Vintage pajama, fondu, white elephant, un-valentines, cocktail, party.

Saturday night I made it out to one of Julie's fabulous parties, this time with a vintage pajama dress code! It was fantastic to see all the colors, fabrics, and glamorous silhouettes all in one place. The cozy mood was set with a fire in the woodstove, fluffy pillows on the floor, and endless yummy foods and cocktails. Everyone seemed so at ease, pajamas and loungewear are definitely an icebreaker! The girls were all in loungewear and dressing gowns from the 30's to the 60's, and the boys had classic p.j.s or smoking jackets.

This is what I wore, Julie snapped the pic of me last minute (thanks Julie!), I just had to show what I wore too! I found this Thursday at Magpie, almost by chance. It was hanging on the back of a pillar, and I've been looking for a tailored wool dressing gown and loved the clean late 1930s lines. When they took it off the wall for me, I saw the polka dot silk hood and was sold! It's like something you see in old movies that you think couldn't possibly exist in the "real" vintage world. It was perfect to wear to the party too!

Cocktails

Photos by Clif Barnes

Last night I attended a party hosted by Julie, with a gathering of other vintage loving people, and we drank, laughed, and drank some more. It was even more fun than it sounds.

Among the guests I finally met Brooksie who was a delight to talk with about the woes of victory rolls and pin curls. And look at Julies hat! It was so amazing, I wanted to eat it, a cluster of chocolate covered cherries and truffles, custom designed by Chatham Girl.

Can't wait for the next get together!

p.s. See my Facebook for my outfit photos :)

Arcade birthday party

Today was my nephews seventh birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese, an arcade type place for kids. My ski ball skills have improved slightly since last year, and the coin drop machine is still as addictive as ever. Nobody could beat the jump rope game, I should never drive a real jet ski, and yeah, my brother does kind of look like zach galifianakis.

Let them eat cake.

THIS is why I haven't made that hat I've promised for a giveaway, or cleaned my house, or listed barely anything in my shop. I was busy making fabulousness :)
Saturday I had both my bridal shower, and a costume party to attend, but I couldn't wait to show off the costume, so it comes first.

About a moth ago my mother and I were invited to a party and her friends house, I had gone to parties there before with her, once it was circus themed, such fun! The theme for the party was 18th century, and as soon as I heard the hat was the first thing that came to my mind. I have often seen drawings of entire ships in 18th century hats, and thought that would just be a dream. My mothers friend was kind enough to lend me one, and from there the costume was inspired.
I went to Johanna's 18th century blog for tons of insight and inspiration, it's full of beautiful photos, costumes, and authentic clothing from that period. I wish I could have been more authentic, but time and budget were scarce.
Actually, almost everything for the costume I already had. The main fabric is a vintage upholstery, I have no idea where I got it from, and the base of the sleeves are old curtains. The only material I purchased was the blue and white trim, the buckram for the hat, and the big blue feather.
Everything, including the hat, is made from scratch, and I did use a bodice template I found online, but had to alter it quite a bit since it had no sleeves, and was way too short. After I made that structured part I draped on my dress form, over a petticoat and homemade panniers (they were like hip pillows, hehe).
The absolute best part was the hat. If you can believe it this was the first time I had ever made a hat from scratch, I'm pretty proud of myself. I shaped the buckram over a foam head, and covered it with fabric. I wanted the ship to look as though it was caught in a storm, and the feathers were giant waves about to crash down. The pink tassels were just for giggles ;)
Near the end of the party they had a "best costume contest" for men and women, and I won!


On the left, a couple that reminded me of "Pirates of the Caribbean", her hair was so high! On the right myself and the host of the party, Brian, complete with sword!


I embellished my mothers dress a bit, she bought it at my work, it was one of those 80s prom dresses that looks like a princess would wear it.
The party was bundles of fun, there was music, dancing, food, a scavenger hunt, and sword fighting of course :)
Chris, on the right won best mens costume, he reminded me of a cartoon, hehe.


There were such fabulous costumes, and I was really happy to see some hats as well. I especially love the top hat with the big jewel in the middle.


I think that was the most grand I have ever felt, and the biggest fire hazard...