Outfit of the Day--Hey Sailor!

I had lunch with my mother, sister, and nephew today, and this is what I wore.

Wrap blouse made by me from a 1945 pattern using 1940s nautical print seersucker
Red gab 1940s-style trousers by Vivien of Holloway
Red patent Betseyville Aisha shoes
Red patent 40s-50s style purse by Hobo International
WWII jointed celluloid sailor brooch
1940s carved red Bakelite button earrings
Cream gardenia and red berry hair flower by My Sweet Corazon

Moppin' Up Soda Pop Rickies...

A soda jerk making a sweet treat sometime in the 1940s

One of my favorite places in Arizona is the vintage soda fountain MacAlpine's. This drugstore fountain was built in 1928, and when the pharmacy closed in 1992, it began a new career as a restaurant and fountain. I first discovered MacAlpine's when I attended a swing dance there several years ago, and I, like so many others, was immediately won over by its charm. I even work there a few times a month because I love the place so much! It's always fun to meet people who frequented the fountain in their youth, or worked there as a teen. I once met a man who worked there when he was 16--in 1942.

Photographed for a review of MacAlpine's

MacAlpine's is the place to stop if you are ever in Phoenix; the food is great and they offer plenty of fountain classics, like egg creams, phosphates, and milkshakes made on an original 1940s mixer. There is also a wonderful store to shop at it, with clothing, furniture, and vintage knick-knacks galore. It's definitely a hidden gem, and a wonderful part of the Arizona's history!

MacAlpine's as it looked in the 1930s

MacAlpine's Today

Rockabilly Rules

Yesterday's Rockabilly Rules was a huge success! The venue was packed from start to finish, and the crowd certainly enjoyed the bands and burlesque show. I'm not sure what the final tally is yet, but I think the Pinup Angels are going to be able to send a lot of care packages to our troops!

I wore a cheesecake version of the Marines dress blues; the talented V Vintage made my outfit based on a WWII photo. I was thrilled with how it turned out and I was the only "Marine" in attendance :-)

Matilda's Closet provided the hat, and I wore a pair of navy blue 40s platforms and a pair of 40s red celluloid and rhinestone earrings from my collection. Lip Ink Red lipstick was the finishing touch!

Here's a few teaser photos from the event; more to follow soon!

Able Grable Competition

Able Grable has a new house model, and she needs a name! If you think you have the perfect name for the latest gal to join the ranks of Able Grable, leave a comment here. The winner will receive £20 discount on the Miss Scarlett Street Blouse--you can't pass up a deal like that! So hurry on over and enter today; I'm looking forward to reading everyone's entries :-)

Outfit of the Day

It's a little late in the day now, but this is what I wore today :-)

Able Grable's Scarlet Street Blouse in Black
Trashy Diva Bustle Skirt in the now-discontinued black and white bow print on blue
Two Lips Heels
1940s Burgundy Button and Bow Brooch and Earring Set

The Peek-a-boo 'Do

I recently had the opportunity to write for the all-things-vintage Web site Queens of Vintage, and my first article covers one of my favorite 1940s hairstyles--The Peek-a-boo 'Do, as I like to call it. It's inspired by Betty Grable's famous updo, and as I've received many questions about how to create such an updo, I've written a tutorial to show you how I do it.

Check it out here--I hope you enjoy it!

Vintage Earrings Giveaway

The delightful Glamorous Housewife of the fabulous blog Tales of a Retro Modern Housewife, is doing a giveaway to celebrate her 50th follower and 100th post. She's offering up this pretty pair of earrings--be sure to stop by her blog to enter!