Pretty Pink Purchases

Sometimes you just gotta get some cute things to make a place more yours.

I noticed a theme in some of my recent purchases. A lot of pink things!

Everything but the Hand Food came from Daiso! It all makes me smile so much when I see them!

Easter Fashions from Calling All Girls

A while back, my friend Megan and I hit up a sale at a vintage shop called 'Frock You! Vintage' They had a bunch of vendors from other places, and I lucked out finding someone who sold magazines. Sadly, I didn't get her card, but the magazine is called 'Calling All Girls'.

It was a magazine for teenage girls, which gave them tips on growing up, dating, getting a job, all the latest fashions, and things the average teenage girl in the 40's needed to know.

I lucked out and got the March 1946 issue, which shows some spring and Easter fashions.

Do any of you have any teen-age magazines from this era?

Would you wear a brim hat?

February Update

I posted up a little Vlog to talk about my February

And here are some of the darling gifts from Janey

I am just in love with this parasol. I need to re-vamp my Waitress Tiana costume, and come up with an adorable Disneybound as well.

The amount of love and attention to detail Janey puts into these parasols is impeccable. When I get more cash, I'm going to commission another from her!

I was surprised when I received a text asking if I wanted a vintage train case with 'stickers or no stickers' I gleefully responded 'with stickers!' And was given this gorgeous Samsonite case.

I was also gifted the Sleepy Hollow comic, but I've yet to read it, since it's break I have free time!

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd have such a sweet selfless friend such as Janey. I can't wait till we next hang out! <3 br="">

And here is the progress for my cardigan.

Are any of you working on any projects?

Do you have an amazing friend?

Any new vintage acquisitions? 

Vintage instructional films

Something I've been amusing myself with lately have been vintage instructional films. Most I'd see when I'd sneak and watch MST3K as a kid, but I figure as I've gotten older, I can appreciate them for what they were.

They're surprisingly interesting, from a historical standpoint, and many can offer some helpful tips on caring for ones body and hair, and even saving money. Granted you ignore a lot of the blatant sexism in some of them.


Body Care and Grooming

Good Grooming for Girls

Your Thrift Habits

I was annoyed I couldn't find a pair of Simplicity pattern videos (Not Pattern for Smartness) from the early 60's I believe. So, have this supermarket checker video.

How to be an effective supermarket checker

Do any of you have any videos that amuse you lately?
 Do any of you remember these videos?

What I'm up to

This month started off fairly relaxed, but as life does its thing, it began to be a bit more busy.

I started back to school last week, and I'm scribbling up a nice time management planner, in addition to my little mini planner where I keep in my due dates for assignments.

I might have mentioned before I'm taking a millinery course. It's 'flat pattern' millinery, and in the class, we will learn to either make a pillbox hat, or a sailor hat in eight weeks.

I'm thinking a sailor hat with a tilted up brim. But as of writing, I'm scouring online sources, and some of the free patterns Tanith listed. 


The other course I'm taking is called Advanced Pattern Design, also called 'Collections' by people in the department. I'll essentially be designing a 3-5 garment line to showcase at our schools end of year fashion show. (If you're local to me, I will hound you to purchase tickets, you've been warned.)

I have to turn this book into my newest best friend, and keep a nice little bookelet of inspiration. And screech a lot because this class will be a time and energy suck.


After x-mas, I decided to start knitting up the Datemaker Cardigan. 

I stopped at the armhole shaping, because I got confused and messed up in pattern somewhere. So I put in a lifeline, and knit up to a certain point. 

But as I fanned this out for photos, It seems I have messed up in pattern towards the beginning of the knitting. So, I'll rip it back, and start a new. If anyone has any tips on keeping in pattern during the armhole shaping, do let me know. The written directions were quite confusing to me.


And to keep myself content and happily amused, I play a bit of Animal Crossing: New Leaf

This is still tiding me over until I am able to afford Happy Home Designer.


What are you all up to?
Are any of you taking any courses?
Do you play video games to relax?

Review: Besame Cake Mascara

Back in September, Besame Cosmetics was at Dapper Day. Sadly, I was not. Each Dapper Day, they do a little scavenger hunt, and this time they did a 'digital version' The winners got to choose some items, and luckily I won! I chose the new Black Cake Cake Mascara.

I was intrigued! Mascara, not in a tube?! I had to try it, for science, of course.

Now, at the time I got some mascara spoolies from my last visit to Sephora, and used them for this demonstration. They worked great!

It was interesting to use water to activate the cake mascara, but it went very well. Just wet the brush, wiggle it back and forth on the cake, and apply to the lashes as usual.

(If that video doesn't work, here is the Instagram link)

I applied the mascara, and also used it to darken my eyebrows. My mom loved it, and asked if I was wearing false lashes!

During the December holidays, there was a sale on the mascara brushes, and lip brushes. I splurged a bit on the cute brushes. The mascara spooly one I've yet to use, but I used the eyeliner one. 

It takes me a lot to get the makeup to show on my skin, so there are a lot of layers involved. It's a smidge annoying, but I guess that's all part of the self-pampering ritual. Makes me feel a bit like an Old Hollywood Starlet, haha!

All in all. I love this mascara, but I am a bit annoyed with the container being cardboard. I understand it's now 100% biodegradable, but I can't just throw it in my purse and say, touch up my brows or liner without something happening, or something gross getting into it. If I correctly recall, the original Besame cake mascara was in a little plastic package, more reminiscent of the original ones of the 30's. But, as being green and environmentally friendly is happening with more companies, I understand the change.

Have any of you used the cake mascara?

Do you think you'd add it to your vanity table?

Thank you for reading!

Note- I received the cake mascara free from Besame, and I purchased the brushes with my own money. I am receiving no compensation from Besame Cosmetics for this review. I have used affiliate links in this post.

4 ways to get back your sewing mojo

Now like every human being, we loose our mojo on certain things we like. One that is extremely annoying is losing your sewing mojo, and sewing is one of your favorite things in the world.

I'll give you four tips that help me re-gain my mojo, and might help you too!

1. Figure why you're unmotivated.

I got very overwhelmed with school and various stressors from life last semester, it severely effected my final project, and I covered my sewing machine up, because I got sick of seeing it. Now don't get me wrong, I love sewing. I want to make it my future career! I have to sew a lot this coming semester, and I can't afford burnout! I was just so upset with myself over how things turned out, I felt guilty about the things I attempted to sew. And when you're not happy with what you're sewing, it really shows.

2. Look for inspiration.

I take to the internet, or family photos to find some kind of inspiration spark. I can peruse Pinterest, and find some adorable things I'd like to sew in the long run, and use that to keep going.Or I'll look at some of my favorite bloggers and see what lovely clothes they're wearing or making. I'll even go to my own closet and look at things I'd like to copy. I have a jacket I'd love to have in another color, and when I'm up to it, I'll figure how to copy the pattern.

3. Choose something simple.

Usually the smaller the item you're sewing, the less annoyed you'll be with it if you somehow mess up. I've gotten out of funks before by sewing up small doll clothes when I first started sewing. Then I moved up to small hankies, and now it's bras! Keep all your pieces together after you cut them out, and just work at it.

4. Work on something else.

Thankfully, I'm a woman of many skills. If I'm still overwhelmed with sewing, I'll get out some knitting, or crochet, or I'll start drawing. Anything to keep that creative side of the brain stimulated, so you're happy. Often when I'm working on something else, I'll think 'Oh I need to have a blouse to go with this sweater!' or 'This sketch is cute, I wonder if I can sew it up later.' and it'll give me a much needed kick in the ass to get back to sewing.

And there ou have it. 4 ways to get back to sewing.

Do any of you have any other ways you use to get your sewing mojo back?

What are you currently sewing?

Vlog- Flea Market/thrifting haul

Hello all, I decided to do a quick video on some items I got on my last flea market and thrifting adventure!



I said I was gonna take a photo of the scarf, but it's cold right now, so sorry.

2016 Goals

Alright, new year!! Woo Hoo!

                                                                       (source)



Lets talk goals for this year!! Now, as this time I have my final semester looming in the background and I have a very very labor intensive course (Collections, guess who gets to make her own fashion line in a small number of months?~) before I graduate. I will sort-of split these goals.

Blogging

- Post more/write posts in advance/vlog.
I am now mulling new ideas for the blog, and possibly some future vlogs!! I hope to at the very least post once a week. Two times if I'm really good about it!

-Consider sponsorships.
I keep thinking about it. I might do some for a short time, and if any one who's done them before has any advice, do let me know!

- Try to do a tutorial/freebie each month.
A friend keeps suggesting I do tutorials, because they are fun and helpful. I agree with them! I think one a month is a very attainable goal, so I shall try my darnest.

-Organize a blogger meet-up.
I know there are other vintage loving people in my city! But the only 'get togethers' I see aside from Tiki Oasis are flea-markets from what I can see. So I talked it over with a friend and she suggested I do a meet-up. I've never done a meet-up before, so any advice would be terribly welcomed.

Personal

- Exercise more.
I get stressed out a lot. When I exercise I feel better. I just need to exercise a lot more!

-Meet more people.
I'm a surprisingly shy and quiet person. I'd like to meet more people and make friends and acquaintances!

-Make the best damn collection that I can.
I have to make a clothing collection featuring 3-5 garments in the spring for my schools student run fashion show (If you are local to me, I'm going to be convincing you to go. You've been warned). I need to up all the skills I've learned in school to make a bad ass collection. I'll need a cheering squad.

-Go to more events.
I want to go to the LA Air Raid, thanks to Saras convincing I might try to make it out there! And there are a couple blog-worthy events local to me, so I'll attempt to attend!

So here we go, 8 simple goals that can hopefully fulfilled by June!

What about you, are you plotting any goals for the New Year?

Blogging resolutions check-in

I am so happy to see 2015 go. 

                                                                         (source)


Now at the beginning of the year, I made a resolution list! I kept it simple, and made it for blogging, and I think I did pretty darn well, all things considered.

PHOTOGRAPH EVERYTHING
Surpringingly, I did photograph a lot more things this year. But I lost it in a external HD error :( Ah well. I also did more photographing on my Instagram, so that counts, right?

Post more often
Well, despite racking in my second lowest number of posts in a year on this blog, I did scribble some up in advance, but I never used them! Some are December-sepcific posts, so I'll wait till next December to post.

Don't be afraid to talk to fellow bloggers
I'm so happy that the #VintageChat is a thing. I got to 'meet' some pretty nice folks through it this year. As well as making a better instagram presence, I've met more people that way, including some locals... who I need to find a way to physically hang out with!

Document my creations 
Welll. Life did that thing where it throws a wrench into everything, so I didn't make as much this year. Especially during my fall semester. School of course, comes first.

See, I did pretty darn well!

With school being on break, I finally have more to sew! I have a commission, some mending, and a personal project I hope to get done before my final semester starts.

Yep, I'm finally graduating! Taking two fun classes in the spring, and I'm excited for them!

I wanted to thank all of you for your continued support. You are all awesome and darling, and I hope all good things happen to you!

How was your 2015?

A Royal typewriting affair

If you're one of my pen pals, then you've probably got a lovely typed up letter from me. The letter was written on this darling typewriter I'm 'borrowing' from my grandmother.

This Royal 'Quiet de Luxe' typewriter was my grandmothers, she received it as a gift from her mother and uncle for her graduation from 9th to 10th grade. She wrote many an assignment on it throughout high school, then took it to California with her, and used it in college. My mom tells me she'd 'type letters' on it as a baby.

As a child, we had an Apple computer, but I learned and perfected my typing on the typewriter. I remember turning in type written assignments until I was in the 7th grade, and the typewriter stayed in the garage.

Until April, when I decided to dust it off, and clean it up a bit, and use it for correspondence.

Speaking of correspondence, would any of you delightful vintage lovers like to do something of a Vintage Pen Pal exchange? It would be simple: fill out a form, indicate where you'd prefer your pen pal to be from/things you like, etc, wait for me to pair you up, and start writing letters. How does that sound to you?

Do any of you all have a typewriter? Do you have pen pals?

Product Review: Besame Cosmetics French Vanilla Powder

Once again, I was captured by the allure of Besame Cosmetics and their gorgeous products. In April, I was in Downtown Disney with Janey, and we popped in Sephora to get myself some French Vanilla Face Powder.

The sales lady was very nice in taking me to the product, and nicely asked if I was buying this for myself (as I was going to originally going to get the regular vanilla powder), she said the French Vanilla powder would look better with my skin tone. Which, is fantastic and always something I like to hear.  I also wonder if their Cashmere powder would work...

The next day in my hotel room, I tried the powder on over my makeup. I honestly didn't see much of a difference, and started to worry. Fast forward to the  next few weeks when I wore just the powder, I began to see the light.

It knocked down the shiny spots on my face, lightly covered blemishes, and made it look like I got a full nights sleep! It looks natural, and it smells absolutely divine.
I've had it last me all day in 90F heat, with only having to touch it up maybe three times.
I normally wouldn't spend that much (22USD) on a powder, but I decided to treat myself that day as I deserve a bit of an indulgence. It's really lasting, and always amusing when I need to powder my nose, and her my grandma laugh at me.

So if you've got a slightly darker skin tone, and you love a modern vintage style stay powder, French Vanilla is perfect for you.


Note- This product was purchased with my own money, I am receiving no compensation from Besame Cosmetics for this review. I have used affiliate links in this post.

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers

Darling Hollie from Alexie RicRac  nominated me for this award, and as the last time I did a blog award thing was when I started this blog, I figured I'd do this.

Here are the rules for the award:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their site
• Put the award logo on your blog
• Answer the 10 questions that the blogger sent you
• Create 10 new questions for nominees to answer
• Nominate 10 bloggers and notify them!

Q&A

1. What is your favourite meal to cook?
   Confession time, I don't really cook a lot. Yeahhhh. I can make pasta something fierce!
2. Can you sew?
   Yes! I go to school for fashion design, and have been sewing for quite some time.
3. If you could live in any time in history, when would you live?
   I would not want to live in another period in history aside from this one. I like having a better amount of human rights and having vaccinations. But, that being said, I would love to visit Harlem during the famous Harlem Renaissance! And to see The Rat Pack live at the Sands in Las Vegas!
4. Where did you go on your last holiday?
   I don't really do vacations. I suppose you can say San Diego Comic Con was my last one, even though I was working it.
5. If you were told you could only do one thing for the rest of your life, what would that be?
   Sewing costumes. Either for myself, for friends, for theatre productions, whatever. I'd do that.
6. Polka dots or stripes?
   Polka dots!
7. Do you make new friends easily?
   Yes and no. I'm a very shy person, and unless right off the bat there is some common thing we share, I might stay pretty quiet. I can make a lot of acquaintances, and see how that pans out to a friendship
8. Would you prefer going to a live theatre show or a live concert?
   BOTH???? Ok, I'd reallllly love to see Hamilton on Broadway right now. Someone make this happen. 
9. How many people live in your current abode?
   Three. Myself,  my mother, and my younger sister. (4 if you count the dog)
10. Do you prefer the city, the country, or the ocean?
    I'm  a city dweller who is close to the ocean.... But I love the city. I'll visit the ocean once and a while, but I can't swim sadly. So dry land for this mermaid!

NomineesNow, there is no pressure to do these questions! I just like learning random fun things about other bloggers. If you just want to answer these questions on your blog, go for it!
1. Bianca of The Closet Historian

2. Stephanie of Girl with the Star Spangled Heart

3. Laurie of RetroReporter

4. Frances of Polka Polish

5.  Sara of Canteen Cowboy

6. Jessica of Zella Maybe

7. Emileigh of Flashback Summer

8. Daffny of A Vintage Nerd

9. Cherry of She Knits in Pearls

10. Emma of Little Miss Bamboo

Questions
1. What book have you been reading of late?

2. What is your favorite "non-vintage" activity to do?

3. Can you knit?

4. Do you have a favorite perfume scent?

5. What is your favorite aspect of the vintage blogging community?

6. Do you have a favorite movie?

7. If you could take the DeLorean to any point in history, where would it be, and why?

8. What is one item on your vintage wishlist?

9. Where do you like to 'play tourist' at in your own city?

10. What is the most unusual item in your collection?

Pumpkin Patch Adventures

My good friend Megan and I had a nice weekend of seeing Crimson Peak, then visiting a pumpkin patch.

Honestly, this is my first time to a proper pumpkin patch as an adult, so it was very fun! It's on a nut farm here in San Diego County. I didn't buy any pumpkins, or any local goodies, I mostly took in the sights and smells of the area, and of course took blog photos. (And contest photos for Emily's contest)

Sewing Details

Fabric: Grey Suiting

Pattern: Self drafted!!

Year: 1940's

Notions: Self covered buttons

How historically accurate is it? I wanna say fairly accurate. It's an synthetic suiting, and it has pockets....

Any tricky parts to the pattern?  I messed up a bit on the buttoning but when I cut the fabric, but it works well. I'm planning on making a nicer version once I get all my ducks in a row.

Did you change anything?  Nope. I made it to fit my measurements!

Time to complete: A week.

First worn: Aside from a test wear in class... October 17, 2015

Total cost: $35 I believe. I had coupons.

Notes: Made in the fall of 2014 for a class assignment. It has a matching cape!

Outfit details
Dress- Self-made
Hat- StutterinMama
Gloves- Frock You!
Bangle- Thrift Trader
Purse- SDVFM
Brooch- Antique Mall

Megan's Outfit Details
Dress- Pink Rose
Collar- Salem Couture
Tights- Spirit Halloween
Boots- Target

Megan proving she's not the shortest Dutch person in the world. She towers over these mini GIGANTIC sunflowers.

This baby goat had the cutest eyes, and was so precious!! I wanted to take him home!

Have any of you been to a pumpkin patch lately?
For those of you who aren't in the US, what neat fall-weather festivities do you do?