Why Hello!

It's officially summertime here!  Which means no school, no deadlines, no paper writing (well maybe a little), and lots more time for gardening, thrifting, and getting my house whipped into shape.

One month ago, on a very very cold afternoon, I walked across the stage at the outdoor venue at Oakland University, receiving my Masters of Arts in English.  To say this past two years were challenging would be a complete understatement.  There were many tears shed, lots of papers written, and many headaches trying to wrap my brain around the material.  However, it has been all worth it, especially now that I am done!  

I am now contemplating my next move.  Do I get a teaching job at a junior college?  Do I work on my PhD?  Do I move out to L.A. and take advantage of a potential job offer in the film industry?  To be completely honest, I am a total Midwest girl at heart and would really love to stay here.  So for the next few months, that's what I am going to do --stay put-- until I figure out where my life is headed.

What I have been doing since graduation is enjoying my home and time off.  First on my list was to put some flowers in the ground -- something I wasn't able to do last summer.

This is along the back of my house.  I picked up the bench, which is in rough shape (read shabby chic), for $3 at an estate sale.  It was hidden in the basement, where the best things normally hide.  The watering can is vintage and was my grandma's.  

You can tell I rather favor it, as it appears in this photo as well.  I really love this little spot on my back patio.  The chair is the only real vintage metal chair I own.  I pulled this out of a basement as well and probably didn't pay more than $1 for it.  I bought a huge lot of stuff at the sale and was given a bulk price for it all.  The vintage side table was found at the Salvation Army for $3.  It could use a new coat of paint, but for now I am enjoying the little bits of rust.  It adds character, right?

Emily 

All work and no play....

source

...makes Emily a very dull blogger! Two weeks from today I will have completed all my course work for my Masters degree and will be able to regain my life! :)

I want to thank all my followers who have chosen to stay with me during the lull in postings. You guys are the best!!

During the research process for my thesis, I have come across some really neat resources for viewing vintage magazines online and in archives. For example, the Michigan State University Special Collections allows practically anyone to come and comb through their extensive collection of vintage magazines, both movie fan magazines and women's interest. You are even allowed to take pictures of the pages. Bowling Green State University also has a similar collection.

If you still want to check out old magazines and cannot access these collections or would rather do it at home, the Media History Digital Library has tons of digital copies of early fan magazines for you to view. Their most stand out piece (IMO) is their collection of early Photoplay. While the collections are limited to publications related to media and film history, for vintage fans, the website is certainly still valuable. Being able to view early fashion spreads in these magazines is so interesting and definitely inspiring! Plus, I am a huge advocate for the preservation of these publications and websites like these are important to keep the cause going.

If anyone knows of similar websites, do share in the comments!

Hope to back back soon!!

Emily

Titanic Love Stories

Ever since I was about 9 or 10, I have been really interested in the Titanic. My parents even took a family vacation to Boston when I was in the 5th grade to check out a traveling museum of Titanic artifacts (along with seeing the East Coast as well). Something about the tragic nature coupled with the air of elegance that makes up the legacy of the Titanic fascinates me.

Today when I was shopping at Barnes and Noble for a gift, I came across this book and knew I HAD to purchase it. Titanic Love Stories by Gill Paul recounts 13 different true stories of honeymooning couples from all three classes on the ship. I've only made it through three of the stories so far, but boy are they good!! For the $10 price tag, it is totally worth the purchase! The stories are so interesting and provides another layer of depth into the passengers of the famous ship.

It's also a fitting read, since the 100th anniversary is quickly approaching. My local historical museum, The Henry Ford, is hosting a traveling Titanic exhibit, complete with recreations of the deck and state rooms. I am beyond excited -- March 31st cannot come quick enough. If anyone is going to be in the Detroit area from March 31st to September 30th should definitely check out the exhibit. I have seen parts of it before and it was really amazing, so I can only imagine how stellar it is going to be this time around!

Emily

P.S. Thanks to those of you who commented on my last post. I still haven't been able to track down the article yet, but I am in the process of working with the Motion Picture Academy's archives to try and locate where it came from. If anyone does come across any leads, they are still appreciated!!

Calling All Vintage Magazine Collectors....

...I am in need of your help. I am currently working on my graduate thesis for my MA degree and have hit a bit of a bump. I have chosen to look at the representation of Dana Andrews in Fan magazines for my topic and have really been enjoying the research (hence my lack of any real posts lately).

I would like to include this article above, however, I only own a clipping and have no idea what magazine it came from. I have narrowed down the year to be 1951 and I am thinking it came from Movieland, considering that the font for the page numbers seems to match other issues identically. I am also thinking that it came from an issue around April, May, or June, according the the release dates for the movies mentioned in text. But, again, I am not too sure about this either.

If anyone has a copy of Movieland from this year/month or knows where I can find this article in full, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks! And I can't wait to get back into regular blogging once I am done with this project!

Emily

A Fitting Valentine for an Educator...

Happy Valentines Day Dear Readers!!

Trying Something New

Ever since going red, I have gotten the courage to try new things with my hair. When it was time for a trim, I decided to just get a cut instead. I was going for a "modern" Louise Brooks look. I didn't want to commit to the very short bob that Brooks is known for; instead I went for something slightly longer, but with the similar shape. I'm quite pleased!!

In other news, Metro Detroit has been experiencing quite the spring-like weather that makes dress-wearing much easier. I only hope it will last longer!

Emily

40s Slip (worn as dress): Mother Fletchers

70s Wrap Top: Value World

50s Shoes: eBay

Peek into my Living Room

I haven't posted about Retroville in a while, so it's about time for an update! After the tree and other holiday decorations came down, it was time to move in my furniture that had been camping out in my garage. I still haven't finished -- the drapes need to be switched out for some barkcloth ones that I got an an estate sale and hopefully someday the pink carpet will be removed, showcasing the fabulous blonde hardwood floors that is underneath -- but for now I am very please and rather excited to be sitting on my own furniture!

Everything in the room that is pictured here was either handed down to me or was bought at estate sales, thrift stores, or flea markets. Here's the backstory on some of my favorite pieces.

Green Couch

A few months after I met Jesse, we were at an state sale and I spotted these two love seats at a sale we were at. They had a price tag of $20 and when I went to inquire if that was each or both, the lady stopped me and said I could have BOTH for $15! Now at the time I was still living at home and had no place to put these, but Jesse knew how much I had wanted a set out love seats like this, so he told me to buy them and we could put them at his house until I moved. What a keeper! Plus, how can you beat $15 for both! They do need to be reupholstered, but for now they work. The pillows were found a few months earlier for $5 for the pair at a flea market.

Bookcase

Mid summer this past year, I eyed this enclosed bookcase on a sale's listing. I thought for sure it was going to be way out of my price range, but as it ended up, it was $30 -- a bargain if you ask me. I would like to find another one some day to place on the other side of the fireplace. These don't seem to be that rare, as I have seen a few since I purchased this one, although in the wrong color. The fake plants are from the library that Jesse works at. They were going to pitch them, so Jesse brought them home and I ended up with them. I love real plants, but fake plants are nice too!

Sconces

The atomic wall sconces were purchased at an estate sale a while ago for the small sum of $9. I was so giddy when I found these in the attic of the home and clutched them until I was ready to check out. I am currently on the hunt for some gold glittery candles to place in the holders.

I may be a bit biased, but I feel this proves that it doesn't have to cost a lot to make your home nice. Pumpkin thinks so too! I think this also goes to show that there still are bargains out there to be found when it comes to vintage pieces. I didn't get all these pieces overnight, but if you are patient, deals are still to be had.

Emily

New Year, New Bag

This week began the start of my final semester of graduate school also known as the reason for my silence as of late. Before class started back up again, I made sure to hit the thrifts, since I might not get much of a chance to do so for a while.

On a visit to a Salvation Army, I spotted this gem while I was in line to check out. It was behind the jewelry counter and I am a bit ashamed to admit that I paid $30 at a thrift store for this needlepoint bag. I rationalized this purchase by convincing myself that I would have to pay this much or even more in a retail setting, so since it was just for me, it was worth it.

What do you all think? I agree that $30 for a purse at the Salvation Army is kinda steep, but at the same time, it is a really nice bag in perfect condition. Would you pay that much for a bag at a thrift store? Am I crazy? hehe!

Emily

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone enjoys their New Years Eve and Day! See you all in 2012.

Emily

Image found HERE and edited by me.

Last Outfit of 2011

I can't believe how fast 2011 went by for me. I guess it's true that time seems to pass faster the older we get. 2011 was full of both ups and downs, but much joy and happiness. I am really looking forward to 2012, mostly because it is my final year as a student and I will be organizing an area for an academic film conference in September.... something I am SO excited for!

I found this dress at the Salvation Army and it has been one of my go-to outfits ever since. I am guessing it's from the late 70s and I just love it. One of my goals for 2012 is to purchase less new items and to wear more vintage everyday. This dress helps me accomplish both. Plus, I love how it pairs with my hair, although this photo doesn't really show it. It was taken before I re-dyed my hair.

Does everyone have fabulous NYE plans? Jesse and I are seeing a concert then celebrating with friends at a cool little vintage-esque lounge bar in Detroit. Whatever you all are doing, have a wonderful time! And Happy New Year!!

Emily

Vintage Dress: Salvation Army

Shoes: JC Penny