Calendar Girl

Photo and Film by Atomic Age Pictures

Signing calendars for Only Oldies Classic Auto at the Pavilions Car Show

Wearing the Able Grable Ready Hedy

Red Dixabilly Midriff Sweater

Christel Stockings

Red Patent Betseyville Pumps

Red Cherries Necklace

1940s Red Bakelite Earrings

Gardenia and Red Fruit Hair Flower by My Sweet Corazon

Birthday Vacation

1950s Red Bandanna Print Swirl Wrap Dress

1940s Lucite 'A' Pin

1940s Red Celluloid and Rhinestone Earrings

Red Hibiscus

Rocket Originals "Esther" Wedges

For my birthday, my Sweetie took me on a little vacation to Tucson and Bisbee. We've both been in need of a little getaway, and as we love exploring our home state, we decided to head down south again!

We stayed in Tucson first, spending the night at the Hotel Congress. The rooms at the hotel have maintained their wonderful vintage feel with wrought iron bed frames, tiny but original tiled bathrooms, and no televisions. They even continue to use the original switchboard telephone system! We had dinner that night at a delightful Italian restaurant, Caruso's, that had been recommended to us by our friend Syd. Our dinner was wonderful, and we plan on eating here the next time we visit! That evening we strolled around town, did a little shopping, and enjoyed the sights and balmy weather.

Preparing to kick butt at air hockey. And by kick butt, I mean lose all the games to my Sweetie!

Able Grable Ready Hedy Dress

Red Celluloid Button Necklace

Red Bakelite Earrings

Red Linen 40s Heels

Red Hibiscus

The next day, we enjoyed breakfast at the Cup Cafe downstairs, and then wandered around town a little more. We checked out the old train station and took a few photos before heading out of town. On our way to Bisbee, we decided to take a more scenic route and ended up stopping at Kartchner Caverns. As luck would have it, we were able to make the last tour of the day--though we did have to do a little running to make it there in time! We had never been to this cave before--it's discovery was fairly recent (the late 70s), and it's remained nearly pristine and living due to careful preservation efforts. Definitely one of nature's gems!

How does this switchboard work?

1940s-50s White Barkcloth Dress with Red Ranch Brand Print

Red Cinch Belt

1940s Red Plastic and Rhinestone Earrings

1940s Red Celluloid Cowboy Hat and Gun Pin

Rocket Originals Esther Wedges

We checked into our favorite trailer at The Shady Dell, the Royal Mansion, as the sun was setting. After a bit of freshening up (damp cave weather isn't very kind to 1940s hair) headed out for another nice dinner, this time at the Copper Queen Hotel. After we ate, we strolled around the town, enjoying the cool night air and having fun people watching. Later on, we took another midnight graveyard tour--no ghosts again, though we did see a bat!

Dressed for Dinner
1940s White Barkcloth Dress with Green and Rust Palm Tree Print
Narrow Belt
1940s Tropical Brooch
1940s-50s Silver and Green Plastic Mask Earrings
1950s Wicker Purse
1940s Rust Leather and Cream Mesh Heels

Posing in front of an interesting artist's residence. It was surprisingly chilly enough for a coat!

The next morning we reluctantly started the trip back home, but not before meeting a fun-loving group of German filmmakers, who had stopped into the Shady Dell to get some shots and interviews with the wonderful park owners, Jennifer and Justin. We were included in this little jaunt, which was quite fun in a whirlwind sort of way! Of course, as this bustle was going on while we were packing up the car, we managed to leave a couple of items in the trailer's closet!

Meeting Harbie

Red Tablecloth Check Peasant Blouse Made from a 1940s Pattern

1950s Jeans

Skinny Red Belt

1950s Daisy Necklace and Earrings

Rocket Originals Esther Wedges

1940s Style Sunglasses

After a delicious breakfast in town, we started the scenic drive back to Phoenix. Along the way we decided to pop over and check out Picacho Peak in Tucson. The park was deserted and the sun was slowly setting, but we thought it would be fun to take one of the easy hikes and look for wildlife. We didn't see too much of the latter, aside from an adorable baby chipmunk and several hawks (and lots of bugs. Lots of 'em!), but the scenery was peaceful and our trail led to a nice overlook.

I call this the Sears Catalog Pose

You'll note my completely inappropriate footwear--yes, I went hiking in a pair of wedges. Now, mind you, under normal circumstances I do wear the correct foot attire for this sort of activity (much as I hate it, I don't really want to go tumbling down a mountain.) However, our little hike was very impromptu, and I managed to survive this time :-)

After that we made it home and collapsed into bed, feeling a bit like children on the last day of summer, knowing that we must return to work the next day!

Able Grable Chorus Girl

A few photos of the Miss Scarlett Street Blouse in raspberry satin, taken by Atomic Age Pictures! This is a versatile top that can be dressed up or down with ease--it's a must-have wardrobe staple!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

1950s Black Velvet Shorts
Polka Dot Tights
1950s Black Velvet Heels
1950s black plastic and rhinestone earrings
Besame Wild Orchid Lipstick

Arizona Matsuri Festival

A few photos from the Tokyo Girls show at the Matsuri festival, which took place February 27-28. For this show, I wore a white cotton faille dress dating to the early 1940s, with multicolored 40s platforms and telephone cord purse, and red Bakelite jewelry. Our next Tokyo Girls show will be at the Phoenix Comicon at the end of May; I've never been to Comicon before--it should be quite fun!

xoxo,
Amanda

All photos taken by Zemnick Photographer

And the Winner Is...

For the Boys, named by Alisa!

Thanks to all who submitted names--I thought your entries were very creative and thoughtful, and had a really hard time choosing!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

In the Mood

The Phoenix Art Museum’s current fashion exhibition is an amazing 1940s collection called In the Mood. The museum is also hosting a wonderful WWII lecture and event series in conjunction with the exhibit, the first of which took place last Wednesday. I was able to attend with several friends, and suffice it to say we had a grand time!

When I say the exhibit is amazing, I mean that the pieces on display are utterly droolworthy! With everything from killer platforms to striking cocktail dresses in the collection, it was hard to pull ourselves away; there were quite a few pieces I would like to have in my own closet! I am definitely planning on attending the other events tied in to this show, schedule permitting; with titles like “Rosie the Riveter and the Arsenal of Democracy” and “From Duty to Beauty”, how can I not go? If you happen to be in the area, do try to go!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Summer Wishes and an Update Promise

I must apologize for my lack of VLV follow-up; we had a grand time but I haven’t gotten any pics back yet. Of course I did bring my own camera, but I can never remember to use it. Plus, I spent much of the weekend carting around at least one extra bag (though I did try to behave when it came to vintage shopping, really I did!), which made it difficult to manage taking photos as well (indeed, I can be a bit of a klutz.) I will say that it was a fab weekender overall, and I hope to go back next year! I’ll also add that the fashion show was quite the fun experience, though I missed most of the show as the designer I modeled for was the second to last entry in the program, and we had to wait backstage until show time. I did meet some lovely ladies though, and saw many amazing designs! Stephanie of Dottie’s Delights is a real doll, and so talented! I daresay I could have taken home her entire collection—it’s truly amazing! Here’s one photo of the group, for now!

Anyway, since I’ve gone and disappeared for ages again (and with no excuse really, just been busy with work and such) I thought I’d do a little post on my fashion inspirations of the moment. A wish list of sorts, you could say! Soon I’ll follow with photos and a recap from VLV, as well as some updates on my recent sewing projects :-)


Because I think a gal can never have too many nautical fashions, a sailor dress or playsuit is most definitely on my season list.

I’m in search of fabric to make up this darling pajama set—something tropical, I think.

I’ve been lusting after these tooled wedges from Remix for ages. I have a near deadstock 40s pair in red, but I’ve gone through three vintage pairs of natural leather heels—for some reason these just don’t seem to last through one or two wears for me! So, I think a reproduction pair is in order, especially to wear with peasant blouses and skirts this summer.

A tie top and shorts set--I do have this set almost finished, so that will be ready to be put into summer rotation soon!

Another bolero from the wonderful Dixabilly was on my wishlist—she just made up this bolero for me in a cherry red shade. I’ve worn it three times already; as the weather heats up, the air conditioning in my office becomes more and more arctic. Having a sweater handy means that at least my arms won’t get frostbite!

I’ve also been on the search for a new snood, like this one—the seller is customizing this design for me, and I am excited for it to arrive! Snoods are wonderful for days when your hair refuses to cooperate, or when it’s sweltering and you don’t feel like fussing with it!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Name This Frock contest--there's only a few days left to do so! Those of you who've already entered have submitted some wonderful names--it's going to be hard to choose one!