Tempting Topper

I recently collaborated with Naomi of Arthelia's Attic on a sweet crocheted purse and turban set that will be listed shortly in her Etsy shop. Naomi makes top-notch snoods (the very best, in my opinion), but she also does an amazing job with her other creations too!  I had been wanting a red, white, and blue purse for awhile, and when I came across this 1940s pattern, I knew it would be perfect. And although I don't wear hats often, I couldn't resist having the matching turban made!

Naomi did a wonderful job, choosing just the right shades of yarn and adding a fun coordinating lining (a splashy patriotic star print.) I found a lot of carved Lucite zipper pulls on eBay, and had her add one to this purse.

This shoot was inspired by Hedy Lamarr--the photos were taken by the amazing Doug Monce, who always does an incredible job of capturing that old Hollywood look.

xoxo,
Amanda Lee 

Goldenrod Summer Style

The second dress from The Black Pinafore is made out of a lovely goldenrod yellow cotton decorated with soft white and brown blooms. Debora used the same Du Barry pattern as the "Victory" dress, and paired this print with a brown button and matching carved belt buckle. I accessorized with 1940s butterscotch bakelite hoop earrings, a 1940s mah jong bracelet, 1940s brown leather and cream mesh shoes, and the white wrap from Arthelia's Attic.

The photos were taken by Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures at McCormick-Stillman Park.

xoxo,

Amanda

Victory Vogue with The Black Pinafore

I recently had the opportunity to work with a new designer whose creations I have admired for ages. The Black Pinafore is an Italian seamstress who makes wonderful custom outfits, and she has a fantastic eye for detail and quality.

I chose a 1940s DuBarry pattern for a streamlined dress; the style features a bloused top that closes with a single button, cap sleeves, and a slim-fitting A-line skirt. Debora made up the dress in two different fabrics; the first is a crisp red chambray, and the second, which I'll be featuring next, is made up in lovely gold and white floral print. I was very impressed with her attention to detail--each dress featured shoulder pads covered in matching fabric and a beautifully turned out belt (featuring a vintage belt buckle that coordinated perfectly with the button); she also overlocked the seams, which makes for a very sturdy garment.

I went with a victory look for this dress—crocheted hair wrap from Arthelia's Attic, white platform heels by Johnson's Originals, a 'V for Victory' brooch, and red earrings and bracelet. The photos, by Atomic Age Pictures, were taken in a 1928 Pullman car that is famous for its use in presidential travel—every president from Hoover to Eisenhower rode in this car. It's now an exhibit at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Looking Shipshape with NudeeDudee and Arthelia's Attic

Kim of NudeeDudee sent me another of her charming 1940s sundresses to model, and this one is a summery dream! Crisp seersucker printed with kelly green and white stripes and blue, pink, and white anchors and sailboats--it doesn't get any better than that!

As usual, the quality and Kim's attention to detail is impeccable; NudeeDudee creations are simply a delight to wear! This particular print is going fast, but there is a blue and white colorway available, as well as several other prints in her shop.

I also had the chance to model the latest design from Arthelia's Attic, a 1940s crocheted hair wrap. This is a must-have item, ladies--just like her snoods, it is the perfect forties accessory!  Just the thing for days when your hair or the weather won't cooperate--or when you simply want to look WWII fabulous! The design is incredibly smart too; rather than tying the ends into a bow, you feed one end through a loop on the side. This makes for a perfect bow every time--just like a snood, wearing this scarf is a snap. It's such an effortlessly glamourous look--check out the photo of Carole Landis, Martha Tilton, and June Bruner looking stylish in wraps on a USO tour in the sweltering Pacific.

Photo from The Carole Landis Project

These photos are by the amazingly-talented Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures--stay tuned for another post featuring another talented designer!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Wild Blue Yonder

The fabulous Naomi of Arthelia's Attic sent me one of her classic snoods in the newest color available--bright royal blue. As always, her snoods are well made and the perfect finishing touch to a vintage outfit!

The first series of photos is by Atomic Age Pictures in classic pinup style. The second set is by Bobbysoxer Photography, and shows how snoods are a must for both glamour and noir ;-)

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