It’s the 2nd Annual Happy Haul-idays Giveaway. Chronicle Books is giving away $500 worth of books to a blogger, the same haul of books to a commenter of that winner’s blog, AND $500 in books to the winner’s selected charity. I had fun putting my list together with a lot of crafting, art, nature and cook books. If I won I’d like to support my local library. I love libraries so much. I go to my local library weekly and would love to give back.
Moleskine planner (an essential for me each year) 14.95
Subversive Cross Stitch $14.95
Sublime Stitching $19.95
Simple Sewing $24.95
Handmade Hellos $19.95
Stitchable Stationary $14.95
Craft Inc. Business Planner $16.95
Craft, Inc. $16.95
Mastering the Art of Beading $27.50
Martin Yan Quick and Easy $24.95
Quick and Easy Vietnamese $19.95
Applique Your Way $19.95
The Sock Knitting Kit $19.95
Silhouette Art $18.95
Indie Craft $19.95
The Book As Art $34.95
Famous Frocks $29.95
My Mom, Style Icon $18.95
The Anatomy of the Sea $16.95
The Ocean At Home $24.95
The Life and Love of Trees $50.00
Embroidered Effects $24.95
Grand Total $495.50
Remember, if I win and you comment on this post you could win all these books, too!
I found out about this giveaway through Miss Dee Ahoy’s blog, so go visit her post too!
1950s novelty leaf print shirtdress: Bohemian Bisoux via Fashion Forestry giveaway
vintage cardigan: thrifted
owl pin: Fashion Forestry
Payless saddle shoes: thrifted
brown cozy socks: a dollar store in Portland, OR
1940s leaf hat: ebay
red toggle coat, belt: thrifted
satchel: Le Mode Accessories via The Clothes Horse giveaway
These pictures were taken after I stuffed myself on two helpings of moist and savory turkey with all the fixings and before I discreetly undid my belt under my sweater for some post-gluttony comfort. My goodness, the food was good, and so was the company. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. And I was even more happy this year thanks to my dress being so festive. Is it weird that clothing effects my emotions so much? I can’t help it, it makes me happy.
In the photos you can see that there is a pucker near my waist. Well folks, when you know you’ll be wearing a 50s shirtdress to Thanksgiving with a non-elastic waist, you try your best to make some accommodations, like moving the hook and eye closure a bit further out to make space for some premium turkey. It’s like preparing for battle, folks! Now, I’m off to the gym. I hope you guys had a great thanksgiving!
50s print dress: American Vintage
60s heels: thrifted, Salvation Army
socks: AA
vintage green bracelet: Cordelia Antique Junction
vintage 40s leaves hat: ebay
60s ribbon knit, scalloped fur collar coat: Moon Zoom Vintage, San Jose
cameo ring: gift
purse: Le Mode Accessories via The Clothes Horse giveaway
vintage 50s velvet -flocked cherry blossom print petticoat: Sacramento Antique Fair
This has been my go-to fall dress. The colors, the print… it screams autumn. It was going to be my thanksgiving dress if this one didn’t get to me in time, but the mailman just rang the doorbell and I got my Thanksgiving dress!
and now for a petticoat rant…. So back to this dress, I wore a petticoat I got at the antique fair that is just darling, but I still think I need a real genuine tea-length crinoline. I have 2 crinolines now, and both are unfortunately not long enough for the 50s dresses I really wanted to wear them with. With this dress it wasn’t as obvious that the crinoline didn’t fill the entire skirt because the fabric is thicker, but with some of the other dresses I have, it’s really obvious and I just can’t wear the petticoats I have with them. If you have any suggestions on where to get a good tea-length petticoat let me know. It’s just bonkers to me that the 50s crinolines I have don’t fit the 50s dresses I have. Were crinolines mostly worn only for those higher length poodle skirts or something? Or dancing dresses that hit right at the knee or just below the knee? Wah wah wah… I’ll stop complaining now…. because it’s time to be THANKFUL! Like… I’m thankful you read this whole paragraph.
I’m really looking forward to good food and drink and family time tomorrow. I hope y’all have a great Thanksgiving (you US peeps)!
The producer of a comedy show I performed at told us comics that we had to dress up. When you tell me to dress up be warned, I’ll be busting out EVENING WEAR. I took the opportunity to wear a vintage 1930s evening gown. I haven’t yet found an opportunity to wear it, and I was planning on it being my New Year’s Eve dress, but I couldn’t wait ’til then. I just couldn’t wait! Plus, it’s not like I have New Year’s Eve plans yet (I’m still book-able!!! hint hint).
1930s evening gown: ebay (and this might kill some of you, but I got it for only $20)
1950s/60s cape/coat with faux fur trim: ebay
1950s rhinestone purse: estate sale
earrings, ring: gift
heels: Bunny’s Shoes, Santa Cruz
Me smiling with the thought that I scored this beauty for 20 bones.
The dress is in incredible shape. I only had to do a wee bit of mending. Some of the amazing details: the sleeves that come to points at the wrist, rhinestone trim on the arms, cocoon or batwing peekaboo sleeves… basically it’s all about the sleeves. : )
I am curious about the neck line that turns into two little sashes in the back. Am I wearing it right?
I’m sure the Vintage Baroness would know. : )
P.S. On an unrelated note, I posted a new vlog on youtube. In this one I rant about the Bank of America debit card I got in the mail instead of my unemployment check.
I added some amazing things to my etsy shop. Please take a peek.
1950s padded bullet bra. Size 36 A.
1940s – 50s sheer lace bra. Size 36A.
Vintage Authentic Burberry Trench
Sheer 1930s Cinderella Frocks – Shirley Temple inspired line dress
1930s deep back beaded blouse.
And if you’re in Northern California, please come out to my pop-up shop on November 13th in Sacramento.
If you live in Sacramento, you better come. If you live in the Bay Area, make a pilgrimage. You don’t want to miss this. The Sacramento Antique Fair is my favorite place to wander and spend money in Sacramento. I’ve gotten some of the most amazing things for great prices there and I look forward to it every month. On Sunday, November 13th visit the Antique Fair, then walk across the street to another lot filled with vintage goodies. A bunch of Sacramento fashion bloggers will be selling vintage from their closet, and so much more. In fact, maybe you should stop by our sale first to get dibs on the $5 bins.
Please visit us from 10am-2pm
2409 21st Street, Sacramento, 95818
In the parking lot adjacent to Fringe. 21st Street between Broadway and X Street.
I’ll have vintage that I haven’t even posted online yet. So you’ll be getting first dibs and lower prices.
My Halloween costume source of inspiration:
I was walking towards Haight Street in San Francisco. I saw in the distance a little girl in a ballet outfit with her mother. She looked like she just went to a class and I didn’t think much of it. I walked and watched the cracks in the sidewalk. I saw the little girl’s ballet shoes and looked up. Her face was painted with the creepiest clown face. I instantly smiled. This cute little girl from afar was scary up close, and I loved it. I think I smiled the rest of the day.
chiffon petticoat: American Apparel
pink camisole and white knit bolero: old, sweatshop style
vintage Ferragamo flats: ebay
pink dotted tights: thrifted
face makeup: Rite Aid (reference for creeepy clown makeup found on google images)
I went to my brother’s house to trick or treat with my nephew, niece and my sister-in-law’s family. It was a real treat to give some candy out to trick-or-treaters too. My favorite costume was a kid dressed as Michael Jackson. My least favorite were the scantily clad teenage girls who used Victoria’s Secret bags for their candy. VICTORIA’S SECRET BAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!! When they opened up their Victoria’s Secret bags and said, “Trick or Treat,” I should’ve given them condoms or the url to Rookie Magazine (which I envision them logging on to and instantly becoming smart, interesting young women, recycling their Victoria’s Secret bags with disdain).
That’s my brother. I don’t know how he’ll top this costume for next year. He scared a lot of kids last night, including a super adorable 3 year old angel.
He even cooked in the get-up.
He’s also pretty darn crafty. He made this big bush spider out of styrofoam packing material (painted black) and old black computer wires as the legs.
Me, my sister-in-law’s sister (who was also a clown, but much less creepy), and my nephew and niece. Hope you all had a fun Halloween! What did you dress up as?
When I first moved into my boyfriend’s place I was allergic to his cats, but now I love cuddling with them on the couch and I’ll talk about Evel and Awful’s little quirks to whoever will listen. When I saw this sweater with appliqued fuzzy cat faces, embroidered paw prints and cat buttons, I couldn’t pass it by. It’s a crazy cat lady-90s mom sweater and I genuinely love it. There’s even one cat face on each sleeve, and one on the back of the sweater. I’m finding that the older I get, the more I’m embracing the kind of clothes and accessories old ladies or super young girls love.
90s cat cardi: Thrift Town, Sacramento
black leggings: Macy’s
gray jersey dress: Ross or something like that, long time ago
brown boots: Aldo
brown satchel: Le Mode Accessories
cameo rings: gifted
glasses: Coastal Contacts
So this is what I wore today while at home. I’m doing a bit of freelance transcribing work and I’m actively applying for jobs. I have $32.42 in the bank right now. I’ve never been this broke before, and I’m trying to not stress out. I hope I land a job soon. Any income would help, so please check out my vintage for sale on etsy, or my MVN merch for sale. Wish me luck!
I can’t help it. I’m still loving florals. I’m also not into the whole, “it’s Fall now, so I better wear black, brown and gray” thing.
red sweater cardi: thrifted
floral blouse, floral oxfords: F21
black chiffon layered skirt: thrifted
grey thigh highs: don’t remember
cameo rings: gifted
brown satchel: Le Mode Accessories via The Clothes Horse giveaway
It’s been awhile since I’ve had my hair straightened. I got a groupon for a Keratin Treatment Blow Out. Have any of you gotten it? I’m a bit skeptical of all the amazing buzz and claims of perfect hair, but we shall see. You have to wait 48 hours before you wash it out. The real test will come after I wash it. My hope is that my curls will loosen and I will have zero frizz. We shall see! Also, FYI, it’s pretty much formaldehyde folks. Yep, the stuff they put in dead people. That’s in my hair right now. HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Ha ha. Seemed apropos.
P.S. I’m performing in Sacramento on Oct. 28, this Friday. All the comics are doing their darkest and dirtiest material, so be warned. Facebook invite is here.
vintage 30s or 40s knit dress: ebay
vintage 80s blouse: thrifted
vintage musical notes and clef chain brooch: ebay
gray pointelle socks and floral oxfords: F21 with Nicole‘s gift card
1940s seafoam carved bangle bracelet: Bohemian Bisoux c/o Fashion Forestry giveaway
pearl ring: c/o Laurel’s Bench on Etsy
vintage hands holding marcasites ring: Picket Fence Antiques, Sacramento
vintage 50s purse: found
The dreaded engine light turned on today while driving home from the gym. I had to take it in and I hoped it wouldn’t cost a lot. Luckily it was a part failure that was under warranty. They fixed it free of charge. WHEW! It feels almost like when a cop decides not to give you a ticket. I was thinking I would be in the poor house for sure.
I’ll be in San Francisco this week performing at the Punch Line with the very funny Amy Schumer. I’m looking forward to visiting some of my favorite SF haunts.
