Some random photos

Today Twila Jean and I went thrifting in Portland at the crack of dawn (ok, ok. 8:30.) and of course found a vast collection of ugly sweaters and above all, this creepy, creepy doll. She's made from a liqueur bottle! As we made our way around the store she kept popping up behind us with her arms open, staring at us, but we never saw anyone move her. At one point we turned around and there she was, headless!

Afterward we went to Twilas house and sorted through our treasure (including some wool navy fabric for skirts! Oh gosh, we'll have to not wear them on the same day...) and reading books with baby M. I wanted to pinch her cheeks all day, but she would definitely give me a piece of her sassy little mind.

The last picture...well...Sam and I stopped by Nordstroms to get a fresh pair of stockings (three for $22.50 right now!). I have not seen the movies, but the fact that there were these cardboard cutouts of Twilight guys randomly among the racks of clothing made me giggle, and not taking a picture was not an option. He gives Zoolander a run for his money. Blue Steel!

New listings!

New listings for this week include a few 1950s petticoats, skirts of the same era, bombshell dresses from my own collection, and lots more goodies! Any questions or reserve requests just email me :)

Handmade outfit

I finished the skirt last night I have been making from a 1930s pattern, it turned out just how I wanted! I used french seams and a lot of hand stitching, I didn't just want a skirt for this season, I want it for years of wear. At first it was a little straight, looked more 20s than 30s, so I curved it in a teeny bit under the hips and the effect I think is just right. This is one of those patterns I'll make lots of skirts with, for this one I used the leftovers from my 30s pants in the previous post, and I already bought some blue wool fabric to make another :)

Skirt and cardigan-Handmade by me!

Shoes-Mier and Frank

Hat-Estate sale

Spring look in Fall

I feel the colors of this ensemble and lacy knit of the sweater is more appropriate for spring, but it's very comfortable and easy to wear, and the weather has been quite nice lately so I might as well take advantage of that before bundling up in heavy wool coats and boots.

Sweater-The Urban Eccentric

Blouse-Thrifted

Pants-Handmade by me!

Locket-Magpie Vintage

New old stuff!

Here are some items for sale this week in my shop, the duck jacket and red cashmere (yes cashmere) jacket are from my own collection, but I have more coats and jackets than I care to admit to, so they need a new loving home :)
The black 1940s rayon dress is another pretty one that was hard to photograph, partially because it is black, and partially because I can't fill it out, but it would make a terrific dancing dress because of the side flounce.
The skirt and barkcloth bag are my favorites this week though, I'm always so taken by novelty prints, and this little broomstick skirt has rickshaws on it!
The bag I bought last week and went back and fourth on whether to keep it, it's a terrific size, perfect condition, and even showcases an exotic bird! The lining is really cool, totally different from the shell, and yet somehow works.

Coco

Have I ever mentioned how much I admire Coco Chanel? Well now I have. Ever since I did a report on her in ninth grade her life and designs have captured my interest in every way. That spurred on a 20s kick for a few years, bobbing my hair and wearing pearls every day. I've since found other eras of clothing more flattering on myself, however have a soft spot for 20s fashion, and if I really put effort into it I can manage not to look like a bunch of potatoes in a sack.
Today my mother treated me to Coco Avant Chanel a French film about Coco Chanel, played by Audrey Tautou, before she began her legendary clothing line. I loved how it showed her process of inspiration, design, and construction, and especially her courage to wear her simple designs amongst a sea of frou-frou and frills. The film did a wonderful job of showing how influential the men in her life were for her designs, sometimes it seemed like she was simply raiding her lovers closets, just as women today do. However during that time such an activity was unheard of. It was a perfect fall film, full of tweeds, black straw hats, and gray days at the oceanside. Since it's a foreign film it's only plays in select theaters (I saw it at the Fox Tower if any Portlanders are interested) so if you can find it near you I would recommend seeing it, it's a beautiful film and not too heavy or light.

We also stopped at Magpie Vintage where of course there was lots to look at, including a few very pretty 30s dresses which at the thought of actually wearing made me nervous, though they were great inspiration for making my own. I think my next 30s dress will be black silk with a white lace collar and matching cuffs, the one like that at the shop was darling, and after seeing the film the elegance of it appeals to me.
I didn't leave empty handed though, I never do, and took home a really pretty gold filled 1940s locket which I will fill with a little photo of Sam.

Coat-The Urban Eccentric

Sweater with fur collar-Gift from mother

Shoes-Mier and Frank

1930s purse-Moving sale in Ohio

Cloche-I don't remember....

Outfit drawing

Ah! I have neglected my blog for a few days, due to this that and the other. Yesterday I finished up a 30s dress I'm making and watched old movies, and friday before work I went to an estate sale with my boss. Well, we went to two. At the first I bought a merry widow for my shop, and a little purse for myself, and at the second I found a 30s sweater I was going to buy before we realized they took cash only :( So since I went out early there was no time for pictures, but here is a drawing, something I've seen some people do and think is a fun idea. I may do it more often since it gets dark early now, what do you think?