Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day


Happy Memorial Day to all my fellow Americans!! I hope everyone enjoyed their Monday off of work, if you were among the lucky ones who were able to have a day away from the daily grind! I just want to take this chance to say a heartfelt thank you to all the U.S. servicemen around the world who are fighting or fought for this country. I am VERY proud to be an American!!!! Thanks for making our country a little safer!

Since today was all about honoring Americans, I took the chance to wear a more "patriotic" outfit. I got the white and the blue, but I am missing the red. Oh well! I do, however, have on my WWII sweethearts pin that has my name on it. I can't even tell you how excited I was to find one of these with my name on it, since Emily wasn't really among the popular names during that era. A little tip, just search "vintage (your name)" on eBay or etsy or where ever else you look for vintage online. That's how I found my pin, and for a major steal too.... $20 with shipping and handling!!! Love when that happens!!

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I just want to close this post by commenting on something I read online today about us "bigger" vintage gals. I was really sad (and a bit shocked) to see a lot of hostility from other vintage loving girls who are, let's face it, skinny (IMO). I don't normally share my opinions on controversially topics because that's not what this blog is all about. I do, however, want to weigh in on this because I feel as a community, all of us who love vintage should stick together and be supportive of one another no matter if you are a size 2 or a size 22. It broke my heart to see other girls making some pretty potentially hurtful comments about bigger girls. All I want to say here is us girls with a bigger than 29 inch waist want to enjoy wearing a piece of history just as girls with smaller waists do, even if the hunt is just a bit harder for us. I really hope you can take this for what it's worth: a call to share the love! :)

Emily


Late 40s House Dress: Mother Fletchers

40s Heels: Estate Sale

Sweetheart Pin: eBay

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Film Fashion Friday: Musical Month Round Up


Well, this is the last installment of the Musical Month feature here on Film Fashion Friday. I hope at least one of the films featured throughout the course of the month was a new discovery! For the last week, I decided to feature three films with not any one of them being a main selection. All three films are available on DVD and can be rented through Netflix or may very well be at your local video store..... if you still have one close by. All of the Blockbusters around here have shut down and we now have to rely on a small regional chain, which is still a great place to rent from, but unfortunately doesn't have a good classics section. Anyways, on to the films!!






The first film and probably the best this week fashion-wise is Neptune's Daughter (1949) starring Esther Williams and Red Skelton. This was one of the first Esther Williams' film I had ever seen and immediately fell in love with the water dancing! If you haven't checked out Ms. Williams yet, this is a great starter film and is typical of most of the other MGM and William's collaborations. The plot is zany and the costumes and hairstyles are drool worthy.

The plot is kinda confusing, but it basically follows Esther and her sister and the trouble her sister creates when she falls for Red Skelton, whom she believes is a famous polo player. The real polo player has it bad for Esther and there begins all the craziness of the film. Esther's character is a swimsuit designer and her designs are fully showcased throughout the course of the narrative. Irene designed the costumes for this one and did a really brilliant job. I have featured a few other works by Irene, so if you want to know more, just click the label. Overall, this film is a great inspiration for summer looks and contains some serious vintage bathing suit eye candy!





I couldn't do a musical month without featuring at least one Judy Garland film! Out of all her wonderful pictures, I choose Till the Clouds Roll By (1946). This is a true all star cast with many of the big names when it comes to musicals. The film is based on the life story of Jerome Kern and showcased a plethora of fantastic costumes spanning a few decades, not to mention the lovely stage costume creations, all the work of Helen Rose. Again, another costume designer I have featured on here before. As with Irene, click the label to see more on Ms. Rose.
As a whole, I would call the dress in this film a bit more artistic, but there are several scenes where there is "street clothing" being presented. With all that being said, I could totally picture someone integrating the saloon girl look in the middle picture into one of their daily looks. I really love the glitz and glam of this film and I hope you will too, if you haven't seen it that is!
The last film for this week is South Pacific (1958), undoubtedly one of the most famous musicals of all time, for both the stage and filmic renditions. What I found interesting about this picture is that off the rack clothing was used for a great majority of the film and none of the wardrobe managers had much of a career before or after this film, kinda one hit wonders if you will. Nevertheless, I am loving the beachy outfits that could totally transplant themselves into any vintage gal's summer wardrobe. Plus, this movie really makes me want to visit the beach!

I hope everyone enjoyed the musical month..... I know I did!! :)

Keep sending in suggestions; I love to here from you!! Film Fashion Friday will resume its regular postings on June 11th. Stay tuned!!!!

Emily

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Help Wanted


Well Dear Readers, I need your help. I am on a quest for a pattern for this style of 40s apron dress, sort of like the kind pictured above. You know, the kind that buttons up the back, has a big sash waist, and ties in the back. I have searched both etsy and eBay with not much luck. I did find one pattern on eBay, but it is a 30 bust. Way to small..... especially to try and grade up.

So, I would like to ask all you vintage seamstresses out there if you have a similar pattern I could borrow or if you know of one for sale. I need about a 40-42 bust, since I am kinda busty, although those pointy vintage bras do wonders in hiding a large bust, at least on me they do! I would rather grade down than have to grade up, if at all possible.

I really appreciate any and all help!!!!! :)

Emily

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

An Eyelet Dress and an Interview


Yesterday I had the perfect excuse to dress up a bit more than my normal "housedresses." I had an interview for a graduate assistant position and needed to wear something slightly more fancy than my everyday Swirls and 40s day dresses. If you are not familiar with university life, most professors dress in a slightly less than dressy business causal. This meeting called for a dressy business causal.

I love this dress I wore. I have only worn it once before yesterday, because it got lost admits my other dresses in my closet. It's a lightweight cotton with brown stitching around the eyelets, which are actually larger holes than the normal eyelet size. This makes a slip a requirement. I also love that the top of the dress has brass bead-like embellishments around the whole neckline area. Since the dress was sleeveless, I opted to wear a little sweater. I also got a chance to wear one of my favorite pairs of vintage wedges; they're bronze!!!

Overall, the interview went well. Wish me luck!! :)

Emily



OUTFIT DETAILS

Dress, Shoes, and Handbag: eBay

Sweater: Kohls

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

A Follow Up


So, I have been a bad little blogger!!! Shame on me for neglecting my little blog and my fantastic readers! Anyways, since I got some really great responses to my post on Beyonce's new music video, I felt I should do a follow up of sorts.

First off, let me say, I got some really insightful comments! One comment that really made me think was from Jill from Tea with the Vintage Baroness. She made some really excellent, thought provoking points. I think Jill hit on a lot of the things I was thinking while I watched the video. Her points about Beyonce using things like Mad Men and the "new" vintage craze to market and popularize her video are spot on; which is especially important in an age when music videos almost don't matter and are hardly played on MTV, or so I've heard (I don't have cable television).

Overall, I felt I had the same impression as many of you that commented. I think the song is definitely not "hit material." And, because of this, I feel Beyonce might be using other successful material, such as Mad Med, the popularity of Lady GaGa, etc, to push the popularity of her song. I did like a lot of the clothing (well really it was mostly lingerie) and the aesthetic quality of the gritty filmstrip look of the video was a nice touch. However, I don't think Beyonce can pull off the vintage look, which is totally my opinion. I think we should leave the retro inspired outfits to the likes of Christina Aguilera and Katy Perry. I also think there is more to wearing/being vintage than wear thigh highs: take note Beyonce.

Thanks to all of you who commented on my last post and if you haven't seen the video yet, do check it out and see what YOU think! :)

Emily

Friday, May 21, 2010

Film Fashion Friday: That Night in Rio (1941)







Welcome to week four of Musical Month here at Film Fashion Friday. This week's selection, That Night in Rio, comes from 1941 and has an all star cast, including Alice Faye, Don Ameche, and Carmen Miranda.

This film was pretty cute, plot-wise and very extravagant costume-wise. Don Ameche plays an actor who impersonated a baron, whom Ameche also plays. The actor is in love with Carmen Miranda, but also tends to have a wondering eye. Coincidentally, so does the baron. The baron is married to Alice Faye and you find out early in the film that the baron is having some money trouble, which this carries the plot. The story is cute, but nothing super special. There is, however some great early special effects where it appears that the baron and the actor are both on the screen at once, both embodied by Ameche. There are also some great musical numbers by Miranda. If you haven't seen any of her films, this is a great one to start with.

The costumes were designed by Travis Banton, who I have featured here before. Banton really has a keen eye for elaborate styles and that is apparent in this film. Since the film was released in 1941, I am assuming the great attention to detail on the over-the-top costumes was done in an effort to boost homefront morale. Regardless, I am really loving the zany skirts and hats worn by Miranda. While it may not be fully appropriate to dress like this on any day other than Halloween, you can still channel this look by wearing several bangles or several necklaces at one time, to add a little zest to your vintage dress. I am also loving Faye's hair-do that she dons while wearing the gold dress. I might just have to send a request into LisaFreemontStreet!! And gals, do take note of the second musical sequence; it is full of women dressed in their 1941 best.

This week's recommendation also comes from 1941, Moon Over Miami, starring Betty Grable and Don Ameche. While I have placed this film in the recommendation spot, I really should have featured both of these films as the "main" film for this week. It's just that good!! :)

Grable stars as a girl who impersonates a heiress in an effort to attract a rich man to support her aunt and sister, who are also in on the act, posing as Grable's maid and secretary. She ends up falling for two men, one who is actually rich and one who is putting on front like her. Can you guess who is lying??

As with That Night in Rio, Moon Over Miami's costumes were designed by Travis Banton and you can really see the similarities throughout. Every outfit is well put together and there are a lot of little details. Plus, how could a Grable film not be fashionable? :)

Next Friday is the last week for Musical Month. Please keep sending in your requests. :)

Emily

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Thoughts.......




Okay vintage gals, I would love to know what your thoughts are on this new music video from Beyonce? I just discovered it and don't really know if I like it or not. Do you think Beyonce is just following the vintage trend at the moment or doing something else? I normally don't watch music videos, but I was really intrigued by this one. All comments welcome! :)

Emily

Rain, Rain, Go Away


It has been rainy a lot here lately, hence my lack of outfit posts. I find it hard to get inspired about dressing when it is gloomy outside. There have also been a lack of good sales and thrifting here. Where has all the vintage gone???? I have been having to rely on eBay for new old clothes. Hopefully this will change as the weather gets nicer.

Today, my mom and I took my grandma out for a bit. Our day consisted of a visit with her sister and a quick stop at Sonic for some dinner. I got this dress a while back on eBay and was pretty upset when I opened it. The seller had not disclosed the numerous stains around the lap part of the dress. I really liked it otherwise, so I opted to keep it and see what I could do with the stains. I managed to fade them a bit, but there are still there. They kinda get lost in the print of the dress. Plus the dress zips up the front, one of my favorite designs.

Emily


OUTFIT DETAILS
Dress: eBay

Sweater: Target

Shoes: ReMix

Bag: Estate Sale

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Film Fashion Friday: Tea for Two (1950)

***Sorry this is up SOOOO late!! I had it saved as a draft and never actually hit publish!!****

So the main film for this third week of Musical Month is Tea for Two (1950). I figured I couldn't have a musical month and not feature at least one of Doris Day's films! I really like this film for a variety of reasons, but mainly for its great songs, Doris Day's amazing voice, and great showgirl fashion. I don't know a whole lot about Doris Day and which of her films are the most popular, but I am assuming that most everyone has seen The Pajama Game, so I went with this film. The film tells the story of a rich heiress (Day) and her quest for making it on broadway. To do so, she bets her uncle $25,000, the amount needed for the show to go on, that she can go two whole days without saying yes. What Day doesn't know is that her uncle made some bad investments right before the crash, making him essentially broke. The film is told in flashback and is set in 1929. While the era is suppose to be the late 20's, this film definitely presents the fashion in a very late 40's early 50's style. Leah Rhodes designed the costumes and even though she wasn't able to capture a correct representation of the 1920's, I still feel she did a wonderful job. I especially love all the scenes with the showgirls in their practice clothes. I know I will be using their costumes as some of my summer clothing inspiration. Tea for Two is on on of TMC's Doris Day's box set and is currently an instant on Netflix.

My first recommendation is another Doris Day film, Love Me or Leave Me (1955). The film stars James Cagney alongside Day in a quasi-biographical account of jazz singer's Ruth Etting's life. As with Tea for Two, the film is suppose to take place in the late 20's onto the 30's, but the film's costume suggest otherwise. While I really adore Helen Rose, I do find that one fault with this film's portrayal of the past, although I find this to be the case with many films of the Classical Era and their representation of the past. Having said all that, Rose worked frequently in the musical genre and it shows in this film, with the use of dynamic colors and detailed showgirl costumes. Love Me or Leave Me is on DVD and is currently an instant on Netflix.

My second recommendation for this week is Down Missouri Way (1946). Being that this film was made by one of the poverty row studios, Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC), I had never heard of it until I was searching Netflix for some new films to add to my instant queue. Since it was only a little over an hour, I thought, why not watch it. It actually turned out to be quite good, especially for a poverty row production. The film stars Martha O'Driscoll as a college professor who lives on a farm. When a movie crew comes into town and is looking for a trained mule for their picture, O'Driscoll and her mule are thrown into the mix of a film production. The songs are nicely integrated into the film: the mule won't cooperate unless O'Driscoll sings to her first. From a vintage style perspective, this film holds a lot of inspiration, especially for the coming warmer months. I am really loving the farm look that is so nicely presented, mainly through O'Driscoll's maid. I am also digging the use of plaids and O'Driscoll's glasses. The costumes were done by a PRC costumer, Karlise, who had an extremely short stint in the film fashion world. Karlise only has eleven films to her credit, which is not surprising since many poverty row studios were only in business for a year or two before they ran out of money. Even with her short career, I still think her work on this film made it memorable and certainly worth watching.

Only two more musical posts!! :)

Emily

Friday, May 14, 2010

America's Castle


A week ago, my mom and I got a chance to visit America's Castle, aka the Meadow Brook Mansion. The mansion, or hall as it is normally referred to now, is located on Oakland University's campus and is the forth largest historic home museum in America. Matilda Wilson, the widow of John Dodge (yes, the man the created Dodge), and her new husband, Alfred Wilson built this 88,000 square foot home between 1926 and 1929. They modeled it after the Tutor style and made sure to have many specializations throughout the home. Each room was tailored to the occupant's tastes and interests. The home was also designed to have elaborate guest bedrooms for each of the occupants. This was a necessity when majority of the family's acquaintances resided in Detroit and would need to stay overnight for a visit. The 4 million dollar home boasts 24 fireplaces, 110 rooms, and 4 kitchens.



In 1957, Matilda donated the hall, land, family collections, and $2 million to Michigan State University to fund a college in Oakland County, which would later become Oakland University in 1963. In 1970, the University was granted autonomy.


When I was looking around Michigan for potential colleges I might attend, Oakland was high on the list. I wanted to go to a school that was close to home, beautiful, and most important, a high standing academic establishment. Throughout my four years at Oakland, I loved be surrounded by lush landscaping and the historic atmosphere. I also loved the smallness of the classroom sizes, which undoubtedly aided in a more hands on education, something Oakland prides itself in.


Last Thursday, the English department was holding a reception and complementary tour for recent graduates. We were invited to bring a guest and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres while we celebrated our recent accomplishment. My mom and I thought it would be a great chance to take some vintage inspired photos on the grounds of the hall. I think they turned out pretty great!! :) I tried my hair in some victory rolls... they looked okay, but I definitely need more practice and any tips would be welcome.

If you are ever going to be visiting the metro-Detroit area, Meadow Brook Hall should most definitely be on your tourist destination list!!! They also host weddings, for all you Michigan readers out there. If I ever get married, this is probably where I will be holding it at.

Emily



OUTFIT DETAILS

Dress: Mother Fletchers

Shoes: Southfield Vintage Clothing Expo

Earrings: Estate Sale

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A Fabulous Giveaway!


Mary over at Deluxeville is hosting a FABULOUS giveaway for reaching 400 followers! In celebration of this, Mary is giving away one of her prized lamps (pictured above) for one lucky winner to welcome into her home. I seriously am IN LOVE with this lamp and am crossing my fingers extra hard!! ;) Click on Deluxeville above to be directed to the giveaway page on Mary's blog. And, whle you are at it, check out her fab blog as well. I just adore her home!

Congrats to Mary for getting to that milestone!

Emily

Weekend Uniform


As most of you know, this past Sunday was Mother's Day here in the U.S. My mom decided that a causal and quite day would be the best for my Grandma, since it's getting harder on her to sit on the hard benches at church. My mom invited her brother over for some dessert and we had little visit. Because we were having such a low key day, I felt one of my new Swirls was fitting to wear. It's black and white gingham with red flowers embroidered on the bust and pockets. Since getting my first Swirl, I have become addicted!! They are my new vintage obsession!! :) Not to mention a perfect weekend uniform or go to outfit.

Hope all you moms out there had a wonderful Mother's Day!!

Emily


OUTFIT DETAILS
Swirl: eBay

Shoes: Re-Mix

Sweater: Target

Bakelite Hoops: eBay


**Photo From HERE**

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Film Fashion Friday: Orchestra Wives (1942)


Welcome to week two of Musical Month here at Film Fashion Friday! This week's pick comes from 1942 and stars Ann Rutherford and George Montgomery in Orchestra Wives. I just recently discovered this film and it has since become a fast favorite. If you are into 40s big band musical or are a fan of Glenn Miller, then this picture is for you!

Ann Rutherford stars as a hometown girl, Connie, that falls for Bill (Montgomery), the star trumpet player in one of the most popular bands. When the band travels to her town, Connie makes sure to make it to the show and ends up exchanging kisses with Bill. They then decide they should get married and there beings the real meat of the movie. Connie has a difficult time fitting in with the rest of the wives, making for a musical version of The Women (1939). All of this is inter-cut with the band numbers, all preformed by the Glenn Miller Band. At the conclusion of the film, you are also treated to a performance by the wonderfully talented Nicholas Brothers. If you haven't ever seen them dance, you are really missing out!

Earl Luick designed the costumes for this film and did a truly wonderful job capturing the everyday look of the early 1940s. The main female characters are dressed very much like we would have expected the middle class to have looked like. While their are some gowns, I feel that they are a bit tamer than one who expect a Hollywood starlet to wear to a premiere. I suspect that since this film was made in such a close time frame to the US's entrance into WWII that this could have effected the costuming slightly. Regardless, the main actress are stunning and a true inspiration for anyone looking to recreate a 40s look. And you can't forget the extras!! The extras are also worthy of looks during this film, especially at the big dance where we see a few swing dancers showing off their spectacular moves -- not to mention the great clothing, shoes, and hairstyles. I was really digging Ann Rutherford's hair throughout the entire film and may even try to recreate some of her signature looks in this role. I must say, Rutherford is quite adorable in this role and is definitely much more grown-up then her role as Carreen in Gown with the Wind (1939). Orchestra Wives is currently an instant on netflix and is available on DVD.

My recommendation for this week is Four Jills in a Jeep (1944), which is loosely based on Carole Landis' book of the same title. The book is based on Landis' experiences while touring Europe during WWII entering G.I.s. The book is really interesting and I haven't even made it through the whole thing yet! Four Jills doesn't just feature the four main girls, it also features Betty Grable, Alice Faye, and Carmen Miranda, all doing some kind of a performance. You definitely get a lot of bang for your viewing with this film. Some historians have noticed this as well and have noted that they feel this was 20th Century Fox's way of luring in a bigger audience because they felt the four main girls couldn't carry the film all on their own. While I see their point, I highly disagree. With the lovely Carole Landis singing, the stimulating dancing of Mitzi Mayfair, and the ever so witting comedy from Martha Raye, how could one not enjoy this film?

While Luick didn't have very long career in Hollywood, the costume designer of Four Jills did. Yvonne Wood worked in Hollywood for about forty years and Four Jills was only her second picture, although you wouldn't have ever known it. Wood also does an excellent job of presenting a realistic approach to dress in the 40s. It also helped that the girls were supposed to be on tour in Europe, so, naturally they didn't have their hair and make-up dressers at their disposal. Four Jills in on DVD and is also apart of the Alice Faye Collection Volume 2.

Look for week three's picks next Friday!

Emily

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Meet Me In St. Louis: A Blogger Meet Up Part 3


DAY THREE

Sunday was my third and last day of my little visit to St. Louis. Since I had to catch my evening flight home, the girls thought that Sunday would be the perfect day to go to some of their favorite antique malls. We had just enough time to shop at two malls and get some lunch before I needed to get to the airport. The first mall produced this little expandable jewelry box. All three of us bought some items from this vendor's booth, as the prices were dirt cheap and the items were really nice. I am in love with this box and it now sits on my dressing table with my most worn jewelry in it. It's so nice not to have to dig through my jewelry draw anymore!! I also bought a really cute brown felt hat from this booth as well. Brittany got some really cute Bakelite earrings from this booth and is wearing them in the picture above.

I had such a lovely weekend and want to thank the girls again for showing me such a great time. Thanks to Brittany for hosting dinners at her home and many thanks to Amanda for being my personal driver the whole weekend! Thanks girls and I can't wait to come and visit again!!!

Emily


OUTFIT DETAILS

Dress: Farmhouse Estate Sale
Sweater: Target
Snood: St. Louis Mills Mall
Flowers: Made by Me! ;)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Meet Me In St. Louis: A Blogger Meet Up Part 2


DAY TWO
On the agenda for day two was an early morning trip to this warehouse that had six levels full of stuff only a digger would dream of. Making it to the warehouse was one of my major goals of the trip. Amanda had told me so much about the sale and said that it would be going on for a few more Saturdays. Not only did I want to meet up with some fellow vintage lovers, but I also wanted to check out this sale; Amanda made it sound soooo good!! She was totally right. So Saturday morning, we all donned our best Rosie the Riveter outfit and headed off to the sale. Since Amanda and Brittany had been there before, they knew the best place to start. The 5th and 6th floors is where all the clothing and textiles were. The girls think this building may have been used as a Goodwill sorting facility, as there were huge bins formed around movable pallets. We spent about 2.5 hours there and all came away with some really great stuff. The pile of linens pictured above was found in the warehouse and most are in fairly good condition.


After the warehouse, Brittany took us to this sweet little retro diner that served up the best greasy food!! :) Us gals had a fun time changing in the bathroom and helping each other out with fixing their hair. It was pretty packed, so we opted to sit at the counter rather than wait for a table. I think it turned out to be a great idea since we were able to get this really adorable picture of the three of us. Those green earrings are the ones I got at the Value Village the day before. The girls were so sweet to let me have them, as they matched my outfit perfectly.


After the nourishment of some food, we headed out to some thrift stores. That's were I found this awesome little Evenflo pitcher, for only 50 cents. I collect vintage pitchers and was super excited to find this one, as it can double for a measuring cup too. Once we were shopped out, we headed over to Brittany's to sort through the warehouse stuff and to have some Chinese take out. As if we hadn't already shopped enough for the day, later that evening we made a trip to the Mills Mall, we all three of use found some great snoods for only $3.99!! I am kicking myself now for not buying all the colors. :)

Check back tomorrow for the final part of my trip!

Emily



OUTFIT DETAILS

Picture One:
Coveralls: My Dad's
Shoes: Target
Scarf: Kohls

Picture Two:
Dress: Estate Sale
Belt: Target
Earrings: Value Village, St. Louis

Meet Me In St. Louis: A Blogger Meet Up Part 1


Two weekends ago, I made a trip out to St. Louis, MO to visit a fellow vintage blogger, Brittany of Va-Voom Vintage and her friend Amanda, who is also one of my blog readers. I feel really awful that I am now just getting around to posting about my lovely time spent there, but better late than never! You can check out Brittany's post about our weekend HERE.

DAY ONE
I arrived in St. Louis in the afternoon and the girls picked me up from the airport wearing their vintage finest. Both Brittany and Amanda looked soooo cute!! Our first stop was an estate sale in a cute little older neighborhood that rivaled Michigan's Royal Oak area (pictured above). The sale was a bust for Brittany and Amanda, however I scored some round vintage napkins with cute yellow fall leaves on them. They match my vintage fall table runner and will make their debut this Thanksgiving. Sorry no pictures of them as of yet.

On the way to the second estate sale, Brittany spotted a Value Village and antique mall that neither of the girls had seen before, so we make a stop there before heading over to the estate sale. We all found some great items at the thrift store. I found a perfect vintage chenille bedspread, a cute 80s does 40s blouse, and a great pair of green carved fake-lite hoops. After the thrift store, we went into the little antique mall next door which produced the aqua ceramic cookie jar pictured above. For only $6 it was one of my first deals of the trip.

We got to the estate sale about 30 minutes before they were going to close up for the day and we all got some great deals. I got my first VERA scarf for only $1!!! I also got the cute little vintage wedding cake topper for $10. I saw it on the website listing that Amanda emailed me and I couldn't believe it was still there when we got there. It was definitely meant to be!!

After a day of shopping, we headed over to Brittany's for a yummy dinner her hubby had made for us. After dinner, we had some fun watching some You Tube tutorials and other random vintage how to videos. Mainly the expert's village videos of how to dress 50s; they are a hot mess!! Neither of the gals had seen them and if you haven't either, you must take a look. I don't know if this girl is for real or is just kidding, but either way it's quite interesting.

Check back tomorrow for DAY TWO!

Emily

OUTFIT DETAILS
SHIRT: Charlotte Russe

SKIRT: Estate Sale

GLOVES: Grandma's

HAT: Value World

SUNGLASSES: JC Penny Optical

BELT and SHOES: JC Penny

TRAIN CASE: Mother Fletchers

Monday, May 3, 2010

A Day of Accomplishment


This past weekend I closed the door to my undergrad career at Oakland University and opened the door to a whole new stage in life. My college commencement took place on a very rainy Saturday and was unfortunately outdoors. I had my trusty umbrella in tow so my hair didn't get too drenched, but it did loose a lot of the curl by the end of the ceremony. At least the rain let up and we were able to march out of the pavilion to the bagpipes. The rain was not going to put a damper on this day, which I had been looking forward to ever since my first college class four years ago. I had a great time sitting next to a few friends from the film department and we kept each others spirits up as we roughed out the rain. In regards to my outfit, I was trying to recreate what a 1940s high school or college graduate girl would have worn on her special day. And, since the general look of the cap and gown hasn't really changed since those seventy years, I feel I accomplished the look.

Emily

Dress: Bloomfield Hills Jewelry and Vintage Apparel Show
Shoes: eBay