Windows to the Soul

A few weeks ago I did a shoot with California photographer John Eaves. We did a classic western series, and as John works for Paramount Pictures (he's a fantastic artist), we did a fun Star Trek pinup set with the official costume and props. He sent me this photo that he especially liked (cropped from one of the western photos--note my gunslinger earrings :-))--I think it's an interesting shot, don't you?

Blush and Contouring 101

The next installment of "Makeup Mondays" is up at Alley Kat Vintage--this week's topic is blush and contouring. Check it out and let me know what you think--questions and comments always welcomed!

Green with Envy

An emerald green 1940s suit has been on my wishlist for a long time, and so I was quite excited to find this one on eBay and even more pleased to win it for a veritable steal! I especially love the jacket's hem and its detailed fabric-covered buttons; it will be fun to mix the jacket and skirt with other pieces in my wardrobe, too.

Outfits of the Day

Yesterday's Outfit

1940s navy blue rayon dress and matching jacket trimmed with grosgrain ribbon
1940s multicolored leather platform heels
Red fakelite cherries necklace
Red 1940s carved Bakelite earrings
Lip Ink Red Lipstick
Not shown, 1940 multicolored telephone cord purse

And this is what I wore to the Wanda Jackson show that took place at the Rhythm Room on the 11th--the lovely Brenda Lee, who hosted the event, asked me to help present an award and rhinestone tiara to the Queen of Rockabilly!

1940s Ranch Maid turquoise gab western shirt and split skirt trimmed with white leather fringe
Fully fashioned stockings
1940s white leather peeptoe platforms
White leather belt
1940s-50s silver concho earrings
Lip Ink Red lipstick

Halloween Special

The Halloween shoot I did with the lovely Syd Divine has been featured on Queens of Vintage, along with some great vintage Halloween cheesecake--check it out here!

Items Listed for Sale

In preparation for my upcoming move, I've been going through my closets and will be listing some of my collection on eBay. Right now I have three items up in the Matilda's Closet store--a 50s Lurex blouse, glitter-flecked felt skirt, and cotton circle skirt. Matilda's has some great items up right now as well, including a killer pair of 40s platforms trimmed with faceted amber "grape" clusters. Yum!
So check 'em out--the auctions end in just a few hours!

Makeup Mondays

I am excited to report that I'll be writing a series of beauty and makeup articles for AlleyKats--check out my first "Makeup Mondays" entry, which covers foundation, here! I look forward to reading your comments and beauty how-to questions, tips, and tricks!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Arizona Highways

MacAlpine's Soda Fountain is featured in the November issue of Arizona Highways Magazine as part of an article on Arizona diners and drive-ins--and my photo was chosen to accompany the article! MacAlpine's is definitely the coolest spot in Phoenix, serving up tasty lunches and ice cream treats. The adjoining retro store--packed full of vintage furniture, knick knacks, and clothing--is well worth the trip too! I was quite delighted when this issue hit the stands, and even more pleased to see that my photo made the two-page opener. So be sure to stop in the next time you are in town--and if you come by on a Friday, I may be one of the friendly waitresses there, too!

Vintage Vogue

Atomic Events recently selected one of my images to grace the December flyers for their Vintage Vogue Fashion Fair, which takes place in Essex several times a year. I was quite delighted when they asked me--it looks like a fabulous event, and I hope to attend sometime in the future! Michele also has an amazing line of reproduction sweaters, and I am looking forward to modeling one of her wonderful creations in the next couple of months. I'd love to hear a report from anyone who is able to attend the December fair--and be sure to tell us about your latest vintage finds so we can drool from afar!

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

Tokyo Girls

I promised to add photos from the Tokyo Girls event on October 3, and the photographer has posted several amazing shots on his blog. As you can see, there were a wide variety of fashion trends, both past and present, represented in the show!

For my outfit, I wore a 1940s red rayon dress with a white, yellow, blue. and green floral print; fully fashioned stockings, multicolored leather 40s platforms, and a multicolored telephone cord purse. I also carried a yellow and black paper parasol; as part of my performance, I tossed sticks of gum to the crowd to represent the GIs passing out candy and gum to Japanese children during the war. The music I performed to was a very catchy Japanese swing number called “Tokyo Boogie”; the other models each performed to carefully selected music that captured the essence of their fabulously-styled characters!

All in all, it was a fantastic show and I highly recommend going to a performance if you can!

Outfit of the Day

Here's a couple of pics of yesterday's outfit, which included one of my favorite fall pieces--the plaid skirt! The weather is really nice right now--the air is cold and crisp, and it's really cooling off at night--so I think the never-ending summer has actually ended, at least for the next couple of months ;-)

Cream knit top--Banana Republic
Red, cream, and black plaid 50s skirt--MacAlpine's Vintage Store
Black patent and elastic cinch belt--Kohl's
Black velvet 1950s baby doll pumps--from a friend's shop
Black Bakelite 40s drop earrings--Matilda's Closet
And Lip Ink Red lipstick, of course!

There's no place like home...

I figured I'd go with as cliche an opener as possible ;-)

Anyway, I've recently purchased a vintage house--the sale closed last week in fact! I now have a darling 1952 ranch bungalow to call home, and I am quite excited.

My sister, who happens to be a real estate agent, had been after me for awhile to look into buying a home, but I hadn't really pursued the idea as I wasn't sure I could find what I wanted at the right price. But I decided to humor her last month, and she took me around to about five homes. The first three were definitely not "it"--most were located in less-than-desirable neighborhoods, and not quite what I wanted anyway. The fourth was in a decent area, and had the potenital to be a real cutie, but it was in need of a lot of work (actually, this is an understatement. It needed a total redo, though I was willing to consider it because it had potential, and the previous owners/tenants hadn't removed all of the vintage charm, although they did do a wonderful job of trashing the place. But I digress.) The fifth house was the magic place--the neighborhood was quiet and filled with well-cared for home, and it had plenty of curb appeal. Still, when we pulled into the driveway I was certain I would not like it! When we walked in, the living room looking promising, as it was appropriately staged with retro furniture and decor. Each room got better and better--the seller had carefully redone the place, keeping the vintage charm that I had been longing for. The bathrooms had their original tile (jadeite green and peach, oh my!) and cabinets. One bedroom had a fabulous wall of built-in shelves (a library, oh goody!). And the kitchen, nicely redone with a black granite countertop and glass mosaic tile backsplash, contained a most exquiste appliance--a 1954 6-burner Roper stove and double oven, complete with original manual. I was sold on the place, believe me!

And so began a whirlwind month--the house had just been put on the market the day we saw it, and we put in an offer that very same day. A few minor blips and the house is now ours! I'm quite excited to begin the decorating process, and I am rather looking forward to showing off the before and after photos!

Spooky Sunday

Yesterday I had the pleasure of working with my friend Syd Divine, who is as sweet as she is pretty! We collaborated on a Halloween shoot with Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures. Doug is a huge fan of Halloween, and was all too happy to work on a vintage-inspired shoot! He created a fantastically spooky set, complete with a bubbling cauldron and Hollywood Halloween lighting. Here are the first images from the shoot--stay tuned for more "episodes" of our Halloween series!

My Outfit Details

Black satin and "spiderweb" lace outfit custom designed by V Vintage

Witches hat from Matilda's Closet

Black velvet 1950s DeLiso Debs heels

Black seamed tights