Kitty loves vintage

This week I did another closet rotation (winter spring), which involves taking everything out of my closet, vacuuming and dusting, and picking and choosing things from storage and from my existing rotation for a new wardrobe. As soon as I put some clothes on the bed, Hobbes made himself right at home!

Also, everyone must read these great posts on the history of synthetics, over on the Tuppence Ha'penny blog :)

Pajamas at the grocery store, continued

I didn't really ever think I would need to explain myself further, but apparently, I have to explain my thoughts in great detail for them to be acceptable to some.

I do not like dirty, filthy, soiled, pajamas at the grocery store. Period.

I shop at a large grocery chain, that has great prices on food. It's always busy, and about 30% of the customers shop in their dirty pajamas. What's the chance all of these people are physically unable to change into clean pants? Very low. I've never seen anyone in a motorized wheelchair in pajamas. I've never seen anyone in crutches in pajamas. When I say I don't like dirty pajamas at the grocery store, where I'm buying food, I mean I don't like it when people with my physical capabilities don't even think it's worth putting on pants for the sake of the other customers at the store, the employees, and most important, themselves. You want to pop into the pharmacy for some medicine, whatever. The corner store for milk? Fine. But these people are taking an hour to grocery shop with no rush. They could have spared 30 seconds. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that most of the people I offended wear pajamas to the store. Have a little respect for yourself. Forget about what other people think, but seriously, you don't even think you're worth a clean pair of pants? Thats sad.

I judge people. I know, it's crazy, I do what everyone else does. If someone dressed differently, I do not judge them, I applaud them for having the courage to do so. A lot of people said that wearing pajamas at the grocery store is their choice, and how is that any different, or any less brave than wearing fur in public?

Really?

The difference is, people who dress differently, or wear fur in an anti fur world put thought into their self expression. It's purposeful, not lazy.

Not everyone can dress in the clothing I do. But everyone has a pair of pants. Some people said they'd never come back to Vixen Vintage again because of what I said, and to that I say good riddance. You really think I'll care that someone who doesn't understand that this is my blog with my opinions, won't come back? No, I really don't.

I've turned off the comments on this post because I think most of what needed to be said by you was said in the last post. I also don't want to repeat myself to those who still want to argue about it.

xoxo
Solanah

Inside my purse

Sometimes I see photos of things inside girls purses, and it's always a few cute little items, generally lipstick, phone, wallet, and keys. Well, I carry around a big ol' granny bag about 98% of the time, and this is all the junk on one random day I decided to take a picture, and my justification for everything:

1. L.A.M.B. Makeup bag (Holds my makeup so my powder doesn't open and coat the inside of my purse. It's happened)
2. Chanel lipstick (best lipstick ever)
3. Paul and Jo lipstick (also great)
4. Bert's Bees chapstick (for the love of smooth lips, don't use anything with petroleum jelly in it.)
5. Maybelline lipstain (works great, especially for days when I need chapstick, but want red lips)
6. Smashbox lip pencil (for base touch ups)
7. Vintage ring box (just in case I need to hold rings. Duh.)
8. "Emma" by Jane Austen (Jane Austen should always be within reach)
9. Molesine notebook (Sometimes I need to draw kitties)
10. Mini sewing kit (I wear vintage, it's a must have)
11. Vintage handkerchief (so I can drop it on the sidewalk and men will pick it up...not)
12. Keys (to unlock secret gardens)
13. Neiman Marcus shoe shapers (ok, maybe those need to be in some shoes...)
14. Phone (Because I like carrying around a half working phone)
15. Receipts (I buy things)
16. Extra camera battery (Don't want to run out of batteries just in case I see Bigfoot)
17. Rubber bands (to fling at annoying people)
18. Bobby pins (every girl who pincurls her hair knows bobby pins are always everywhere. EVERYWHERE.)
19. Ted Lapidus pheasant scarf (to protect from rain and wind. Haha, no, it just looks awesome)
20. Vintage heart combs (just in case it's Valentines day and I don't remember)
21. Coach mini measuring tape (there are always pretty dresses to measure)
22. Rhinestone belt buckle (instant fabulous)
23. Passport (for those days I just need to hop a plane to Rome)
24. Longchamp wallet (holds multiple gift cards with only 98 cents left on them)
25. Vintage compact (for shiny noses checking lipstick)

Oh, and my camera, but it was taking the picture, sooo.....yeah.

Why I wear fox stoles, and plastic rain hoods

My favorite emails and comments are from people who tell me that reading my blog inspires them to be more themselves. Not more like me, not even more vintage, just more, well, them.

It can be difficult to be yourself, we have magazines, and television shows, and friends and peers all telling us what we should be. Telling us what is cool, and what will make us more popular and accepted.

When I was 14 I picked up a beauty magazine. It was awful. Biased to one type of woman, and none of those women were me. Nor were they what I wanted to be. So I put it down and decided I wouldn't pick up another beauty magazine until I was an adult, and was completely comfortable and confidant with myself. I consider that decision to have a huge impact in my teenage life, for I grew up to be what you see here every day. Thanks to the lack of that influence, among other things, I was able to decide at a seemingly early time in my life what I like, and accept it.

I've always had a soft spot for fox and mink stoles, but until a few years ago, told myself it was wrong to want something like that. Because everyone else said they were wrong. But I'd see them sitting in stores, unwanted, and sad, and needing a good home. People would pass by them and make faces, call them names, and not even want to touch them. I didn't want to be one of those people, I loved those little forgotten animals, and gosh darn it, I was going to save them from becoming cat toys and dust collectors.
So I adopted a few, and despite rude comments and dirty looks, I love them, and am happy to have finally accepted that even though lots of people think I shouldn't have them, I don't care. They don't have to love them. I will.

I like fox stoles, and plastic polka dot rain hoods, and sweaters with kittens on them, and ridiculous hats. Do I like them because the latest fashion magazine told me they are cool? No. I say they're cool. In my little world of handmade sweaters and untanned skin, I'm the coolest kid on the block.

I hope that you have the confidence to be who you are. Yeah, it can be hard sometimes if you're a bit different from everyone else, but whatever. If you want to wear a skirt made from pink cotton balls, do it. Do it someday. Do it everyday. If you want to write letters instead of emails, or collect pieces of thread, do it. You will be judged, just like you judge others, we all do it, but I hope you don't care what others think.

So there you have it, my thoughts on this and that. This blog is first and foremost a source of enjoyment for me. I love showing you my clothes, and love being surrounded by positive people and making new friends. After that it is for my readers, and while I'm very glad to have so many, and happy you enjoy my postings, I don't have this blog to please everyone's taste and needs. I have my own style, and so should you.

I know. Weird.

Studio courtesy of Urban Eccentric Vintage

So yeah, this is what I wore today. Kind of the opposite of yesterday.

Every once in a while I get bored with myself, and in turn, bored with my clothing choices. Don't get me wrong, I know I have some really nice, and fun clothes, but that is of course not the root of the problem.

Does anyone else get bored with themselves?

This outfit is something I would have worn in high school. Actually, I probably did, but thats beside the point. In school, and a short time following, I was bursting with creativity, ideas, and constantly busy with one project or another, whether I wanted to be or not. This led to going to college for apparel design at the Art Institute of Portland, which led to dropping out and staring an Etsy shop for my designs, which morphed into a little vintage shop, which then became a full time job, and that was that. But I was overwhelmed with working every minute at my day job or on Etsy, and stopped, and relaxed. And it's nice. I have time to knit.

I could bring that endless chaotic creativity back into my mind, but I know that means a bunch of unfinished projects laying around the house, ideas on sketchpads that never make it off the paper, and my mind always in a jumble of this and that.

I've controlled my creativity to a point where I can actually focus on things, and finish them (well, most of the time). But I don't think my brian is liking that very much anymore. Perhaps I should paint. Or draw. Or cover lampshades in dried bits of leaves and bunny fur.

That last one may be questionable.

I've stared thinking of ideas on what to do to keep my creative little brain happy, which is enough to get me out of this boredom for now. Perhaps I'll start an Etsy shop of nothing but cat portraits.

You know I'm not kidding about that one ;)

F.A.Q.s

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.

A few things that make me happy.

Waking up to this.


My coats (well, some of them).


Pretty messes.


My books


Stealing Sam's slippers.

What everyday things make you happy?

Sick days

Very sorry for the lack of posting this week, I've been sick and spend my spare time resting up. Actually yesterday and today kitty and I have taken cat naps all day, with a bit of knitting in between.

I knit. Not kitty, he just pounces on the yarn.

Anyway, hopefully things will be back to normal next week, maybe I'll even have my cardigan finished! Meanwhile, have a nice weekend everyone!

xoxo

"Bitter Much?"

Photos by Twila Jean

Sometimes readers ask if I get tired of compliments.

Compliments no, rude inquiries yes:

When I am at work (I work at a vintage store), people usually ask "Do they make you dress this way?"

When I am out and about, people ask "So are you in a play or something?"

And my favorite: "Where did you get your wig?"

Today while out with Twila Jean, we got asked a few too many times if we were in a play, or commercial, or whatever, I stopped listening.

Honestly I am mostly offended that a person who puts effort into their appearance, stands out so much that people think there must be a special reason for their effort. This doesn't just go for vintage gals, because I'm sure that if you have worn a dress and heels to the grocery store, you've been asked "You on your way to a wedding?"

I know I look different. I know I stand out. I know I get stares, but I have learned to be oblivious to all that. I think anyone who dresses differently can relate, vintage or not.

I enjoy talking about vintage to people, most are very nice and just curious, and most just want to tell me how much I remind them of their mother, grandmother, great aunt Bertha, etc. And thats pretty cool. I especially love talking vintage with younger people, because I hope that I can inspire interest in preserving the past through fashion. Or even just reassure them that being different is awesome, even if there are those out there who just don't get it.

Be who you want to be, even if people ask you stupid questions :)

1940s girl scout dress and scarf-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Belt-Thrifted

Shoes-Chie Mihara

Estate Sale

Whenever I mention estate sales on Vixen Vintage I get comments from international readers curious as to what exactly an estate sale is, as it's mostly a U.S. thing. So today when I went with my grandma, nana, and cousin pearl, I snapped some pictures after grabbing all the good stuff.
Basically an estate sale takes place after an individual passes away, and after the deceased's family takes what is important to them. All the persons items are collected and priced, and the house is open to the public, most often on weekend mornings.
Estate sale signs are posted on main roads and neighborhood streets directing treasure hunters to the house. You have to get there early if you want to get in first, and some vintage and antique dealers will get there hours early and wait in line if they think there is something there they want. It can get very competitive!

Anyway, this particular sale was terrific, I got loads of clothing and hats, most of the clothing I will sell on Etsy, but the hats are mine for keeps!

As you can see there is anything and everything at an estate sale, from towels and toilet paper, to dining sets and dressers. Some estate sales have items priced very affordably, and some are more like walking into an antique store! But if anything else, it's a great way to explore neighborhoods and see the insides of old homes :)

My grandma has been taking my to estate and garage sales since I was a little girl, and I just love them. It can be very suspenseful waiting outside a potential jackpot, and finding something excellent for nearly pennies is the best!

Sam's first tattoo

Yesterday my uncle Mav welcomed Sam into the family by giving him his first tattoo. Isn't it fantastic?

Sam handled it like a pro, and couldn't have had a better artist. My uncle Mav is one of the coolest people I know, and his work simply the best. He's a rare kind of man who wears slacks and button up shirts on a daily basis. I've only seen him wear blue jeans a few times in my life, and that was of course only to do yard work or paint the house, and they were always cuffed.
So it was a lot of fun to spend time with him in his shop, Deluxe Tattoo. Seriously, if you are in the Portland area and looking to get a top rate tattoo, thats the place to go. Say hi to my uncle Mav for me.

Cakes, pies, and tattoos.

Saturday my aunt invited me over to make a big batch of pie crusts with her and my cousins. Since it was going to be fathers day the next day, Pearl (the one in the black shirt) made her papa a Boston cream pie, and Ruth (the oldest) made a chocolate meringue pie, both turned out beautifully. As you can see baby Dottie also helped out :)
After we finished everyone piled into the car with the Boston cream pie, and we headed to Portland to surprise my uncle at work at Deluxe Tattoo. The girls always get temporary tattoos, and this time they colored them in, which was pretty cute. You can see more on that subject in a post I did here. Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

The Montage

Tonight a few Fab Gabs gals went out to dinner at The Montage, a delectable cajun style restaurant under the Morrison bridge. I had been there only once before and tried the alligator linguini, and I can officially say I'm not fond of alligator. But this time I got the Spold Mac, a mix of their classic mac and cheese, and the spicy mac and cheese, which has amazing cajun spices mixed in. It was faaaaaaaantastic! Their mac and cheese is so good, we all ordered a bowl!
Besides their yummy food, The Montage also is known for creating sculptures out of foil surrounding your leftovers. I made sure and leave a little mac and cheese just to see what I would get. I was made a beautiful rose, Julie got a bunny, and Lulu got a pretty kitty. I also saw a guy walk out the door with a full sized battle axe. I was a bit jealous.

I just got this dress from ModCloth today, and had planned on wearing it Sunday to a wedding (and still am), but I really couldn't wait to wear it. It's a new favorite. I don't actually have a basic black day dress, but always seem to need/want one. This is perfect. Though I was so excited to wear it, I didn't iron it very well, oops! Hope mom doesn't see.

She will, I'll hear about it tomorrow....

Beach Picnic Dress-Compliments of ModCloth

Reversible (yes, reversible) leopard coat-A gift from My aunt

Purse-Antique Warehouse

Hat-Magpie Vintage

Spider brooch-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Shoes-Gift from brother

Fox-Julie's

First photo by Lulu of Camera Bandit

Random pictures you've never seen from 1979. Apparently.

There's an auto folder in my iphoto labeled "1979". I don't know why it's labeled that way, it just appeared one day. It's full of random photos from random times, so here are some photos from ten years before I was born.

This is from my trip to California in March, at Laguna Beach.

This was a little book I was tempted to buy at The Vintage Collective

One of the many amazing houses in La Jolla. Oh, and the beach was 20 feet away. Yeah, one of my many dream houses.

A sailor outfit I don't think was ever posted. The pants are modern, one of the last items I still have from my trip to Rome. Yes, I've been to Rome, that is a post for another day, for I can go on and on about it.

The chandelier at Gustaves, we met up with friends for happy hour the other day there. Of course I wore my dirndl.

I see this guy every once in a while downtown Portland, either with this beautiful leopard like cat on his shoulder, or walking it on a leash. I call them shoulder cat and shoulder cat man.

California: Where the beaches are sprinkled in gold.