I’ve recently been commiserating with fellow vintage lovers about the addiction we suffer from - Vintage Addiction. It’s oh so troubling, oh so hard, but oh so fun. Some friends really handle it well, from Fashion Forestry, who has an eye for bargains, and my friend Danielle who will post items on her tumblr as a way of release, so instead of buying awesome vintage she’ll just post it on her tumblr and that will make her feel like a little bit of that vintage was hers. All the vintage satisfaction but with zero money from the bank. That’s a good system.
For awhile I was pleased with myself. I hadn’t bought any new vintage in awhile, which is what I should be doing as an unemployed, out-of-work comedienne/actress. But with any good withdrawal there’s the relapse. The outfit you’re about to see is the outcome of said relapse.
playsuit: etsy
white top/shrug: vintage
espadrilles: ebay
handkerchief: was my mother’s
The 1950s playsuit is from Junee Moon Vintage on Etsy. It was one of those cases where a playsuit was something I had been looking for for some time, and then I saw it on Etsy, my measurements exactly, and the steep price tag wasn’t going to stop me. Do I regret buying it? Well, I’d feel better about it if I got a job or a good paying gig. But hey, at least it’s given me that perfect mix of satisfaction and guiltiness, which is always the perfect combo to keep me from making any vintage purchases in the near future. Unless it’s under $10 at the flea market. ; )
I’ve managed to keep the vintage addiction at bay by keeping busy with preparations for SF Zine Fest. It’s this weekend, Sept 4 and 5 11am-6pm, at the County Fair building in Golden Gate Park. It’s free, so please come by if you can. Here’s some more preview photos:
A lot going on here at MVN Enterprises. I’ve been meaning to sell some clothes on Etsy for a long time, and this week I finally starting posting some of the garments. I hope you guys like them! The items are clothing that don’t fit me right, and special garments I’ve handpicked for your delight. There’s a broad range of clothing so far from an impeccable 1950s 2 piece tiki bikini to a 1980s polka dot blouse, a 60s mod sundress to an 80s nautical secretary dress.
Please check out my shop:
| Etsy maryvannote |
I’ll be adding more to the shop within the next few days.
I’ve also been working on getting some goods together for San Francisco Zine Fest. This will be my third year doing the fest, but I haven’t done the fest in a couple years. I always have a blast at Zine Fest, so I’m excited about being a part of it. I’ll have some classic MVN zines for sale, plus a new zine featuring my comic strips. I’ll also have T-shirts and totes for sale, MVN cross-stitch goodies, and special NSFW zine holder/carriers. Please come to the fest and visit my table!
San Francisco Zine Fest
Saturday, September 4 from 11:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday, September 5 from 11:00am – 6:00pm
(Labor Day Weekend)
SF County Fair Building
(formerly Hall of Flowers)
9th Ave. at Lincoln Way (in Golden Gate Park) map
As always, the Zine Fest is free and open to the public! Over 100 smallpress
and DIY creators will be selling, trading, and otherwise sharing their work with over two thousand
attendees. Please come and be a part of this cool event!
And on top of all that, I’m shooting a short film this weekend. So I’ve got a lot going on. YAY!
I’ve got some stand-up shows coming up, too. You can see my gigs over at my myspace page.
Not to totally brag or what not*, but… my boyfriend designs and builds zoo exhibits.
*I’m totally bragging, by the way.
Yup, it’s rad. I got to hang out in the bat cave he just made for the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. If you’re in the area, you should really check out this amazing little zoo. It’s one of the most beautiful zoos I’ve been to. Super lush, with beautifully designed exhibits like the bobcat exhibit (also worked on by my bf) and the forthcoming bat exhibit (or the Flying Foxes exhibit). Plus if you’re on a budget, it’s donation only, and if you have little tikes in your family, it’s a blast. The museum portion is filled with all kinds of fun gadgets and gizmos to explore.
So yes, I love telling people what my boyfriend does. It’s just so darn interesting! Plus, my bf is a stud… he’s a passionate entrepreneur, he’s creative, and he knows how to make stuff with his hands and tools! I scored. And the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo scored too because I’m pretty sure they have the best flying fox exhibit in the history of flying fox exhibits. This is me in the exhibit before the bats are put in, and before some of the finishing touches are made.
That’s me and the handsome bf. Now get ready to swoon ladies…. for the most romantic thing a guy has ever done for me!
HE CARVED MY INITIALS IN THE BAT CAVE!!!!!!!!!!
Are you guys there? Need some smelling salts? I apologize for being so love-sickly. I’ll move on…
Ben and I went to my friend’s wedding last weekend. It was a beautiful wedding and I totally caught the bouquet. BOOYAH! This is me with an old friend I grew up with (wearing the Anthropologie dress that’s on my wishlist no less!), and a picture with Ben. I finally got to wear my new Stop Staring dress.
I thought I’d share some of my recent favorite vids. The first being Chris Garneau’s music video for “Fireflies.” It’s like live action RPG mixed with a little Neverending Story.
And this Louis CK teaser is so great. I’m such a fan of his.
I love his old short films like this one with Ron Lynch and this one with Craig Anton and Laura Kightlinger.
And Fall in Love moment of the day!! Look at what my boyfriend brought me as a surprise:
We’re so perfect for each other! I’m sorry, I know it must be sickening. But how adorable is this?
He’ll be taking the sea foam green one to his house, and the pink one will stay with me. We’ve already decided in our future home together our bathroom will be those colors and the counter-top will be sparkly formica.
I’m kicking myself for not bringing a camera, but I met up with the fabulous lady behind Fashion Forestry. I took her and her husband out to a rad underground drag and variety show in SOMA (Toolbox at Club 93, Thursdays at 11PM). You should’ve seen her amazing outfit (I hope she posts photos on her blog). As soon as she got in my car I said, “Your outfits make me so happy!” And the gays at Toolbox loved her to. They were drawn to her like sparkly diva flies on cotton candy ice cream. The following is the outfit I wore:
Knit sweater and dress set: Magpie Vintage, Portland, OR
pearl and rhinestone choker: thrifted when I was in high school
shoes: MIA
San Francisco has been freezing, misty, and gusty… so I completely got away with wearing that warm knit set. Isn’t it darling? It’s in perfect condition. I was lucky that the lady at the store saw that I was trying on a red 40s knit sweater set, and said, “Oh did you see this amazing set over here?” Booyah. It was amazing and I made it mine. It’s decked out with grapes and rhinestones and it makes me feel like Elvis, but a girl Elvis. So yes, I love it.
Today I went for a run and saw signs for an estate sale so I popped my head in. I managed to find some cool stuff, like a rad 50s/60s teal scale, a white pinafore apron, a round mirror, a couple boxes of rick-rack, lace and trim and a kids book from 1946 with the title WHITEY and JINGLEBOB.
I’ve got to start saving my money though! I was totally weak recently and bought hecka vintage online and on top of that, I’m going to two flea markets in the upcoming weeks. Danger ahead. DANGER.
I posted a new vlog where I retell the events of a recent gig I did (it was pretty bad):
You know what, it could’ve been worse, but it still sucked. The audience could’ve been a lot meaner. They were supportive and nice, but just loud. Like they didn’t know how to behave for comedy, and only knew how to yell at tits.
To be fair though, the show lost their venue last minute and had to go to this new venue so they didn’t have time to set everything up proper. Turns out the venue had a spotlight, but no one knew or thought to turn it on before the show!!! ha ha
The awesome Charlyne Yi. This video completely resonates with me right now. I’ve been struggling with drama surrounding an ex-boyfriend, and I’m torn up with emotion, like I’m split in two. I want you guys to know that’s why I haven’t been posting, haven’t been myself lately. I’m working on feeling better though. I really want to thank the people in my life who love me unconditionally. You mean so much to me.
I wore this dress last night on the first night of my week performing at the SF Punch Line with John Mulaney and Sheng Wang. The pictures don’t do the dress justice. It’s an incredible 1940s peplum crepe dress with amazing beaded sleeves. It’s in great condition for its age and fits me like a glove. And best part: it was $10 at the Sacramento Antique Fair. Score! A dress like this would sell on Etsy for at least a hundred bucks.
vintage blouse and high-waisted wide-leg trousers: secondhand via GoodByes
belt: thrifted
oxford heels: Payless
tapestry bag: garage sale
The tapestry bag I found at a garage sale filled with knitting needles, a 1950s how-to knit booklet and other knitting odds and ends. I’m continuing where the previous owner left off. Whoever she was, she passed the knitting torch on to me I guess. I’m using some needles that were in the bag and am starting on my first shawl/wrap/scarf. I went to a yarn store on Divisadero, but realized that as a beginner I should probably stay away from expensive yarn. Yarn is expensive! Can any of you knitters suggest decent yarn I can get at an affordable price?
This outfit was inspired by this photo posted by danielle likes art. My outfit is definitely less colorful though. I love that color combo with the yellow, red and that stone teal color.
I’ve got a lot of comedy shows coming up.
Monday, July 26 at 10pm I’ll be performing on the Bay Area’s best burlesque and variety show - the HUBBA HUBBA REVUE at The Uptown in Oakland, CA. Here’s the event on facebook.
Tuesday, July 27 at 8pm I’ll be making my debut at Mark Pitta & Friends at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley CA.
Wednesday - Saturday, July 28-31 I’ll be opening for John Mulaney and Sheng Wang at the San Francisco Punch Line. On Sunday I’ll be hosting the local comedy showcase at the Punch Line. Get tickets here. Both of these guys are HILARIOUS. Check them out:
Television Appearance
John Mulaney | MySpace Video
Saturday, August 7th at 10pm I’ll be on the 5 Funny Females show at The Purple Onion. This is the event on facebook. I made this promo video for it:
To reserve seats, please email reservations@5funnyfemales.com for August 6th & 7th shows.
