Shaheen Dreams

What is about Shaheen dresses that make my heart sing? It is the lush fabric, the figure-flattering designs, or the vast variety of brightly colored, mid-century, tropical prints? It is all of those things and more! I recently purchased my first two Whirling Turban dresses and I simply adore them! They are worth every pretty penny! I know I will enjoy them for many years. The quality and attention to detail are bar none.

Even though one of my 'vintage must haves' on my list has been fulfilled, I am still lusting for my very own Alfred Shaheen creation. Every time I see one in person at Viva or online on Esty or eBay, I heavily sigh with unrequited want and desire. Whenever I spot a girl Viva in her Shaheen and part of me wants to run over to her and ask, "where did you get your dress?! How much?!"  But, I would feel weird about doing so. I mean, how rude would that be!

First and foremost, Shaheen's designs are expensive.  I often see prices on Etsy range from $190 to $500. I have also seen items listed for $900 or more.  I have been fortunate to find dresses in my size (36-27-38) but not in my price range or not in good condition. I sometimes stumble upon a great deal in lovely condition but it is usually too small. Either I need to lose weight or keep looking! Since I refuse to give up my addictions to Starbucks latte and dark chocolate infused with sea salt caramel, I need to keep looking.

I think the phrase, "all good things come to those who wait" is going to be my mantra in my search.  I just need to be patient.

In the mean time, I have this gorgeous website to inspire me and whet my appetite:

http://www.alfredshaheen.com/

http://www.alfredshaheen.com/vintageclothing&women.htm

So, do you have any Shaheens? How many? What era is your favorite? 50s? 60s? 70s? Where is a good place to buy/search?

Sparkle, Tara, Sparkle!! My First Whirling Turban!

(Image courtesy of Whirling Turban.com)

For the longest time, I have pined for my very own Whirling Turban dress.  After spending several months browsing the website and then seeing a few of the dresses in person at this year's Viva, my obsession was firmly cemented.  I HAD to have one. A few weeks ago, I decided to 'take the plunge' and finally buy my first dress.  Yes, I said "first."  Anyone who has the honor and privilege of owning a Whirling Turban usually gets another.  Like Lays' brand potato chips, "you just can't have one."

The dress I purchased is a two-piece sarong dress with a detachable strap.  The fabric is a gorgeous blue silver metallic lurex type material that just sparkles and shines.  I have NEVER seen anything like it.  Moreover, the fabric has a lovely weight to it.  It is not too heavy or too thin.  The details are stunning and the measurements are perfect for my body shape.

As soon as the dress arrived, I immediately tried it on.  The fit was incredible.  Even though the dress was expensive, let me tell you, it is SO SO SO worth it!  Talk about an investment!  I can see myself wearing this dress for years and years to come!

I bought the dress for my company's annual holiday party.  The party took place on Saturday, the 7th of December at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, Virginia.  Big Daddy, aka el hub, wore a vintage-style black tuxedo.  I, of course, wore my Whirling Turban dress!  I paired it with vintage rhinestone jewelry, my silver Pollys, and one of my lucite bags.

Here is Big Daddy (isn't he just dreamy?!):

And here is my look:

I had a great time at the party (even though my entree, grilled salmon, was not good)!  I had a couple of vodka tonics and a glass of wine. (Party time!)  Everyone was complimenting my dress!  I felt so amazing!  When the night was over, I was sad to take the dress off and change into my pjs.  Nevertheless, we have a 10-day family cruise coming up over Christmas and I am going to wear my dress again for sure!!

So, for anyone contemplating whether or not to buy a Whirling Turban, all I can say is, do it!!  You will not regret it!  Now, if you decide to buy a dress of your own, please take some advice from me: when selecting your dress, please go on your measurements!  Do not guess!  These dresses are made to fit your body and hug your curves!  If you have any questions regarding fit, please ask!  The people at Whirling Turban are very helpful when it comes to answering questions!  They are quick to answer e-mail and very friendly to do business with.  My overall Whirling Turban experience was above and beyond any expectations! 

I am so happy with my dress, I went ahead and ordered another last night!

Now, I will have two Whirling Turban dresses for my cruise!  Because this cruise is 10 days long, there are four formal nights and you know a girl has to look her best! ;)

Again, if you are considering buying a Whirling Turban,  you must!   The quality, the detailing, the materials, and the customer service are simply wonderful!

Viva Las Vegas 16! Day 1 (Long Post)

The night before Viva, I visited my sister's house for dinner. She and I dined on a lovely grilled shrimp and risotto dish as we talked about my upcoming trip and the weeks' events. Afterwards, I went to Target for last minute provisions and then the ATM for cash. The night was chilly and while packing final items into already-stuffed suitcases, I was excited for warm weather, staying up too late, eating good food, and seeing my friends.

As I tried to go to sleep, my cat refused to settle down on the account her "dad" was out of town for a business trip. Due to my cat's antics, I only got about 3 hours of actual sleep.

The morning of my trip, I woke promptly at 5:00 am and took a shower. I got dressed in a late 50s black and white plaid dress, saddle shoes, and red Pendleton jacket. It was cold and I was beyond exhausted. As the cab pulled in front of my house to take me to airport, all I could think about was coffee and a nap. The driver was nice and took care of my luggage and then we made our way to Dulles International Airport. The blanket of pre-dawn darkness hung over the road, pregnant with DC rush hour traffic.

That image is a truck.

I made it to the airport, got my luggage, and proceeded to the United Airlines check in kiosk. But my morning was about to take a dreadful twist. I, in my infinite wisdom (or in this case, lack thereof), left my credit card/bank card in my coat pocket. Remember how I visited the ATM the night before? Well, apparently, I didn't. There I was, at the kiosk, and no card. My heart was not in my throat, it was in my butt! I wanted to scream. My pulse was racing and my already-weak body wanted to keel over. Then I remembered: my husband's cousin lived a few blocks away and he was probably still home! I texted him and thankfully, he answered right away. In my agitated state, I was able to give him instructions how to find the card that was in my one of my coat pockets, hanging in my foyer closet. He got the card and made his way to the airport. Thank heavens the airport is only 15 minutes from my house!! I waited for his red jeep to pull up outside the terminal and upon site of him, I feel redeemed, saved! I ran out, hugged him, and got my card. Whew!

I finally checked in and then I got another whammy. United charged me $100.00 dollars for my bags. Since my husband was away on business, he had to meet me in Las Vegas, therefore I had to bring his bag along with my two bags. Normally if one is travelling first class, the airline waives the bag fees but this time, the agent I was dealing with decided I was not worthy so I was charged. (A side note; on the way home from Vegas, we were not charged). I think the woman did not like me because she kept giving me the stink eye. Oh well. I boarded the plane, stowed my train case, and sat in seat 2B.

As I drank my coffee, the man sitting in 3A, came on board and proceeded to jam his monster roll bag into the overhead bin. I could hear my train case getting bopped around but I was too tired to think anything of it at the time. (More on THAT later).

I settled into the flight and tried to sleep. Nope. Not happening. Breakfast came and I had yogurt, vegetarian egg omelet, and fruit. I arrived into Las Vegas McCarran Aiport at 10:37 am. I was so ready for a nap and to party with the Viva gang!

I arrived at my hotel, the MGM Signature. I was in Tower 1, floor 17, room 609. The room was lovely and had an ok view.

After check-in, I waited for the bellman to bring my bags. I had time to kill so I unpacked my train case and tote bag. As I opened my train case, I was appalled to see this:

My pearl lucite bag was damaged! The creep in 3A with his monster bag from hell (that bag should have been checked by a flight attendant in my opinion) broke one of my handles. I wanted to scream!!! I was devastated. I gently put it away and tried not to think about it. I had another lucite and metal bag I could use. I also had other bags for the week. But still....

The bellman kindly brought my bags, I tipped him, asked him how often cabs come to the building, and after he left, I tried to nap. I dozed for a little bit and then realized I was hungry. I ordered room service lunch: a vegetarian hummus plate with pita, olives, veggies, and buffalo pesto mozzarella. It was good! After lunch, it was 1:00 pm and I realized it was time to get ready to head over the Orleans to check in, get my wristband, and go to Sweet Pea's "Hooch n Smooch!"

I proceeded to set my makeup out and get "dolled up."

After makeup, I got dressed in a 50s pink floral, polished cotton Tori Richards' Hawaiian sarong and a pair of clear and sparkle bow Pollys. I got a cab and make it to the Orleans for Viva! It was just after 2:00 pm and I got my wristband.

The Orleans was filled with Rockabilly energy and it felt so good! I went upstairs to the Bienville room for the Hooch n Smooch and there I bumped into Miss Dollie Deville and her husband Zach, Ashley from Lisa Freemont Street blog (she was wearing a KILLER Whirling Turban dress), Kim S. from San Francisco.

The mood was lively and I hung out for a bit before heading back to the Signature for a rest, a bath, and to get ready for the night!

In the early evening, I made contact with two friends staying at the Orleans: Cassandra and Jennie. These are two great gals from the Northwest and they are stylish, super fun, and very nice! I asked if I could bring a change of clothes to their room and they were kind enough to say yes. I got a cab to the Orleans, went to the 5th floor to meet the girls, and after getting ready, Cassandra and Jennie got their wristbands, we all got our boots, and went upstairs.

Michelle, Cassandra, and me. Michelle is a friend of Cassandra and Jennie. She was so nice! Love her and Cassandra's dresses!!

We met up with the Foxy Foxes for a photo!


(Image courtesy of the Foxy Fox Hole Pinup Vintage Rockabilly Show and Tell Group)

After the photo meet up, some girls called it a night, and I realized I had no dinner! I was starving. I also wanted to change for late night. I got some Sbarro pizza and changed into more casual wear.

Me and Jennie. Jennie was just too glam in her fringe dress! Fabulous! I walked around a bit in my jeans but then I realized I, too, needed to glam it up. I changed into a 50s brown and black plaid dress with a black satin waist detail.  I wish I took a picture of me in my dress but here it is:

I also wore my new Kate Spade shoes.

Me, Jennie, and Michelle went to the Ballroom to see the Janis Martin Tribute featuring Marti Brom and Rose Flores. It was amazing!! I love Janis Martin and I love the fact she is a Virginia girl like me! The show was awesome and Marti's voice is perfection!

After the show ended, we walked around a bit and I hit a wall. It was just before 3:00 am and since I am normally on Eastern time, it felt like 6:00 am. I decided to call it a night and go back to my hotel. My feet were in pain! Remind me never to wear new patent shoes without breaking them in! When I got back to my hotel, I was practically limping.  Warning: Icky picture below:

I took a bath, bandaged my feet, and went to bed. I was tired more anything I have ever experienced. Even in my college days, I never felt like this. I was shattered but I was happy! The day started off wonky but it turned out to be a fun day!

I will post Day 2 soon!

Valentine's Date Night Look! (Updo Inspired by BerlinHairBaby's Youtube Tutorial)

(image from artfire.com)

Yesterday was Valentine's Day and even though I did not want anything, the husband (ie Big Daddy), took me out to dinner at Ruth's Chris. It was packed!  The food was too good and we ate too much but it was worth it! (I love their seafood and Big Daddy loves the steak!)

In preparation of our date, I wanted to do a different look this time. I usually do victory rolls or maybe a "hair down" look (now that it is growing out nicely) but last night I decided to do an updo I saw in a tutorial by BerlinHairBaby on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvjTkdXhsPY&feature=relmfu

I have watched several of her video tutorials and they are awesome! I love her thorough and in-depth instructions and she is a doll!!

To match my look, I wore a light aqua satin brocade bolero jacket my auntie bought in the UK for me, a black Stop Staring wiggle dress,  50s vintage black velvet stilettos, and a 50s-era Lisner parure set. The set is made with silvertone metal, blue rhinestones, and a aqua-colored lucite or plastic.

Here is the overall look:

Here is the front up-close:

Here is the back:

Here is a detail view of the necklace:

Here is my eye look for the evening:

Another view:

I am wearing Ardell brand lashes in "105."

I wish the "head to toe" picture came out but for some reason, my camera phone was making the images too dark! I looked like I was in dimly lit cave instead of my sitting room!

Nevertheless, here is the same style dress I wore:

(image courtesy of RedDressshoppe.com)

This is the third time I have done this Betty Draper-inspired updo and each time, it becomes easier and easier to create! I am looking forward to trying more styles!

So, how was your Valentine's?

A Vintage Girl's Must-Have: Freddies of Pinewood Dungaree Dolls Review

(So sorry for the blurry photo!)

First and foremost, I want to apologise for my lack of posts as of late! I have been well busy with family issues and work! This summer has been non-stop! I feel very disconnected and 'out of sorts,' but never fear, I am back, gals! Be damned earthquake, Hurricane Irene, work, and cheeky home decor, I am "back with a vengeance!" 

Nevertheless, I would like to share my review of the Freddies of Pinewood Dungaree Dolls overalls! I purchased these directly from their website on 22 July 2011 and on the afternoon of the 29th of July, they arrived in my mailbox and ever since, I have have fallen under their spell! On the weekends, I find myself reaching for these overalls along with my Freddies' "Classic Indigo" jeans. Not only are the jeans and overalls comfortable, their design epitomises proper vintage detailing and style! Moreover, the quality is top notch!

http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/

The Dungaree Doll Overalls cost 50 pounds UK or $80.50 USD. Despite the higher price, these overalls are SO worth it! The denim is a heavier weight and the colour is a true dark rinse. The waist is fitted and the pant legs are wide. In addition, the inseam is long enough (at least for my 5ft., 3 in height) to roll up (cuff) twice. Now, most overalls are too baggy and as a result, are not flattering on a feminine shape.  I had a pair of Gap overalls in the early 90s (when I was at university) and I recall looking very shapeless! However, the Dungaree Doll overalls are tapered in the waist and the bib is adjustable (the two shoulder straps both have two button tabs for a proper fit).

If you are unsure of your size, please refer to the size chart listed. The chart is VERY accurate and if you select your size based on the specific measurements listed, you will NOT be disappointed! I am a 27.5 waist, a 36 bust, and 37.5 hip and the 28 size fits me PERFECTLY! The fitting is so perfect it felts like these overalls were individually tailored for me! Many size charts tend to be an estimate (either too big or too small) of size whilst the Freddies of Pinewood chart is spot-on!

When you order a pair of Freddies, you will need to wash them before wearing.  The darker rinse needs special care. Turn the denim inside out and wash in cold water. Tumble dry low and iron as necessary. If you have any light-coloured furniture or clothing, be mindful as the denim may stain. I have not experienced this with my two Freddies items but I have stained my hands (putting them in the front pockets) with a pair of dark-rinse J. Crew capri denim jeans.

So, if you are looking for an authentic 40s/50s denim style, give Freddies of Pinewood a try! Not only does their product line feature an authentic vintage look, their quality and customer service are amazing! 

Today's Makeup and New Shoes (cheap!)

Hey all! I hope everyone is well on this Wednesday! It has been so hot here in the DC area! This afternoon while I was at work, we had a major thunderstorm go through. The lightning was glorious! Ask anyone and they will tell you that I *love* thunderstorms! There is just something so powerful and beautiful when Nature puts on a good 'light show!'

The pic above shows me this morning before I left for work.  As I was taking the picture on my Blackberry, the cat was yelling at me (very loudly), demanding my full attention. She gets extra needy whenever her 'daddy' is away on business. Let me tell you, getting her to go bed last night was practically impossible! Brat!

Nevertheless, I would like to share with you today's makeup!

MAC Paint Pot in Rollickin' (a pearly, seafoam, green-blue cream shadow base) was applied to the lower lids.

MAC Aquadisiac eyeshadow (a shimmery teal) was applied on top of Rollickin' Paint Pot.

MAC Surreal Shadow (a shimmery green-based light blue) was blended onto the crease.

MAC Crystal Avalanche (a bright white pearl) was applied to the browbone.

MAC Liquidlast Liner in Point Black was applied in a cat-wing shape using a MAC 208 brush.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eyepencil in Electric was applied to the lower lash line and then was set with MAC eyeshadow in Aquadisiac (using MAC 212 brush).

Maybelline Volum'Express One by One Mascara in Black (Waterproof) was applied to top and bottom lashes.

MAC Eyepencil in Fascinating (a stark white) was applied to my waterline. 

On my face, I am wearing Guerlain's Parure Gold Foundation in Beige Claire 01, MAC blush in Pink Swoon, and Murad's Acne Treatment Concealer in Light (to cover a few breakouts). I set my face makeup with Coty Airspun Loose Powder in Translucent and finished the look with Make Up For Ever's Rouge Artist Intense lipstick in #45 and MAC Lipliner in Cherry.

Today, I am also wearing a new pair of Miss Me? black velvet-esque fabric (almost a faux suede-like material) platform shoes. I bought these on Endless.com (a division of Amazon) for $40.00USD! They also come in purple!

That 'thing' on the far right is my cat's plush catnip mouse toy. She wanted me to play fetch.

These shoes are very comfortable but they do run a 1/2 size+ too large. I am normally a 7 but I ordered the 6.5 (based on the online reviews stating the shoes run big) and they are still a little too roomy for me. I put a pair of Foot Petal inserts in the ball of each shoe and I can feel my heel sliding forward a tiny bit. I can make the shoe tighter by buckling the last hole in the ankle strap. I can also buy some heel inserts or the Foot Petal Killer Kushionz:

 Moreover, one curious and potentially comical (and dangerous for the clumsy like myself) feature of this shoe is that it has velvet soles.

 When I tried them on in my bedroom, I walked for a second and I felt like I was traversing on a "Slip n' Slide!" I pictured myself 'sliding' to my death on my carpeted stairs! Imagine the husband, coming home and finding me at the end of the staircase having been eaten by the cat. At least I died in style..... (JK!)

Interestingly enough, when I walk on concrete surfaces or asphalt, these shoes have great traction. They are a bit tricky on carpet and wood flooring. I suspect the velvet soles will get rougher and therefore easier to control after a few wears.

Overall, I know I will be wearing these shoes a lot! They have a great 40s style that will pair well with many things like dresses, skirts, and even wide leg, high-waist trousers.

I hope everyone is having a good 'hump day!'

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!

A Sunny Saturday Afternoon and Outfit Post

On this lazy, sunny Saturday afternoon, the man, the cat (seen above lounging in a sunbeam), and I are enjoying the 61 degree temperatures. Yesterday was 79 degrees! But tomorrow is going to be 53 degrees and then rain next week. You just gotta love the 'yo-yo' weather that is spring! I am ready for warmer days but I just have to survive the ever-increasing pollen count! For example, the local count for the DC area on Wednesday was in the 'moderate
range and by yesterday afternoon, it was in the 'high' category!

This is a looking-upwards view of a tree in my front yard. Despite the beauty of trees in bloom, my allergies are going haywire! I finally went to the doctor on Thursday and got a shot and a prescription for methylprednisolone.

Even though I feel so much better than I did earlier this week, I am still sneezing and my eyes are still a bit itchy! However, by this coming Wednesday (ie when I finish my prescription) I should be back to normal. I am looking forward to running outdoors again! The treadmill is boring!

So, today the man and I decided to treat ourselves and order Domino's pizza and I so sorry we did! It was dismal. I do not eat pizza often so I was really disappointed. Nevertheless, we each had one piece and then threw the rest out. I then made a cup of ginger tea with honey to calm the icky feeling in my belly.

After my tea, I tidied the house and checked on my hibiscus that I left outside all day yesterday and overnight. My poor plant has been indoors all winter and I wanted to give 'her' some direct sunlight and fresh air. I think 'she' looks happy!

When I got home after work on Thursday, I opened my mailbox and saw that my new Freddies of Pinewood jeans arrived! I bought them from a seller on ebay. They were 45.00 USD and they arrived super fast! I had to order the 30 waist since the 28 were out of stock. The 26 waist would have fit but due to my 'ample posterior,' the 34 inch hips would have been waaay to small. I wish the jeans came in 26 waist and 37 hips and I would be set!

In an effort to shrink the jeans to fit, I washed them three times in hot water and then put them in the dryer. After washing and drying, my Freddies are still a bit big in the waist and seat. I wonder if I can have them taken in at my local tailor. What do you think, seamstresses?

So, here is me outside earlier this afternoon in my Freddies:

 Outfit Breakdown:
-Freddies of Pinewood Jeans
-Black and white checkered short-sleeve cotton button-down from H&M
-Black wool blend cropped 50s cardigan bought from Bygones Vintage in Richmond, Virginia.
-Red canvas belt made by me.
-1950s black and white saddle shoes.
-1950s brown and yellow American Optical Sunglasses
-Vintage red carved bakelite screw-back earrings
-Modern-made red rhinestone and oxidized metal butterfly brooch (gift from my mother-in-law)

Here is an upclose view. There is that tired, allergy-tinged face again! I am wearing my new Julie Hewett Rouge Noir lipstick. My hair is in rolls. I can finally notice that my hair starting to get longer. Instead of getting trims every 6 weeks, I have been getting them at every 12. I would my hair long enough to do more styles, especially a proper 40s up-do!

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Outfit Post- Light Cotton Dress on a Warm Day in February

Even though it is February, the current temperature today in the DC area is 74 degrees! One of our local meteorologists, Doug Hill of ABC7 News, stated that we could possibly break temperature records! I was hoping for more snow despite the fact everyone else is pining to spend the day outside! Oh well. Maybe a huge blizzard will come next month. It is still winter afterall.

Nevertheless, due to the spring-like weather, today I am wearing the new 1950s brown plaid cotton dress I bought off Etsy earlier this week.  I paid 32.00 USD. The fabric is light and the plaid is a mix of warm red, slate blue, and grayish khaki green. 

Here I am this morning before leaving the house. The sun wasn't even up yet. I had to take care of my mother-in-laws cats before my early morning meetings.

Since the dress was missing its original belt, I put on a red one. To  further enhance the red tones in my dress, I wore my 40s red carved bakelite earrings along with my slowly expanding bakelite bangle collection:

I adore the collar on this dress but it needed a little extra sparkle so I put on a vintage brooch my mother-in-law gave me a few years ago:

After taking these pictures, I realized my 40s vintage brown and white saddle shoes were somewhat 'ho-hum,' so I quickly changed my shoes to my red suede wedges:

So, even though it is not a winter wonderland, I admit that I am enjoying wearing lighter fabric and no stockings! Heck, I may even go outside with my sketch book when I get home!

Next Tuesday, the weather forecasts are calling for temperatures to be in the 30s again. No snow is coming but again, it is still winter! A girl can still hope!