Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tumblr

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Photo from here

I've really been enjoying Tumblr ever since I got an account, it's filled with so many inspiring and just plain beautiful images. This was one of my favorites from this week, isn't it cute? Anyway, feel free to follow Kitten Feathers if you would like to see what inspires me daily!

xoxo

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Thanksgiving in Astoria

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This year my family gathered in Astoria Oregon for the Thanksgiving holiday. The boys cooked the bird, and everyone brought a little something for the meal, I brought the bread and rolls. I didn't have any containers big enough to transport them, so last minute I lined a vintage picnic basket with a little tablecloth and viola! Way prettier than a large plastic bowl.
We had a great lunch, and afterward watched Elf (because Christmas pretty much starts the minute you finish eating), and worked on quilt squares for an awesome family made quilt. Everyone is designing a square out of felt pieces, mine has hats on it :)
It was a wonderful holiday, great to be out in a beautiful setting with family!

Oh, I suppose I should mention that this is the cardigan I've been working on! I'm very happy with the way it turned out, especially since there was no size on the pattern, hehe. I used this free pattern, found after months of searching for a pattern similar to one that was worn in The Edge of Love. I just shortened the length by a few inches, I prefer sweaters to hit at the waist. I used this yarn in the color "turmeric", which seems to sell out very quickly, easy to see why, I love it! And the vintage buttons are from a huge collection I inherited from my great grandmother Lois, they matched perfectly.
You can find more free 1940s patterns here

Cardigan-Made by me using this pattern

Skirt-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Blouse-Camas Antiques

Shoes-Buffalo Exchange San Diego

Hat-Estate sale in Ohio

Bakelite bird pin-A gift from Sam

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Edge of Love

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I watched The Edge of Love about a year ago, having totally different expectations for it than what it was. To be blunt I didn't like the film, but it had great, realistic style inspiration. The only story aspect from the film I liked was the friendship between the two main characters, which reminded me of Twila Jean and myself, and of course, the way they dressed was quite similar to our style, if not something we aspire to.
In my last post a few people commented on how Twila and I looked like we were in The Edge of Love, which we took as a nice compliment, and I had to show this candid snapped of us when we arrived in Astoria the other day, it pretty much sums up our friendship: loads of giggles.
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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Weekend in Astoria

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This weekend Twila Jean and I packed the kiddos up in the car and headed to Astoria Oregon to visit my brother Josh, his wife Amy, and my nephew Oliver. We left home to rain and gray skies, and arrived in town to bright sunny weather, it was perfect! They have a beautiful view from their living room of the river, and sometimes ships would pass by, a great view for relaxing and knitting.
We took advantage of the beautiful day and went to an awesome park where all the kids and grown-ups played and had fun, they have little storybook houses and a play tugboat among other standard park things.
After the park we drove up to the Astoria Column and enjoyed the view from the park grounds, there was no way I was going up in the column like last year.
Of course we had to stop in an antique store in town, and picked up some coffee on the way at Street 14 Coffee, they have great hot chocolate!
The next morning is snowed big fluffy flakes, and even though it didn't stick to the ground, it was beautiful to watch while I knit some more.
Can't wait to go back there for Thanksgiving!

Dress and coat-Fab Gabs

Cardigan-Made by me using this pattern from Babydee

Boots-Millie B Vintage

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Just call me "Chuck"

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Ever since I saw Chuck from Pushing Daisies wear a red shirtdress in the Jockey episode, I searched for the perfect one (perfect including affordable, I saw a few in the $200 range. No thanks). And yesterday at work, there it was, in it's perfect red glory. Fit's just right!

Today I went with Twila Jean to Portland for some shopping, and following the tradition of always unintentionally wearing similar outfits when we spend time together, we both had on bright red. People must think we coordinate outfits every morning.

Now I think a cherry pie and Lee Pace will complete the outfit, don't you?

Dress and socks-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

West Point military jacket

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Today was the first time I wore the jacket I got at the antique expo. When I posted pictures of my purchase, some readers informed me that it's form the West Point Military Academy, which makes it even cooler. I thought it was a band jacket!
My favorite thing about this jacket is that it has tails, and with a full skirt it kind of looks like a bustle :)
Apparently the uniform design has been in use since 1816, how cool is that?

And if anyone asks me if I am willing to sell it, I am just going to save you sending me an email and say no.
(I'm not being weird, I get lots of emails asking if my clothes are for sale.......)

Jacket-antique expo

Skirt-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Monday, November 15, 2010

Xtabay Vintage

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Today I visited Xtabay Vintage, a fabulous vintage store in Portland. The decor alone is work going to see, but of course, they have a wonderful selection of clothing and accessories. I tried on some really pretty 40s dresses, one had little books on it! Will a cute librarian please go buy that?
In the end I fell in love with this huge white Christian Dior hat. I'm wearing it right now actually, seeing as I can't wear it outside right now in the rain.
Liz, the owner of the shop was very helpful and fun to chat with, I had actually planned on going to her store for my wedding dress before I found mine, as they specialize in formals and weddings. I didn't really let myself look at the wall of fluffy tulles and silks, I just new I would fall in love with something and have nowhere to wear it. More of my friends need to get married so I can wear pretty dresses...

Silly them, not getting married.

They also have beautiful suits, coats, perfumes, hats, purses, shoes, lingerie, and jewelry of course! So if you are in town make sure and stop by, say hello to all the pretty dresses for me!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

F.A.Q.s

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Here's set of frequently asked questions I get on Vixen Vintage, if you have anything specific to ask, just email me!

How do you do your hair?

I do pincurls every other night, and in the morning brush them out and use a bit of mousse.

What lipstick do you use?

Most days I wear "True Red" by L'Oreal, but I also wear "Lady bug" by MAC, and discontinued shades by "Paul and Joe" and "Chanel".

Where do you get your vintage clothes?

I try to credit the store or person I got my clothing from in every post, but most of my clothing comes from the vintage store I work at. It's hard not to buy anything!

How did you get into vintage?

My family is full of vintage lovers, I've been around it my whole life, from going to estate sales, to getting my aunt and sister in law's vintage hand me downs. I stared wearing it regularly in high school, mixed with modern, and after that, it was vintage 24/7!

How old are you?

Technically 21. But sometimes I feel 70.

How did you learn to knit and sew?

When I was...um, oh gosh, 8, 9, or 10, I took a class after school from a lovely woman who taught a few students how to knit, with some sewing on the side. I made an awful sweater in that class, I wish I still had it though, it was hot pink with flecks of rainbow yarn.
My great grandmother Lois was a master seamstress, so I must credit her with my natural interest in sewing, unfortunately she passed away before I got to know her.

What camera do you use?

My camera is a Canon Rebel EOS, a gift from my husbands parents. It's a great camera, but I don't quite know how to use it as well as it deserves.

Do you ever get recognized outside of the internet world?

Every once in a while, which is pretty cool. But I generally don't know what to say when someone says they read my blog other than "thank you for reading my blog!"

How do you fit all that vintage into your little apartment?

Well I rotate my closet about 8 times a year, fall winter, winter, winter spring, etc. This way just about everything makes it into my closet. The rest of the time my clothing is stored in stuffed full suitcases scattered about the apartment (stacked suitcases make great end tables), containers under the bed, and a large cedar trunk. Also my grandma insists I store some things at her house, so I have a closet full at her place of formals and coats.

How did you get into blogging?

This blog started as something to do late at night, when I would otherwise be shopping online ;) So really it stared out of boredom.
For me it's a great documentation of my life, I am very forgetful, and love that I can look back and see and read exactly what a did, wore, and though weeks, months, and years ago.

How do you clean all your vintage clothing?

I actually try and keep my wardrobe full of mostly cottons, wools, a bit of silk. Cottons are easy, but I do handwash, and wools I take to the dry cleaners. Silk I either handwash or take to the dry cleaners, depending on the item. as far as synthetics go, I generally ask around before cleaning, but have no great advice to give.

How do you keep your vintage clothing in good condition?

Knowing how to work a needle and thread is kind of a must if you wear vintage. After all, if something is 60 years old, chances are a button might pop off, a seam might split, and moths may choose your favorite coat as a little meal. Knowing how to sew a button, stitch a seam, darn a hole, and hem a skirt is hardly an option, and all by hand of course! I currently have a large basket of repairs waiting to be done, thats how some quite nights at home are spent.

What foundation garments do you wear on a regular basis?

Bullet bras, high waist knickers, and a garter belt for my stockings. Sometimes I wear a girdle for those tight dresses, but generally it's the basics. For more on vintage lingerie, you can check out this article I wrote for The Lingerie Addict.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

A few things that make me happy.

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Waking up to this.

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My coats (well, some of them).

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Pretty messes.

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My books

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Stealing Sam's slippers.

What everyday things make you happy?

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Perfect 1930s coat

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Yesterday before my photoshoot with Fab Gabs, I was looking through the racks of clothes and saw this beauty. Before I knew it, the coat was wrapped around me and belted, I don't even remember taking it off the hanger and putting it on, one moment it was on the rack, the next it was on me.
Turns out the coat is from Julie's personal collection, which is no surprise as everything in her wardrobe is fantastic!
It's a perfect late 30s coat, just what I've been looking for, and the collar is the softest! It's like a constant hug.

Now I think a matching hat and muff would just be perfection for winter, don't you?

1930s coat-Fab Gabs Vintage

Beret and gloves-Thrifted.

Shoes-Chie Mihara, garage sale