Sneak Peeks and the Kiddie Pool

It's Saturday afternoon and I'm currently at a local Mexican dive restaurant, drinking margaritas. Scheduled posts rock.

I've been remiss lately but wanted to pop in and say "Heeeaayyyy", as well as share some choice "coming soon" items with you, my loyal and lovely blog readers.

Your eyes do not deceive you. It's an early 1980s black Adidas track suit with red stripes and embroidered trefoil logos. On the chest and hip. Men's (adult unisex) size L, in very good condition.

The gorgeous model you guys can't seem to name is looking sassy in a 1960s POP swirl tank suit with U- back. Unworn, with original hygienic liner in place. About a modern US 6- 8 with bullet bra cups in the full B to C range.

 Ulster 100% linen tea towel with bucolic horse and farm scene. Original creases in place. Made in Ireland, of course.

And now you know where the kiddie pool comes in. George loves laying around in his little dude- sized pool.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!



It's Friday already?

Where oh where did this week go?

I've spent most of it feeling sickly and am actually starting to feel a bit better. Not amazing, but alive. Sort of like the kid who takes all week off of school, only to miraculously recover in time to go roller- skating or to the movies or something.

There will be more posting next week, when I'm hoping to be able to breathe and sleep and eat.

Until then, a pair of vintage ads that made me smile through the pain this week:

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Vintage Rescue + Winner Annouced!

When it comes to vintage clothing and accessories, I am a purist.

For example, maxis should never become minis unless damaged beyond repair. If it is stained or has large holes, a mini is better than no dress at all. 

Simple alterations to make an item fit you? Of course!

On occasion, I come across damaged vintage that can not be otherwise used.

 Like this large size 1960s black lizard bag that tugged at my heart strings. The body looks fantastic, the strap was barely attached on one side.

 Cracking, splitting, tears to the lizard and the inner leather layer- a complete loss.

I removed what was left of the original strap.

 I have a pile of damaged belts and vintage hardware for just this reason- sometimes an item can be saved if rethought. A heavy gold tone metal chain link belt (from about the same era), split into two sections (shoulder and hand length), then attached to the original brackets at the top.

 The clasp is a brighter, brushed gold tone but the overall look is luxe and timeless. Not original, but a very good fit and now an enjoyable piece of history.

I'll almost always use as a shoulder bag but do like the hand carry option. Both straps look equally great swagging against the glossy lizard skin body.

Contest update:

There were two entries I really liked but in the end, "Mrs. Robinson" won out.

"Suzi Quatro" was an inspired suggestion and will be used for a variation of the classic Mrs. Robinson. Or a reinterpretation of an Aviation. 

Thanks to all who entered! 

 While Emily's e-mailed suggestion noted that she didn't want a prize, she did score this dress last week, after I force- fed her copious amounts of wine. And cookies were hand- delivered last weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Snarky Signage

You know all about my love of funny food packaging. Did you know it applies to signage as well?

The deer hopped over the barn, the deer hopped over the barn. With a taxidermy sign attached to his arse.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Friday! Happy National Punctuation Day!

Another week is coming to an end. It has been a busy, busy one around here. 

Part of my week was spent under the needle, getting the right side of this diagram tattooed on my upper right arm.



I'm getting this "untattooable" (according to another artist at a local, well- reviewed tattoo shop) work done at Tattooed Heart Studios, by the uber- talented Markuss Decker. One more sitting in a few weeks and we'll be all done!

 Between this project and random life occurrences (new car, anyone?), you, my lovely blog followers, have been all but ignored this week. Yes, I think of you often but my (lack of) blogging is the easiest to put on the back- burner when time becomes an issue.

Because it is Friday, this is a short and sweet post, just my way of letting you know I care.

Finally, today is a holiday that must be supported and celebrated. Happy National Punctuation Day!

You know how I'll be celebrating come cocktail hour. Enjoy your first weekend of Fall and always watch your punctuation.

Purses as works of art?

Yup, it is Friday the 13th! I did venture to the post office today for a very important reason. Mostly I spent the day at home, photographing lots of new vintage goodies that will be listing soon.

Looking around every single room in my house, I find vintage and retro items that inspire me. I've shown you some artwork and furniture already. Today, let's focus on display pieces that really change the feel of a room.

This antique trunk doubles as blanket storage and as a coffee table in the guest room. Lucky guests are allowed to play Simon.

Turn of the century "A Lunatic" metal trunk holds an original Simon game, copyright my birth year.

I spend quite a bit of time in my office. And I have a severe vintage bag addiction. My office needed something on the walls and screamed for pegboard displays. 1960s framed student fashion drawings hang off to the left, bags ranging from a 1940s wool clutch with mink front to a 1960s Morris Moskowitz crocheted straw bag with gold chain strap.

The black bag display.

The colored bag wall- featuring bakelite handles, a kelly green satin and lucite evening bag, a floral tapestry bag with bamboo handle... And so much more.

The colored bag display.

And the reason for today's trip to the post office? My Facebook page's contest winner was Lisa of Weezi fame. She picked a crazy pink silk and velvet floral petal hat with pearl detailing, circa early 1960s.

Here I am, modelling the winning hat.

Here is the hat on my display head.

Here's to a wonderful weekend, with or without crazy retro hats!