Hydrangeas and Grape Vines

Yesterday we took Lola on an outing to Saguaro Ranch for a little bird watching.  This farm, started in the late 1800s and now a historic park, is populated with a wonderful array of chicken, guinea fowl, and peacocks.  Lola was quite thrilled with the outing, and we quite enjoyed the overcast, breezy day that the monsoon season brought us.

I wore a handmade 1940s dress adorned with colorful sprays of purple and pink hydrangeas.  I just adore its bright and springy color scheme!  I paired it with a purple cinch belt and matching 1940s heels, 1940s pink celluloid and wooden heart earrings, a bright pink rose, and Revlon Cherries in the Snow lipstick.

The first grapevines were planted here in 1895, though I'm not sure how old these vines are.  Now they are home to those wonderful birds, who populate the farm with plenty of color and lots of noise!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

OOTD--Grapes of Summer

Thought I'd post a quick snap from last week--I'm wearing a 1950s yellow cotton dress embroidered with orange and green grapes, with an orange "rope" belt, green and yellow 50s earrings, and a pair of yellow orchids in my hair.

The pic was snapped by my sewing instructor (a post about the exciting lessons I've been taking soon) who worked as a model in the 90s and also dabbled in photography. She's a real neat lady and I've learned a great deal about sewing from her already!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

OOTD

I have't posted an OOTD photo in ages, so I made sure to take one today! This is a typical look for me when the weather cools off--sweater and skirt combos are classic and easy to put together in a rush :-)

1950s pale pink cashmere sweater with button-trimmed collar
1950s black wool skirt
Narrow patent belt
Black patent 40s-style heels
Lucite 'A' brooch
Pink and yellow floral reverse carved lucite earrings

Outfit of the Day--Summer Charmer

Feels like I haven't done a proper outfit of the day post in forever! Plus, I owe you a picture of the other peasant blouse i made, so here's what I'm wearing today :-)

Black Cotton Batiste Peasant Blouse made from a 1944 Pattern

1950s Circle Skirt in a Bright Pink and Black Rose Print on a White Background

Black Elastic and Patent Cinch Belt

Black Patent 40s-style Slingback Heels by Twolips

1940s Wood and Celluloid Heart and Flower Earrings

1950s Sapphire Ring and Grandmother's 1941 Class Ring

Lip Ink Lipstick--a Mix of Cherry and Hot Pink

Hair Styled in Triple Reverse Rolls with a Pink and White Peony Clip

Adrian: The Iconic Suit

Tonight's fashion lecture at the Phoenix Art Museum was entitled "Adrian: The Iconic Suit". Given by fashion historian Jane Trapnell, it extensively covered Adrian's life and career, and I definitely learned some interesting things about this amazing designer! In honor of the subject matter, my dear friend Rose and I dressed in our best forties suits. I apologize for the slightly blurry photo; it was the only one that mostly turned out (still figuring out the camera settings after all this time, sigh) but I wanted to share it with you anyway.

My 1940s-suit has western-inspired details and was mistaken for an Adrian by the historian--I am certain the designer was influenced by him! I accessorized with nude fully fashioned stockings, navy 40s platforms, a cream straw portrait hat trimmed in navy felt, and carved bone earrings (the suit and earrings came from Rose's shop, Matilda's Closet.) I'm also wearing a Scottie pin engraved "Bob 1941."

xoxo

Amanda Lee

Outfit of the Night

Tonight my Sweetie and I had dinner at a fabulous Thai restaurant and went to the movies (we saw The Fantastic Mr. Fox, which was an amazing movie!) I always enjoy dressing up for our dates--tonight I wore one of my newer purchases, a Trashy Diva dress I've been eyeing since last year, and found on sale on eBay. I can't resist a good sale!

Trashy Diva Cinnabar Print Day Dress
Nude Fully Fashioned Stockings from Christel
1940s Black Suede Ankle Strap Heels with Gold-trimmed "Flowers"
1950s Bakelite Mah Jong Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings
Gardenia in Hair
Lip Ink Red Lipstick

Outfit of the Day--Western Wear Goes to Work

I have several western-inspired pieces that are fun to wear to the office--their western flair is on the more subtle side and can be played up or down as desired. The jacket below is one such piece; it's an early 40s suit jacket in a warm reddish brown, with cream cross stitching trimming the collar. Inspired by yesterday's post, I wore it today with a wool pencil skirt and heels, and jazzed up the western flair with a green crepe tie and wooden brooch.
1940s jacket—eBay
1950s tan wool pencil skirt with double pleat and faux pockets, both trimmed with arrows—Matilda’s Closet
1950s chocolate brown “sweater” pumps—eBay
1940s green crepe western tie—Buffalo Exchange
1940s leather and lacquered wood “pinecone” brooch—local antique store
1940s carved bone earrings—local antique store
And as always, Lip Ink Red lipstick

Outfit of the Day

Yesterday I wore one of my favorite 40s suit jackets--a turquoise rayon affair trimmed in faux leopard. It has great early 40s styling and--it's turquoise! And trimmed in leopard! The only thing that could possibly make it any better would be if it had its original skirt. Luckily I have a plethora of black skirts in my closet to wear with it ;-)

1940s turquoise rayon suit jacket trimmed with faux leopard

Black rayon bias-cut skirt

Wide black patent belt

Twolips black patent slingback heels

1940s Bakelite drop circle earrings

And as always, Lip Ink Red lipstick

Outfit of the Day

Today my Sweetie and I took an impromptu trip to Flagstaff for a change of scenery. We enjoyed wandering around town and strolling through a historic neighborhood; we even found time to stop at a vintage store, where I found a terrific double-breasted 40s suit jacket for $5!

I wore a red and white gingham cotton blouse from F21, a pair of 50s denim jeans (eBay), a red leather belt (thrifted), Rocket Originals "Esther" wedges, a bakelite cherries brooch (eBay), and red celluloid and rhinestone button earrings (found at a local antique store).

And here's a closeup of the cherries brooch for Angel--I wore the one in the center :-)

Latest Finds

My Sweetie surprised me with this knit top I had been eyeing the other day. I think it has great 1930s-40s styling (when it cools off I plan on pairing it with wide-leg trousers and a beret)--can you believe it came from Charlotte Russe?

I wore it to work today paired with a 1940s black wool pencil skirt (one of my many Matilda's Closet finds), black patent Twolips heels, and my 1950s faux leopard fur necklace and drop earrings set (a surprisingly inexpensive eBay score.) My hair is in my favorite double rolled style with a gardenia accent, and I am wearing my favorite Lip Ink Red.