Baby on Blog

In case anyone out there misses me or wonders where I have gone, let me just share a short clip of what happens when I try to blog. (or list on etsy, or answer emails, or make major purchases for my business)


I've missed you all too....

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

Cleaning House...

You may have noticed a mess around here, as I re-arranged widgets, and tested out html coding. I think most of the painful parts are over, and what I would like to share with you all is the new(est) look for my blog, and go over the name changes taking place!

First, if you haven't noticed... this blog is now pleasantly parked at www.twilajean.com! This is very exciting for me, as I go forth on creating a singular "brand" if you will. Etsy announced this week that soon enough, shops will have the ability to change names without effecting their feedback, so my shop too shall be dubbed Twila Jean Vintage!

I will still always be the metropolitan ex-housewife at heart, but some shedding is needed for me to continue to grow. My facebook page will stay the same and I will still be the metro housewife on there.

Anyways, just thought I would take a minute to explain what was going on over here, and hope you like the changes as much as I do. Thank you to all of my awesome readers who have gotten me to this point. I couldn't and wouldn't do it without you!

Drop Dead Red Head

I took the plunge this week and went back to red. I had red hair off and on a bit through high school and after, but this time I went about it in a more professional way. I am excited for how it turned out as it's not too bright or too dull. I think also, it will help my internet persona, as well as shop persona... as the girl with strange red hair? I am not sure exactly, but I am liking it and I have received a great deal of compliments.

I took a walk with my littles today, all around down town. The above pictures were shot by my four year old, who is getting quite handy with a camera I must admit. Soon enough I might have a personal photographer on hand.
I did etsy shots today, and those give a good glimpse into my hair color too, so I figure its worth while to share.

The red I chose matches my living room furniture, which I find comical. The color is by Pravana, and its in their Vivids collection. It's just the plain RED, but it's a stain dye which stays incredibly well. I suggest if you want bright lavish color with staying power you talk to you stylish about Pravana. Hands down it is my favorite quality dye.

I don't know how long I will stay red, or if I will go brighter, but I do know I am enjoying the silliness of pretending to be young forever. On that note I would love to share a very priceless image of me at 18, with bright red hair. My niece is also pictured, and clearly she was a very spooky witch...

Childish Behaviour

Honestly, I can't claim that I ever grew up. I am the loudest, most obnoxious person you will ever meet. My clothing never matches. I like to wear tiaras and pretend I am a princess. And today, I felt like jumping on my bed.
Don't take this wrong, I in no way feel these are "character flaws" I fully embrace my ridiculousness. I live my life like things are an adventure. I fancy sipping mimosas on a Saturday afternoons. I like to sing very, very loud in my car to my favorite songs. I want to be able to smile as much as I possibly can. Life should be funny.

I got this dress recently while out shopping with Solanah, and couldn't bear to sell it in my etsy shop. Plus I needed a dress that would allow me more opportunity to wear copious amounts of pink eye shadow.
My mini tiara I picked up at work and its covered in little rhinestones. I am a complete sucker for all things rhinestone.
My socks were an xmas gift from my boss by way of Leg Avenue. I really enjoy things with bows. mini socks with bows are ingenious.

I hope I never really have to grow up. That just wouldn't be any fun.

A Little Lighter.

This blog post had so many titles, none of them really fitting but each perfect in their own way. Honestly, I suppose 'The Vintage Elitist: or How I Learned To Stop Giving a Crap and Love the Imperfections' is quite a mouth full for such a short post. In light of my last post, I figure some gratuitous shoe porn is in fact 'a Little Lighter' of a subject.
So bringing us to a possible third title, I share with you 'The Best Christmas Present Ever.' My Leopard print Bordello shoes.




It took me a little over 24 hours to get the hang of walking in them and about 3 days to be accepting of the fact that they are not vintage, do not look vintage, and will never be authentic. Once I got over those hurdles, I fell madly in love with how ridiculous they are and have worn them nearly every day since I got them.
In general I do not wear vintage shoes, but always try to purchase shoes that are at least styled after shoes of yesteryear. These are the exception, and I would and should own them in every color under the sun.

So there you have it, a lighter post about my vintage imperfectionism and a very fabulous Christmas present.

***

ALSO: The prizewinner of the Shabby Apple giveaway never claimed her prize, I will be re-drawing tomorrow morning, unless I hear from her sooner.

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!

Blue Days

It is nearly always gray, blue, or raining where I live. By blue, I don't mean the bright sunny sky blue either. I mean the hazy blue that foreshadows the dark gray afternoon sky creeping around the corner.
Yesterday was one of those days, and I felt compelled to battle it with my favorite house dress and cozy bamboo stockings. I added a light blue cardigan to feel cozy in my drafty old house. My hair is in a semi-decent faux bangs paired with matching victory rolls (of the same size!)

Sorry for the short post today, I am about to head off to have my teeth out. I am incredible nervous about getting teeth pulled. I have never done it before. Wish me luck if you will! I probably wont be around much this weekend, as I will be recovering. See you all on Monday.

Keeping Track Of Twila

I suspect many of you are social networking butterflies, as am I. So I thought I would do a quick round-up of all the places on the internet I can be found and chatted with. Add me if you like!

Photograph of Me shot by Michael Jones Photography

1. The infamous MYSPACE page of Twila can be found HERE!

2. I broke down a got a facebook as well, which can be seen HERE!

3. I tweet, twit, twittle, or whatever its called on TWITTER!

4. I like to imagine I am a model on Model Mayhem: HERE!

5. I like to chat about old stuff on the Fedora Lounge as well, This is ME!

6. Nearly forgot about Flickr, all my pictures are HERE!

Anyway, now you should have the collective resources to stalk me on a higher level.

Lucky Score of the Week!

I may have mentioned before there is a weird vintage shop in my town that is like drug-land crazy. BUT! The lady who owns it loves me for some odd reason, and calls me a celebrity (She said I am famous around here? what?)
Well I stopped in to scour the place for something I could save from Vintage Hell. As I was leaving I spotted a cool Corselette sitting in a dark room. I really thought it was like a modern Fredricks or Victoria Secret type deal, but it looked vintage inspired so I grabbed it. I examine it and low and behold, it has a 1950s "Warner Originals" label in it!!
With much excitement I hurry to counter to pay, and she says $50. I tell her I dont have that much, so she drops it to $20, and I had to trade a 1950s dress in too.

So for $20.00 I now own a beauitful Warner Original Corselette! The only others I have been able to find online are the shorter Merry Widow styles and they are going for $150! This one that sold from DollHouse Bettie, is similar.


Here is mine (in a terrible picture, darn camera!)

I can't believe how lucky I was to get this, in such amazing condition! Normally she has drastically overpriced vintage with holes and stains, but this my friends, is a true gem.
Look forward to seeing it in an up and coming photoshoot!

Welcome to Niagra Falls...

The other day, I had the fun chance to do a shoot with a girl from my town.
She rolls under the name Bright Ideas.
It was the first shoot I had done in a while, and was way laid back. I even got to have a beer and hang out in between shots! I wore several of my favorite dresses from the past. Including my favorite green 50s cocktail dress. It felt great to be doing it again, and I am booking shoots for the next few months!
Anyway, on to the fun here are some shots from this valentines weekend.





By the way, I later ate that apple, and it was delicious.