Very Marylin!

I was recently referred to the website eShakti. They make custom dresses. You find the one you like, and can choose from a predetermined size, or you can give them your measurements and preferences and they will customize it! The customization is just $7.50, which is really not bad for a perfect dress. I looked over the website, and found this dress:

It is hard to tell, but it is beige and black, not white and black houndstooth. The dress was a steal! They are currently (for the next 5 days) running a sale of 35% off the whole site! I have a referral code for $30 off your purchase. I want to know people want it before I post it, so leave comments below if you are interested. It expires the end of the month!

This dress makes me feel like Marylin from Seven Year Itch. I think if I just stood on an air vent, it would complete the look! It isn't identical, but it has a similar feel. The dress needed a belt, because it had an elastic waist, but that is just this dress. Most of them don't need an added belt.

Look into it! The website is wonderful!

The End of an Era

This isn't about vintage, but it is about one of my lifelong adventures that I have been on in the past.

Last Wednesday the final episode of Poirot premiered in the UK. I lost track of time, and when I discovered this, I promptly watched Curtain with my sister. We have yet to see Dead Man's Folly and The Labours of Hercules, but since my sister and I are only together every now and then, we had to watch the final one together.

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At the beginning of 1989 the first episode of the show with David Suchet premiered, introducing the jovial Captain Hastings, the fumbling Inspector Japp, and the orderly, though plain, Miss Lemon. It wasn't until about 10 years later that my family watched the show for the first time, by then more than 40 episodes had been produced. I would never forget that theme song...

Ever since then, Agatha Christie's Poirot is the only show that could get my entire family of seven in the same room at the same time. This is a feat, because we all have very diverse interests (from artist to engineer). Over the next few years, as all of us children went through teenagehood we lost touch with the show. When I was about 14 or so, my younger sister and I re-explored it together. This is when I began to read the books.

I became obsessed. I have yet to read all of the books, but I have read dozens over the past several years. Sometimes I take a break, because I feel that my mind is starting to over analyze every day life to see if a murderer is in my midst. (I suggest you go to Jeannie's Book Store on High Street in Portsmouth, right after Frederick, and just before London, next to the Goodwill, if you live in the area).

I began writing Murder Mystery Parties, casting each of my friends as characters that I had written expressly for them, choosing my murderer wisely. I would cook up a 5 course meal for 10-15 people, play the part of a servant, and let the games begin. There were times when I would even play the part of Poirot, casting my younger sister as Hastings, my older sister as Japp, and my dear friend Leslie as Miss Lemon.

 

My wine was poisoned and I collapsed on the stairs.

 I was not afraid to stuff my shirt for the role of Poirot!

Poirot has been a part of my life for over a decade and a half, and has been around for almost a decade longer (the television show). The era has ended, and the most luxurious portrayal of murder on television is gone. No one will ever be able to play Hercule Poirot as well as David Suchet, no one ever has. Not even on Murder on the Orient Express. His version strays from the book, but satisfied the true nature of Poirot. Poirot would never have let someone get away with murder; it is completely out of his character, but that version made it work.

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The final episode culminates with the perfect solution to the perfect crime, solved by the most ingenious of all detectives. Goodbye, my dear Belgian friend, and all of your helpers!

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I am the Teacher from Leave it to Beaver!

I went to the opera last night, and got all done up with vintage everything, from stockings to hat. However, my camera is acting up still, and I cannot figure out why. As soon as I can get it to work again I will have pictures of my last costume and my Opera outfit.

However, I was able to take pictures on with my computer of the new outfit that I bought when out today with my roommate and good friend Morgan. We tried to go to the Goodwill Outlet in our area, but alas, it moved much farther than we were willing to drive, at least today. So we drove around and came across a thrift store called Second Hand thrift store.

While there I got a handmade Christmas wreath, a vintage wool pleated skirt, and a zip-front sweater:

The quality isn't great, but you can see the red and blue of the skirt in the first picture, and some of the detailing on the sweater in the second. (On the far right of the first picture is the wreath, though you can't really see it).

This outfit screams Leave it to Beaver to me.

That is Ms. Landers

I am studying to be a teacher, and feel this outfit will suit me well while working in a school. Most of my wardrobe is like that, at least now. Shirt dresses and pleated or a-line skirts. Once I decided to become a teacher the wiggle dresses and pencil skirts faded out (though they are still a plenty), and the "Teacher Uniform" came in. Maybe it is because my grandmother was a teacher, and she gave me much of her clothing.

Okay, I'm done rambling. Anyway, I have become the Teacher from Leave it to Beaver, and I love it!

Me and Joan

Yesterday I mentioned that I have started re-watching Mad Men. Last year I was so obsessed that I watched the show to see every detail of Joan's wardrobe. I emulated her look daily. I was Joan. I did this for at least a year:

Okay, I had blue hair for a brief period, and I still had to sport the wiggle dress and beehive.

Even when in a Showcase for a Musical Theatre Camp that I taught for I had a beehive and pencil dress (we are performing I'd Do Anything from Oliver!)

Pencil skirt and silk blouse.

Ruffles at the bust while thrifting (sorry it is so blurry)

This is the same dress that I wore to a birthday party.

So, you see, I became Joan. I decided that if I could pinch any fabric, the dress was not tight enough. I mastered the Beehive, the curl set, and the wiggle walk. I bought my own version of the pen necklace, seen in the picture above (it is a row of triangles). I learned the makeup, and eventually dyed my hair flame red. A while of not watching the show, and I stopped dressing this way. I stayed vintage, but let the silhouette become looser and I even started exploring circle skirts.

After getting back into the show I decided to give it another go and break out one of my pencil skirts and shirts with collar details. I did my hair up, and here is me today:

Sorry it is a little green, but you can see the wiggle outfit. I know my hair isn't in a beehive, but I distinctly remember Joan sporting hair similar in season one. This is a Season One Joan outfit, that I just love.

If it weren't for my job I would get rid of everything that is not this tight.

Re-exploring Mad Men

Yesterday felt like two days. I woke up early to vote, then went to an appointment. I was done before 11. I sat in my apartment for a while, when, finally I decided to finish repairing my Christmas skirt (which will be revealed later). When that was done I went out to get Christmas decorations and did up the living room of my apartment. So much, but so little was done. I mean, so many things that took so little time.

So, after re-watching something I have re-watched too many times to mention, I decided to go back into Mad Men. It is so luxurious.

Suits, classic skirts, beautiful jewelry, hair and makeup done to perfection. I had forgotten how much I loved it. It makes me want to get all done up just to go to for a walk. I am working today, so that may cause some problems. Though, I won't lie I have worn a wiggle dress to watch the girls. I want to put on a dress like this:

and head to work. Betty could watch children and keep house in a shirt dress and crinoline, so I can too!

I love Mad Men because of the fashion, but also because of the history. It portrays a time period that is coated in a golden sheen, a time of harmony, as it really was: a time of social turmoil. Women were either housewives or secretaries looking to become housewives. Men were business men who had to go to work every day, and turned to loose women in order to feel more fulfilled.

I have always been interested in the history of the 50's and 60's. So much change went on socially, and this change is often muddled because the people who were alive then, who are alive now, were children at the time, and children always think their childhood was golden. Sorry to go on a long rant, but I love history! Especially mid-20th century history.

I encourage you all to look into the show, it is really enjoyable. It is visually beautiful, the plots are interesting, and the characters unique. And...Christina Hendricks and Joan doesn't hurt:

Hallowe'en Day: Costume 1

I said I would be a character from Theatre of Blood earlier, but then I remembered I had this dress:

A few weeks ago I wore it to be Queen Elizabeth I for a college event. Today I broke it out again. I put it on, and I went through all the possibilities of who I would be. I remembered this dress by Grace Kelly:

 Though her dress has sleeves, and isn't as full, I could see this being a dress she might wear. However, my hair was looking darker than normal today, and I thought of Marilyn:

It did feel quite like this in my dress, thought without the off-the-shoulder sleeves.

I decided this was it. I have darker hair, especially today, but I felt as lovely as ever being Marilyn for Hallowe'en. I told some people I was Cinderella, but, really, I was Marilyn. I curled my hair a little bit, put in a bump, and lots of sparkly jewelry (Diamond's are a girl's best friend!).

Hallowe'en Costumes: Betty Draper

Today I do my second Hallowe'en costume idea. Tomorrow I am going to take a break from costumes and discuss hosting a vintage Hallowe'en party!

Our costume for today is an easy one, well, less complicated than the Monkees, but probably more pieces to get together. Betty Draper/Francis dresses as the iconic 50's housewife with a bit of edge. I will discuss how to get the Betty Draper in Rome and Betty Draper at home costumes.

Betty at Home:

This look is pretty easy to achieve. You need a shirt dress with a circle skirt. Here is a pattern from Etsy, it costs 14.50. You can find some already made dresses on Etsy as well. You can try thrifting or do what I did and ask your grandmother!

Underneath this dress you need a crinoline. The crinoline will make the skirt full, giving that distinct Betty look. You should wear stockings too, but these are not necessary for a Hallowe'en costume.

Next, you need a strand of pearls, simple stud earrings, and a classic sliver watch (remember when Don tried to bribe her to stay out of therapy?) For shoes pick a pair of simple kitten heels that match.

Alright, now that you have gotten your costume together, it is time for hair and makeup. She always sports the cat-eye makeup. For this is pretty simple:

Step 1: Cover your face in powder, eyelids and all.
Step 2: Paint on liquid eyeliner across the lash line and give it a little flick on the outer edge, and let dry.

Step 3: Put on mascara on the top lashes only, making it heavier on the outer edges.

Step 4: Use a pale eyeshadow, champagne, pale pink, or white will do.

Step 5: Lastly, put on pink blush on your cheekbones, concentrating at the apples of your cheeks.

Voila! Betty Draper makeup!

For hair, she typically wore it down with a little curl. I can get a look similar by parting my hair to the side, and using a curling iron to curl in all of the ends of my hair. On the right side (the longer side of the part, that could be different on you) I use the curling iron to make a curl that will frame the face.

After this, you have your Betty Draper costume!

Betty in Rome:

Everyone remembers Betty's Rome costume:

Last year I went to the opera and I channeled this costume! For this let's start with hair and makeup.

Her beehive is to die for in this episode, however, it is pretty difficult to achieve. I found this hair tutorial on the Glamorous Housewife blog that gives a classic Betty updo:

This is not too hard. I edit these directions by either using a bump-it to make the beehive taller, or tease it extra to make it as big as you can. Next, I take a brooch and pin it in the middle of the hive in the front:

(That is my roommate with me in blue) It is hard to see in this picture, but I did make my hair very tall that night. Also, I have bangs, so I curled them in and on the end I added a little extra curl.

For makeup I would start with the makeup steps I listed earlier. I would add:
Lengthen the wings a little longer, and line the outer edge on your lower lash line.
Dark eyeshadow across the lid extending to the tips of the wings.
Use a lighter eyeshadow (in the same color) across the top, leaving a little room between the eyebrow and the shadow.
Use white or pale gold shadow just under the brow and in the tear ducts.
Put on a neutral lipstick.

For the dress you need a knee length black dress. I have a dress that is black sequins on the top half, velvet on the bottom, and bead fringe between. Something like this, on Etsy:



She pairs this with black stockings; a long bead necklace with pearls, black beads, and gold beads; long earrings with gold beads at the bottom; and black heels (strappy sandals, stilettos, etc).

I am hoping to be able to make a picture tutorial for the makeup and hair for her at home wear tomorrow.

Hallowe'en Costumes: The Monkees

Hallowe'en is a week from Thursday, so over the next week and a half I am going to post three or four costume ideas.

Today, I am going to do the classic television show/Beatles knock-off band The Monkees. The Monkees look is easy to attain for both men and women. They wore collared shirts, trousers (rarely jeans, except Mike, and boots). I am proud to admit that as a teenager I was obsessed and replicated the look daily. I even made a Nesmith hat, or Nezhat, and wore it every day for about six months (and two of those were part of a very hot summer).

Step 1:

The first step to get a Monkees look is the hair. They had the classic Beatle-bob cut:

You see the side part on their hair? The hair is long (ish), straight, and smooth, with bangs.

For a Mike costume you would want to add the hat. The Nesmith Hat. See the one in the picture above? It is a wool hat with matching pom. That is all. Typically they are in green, but they can, really, be any color. I have seen him wear red, blue, black, white, and grey. Plop the hat on top of the bob and you have the start of your costume.

Later on Micky (second from right) sported an afro, which is also an option for variation.

Step 2:

The next step is the shirt. Sometimes in the show they would wear suits, but in general the look was a double breasted shirt, or a shirt with a loud print, as you can see above.

For a Mike (left) look you would wear a bright color with a short psychedelic tie that goes with (but not necessarily matches) your pants. And don't forget the hat!

For a Peter look (center) you would wear a tunic shirt (very hippie) with several strands of love beads instead of a tie.

For a Micky (not pictured) and Davy (right) look wear a double breasted shirt (first picture) in a solid color (red, blue, or black preferably), or a button up shirt with a loud pattern. These two would sometimes wear some love beads, but not as much Peter.

Later on for Micky, he took to wearing a tablecloth as a poncho:

Note the afro and the poncho

Step 3:

The second to last step for the Monkees costume is pants along with a belt:


For a Mike costume you could wear corduroy or jeans (he is from Texas); notice the subtle pin stripe in his pants.

For Peter, wear grey, brown, or tan trousers (a good neutral). They can be corduroy, but not denim. Lastly, buckle your belt to the side. Peter did this to be different.

Micky and Davy, again, are similar in costume. Wear neutral trousers, not corduroy or denim. Buckle the belt in the center. Micky sometimes wore louder pants, but as a rule he stuck to neutrals.

For a female variation I wore high waisted skirts with a slight A-line or a loose pencil skirt. I paired these with a thick belt like the ones in the picture.

Step 4:

The last step for a Monkees costume is the boots and shoes.

In general they wore a Beatle-boot. See above picture. The boot has a slight heel (one inch or so), a slightly pointed toe, and came up a little above the ankle. For a female variation I wore three inch heeled booties that laced up the front

However, Peter took to wearing moccasins later on the more he became involved in the hippie movement. One warning, though, if you do Peter's complete look you might get mistaken for a hippie, not a Monkee.


This is me when I was a teenager, and did a Mike photo shoot with my sister.

Hopefully you can find a good costume!