Resolving not to resolve

I cried on New Years. Not because I was sad, or worried, or intoxicated. I cried because I had such an amazing night, and a severely awakening moment of pure clarity. I spent the evening with amazing friends and a wonderful man. I ate and was merry, then stopped at a photobooth to top my early evening off. When I came home and laid in bed at the early hour of 10:30 pm, I smiled widely and knew, I had nothing to resolve this year.

Not that I think resolutions mean anything anyway. People seldom keep them and they are usually quite in vain. This year, I chose to not be a part of it. This year I chose to be thankful, blissful, and just down right happy. I have no fear of not keeping goals to cuss less, lose weight, save money, or whatever people resolve to do. I will simply count each and every blessing in my life.

I have amazing children. One more of them on the way. I can't afford anymore kids, but we make do with what we have, and we have a beautiful life. We have love, and art, and music, and dancing, and delicious food. If that was all I had, it would be enough.

I have a (CUSS WORD COMING CLOSE YOU EYES IF YOU'RE SCARED) fucking magnificent man. He is there to care for me, the kids, the house, and my mood swings. He shows me nothing but unconditional love every hour of the day. I wake up every single day knowing I am with the one person in the world who is truly meant for me. I have never felt love like this in my life, and I am surely thankful I have it now.

I have great friends. I know we all have good friends and this one is simple, but I love my friends. I never have to worry about counting on anyone, they are always there in my hour of need, and my hours of celebration.

I have a really fun blog with great interactive readers. I am gainfully self employed selling my favorite thing in the world. I know when I started this I had no job and I still don't really have any tangible life skills, so I invented a job doing what I love. In the past 3 years it has grown immensely and I am actually feeling like I am a business owner, not just a yard seller. I feel super proud of that.

I have a roof over my head, great family, and endless possibilities for my future. I love my life.

So then, that is all I have to say on New Years, and resolutions, and cussing on my blog.

Go forth, count your blessings, and for pete's sake...

Eat. Drink. And be frickin' Merry.

(yes, I might have cried writing this post. don't judge me, I am pregnant and therefore hormonal.)

I don't celebrate

In the US, we have a little holiday called "Thanksgiving" in which we gorge ourselves on food, watch football, and then go shopping in the middle of the night for 1/2 priced socks. Ok, I am exaggerating, but really, that is what I remember of this holiday as a child. As an adult I have made the concious decision to never take part in this holiday again. I just... don't do it. I do however, throw Thankschreaster parties for my friends, and I also hit the primary school up for some TINY PIES.
If you don't have 5-12 year old children, or don't live stateside, you probably don't understand the glorious glory of the tiny pie. But I can assure you, there is no greater pleasure in life than sitting with a bunch of kindergarteners consuming the worlds smallest pumpkin pie with a giant dollop of whipped cream on top.





My actual thanksgiving day, was spent watching movies in bed with my love. and then eating homemade Tortilla Soup by the fire. I would never want to spend it any other way!

My Life in Black and White

Here are things that are happening in my life right this moment. In black and white.

1. spooky ghost pumpkins on a stick // 2. giant paintings taking over the living space of our house // 3. failed attempts at house cleaning // 4. SNACKS! // 5. wine collecting for post pregnancy drinkery // 6. frames painted and drying in our front yard ... on main street // 7. overgrown crazy kale

Two Wheels

Today I rode my bicycle everywhere I went today. In fact, I have been doing this a lot lately. But not because I am like a super hippie that wants to save the earth with my own sweat and tears... more because my car died three weeks ago and I can't afford to fix it. It has given me a greater appreciation and joy in life (on sunny days) to slow down and see my downtown around me.






The dress I am wearing was a "save the vintage" halloween buy at the Goodwill, its a weird 60s can-can style square dancing dress I think? I like the cross over peek-a-boo skirt anyway, very scandalous!
My boots are ghetto $12 clearance boots from Target, and the tights are from the one and only SOCK DREAMS!


I went vintage shopping after dropping the kids off and scored scads of goodies, of which I had to ride back home in my basket, uphill, pregnant.... I was quite worn out when I finally approached my alley.

Frequently Frequented Questions

As promised, I have compiled a list of questions asked via email, facebook, twitter, and comments here. I hope to cover all your inquiries, though most of them stem from my tomato red hair.
Onward and upward dear friends!


Q: What Color do you use on your hair?
A: I only use professional colors. I use Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids in RED, which is one of the best on the market for staying power and vibrant color. It only works on treated hair though, so have your hair lightened a smidge and then deposit the Pravana. You should only get Pravana through a licensed cosmetologist.. but it is well worth the money. Don't go to Sally's and get manic panic, get the grown up hair dye, and look spectacular!

Q: How do you keep your hair so red? any tips?
For one, I only wash my hair every other day, sometimes two if I can manage it. That helps tremendously. Another good idea is to have a good shower cap on hand. Wash and condition your hair first thing in the shower, and make it as quick as possible. As soon as you are done, put the shower cap on to avoid anymore unwanted warm water causing the dye to bleed.
You might also try a red shampoo... but I don't know if mine have ever really helped. No matter what you have about 2 really good weeks of color, and then 1.5 weeks of "meh" haircolor. Then you dye, dye again!

Q: What type of product do you use on your pincurls?
I only wet set my hair with Lotta Body. If I use only wet hair, my curls fall out fast. Lotta Body, which is found at Sally Beauty Supply, is potent stuff that can make your curls with stand even the apocalypse... well, maybe not, but it works great.

Q: Can you post a Victory Rolls tutorial?
By George I can! Toma likes to spend money on things we probably don't need, like digital video cameras. So, looks like a video tutorial on Victory Rolls is on my agenda this month!

Q:How do you keep your bangs so tidy?
I think my bangs are my only obsessive compulsive trait. I trim them every few days, as they tend to grow unevenly. I keep them in a soft U shape when they are DRY. I always use a light spritz of hair spray to finish them and keep them in place.


Well now, I think that is it on my hair for the moment... Let's move on to something new.

Q: How do you hang your vintage clothing?
Honestly, this is gonna sound bad, but I am HARD on my vintage. Ok, not really, but in general I only keep things that are already damaged or made of cotton, so I dont worry about tearing them or messing them up. That being said, I use nice large velour hangers that are smooth and wide enough to support even a scoop neck dress on my nicer pieces. Cotton day frocks get the good ol' cheap plastic hanger. I never claimed I was fancy...

Q: how do you manage working, motherhood, and looking so put together?
Complete and utter vanity. All jokes aside, I feel like my appearance is one thing I have total control over. I could wear sweats to drop my kids off at school, with no make up on and untamed hair, but how would that help my self esteem. How would that portray to others how I feel about myself? I am an easily stressed out person, so I like to move slow. I wake up early, take a long time making breakfast, get myself prepped for the day, get the kiddos to school and make my way to work. It boils down to choice. You can look at your closet and choose jeans or a nice dress.
I can say with total conviction, its way easier to throw a nice dress.
Also, I just like to look like a princess.

Q: How did you get started dressing vintage and how to I integrate vintage things into my wardrobe?
I am not sure what started my love of vintage, other than hanging out at the local vintage shop and picking up simple cotton house dresses here and there. Once I had started, I nearly couldn't be stopped. I started reading blogs and old magazines to learn the ways of dressing authentically vintage. I feel so glamorous and fashionable even in the most simple day dress. I feel like wearing vintage and vintage inspired items has help boost my self confidence immensely.
To get yourself on that track I say, hit some local vintage stores if you have them, or shop on-line. Start with some staple pieces, a few dresses, a skirt or two and a good solid cardigan.
Remember that the cotton house dress is nearly and all season dress, pair it with warm tights and a sweater and you have a winter wardrobe!


Q: How do you know what to look for when shopping for vintage clothing?
I wrote an entry on that some time ago, here are some simple tips for spotting vintage.

Q:How did you meet Toma?
When this question was initially asked via twitter I spent several emotional hours reliving the first moments of Toma being in my life. I can say with almost 100% confidence that I know what it feels like to fall in love at first sight.
I met Toma at a mutual friend's wedding, where I accidentally sat next to him twice. Over dinner and wine we talked over everyone else at the table and lived in our own little world. I didn't see him again for a long time. Fast forward a lot of months, and we ended up working together on a few art projects and a fashion show.
I remember our first kiss, they tiny gifts he used to make me and package in film canisters, the tiny notes that read "you are perfect to me" tucked into my purse, and driving his broken car to my house early in the morning just to say good morning to me before he had to work. He even inadvertently bought me a wedding dress, maybe you guys will get to see it some day.
We have had a hard and messy start, but I wake up every morning incredibly thankful for the fact that the love of my life has been given to me. I have finally made it to a point in my life, where I regret nothing whatsoever. I am where I am supposed to be.
(Yes I am rambling because I am lost in thought, and yes I was crying when I wrote this part. Sue me.)


Well, I hope that answered all you wanted to know about me. If not, send me an email and I will answer your latest inquiries!

A Friendly FAQ with Twila Jean

Ask Twila Jean...

I get lots of emails each week from readers asking me all sort of questions about my blog, and how I do what I do. So, over this weekend, I am going to compile some of them to have a fresh blog post next week with answers to all of your wonderful questions.

If you have anything else you would like to ask me comment here, or email me to ask me in private. If you don't want your name/link shown in the question just let me know!
[its.twila.jean@gmail.com]

I look forward to the rest of your questions and hope to have lots of fun answering them all.
Anything is open game, you don't have to ask about tutorials and help only... if there is something you don't know about me that you think you should... ask away.

Have a good weekend lovlies!

Fluff Piece

In lieu of posting some more sobbery about how my hormones have made me crazier than an outhouse rat, I thought I would share with you my outfit from the other night.
Friday night was the opening of Toma's art showing at the Brickhouse. It is a very exciting time for him right now, within an hour of hanging he had already sold three original pieces! Anyway, I had originally bought this dress to sell, but it fit me well and makes me appear to have an hourglass figure despite being 18 weeks pregnant so I figure she's a winner.




My son, the 5 year old photog, decided he wanted a go at taking some snaps of Toma and I walking in the front. Honestly, they aren't bad for a kindergartener wielding a DSLR camera...

Letting it out

I imagine if you are a follower of my Fan Page, you heard this news last week. If you however reside only on my blog space, then you do not know this current info. Before we get all excited and pull out our judgment sticks and start whacking away at our keyboards, let my preface this a little.
While our situation is not ideal, we are happy, the kids are happy, and though incredibly stressful, we shall make it through this alive.
So, have you guess yet? I am sure you have... (there is a thumbnail image to this post. this JUST occurred to me.)
Yeah, in true unplanned, unmarried, kinda ghetto style... I am expecting my third (and FINAL) child in February. The silver lining in all of this is that I have never once planned to have a child, so none of them can try to play the "I was the planned kid" card in their teenage years.

So now we make the preperations for a child. This is the worst part I think, I helped a friend in need last year, and gave her ever baby item I own. So, now I am re-building from scratch. I guess we will call this an adventure. One where I gain 20 lbs, and lose a lot of money! Ha!
You know what else is a bummer, the fact that I sold this amazing 40s cotton maternity dress, and try as I might, can not buy it back. How fabulous of a dress would that be to wear in the prenatal season?

So. It is out. Follow or unfollow as you see fit. I am thankful for all the gifts in my life and I wouldn't turn a single one away. Alright then, carry on with your weekend. Nothing to see here.

It's My Party

This year, in 5 days, I am going to be 25 years old. If you know anything about me, you know that birthdays are my favorite thing.. ever. I had grandiose plans of a spectacular quarter century party, but alas... unfortunate life events and severe bouts of depression have led me to cancel entirely. I think this will be the first year ever I do absolutely nothing to celebrate my birthday. I guess on the bright side this gives me a year to plan for the lesser important '26' shindig.

If you follow my facebook you know I was planning a birthday Prom for my party. I had a dress and all. A fabulous 50s party frock, fit for a birthday queen. Are you a birthday queen? Well then, have at my dress! It's here and ripe for the picking via my Etsy Shop!
Doesn't it look like a poofy dream? Get your self a Tiara and paint the town purple! I hope my party dress finds a fabulous home, and gets the loving it so desperately needs.

Also, check back tomorrow as I have some info on a very special sale from Lime Crime!!!

Stack 'Em High

One of the things about being the Mysterious Ex-Housewife that will take some getting used to, is being a broke ex-housewife. Moving out, I lost a lot of things I took for granted. One of those things I never questioned, was a dresser. Now that I have no chest of drawers for my bits and bobs, I had to resort to DIY improvisation. What better than utilizing all of my old luggage? I have now stacked all my non-hangable items in 3 suitcases on my bedroom floor. While it might not be conventional, it does work.

This is not the first time I have used luggage for random things about the house, I have a train case for sewing, I have another for all of my make-up.
I don't think its too unusual, and makes for a great conversation piece. But there it is, my broke solution to clothing storage.

The Metropolitan ... Lady

I have been scarce, and putting off this post for sometime. I was quite worried what dedicated readers might think when they hear the news, considering I am after all, the Metropolitan Housewife. I have spent countless hours making my persona of a vintage loving, 50s inspired housewife. It pains me to think I may have failed at that, though I know now I have not, I am just moving on and making changes I need for me and my family.
So without further ado and because its quite clear what I am saying, I would like to reintroduce myself to you all as The Metropolitan Ex-Housewife.
Divorce is such an ugly word, and I can't help to feel shunned by people who disagree with my decision. I don't feel ugly, I don't feel wrong, I just feel free. I feel free to move on to a happy place, and mutually share my children with their father, who is still a good friend. I don't care to share details, but I am sure my future posts in my new apartment will strike some as odd, so I felt I should just address it up front.

I have kept myself quite occupied with packing and moving which has made it hard to find the time to blog. I want to make the effort to find time to share my new life with you all, because I find this silly little blog to be my solace. My children think of this all as a new adventure, and turn their new bunk beds into forts. They revel in the fact that they now have two homes, and two sets of everything lovely, like toys!
I am happy now, and I guess that is all to really say on the matter. (my kids look happy don't they.. HA!)
Also, do take note on my new chair (and matching couch!) I will be using it in my Etsy Photos at my new place because, well, it's to die for gorgeous!

The Unglamorous Life..

Sometimes when I re-read my own blog I get this weird feeling that people must think I am much more "glamorous" or "put together" than I really am. To set the record straight on my day to day life, I felt I should share a real life peek into the Mysterious Life. I do get up and attempt to do my hair and make-up, as well as throw on a cute dress. But the rest however, is not nearly as exciting and a bit more messy.

In general I spend my daylight hours reading kids books, molding clay people, and cutting paper with scissors (very exciting!) There are days where that is all I do. That and make bigger messes with the little people in my house.
I do clean, quite often really, but every time I turn around my two small children have made a mess. Their toys are often strewn about the house, as well as clothes, blankets, and bits of lunch.
I spend most of my days following behind them trying to put it all back in place.
I sometimes day dream of having a house cleaner, and a chef on staff. But until that dream comes true, this is the daily life of the metropolitan housewife. Me.

I want to be fair and honest to my readers, and not make myself out to be more than I am. I am just me, mom of two. wife of one. Twila Jean.

If you have been wanting to ask me something that has been on your mind about the real me, feel free. I will do a follow up blog in a few days with the answers. Thank you all for being my readers!

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Outfit Post

Today was more eventful than I could have ever wanted. I did not mean to let it happen, but we managed to put off Christmas presents shopping for our kids. Both kids are sick and we had to have my mother come watch them at our house, while we made our way to the small Hell that is the local Mall.
After we collected our items and tried to escape the droves of people milling about, we got on the freeway headed for the fabric shop. For some reason the woman in front of us thought it was a good idea to slam on her brakes in the rain, on a down hill slope, because the light had just turned yellow. We skid 50 feet and nearly hit her, veering off we nearly hit a light pole, and end safely in the exit lane. I literally cried. I was so afraid for my life!
I am glad to say I am in fact alive and home to share my outfit pictures of today.
Above, my new old Barbizon slip, bias cut spun rayon, silky soft! My new hair comb from the estate sale I attended on Saturday. My favorite bead earrings in blue.
The 30s knit dress Solanah and I found out shopping one day. I adore this dress, even if it is a hair too tight on me. I finger waved my hair this morning, though its hard to see in the pictures.
Of course after my near death experience, I needed to calm down a bit. How else than with a tasty, "Dead Guy Ale" By the Rouge Brewery. Simply one of my favorite beers and it did hit the spot, and has me settled. Hopefully tomorrow will be less eventful...

The Simple Life

This happens to be a very blurry, but very real image of my life. I just thought you all might like to see. Yes, I vacuum my home, toting a baby in arms (who is afraid of the vacuum.)

And yes, I am wearing jeans, designer jeans, which is an un-vintage weakness I used to have when I was not as poor as I am today.
*off to put a dress on*

Makings of a Model.

I have been focusing a lot of my energy lately as to where I want to go in modeling. As it stands I do not model often and it's only for entertainment. But once I got myself into it, I fell in love. I have so much fun and best of all, "me time."

Now my focus is making myself a persona, and getting the right contacts, networks, and friends.
I think I have settled on "Twila" for my name. Twila actually is sort of my nickname around here, and I feel better not having my real name in the public eye. I also feel that Twila has a nice vintage feel to it, and is not that common.

I suppose my next focus is creating a website, and building my modeling resumé. Under the guise of Twila Lune, I hope to move more fully into modeling for clothing designers and participate in more fun fashion shows. Wish me luck darlings!

Here is a shot from a shoot a while ago with Michael Jones, that was supposed to be used for a swing dancing class flyer. I am not sure what became of it, but here it is.

Shirt: Modern
Jumper: 40s from Etsy:CheepVintage
Shoes: 40s from the Urban Eccentric
Hair and MUA by Me

Love and Marriage.

This past weekend was spent at the Coast, with my darling Husband, on our 2nd wedding anniversary. It was so pleasant to get away from the kids and city life for a couple days and just be silly!

On our way out to the beach we stopped at a lovely (and spendy!) Bistro for our anniversary dinner. It had a great view of the river's mouth to the ocean! We spent more than we have ever spent on food in our lives but it was delicious!
The Bistro is called the BRIDGEwater and is in Astoria, OR. If you ever find yourself out that way, I highly recommend the locally brewed beers and the prime rib! If it happens to be a celebration, they add nice details such as hand decorated desserts.
After leaving Astoria, we headed to Long Beach, WA where our family jointly owns a small beach cabin. Seeing as it was 100 degrees in the city, we thought the beach would be a nice getaway. We were entirely shocked when we rolled into town and it was cold, gray, and sprinkling!
The awful weather did a number on my pin-curls, which fell out almost upon arrival. But we didnt let the rain stop us, I raced go-carts along side my husband in my vintage sun dress! We wandered through town and decided to head to the cabin to end the night playing scrabble.

The Next morning I put my hot-sticks to good use and pulled off this hair style:
This hair-do also went flat immediately after we ate breakfast. Thank you coastal weather!
But we rented bikes and rode them down the board walk and went shopping in all of our favorite thrift and antique shops. We walked through the dunes on the beach and had a lovely weekend alone. I can't wait til next year!

Slack City

Ahem, sorry for the lack of posting. This week has been so busy I don't remember most of it.
And now with my birthday party over, I have work, solanah's wedding, photoshoots, and children to handle this week. This summer has proven to be a very busy one.
I am still trying to find the time to read all of your lovely blogs because I find them so wonderful!
I promise I will be back to posting soon, but until then why don't you
post a comment with a link to your blog, so that maybe you all can make some new blog friends!


Also, one last thing before I head out to work. Here is the latest picture I received from my shoot with Vorpal Images while donning Frocky Jack Morgan couture!

(click to enlarge.)

Sorry Blog Following Buddies

I must apologize for my lack of posting...
I am going through a rough time in my life, and I have a three year old who is suffering massive tantrums daily, so it's been hard to keep up on blogging. This blog has been such a nice and peaceful outlet for me, so I will make a more solid attempt at writing. I am so delighted to have the followers I have on my blog, and you all always have the most wonderful things to say. Thank you all for being a part of my tiny web space.

On a side note (or two, or three)....
My birthday is in 2 weeks, and I cant be more excited for it. We are having my party the same night as our local car show, so that should be so much fun.
If you happen to be the kind of person who loves sending greeting cards, you should post me a birthday card, I am a sucker for the nostalgia of "snail mail correspondence"
My store's address is
Shayla
1705 Broadway
Vancouver, WA 98663


Also, if you are a new reader on my blog and have not seen our Give-Away Post for the book Vintage Hairstyling, you can check it out here and enter to win! But hurry it ends June 30th!

And if you are local to the Portland Metro area, you should come out to the Rose City Round-Up this Saturday at Jubitz. I will be there, visiting all of my lovely friends who have booth's of rockabilly clothing, cool photography, Trophy Queen hand bags, and of course checking out some awesome cars. It will be fun for sure, and there will be many lovely people out and about. You should definetly make it out if you can.