Mary Van Notes

Blouse: Vintage via Seconds to Go
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: MIA via Bunny’s Shoes
Purse: found it on the street

My hair will be coming off tomorrow! I’m nervous and excited. I hope to have shorter, more manageable, more vintage-y, more style-able hair to match what I’m wearing. Cross your fingers for me.

Also, please forgive me. It looks as if I’m touching myself inappropriately with my hands going in my skirt like that.  The slit pockets attracted me to the skirt.  That and the unique button closure that is on the back of the skirt.  It’s truly one of a kind.  Sadly the waist is just a tad too small.  I might try to move the button, otherwise it might end up in my forthcoming etsy shop.  The skirt reminds me of the gray suit Kim Novak wore in Hitchcock’s Vertigo (one of my favorite films).

Blouse: Vintage via Bombshell Vintage in Portland, OR
Skirt: Thrifted. It’s currently my favorite skirt, so you’ve seen it before, and you’ll be seeing it again.
Shoes: Vintage via Seconds to Go
Hair: By Kimberly at Wak Shack

I couldn’t stop smiling after I got my hair done.   I still have a ridiculous grin on my face.  Leading up to the appointment I was nervous and excited like I was about to lose my virginity.  This was my first time at this salon with a new stylist, but luckily Kimberly was super knowledgeable.  She looked at the photos I brought in (which was essentially my hair blog post) and told me what she recommended I go with–something in between Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night and Claudette Colbert in Cleopatra.  She showed me tricks on how to blow dry my bangs better, how to style my new ‘do, and she even told me about all the best places to find good vintage in the Bay Area!  So not only am I excited about using wave clips, I’m stoked about going to the next flea market in Alameda.  I’m currently on the lookout for a vintage hood dryer.

What I’m listening to: Agent Ribbons 7″ Agent Ribbons and the Star Crossed Doppelganger

Dress: Vintage via Etsy shop Something Renewal
Jacket: Thrifted
Tights: Thrifted
Shoes: Vintage via Seconds to Go

We went to Malibu Grand Prix to celebrate Laura’s birthday.  Afterward we went to Denny’s.  I ordered The Hooburitto by Hoobastank.  Yes, such a thing exists.   Just ask my friends who ate the Sumwich by Sum 41.

Dress: Vintage via Ebay
Shoes: Thrifted
Sunglasses: Had since I was in high school.
Tote: www.maryvannote.com

I wasn’t sure about the dress when I first tried it on, but I think it’s a keeper.  I love sheer 1950s day dresses.  The sheerness gives it that flirty, sexy edge, and mixing up the color of slip I wear underneath can be fun.  All I need is a vintage satchel and a vintage mp3 player to match my vintage dress.

I wore this today as I walked over to Haight to post flyers for my upcoming shows at the Dark Room Theater.   I was good and only bought one thing.  A sweet pink vintage Gossard Artemis slip with a bullet bra silhouette.  Yum!

What I’m listening to: “Route to Palm” by White Williams on the album Smoke.

Today I walked around my neighborhood doing some errands.  Sunday commented on my blog saying I should wear this dress often and proud.  So I did.

Dress: Vintage via Ebay
Boots: Aldo
Purse: Ebay
Sunglasses: Had since I was in high school
Flower clip: H&M

I’m writing this post in the midst of rehearsing my solo performance piece for tomorrow night’s Monday Night Marsh at the Marsh Theater.  If you want to see me do a work-in-progress come on out.  Show starts at 7:30pm, $7.

I’m listening to Chris Garneau‘s “Dirty Night Clowns.”  Before his recorded track came out I was in love with this live video.  So now I’m getting into the studio track from the new record El Radio, which I still need to get my hands on.  I sure hope he comes to San Francisco soon.

I’m drinking $2.99 six pack of Trader Joe’s Simpler Times Lager.  Beeradvocate gives it a C+.  I give it an A++ for cheapness and quick satisfaction on a self-imposed lonely Sunday evening in front of the computer.

Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and Melissa (splurge buy from Epaulet)
Bow Barrettes: H&M
Coat: Forever 21

Went to see Ponyo.  I really enjoyed it.   I saw Spirited Away for the first time this past week.   DOPE!   I’m really loving Hayao Miyazaki.  FYI you can get in for free on your birthday at the Balboa Theatre.

Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: T.U.K.

This is my first-date outfit.  I say that because I’ve worn it to three first dates so far.   It’s simple, yet also cute and kinda sexy.   The shoes say “Lady” on one foot and “Luck” on the other, and you need that lady on your side when you go on as many awkward internet first dates as I do.  It’s sad when you know what IRL means.

Dress and belt: Thrifted
Boots: Paolo

Went to the blood center today after work to donate some of my sweet A+ blood.  I hadn’t donated in 9 years, which is surprising because I love free cookies, the tight squeeze when getting my blood pressure taken, and needles.  The blood center on Masonic in San Francisco has a straight-up bar with someone there to tend to any snack and beverage desire you might have.  Chocolate donut, coffee, OJ and Oreos?  No problem.  They also have a mini library where you can take and leave books.   I read “I Want To Live!” by Thom Jones in The Best American Short Stories of 1993 while waiting (almost made me cry btw)… (I’m also PMSing so that’s to be expected).  I also read an article on Marilyn Monroe in Vanity Fair.  Did you know that T.S. Eliot sent her love poems?  I walked out of the place with a purse full of snacks, paperback westerns for my Grandad, and a pink bandage to match my dress.

Not the most together outfit or look, but this is what I look like most days when I wake up 20 minutes before I’m supposed to be at work.  My morning routine?  Throw something on, put glasses on the face, don’t even touch the hair and go.

I normally run to work, but my hours at the day job have changed from starting at 10am to starting at 8:30am.  It’s been hard to get myself up early enough to do the 30 minute run up and down hills and through fog to get there.  I’ll make an effort though… just not tomorrow.  I’m not supposed to exercise, and I should also have another donut.

; )

p.s. Give blood.  Need more incentive?  This month they’re giving away a smart car to one lucky donor: http://www.bloodcenters.org/media-room/pr-2009/give-blood.-get-smart/

Dress: Vintage via store in Santa Cruz (years ago)
Necklace: Local artist via Covet
Shoes: Delia’s (had since high school)
Purse: Vintage (gift from my Mom)
Belt and Gloves: Vintage (from my stepmother)

Part of what I loved about this outfit was what I was wearing underneath.  I’ve got a nice vintage lingerie collection that never sees the light of day.  (Yes, that’s my excuse for being a whore.)

Bullet Bra: Vintage via ebay
Corset: corsetconnection.com
Girdle: New Old-Stock via dollhousebettie.com
Stockings: New Old-Stock thrifted