VLV 15! Photos and A Day-by-Day Synopsis (Part I)

Last Monday (technically Tuesday), I returned from Viva Las Vegas 15 at midnight. Despite the fact I fell ill with a major cold immediately upon my return, this year's Viva was a blast! Not only did I get my husband (aka Big Daddy) to dance with me, I ate amazing food (ie Il Mulino, China Poblano, and Aureole), I stayed up late, I made some new friends, and finally got to meet some fellow bloggers in person!

This is a detailed post so I will break down events by day.

Without further ado, here we go!

Day 1: Wednesday (April 4th): I wake at 5:30 am to get ready for my 8:18 am non-stop flight to Las Vegas on United Airlines. Having packed the night before, all I had to do was shower and get dressed. I also needed to take out my foam rollers I set the night before. (I covered my hair in a shower cap whilst bathing).

Even though I used Lottabody on my hair, my curls looked like a "chia pet" on crack! I attempt to tame my hair but I end up putting the savage mess in a ponytail. Just before the cab to the airport arrives, I put on a 50s camp shirt, my Freddies capri jeans, Remix wedges, and a red wool Pendleton 49er jacket. I do my makeup later at the airport gate. I need a double espresso!

After a 5 hour flight, Big Daddy and I arrive in Vegas! It is 10:20 am and all I can think about is getting to our hotel (the Rio) and eating some food!

We get a cab to the Rio and check in. We are in the Ipanema Tower, on the 16th floor, and in room 1623. Check out our view: First photo is the right and second is to the left.

Here is our room:

After taking out our things and settling in, we eat an early lunch and then take a nap! Later, we wake and get ready for dinner. We eat at VooDoo Steak, Rio's nightclub and haute cuisine establishment on the 51st floor that overlooks the skyline of Vegas. After an amazing dinner, we retire to our room and go to bed.

Day 2: Thursday, the 5th: Big Daddy and I wake early (because we are on East Coast time) but fall back asleep for a while. We wake again and order in room service breakfast. I get the Egg Beater omelet with tomatoes and mushrooms and a fruit plate and Big Daddy selects the steak and eggs. Everything is delicious!

After breakfast, I iron and steam my clothes:

My shoes:

That big beige 'blob' in the middle of my shoes is one of my shoe bags.

Before lunchtime, I get ready for the day:

The picture looks so grainy! Eugh! I am wearing a 50s cropped black cardigan, black viscose top, black patent belt, a pair of silver Pollys, and a 50s circle skirt I bought on Etsy in 2010:

Here is my hair and makeup:

Here is an upclose view of my eyes:

Big Daddy and I have lunch and then make our way over to the Orleans to check in for Viva Las Vegas and to attend Sweet Pea's "Hooch n' Smooch" in the Bienville Room upstairs. At the event, I first meet Holly from Temperamental Broad blog (I had the honor of meeting her for the first time at last year's Viva),  then I met Kim Bombshell, Jessica, Dollie Deville, E., and Lisa.

At the event, there's music, dancing, and just people hanging out! Everyone looks fab in their vintage couture!

After the "Hooch and Smooch," Big Daddy and I get a drink and then make our way back to the Rio for a quick rest before heading out to dinner.

For our evening, we head to the Caesars Forum Shops to dine at Il Mulino. Before our 8:00 reservation, Big Daddy entertains himself on his Blackberry as I browse the aisles in Sephora. I buy a Nars' lipstick and some hair products from Living Proof.

Our dinner is amazing! The service, the atmosphere, the food, and cocktails are off the charts heavenly! Instead of a cab, we need a wheel barrow back to the Rio! We eat too much but it is so worth it!

Day 3: Friday, the 6th: Continuing to be influenced by East Coast time, Big Daddy and I wake up early again but manage to fall back asleep. We wake around 9:00 am and order a lovely room service breakfast.

For lunch, we head over to the Cosmopolitan hotel and casino to dine at China Poblano, a restaurant that features a fusion of Chinese and Mexican Cuisine.  We order guacamole prepared fresh table-side. Big Daddy orders Chinese fare and I select the Tuna Ceviche and a small taco stuffed with lobster. Everything is too delicious!

Afterwards, we get a cab to Frankie's Tiki Room, which is next to the University Medical Center (near downtown, ie Old Vegas).

Our cab driver has no idea where Frankie's was at all! Thank goodness for the Google search on our Blackberry phones!

Once inside, Big Daddy and I are greeted with dark lighting and small space! I cannot believe how tiny Frankie's is! There are so many Viva people there too! Basically, it's packed!! Tiki drinks and a room full of rockabillies! I am so happy! I order a Mai Tai in a ceramic souvenir mug and I sit with Barbara from Moxie Tonic blog and her friend Gina!

(I have no idea what I am doing here!) It was so amazing to meet Barbara at last!

Me and Big Daddy:

Some folks hanging out:

Jessica B!:

One of the many lights made from real blowfish!:

After hanging out for a couple of hours, Big Daddy and I make our way to the Rio for a nap! Sugary tiki drinks make me sleepy!

Later that evening, we eat dinner at the hotel and I head to the Orleans to browse the vendor rooms. Remix shoes and tons of vintage jewelry catch my eye!

Part II is next! Stay tuned for the auto show, Saturday night glam, JD McPherson, Sunday, and my journey back home to DC!

Love me Some Lottabody!-A Review

For a while now, I have been reading rave reviews for Lottabody Setting Lotion from various vintage bloggers. Many of you gals use it to do pincurls, foam curler sets, and hot rollers.

I was out buying bobby pins and travel bottles at my local Sally Beauty Supply store and spotted the Lottabody. I knew I had to buy me a bottle! It was only $4.99 USD for 8 ounces!

According to the directions, Lottabody needs to be diluted. Depending on whether your hair is natural or color and/or chemically treated, you will need to dilute the solution in water, preferably in a spray bottle. Since my hair is color-treated, I mixed one part Lottabody to 4 parts water.

Today I washed my hair and applied my usual hair products. I quickly blow-dried my hair and then sectioned my hair using clips and I applied a tiny amount of Lottabody spray to the last two inches of my hair and curled using my Hot Tools Ceramic  3/4 inch barrel curling iron.

And this was the end result:

Not only are my curls defined, my ends feel so soft and healthy! Before using Lottabody, I tried Motions Foaming Wrapping Lotion. Even though it also defined my curls well, it made my ends break off! It basically made my hair brittle! Not Good!

So, if are looking for a product that defines and shapes curls with softness, you need to try Lottabody Setting Lotion!

New Hair Color!

This is me, with my allergy eyes and new hair color! 

I had the color (a dark brown) done by my amazing stylist of 5 years, Corry, last Thursday. I have been red with blond and just red (I go back and forth) for two years and I thought it was time to change things up! I have not been brunette since 2002. I have been pink, black, platinum blonde,  blonde with black underneath, and even purple! But I have to admit I have a preference for the dark shades of color!

So, what do you gals think?

And, what color of hair (or colors) have you been?

Meeting Up at VLV 15

VLV 15 is now less than two weeks away! I cannot believe it! I still have so much packing to do!

Nevertheless, for those of you who are going this year, I would love to do a meet-up or two at the event! Last year I only bumped into a couple of people and I was very sad to miss out on meeting more fellow bloggers. VLV is huge is so a meet-up is a must!

If you are interested in doing a meet-up, you can post a comment and/or drop me a line on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1029754334

I hope everyone is well! I plan to do a packing list tutorial soon! I also am going to post a tutorial on how to make hair flowers before the big event!

VLV 15- Making a list!

At this moment, it is 23 days before VLV 15 begins! In preparation, I have made my clothing list, been going to the gym 5 days a week, and have created some new makeup looks.

I am so looking forward to VLV because 1: it's Vegas and 2: it will be my 37th birthday! I mean, a birthday in Vegas!? VLV or not, talk about fun and exciting!

Nevertheless, I would like to post a few clothing and accessories tips in celebration of the big event!

1. Check your couture!
Make sure there are no loose seams, rips, missing/loose hook and eyes, buttons, etc. If you cannot repair anything yourself, take it to a tailor. Also, be sure to take items to the dry cleaners if needed. I also pack a sewing kit complete with thread, needles, hooks and eyes, spare buttons, and a measuring tape (great when buying clothing from the vendors).

2. Check your shoes!
Make sure your shoes are in good condition! If they need new heel caps, new buckles, re-soling, new straps, or general repairs, take them to your local cobbler/shoe repair shop.

3. Check your beauty kit!
Do you have adequate foundation, powder, sunblock, mascara, lipstick, eyeliner, brushes, sponges, false eyelashes, and/or eyeshadow? Ensure your kit covers all the basics! Moreover, if you plan to carry your makeup, make sure liquids over 3 ounces are packed into your checked luggage. (This is especially important for US travelers)

4. Make sure that suitcase is under 50 lbs!
In this new era of travel, any checked bag over 50 pounds is going to be charged extra (ie $100.00 USD). Moreover, most airlines charge an average of $25.00USD for the first bag.  Plan to pack for the days you are away from home. For example, I will be in Las Vegas for 5 nights and 5 days. I will need 5 daytime outfits, 5 night looks, and a few varieties of shoes. I will also pack a few late night items like Freddies of Pinewood jeans, vintage tops, and Re-Mix wedges.

5. Jewelry and accessories!
Be sure to have a nice variety of jewelry and accessories! Bakelite, lucite, moonglow, rhinestones, parure sets, and celluloid oh my! I also plan to bring my lucite bags and hair flowers. These items will be in my carry-on luggage. I am too afraid of packing them in my checked baggage! So, if you plan to carry these items with you, make sure your bag fits in the overhead compartment above your seat or underneath. Please check individual airlines for details.

6. Hair!
Make sure you pack all you need to do your pin-curls, wet sets, and victory rolls. This includes Lottabody lotion, bobby pins, curlers, hair products (in travel sizes), combs, brushes, curling irons, snoods, and hair flowers.  I also pack a can of Tigi Dirty Secret to help my hair look its best between washes. Tresemme also makes a good dry shampoo spray.

So, what are your packing tips? Are you ready?

Getting Ready for VLV 15!

In just under 40 days, VLV 15 will begin in Las Vegas, Nevada! I am so excited! This will be my second event and for those of you who are going as well, I would love to do a few meet-ups! The event is HUGE and meeting people by chance is pretty much impossible. Last year, I had the honor of running into Holly twice from Temperamental Broad blog!  I also wanted to meet Dolly (aka the Rockabilly Socialite), Kim Bombshell, and Barbara from Moxie Tonic! Alas, I did not have the chance. Therefore, a meet-up is a must!

Nevertheless, I am looking forward to April 5th for sure! I am now creating a packing list and in doing so, I am taking into consideration a few lessons I learned from last year.

Since last year's VLV was my first, I had NO idea what to expect and as a result, what to pack/wear. Even though I wear vintage every day and feel like I have a good grasp on what to wear for specific circumstances, I look back on a few outfits I wore and wish I could have done things differently.

For example, at the car show, I wore an ill-fitting, yellow cotton Old Navy peasant top with a 40s gingham skirt. The skirt was fine but the top (seen in the picture above) was too big and made me look frumpy. As I walked around the rows of cars, I felt my look was lackluster in comparison to the other girls. Their looks whether it was sexy cheetah print wiggle dress-hotness or 50s sun top and shorts-clad cuteness, I just wanted to change!!

But, this year, I plan to wear this 50s cotton-blend sarong dress I bought on Etsy for this year's car show:

This dress embodies the perfect fusion of vintage purist meets figure-flattering excellence!

In the evening, my circle dresses were appropriate but as I looked at the gals in their satin and sequin dresses, I felt a desire to spice up my wardrobe. Sure, my look was fine but I wanted more than "fine." I wanted "wow factor!!" So, this year I bought this beauty:

 I bought this dress before the holidays and wore it on a recent cruise but I am wearing it again for VLV evening!

When it came to shoes, I played it safe. I wore a lot of black shoes at night and wedges during the day but I left behind the epitome of vintage-awesomeness in my closet! My silver Polly of California shoes:

I bought these from Remix Vintage in 2008! They are so comfortable and look amazing with everything from dresses, pencil skirts to capri pants and rolled jeans!

Speaking of rolled jeans, I just ordered these blue denim pedal pushers from Freddies of Pinewood!

Last year, I wore my original indigo Freddies of Pinewood jeans when I went to the Neon Museum:

I love both styles of jeans but the pedal pusher style will be fabulous for late night dancing!

During the day at VLV, I plan to do a little shopping on the Strip (hello, MAC Pro Store and Sephora!) and visit the Neon Museum. So, if the weather is sunny and warm, I am going to wear sundresses like this one I bought in January:

Another must-visit I missed last VLV is Frankie's Tiki Room!

http://www.frankiestikiroom.com/

I plan to go to Frankie's this year for sure and if I am going to sip on tiki drinks, I am going to do it in vintage tiki style:

I bought this dress from FabGabs on Esty.com last July and it is made from a lovely polished cotton!

In conclusion, I am going to have fun with my wardrobe and have fun at VLV! Regardless of clothing, the intent of VLV is to dance, meet other rockabillys, enjoy a few drinks, see the sights in Vegas, dance some more, shop the vendors, take in the auto show, and JUST HAVE FUN!

So, are you going? 

Random Things on A Friday Night

You know your life is exciting when your Friday night consists of brushing and playing with the cat, experimenting with the goodies from your latest MAC order, doing laundry, and watching reruns of your favorite show, RuPaul's Drag Race.

Despite my low-key activities, this chill evening is exactly what I needed to end a hectic work week! I am glad Big Daddy and I decided to stay in rather than go out. Instead of fighting DC traffic and waiting for a table, I finished my chores and learned some new makeup tricks from some gorgeous queens!! Manila Luzon is my favorite girl! Love her!

In the spirit of the evening, I would like to share some random things.

1. New sweater!

(Sorry for the blur) I bought this 50s salmon pink sweater on Etsy for $35.00 USD and it arrived yesterday! It looks and feels brand new! (I am also wearing my Freddies!)

Here is a close-up:

The cotton knit has fabulous square buttons and these pointelle squares all over it!

2. Gorgeous, new 50s-era wood and metal sconces:

I bought these lovelies last week at the Cold Habor Antique Mall in Mechanicsville, Virginia (approximately 10 minutes from my parents' house). I paid $22.40 USD for the pair. Talk about a great deal! The wood accents were in pristine condition but the metal centers were quite rusted. I repainted the metal with gold metallic paint and now they look brand new! These gals are now on display in my dining room!

3. A handmade starburst mirror for the bedroom:

I made this mirror after watching this fantastic video tutorial on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_5NaQgnQDI

I visited my local Michaels Craft store and bought everything I needed and within hours, I finished the mirror and hung it up!


4. This is a 50s Toastmaster toaster I got from Big Daddy for the Holidays. It makes amazing toast and looks perfect in my atomic kitchen!

5. A footed Haeger ceramic bowl:

I bought this as a Holiday gift for myself. I paid $20.00 USD! I was floored to find this gorgeous piece for such a wonderful price! It has no chips, crazing, or fleabites! I love the triangle-shaped cut-outs!

6. Big Daddy hanging out on the couch with his iPad:

Upon his return home (after a long day of meetings), Big Daddy changed out of his suit and tie into his loungewear. We ordered Mexican delivery and watched the cat play with her cat nip toy as the towels finished drying.

This weekend is a "three day weekend" due to the fact it's President's Day on Monday. Since Big Daddy and I are on the GSA Schedule, we get Monday off. I am going to make some resin pendants and run on my treadmill. I am also going to experiment further with my new MAC 275 brush and Cream Color Base (Virgin Isle).

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!