How to Go Antiquing (A Survival Guide)

 

(Photo taken in Sugar Chest Antique Mall.  Pompano Beach, Florida)

http://thesugarchestantiquemall.com/

Antiquing is one of my favorite hobbies.  I love searching for items for my MCM-themed home and rockabilly myself.  I am always on the hunt for mid-century wares whether it's online (Etsy.com) or in brick and mortar stores like the Sugar Chest Antique Mall.  My mother-in-law lives in Boca Raton, Florida and every time my husband and I visit, I make sure to spend one afternoon browsing the aisles in this huge place!  Navigating the vast rows of cases and shelves displaying antiques from various eras can seem like a gargantuan task.  If I do not have a plan or even know what I am looking for, I get sensory overload.  In many antique malls, you can find stacks of vintage postcards, political memorabilia, lamps, furniture, china, costume jewelry, fine jewelry, statuary, clothing, prints, paintings, ceramics, electronics, chandeliers, pianos, and Barbie dolls.  Let me tell you, there have been times I have left stores empty-handed simply because I was overwhelmed.

There are a few factors that can contribute to what I call, "antique meltdown."  Here are some circumstances that can lead to a lackluster antiquing experience:

1. Lots of cases in one storefront.  Many antique malls are a large, single space with several square footage.  The owner of the mall rents out sections of his floor space and/or cases to various dealers/sellers.  The individual seller (renter) pays the owner rent and the owner also gets a percentage of each seller's sales.  There is typically many sellers in one storefront.  Navigating/browsing from case to case can be a challenge.

2. Poor organization of displays.  Some, but not all, antique malls have so many cases and displays in one space so they are almost smooshed together.  "Clutter" would be the key issue here. Not to worry, I will help you figure it out.

3. Treasures galore and "what on earth is that?!   This is not usually a problem but expect to see a lot of weird and funky wares amongst vintage treasure.  This can be a fun aspect of your shopping experience and yet it can add to your frustration.  Again, I will share my secrets to finding that lucite dream in the pile of velour sweaters.

Here are some fun pictures depicting a few of the wild things I have found while antiquing:

So, how does a gal figure it out?  How can an afternoon sifting through the immense layers of vintage history and mystery lead to shopping nirvana?  Here are my tried and true methods.  After years of trial and error in the aisles, I promise these suggestions will help!

1. Go with a plan.  Have a basic idea of what you are looking for.  Need a table for your MCM kitchen?  Looking for that gravy boat to match your dishes? Want a Sputnik light for the dining room?  Desiring a pair of ceramic cats for your shadow boxes? Pining for a carved bakelite bangle to add to your collection?  Before venturing out, make a list. You may not find EXACTLY what you are looking for but if you ask the staff, their renters/vendors may know.  Finding your dream piece can be as simple as a phone call or getting a business card.  Vintage through networking is a beautiful thing.
 
2. Ask the staff for help.  If you find yourself feeling the beginning twinges of "antiquing meltdown," stop.  Breathe.  Relax.  Ask for assistance.  The staff are very familiar with  the layout of the mall and they usually know where to find various items.  Just ask.  For example, the very first time I visited The Sugar Chest, I was in search of Bakelite bangles.  I am always collecting. I am an addict.  Nevertheless, I had been walking up and down the aisles peering into case after case.  I couldn't find any bakelite and I was like, "Forget it. I will wait until I go back to DC so I can just look on Etsy."  Then, like an angel, one of the amazing staff members appeared and she kindly and promptly took me over to this glorious case of color-blinding bakelite.  It was like I found my shrine. I ended up buying three pieces that day:

3. If you find funky wares, have fun!  Part of the allure of the antique mall is all the funny and wild stuff for sale.  I have seen nude male paintings, Leather Ken Barbie dolls, velour hats ala Dr. Seuss (see above), and tacky holiday sweaters.  Sure, you may encounter a beige,  1980s Members Only Jacket or a pair of cracked, unwearable shoes but just keep looking.

4. Be patient.  This is very important.  When it comes to antiquing, do not rush.  Get lunch before you go and make an afternoon out of it.  Enjoy the day browsing and taking it all in.  I was once at a flea market and I found a basket of various plastic and wood bangles.  Each bangle was listed as 6 dollars.  I almost passed it by because there were so many bracelets jammed in that basket.  But I decided to patiently sort through the bangles and lo and behold, I found an orange prystal bakelite spacer.  I quickly (and sneakily) did a friction test and yes, it was the real deal.  I nearly missed out on scoring bakelite for 6 bucks.  See? PATIENCE.

5. Ask about that price tag.  Sometimes you may find something you have been looking for but the price is insane.  I once saw a simple red bakelite bangle listed for $110.  It was about 1/2 thick, smooth, and had no special carvings.  Yep. Way too high for a bangle like that.  I kept on going.  If your gut is telling you a price is too high, go on instinct.  Do not buy if you think you can get a better deal somewhere else.  Remember, patience.  If you wait and stick to your budget, you will find your treasure.  However, you may encounter a situation where the staff is willing to negotiate a better deal or try to get you 10-20% off.  They will offer to call the vendor and ask for a lower price.  This is especially true if the item in question has been on display a long time and thus, hasn't sold. 

So, those are my tips for surviving the antique mall!  What are your methods?

Tales from a Lazy Saturday (Veteran's Day weekend)

This past weekend was truly a lazy one!  As a government contractor, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a "three day weekend" due to the fact Monday, November the 11th, was Veteran's Day.  Most local, state, and federal government employees and contractors have federal holidays off.  These days include, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veteran's Day.  Banks and the postal service are closed as well.

Nevertheless, thanks to a longer weekend, the husband (aka Big Daddy) and I decided to stay home, relax, do laundry, make dinner, and enjoy a cocktail (or two!).

Just for fun, here are the highlights from our lazy Saturday!

I woke up early.  Even though I wanted to sleep in, my body was up thanks to my daily schedule.  Instead of falling back into my cozy bed, I got up, made coffee, had a lovely breakfast with Big Daddy, and hung out with 'le cat.'

After breakfast, I watched "Stalag 17" as I worked on my vintage clothing "fix/repair" pile.  Once in a while, you gotta fix those popped seams, falling hems, and loose buttons!

By the time it was lunch (well, 2 pm), I finally spruced myself up and did my hair!

Now that it is fall and going into winter, it is time to pair bobby socks with my beloved Re-Mix wedges!

I intended to make dinner at home but Big Daddy's mother (aka Mammaleh), invited us over.  We had cocktails, steak on the grill (shrimp for me), and a salad.

To end the night, we came home and Big Daddy retreated to the deck and enjoyed his beloved, vintage pipe and had a scotch.

Since it was Veteran's Day weekend and Big Daddy is a veteran (almost 10 years US Army Infantry), I wanted him to have a few super-chill, relaxed days off!  I am proud of him and his service to this great nation!

And for all of you who have served, I want to say "thank you" for your esteemed service and dedication.

Great Link for Help With Measuring Vintage Eyewear (The Optometrist Attic!)

 

After posting about my new vintage eye wear the other day, a fellow blogger and friend of mine asked me how to measure vintage frames.  She wears modern frames and wants a vintage pair but in many cases the frames she buys (particularly online) are too big or too small. Being able to decipher all those numbers can be tricky but I have found an AMAZING website that will help you determine your correct size!

http://optometristattic.com/measure.htm

I buy most of my frames online (Etsy and eBay). I occasionally find frames at various flea markets, antique malls, and at events like Viva (Allyn Scura is pure cat eye heaven). After wearing vintage glasses for 15 years, I am familiar with my measurements. However, if you are not sure about how to measure, just visit the link above and I bet you this site will help you find that vintage pair that fits like a dream!

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?

Hukilau 2013! Part 1 (Friday)

(Image courtesy of the Hukilau and tikiroom.com)

In June, Big Daddy (aka my husband) went to South Florida to visit his family, enjoy the sights, go boating with the fam, and to participate in the Hukilau 2013. The Hukilau is a tiki-themed event that takes place at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper and Mai-Kai Polynesian Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale.

http://www.thehukilau.com/

http://maikai.com/

The event started Thursday, the 6th of June and ended Sunday, the 9th. Big Daddy and I wanted to do the entire event but to due our procrasination and not getting full event tickets in time, we only got tickets for Friday night, aka the Main Event. These tickets, or wristbands (ala VLV) were 40 dollars each.

After enjoying a day at the antique mall and shopping at the Inglot counter at Macy's, Big Daddy and I got ready for the Hukilau. It was pouring rain and I was so afraid my hair was going to be ruined. Leave it to my trusty Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray to save the night! That whole week was pretty much a "wash out." The very first tropical storm of the year, Andrea, was brushing past and heading north over the area. Moreover, South Florida's rainy season was in full effect. According my Florida native husband, the rainy season takes place from May to September.

As we left Big Daddy's parents' house, the rain was crazy. The traffic on Interstate 95 was nuts too! Despite these inconveniences, we finally made it to the Yankee Clipper in Fort Lauderdale. I wish I got a picture of the hotel itself! It actually looks like a ship! We quickly checked in, got our wristbands, were given a sample of rum (yes, please!) and had a quick bite to eat in the Mexican restaurant, Dos Caminos.

After dinner, we made our way up to the Main Event area and saw a few bands, had some tiki drinks, and met some great people. I even had the surprise and pleasure bumping into and talking with Gabriella, a fellow vintage blogger! She was so nice and always so wonderfully dressed!! Here is her amazing blog:

http://sewingishard.blogspot.com/

The first photo below shows the entrance to the Hukilau and check-in area and the rest are of the Main Event and vendor areas:

(Apparently, having a few tiki drinks made me think taking this picture was a good idea.)

After the Main Event bands were done, Big Daddy and I headed to the vendor area and browsed the booths. I bought a hot pink and white lace peignoir set and Big Daddy got real puffer fish lamp for our tiki bar at home! His light is similar to this:

As we finished our purchases and chatting with some great people, we saw the Disasternauts come into the room and they began to play. They are AWESOME! And their "monkey guys in NASA suits" antics were a riot!

http://www.disasternauts.com/

Around midnight, Big Daddy and I decided to head back to his parents' house in Boca, which was only 15-20 minutes north of the Yankee Clipper. As we drove home towards Federal Highway, the storms over the ocean were producing amazing lightning! The bright, intense bolts lit up the thunderhead clouds hovering over the black ocean, creating a scene that was just incredible!

Overall, the night was a blast! I am so glad Big Daddy and I were able participate in the event! If you ever get a chance, you must do the Hukilau!

The next post will be Part 2, which features Saturday's event at the Mai Kai. I will post it soon!

A Preview of Things to Come (To Florida, the Hukilau, and Beyond!)

Wow! How time flies when you are traveling, having fun, getting your tiki on, and just being alive! I hope all is well with everyone! It is June, summer is pretty much here, and oh gurl, we have a LOT to catch up on!

In my little absence, I visited family in South Florida, participated in the Hukilau in Fort Lauderdale, scored some great vintage finds, and spent Father's Day weekend with my lovely dad.

My husband (aka Big Daddy) left the DC area on the afternoon of 1st of June for Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Big Daddy was born and raised in South Florida and his parents live in Boca Raton.  After an uneventful, yet calm flight, we arrived in Fort Lauderdale and upon claiming our luggage, my in-laws picked us up and all four of us went out for dinner at JB's on the Beach in Deerfield.

The next few days, we went out on my in-laws boat:

We toured the Intracoastal and swam in the open ocean. We also docked to eat lunch in Lighthouse Point and saw the historic "Cap's Place" as we cruised around:

http://www.capsplace.com/

During our stay, we ate out, cooked out on the grill at my in-law's house, had cocktails on the back patio in the evening, and simply took in all the wonders South Florida had to offer.

On a couple of mornings, my mother-in-law and I visited two antique malls, Hillsboro Antique Mall in Pomano and Sugar Chest Antique Mall on Federal Highway, just south of Boca Raton. At both locations, I scored bakelite bangles, vintage Hawaiian postcards, and I bought an amazing opalescent glitter lucite purse. (My next post will feature my goodies!)

But I have to share with you one of the 'hidden gems' you can find at Sugar Chest:

This is "Earring Magic Barbie." This doll came out in the 80s. It features a very "Jersey Shore-looking" Ken, complete with mesh shirt, gold chain, and vest. GTL, BABY! Um, no thanks. But, I know you want it! Just kidding! In my next post, I will show your more "treasures" I discovered.

One morning, my mother-in-law and I went to Boca Town Center to get makeup and to check out the sales at Macy's. My intent that day was to go to MAC Cosmetics for my goodies but as we went down the escalator to the first floor, I spotted this beacon of hope, light, and simply jaw-dropping makeup freak HEAVEN!

I wanted to die. I really did. Die from the sheer insanity and glory of all those pretty colors! I first found out about Inglot from my friends, Erin C. and Inky W. When I first saw a free-standing Inglot store, it was the Las Vegas location in the Caesars Forum Shops during VLV 15. I wanted to go in there so bad but I knew Big Daddy had been tortured enough. It was dinner time and I had already spent an hour in Sephora. Nevertheless, when I saw this counter in Macy's, there was NO way ANYONE was going to pull me away! Let me just say this: I. Wanted. EVERYTHING. In the end, I was "good." I only bought four shadows, a palette for the shadows, a brow pencil, two lipsticks, a loose copper pigment, and a glitter/loose shadow adhesive from Too Faced. I will post pictures/reviews of my haul soon! I promise!

By the end of the first week, it was Friday night and time to head to the Sheraton Yankee Clipper Hotel in Fort Lauderdale for the Main Event of the Hukilau 2013!

The weather was really bad for most of that week due to Tropical Storm Andrea brushing by and moving north over the Gulf of Mexico. The drive from Boca to Fort Lauderdale was terrible due to heavy rain. As a result, all the of the events for the Hukilau were moved inside. Despite this, Big Daddy and I were determined to have fun! We got drinks, had some dinner at the Mexican restaurant at the hotel, and made our way upstairs to see the bands and to enjoy the crowd. I met a few lovely people who knew other friends I had. You know, the whole "friends of friends" who know "this friend of that friend" thing.

Everyone was so kind and dressed so well! One gal I met from North Carolina had on this KILLER Whirling Turban dress that was to die for! She and her friend were dolls! So nice!! After the bands finished upstairs, we went downstairs to the vendor room to watch the Disasternauts play. I also did some shopping. I got a great hot pink and white lace nightie/robe set from the 50s/60s that was only 20 bucks and Big Daddy bought a real puffer fish light for our tiki bar at home!! I have photos I will share soon.

The next night of the Hukilau was the dinner at the Mai Kai. I will post on that event in its own post. It is quite a story (both good and not so good).

On the afternoon of Sunday, June the 9th, Big Daddy left to return home to DC for a business trip. I stayed in Florida until the evening of the 12th. During the remainder of my stay, the in-laws and I relaxed, visited other family members, and swam in the pool at my in-laws house. Let me just say, I did NOT want to come back home! Florida is just my cup of tea!

For The Love of Vintage Hair -Getting to Know Hair Pieces

In the 14 years I have been experimenting with vintage hairstyles (I did swing in the late 90s), it has only been recently that I began wearing hair pieces. In September 2009, I was diagnosed with genetic hair loss/hair thinning and started using Women's 2% Rogaine. Even though my hair has always been fine, as I approached my 30s, I noticed my hair was losing volume. So, not only was my hair fine, it was now becoming thin! Oh fun!

Despite my knee-jerk reaction to simply give up and cut my hair off, I began researching hair extensions. I found out from my stylist that not only were they super expensive, they required costly maintenance, and in many cases they could make my hair loss worse. I quickly nixed that idea!  Then one day while searching the Internet, I stumbled upon several online wig stores. I found everything from clip-in extensions, 3/4 wigs, headband wigs (a 1/2 wig with a headband attached), and even human hair clip-in extensions and volumizers.  After some decision making, I bought a synthetic clip-on ponytail and headband wig. Let me tell you, those two hair pieces became my precious accessories! I wore them both to death! When the wigs started to show their age, I knew I had to find something better made!

In 2011, I finally made the investment to buy a human hair 14 inch, clip-in volumizer.

http://www.wigs.com/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=3344

After I received the hair piece, I made an appointment for my stylist to color and cut it so it would match my color and blend into my own hair. I still have that volumizer and I wear it when I do a long, curled style.

However, lately I have not been wearing my volumizer as often. In the last six months, I have incorporated collagen supplements and a higher mcg Biotin pill into my daily vitamins. I continue to use my Rogaine for Women (the Target brand) faithfully. I am not sure who is the "culprit," but my hair is healthier and thicker!! I can wear my own hair in a fluffy ponytail or pigtail braids and not feel like I am bald!

This is my hair now and I am not wearing any hair piece:

I will never have thick hair but I my hair is definitely packing more volume!

Anyway, even though my hair is thicker, I still have a little trouble covering those mesh bun forms (found at Sally Beauty). I often need to tease my hair and use tons of hairspray to achieve full coverage. I do not like teasing my hair a lot. It can be very damaging, especially for hair like mine. I color it and it's thin. So, I need to find other ways to do vintage buns and up-dos that don't compound my hair's condition.

With that said, let me share with you my new little hair secret! HAIR PIECES!! Yes, hair pieces save the day again! Instead of clip-in volumizers or headbands, we are talking drawstring buns, wiglets, and toppers! I recently purchased three different synthetic hair pieces from a fabulous Etsy seller!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FancyNancyHairUpdos?page=1

I got the Dusty piece:

I also purchased the Gina:

And lastly, I bought the Audrey:

How do I wear them? I simply put my hair into a ponytail and wrap the ends into a bun and secure with an elastic. I spray my hair with a strong hold hairspray to smooth out my "base" and using the two hair combs attached inside the piece, I slide one comb on top of the bun and the other underneath. No bobby pins are required! The piece is so secure and lightweight so I just put on a hair flower or bow and I am out the door!

Now, most of you may know that hair pieces are nothing new. They have been around for ages. In the 18th century, wigs were a must for any lady wanting to keep with with the latest fashion! Marie Antoinette anyone? In the 1960s, wiglets and full wigs were all the rage!

My mom and mother-in-law were both in their teens and 20s in the 60s. Both of them have told me how wiglets were pretty much standard for daytime looks and evening style. Just look at Christina Hendricks' "Mad Men" character, Joan. She wears tons of hair pieces throughout various seasons. During the season two episode, "The Mountain King," Joan is seen wearing a gorgeous purple dress and what looks like two hairpieces, one being the main up-do and the other a braid wrap/accent.

Even though I HATE the Greg character (especially during this episode), I just can't stop looking at Joan! Her style and hair, particularly during the first two seasons, are just perfection! I want that dress!!

Nevertheless, I am simply over the moon I found such fantastic hair pieces!I love wearing them and I really love the ease in which I can do vintage up-do styling!

Viva Las Vegas 16! Day 4

On Sunday, the 31 of March, I woke up in my hotel around 10:00 am. Big Daddy and I ordered room service breakfast and then took showers to get ready for the last day of Viva.

Sunday is the "relaxing day" of Viva. It is also the main day people go to the pool to hang out, watch the swimsuit contest, and just enjoy the day. In the Orleans, there is also the Charles Phoenix slide show, the jive contest, do last minute shopping in the vendor rooms and stay up one last night at the all-night record hops.

After getting ready, Big Daddy and I got a cab and headed over to the Orleans. We made our way to the pool area and the line was long but after we got in it, it seemed to get longer. We waited in line, in the sun, for about 40+ minutes.

That's me. I am getting annoyed with the fact all of us Viva kids had to wait in line so long and also because I forgot my parasol! Thank heavens for sunblock!

After finally reaching the gate, Big Daddy and I were let in!

Big Daddy and I found a nice spot and got some drinks. I got a Mai Tai and he got a couple of beers. Now pose!

The weather was perfect. Then we saw the vintage swimsuit contest starting. All the girls looked fabulous!

One year I hope to have enough chutzpah to enter! I think it would be fun!

While Big Daddy and I were hanging out enjoying our drinks, a husband and wife from a foreign country (that I will not name) came over to us and started talking. The husband was wasted but he was nice and simply chatty. The wife, however, what a different story! She was DRUNK. I mean super crazy drunk!! She was slurring her words, talking about random things that made no sense, and was flicking her cigarette ashes on my patio skirt.

This is me and the woman was on the left. I cropped her out of the picture. My husband took it, thinking we were having a nice, civil conversation but it quickly became apparent, things were not what they seemed! After a few minutes, the woman's harmless rambling became quite terse. She started getting adversarial with me and even made a veiled anti-semitic remark when I answered her question about what my background was. I was like, "What the heck??!! Where did all this come from?!" Despite her drunken tirade, I maintained my composure and grace. I looked over at Big Daddy with my "HELP ME AND GET ME THE (expletive) OUT OF HERE NOW eyes!" Without skipping a beat, he told the couple "We have to go, we have a reservation." We made our hasty retreat to the opposite side of the pool area. After the crazy dust settled, we both looked at the each other and just laughed! What else can ya do?!

Big Daddy and I realized we were hungry so we ate at the pool. I got a tuna wrap and Big Daddy got cheeseburger.  Our food was surprisingly good!

After a few hours, we decided to head back to our hotel for a rest and to prepare for Sunday night.

I felt Sunday night's attire called for a 60s look! I wore a late 50s, polished cotton, Hawaiian-made cheongsam dress, silver pollys, 50s silver confetti lucite earrings, stretch pearl bracelets, and did my hair ala the early seasons of Mad Men.

After getting ready, we made our way over to the Orleans one more time! We listened to the music in the Bienville Room and then I did a little last-minute shopping at the Re-Mix Shoes booth. I got a pair of the Vogue wedgies in red.

I also wanted the Vogue in white but I decided to just get the red this time. I will, however, order the white pair when the weather stays warm. I know this sounds lame but I still feel weird wearing white shoes before Memorial Day! It must be "raised in the South" thing!

After getting my shoes and browsing the vendor rooms one last time, Big Daddy and I made our way back to the Bienville Room and when I went to powder my nose, I bumped into Holly B. from Temperamental Broad Blog! I was hoping to see her during Viva and finally I did! Too bad it was in the ladies' room and all for just a few moments! She looked fantastic as always! I hope we can do a meet up next year! She is just a doll and so so nice!

Around 1 am, Big Daddy was getting tired and I realized I was too. All that time in the sun at the pool party made us sleepy. We headed back to hotel and went to bed. The next few days were my 'birthday days!' My birthday was Tuesday the 2nd of April and we stayed in Vegas until Thursday the 4th.

When Viva was over, I was sad! I just could not believe how quickly it went by! Nevertheless, I cannot wait for next year and I hope to meet more of you too! 

Viva Las Vegas 16! Day 3

Viva Day Three is Saturday, which is the day of the big Car Show and Saturday night dress up! A lot of gals dress up every night at Viva but Saturday is all about the sparkle and glamour! If you packed lurex, fringe, sequins, or beading, Saturday is THE night to wear it!

Big Daddy and I woke up around 10:00 am and ordered a delicious room service breakfast. I took a shower, laid out my Trashy Diva leopard-print Trixie Sarong dress, red suede bow heels, bakelite bangles, and my bakelite cherry necklace. After my shower, I got my makeup on and applied tons of sunblock! The sun was out in full force and I was not going to risk getting burned. (I stupidly left my parasol at home!)

Around 2:00 pm, Big Daddy and I got a cab to the Orleans and made our way over to the arena to see the cars! The car show layout was different than the last two times we did Viva. I didn't like it. I am not sure what it was but for some reason, the crowd seemed bigger, thus making it feel more packed. Despite this, we saw a lot of awesome cars!

After a couple of hours, Big Daddy and I realized we were starving so we decided to leave to get a late late lunch (basically dinner). But on the way out, I quickly stopped by the Pin Up Girl Clothing booth to say hello to Micheline Pitt and to thank her for all the hard work she does! Not only was she even more stunning in person, she was super nice and very kind.

This year the musical acts at the car show were Dick Dale and Little Richard. Big Daddy and I were at the car show when Dick Dale played but by the time Little Richard was to go on, we had already left to go eat. I wanted to go back after our meal and see Little Richard in all his sequin glory but Big Daddy was getting a migraine.

We got a cab to the Cosmopolitan and ate at China Poblano. It is the most unique concept! Chinese and Mexican fusion! It is so good! We got drinks and ordered food.

After our meal, Big Daddy and I went back to the hotel. We took showers and Big Daddy took a nap. His migraine was in full swing and he told me that he would have to bow out of going back over to the Orleans for Saturday night.

After a brief rest, I got ready and dressed for the evening. I wore a black, 1950s sequin cocktail dress, rhinestone jewelry, and my teal blue Betsey Johnson platform heels.

I got a cab and made my way to the Orleans. I met up with Kim from San Francisco:

Don't you just love her dress?! Kim's style is impeccable!! During the night, I met so many old friends and met new people too! Everyone looked fabulous!

Before I knew it, it was 2:30 am and I knew I should go back to the hotel and check on Big Daddy. I was tired but felt great!

I got a cab back to the MGM Signature and Big Daddy was fast asleep. He told me the next day he felt better.

Speaking of the next day, it was Sunday! The day of the pool party and sadly the last day of Viva. That post is next!