Wednesday, June 30, 2010

1961 PJs

One of my really good girlfriends is moving to Arizona in a few weeks to teach second grade. While she is really excited to start her new job, she is definitely bummed out that she will be so far from all her closest friends. She decided that a good old fashioned slumber party would be a great way for us to all get together and have one last hurrah before she leaves.

Until today, I didn't really own any real pajamas. And, knowing me, I couldn't go to a slumber party without the proper attire, so I decided VERY last minute to whip up a pair from a vintage pattern that my mom and I just pick up at an estate sale for a mere 10 cents.

With the help of my mom I made a few changes to the pattern, opting for a simple elastic waist, snaps instead of buttons, and shorter pants and sleeves, but I love how it came out. I used a vintage bed sheet that I got on my trip to Canada two summers ago. If you haven't used a bed sheet before, I would certainly recommend it. My jammies are super comfy!!!

Emily


Vintage Pajamas: Made by Me from a 1961 pattern

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Almost Vintage


So, I completely missed Film Fashion Friday this week, sorry guys!! Last week and weekend were super busy, filled with lots of hanging out with friends, which was definitely much needed!

I wore this outfit a while back and somehow it got lost on my computer. Well better later than never at all. Pretty much everything I am wearing is modern except for the skirt and the purse, they are both vintage, most likely 50s. I found this skirt about a month ago at one of the vintage clothing shops near by and was super excited about it. I have been wanting one of those Mexican inspired circle skirts for a long time! Instead of hiding the ties on the skirt, I opted to just tie a simple knot in front. I think wearing the Swirls are getting to me. ;)

Emily



Modern Sweater, Tank Top, Shoes: Target


50s Purse: Salvation Army

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Product Review: TRESemme Heat Tamer Spray

I am sure that most of you are familiar with Ashley of LisaFreemontStreet on youtube and The Lisa Freemont Pages. If you aren't and you want tips on how to get vintage hair, I would certianly check her out. I feel she has the best vintage hair tutorials on youtube and her videos are very simple to follow, making it easy to have vintage hair. Anyways, Ashley swears by her TRESemme Heat Tamer Spray and since she gave it such a great review, I decided I would try it out.

I had been having a difficult time getting my curls from both my hot sticks and my hot roller set to stay throughout the day. Part of the problem is my hair needs a cut, but it really isn't too long that my curls should fall flat as fast as they did. Before using this product, I was using hair spray to set my curls during a hot set. Now that I have found this spray, I will NEVER go back to hair spray again.

I tried the heat tamer spray with my hot roller set first, as it was the worst of the two when it came to my curls falling out. I saw a major difference between using this spray and using hair spray. The curls were much tighter and lasted significantly longer than ever before.

I then tried the heat tamer spray with my hot sticks and this is where I saw the biggest difference. I noted in a few posts back that I now have two sets of hot sticks due to Delta being careless with my luggage. (Note to all: just put then in your carry on!!) I had set my hair with both sets before, but my hair would still fall flat within a few hours. This time I used both sets along with the heat tamer spray and my set lasted all day (in high humidity) and I was able to style my hair the following day which also lasted all day in high humidity. I could have even gone a third day, but didn't want to push my luck! :)

Needless to say, this product gets a 10/10. It is cheap (less than $5), smells great, and does what is says it will. It has now become one of my "can't ever live without beauty products" and my list for those are extremely small.

So gals, check this out if you need some longer lasting curls!

Emily



****Please note that I was not contacted to do this review nor was the product provided for me. This is just my personal opinion*****

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Pastel Plaid


I have added yet another Swirl to my ever growing collection. I swear these dresses are addicting and I can see why so many vintage gals love them so. I loved the color scheme and the high collar on this one -- definitely different than most of the Swirls out there. I paired it with some pink sandals I got an estate sale last summer. My hair inspiration came from Lizabeth Scott. I adore her 40s hair and it is so easy to recreate not to mention a great style for girls with bangs, since you need to pin back one side.

I was certainly the most dressed up gal at the post office today. Not that I minded one bit! :)

Emily





Shoes: Estate Sale

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Vintage Car Show and USO Dance


This past weekend was the vintage car show and USO dance that I mentioned a few posts back. It was so much fun!! I have a feeling that this is a recurring event, so I hope to make it back next year. The event was held at Greenfield Village which is also home to the Henry Ford Museum. The Henry Ford is one of absolute best historical museums I have ever been to hands down. And I don't just feel that way because it is in Michigan, hehe! The museum is home to the chair Lincoln was shot in and many of the presidents' cars, including JFK's. They also have a great display of kitchens over the years and a vintage air stream trailer. I plan on making a trip to the museum this summer and will definitely take pictures to share with you all. And, if any of you ever visit Southeastern Michigan, the Henry Ford along with the Dodge Mansion should be on your must see lists.

Anyways, back to the event. The Greenfield Village has a large group of employees that all they do is period reenactments. I would love to get into doing this, but the hours can be odd and I don't think the pay is very good. Anyways, for this event, there were about ten guys and gals that were dressed up in 40s garb, including a variety of soldiers & nurses and some lovely ladies dressed in period clothing. While I didn't think the hair/outfits were totally period correct, it was still fun to see other people there dressed up, as I was the only patron that was dressed in what felt like a costume. The re-enactors had the job of dancing with one another and the guests of the event. I didn't get the chance to dance, but I am hoping next year I will have a cute boy to take along with me! ;)



Here's a closer shot of my outfit and hair. I did faux bangs and a victory roll on either side. I used my hot sticks to set my hair and now that I have two sets I can use more rollers on my whole head and I find that the set lasts much longer, even longer than a cold set. I had to get a second set after Delta Airlines stole three of my rollers and the top to the case. I have had this dress for a long time and love it, but somehow always manage to forget that I own it. Does that ever happen to you?

Emily



40s Dress and 40s Play Shoes: Mother Fletchers

40s Clutch: Royal Oak Flea Market

50s Earrings and 40s Sunglasses: Estate Sales

Monday, June 21, 2010

A Thousand Thank-You's!!!!


Just a quick post to give a heartfelt thank you to Mary over at Deluxeville. I won her giveaway and today my package arrived. I was so excited to win and am ecstatic about this lamp!!! Isn't just the sweetest lamp?! So, thanks again Mary for such a generous giveaway!!!! I really love my lamp! :)

If you haven't checked out Mary's blog, you should definitely do so. She has such a lovely eye for Mid-Century Modern decorating. Her home is absolutely beautiful!!

Emily

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Film Fashion Friday: Million Dollar Babies (1994)








For a really long time now, I have had a mad obsession with made-for-TV movies. I guess my main fascination with them stems from the fact that majority seem to be made about the lives of famous people and are set in the past. Plus, I love anything that's a "tell-all." So for Film Fashion Friday this week I decided to feature one of my all time favorite made-for-TV movies, Million Dollar Babies (1994), the "true" story of the Dionne Quintuplets. I can actually remember watching this mini-series on TV when I was a little girl! And after, I became really interested in the Dionne Quints.

This mini-series spurred a resurgence of replicas of all the famous Dionne Quints memorabilia, such as paper doll books and the Madame Alexander dolls. I can still remember how excited I was to find a reproduction of the original 1930s paper doll of Emilie. I loved it so much that I didn't have the heart to cut into them, even though they were so cute and came with some of the cutest accessories. :) You can find a repro set of the original 1940 paper dolls HERE.

I feel that out of all my made-for-TV movies, this is among the best of the best. The acting is very good and the sets and costuming was executed in a highly authentic manner. Renne April won a Gemini Award for her work on the costumes. The film features numerous examples of 30s farmhouse dresses and casual working class clothing from the Depression into the 40s. This is also contrasted with the look of Helena Reid, the famous reporter from New York, and her staff, who showcase some of the more stylish fashions of the time. Great attention to detail was made all throughout this film, especially with the hats! I am in love with the hats in this film!!

The film was shot on location in Canada and was aired on both Canadian and American television stations. Critics gave the film much praise and it won a total of four Gemini Awards.

What I find most interesting about the film itself is that since a set of identical quintuplet girls were not available to use for the shooting of the film, the directors instead used two sets of triplets to recreate the Quints. I am still amazed that they were able to find two sets of triplets that looks so similar -- I know I was completely fooled by them and thought they were a set of quints themselves.

Million Dollar Babies is available on DVD (although I have heard it is a bit difficult to tract down a copy) and through Netflix.

Quintland has now become a museum and is open to the public for viewing. I know that I really want to make the trip out to Canada to tour the museum!! If any of you have been, please let me know how it is!!

Emily

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Red and Yellow are so cute together!


I have been meaning to share this new dress with you all for a while now. A few posts back, I asked if any of you had a pattern for a vintage pinafore dress and I was super happy when I found this dress on eBay. That is, until I received it in the mail. I bought it knowing that is wasn't in the best shape, but I was a little disappointed to find more holes than noted in the listing. But, to be fair to the seller, they did say it wasn't in good shape. I just thought that it couldn't be as bad as they said it was, but it was. I decided to give the dress a go with a yellow slip on underneath and that did do a lot to disguise the holes. Plus, I was only going to a flea market and people don't normally dress up as much as what I was wearing, at least around here they don't. Anyways, I plan on taking this dress apart and using it for a pattern to make another one, although I do hate to do it. The print is so cute! Maybe I will put it back together when I am done. :)

Emily


Dress and Earrings: eBay

Sweater: Target

Shoes: A gift from Rosie

Sunglasses: JC Penny Optical

Monday, June 14, 2010

Royalty...... Well Kind Of ;)

I am a queen....of vintage that is!!! ;) I am so excited to be featured as Queen number 76 over at Queens of Vintage, who have featured some other very lovely ladies who have some impeccable vintage style. Please do take a look and while you're there do, check out some of the other fabulous queens!

Thanks Queens of Vintage!!

Emily

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Deal of the Day

So I guess I have created a new little series, "Deal of the Day." I feel like another blogger out there has a series like this going, but I can't think of who it is. If it's you, make sure to leave a comment so I can give you proper credit!

Today I went to my favorite weekly flea/farmer's market. I wasn't really looking to buy anything, I just like to go and look around. Such a nice way to start your morning! At the first booth I visited, this beauty was laying on the $5 table. I really was shocked and for sure thought the vendor would say it was a mistake. NOPE!!!! This little alligator bag is in pretty good condition; the handle is pretty much perfect, but the sides need a little oiling. But still, for $5, who could pass up a real alligator bag?? Later this week it will promptly be dropped off at my local leather repair shop, where it will get a beauty treatment and then be ready for use. :)

Emily

P.S. I have reacher 125 followers and am now working on getting a giveaway put together for all my lovely readers! Thanks for reading!!!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Film Fashion Friday: The Thin Man Series

The Thin Man (1934)


After the Thin Man (1936)


Another Thin Man (1939)


Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)


The Thin Man Goes Home (1945)


Song of the Thin Man (1947)


Hi All!! Welcome back to Film Fashion Friday! My selection for this week is not one film, but six: The Thin Man Series. I recently acquired the box set and finally got to enjoy watching all films in the correct order. I had only seen four out of the six, so it was a real treat to be able to sit down and watch all six! I know a lot of bloggers have made note of the striped gown Myrna Loy wears in the first film, and while that gown is a gem, I feel that this series stands out as a whole for its keen sense of style through the character of Nora. What I love about Nora is that even know she comes from a wealthy family, she isn't afraid to get dirty and solve mysteries with her husband, Nick. I also love all the wonderful head-wear Nora sports throughout the entire span of the six films. And, I also love how all of her outfits -- from sleepwear to daywear -- are complete. Now Nora is a gal who knows how to accessorize well without over doing it.

The first three films featured Dolly Tree as the costume director/designer. Dolly Tree is one of my absolute favorite old Hollywood costumers. If you haven't ever seen any of her work, watch the first thee Thin Man films and you will know why I love her so! :)

The forth film's costumes (gowns) were done by Robert Kalloch. Kalloch had his hand in many of the great films from the classical period, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, His Girl Friday, and Twentieth Century. Kalloch really knew how to make lovely gowns that would flatter his leading lady.

The last two films feature the work of Irene, who I seem to always feature. I guess she is up there with Dolly Tree when it comes to my tastes in old Hollywood fashion.

I highly recommend this week's selections not only for the spectacular eye candy, but also because the films themselves are actually really well put together too. Some are better than others, but they all feature the same gimmicks that the first set up. It's fun to watch for them!

All six films are on DVD and available through Netflix.

More film fashion inspiration coming up next week! As always, requests are always welcomed!

Emily

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Deal of the Day


Today I went to this garage sale that advertised tons of vintage clothing items. I didn't know what to expect, but I figured it was better to check it out and not come back with anything than to have not gone at all. There wound up only being a few dresses with major pit stains and some nightgowns from the 60s. I did find a box of nylons, seamed with a Cuban heel and a slip with a built in bra. But, the major "deal of the day" was this picnic basket purse which I bought for only $2. The lady holding the sale said it was her mothers and her father had it made for her mother in the late 50s. It looks as though it was never used. The inside is lined with a suede-like material and smells a bit like leather, so it might be real suede. Regardless, I am loving my new-to-me vintage bag!

What was your deal of the day?

Emily

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Finally!!! A Vintage Event in Michigan!!!!!!!!!!

ATTENTION ALL MICHIGAN VINTAGE ENTHUSIASTS: There is FINALLY an event here that looks like it is going to be a blast and is all vintage themed!

The Motor Muster will be held Saturday June 19th and Sunday June 20th at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. The main draw for the event will be the car show featuring cars from the 1930s to the 1970s. However, on Saturday, there will be a USO Dance at 7 p.m. And both days will feature a tribute to Cole Porter's music. The event costs $22.
I am seriously ecstatic, to say the very least. I will definitely be there on Saturday (I wouldn't miss that USO Dance for anything!) and might be going on Sunday in the morning as well. If any of my readers are going, let me know so we can meet up and take pictures!!

I can't wait!! The outfit and hair-do planning starts now! All ideas welcome!

Check back for a recap and pictures from the event!

Emily

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Half Moon Manicure and Product Review


I decided a little while ago that when it came time for me to re-polish my nails, I was going to try something new and a little more vintage. I always have my nails painted, it's very rare that you will see me without polish on. I really feel it is my best accessory. Plus, after years of acrylic nails in high school, it helps keep my nails strong and less prone to breakage. After much thought, I chose to go with a half moon manicure that many ladies sported in the 30s and 40s. I opted not to shape my nails in an almond or oval shape because I don't find it that flattering on my hands and I also chose not to do a white tip.

It was really simple to do, surprisingly. Especially since I haven't ever had much luck with trying to do a French manicure at home. I used the French manicure tips at the base of my nail and did pretty much the same thing Super Kawaii Mama does in her youtube video, which you will find below.


I'd like to point out that I have seen some girls use these Avery reinforcement labels instead of the manicure tips. I think this is a great idea and a much cheaper device to achieve the same look. I know what I will be buying once my tips run out!

I also want to share one of my secrets for keeping nails strong and helping your polish last for more than just a few days. As I mentioned above, I used to have acrylic nails and had then on for about seven years. Two years ago, I decided enough was enough and I went back to a more natural look. It has really taken all two years to get my nails back to a somewhat normal state. Note to self: sometimes our mothers are right! Anyways, I had been having a really hard time keeping the polish adhered to my nails. After only a day or two of painting, the polish would peel right off. I knew I needed a better base coat and after several trials and errors, I believe I have found one of the best ones on the market and one that is actually affordable. ULTA's Silk Wrap Base Coat is seriously AMAZING!!! It's under $7 and definitely does what it says it will do. I can go about a week without having to redo my nails, which is considerably longer than just a day or two. So ladies if you are having the same problem as I was, take note, and go get your self a bottle of this magic potion!

Emily

A Summertime Swirl


This past weekend, I helped a friend hold an estate sale since she will be moving out of state in a few weeks and needed to clear out almost all of her furniture. It was a lot of hard work, but we managed to still have some great fun while we were at it. For a while now, I have been toying with the idea of opening up my own estate sale company and this past weekend gave me a real taste for what it would be like. I'm still not sure if it's something I want to jump into, but it was nice to at least have a "trial run."

I wore this dress on the first day of the sale. I wanted something with pockets, so I could have all things on my person if need be. This dress was on eBay a total of one hour before I decided to just do the buy it now. I really loved the color and knew it just had to come to my home. It's a Swirl! I am seriously addicted!! In the words of Kesha, Swirls are my drug! lol!

Hope you all had lovely weekends!!

Emily


Swirl Dress: eBay

Re-Mix Shoes: Amazon

Flowers: Made by Me

Friday, June 4, 2010

Butterfly Blues


It's still pretty hot here, but not as muggy, so that is a plus. This weather still isn't curl conducive; can't wait until I can wear curls again without them falling flat within the hour.

This is one of my favorite vintage dresses and I have no clue how it hasn't been shown on my blog yet. I lived in this dress last summer. If I had to pick, it would probably be my most favorite 40s house dresses I own. Aren't the off set buttons just darling?

I have been wearing my tennis shoes a lot lately. A much more comfortable approach than my Re-Mix shoes. Plus, I think it gives the vintage dress a slightly more edgy look. What do you think? Do tell!! ;)

Emily



Dress: Lost and Found Vintage

Belt: Off another dress

Shoes: Payless

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Floral Prints are the Best!


I can't believe it's June already!! Time sure does fly.

I want to thank everyone for their support on the last post and for wishing me luck with my interview for the graduate assistant position. I have great news to report: I GOT IT!!!! I am so excited to be able to be working in the Cinema Department at Oakland University!!!! Ahhhh!!! Can't Wait!!!! :)

Anyways, for the past few days, Metro Detroit has been experiencing some major humidity, hence the curl-less hair-do's. I have be relying on little clips and side combs to make my hair somewhat presentable. I just adore this little barrette. I found it at an estate sale and it was the only thing in the whole house that I liked. The ladies were going to just give it to me, but I didn't feel right not paying for it, so they said I could have it for a quarter! It's just the perfect size to hold a side part.

Oh, and isn't this dress made from the best print? I am really loving florals lately and my closet is really filling up with them - it's beginning to look like a crazy garden in there!!

Emily



Country Club Frocks (Knock-Off Swirl): Madame Sassypants Etsy

Shoes: Payless

Barrette: Estate Sale