Ahhh Halloween, the time for girl to look like the sexed up version of Little Bo Peep. Here are some images of my favorite "sexy" costumes. What shall I be??
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Getting to be that time of year...halloween costume shopping
So what does a vintage girl like myself do when it comes time for halloween, what do I wear?? Well according to a favorite website of mine Pinupgirlclothing.com, I wear anything that has only about 3 inches of fabric. hahaha. Seriously, when did I go from dressing like strawberry shortcake to "tramps are us"??? hahaha
Ahhh Halloween, the time for girl to look like the sexed up version of Little Bo Peep. Here are some images of my favorite "sexy" costumes. What shall I be??
Ahhh Halloween, the time for girl to look like the sexed up version of Little Bo Peep. Here are some images of my favorite "sexy" costumes. What shall I be??
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
AMC Mad Men
My new favorite show right now is "Mad Men". Love Love Love! this show. Not only does it fit into my love of anything vintage, but the story lines are awesome and filled with sex, drama and really great clothes.
If you have not seen it yet, get on it. You can see all episodes online and AMC is always showing repeats. Right now it is in season 2.
It also just won an Emmy for BEST DRAMA. So you know it is good.
http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
6 tips for the vintage Virgin
I love vintage clothes shopping, but like many people I run into major issues when trying to find that perfect "original". Mostly size, uggh :P But don't fear there are options for you And me! Below is a great article I recently read on how to get out there and face your "vintage fears".
What should you start with if you’re hesitant to embrace the vintage lifestyle?
They say that history has a way of repeating itself. I say that history has a way of biting you in a place no Hammer Pants should go. Historical fashions have, indeed, made their comeback. They can be seen anywhere from the red carpet to the halls of a university campus and there are many reasons why this could be. Green advocates enjoy recycling clothes and the idea of a reusable resource. Fashionistas appreciate the exclusiveness of their wardrobe. History junkies take pleasure knowing their clothes have defied decades. Whatever the reason may be, this trend is at the forefront of today’s fashion. Rest assured the Vintage Mecca is simply a hop, skip and a subway ride away. Here are some tips on how to make your experience run as smoothly as possible.
Make a Day of It
Vintage shopping takes time and patience. You need to be willing to spend a great deal of time sifting through items you wouldn’t be caught dead in if it means finding that one piece you would die without. If you are an impatient shopper or are in a rush, you will likely become frustrated and boycott the entire experience. Bring your best shopping buddy for a second opinion and some moral support.
Have a Game Plan
In order to save you time and aggravation, know what you are looking for before you enter a boutique. This way, you can narrow your focus on a particular section of a store and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Also, if you know what you are looking for, you can better develop an eye for what you want. In little to no time, you will be a vintage guru.
Befriend a Seamstress.
Do not expect to find a piece that fits like a glove. A size 6 thirty years ago may not fit the same as a size 6 today, so try your treasures on for size. You may be able to alter the garment to your preference. Be sure to consider whether a trip to the seamstress is worth the effort. If you’re feeling a little creative, take up sewing and do the alterations yourself. You will have the added satisfaction of making the piece even more unique than it already is.
Not Ready to Go All the Way?
If you feel uncomfortable wearing someone else’s clothes, there are other options to take it slow. Buy accent pieces to spruce up your modern wardrobe: a vintage purse or perhaps some jewellery. You may become enamoured with some of the fabrics vintage boutiques have to offer. Consider using a piece for its pattern and texture, and consult your seamstress friend for a little guidance.
The Once Over
Do not be blinded by the thrill of the find. You may be ecstatic to find that original electric blue Mohair sweater, but give it a good look before running to the checkout. Not all fabrics can be fixed by a simple thread and needle, and not all stains can be removed in the wash. Pay extra attention to the underarms or malfunctioning zippers.
Be Impulsive
Survival of the fittest: buy or be prepared to be pushed out of the way. A vintage boutique is full of things that are one of a kind. People appreciate the uniqueness of a garment. If you are contemplating a purchase, know that there is a good chance it will not be available when, and if, you are ever ready. You can afford to be impulsive in this case, so live a little.
Vintage shopping can be both fun and addictive if you are not turned off by your initial experience. So take your time and enjoy it. Make it so you’ll never forget your first.
Article by Jessica Bianchi
What should you start with if you’re hesitant to embrace the vintage lifestyle?
They say that history has a way of repeating itself. I say that history has a way of biting you in a place no Hammer Pants should go. Historical fashions have, indeed, made their comeback. They can be seen anywhere from the red carpet to the halls of a university campus and there are many reasons why this could be. Green advocates enjoy recycling clothes and the idea of a reusable resource. Fashionistas appreciate the exclusiveness of their wardrobe. History junkies take pleasure knowing their clothes have defied decades. Whatever the reason may be, this trend is at the forefront of today’s fashion. Rest assured the Vintage Mecca is simply a hop, skip and a subway ride away. Here are some tips on how to make your experience run as smoothly as possible.
Make a Day of It
Vintage shopping takes time and patience. You need to be willing to spend a great deal of time sifting through items you wouldn’t be caught dead in if it means finding that one piece you would die without. If you are an impatient shopper or are in a rush, you will likely become frustrated and boycott the entire experience. Bring your best shopping buddy for a second opinion and some moral support.
Have a Game Plan
In order to save you time and aggravation, know what you are looking for before you enter a boutique. This way, you can narrow your focus on a particular section of a store and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Also, if you know what you are looking for, you can better develop an eye for what you want. In little to no time, you will be a vintage guru.
Befriend a Seamstress.
Do not expect to find a piece that fits like a glove. A size 6 thirty years ago may not fit the same as a size 6 today, so try your treasures on for size. You may be able to alter the garment to your preference. Be sure to consider whether a trip to the seamstress is worth the effort. If you’re feeling a little creative, take up sewing and do the alterations yourself. You will have the added satisfaction of making the piece even more unique than it already is.
Not Ready to Go All the Way?
If you feel uncomfortable wearing someone else’s clothes, there are other options to take it slow. Buy accent pieces to spruce up your modern wardrobe: a vintage purse or perhaps some jewellery. You may become enamoured with some of the fabrics vintage boutiques have to offer. Consider using a piece for its pattern and texture, and consult your seamstress friend for a little guidance.
The Once Over
Do not be blinded by the thrill of the find. You may be ecstatic to find that original electric blue Mohair sweater, but give it a good look before running to the checkout. Not all fabrics can be fixed by a simple thread and needle, and not all stains can be removed in the wash. Pay extra attention to the underarms or malfunctioning zippers.
Be Impulsive
Survival of the fittest: buy or be prepared to be pushed out of the way. A vintage boutique is full of things that are one of a kind. People appreciate the uniqueness of a garment. If you are contemplating a purchase, know that there is a good chance it will not be available when, and if, you are ever ready. You can afford to be impulsive in this case, so live a little.
Vintage shopping can be both fun and addictive if you are not turned off by your initial experience. So take your time and enjoy it. Make it so you’ll never forget your first.
Article by Jessica Bianchi
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What is Lindy Hop?
For as long as I can remember I have been in love with Big Band music and the dancing that goes with it, but growing up in a blue collar town did not allow me to take any swing dancing (line dancing yes, swing..no). It was not till I moved to Toronto that I found out that there is tons of dancing to be had not only IN Toronto but all over the world! So after that, the rest is history I started with West coast (my other love) and moved onto Lindy Hop.
For those who don't know what Lindy is or have seen it before, I am going to attempt to give you a brief overview.
According to Wikipedia:
Lindy Hop is an African American dance that evolved in New York City in 1927. It is a fusion of many dances that preceded it or were popular during its development but is mainly based on jazz, tap, breakaway and charleston. Lindy Hop co-evolved with jazz music and is a member of the swing dance family. It is frequently described as a jazz or street dance.
In its development, Lindy Hop combined elements of both solo and partner dancing by using the movements and improvisation of African dances along with the formal eight-count structure of European partner dances. This is most clearly illustrated in Lindy's basic step, the swingout. In this step's open position each dancer improvises alone; in its closed position men and women dance together — a practice usually forbidden in African dances.
Revived in the 1980s by American, Swedish, and British dancers, Lindy Hop dancers and organizations can now be found in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
Here are some links to some great Lindy Hop. From the original Lindy Hoppers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTg5V2oA_hY
To some Lindy today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg2yd-xD5RA
Enjoy :)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
First entry into my new blog
Hi Everyone! My name is Liz and this is my blog. First off welcome and thanks for reading. My goal with this site is too give you some insight into my world of swing dancing, vintage clothing, music etc. I want to use this blog not only as a way to tell you about my loves but to promote events and other sites that make my life the vintage world that it is.
My ultimate goal is that maybe this site will interest a person or two to take dancing lessons or buy that Glenn Miller CD from the discount rack at HMV :)
Enjoy!
So to start off, I have exciting news. A week from Saturday I am posing for a vintage pinup calender shoot here in Toronto (where I live). The inspiration (Gil Elvgren). Want a great site to see all his pics? Check out http://www.elvgrenpinup.com/ Awesome site!
Anyways my shoot will revolve around my picture on this blog. I can't cook to save my life, so I thought it would be fun if we did my pictures around Liz burning something in the kitchen hahahaha. My boyfriend when he heard that was the inspiration could not stop laughing, since he is the cook in the relationship (by desperation I think.LOL).
I can't wait! For this shoot. It will be great pictures too look back on when I am 80 and remember how hot I use to be! "grandma..wow you were one pretty lady" is what I can hear now. hehehe
Once I get the pictures in my hand, I will post some on this site for all to see.
Ohhhh did I tell you that I am excited!!! hehehe
My ultimate goal is that maybe this site will interest a person or two to take dancing lessons or buy that Glenn Miller CD from the discount rack at HMV :)
Enjoy!
So to start off, I have exciting news. A week from Saturday I am posing for a vintage pinup calender shoot here in Toronto (where I live). The inspiration (Gil Elvgren). Want a great site to see all his pics? Check out http://www.elvgrenpinup.com/ Awesome site!
Anyways my shoot will revolve around my picture on this blog. I can't cook to save my life, so I thought it would be fun if we did my pictures around Liz burning something in the kitchen hahahaha. My boyfriend when he heard that was the inspiration could not stop laughing, since he is the cook in the relationship (by desperation I think.LOL).
I can't wait! For this shoot. It will be great pictures too look back on when I am 80 and remember how hot I use to be! "grandma..wow you were one pretty lady" is what I can hear now. hehehe
Once I get the pictures in my hand, I will post some on this site for all to see.
Ohhhh did I tell you that I am excited!!! hehehe
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