L.A.A.

So, if you are wondering what the title of my post stands for, it is a new group I belong to: Lamp Addicts Anonymous. That's right, I have a slight problem -- I just love old lamps. This cute fellow came home with me two weekends ago (and I am just now getting around to bloggin' about him, such a bad blogger, I know!) for a small sum of $15. I totally couldn't believe I got him for that low and that he was still hanging around the estate sale so late in the game. Him and I were meant to be, I suppose. ;) I am pretty sure this guy had a cute little lady to accompany him, now I'm on the search for her!

The beau has now been gently instructed to talk me out of pretty much every lamp I pick up while out thrifting. So far it's working..... We'll see for how long!

Emily

Old Photo Album Inspiration

Lately, I have been looking a lot at my grandma's old photo albums for some inspiration. Back in the 40s-60s, she and her family took a lot of trips up north and did some camping and such. I am going to be going camping soon and I don't want to wear the typical shorts and t-shirts. Call me crazy, but I want to camp fashionably! Well as fashionably as tent camping for 4 days will allow.

I am planning on sewing a few things for the trip; primarily some shorts and tops from a vintage pattern. I am also planning on debuting my vintage romper that has been hanging in my closet for about 3 years now. I have never had a chance to wear it to a real beach, so that should be fun!

Anyways, these old family photos of past vacations have been giving me a lot of great ideas on the types of outfits I would like to put together. I especially love this photo of my grandma, taken at I believe Niagara Falls when she was 17. I love that she took the time to record the month and the year on so many of her old photos. I may be bias, but doesn't she look like a model?

Emily

Film Fashion Friday: The Umbrella Woman (1987)

Hi All!! Welcome back to another installment of Film Fashion Friday. This week's main selection and recommendation both come out of the 80s, which has been notorious for not always presenting the best authentic representation of the past. While neither one of these films are by any means perfect when it comes to absolute accurate costuming, I feel that each film overall presents great looks coupled with amazing backdrops of great sets and on site shooting. Both films really embody the past through the use of great sets and props, which sometimes will suck me in more than just lavish costuming! Anyways, on to the selections.

The main film for this week, The Umbrella Woman (aka The Good Wife) (1987), is set in pre-WWII Australia. I caught the last third of this film on THIS network, a sister of NBC. I am assuming that it will be played again before the month is over with, so I would check your local listings since Netflix does not current offer this film for rental. However, the film does appear to still be available on DVD. I located a used coped for under $1.00.

Since I have only seen such a short portion of the film, I can't really comment on the plot itself, but from what I have seen, the costumes were pretty great. Jennie Tate designed the costumes and did a good job to leave out major influences of the 80s, minus big hair and slightly overdone make-up. If you can look past that, I think the costumes are pretty alright.

I really was excited about this while watching it and cannot wait until my copy comes in the mail so I can see the film in its entirety. I had never heard of this before and because of that couldn't wait to share it with you all!!

This week's recommendation has been mentioned a few times already in vintage blogland, but I felt it deserved one more shout out. Plus, it's another film made in the 80s, so it went with the theme for this week! Swing Shift (1984) stars Goldie Hawn as a "landgirl" of sorts who takes a job in a plane factory during WWII. As with the film above, the sets in this film are wonderful and make up for the less than authentic hair and make-up on the female characters.

Joe I. Tompkins did the costumes for this film and I feel he did a great job. I am really digging the looks he created for Hawn while working in the factory. I think come this fall, I might be sporting some similar outfits!!

Swing Shift is available on DVD and is an instant on Netflix.

Make sure and check back two weeks from today for the next edition of Film Fashion Friday; which is now appearing every other week! As always, requests are welcomed!!!!

Emily

Shabby Apple Giveaway!!!

The fabulous Leilani over at Thriftaholic is hosting a great giveaway for a Shabby Apple dress. I love the dress that she selected, which is pictured above. I totally agree with Leilani that this dress would work great for a casual or a dressy event, making it truly versatile depending on your accessories.

To enter, click HERE and leave a comment on her post. You have until Monday July 26th to enter.

Emily

I Love Yellow!

Have I ever mentioned that yellow is my favorite color? I just love how bright and cheery it is. Putting on something yellow always brighten my day and puts me in a good mood.

I got this dress a while back for a major steal on eBay, but had been putting off wearing it since I am not a huge fan of sleeveless tops and dresses. The hot Michigan weather convinced me to let go of my sleeveless fears and be a little bit cooler.

I am still working on getting down victory rolls. I fear I might never be able to really do them correctly. I have been watching Ashley's videos on how to do a victory roll, and they have been helping. Hopefully I will someday be able to do them with ease.

Emily

Earrings and Shoes: Estate Sales

Dress (knockoff Swirl!!): eBay

No Photos Please

Today, while sorting through some of my weekend finds, Pumpkin decided to stick her nose in my new hot pink hat. She kept sitting and looking up at it, sniffing. So, I gently placed it on her head and to my great surprise, she proceeded to sit still with the hat atop her head. I got out my camera and snapped a few quick shots before she put her head down and placed her arm over her eyes, as if to say, "no more photos please."

Emily

Does Anyone Remember This....?

This past weekend I was reminded of one of my most favorite things to read, Reminisce Magazine. I was at this amazing digger sale and came across two old issues and just knew I had to get them. When I was a little girl, my grandma had a subscription to Reminisce and I can remember sneaking copies home with me to read all the lovely stories from the olden days.

I haven't seen this magazine for sale in stores for years and was delighted to find out that it is still in print and you are able to get a 1,2, or 3 year subscription.

So, my question is, do any of you vintage gals remember this magazine? Can you still buy it at your local book store? If you haven't heard of this magazine or haven't read it in a long time, no fears, I am planning on giving away a one year subscription in my up coming giveaway, which is totally overdue!!

Emily

Sparrows (1926) at Detroit Orchestra Hall

This past Thursday, the fella and I went to see Sparrows (1926) at the Detroit Orchestra Hall (DOH) with a live accompaniment from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO). The DOH is where all the operas and symphonies take place in Detroit.

The DOH was first known as the Detroit Opera House and was built in 1919. In the 40s, it was known as the Paradise Theatre and was a major venue for jazz concerts. From 1951 to 1971, the building sat empty until a member of the DSO saved it from demolition and got it placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restoration was completed in the late 80s and we now have this wonderful piece of Detroit history preserved for many generations to enjoy.

The film was wonderful and Mary Pickford gave a great performance, but then again, when doesn't she? The Mary Pickford Foundation hosted the event, making it free to the public. They intend on having more events like this, taking place around the U.S. If one comes to your city, I highly recommend taking advantage of this, especially since they will more than likely be showing some Pickford films that have not been previously released on VHS or DVD.

Emily

Top & Skirt: Estate Sale

Shoes: Forever 21

Belt: Kohls

Purse: eBay I think.....

Date Night Dress

I am so behind in posting what I have been wearing lately. I'll eventually catch up..... hopefully!! :)

It is still pretty hot here in Southeastern Michigan. We have reached 90 or more almost everyday this week. Needless to say, cool clothing has been a necessity. I love this little dress. It is made out of light gauzy cotton and definitely does the trick in helping with keeping cool during these hot summer months.

I wore my Keds out for the first time the other night and they gave me some pretty awful blisters. I guess they still need some breaking in!

Hope everyone is keeping cool!!

Emily

Oh.... If you are looking for my usually Film Fashion Friday post, please see my post from last week explaining the new schedule.

Dress: Mother Fletchers

Keds Wedges: eBay

Purse: Salvation Army

Flowers on my Pockets!

Here's my latest addition to my Swirl collection. It's a Carol Brent and I got it for a major steal because it isn't a "real Swirl." I could careless if my wrap dresses are "real Swirls" or not. I just love the style and the fit is always wonderful!!

Tonight I am headed to a beautiful music hall in Detroit to see Sparrows (1926), a Mary Pickford silent. I am super excited!! Not only to see a Pickford on the big screen, but also to wear my new-to-me vintage dress I found at the thrift store. It is seriously the oldest piece of clothing I have ever found at a thrift store. And.... I got it for a major steal. Definitely my "deal of the day" last week (which I totally neglected to post)!!

Emily

Dress: eBay

Shoes: Love Couture

Earrings: From my Great-Aunt

Blueberry Banana Muffins

This morning I got bit by the baking bug and decided to bake my beau some muffins. The recipe I used is SUPER easy and doesn't contain any dairy products, so this would be a great treat to make if you have dairy allergies. I can't believe how moist and tasty they came out without the use of eggs or milk. I think these are my new favorite muffins to make!!!

Vegan Blueberry Banana Muffins

3 ripe bananas

1/4 cup canola oil

1 cup sugar

2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup blueberries (or nuts, other fruit, etc.)

-Preheat oven to 350 F

-Mash bananas

-Add oil and sugar, mix well

-Sift flour, salt, & baking soda together and add to the banana mixture, mix until the flour is blended (do not beat).

-Mix in blueberries

-Pour into muffin pans or a loaf pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Emily

A 60s Summer Night

Today I was feeling in a 60s mood. It could have been inspired by my last trip to my favorite Salvation Army where I scored this fantastic dress, along with some other really great finds; those of which I will be posting about soon!

Tonight I headed over to the Redford Theatre to watch Rear Window, which is a fabulous Hitchcock film and if for some odd reason you have not seen it, you should do so immediately!! Hehe!!

The weather has finally cooled off just a bit here, so I was able to pair the sleeveless shift with a little cardigan. By the way, is anyone else having a hard time finding cardigans this season? I can't seem to find them anywhere in the colors I need. Any and all suggestions would be welcome, since I have pretty much clean out all the Targets in the area.

Emily

60s Shift Dress: Salvation Army

Cardigan: Target

Headband and Vintage Earrings: Not a Clue!

Purse: Estate Sale

Shoes: Wet Seal

Film Fashion Friday: The Reader (2008)

Hello All! Welcome to another week of Film Fashion Friday! This week's pick, The Reader (2008), is a period film set in the mid-50s and spans through to the late 60s (which make up the "flashbacks" of the film). I will admit, if you are not into heavy films, this may not be one to add to your viewing list. The content is deep and kinda raunchy, but the locations and the costuming can be quite stunning.

The film stars Kate Winslet as a former SS officer who cannot read or write. She meets Ralph Fiennes, a young student, and takes him in when she sees that he is sick. The two become friends and share a special connection with one another. The story then skips forward to when Fiennes is in college and must witness Winslet on trial for her conduct as a SS officer during WWII. While the narrative is pretty dense, I still was captivated with the lovely sets and location shots; along with the muted fashion choices of Ann Roth and Donna Maloney.

Ann Roth is probably my favorite contemporary costume designer in Hollywood. She is constantly working on period films and often collaborates with Donna Maloney (who seems to be her "right hand man"), as she did her with The Reader. She started her career in the mid-60s and has been contributing her talents to Hollywood ever since. She has been nominated several times for both Emmys and Oscars and holds one Oscar for her costumes in The English Patient (1996).

***I want to let all my readers know that I will now being doing Film Fashion Friday every other week. Since starting this series almost a year ago (the idea was born late September of 2009), I have now begun to see some other bloggers doing similar posts and I want to be able to keep my series fresh and focused. Doing my filmic fashion posts every other week will allow me to choose the best of the best of unknown/little known classic and period films to your attention. I am really excited for my future posts and I hope I am inspiring you to check out new and different film selections!!

Emily

Period Film Alert!!! The Killer Inside Me (2010)

I am always up for a good period film and find myself constantly on the hunt for vintage designs in new films. So, when I saw the trailer for The Killer Inside Me (2010) this past weekend, I knew I needed to spread the word about this new film. If you have already heard about it, great! If not, I would definitely put it on your to see film lists..... even if the story is a bit dark.

Casey Affleck stars as sheriff who is slowly outed as a psychopathic killer. Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba both star as Affleck's female interests and from what I can tell, look super fantastic doing so. The film is based on the pulp novel of the same title by Jim Thompson.

Lynette Meyer is responsible for the costume design and from what the stills and trailer shows, it looks as though it is going to be a vintage fashion packed film. I am also really excited to see the sets, as they too look extremely well executed.

I am super excited for this to finally hit the theaters here in Michigan. I am not sure of its release date around the country, but I have heard you are able to get it on Directv's Cinema Channel.

Emily

Sunshine and Flowers

It has been sweltering hot here the past few days, almost border-lining on unbearable and I will admit, I have been wearing a lot of shorts and tank tops. But, the other night I was going out with some friends and wanted to dress nicer than just shorts and a t-shirt, so I pulled out this new knockoff Swirl. I honestly think it is among the top five of my collection of vintage dresses. I just love it. Plus, I found these awesome sandals that look like they were made for each other!

I also took out my new lucite purse for a swing. I think I may need to get another one because I really like how all my stuff fit in it and stayed so organized. And, they are deceptively roomy!

Emily

Knockoff Swirl & Lucite Purse: eBay

Shoes: Love Couture

Gold Hoops: Gift from a Friend

4th of July

This past Sunday was the States birthday and in honor of such, many people have bbqs and at home fireworks shows. I attended one of these celebrations and had a blast.

Being the dork that I am, I wanted to wear some red to honor the holiday. It was over 90 F so I needed to pick something comfortable and practical. What would work better than that than a Swirl? This is one of my favorites, with the little butterflies on the pockets!

Hope all you other bloggers in the States had a great holiday!

Emily

Dress & Bakelite Jewelry: eBay

Shoes: JC Penny

Purse: Estate Sale

Film Fashion Friday: The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)

Yay!! I made it this week!! :) So, for some reason I was feeling in a gloomy film mood tonight and decided that a noir would be a great pick for this week's Film Fashion Friday post. Plus, I have a slight obsession with Lizabeth Scott, whom I think is absolutely gorgeous and always seems to be wearing the most envious of outfits on screen.

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) stars Van Heflin and Lizabeth Scott as a complicted couple who become involved in the messy marriage of Barbara Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas (who was making his pretty impressive filmic debut in this feature). Stanwyck and Scott both wear some really fabulous outfits throughout the course of the film. I especially adore the playsuit set that Scott "models" in the hotel room and all the lounge wear Stanwyck is costumed in. The costumes were done by Edith Head, whom I have featured numerous times in previous weeks. If you are interested in some of her other work, please click on the label at the bottom of the post to be directed to my other posts on her.

The film is not only fashionable, but really well put together too, especially when you consider that this was Douglas's first film role and it was a pretty large part. I feel he started his career with a bang. And, how could he not, while work alongside Stanwyck!

The film is widely available on DVD, is an instant on Netflix, and can be found on YouTube. Click HERE to be directed to part one.

Emily