for their high prices. Their foundation costs $110.00 USD and their new Extra Rich lipsticks cost a whopping $60 USD! All the reviews for this lipstick have been glowing. I really would like to try the Red Abundance color (an intense, bright warm red cream) but the idea of shelling out the cost equivalent of two Chanel lipsticks is hard to justify. If the color and quality are amazing, is a lipstick really worth that much?

So, what do you think? Do you have a limit? If a lipstick/beauty item is worth its high price tag, do you buy  it?

The Makeup Post-Beauty in The Daily Vintage Girl's Life

As a self-confessed makeup addict, I admit there are very few times when I am not wearing my standard red-lipstick look. During the work week, I will apply light-colored, nude eyeshadow (like MAC's Orb or Yogurt), mascara, eyebrow marker, foundation, blush, lipstick, powder. I will do a smoky eye (using MAC's Scene and Print shadows) or a cat eye liner look for special events like going out to a fancy dinner, evening wedding, or cocktail party.

During the weekends, however, I keep it basic. I wear just mascara, SPF 15 MAC Mineralize, blush, lipstick, and powder. No matter what the day holds, casual or elegant, I always wear the basics and red lipstick! If my skin was not blotchy (I have early signs of Rosacea and some acne), I would just wear mascara, powder, and lipstick on the weekends. I know it sounds silly but I cannot go without my red lips! It just doesn't "feel" right. However, if I am running or working out, then no makeup for this gal. Not even red lipstick. I will just wear a tinted lip balm like Korres. If I am running outside on a sunny day, I will put on my pink Nike baseball hat and some high SPF like Waterbabies. But I have seen ladies at my gym working up a good sweat wearing full makeup! How does their skin breathe?!

When I go to my in-laws pool, to the beach, or ski in Colorado, I will put on a SPF or SPF foundation, waterproof mascara, and red matte lipstick. That is it! MAC Mineralize or NYC Color Pressed Powder Foundation SPF 12 for ski days are wonderful. When it comes to the beach or the pool, I will put on Waterbabies sun block and a thin veil of NYC Color SPF foundation using a MAC 150 brush. The foundation powder gives me a nice veil of color that evens out my skintone and covers any acne or Rosacea. It also maintains the SPF on my skin. If I will be in the water a lot, I will skip the mascara altogether and just wear my matte lips!

And, as always, I always take off my makeup and wash my face before going to bed. I use Pond's Cold Cream first and then wash my face with my cleanser. Pond's is the best and it is super cheap! I once read the official makeup and beauty regime for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPL) and one of the instructions stated that the girls should use their cold cream to remove any makeup and grime and then tissue off. Afterwards, they used soap and water to remove any traces of cream.

So, how often do you wear makeup and do you have varying degrees of makeup application?

The Vintage Poll With Questionnaire!

So, it's question time, girls! I am getting to know lots of you wonderful vintage gals and I would like to know:

1. What inspired you to go vintage?
2. How long have you been living the vintage life?
3. Does your family/friends support your vintage living?

Here are my answers:

1. I fell in love with vintage in the 7th grade. My sister worked for a vintage store in college and when she brought home her wares, I fell in love. Also, my dad always had loved and played big band and 50s music. I heard "Tuxedo Junction" and I was hooked. I continue to wear vintage for these reasons and now because vintage shapes and designs flatter me better than modern clothing.

2. I have been wearing vintage off and on since high school (I know I mentioned this and if I am repeating myself, I apologize!) and I have been in vintage daily for 4 years.

3. I will not be "all drama" about this one. My husband's family are awesome and supportive and/or they don't care really. My parents, however, get embarrassed when I wear vintage, especially when we go out in public. I have no idea why. You would think they would appreciate the fact I am wearing their "generation" but alas, no. I often "tone it down" when I go visit Mom and Dad. It is a little frustrating and confusing sometimes.

So, I would love to hear your stories and views!

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

What is Your "Vintage Saturation" Level?

This is me and Mark Jackson of VNV Nation! This was my second show (first at the (9:30 in DC and this second venue was in Towson, MD)! When I met Mark after the show, I was so starstruck that I am sure I came across like a totally dork!

Anyway, it always amazes that because I wear vintage clothes people assume that I must be "all out vintage." You know, I must like nothing but vintage music, cars, movies and TV shows, and so on. For a while, I wished I could have lived back in the 40s and 50s, but I have come to realize that I do not want to live in the past. I wear and appreciate vintage clothing and accessories every day. I have vintage hair. I want a 40s truck and like Rockabilly and swing music. I love pre-war and early 50s fashion. I love the classiness and grace of vintage ladies but overall, I am happy to be alive now. I love vintage for its look and energy but I am not an aspiring time traveler.

There are times when I wear a gothabilly style or an all out goth look for VNV shows. I love EBM, darkwave, and power noise music. I also love the Cure, Skinny Puppy, Dead Kennedys, Bikini Kill, Depeche Mode, Sisters of Mercy, Echo and the Bunnymen, Black Sheep, Public Enemy, and De La Soul. Right now as I type this, I am listening to Front Line Assembly on my iPod. Like I said, I love Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash yet I cannot stand doo wop. If I hear Frankie and The Belmonts or Fabian (eugh) on my satellite radio, I turn it off.

And unlike most vintage ladies of yesterday's past, I have tattoos and I have white blond chunks in my hair. At one time, I had hot pink hair and I still wore vintage. Just because I wear 40s rayon dresses does not mean I have to listen to Benny Goodman and dance the foxtrot. Some days I do the "goth two step" listening to Razed in Black's re-mix of Switchblade Symphony's "Dollhouse" as I make dinner in my atomic kitchen.

One guy asked me if I was like the 40s and 50s ladies who had dinner on the table every night when her husband got home and ironed his shirts. Excuse me? Yes, I make dinner and take care of my husband because I love him, not because I am some stereotype of a Stepford wife. This girl loves her man but she can quote Sylvia Plath and Adrienne Rich on a dime.

So, I have my own way of being a vintage girl. What is your way? What is the level of vintage in your daily life?

What is in Your Makeup Bag?

When you are out and about, what makeup do you have in your bag (purse, handbag, etc) at all times?

Here is what is in my day-to-day 'survival kit:'

Vintage compact filled with contemporary Coty loose powder in translucent (See my article on how to refill vintage compacts)

Lipstick I am wearing that day

Lip liner that goes with my lipstick of the day

A package of Clean and Clear Oil Blotting Sheets

Contact lens re-wetting eye drops

An empty mini Altoids tin that contains a couple of bobby pins (hair fixes) and safety pins (to temporarily repair any clothing emergency)

So, tell me glamour dolls, what are your daily beauty staples?

Question: What Do You Do When People Stare?

This is me and my best friend, Sunny, at my house. I was hosting a huge party for the husband's birthday and I am wearing one of my vintage aprons! (I love collecting aprons! I think I need to learn to make them now!)

Sunny has been my best friend since we were in 8th grade! I still cannot believe 22 years have gone by already! Anyway, one of the many, many things that Sunny and I have in common is our mutual dislike for people who stare.

If I am wearing vintage and people to stare, I do not mind if they come over to me and ask questions. I actually appreciate it. Most people are simply curious and usually very kind. I normally get compliments. However, as I am sure you all have experienced yourselves, there are a some people (granted, just a few) who stare and even point at us. These "looky loos" are not nice, in fact, they are being rude.

I typically do nothing when this happens. I just simply go about my business and pay them no mind. Sometimes I will smile at them and say, "Hi! How are you today?" The person or people tend to turn around and not say a word. I think I catch them off guard because maybe they expect me to feel self-conscious or maybe they are shocked because I 'busted them' for staring in the first place. I am not really certain but what I do know is this; they should be ashamed, not me.

So, when you notice people staring at you when you are in your vintage style, what do you do?

The Vintage Scene-What Is It Like Where You Live?

The photo above shows the DC skyline and the Pentagon near Interstates 395 and 295. This is my backyard. Well, not *actually* my backyard per se, but I do live in Northern Virginia. Washington itself is about 20 miles away. I often feel lucky to be living near the nation's capital but most of the time I feel a sense of disappointment because it seems as if I am the only vintage gal in town!

However, a couple of months ago, I did meet one the manager's of my local Trader Joe's and he was totally a rockabilly guy. He said he was from the West Coast and asked what the "scene" was like here in the DC area and I told him, "You're looking at it!" I know I am more than likely wrong but I have yet to come across another vintage guy or gal in the DC Metro region, especially here in the suburbs of Northern Virginia.

Whenever I visit New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Silicon Valley, or Las Vegas, I usually see vintage girls. This is especially the case in LA and NYC. When I was in Vegas in March of this past year, I visited the MAC Cosmetics Pro Store in The Caesars Forum Shops. Not only did I get some great makeup, I also got to meet other vintage girls working there! It felt so great to finally meet other vintage enthusiasts face-to-face!

So, what is the vintage scene/community like where you live? Or are you, like me, pretty much the only vintage gal in town?

Wearing Vintage at The Office

Here is me leaving the office after a long day of work. I was wearing a chiffon polka dot blouse and a high-waisted pair of wide leg black pants. I am also wearing an off-white, short-sleeve cotton jacket due to the cold temperatures I have to endure all day inside. Despite the fact it has been in the upper 80s here in the DC area, my office building feels like it is 60 degrees! They have the AC up so high all season long! In the summer, it seems like I only get to enjoy the warm weather walking to and from my car.

Anyway, I work for a government contractor specializing in providing security services. Despite my job, I get to wear vintage most days. However, I sometimes have to "tone it down" when I have a meeting or if there are clients visiting the office. Moreover, there are days when the platform heels and vintage frock stay at home and the black Ann Taylor suit is the required look.

I would like to buy some 1940s suits for the office. I have seen many pretty pieces on various sites. I think a nice, charcoal pencil skirt with its matching jacket (complete with nipped in waist) would be very appropriate. Even though I do not watch Mad Men on AMC, I have seen ads for the show and I think the way they capture office attire of the early 60s is just too cool. The 60s is considered "late" for me but I still love the look nonetheless.

I have to say that other than a few modern, "professional" pieces I have seen, I think most contemporary office wear looks flat and boring. I often see ladies out at lunch wearing ill-fitting khaki pants paired with print empire waist tops or women sporting crepe pants that are too long. The clothes are wearing them, not the other way around. I think if us vintage girls have to conform to the office's dress code, then why not accent our suits and pants with vintage touches like an antique brooch, a pair of pearls, or pair of cateye glasses? We can also "jazz up" our professional garb with a vintage blouse worn underneath a jacket or better yet, a vintage jacket matched with a nice pair of black wide leg pants. I have noticed that several places offer higher waist pants and/or wide leg styles. Think Katherine Hepburn!

So, if cannot "get away" with vintage at work, simply add a little vintage flair where you can.

Lastly, how many of you living the vintage life can wear vintage at work? If not, what do you wear instead? Do you have a dress code?