Sweater Weather

It's June, in case you don't own a calendar... Here in Washington that means, it's still very cold and threatening to rain a little at any moment. Today I didn't mind because I got to wear my new 1930's sweater I got on the cheap from Solanah's work the Urban Eccentric. Its a little too *ahem* small for me, so I just tramp it up a little and leave the front unbuttoned.




The rest of my outfit is less exciting, just a plain red 40s skirt, and some jewelry bits. In case you are wondering, my closet is nearly 100% black, white, red, and teal(ish) colored items. I should really branch out a little...

Glorious Glory

I found myself perusing the closet today, with not an article of clothing to wear that fit my mood. I had to work (at an antique store) and had to attend a birthday party for Coedith's youngest child, so it had to be fancy. I stopped when I hit the burnt orange silk velvet...
This crepe 30s dress I actually got at my work, and fully intended to sell in my Etsy Shop... but once I put it on, and it fit, it obviously was not coming back off. I paired it with a hat that I had also planned to sell, but after seeing its glory, will also be keeping.For the many of you who likely haven't hear the news, I do have a job these days. I work at a very lovely antique mall in vancouver called Old Glory. It's a fun job, and I work with the best people. Judi, my co-worker, was exceptionally excited to take pictures of me for my blog! I even managed to sneak attack a shot of her hiding behind a shelf.


After work, I headed to the party in the park for Baby D, who just turned one! I ran into local celebrity bloggers (har har har) Team Jessup and Co. and of course Coedith and her darling family. Overall, it was a charming early evening with lots of small children, even smaller cupcakes, and lots of cell phone picture taking.
All in all, I am glad I kept the hat and the dress, and I feel so blessed to have the amazing friends I have. I am so happy that I get to spend my time with such awesome people. I am only sad that Solanah was trapped at work, and couldn't be there too.

It's A Birthday Party

In general I am pretty known for needing to be the center of attention, most all of the time. So I suppose it goes without saying my favorite day of the year is my birthday. Actually, I spend an entire weekend, sometimes a week, celebrating. My birthday is the day after the 4th of July, so I usually have lots of exciting things to do for the holiday.
This year I had a nice birthday party with lots and lots of friends. I love to play dress up, and thank goodness so do my friends! Everyone looked fabulous, and all of my favorite bloggers were there! It look like the paparazzi was in full force with how many people there had their cameras out, shooting snaps of each other.
I wore my favorite hat, the 1930s topper. I paired with a dress/slip designed by Solanah, which was amazingly beautiful! Solanah looked like a beehive goddess, and Coedith was sporting a very gorgeous teal number. Amy was out in her steampunk inspired garb, while her husband of Team Jessup was fitted in a nice vest. Gretchen made it out for a moment in a killer red 60s dress, that was very Mad Men! I must say, I have some of the most fashionable friends a girl could ask for.
After the drinks poured on, and the presents were opened the night sky grew dark. I guess this marks when the party got, hmm...partied. I kid, I kid, it was much fun, and everyone was properly toasted, and the pictures snapped away.
The night ended on a high note of Framboise, and images like this. Because who doesnt laugh hysterically while be super lady like and showing the world her legs? That's what I thought.

I had a wonderful birthday, with so many wonderful friends. I can't wait til next year to see what trouble I can stir up!

A 1930s Garden

Yesterday was HOT. We have waited and waited, and then waited some more for warm weather to hit, and it finally arrived (though its looking grim today.) I pulled out a light and airy 30s dress I bought during the winter, and put some fingerwaves in my hair.
Most of the day was spent sitting around the yard with the kids. We walked to the park, we played with our bikes. But mostly we lounged in the shade. My husband has all sorts of weird Model A car parts around, so it almost looks like I could be sitting in the grass in the 30s. I love it!
We have a large fig tree in the yard that makes for the most delightful shade on hot days. I set up my little table there so we could eat meals and comfortably sit under the tree.
I am super excited for how my hair turned out! In general my fingerwaves are passable, but lack luster. These ones turned out rather lovely if I do say so myself. My hair is so long I had to roll it up in the back, but It gets the general waved point across.

20s Style Thrifting

A quick pop in our local American Cancer Society Thrift Store, usually proves fruitless. Their prices are usually exceedingly high, and its all late 90s "Sag Harbor" clothing. Today though, I stumbled upon these little gems and could not resist. And for a small price of $3.00 why would I?
These lovely oxfords are modern-made by Bronx, and are so darn comfy! I love that they have the perfect 20s-30s heel, and that they are white! I am torn on what to do with them. I like them bit they do not match any dress I own, I could sell them to someone who would love them, I could give them to Solanah as they seem to be her style and size. Decisions, decisions...

Back in the Saddle

I am mostly healed from my tooth extractions, and ready to hit the keyboard again. I am sure you all missed me dreadfully over the weekend? Haha.

Today was an eventful day with my ever-favorite real-life blogger buddy, Solanah. We hit the thrift circuit and scored many great dresses for our Etsy Shops. Then we popped over to Hippo Hardware, to look at things I might need to restore my 1941 Bungalow. Hippo Hardware is an amazing salvage shop, full of wonderous old junk and delicious deco decor! Sinks, tubs, lights, door knobs, everything you need for your old house.
Of course while we were out and about we thought to stop and get some in action outfit pictures.
I am wearing my Grandma's fur cardigan, and the 1930s knit dress we thrifted. I pulled my hair into some victory rolls and faux bangs, as this has become my quick hair staple. I was complimented on my hair several times today, so thank you world for the ego boost!

If you are wondering what is going on in the bottom picture, I am standing under the giant hippo, of Hippo Harware. I sometimes get smushed by giant hippos, call it an occupational hazzard.
There you have my highly unusual outfit post du jour. One can't get to secure in one's surroundings, you never know when a giant hippo might appear!

Seamless Fun

I was lucky enough to escape a life of parenting and wife-ry to go have an indulgent night with my darling friend Solanah. What did we indulge in you ask? Liquor? Gambling? Easy Women? NO!
We had a wild and crazy night of sewing! No really, it was quite enjoyable and we have moved on to new levels of weird vintage twin-esque behaviors by sewing matching 1930s skirts out of matching navy blue wool. It is always fun to construct with Solanah, because many disasters will ensue.
After sewing on a ridiculously crooked waistband, fixing some sizing issues, and calling it a night, this darling skirt did appear the following morn:
Thank you to my Husband, who's photography skills are only getting better with every outfit shot I force him to take. He is quite understanding in all of this lunacy, so I feel we must give him credit for taking such acceptable photographs of my outfits.

Well, tomorrow brings a new Giveaway for the Metropolitan Blog, so please stay tuned!

30s Style Hair - You Can Do It!

I tried a new style for my hair today. I used Lauren Rennell's Vintage Hairstyling Book for a quick recap on how to finger wave. I finger waved the front section of my hair when I got out of the shower this morning. I then used Hot Sticks (two rows, curled UNDER) on the back. It was dry/cooled in about an hour. This hair style would work wonderfully in the morning if you have time before work! I think it turned out nicely, I will have to perfect it though...
Here is a quick video explaining it a bit more:


And here are a few before and after pictures, to give the full effect.
Hope you liked it, I will re-do a better more thorough tutorial soon, but my webcam is giving me the run around at the moment.

The Trouble with Trousers.

I love to sew. Although sewing, for me, generally ends in some sort of unfortunate outcome, or minor setback. So of course, when my blogging "BFF" Solanah gave me a few yards of denim, misadventure ensued. I was actually using Solanah's McCall 7411, which is a 1930s pants pattern.
The pattern actually went together rather smoothly, even thought I had to down grade it 2 inches.
What I didn't take into account, was the rather large rise that came with this pattern. No joke, these pants have the biggest crotch, ever. I was flabbergasted.
My next step, meeting up with solanah so we can fix this crotch! Until then, I leave you with these late night pictures of my unsuccess!

Look at those Knickers!

I am working on little lists of things that are "Must Haves" in my wardrobe once my income comes out of the negative. I am feeling quite hopeful that I will have money again soon, as my Etsy Shop has picked up business lately!

On my list of must-haves are 30s style Tap Pants, or French Knickers. I love the delicate femininity of this style undies. The are often made of silk or satin, and have a beautiful drape. Plus, they work wonderfully over girdles/garter belts, which is always a plus!
There is a great little blog post on the history of tap pants @ Vintage Clothiers if you are interested in learning a bit more.

(Image stolen from Dorothea's Closet.)

Now, the tricky part about tap pants, is finding them. You can track down authentic vintage ones on Etsy and Ebay but they are usually harder to find, and a bit costly.
I am sad to say, after much scouring the interwebs, there are not very many authentic reproduction styles either.
But, of course I will share with you what I *did* find, so that you too can own a pair of darling reproduction knickers.

First on my list, is from Pandora's Choice. By the way, I absolutely love this website for great repro lingerie styles, including many items from What Katie Did!
On the subject of Tap Pants, they have my favorite pick in reproductions so far:

Black Silk Delacroix French Knickers £25.50
But wait! they also have them in Ivory!

They also have these, which are not as realistic looking, but they work. They are super see-through for a sexy look. Plus they have a nice elastic waist line for comfort and stretch:

Polka Dot Knickers £19.99

Leaving Pandora's Choice brings us to another tried and true Vintage Inspired lingerie shop. That's right ladies, the one we know and love, What Katie Did. I was sad to see that they stopped carrying the Peach colored 30s inspired tap pants, but they do still have some selection in the style.
Like these that have an extremely authentic and beautiful look:

Black Out French Knickers £25.00

For a more sheer effect they also have the risque version available:

Harlow Sheer French Knickers £30.00

Another great site I have found is Sophistikitten, which seems to specialize in pencil skirts and knickers! That is pretty much all you will find on their site. Despite their lack of variety, they have some very stunning knickers.
My favorites, are the satin knickers, they look like they would feel a-m-a-z-i-n-g on!

Sophistikitten Silk French Knickers £35.00
They also have a less expensive Poly-Blend version as well!

Sadly, I have yet to find a wesbite based here State Side, that makes and or carries knickers. Sorry to all my U.S. blog followers, looks like we will be paying for overseas shipping to get these darling undies!

Panic at the Disco, er, I mean wedding!

Tim's cousin is getting married in just over a week. Which, would not normally be that big of a deal, except I *just* found out, that the wedding is at this grand Victorian mansion, and there is to be formal dining and dancing afterward. Yes my friends, its to be a black tie sort of event.
I do not, repeat, do not own anything even remotely appropriate for such an affair.
I have spent the day on Ebay(EW!) hoping to catch a decent deal on a 30s style dress to wear ( so I can wear my lovely topper...) I did find one dress, a 30s black cocktail dress, but alas it was about 6" to big in the bust region.

I wish there was some miracle that would make a really inexpensive formal dress land in my lap.
I am sort of hunting for this silhouette:

Sigh, I really need to invest in a decent formal piece when I come into money again, because this likely wont be our last fancy shindig.

Vintage Stinky Pits

The fella and I embarked on a quick weekend jaunt to the coast in celebration of our 2nd anniversary this weekend. At the beach there are always tons of little thrift shops and "antique" stores to peruse.
I managed to nab a really cute 1938 REDBOOK magazine, which is filled with short stories and novelettes.
The thing that caught my eye is the ridiculous Adverts. They are so comical, and sometimes blatantly rude.

here is one about "under arm spot" odor. Because, seriously darling, if you have stinky pits, NO man will ever love you. ever. Haha.

(click to enlarge)

Of course there are a few more, ranging from "you have horrible breath and NO friends use listerine!" to "dainty" ads about Tampax Tampons. I will have to post a few more later when I have the time, for now off to work!

Birthday Bonanza

Any decent blogger would have had a head about them to bring a camera to their giant car show/birthday party. I am quite clearly not a decent blogger. In a fast paced day of chaos and delight, I forgot to tote along my camera.

Because of this fact, this is the only known picture of my party dress. I shot this picture the day before my party while DIY-ing my own slip for the crazy design of this dress:
The dress itself was a silky synthetic of some sort. It was most definitely 80s, with a sure 30s flair. It had a deep v-cut in the back showing off my back tattoo (and causing the need for a crazy slip.) I wish I had a better picture as the dress is downright amazing. If I come across any more pictures of it I will post them asap.

Dress was purchased from the Urban Eccentric.

Play Date

Monday I went on a sewing date with blogging buddy Solanah. We each worked on separate projects this time, but both were finished to (almost)completion, nary a tear!
Yes, this occasion was much more festive than last time and the disastrous debacle dress.
I worked on a dress from Solanah's 1930s DuBarry Pattern, and she made a lovely pleated 50s frock.
The only fabric I had laying around suitable for this project was some hideous rose print fabric from the 80s, gifted to me from my mother in law. So, while not being my favorite dress I have made, I feel confident in its creation.
Solanah on the other hand, had the most decadent pink kona cotton I have ever seen made into a dress. and the final product was wonderful.

(click to enlarge images)

I must say, I did make a few mistakes. I fail to pre-read pattern instructions, so I miss tiny things like "cut on a fold" HAH! So my neck hole ended up a bit to small, and its tight through the bodice. C'est La Vie I will cover my mistakes with a GIANT BOW!
Amazingly we were able to remedy this mishap, and move onto sleeves. Look at the cute detail on the sleeves. Adorable! Make sleeves? Yes We Can!
We will end with my dress near completion when I asked Solanah where the hem should be. This dress was outrageously long. Oh the 30s?!

Delineator!

My latest acquisition is this lovely 30s pattern.
I picked it up at this insane "vintage" shop in town here. The owner is almost completely off her rocker, but she has some fantastic hidden gems once in a while.
I have practically cleared her out pattern wise. Every time I go in, I ask if I can dig in the back room (where she keeps the patterns) and I buy all that I can afford. This shop is only 5 blocks from my house, so it's so easy to stop by all the time. Even if I have to put up with her total lunacy.
I scored this pattern in my size for $2.00!
Now I just need Solanah to get a Monday off, and we are going to have a sewing party!