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?

Antique Shopping in South Florida

As some of you know, I was recently visiting South Florida (Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale to be exact). While I was there spending time with my in-laws and participating in the Hukilau, I also had the opportunity to visit two of my favorite antique malls, Sugar Chest and Hillsboro Antique Mall.  Both malls are located in Pomano, Florida.

http://thesugarchestantiquemall.com/

http://www.hillsboroantiquemall.com/

Of the two malls, I have to admit that I prefer Sugar Chest. The layout is easier to walk and browse through and the bakelite selection is fantastic. Hillsboro has a cool vintage post card section (it's huge!), furniture, a great number of vintage housewares and kitchenware, and loads of costume jewelry. The only drawbacks are the small amounts of bakelite (and what you do find is so overpriced) and the layout is a bit chaotic. If there is such a thing, I feel like there is too much to see. I call it "sensory overload."

Nevertheless, I bought some post cards from Hawaii to frame for my tiki bar, three thin red bakelite spacers, a pumpkin-colored carved bakelite bangle, and a Hobnail dish for my mother-in-law.

(The pumpkin, carved bangle is on the far left. One of the new red spacers is second to the far left and the other new red spacer is second to the far right.)


During my trip to South Florida, I also visited Sugar Chest Antique Mall in Pomano, located on Federal Highway. This mall is about 15 minutes south of my mother-in-law's house. Every time I visit, I always make a stop at Sugar Chest! I call it my "bakelite haven."

On my recent visit, I bought three carved bakelite bangles. Each one was listed as 65 USD and there was a sale going on and as a result, my bangles were 40% off! I also scored a pristine opalescent, glittery lucite bag. I was floored when I spotted it glowing from within its display case! The seller originally wanted 400 USD but I felt that was way too high. Between my mother-in-law and the lovely attendant, Joey, who always helps us when we visit, I managed to get the bag for 200 USD.

One of the many charms of shopping in antique malls is finding hilarious items! You never know what you are going to find!

Let me show you what I discovered:

This reminds me of David Bowie in his "Blue Jean" video!

The King, complete with "sneer detailing."

A very macho cowboy Ken doll!

A sequin nightgown? Dress? Robe? I am not sure. So shiny.

A velvet poker hat. Do you think I should go back and get it?

A Ken Doll from the 80s. Kind of reminds of "Jersey Shore" Ken. GTL!

And as we were leaving, I saw this book. Pose! Werk that camera, honey!

At the end of my Florida visit, I had some great new bakelite scores, a pretty lucite bag, some fabulous vintage post cards, and I got a gift for my MIL. Overall, it was a fun time! I cannot wait to go back when I return to Florida in August!

Today's Vintage Look

I apologize for the tiny picture and the look on my face! I look too serious! I was in the mall getting some skincare at Sephora and on the way out to the parking lot, I decided that one of the the full-length mirrors would show my outfit better. Earlier this morning, I tried taking a photo in my bathroom and it came out bad!

Anyway, this is one of my more professional-esque vintage looks (I was on my lunch break). I am wearing a 50s vintage yellow rayon blouse with a lace detail. I bought this blouse at a vintage clothing boutique in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia on Father's Day weekend. I paid 20.00 USD for it.

I am wearing a yellow camisole from Old Navy underneath the blouse since it is sheer. I paid about 5.00 USD for the camisole (it was on sale). The black pencil skirt is a high-waist design with a side zipper. I found it browsing the racks at Forever 21 about a year ago and it cost about 17.50 USD.

My shoes are black leather, slingback 1940s-esque platforms with a stacked, thick heel. I found these on Zappos over two years ago and I paid about $180.00 USD. The shoes are still in great condition which is good because I wear them a lot. I feel that if I am going to pay top dollar for shoes, they should be good quality and a style that will go with everything. The highest I will pay for shoes is $200.00 USD. I almost bought a pair of black patent Gucci wedge platforms at Neiman Marcus. They cost $620! I realized I was being impulsive! I was also in Vegas so I think all the glamour and glitz was getting to my head!

My bag is late 50s/early 60s vintage. I bought this lovely on Etsy and I paid about $13.00 USD. The bag is cream and taupe basket weave style that features a tortoiseshell-colored lucite clasp. My necklace is a 1950s, three-tiered style made with yellow plastic beads and off-white faux pearls. I bought this during the same Fredericksburg trip and I paid about $8.00 USD.

My hair was done the day before and I simply sprayed on some dry shampoo and recurled a few sections. I put in a couple bobby pins,  put in a hair flower, sprayed with hairspray, and I was out the door.

Are You a 'Vintage Nerd?' Spotting Vintage Mistakes in Movies-UPDATED 9-19-2010

The photo above is from the infamous "Pearl Harbor" film from 2001. I did not see this film in theatres. I saw it on HBO a few years ago and I have to say that the costume department got a lot of the vintage clothing right but they also got a lot wrong. I admit that I tend to obsess over three things: vintage, historical facts, and grammar. (I am a linguist and copy editor by profession).

So, with that said, the costumes in "Pearl Harbor" captured pre-war fashion well. But as I watched a bikini-clad Evelyn (Kate Beckinsale) cavort with Danny (Josh Hartnett) on the Oahu shores, my interest in the story became overshadowed by the obvious, fashion oversights. The bikini was created by French designer Louis Reard in 1946. He named his design the "bikini" after the famed Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Now, my mother-in-law, informed me that there were two piece playsuits in the pre-war era but bikinis were not worn really until the late 40s and into the 50s.

UPDATE: I need to correct the information in the above paragraph regarding the historical accuracy of the "bikini." Yes, the "bikini" was invented in 1946 but it was a newer style that was very revealing and quite controversial. Unlike the two-piece bathing suits with shorts-like bottoms that covered the navel and posterior completely, the French design featured higher cut legs and a skimpier top. With that said, I have done some in-depth research this past weekend and found that not only were cotton two-piece playsuits in existence, two-piece bathing suits were/are period-correct! There are two-piece bathing suits AND bikinis. Unfortunately, I did not make an accurate distinction between the two. A bikini equals skimpy and two-piece suit equals modesty. Yet, over the years, bikini has come to mean all two-pieces suits! It is like every medical bandage being called a Band-Aid when Band-Aid is a distinct brand. Thus, when Evelyn was seen wearing a modest, 40s-era two-piece, the costumers got it right. I also want to credit Kim Bombshell for her valuable insight on this information as well (see the comments section)!

Another mistake the movie made was how the Navy nurses were not in uniform after war was declared. In the scene where the nurses and servicemen are seen attending the funeral of those lost in the Pearl Harbor attack, the women are wearing chic, civilian clothing while the men are in their uniforms. Moreover, when Evelyn is sitting at the desk in the communications/radio office during the Doolite Raids, she is again wearing civilian clothing and her hair is down!

Also, in the scene where Evelyn meets Rafe (Ben Affleck) for the first time, Evelyn is wearing her nurse's uniform and her hair is down. Military regulations state, even to this day, that hair must be off the collar. I was in the Army ROTC program for two years when I was in college and it was mandatory for me to have my hair off my collar.

As for the many historical inaccuracies of the film, in the scene where Rafe takes Evelyn to the harbor, the Queen Mary is docked in New York Harbor. Rafe says something about the ship's passengers having a luxurious time. In August 1939, The Queen Mary left Southampton, Britain with passengers trying flee to the United Stated in an effort to escape the impending war in Europe. This was the ship's last peacetime voyage. When the ship arrived in New York, war had been declared between Britain and Germany. In addition, even before the declaration of war, the portholes had been painted over to help lessen the threat of attack from German torpedos launched from U-boats. Six months later, the ship was commissioned by the British government to be used as a troop ship.

In an earlier scene of Pearl Harbor, the Army Air Force base on Long Island, New York was misspelled "Mitchell Field." It was actually "Mitchel Field."

Whenever a 1940s 0r 1950s period movie like, "A League of Their Own," "The Notebook," "Far From Heaven," or even a 1930s homage like Peter Jackson's 2005 version of "King Kong," I find myself paying attention to the vintage fashion way more than the story itself. In my humble opinion, I think "A League of Their Own" captured the 40s look perfectly. Everything Madonna and Geena Davis were wearing was just amazing. Their hair was also perfect! Didn't you girls just want to die when Dottie (Geena) was wearing that yellow rayon blouse after the end of the women's world series final game (when she says goodbye to Kit (Lori Petty) as they both get on their buses)?

As for "King Kong," I wanted to just scream when I saw Naomi Watt's eyebrows! They were unshaped and modern! Her whole makeup look was wrong too! The makeup department really dropped the ball on that one! 1930s brows were thin and high arched and lips were blue-red!

Now, the *best* depiction of vintage fashion is of course, vintage movies! I often watch the Turner Classic Movies channel on the weekends for clothing and hair inspiration. I recently watched Betty Grable in the 1950 classic, "My Blue Heaven:"

Betty looks so pretty here! I was also able to copy her hairstyle the other day. It was easy to do. It just requires pin curls and a middle part.

The fashion in old movies is always 'to die for.' I would do anything to be able to get my hands on those dresses, hats, and shoes! But, since I cannot go back in time, I will continue to study vintage and period movies for help when it comes to true vintage style. I know that some modern movies are going to get it wrong and yet, I will use my knowledge to properly amend my look.

So, are you a vintage nerd? Let me know what you think?

Are There Vintage Styles You Won't Wear?

Here is me (the toddler) and my sister, circa 1976. I am just under two years old which means my sister is about 8. It was the mid-late 70s. Carter was in the White House, the Bicentennial was happening, and Elton John and Steely Dan played our parents' turntable (or 8 track). The fashion scene was chock full of polyester, bell bottoms, Wallabees, paisley prints, frosted and feathered hair, short, fat neckties, and pointed collars.



I have to say that out of all the vintage out there, the mid-60s to 70s was the worst. I also cannot stomach most things 80s. I lived it and you cannot make me go back to day-glow jelly shoes, Madonna lace, legwarmers, Reebok hightops, acid wash, and zipper-ankle jeans! I wanted a pair of Reebok high tops so bad. My mom, being the frugal queen, refused to shell out the $58.00 and instead, paid $10.00 for a shoddy pair of knock-off from Pick n'Pay shoes. Not only were they ugly, they said "Winner" across the ankles. Yes, "winner." I wore these hideous abominations to school the next day and everyone laughed at me and yelled out, "You're a WINNER!" as I slinked shamefully down the hall to social studies class. Thanks, Mom.



However, there are a few saving grace pieces from the 70s and 80s like simple, black a-line skirts, Diane Von Furstenburg dresses, and boatneck striped tees. Regardless of the decade, each one has its classic, timeless stand-outs. Yet, in my opinion, I think fashion took a nose dive after 1955-1960.

When I do my vintage shopping (on Etsy or eBay), I look for 40s and 50s styles. I will also buy reproduction pieces now and again. I try to keep it simple when it comes to style and price. I will also hit up places like Target, Urban Outfitters, Charlotte Russe, and Forever 21 for layering pieces like retro-looking white blouses, camisoles, cropped cardigans, and accessories like jewelry and belts. I can adapt and make most things fit "my era."

I know it is all about perspective and personal taste but I think some eras of fashion leave me wanting or wanting to run away!

So, what era or looks do you girls like and which (if any) do you avoid?

The "Un-Vintage" Side of Me-New Pic Added 6-10-10

After visiting the amazing, Temperamental Broad's blog earlier today, I am inspired to show the "Un-Vintage" side of me too. I have to say that Ms. Temperamental looks gorgeous in anything, vintage or not! I love her style, period!

As for me, I know I say "I wear vintage all time" and I do indeed, but there are times when I cannot or when the occasional calls for something different.

Whenever I go to a VNV Nation show, I wear more of a gothic-influenced style. Think gothic girl meets Betty Grable or Vampira. I love VNV Nation, Informatik, The Cure, Decoded Feedback, Angels and Agony, Suicide Commando, Sisters of Mercy, Razed In Black as well big band and Lady Gaga.

(Here I am having a beer with the husband. This is the style of clothing I wear for going to see VNV)

When I go to Colorado for skiing, I adapt there too. On days I go into town, I will wear my cat eye sunglasses and eyeglasses but I will put on a Lip Service mini plaid skirt, black leggings, wrap hoodie, and combat boots. However, when I go to the high country of Colorado in summer, I will wear my usual vintage. I just can't pull off rayon dresses and platform heels in the snow!

(This is me in a Breckenridge, Colorado pizza joint in January 2010)

When I ski, I will wear ski gear, albeit with red lipstick and cat eye sunglasses.


Here is me ala 'DC professional.' I had a few business meetings with clients that day and needed to wear 'conservative business lady' attire.

But, when all is said and done, I am truly a vintage girl at heart!

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?

How to Refill a Vintage compact

I actually have a copy of this 1940s advertisement on my fridge. I love it! I also like how we get to see how much makeup cost and how small the lipsticks were! Even though today's cosmetics are much bigger and the quality is great, the packaging is often too boring for my taste. Sure, I am a MAC Cosmetics fanatic, but their slick, black compacts and black plastic bullet tubes are ho-hum in my book.

I realize that not many people care about what their lipstick tube looks like but I do. I prefer the older styles of most things and makeup is of course one of them. I have been searching for vintage makeup tubes on eBay and Etsy. I bought two vintage Revlon tubes yesterday. I plan on refilling the tubes with two different shades of MAC lipstick; Lady Danger and Russian Red. I also found a great, I mean GREAT tutorial on Va-Voom Vintage's blog last week detailing how to properly clean the tube and refill it with modern lipstick. I am excited!

Not only am I interested in vintage tubes, but also vintage compacts as well. I could sit in front of my laptop all day and search Etsy for compacts! There are so many pretty designs. It is a shame no one makes packaging like they used to anymore. I have seen compacts in shapes ranging from fan shapes, squares, rounds, ovals to rectangles. They are often adorned with lace, gilded lines, florals, and birds. But, here is a question: say I get a compact off Etsy and I want to refill it will modern blot/face pressed powder. How do I do it?

Well, sadly, I have come to the realization that most vintage compacts cannot be refilled with modern powder pans. The contemporary ones are too big. Period. Also, if a compact is oval or fan-shaped, then there is NO way I can refill it, or can I?

I have found a couple of sites detailing how to refill a vintage compact with modern powder. At first I was majorly skeptical. But you know what? This method I am about to share with you actually works! I can say that this 'recipe' is amazing and so easy. I did this last night with an older gold-toned Guerlain meteorites compact I had stashed away in a drawer.

So, here is what you are going to need:

Rubbing alcohol

loose powder or pressed powder

vintage compact (preferably with a metal pan still inside)

cheesecloth or linen cut into a hand-held size

small bowl

butter knife

small condiment spoon

Before you even think about refilling your vintage compact, you need to clean it. If there is any old makeup present, it can harbor dust, bacteria, and potential irritants. Soak a cotton ball or cotton round with rubbing alcohol and clean compact out. Set aside to dry.

In a small, clean bowl, spoon in some loose powder or you can use a butter knife to scrape out your pressed powder from a modern compact.

Using a small spoon, slowly mix in a little rubbing alcohol with the powder until you form a creamy paste. Be sure to smooth out any lumps! Gently mix and scoop into vintage compact pan. Smooth out any irregularities and be sure not to overfill!

Take a cheesecloth or piece of linen and gently press over the compact. Remove. The cloth will create a nice surface look and help smooth powder.

Keep the compact open and allow to dry overnight. Before attempting to use your revamped, vintage compact, make sure the surface is dry by wiping a finger across it. When the compact is ready to use it should feel 'powdery' and smooth.

When carrying your compact in your purse, be careful not to let it bang around. The powder can shatter. If this happens, you have to start all over again and will a fresh batch of powder.

Nighttime Beauty Ritual

Here is me, in bed watching TV, after a long day at work. I have taken out the contacts, washed my face, and gotten into my vintage 40s jammies. Basically, this is me without the makeup. Pretty funny, huh?

So, now that we know how to do a 40s face, here is how to take it off. Remember what our mothers told us? NEVER go to bed with makeup on and NEVER go to bed without brushing your teeth! There were a few times back in college when I did not take the makeup off and didn't brush my teeth. Let me tell you, not only was my pillow a mess, I looked and felt like a mess too! Gross.

One of the best things we can do for our vintage look, is to take care of our skin and teeth. Not only do we take our makeup off and use good oral hygiene, we should use good quality skincare. Besides, what good is makeup when our "canvas" and smile are neglected?

Nevertheless, here are the steps in my nightly ritual:

Remove lipstick and eye makeup with Pond's Cold cream or Lancome's BiFacil. Pond's is cheaper and does not irritate eyes. It gets rid of waterproof mascara and all traces of lipstick. Remove with tissue.

Brush teeth, floss, and if desired, use mouthwash. I use Vanilla Mint Listerine!

Cleanse skin and if needed, use an alcohol free toner.

Apply night cream if needed but always try to apply eye cream. Clinique's All About Eyes is fantastic.

Wearing lipstick, especially matte lipstick all day can dry out lips. Apply lip balm. Rose Bud Salve is wonderful and Aquaphor by Eucerin is great too. I use Eucerin nightly and always wake to soft, repaired, supple lips.

If your hair is still holding its shape and/or you plan to refresh it the next day, comb out any hair product like sprays or gels. Re-roll hair or re-pin and secure with a hair scarf or bandana. (One great product a vintage girl must have in her beauty collection is Tigi's Dirty Secret or Ojon's Dry Shampoo. These are sprays that disperse a fine powder mist that absorbs oils and refreshes hair. These products help save your style, spare your hair from overwashing, and save time! And the sprays make hair smell so nice!)

Also, be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep! I know it is hard, especially all of us seem so busy but a good night's sleep is vital for our beauty and longevity.

Take care of yourself, get some rest, and beauty will reward you for life!