Merry Christmas!

Wishing all my friends and family a very Merry Christmas!

 

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

 

Besame Giveaway

The lovely Technicolor Cutie is hosting a Besame giveaway on her blog--the contest ends tomorrow, so hurry on over to enter!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Rat Rod Girl

Back in September I attended the Las Vegas, Nevada stop of the 2012 Rat Rod Magazine Tour.  The 5&Diner brought the official Diner car to this event, and they invited me and another employee (the lovely and sweet Erin, she's the one in the cherry print dress in the photo below) to help them promote the restaurant at their booth.  Of course I couldn't pass up such an opportunity, and even though it was blisteringly hot that weekend, I had a great time!

The magazine held a pinup contest, and though I didn't win, each of the participants was featured in a one-page photo spread in a special edition of the magazine.  This issue just came out, and I excitedly picked up a copy last night.  I'm quite thrilled wth the shots, the photographer was very talented and got some great photos of each of the contestants!

I'm wearing one of my all-time favorite outfits, a 1940s strawberry print jersey playsuit paired with red 40s-style shoes and fruit cocktail earrings. 

xoxo,
Amanda Lee   

Secret Garden

A few weeks ago I had a photo shoot with Matt Carson at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  Per our usual luck, there was some sort of special event going on that day, which meant the gardens were fairly crowded.  However, I feel Matt did a wonderful job of creating the feel of a secret garden in these photos!

You'll recognize my peach lace and brown cotton patio dress as the same one I wore for my shoot as a redhead.  I think the warm tones suit blonde hair equally well, don't you?

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Early Spring Cleaning

Over the past few months I have been working on a major closet overhaul, as my clothing collection has been bursting at the seams for some time (read: years) now. Though it has been hard to part with some pieces, I've been trying very hard to look at each item with a more critical eye. Mind you, I'll never be a fashion minimalist, but I have come to terms with the fact that I can't keep it all!

When I first began collecting, the thrill of the vintage find had me snapping up every article of clothing from the 1940s and 50s that I came across, regardless of whether the item in question was a flattering color or style. In addition, taking up a regular exercise routine three years ago changed my figure rather dramatically, and items that once fit (or styles that once suited me) were simply no longer flattering. This left me with a rather large pile of clothing that I never wore, and I decided it was finally time to do something about it. I've sold quite a number of things to my best gal pals, which is nice as I still get to see some of my beloved vintage now being worn and enjoyed :-) I also recently consigned a large number of pieces with the fabulous seller denisebrain. She has started adding some of my collection to her Etsy store; currently she has a pair of 1960s gold loafers, a pair of 1940s chocolate brown platforms, a 1930s black rayon crepe dress (featured in the picture above), and a 1940s double breasted suit jacket for sale her in Etsy shop. I thought I'd give my readers a heads up, as she will be listing a number of 1930s-50s clothing soon—everything from cocktail and evening frocks, to day wear, and shoes. I'll be sure to give you an update once the other items are listed!
  xoxo,
Amanda Lee

The Honey Sisters Go to the Fair

Though my Sweetie and I were gone most of October, we made it home in time to attend the State Fair the last day it was open.  It's a tradition of ours to go ever year, and we try to attend the County Fair as well--after all, what's more fun than spending way too much money on cotton candy, corndogs, and carousel rides? 

This year we went with our good friends Veronica and Lana (my vintage 'sisters') and our friend Doug Monce, who photographed our fair exploits. Here are a few snaps from that day--I'm wearing my Carole Landis dress (made by NudeeDudee), 1940s glass cherry earrings and necklace, and "Dorothy" heels (by Betseyville.) Veronica is wearing a vintage petal bust dress and Lana is wearing a strawberry print sundress made by Vee Vin Tage.

xoxo,
Amanda

Let Blue Velvet Vintage Make You a Star!

"Let Blue Velvet Vintage Make You a Star" is my latest collaboration with Atomic Age Pictures and Blue Velvet Vintage.  I've been modeling for Blue Velvet Vintage for the past year or so, and she has a wonderful shop filled with top quality vintage and reproduction goodies.  This video features some of her vintage-styled evening wear; I loved all of the dresses, but my personal favorite was the cobalt blue one shouldered gown--it made me feel like a Greek goddess!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

In Remembrance

Photo from www.skylighters.org

 

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

 



How time flies!

Photo by Matt Carson Has it really been that long? Oh my, I've been a naughty blogger! I do have a good excuse though, at least for part of my absence—I spent the last half of October touring Belgium and Holland playing bass with my Sweetie's band! And on our return trip, we ended up waylaid in Washington DC by the hurricane for most of last week. But now I am back, and ready for blogging! I'm working on a post about our travels right now, but for today, I thought I would post a product review. Sometime ago I read a number of interesting posts about using flaxseed  setting lotion (LandGirl1980 has a wonderfully informative article for making the homemade version here.) It sounded very intriguing and I thought I would test it out for myself. And indeed, I loved the results it gave me—consistently soft, frizz-free, and well-defined curls that lasted forever—better than any other product I've ever tried, in fact.   However, though the homemade version is very simple and inexpensive to make, it is somewhat of a messy process. I did a bit of research and found an Etsy seller, Botticelli Botanicals, offering a Flax Gelee that sounded very similar to the homemade setting lotion. It wasn't too expensive and was made with minimal and natural ingredients--and it was customizable as well. I decided to order a bottle of her basic "foolproof" formula to test it out, and I've been very pleased with the results! I've actually used up the whole bottle (it lasted me about four months with daily use) and reordered—which really says something about how wonderful flaxseed setting lotion is! Just like the homemade version, Botticelli Botanical's Flax Gelee does wonders for my hair. I comb a fairly generous amount (the size of a half dollar or slightly more) through damp or dry hair before setting it on foam stick rollers. Once dry, I remove the rollers and brush out the curls. My hair is completely frizz and static free, and the curls are soft, defined, and very long lasting. I decided to try out one of the add-ins for my second bottle, and had agave added to the mix—according to the seller, this adds extra hold. I'm quite pleased with this addition, and do find it offers an even longer-lasting curl then the basic formula (which was already pretty darn awesome.) I will add that when I initially take the rollers out, my hair is a bit stiff/crunchy—but a quick brushing solves that! Botticelli Botanicals offers a number of scents to choose from as well, which is nice bonus So, if you've been looking for a new setting lotion, or been wanting to try out the flaxseed lotion yourself, I highly recommend this one! xoxo, Amanda Lee

Having a Nautical Time at Rockabilly Rules III

Yesterday was the third annual Rockabilly Rules, a benefit event that supports the Pinup Angels. This group puts together care packages for military serving overseas, and all proceeds from the event go towards the care packages. This year had a great turnout of guests who came out to see the best of the local rockabilly bands (who all donate their time), along with burlesque dancers and plenty of awesome vendors. The 5&Diner was there to serve up awesome food and milkshakes (all while braving the scorching heat), and there was even a retro barber shop set up.

My outfit was created by Vee Vin Tage; for the first Rockabilly Rules, she made me a cheesecake version of a Marine uniform. This year, I decided to join the Navy! My two-piece outfit was made from navy blue gabardine, and I accessorized it with a vintage Navy hat (from Matilda's Closet, I believe this one dates to the 40s), 1940s leather platforms, a 1940s anchor pin, and rhinestone-studded red earrings.

These photos were taken by 60's Model Photography--we ventured out into the blazing sun to snap a few pics. I'm quite pleased with how they turned out!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

The Honey Sisters

I've always loved the image of the three ladies used on the Jergen's boxes and jars, and since my two dearest friends happen to be a brunette and a redhead, we thought it would be fun to recreate that scene.  Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures photographed us, and we were quite pleased with the end result!  

The original image graced the cover of Vogue in 1939, and served as Varga's inspiration for the Jergen's packaging (I wish Jergen's would 'update' their cold cream packaging to this design, wouldn't that be a treat to have on the vanity!)

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

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

Portrait of a Starlet

A couple of weeks ago I styled a model for a Hollywood glamour and pinup shoot with Doug Monce.  Tess had lovely, thick brown locks and gorgeous eyes--her looks really suit the 1940s--and she was a delight to work with!

For makeup, I used a mix of Ben Nye, MAC, and Yaby.  On her eyes, I applied Ben Nye Santa Fe on the lid, Mink Stole in the crease, and Vanilla to highlight.  A light dusting of Yaby Glazed Rose added a bit of shine and depth to the look.  Her brows were filled in slightly with MAC Coquette, applied with an angle brush, and before applying false lashes (Ardell 102s), I applied a thin line of black gel liner (Inglot 90).  On her cheeks I used Ben Nye Raspberry powder rouge, and I used MAC Red on her lips (which were lined with NYX Red.)

I helped with some of the wardrobe as well--for her first look, she wore a black satin nightgown trimmed with aqua bows, paired with a marabou stole and rhinestone jewelry.  For her second look, she wore a 1980s-does 40s cocktail dress paired with a mink stole and more rhinestones.  For her pinup looks, she wore a yellow 1940s-50s bathing suit and a red cherry tie top (made by Vee Vin Tage) paired with black sailor shorts made by Bettie Page Clothing; both outfits were worn with cherry jewelry from my collection.

I loved the way the shoot turned out--Tess looks like she was plucked straight from the pages of an old movie mag!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

 

Ink and Iron

A couple of weekends ago my Sweetie and I headed out to the Ink and Iron festival.  His band had been booked to perform at the event, and we were quite exited to visit the Queen Mary!  It was quite a treat to appear at such a fun event on such a beautiful ship.  Our visit was a whirlwind three days, and of course I took hardly any photos (sometimes I wonder why I even bother bringing a camera, I never remember to use it).  But I do have a few to share with you!

On the drive out, we stopped at the wonderfully tacky Cabazon dinosaurs.  I'm wearing an Allure Original Styles dress in navy linen with a coordinating flecked cream bolero jacket.  It was so windy that my turban refused to stay anchored!

We managed to visit the beach before the show on Saturday--I wore my Carole Landis dress by NudeeDudee, paired with a Dixabilly bolero sweater and red jewelry.

Since we performed on the ship, I couldn't resist going full-on nautical. My dress is an original design based on a 1940s Hollywood pattern and was made by Vee Vin Tage--I just love the bright blue linen collar! The patches on the sleeves are from WWII, and would have been worn by the ship's musician. I was quite excited to find these--my grandfather was in the Navy, and although he wasn't a Navy musician, he was a trumpet player who performed in many bands. I think he would have been pleased with my choice!

Before we drove home on Sunday, we stopped in Newport Beach to see the ocean one more time (and I snuck in a little shopping at Swellegant--I love that shop!).  I wore another Vee Vin Tage custom design--this one a red, white, and blue floral rayon dress trimmed in white pique--along with one of my trusty Arthelia's Attic snoods.

xoxo,

Amanda Lee