Fashion Notes from the Midwest

One of my favorite things about going home to the Midwest is the opprotunity to go vintage shopping. There is no better place to go shopping for vintage clothes than Midwest. Clothing and accessories are always inexpensive and (usually) in better condition. While I did not get to go shopping as much as I would have liked there are couple of new places on the scene in Madison, WI that residents should take not of.

These pictures are from Epoch Vintage located on State Street. I was impressed by the low prices of shoes and accessories here and the condition of the items on sale. This is a new store since I've lived in Madison, but I think it is a good addition to the scene. It should be noted that the owner was very obliging when it came to taking pictures of me and my sister-in-law Jennifer.






I also managed to make a trip to the Madison Antique Mall. While there was a very small selection of clothing I did find the gorgeous tooled leather bag pictured below for only $23. Many of the stalls will give you discounts if you pay in cash.


And I just wanted to point out my sister's adorable outfit for the 4th of July. The theme for her outfit is 4th of July 1976. You can't really tell from the picture, but her scarf says "Spirit of '76" on it. Awesome. I'm a fan of theme outfits in case you were wondering.


This doesn't really have anything to do with fashion, but I just have to show off how cute my niece is.

In Hiding

Sorry I haven't posted lately kids! I was hiding out in the Midwest, but have plenty of stuff that I'm dying to get on here. In the meantime check me out on Beyond Boston Chic!

Inspiration: Black Book

Last night I finally got around to watching the Paul Verhoven movie Black Book, which I had on loan from Netflix for about 2 months. While I thought the movie was very good and conveyed the difficulties and complexities of war, I kept getting distracted by Carice Van Houten's wardrobe. My thoughts during the movie went something like this: "War is awful... How did she get that great coat in wartime Holland?"

Now all I can think about is how I should dress more like a 1940's pin-up, without looking like I just stepped off a stage production of Anything Goes. I've been scouring the internet all day just to find some modern day versions of the outfits she wears.



It should be mentioned that no matter what she has been through (bombings, prison, attempted murder) her make up always looks dewy and perfect.




This look says, "I may be captured by the SS, but I still look fabulous." Seriously, wartime Holland must have had a fantastic black market.


Try as I might I could only find these two pictures of this great outfit she wears towards the end of the movie. It's a nice fitted leather jacket, with a striped button down and wide legged pants. Something like Katherine Hepburn might wear. So lovely.





Get the look:

Anna Sui Abstract Zinnia Romper

Yes, a romper. I'm still obsessed.

DKNY Black Skirt Bottom Overcoat


Borderlines Red Handkerchief Scarf


Tom Nguyen Black and White Lace Cami Dress


Nicole Miller Silk V-Neck Halter Gown


Mike and Chris Kellen Leather Jacket


Gap Wide Legged Sailor Pants


Gap Striped Fitted Shirt


And as always there are scores of vintage patterns you can use to get the look too.

Rompers!

Am I going mad? Why do suddenly feel the urge to buy rompers. Seriously something must be wrong with me right? I just keep picturing myself wearing them with a wide belt and sandals. Is that wrong?

Here are a few rompers that I'll be eyeing until the urge to purchase a pair subsides:

Farrah Black Romper


Andy Pinstripe Jumper


Baby Blue Vintage Terry Romper

Playing with Make-up

Ok, so this post has absolutely nothing to with clothing or accessories, but in a way make-up can be an accessory to whatever outfit you are wearing. Right?

Anyway, I just got a make-up brush kit delivered from Elf cosmetics along with some eye shadow. I must admit I'm not crazy about their make-up, but their brushes are great
and in case you didn't know they only cost $1 each, compared to $20+ at Sephora... I'm digressing. The new brushes have inspired me to try out some new eye make-up looks.

Now, before I share the pictures with you I want to share with you a couple of things I learned from this little blogging experiment: 1) you need to apply a lot of make-up in order for it to show up on camera and 2) it is really difficult to take a good picture of your eye.

Look 1:
For this look I was inspired by Audrey Hepburn. I wanted something simple for everyday wear and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

Eye Shadow: Smashbox, Baby Pink
Eye Liner: Maybelline Liquid Liner, Black
Mascara: Cover Girl Lash Blast, Very Black



Side note: I don't actually have four eyes. My roommate Elizabeth was freaked out by these pictures, so I apologize for any freaked outedness.

Look 2:
For this look I used the Mac Cosmetics site as a guide. They provide several different looks with directions on how to recreate them. I highly recommend it if you are looking for ideas. This look is Dita Von Teese.

Eyeshadow: Stila, from Kit no color listed; Elf, Blue Moon Kit (was really a brown color and not blue)
Eye Liner: Maybelline Liquid Liner, Black
Mascara: Cover Girl Lash Blast, Very Black




Look 3:
Another Mac look. This one is Love Knot

Eye Shadow: Elf, Sliver Lining and Drama
Mascara: Cover Girl Lash Blast, Very Black




Look 4:
This look is actually from a kit. The Foiled Eye kit to be exact. I bought it at the Sephora in Las Vegas, because you need something kicky and silver in Las Vegas.




What do you guys think?

The heat has kept me from posting the past week because the even the thought of sewing made me feel hot all over. I couldn't even turn on my computer knowing that it would just generate more heat in my already boiling apartment, so I wasn't even able to post any old work that I've done. Thankfully the heat has finally broken and I'm able to get back to work. I'm hoping to get some more work done on my coat tonight. I purchased some metallic closures for it over the weekend from Windsor Button. I was worried that I wasn't going to find what I was looking for since some initial searching on the Internet came up empty. Luckily Windsor Button had exactly what I was looking for. I swear they aren't paying me, however if the kind and helpful people at Windsor Button want to hook me up with some complimentary yarn I won't complain.

In addition to buying supplies for my coat I was able to score this purse from TJMaxx at way below retail. I have wanted a Hobo bag for a while since I tend to drool whenever I see them. I couldn't pass it up. Mine is a light green color and I love it as much as one can love an accessory. I need to mention that the TJMaxx at Downtown Crossing is a goldmine for designer purses. Last year I found my favorite leather purse there on clearence for $40 originaly $200. I'm a sucker for a nice leather purse and a bargain. They are also not paying me, but again I won't say no to a free purse or two.

Milinery Fun

Did anyone happen to watch Cranford on Masterpiece Classic a few weeks? No? Well,one of the characters happened to be a destitute aristocrat turned miliner, which got me thinking about my own foray into milinery. I made this hat about a year ago using this pattern. It was so simple and quick that I'm not sure why I haven't made more of these. I actually was able to make the entire thing while watching Midnight Cowboy, so now I always think of John Voigt whenever I look at it. Not sure if that's a good thing or not.