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

Friday, November 5, 2010

1930s jacket

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I just know this cute little jacket had a matching skirt or dress once. It always makes me sad to know when pieces have been separated, and mad when I see a set being sold separately at a vintage shop. I don't understand how a true vintage lover can do that to a perfectly good outfit. I'm all about matching things, be it suits, hats and purses, shoes and belts, if it's vintage and it matches, chances are I'll love it. Maybe one day I'll find the matching skirt, you never know!

1930s jacket and Coach purse-Urban Eccentric Vintage

1940s suit skirt-A gift from my Aunt

1940s blouse, boots, and beret-Thrifted

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Circle skirt

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Here is a fantastic skirt I borrowed from Sadie Deluxe Vintage, with horses, giraffes, even buffalo all over! It's a great circle skirt, perfect for cooler weather. You can purchase the skirt here.

Swing Time Speakeasy

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Tonight I went dancing at The Bossanova Ballroom, for their weekly Swing Time Speakeasy event. It was all kinds of fun, prior to dancing I participated in charleston lessons, something I've been wanting to learn for a long time. Hopefully next week I'll improve!

The guest entertainer was Bronkar Leetap, a dancer/beat boxer/juggler. Yeah. He was pretty amazing, I can't even juggle, let alone juggle and beat box.

Anyone in the Portland area should come next Wednesday at 8:00, especially if you want to learn how to swing dance! And it's only a $5 cover, thats pretty darn good.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Equestrian outfit

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Um, blah blah blah blah...

I love kittens.

Blouse-Flashbacks San Diego

Skirt-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Hat-Magpie Vintage

Shoes-Buffalo Exchange, Hawthorne, Portland OR