Running away to join the circus

"What ever happened to that Solanah girl?"

"Oh she ran away with the circus and makes hats for the tattooed lady."

Last week I found this amazing old circus fabric while thrifting, and instantly thought of making a 1930s dress out of it. Kind of a "30s girl ran away with the circus and needed a new dress" dress. The fabric is already nice and worn thanks to age, it's always odd trying to make a vintage dress that is all stiff and crisp. In high school I made costumes for a play and rubbed them down with sandpaper to make them look used. I wouldn't do that for anything in my own wardrobe, but it is nice to have something look authentic and not like a reproduction. Is that weird that I would rather have worn down clothing than nice new frocks?
The pattern is the same as my 1930s bow dress, I love the pattern as it is so simple and versatile, and plan on making more, maybe even a long sleeved version for fall.

The only circus I have been to is Circ de Soleil, which is amazing, but I don't really have any desire to run away with the classic one after seeing Freaks.

Dress: Handmade by me!

Shoes: Etsy

Hat: The Urban Eccentric

Cookies and instant relatives

This afternoon I walked over to a local antique mall and had a looksie around. The only thing that caught my eye was a pretty 1920 heirloom cotton dress in white, with white embroidery. It looked so light and breezy. I did spend some time looking through old photos in a box labeled "Instant Relatives" hehe. I am constantly searching for photos of ladies wearing cool hats. No such luck, but I did spot this neat photo of a victorian girl with bangs which I thought was pretty unusual.
I left the store empty handed and decided that I could try my hand at baking once again. It never goes well, I even screwed up sugar cookies once.
But for my bridal shower my mother got me 101 More Things to do With a Cake Mix, and all of the recipes look really simple. And of course the one I made was super easy thanks to the beautiful Kitchenaid mixer she got me. It's the first time I've used it ;)

I made peanut butter cookie sandwiches, and they turned out perfect! So yummy, I wish I could share them with you, but I do recommend the book if you are a beginner baker, or even advanced as they would be super quick and easy.

Later I will post photos of the fabulous dress I made (you're going to love it) and then it is off to see Julie and Julia with my mother. Although I'd better make dinner before that or be very hungry watching all that cooking!

xoxo

Vanilla ice cream.

So sorry for the lack of posting lately I've been trying to take it easy on my days off as I feel like I'm coming down with something, but I think it's just swollen tonsils. Ew.

Thank you so much to everyone who made the film suggestions, presently I have many on "instant watch" from netflix and I'm sure will draw inspiration from so many great films!

Anyway, I saw Public Enemies Friday, and while the camera work was shaky, and there was a disappointing lack of ladies hats, it was a pretty good film. While there were very few hats, the finger waved hair was expertly done, and made me consider doing a bob again. But I really want to grow it long for donation AND THEN I'll cut it.
The film did get me in even more of a 1930s mood, as the costumes were very pretty. I wouldn't recommend seeing it just for costumes, as there were not many, but I did want to make every single one I saw.

Today I wore this 80s knit dress I got for $5 but it looks so very 30s. The hat I bought at work months before, and it was only until I brought the dress home that I realized they match perfectly! The same shade of cream, the same lush ruffles. You can't really see, but the hat has a lovely black veil down the front, with a neat little pattern on it.

Oh hats. I got two this week, one a 1930s feather hat I'll save for fall, and one that makes me look like a flamingo. No it really does :)

I hope everyone had a pleasant weekend!

I'll bring the popcorn.

If you have a moment would you recommend some old (1960s or older) films? Or even movies set in the past.

I especially like:

Mysteries

Comedies

Musicals

Or anything with amazing costumes, some hats would be nice too!

I've hardly seen anything, a few classics here and there but otherwise I need help!

Thanks so much!

GIVEAWAY!

Here is the hat I promised AGES ago! I made it this weekend from scratch, all fabric covering and trim is stitched by hand. The main fabric is silk, the purple underneath is satin, and the trim is cotton, with some little cherries thrown in ;) It's inspired by the stylized toppers of the 1930s, and to help in stay on I've attached a comb on the inside.

The giveaway is open to anyone, and all you need to do to enter is comment on this post. If you would like your name entered twice then just post a link of the contest on your blog along with a photo you can find here. Comment again with the link and you have double the chance of winning!

The giveaway ends on the 18th of August, two weeks away, and the winner will be drawn at random.

Good luck!

Peaches and cream.

So remember the little lost bird a while back? Well, it seems I attract little lost baby birds, because when I showed up at work today one hopped by the door and into a corner right outside. The poor little thing just cuddled up in the corner for hours, and I peeked at it though the window often, and knew there was really nothing I could do. Finally in the afternoon it began chirping and hopping around the sidewalk, and another bird (it's mother?) came down and led it away. It tried to show the chick how to fly by flying up and coming back down, but the little bird could only fly a few inches off the ground. After watching it hop out of sight I can only hope they both made it back to the nest alright. Once again Sam assures me that the birds are fine, but I can't handle another little lost bird! So please baby birds, just stay in your nests until you can fly.

Here is the 50s shirtdress I got yesterday, it seems brand new! The shape is my favorite, with the sleek skirt instead of the gathered, and front buttons. It actually reminds me a lot of Aya, sweet and breezy, with a hint of frill.
I only wish it had come with a matching belt, but alas! Those are rare. My yellow petticoat fit perfectly underneath, and I was pretty excited to wear my new frames.

Sam noticed that there is a peach tree in our front yard! How very wonderful.

Dress, glasses: The red light.

Shoes: The Urban Eccentric.

Hat and gloves: I have no idea where those came from...

First of August

Its August already! Summer is in it's last month and have yet to wear my fabulous 50s swimsuit, but then again I never swim.

Remember when I posted about that red Hawaiian dress? Well my fantastic Aunt read the post and gave me her very own authentic 1950s Hawaiian dress! It's such an amazing frock, and I honestly couldn't wait to be invited to a luau to wear it, so I wore it shopping in Portland. My mother and I went to The Red Light, Buffalo Exchange, and Monticello antiques.
I got a 1950s shirtdress, 1930s linen skirt, 1950s wool skirt, high waisted band slacks, 1930s hat, 1950s glasses, 1970s blouse, and a vintage sewing bag. And all day I only spent $8.00!

Last night I went through my Etsy stock and pulled all the items that had been in the shop too long, or had expired. Then I took those clothes to The Red Light and Buffalo Exchange and and traded them for things I actually wanted ;)

It was a beautiful day once again, but not too hot (it's cooled down to 95 degrees...Yay?)

On our way to the Monticello's we saw this guy riding in the back of a truck, happy as a clam.

The Antique mall of course had endless temptations, such as a stack of 1920s and 30s french fashion magazines, art deco buttons, and old photos of people I don't know. I only walked away with the sewing bag though, it has a ship on it! How could I let that go?

Ok, off to watch Miss Marple, hope everyone is having a good weekend!