Golden Ginghams

I was asked recently to test drive a dress from eShakti.com and write a blog post about how I feel about the dress. I know I just lost about 64% of you who were reading this post, with an eye roll, and a sigh, "Well... here is another sponsored post."
BUT WAIT! These dresses are DANG CUTE. Don't run off yet. . .
With a price point often lower than some other "mod" repro style sites and custom sizing from 0-36W, you might want to hear me out for a second. eShakti has several vintage inspired designs, plenty of modest options, and are completely customizable. I had a dress made to my exact measurements, and it fits like a dream. The turn around time was lightening fast, I had my dress just over a week after making my order. All in all the dress I ordered was a steal for under $80.
What I didn't like, the side zipper. They are just annoying in general, though it works just fine. My only other issue is they are made in India, which is not necessarily and issue, I am just not aware of their current labor practices.

I took my dress out to breakfast with the girls on one of the few sunny days we have seen this winter. We stopped off at Stepping Stone Cafe in Portland, OR. This place is amazing by the way, they have pancakes the size of pizzas and REAL maple syrup. YUM!

Also, I nearly forgot my amazing polka dot tights. I picked those up at Kroger/Fred Meyer for about $5.00 and they are my go to novelty leg wear this month. They attract so much positive attention too!

VLOG: Victory Rolls Tutorial

It has been asked, and asked, and then asked again... So I have finally filmed up a basic "how-to victory rolls" video for you all. Sorry as I am sure its a little scatter brained and I have a hard time articulating. But V rolls are very simple, and just need some practice. So, watch the video and then do these over, and over and over again!

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If this was no thorough enough (which I am sure it's not...) there are a few other GREAT tutorials on youtube. Like this one from My Little Rockabilly and this one, from, well I don't know who did it.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask or email. I know I am space cadet and probably skipped over a simple step you need. I will be back with a Vlog on eyebrow shaping next week, followed by my basic daily make-up. If there are any other videos you would like to see, let me know!

Three's Company

As promised today's blog is a sampling of images from our shoot on the farm. I wish I could explain in proper words the idea we were going for, but realistically, what we were going for just happened. We packed a car load of props and several outfits, and a ton of film and headed out. This is what Toma (of Dolara Design) was able to capture, and I must say I am quite pleased with the outcome.




After we left the farm and departed towards our respective homes, we stumbled upon the orchard (remember my umbrella?) Here in the orchard we got a few more shots, which I think were the best of the day for sure. And despite being frozen to the core on the ride back, I am happy I was able to participate in the fun.


The rest of the set can be seen here, and I really recommend checking them out. The other two models Cara Mia and Green Orchid were brilliant fun to work with, and have such amazing artistic ideas. To see more of Toma's work please check out Dolara Design.

Unwinding In The Desert

As promised here is a bit of photographic evidence that my trip to Central Oregon this week really happened.
We arrived Monday afternoon in the desert town of Madras, OR with my sister-in-law Mary leading the way with her husband, Eric. We made a family event out of hitting all the thrift shops, before heading down to Eric's mom's house in a town a half hour south.
The Mom's place is on the Deschutes river with the most amazing view, on tons of property. She is so lovely for letting us come crash her house for the week, and fed us well.
We unpacked and took the kids on a hike down to the river, checking out old abandoned cars and checking out rocks. The dogs roamed free in the sage brush. It was beautiful.
When I attempted to get a shot of me and Margaux she got excessively cranky, so this is the best we have to go with. Mary had to carry Margaux most of the way back, her tiny little legs just could not make the hike.
You may note that the dress I am wearing looks familiar, that is because its the 1957 sundress I started sewing here, and secretly finally finished it. Ta-Da! I wore it in the warm desert sun, with my cowboy boots, and fashionable necklace. I am fully prepared for mother nature!
As if I were kidding about the amazing view, check out the river in the background. This is the back porch, high on a hill, perched above the windy Deschutes. I adore this house, and I am so glad I was able to visit The Mom, with Mary and Eric.
I will post the next day of pictures tomorrow, so be prepared for free range horses, exotic birds, and rocks. Lots and lots of rocks.

Little Black Dress

There was a break in the rains today, though very brief. I was able to model at least one of the dresses that I was sent from Shristi Studios / Silk Bella. I hate being a slacker, and am usually pretty prompt, but the weather here has made it nearly impossible for any outdoor photography.

At any rate, I modeled this very soft, very lovely black number. I got to pair it with my favorite 1930s topper hat.

If you want to see the etsy listing go here and heart it so I look like people like me! Just kidding, but seriously, go check it out.

Rainy Day Modern Wear

I know I have not blogged in a few days, It has been hard to find the motivation, let alone the lighting to take pictures. It has been damp, cold, and miserable here in Washington for days and days, with no end in sight. I keep thinking its nearly summer where is the warm weather? Instead of a heat wave, we are having hail, massive rains, and biting winds.
Ok, enough lamenting over the weather, lets cheer up with a good old fashioned outfit post! Hurray!
Today, as I gazed out the window longing to play outside, I was wearing a rare gem... the modern outfit. Everything I am wearing is a modern piece, with a classic cut. The top is from Forever 21 (thrifted of course!) The skirt is some unknown brand, and the shoes are also a thrift store find. I like the way it all went together, regardless of era.
I will not be escaping the rain anytime soon, as we are going on holiday at the coast. There it is likely to be colder and quite a bit more wet. I hope to remember to take many pictures of my trip to share with you all. I hope you all have a lovely Memorial Day Weekend.

All That Jazz

I am sure if you thrift often you run into this. You spot something, that looks amazing, has a great silhouette, or seams, and you pull it out of the rack to examine it, only to find an "All That Jazz" label in it. This brand has some mostly bad pieces of "theater costume" type things, many styled after the golden era. But everyone once in a while, they have a pretty good one. The plus side to this, is that you can almost always find this brand at thrift stores, and it usually pretty cheap.
I picked up this little 2 piece set yesterday for 99 cents.
The skirt has a cute little peplum, and the jacket has a cute runched waistline. I know its not authentic, but cute enough. I am gonna wear my navy blue hat with it!

You can easily find "All That Jazz" at thrift stores or on ebay.
Happy hunting!

Tilted.

I had the chance to do a trade with a lovely blogger this month. On my end I received a lovely hat from Heidi over at Ketty Doll. Its a black hat with darling yellow grosgrain ribbon bows on each side. It comes with a wide hair comb attached which keeps it, right where you put it! I am so please with this darling little chapeaux!
The packaging is noteworthy too, I have never seen something arrive at my door dressed so fancifully.
I love the nude lady detail! If you want to win me over, send me vintage nudies... I love that stuff. Haha. I took some pictures of the hat, in my teal kitchen, hoping to capture the spirit of the packaging.

(click to enlarge images. Dress is for sale HERE.)

I got many compliments on the hat yesterday, and I wish I could own one in every color. I am hoping Heidi is going to be selling her hats on etsy, so add her profile as a saved seller... in case she lists some hats!

Now, for the candid shot of the day. This has to be my favorite picture of me ever. I think it fully represents my personality, cartoonish and silly. Hope you guys like it too.
I hope you check out Heidi's blog, and keep a watch on her etsy shop! I am so glad I get to own one of these sweet little toppers.

The Fancy Lady's Gift Guide

I know that men might be just a little bit hard of hearing when it comes gift-y hinting. My husband is no exception. I hint to my favorite things every year and every year I get some thing else. Sometimes the gifts are wonderful anyway so I don't care. Other times he has given me some odd items, that end up in his garage for him to use? Regardless, this year I gave my hint, going so far as to email him a link to the website. The Metropolitan house was hit with some pretty bad blows this year financially, so I made sure to ask for only one reasonably priced item which I am sure to not receive...

A gift voucher to What Katie Did. Yes, this is number one on my gift guide of wonderful things to give to someone you know and love. Who does not feel better in decadent lingerie? (And if I have any male readers? This gift is mutually beneficial if you ask me!)

Of course no vintage gift guide would be complete without Lauren Rennell's Vintage Hairstyling instruction book. This is a must read for many vintage dames, or girls who want basic help with styling.

If you have a friend who is into old clothes or modern fashions, the Bésame Cosmetics Voluptuous Lip Colour Set is a great pick. Perfectly paired items with a lip brush included. And whats best, if you are posting it out, they offer gift wrap! How thoughtful.


Of course, who could say no to a pair of Trousers from Vivien Of Holloway. Not me that's for sure. In fact I am a 26" waist *wink wink* I kid, I kid! For sure this will light up any vintagette's eyes when she finds it under the tree!




Basically any dress from the Bettie Page Clothing Co. will work in your favor as a gift item. I am not huge into reproductions, but If I were going to buy repro it would be from Bettie Page Clothing. The truest forms of vintage style dresses, they have the most delightful character.

Lest we forget the stocking stuffing! My Baby Jo offers some lovely hair flowers, barrettes, and bows to adorn Victory Rolls. Check them out Here. There are many to choose from and look to be of high quality.


So readers, the trick to making this all work, is leaving this page open on the computer screen and when you fella is ready to check his my-twit-book he will see this, and know exactly what to get you this holiday season!

Meet Nicole Katherine Designs...

Here in the US, we have a problem. I don't know if this problem applies to countries abroad, but here all of our working class, blue collar jobs are being shipped overseas. What used to be American jobs, paying a living wage, are now jobs that children and adults of china(or other..) work for pennies a day. This subject is very important to me. We spend a lot of time here in the Metropolitan House buying products still made in the USA, or fair trade foreign companies.
I encourage anyone I meet on the street, to buy from your own country, keeping jobs and living wages flowing in your own country. This has spurred a vintage, buy "locally" series in my mind.

The very first thought that came into my head for this series, Nicole Katherine Designs. Nicole makes wonderful vintage inspired pieces with a rockabilly flair, and employs sew houses here in the States. She says someday she may consider Foreign markets, like Mexico, but would like, "to participate in a community building program by giving jobs to a community in need and then making a donation to help add something positive to that community."

I emailed Nicole to see if she would share some insight on the world of fashion, clothing manufacture, and juggling a busy schedule. Below is what we got in return!

Nicole, what got you into the world of fashion design?
Believe it or not, I grew up in Montana. The major demographic of Missoula, Montana-- outdoorsy types, many with forestry jobs, or retired hippies and the children of the retired hippies-- you have very limited selection when it comes to shopping. So, given that the style in this region is lacking, plus I'm short and curvy (or used to be) I decided to start making my own clothing.

I learned how to sew from one of my aunts and my grandma. When I first started sewing, I would buy patterns that had a similar silhouette to a dress or outfit I'd seen in a punk or indie magazine and I'd make alterations to personalize the pattern to look similar to what I wanted to imitate in the magazines.

I enrolled in the Art Institute in Seattle for the fashion design program. Unfortunately, I dropped out after about 2 quarters, went on to major in three things after that and eventually got my BA in Writing and Literature. But, designing and sewing stuck with me.
I kept designing, practiced pattern making until I nailed it with near perfection and I started a small clothing line called Betty Buccaneer in 2003 or 2004. I moved to SoCal and my small clothing line Betty Buccaneer became more popular... Since I wanted to become more serious about taking my line into a professional direction I returned to FIDM to major in Apparel Manufacturing Management, and I changed the name of my line from Betty Buccaneer to Nicole Katherine.

What are you reasons for staying Made in the USA?
First and foremost, to ensure that human rights in the workplace are being upheld. If they're in question, I can call someone to check up on it to make sure that I'm not having my clothing produced in a work environment that is exploiting it's workers.
Most Americans don't understand just how horrible work conditions are in other countries, and the lengths some of these factories go to get cheap labor.
There's a reason that tshirt only cost $.50 cents to produce... either the workers that made it are working 12 hour days and are being paid below a livable wage (even for their country), children were basically sold to a company to work off debts... or the workers are not getting paid at all and are victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking is NOT limited to the sex industry.

Secondly, I love my country and I want to support its workers and do my part to contribute to rebuilding our economy.
did a lot of research to find the sewing contractor that I currently work with. I won't lie, I wish that the prices were cheaper, but at least I have a clear conscience knowing that all labor laws are being upheld and there are no exploited workers producing my apparel.

How do you juggle all the stress and work that must come along with owning a clothing line?
I honestly don't know. I have to take it one day at a time. ere are days that my business drives me to tears and I think of throwing in the towel and doing something else, anything else...
But, in all honesty I couldn't do it without the help of my family and the grace of God. I've also been fortunate enough to make friends with some very incredible people who have been a major source of support.
I know that I'm doing a lot, but for some reason it doesn't feel as overwhelming as it should. It does take me longer to do things than, say a company with several employees, but I'll get there eventually. I think most people got their start the same way that I did. It definitely takes sacrifice.

I think I'm one of the lucky few that can say that I feel complete in my career, family life, and spiritually. And, considering I'm a mom, that says a lot. I don't know many mom's that are blessed enough to juggle career and family to the extent that I've been able to do it. But, then again, I took only one week off after having a baby and my son has been part of the chaos since his first week of life!

Where can we buy your stuff?
Well hopefully within the next year my clothing will be available in more shoppes... but, for now the main place to buy is www.bettybuccaneer.com.
The sailor outfit, Armada Belle, is available at My Baby Jo in Culver City, CA. They also have a website www.mybabyjo.com.
There are also dresses for sale at Pinup Parade in England. They also have a website, www.pinup-parade.com.
And you can find my clothing at Minuteman Aviation in Missoula, MT for sale in their shoppe.
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You can also keep up on all the Nicole Katherine news on Myspace and Facebook!

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!

Billie Jo Retro - Vintage Inspired Fabulousness

I am in a promoting mood. Due to the awful economy I have been forced to close my Brick and Mortar baby store, Boomba Toomba.
Because of my depression and anxiety over this, I have been trying to spread the word on many of my favorite small companies who are vintage inspired in hopes that they might live on!
Today I would like to mention my current favorite of the reproduction lines: Billie Jo Retro.
BJR is a 3 woman company based here in Portland, Houston, and New York. The economy has hit many small clothing lines hard, so I hope you will think to the little guys when you are hunting for a good repro this year!
BJR is set to have a whole new line out in 1-2 months, (I CANT WAIT!!!) but for now there are still some great staples on the website.
Here is a small array of lovely items she has to offer either now, or very soon. (click to enlarge.)



And this is just a small sampling of all the lovely items Billie Jo has to offer and of what will be coming so very soon!

You can check out Billie Jo Retro on their Website and also chat them up on Myspace.

If you live in portland you can score some amazing prices on the biggest clearance sale in the NW www.bargainhuntingPDX.com.
60 local designers and boutiques will be there including Billie Jo Retro selling their wares for up to 80% off! what a deal. (HERE is what BJR will have on sale!)
The sale is August 16th 12pm-5pm at the Crystal Ballroom.
If you make it to the sale make sure to say Hi to me as I will be there making the thrifty rounds and taking lots of pictures.

A Sailor Summer! Vintage Inspired Nautical Finery.

I have been meaning to share Fables By Barrie for some time now, so here it is. Vintage inspired (heavy on the sailor style) clothing for any pin-up at heart.
While I tend to shy away from things that fall into the vein of "pin-up" or "rockabilly" I just adore these designs. There summer line this year is so fun and flirty I cant get over it!
Above is the Sailor Romper, which runs $120. How much fun would that be to wear to the carnival or a car show. I want to get one to save for a photoshoot someday, as I think it would be perfect for a 4th of July type shoot.

You can even hit the sea shore with a darling naval swim suit! The Sailor Swimsuit will also run you $120, but for this high level of hotness I dare say, It's worth it! I would also suggest finding a matching hat like shown above for extra cuteness.


To top off the terribly adorable sailor cake, I suggest the Sailor Dress which also runs $120. I don't know if its just me, but would this not make an adorable summer bridesmaid dress? Regardless of where you wear it, its going to be adorable and you will likely get a compliment.


So there you have it, today's vintage inspired line Fables by Barrie. You can order direct from the website and they are also on myspace so add them!