4.22.2010

Remembering Bettie

Today is Bettie's birthday. She's passed on to a better place but I still see her and her influence everywhere. Happy Birthday Bettie! You are loved & never forgotten.



















4.15.2010

Vintage Pepsi Commercial with James Dean

Can you spot a young James Dean in this 1950 Pepsi commercial? It was his first acting job.

4.09.2010

Vintage Pic of the week



Natalie Wood

Breakfast at Tiffany's award!


I'm speechless! Yet another award by the beautiful Miss Go Lightly. She's a huge Audrey Hepburn fan and of course loves Breakfast at Tiffany's (who doesn't? Audrey is fabulous!). So she decided to create this wonderful award because in her own words it "represents the feeling that Miss Go Lightly gets when she visits Tiffany's", which is utter happiness! Awww! I love it Miss Go Lightly!. Thanks so much. Your blog makes me feel the same.
"There aren't any 'real' rules to this award. Simply bestow it upon as many blog writers who make YOU feel like you are at Tiffany's! and if you would like to take it a step further, briefly state why these particular blogs make you feel like you are at Tiffany's. If not, then simply list them. Oh, and of course don't forget to copy and save the award :)"

I would like to pass on this award to:

1)http://bobbypinblog.blogspot.com/
2)http://a-red-lipstick.blogspot.com




Miss Go Lightly, this is for you:

4.07.2010

I feel loved!



This must be my lucky day. I received yet another award from another adorable friend, Miss Go Lightly from A Chock-Full of Rants and Raves from a Thirty- Something Mama Thank you Miss Go Lightly for thinking of me! In the short time that I've been here in blog land, I feel so glad to have met you! And of course, all the other wonderful bloggers that I'm getting to know! It feels so good to meet others that share your love for vintage.

Five Things That I Love To Do:
1) making my son laugh
2) shopping for vintage clothing
3) spending summer days at the beach
4) listening to my fave music
5) taking pictures

The rules are simple:

"Copy and save the award graphic above for use in your post,
Blog about receiving the award and share five things that you love to do with your readers
Keep passing along the Circle of Friends award with however many of your own readers you’d like to."

This award is for:
1)http://soldierslady.blogspot.com/
2)http://glamourdaze.blogspot.com/
3)http://whiskeychipsandrocknroll.blogspot.com
4)http://thischarminggal28.blogspot.com/

My very first blog award!



This is my very first blog award. I'm so thrilled. Thanks to my sweet friend Birdie at Soldier's Lady for thinking of me. You have to check out her blog, she's funny, classy, she's a mom like me and she's a Soldier's Lady. What more can you ask for?

"The rules for said award are to thank the bestower (check) and list seven things about yourself."

I'm supposed to write 7 things about myself, but since my previous post was listing things about myself also, I'll count that one for this.

Now, I'd like to present this beautiful blogger award to these fantastic dolls:
1)Miss Go Lightly at http://mzhollygolightly.blogspot.com/
2)Kim at
http://1950sunlimited.blogspot.com/
3)Melanie at
http://pinkychampagne.blogspot.com/
4)Miss Matilda at
http://missmatildadreams.blogspot.com/
5)Brittany_Va-Voom at
http://vavoomvintage.blogspot.com/
6)Amanda at
http://flapperdays.blogspot.com/
7)Art*Deco*Dame at
http://artdecodame.blogspot.com/

4.05.2010

Getting to know you

Today I got to know a little more about my sweet friend Miss Go Lightly at A Chock-Full of Rants and Raves From a Thirty-Something Mama. She posted this "getting to know you" game and I thought it was fun and a great idea! So now it's my turn:


Three names I go by:

1. Ivette (my mom named me after actress Yvette Mimeux but spelled it with an "I".

2. Mamma
3. Bubba (I know it's weird, but it's hubby's and my nickname for each other, it's a personal funny story ;-)

Three jobs I have had:
1. Bank Teller
2. Cashier
3. Telemarketer


Three places I have lived:
1. These places are all in NYC: Queens (where I live now)
2. Manhattan
3. The Boogie Down Bronx (not too far from where J. Lo use to live! But never met her)


Three favourite drinks:
1. Red wine (love sharing it with hubby!)


2. Diet Pepsi (it's so sad that I drink it more than water)

3. Coffee (I drink it black every morning and once in a while, with cream & splenda)


Three TV shows I watch:
1. Mostly the TCM channel. I'm addicted to classic movies!

2. Ghostly Encounters (I love true stories of the paranormal)

3. Dancing with the Stars (Love it! It's like junk food)



Three people who text me regularly:
1. My hubby.
2. My sis
3. My friend, Liz


Three Favourite Old TV Shows:
1. I Love Lucy

2. Gilligan's Island
3. Bewitched


Three places I have been:
1)Dominican Republic
2)Hawaii (honeymoon)
3)Florida (my favorite vacation spot)



Three places I would like to visit:
1. Egypt

2. Tuscany, Italy

3. Atlantis, Bahamas



Three Favorite Dishes:
1. Puerto Rican dish called Mofongo
2. Steak & eggs
3. Turkey dinner (I don't wait for Thanksgiving!)


Three makeup/toiletries I cannot live without:
1. Red lipstick

2. Mascara
3. Tweezer (my eyebrows grow bushy!)


Three Things I'm Looking Forward to:
1. My wedding anniversary (this month!)
2. My birthday (in May)
3. Summer Vacation (we fly to sunny Florida almost every summer)

4.02.2010

Polyvore Set

I signed up at Polyvore about 10 months ago. I played around and made a couple of sets, clearly not experienced at this sort of thing, but nevertheless, I had fun. I remembered about it today and enjoyed making some sets. Polyvore is a site where anyone can create "sets" featuring fashions, art, expressions or pictures. There are groups to join and even contests to enter (which I haven't entered because I want to practice more!). It's great fun for those who are really into any fashion, art, or you just plain want to express yourself. Here are 2 sets I have made:






3.31.2010

The Legend of Sailor Jerry

I don't have any tattoos but I often think of getting one. Since I enjoy some history, (especially the 1940's) I looked up the history of Sailor Jerry on Wikipedia. Very interesting man indeed. I really love his art and you can see it everywhere today on clothing, accessories, and even rum. Here's the article on him:


Norman Keith Collins (January 14, 1911 - June 12, 1973) was a prominent American tattoo artist who was also known as "Sailor Jerry".
Collins was born on January 14, 1911 in Reno, Nevada. As a child, he hopped freight trains across the country and learned tattooing from a man named Tatts Thomas, who is credited for showing him how to use tattoo machines. Practicing on drifters, he later sailed the Pacific Ocean before settling in Hawaii. A big brute with a dirty mouth, he often wore plain white T-shirts that exposed his ink-sleeved arms. Mike Malone, who took over Sailor Jerry's shop after he died, described Jerry as "a class-A pirate."

At age 19, Collins enlisted in the United States Navy. It was during his subsequent travels at sea when he was exposed to the art and imagery of Southeast Asia. He remained a sailor for his entire life thereafter. Even during his career as a tattoo artist, he worked as a licensed skipper of a large three-masted schooner, on which he conducted tours of the Hawaiian islands.
Sailing and tattooing were only two of his professional endeavors. He played saxophone in his own dance band and for years, frequently hosted his own radio show on KTRG, where he lectured against the impending (as he saw it) downfall of the American political system by infiltration of liberals. He was a prolific writer and carried on in-depth communications with many pen-pals throughout the world.
Collins entrusted his artwork to his two proteges, Ed Hardy and Mike Malone, both of whom have become prominent figures in their own right. Hardy, who turned down an MFT scholarship to Yale in order to pursue tattooing, is known for his artistic sophistication and large-scale tattoos. Malone, who also designs under the name "Rollo Banks", is known for his conceptual boldness and distinctive designs.
In 1999, Hardy and Malone partnered with a small independent Philadelphia clothing company to establish Sailor Jerry Ltd., which produces clothing and an idiosyncratic collection of other items, such as ash trays, high-top sneakers, playing cards, church keys and shot glasses. An anti-sweatshop company, nearly all Sailor Jerry items are produced in the United States and sold via the company’s web site or from the Sailor Jerry Store at 116 S. 13th Street in Philadelphia, which frequently plays host to performances by independent musicians. Links to bands the company supports are a prominent feature of the web site. The company also showcases rising talents with its "Artist Series", which it describes as a way to "keep Sailor Jerry’s legacy alive and kicking".
In 2002, Converse licensed many tattoo artworks from Sailor Jerry to print onto their Hi-Top, Oxford, & SkidGrip Deck shoes.

Sailor Jerry Ltd. produces a 92 proof spiced Navy rum featuring a quintessential Sailor Jerry hula girl on the label. The reverse label also peels off to reveal various Pin-up girls designed by Sailor Jerry. It is based on the kind of rums that sailors used to create by infusing on-board stocks of rum with spices. Sailor Jerry rum is distilled in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Norman's letters, art and flash are owned and managed by Sailor Jerry Ltd.

After his death, friends found the recipe to a spiced rum in Norman Collin's belongings, which later became the base that created Sailor Jerry Rum. Sailor Jerry Rum got its influence from Sailors who frequently traveled around the world collecting barrels of rum from the Caribbean for the shipmen to drink during their travels. As the rum was of very cheap quality at the time, they would frequently pick up spices and flavors from the Far East and Asia to throw into the barrels to infuse a flavor much more enjoyable for the sailors to drink.


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3.24.2010

Pin-up/Eyebrow Tutorial

This young woman does some fierce eye & eyebrow makeup. This tutorial is for the Pinup/Eyebrow.

3.21.2010

Bakumatsu Koshashin Generator

Has anybody been to this website that can make your photos look really vintage? It's a japanese website called Bakumatsu Koshashin Generator. I'm kind of addicted to it and I've been taking pics of myself and making them look old. I'm such a dork. But I really like how it looks. I then go to photobucket and play around with the size and color. It's kind of fun when you're bored, LOL! Here are some pics I did:



3.14.2010

Practicing Vintage Hairstyles

I've been practicing vintage hairstyles on myself since last year. I'm not amazing but it's getting a little better. I've learned so much from YouTube tutorials by talented ladies such as Lisa Freemont and Casey Brown. Thanks Dolls!
I go back and forth between 1950's and 1940's hairstyles, although I lean more towards 40's because I like the longer styles. Oh how I wish I had hair like Rita Hayworth or Betty Grable! But alas, my hair is very thin and stick straight. I always used to do a basic Bettie Page look just because it was easy with my hair, but I don't have the thick bangs to pull it off either! So gradually I began to explore more styles from the 40's & 50's and bought some hot rollers and lots of hair products to keep my thin hair in curls! Of course Hubby thinks I'm nuts but I love it! So I'll keep on practicing and I hope the tutorials will keep on coming!


Rita Hayworth

Betty Grable



Casey Brown

2.28.2010

Thrift finds!

There's a new thrift store around my neighborhood and it's much bigger and easier to walk around in than the other smaller thrift stores around here. Also it has a better selection than the others. I usually don't go into these stores around here because not much vintage to find or anything to catch my interest. But today I found 3 things! I found (actually hubby spotted her first) a lovely doll. I usually don't collect these kinds of dolls, but she was so cute and in perfect condition, I just had to get it! Next I found an adorable straw bag, with a robin's egg blue color, perfect for summer. Then I found a black strech belt with a butterfly buckle. Not bad for thrift store finds! And the funny thing was I didn't plan to go in, but my son spotted a Bob the builder tin lunchbox in the window (which hubby got for him) and we just went in. Don't you just love unexpected finds?


2.27.2010

Vintage Pic of the week





Two friends in the winter season

2.24.2010

What I want now: Vintage Compacts

I'm currently obsessed with vintage compacts. I like the ones with mother of pearl on both sides. But I also like the gold tone ones and ones with beautiful designs on them. They are so luxe! These are all from Etsy and I have my eye on them ;-)




2.22.2010

Valentine's Day goodies!

This year I didn't want jewelry, box of chocolates, or perfume. No thanks. I told hubby I wanted some vintage things I've had my eye on. He just laughed, but he knew I was serious. So that's what I got on Valentine's Day from dear hubby. From ebay I won this gorgeous chocolate brown velvet robe with a faux leopard trim. So yummy! Fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. So glam! Then from Etsy I bought this cute hawaiian sundress (not vintage but 1950's inspired). It has a sweetheart neckline, fitted waist and full circle skirt. And you can remove the straps and wear it a halter dress! I'm always thinking ahead to summer because it keeps me sane in these long winter months! I'm still waiting for this dress to come and I can't wait!
Next I ordered this cute petite navy & white spectator purse. It's so adorable, but I expected it to be a little bit bigger than it was. I'm always in search for the perfect vintage purse.
Thanks hubby for these gifts, even though you think I'm odd for loving vintage! LOL!