Ghosts and Garters Vintage

Mini weekend trip!

2012-02-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend I'm staying with my wonderful twin friends who live about an hour from me. Its best that we don't live close to one another I think, as we severely love cooking, creating, cats and thrifting and would undoubtedly become very large, very broke (but stylish!) cat ladies.

Last weekend they stayed at my place for a night and there was a whole lot if this....

....and then we went for a Sunday morning hike and found this...

kinda strange and neat. (I may have brought it home to add to the collection... don't worry I clean them ! :)

Anyway, this weekend we have wonderful plans involving mustaches, cameras, and champagne, and I cannot wait to share what comes out of it!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Warmer weather outfits Im really excited for!

2012-02-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

Winter is so silly this year, at least in MA. I think if it were to snow now I just wouldn't know what to do with myself. This everlasting "spring tease" has me dreaming of flower buds, warm breezes, vacations and all the new warm weather outfits Ive been itching to wear out.

Like these!

I found this pink gingham shift at my local thrift store for one dollar! I'm going to pair it with brown tights with pink knee patches....as soon as I find/make them :)

Woven owl necklace was made by my grandmother.

This yellow polka dot skirt! (Savers)

And this MA licence plate tank of a purse.(boutique)

This is perhaps what I am most excited for! My mum found this vintage 50' swimsuit (along with one other) in great condition wrapped in a plastic bag in the very way back of our familys very old cabin!

Easy and cute DIY teabags using loose leaf tea.

2012-02-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm spending this coming weekend with two wonderful friends who share my tea love, so this morning I made them some teabags that look like there scruffy black yellow-eyed kitty Hollace (who is also wonderful)

Now you may think this is a lot of work for just a teabag, but think of all the possibilities!

.... Halloween teabags shaped like pumpkins with pumpkin spice added, Christmas tree teabags with piney aromas added, cupcake teabags, heart teabags, teabags with your face on them...etc.

Also, with loose leaf teas I usually use them for a few cups, every time you add more hot water the leaves loosen up a bit more and the flavors subtly change until its all used up!

All you need : small coffee filters, loose leaf tea, needle & thread, scissors, and whatever you want to use for the tag ( paper cutouts, picture cutouts, felt, etc)

1.Place tea of your choosing in middle of filter.

2. fold in both sides.

3. keep folding in sides (kind of like making a paper air plane) until you have a triangle shape.

4. Thread you needle and tie a knot at the end.

5. place knotted end in the middle of the folds.

6. Fold over the point of you triangle twice to secure the string.

7. secure fold-over with a stitch.

I used a fabric cutout for my tag, so I just sewed little eye stitches and a nose then knotted and cut the thread.

And that's it!

meow meow meooow.

Hope you like em!

-Heather Jean

Dress bars

2012-02-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

So a lot of people have these, and I do think mine is really handy sometimes because of my lack of closet space, but sometimes it drives me crazy. Like when one side starts sinking because its too crammed, or when its just kinda stuck in a spot against the wall and looks awkward. Or when Kitty's try try to climb it.(all these things are mostly my fault...I'm just angry at it :) Also its kinda ugly...do you guys have a system, or an idea to "pretty it up?" Where do you put yours so its not awkwardly floating around? I need ideas about wardrobe storage or someday soon they'll find me suffocated under an avalanche of dresses and sweaters.

Ive been lurking about on apatment tharapy too and really like these posts, they are giving me some great inspiration!.....

"When the bedroom becomes the dressing room"

"Dreaming of dressing rooms"

"Hats on display"

'The Boudoir'

2012-02-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

My guy was wonderful to let me completely commandeer the largest room in our apartment when we moved in. Its now fondly referred to as "the Boudoir". And while mostly its really just a glorified closet, some days its so much more! Its my craft room, yoga and relaxation room, the room where my friends stay while visiting, my cats favorite room, etc. But sometimes(or always) it suffers the fate of most closets/stuff rooms, which is that when we need to tidy the rest of the place in a hurry......we cram everything in this room and shut the door!

But today I woke up with a purpose, and that was to clean until every dust bunny, stray sock, fur fluff and makeup smear was wiped out with a vengeance!

Sometimes cleaning the boudoir is like shopping too, so that makes it a little fun. Finding clothing I haven't seen in ages is a wonderful surprise. Usually if i don't see a item of clothing on a daily basis it doesn't exist....

The clean will not last long. I know it will not, I've come to terms with that. But Ill enjoy it while its here ;)

Snowshoes

2012-02-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

We spent this past weekend in New Hampshire with some of my family. It was wonderful. Lots of snow (unlike home!) and campfires, and winter fun. I also brought along a few dresses!

Is a vintage orange floorlength halter dress appropriate snowshoeing attire? Well sure! But only for a minute. Its quite chilly.

Meet the new guys!

2012-02-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

I raided a box of old cameras that my mum had stored away. She has sooo many! I think its going to be a project of mine to try to get a photo out of each one, some how some way. Many are missing parts, some need fixing, some need film that is no longer available!

But I'm going to start with these little guys.

I dusted them off....then fell in love, hard.

On top is a Brownie Starflex Camera- 1957-1964,

and the bottom one is A Hawkeye Instamatic R4, 1966-1971

And I threw in my great grandmothers watch, because I have an issue with objects being in threes....

I'm excited to see what come of this project!

I sense a whole lot of trial and error...like bunches.

Dresses in the morning light.

2012-02-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

I was determined to get up very early today so that I could capture some of that special morning light. And while my morning personality(shes so cranky!) made me sleep in a little longer than planed, I still managed a pretty early start to a very busy day!

The massive state forest that is down my street has become my new favorite place! Its so beautiful and quiet.

Just popping in for a quick "oh hello". No better start like shedding your non-photogenic puffy coat in very very cold weather! I did have a few other plans picture wise but my batteries kicked it (of course!) and well, I'm just not organized enough to bring along spares. Aint that always the way :) Hope your having a lovely morning!

-Heather Jean

Monday morning coffee

2012-02-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

Monday morning blues? Just cant seem to get going? Not mentally awake until about 11?

Well then join me for a cup o' the wakey juice along with the london coffee house crowd!

50's/ 60's style

Found this lovely via Bon Appetit this morning.

"You push the button, We do the rest!"

2012-02-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was given a Brownie camera by a very kind gentleman. I had brought my own to a class as a prop, but its kinda, well, old and broken. He told me he had one at home that I could have, and I was taken aback that he would give me, a stranger, a lovely old camera. But he did, and I am so very grateful. And with the help of my good friend Nikolai, I now know how to load it properly! So I have been pattering about finishing up the film I cannot wait to develop!

The large one is my oldie, I bought it at a yard sale. Alas he does not work at the moment, but I'm going to try to fix im!

I'm sorta enjoying this snow-less winter. I like the bareness of it all. The way the light goes through the trees, the dry cold rustling.....also the no shoveling is pretty awesome.

scent

2012-02-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

I wish I were one of those women who always wore the same perfume, so much so that it became there smell. But I'm attracted to pretty bottles and susceptible to mood swings and they need there own scent to go along.

This is, however, one of my favorites.

Absynthe by Christian Lacroix.

It makes me feel vaguely poisonous when I put it on. I love it.

I think the idea of having a signature smell is wonderful, and I have tried to stick to one...but just can not.

Not when there are so many lovely bottles to display on my dresser, even if some of them are a little dusty-ish :)

A study in bangs: Partie deux!

2012-02-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

So I woke up to my fringe sticking straight up, literally straight up, and decided that today would be a good day to attempt an Audrey-like bang.

(On a different note, doesn't this little ballerina look like He-Man in a tutu!?!)

I just used my straightener in a kind of up and under motion to add some voom and at the same time kinda shorten them. Then sprayed the underneath part and back combed the roots a little then smoothed the top.

Brushed my eyebrows up + lots o' mascara....didnt cover my under-eye circles because Audrey had those too, and I think they gave her that vulnerable and lovely deep look.

And then I drank some delicious coffee....

....look at this adorable picture!

^Photo by Mark Shaw

Rodeo girls

2012-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

I met up with a few good friend the other night. While searching for a last call we stopped in a bar that had these photos stuck on a mirror. I couldn't resist snapping a few pics!

I really like this one!

roundup

2012-01-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

Its tough to keep busy in winter. There is a lot of web exploration going on.

Here's a roundup of five things I'm really crushing on at the moment.

The Spanish Moss inspiration blog

DIY Knee patch tights!!!!!

They have been sold out everywhere. Time to take matters in to my own hands.

Admiring the creations This lovely lady makes. I have a wicker basket full of damaged garments waiting for new life. This inspires me.

Simply Breakfast.... Mmmm

.... and my guilty pleasure?......

Cooking with Nigella Lawson via youtube.

( This picture cracks me up :)

Have a lovely day!

-Heather Jean

Reluctance

2012-01-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

"Out through the fields and the woods

And over the walls I have wended;

I have climbed the hills of view

And looked at the world, and descended;

I have come by the highway home,

And lo, it is ended...

...The leaves are all dead on the ground,

Save those that the oak is keeping

To ravel them one by one

And let them go scraping and creeping

Out over the crusted snow,

When others are sleeping....

... And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,

No longer blown hither and thither;

The last lone aster is gone;

The flowers of the witch hazel wither;

The heart is still aching to seek,

But the feet question "Whither?"...

...Ah, when to the heart of man

Was it ever less than a treason

To go with the drift of things,

To yield with a grace to reason,

And bow and accept the end

Of a love or a season?"

-Reluctance by Robert Frost

Coat- Modcloth

Vintage flower dress and boots- Aint thet Sumpth'n Consignment shop -Bradford NH

leather bag- Go Lightly boutique- New London NH

Necklace and belt were thrifted

Photos by my guy Tom, except the last, that uns mine own :)

Tea Flowers

2012-01-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

Today's dreary weather really sapped the energy right out of me. I did have plans, oh what wonderous plans! Or maybe just intentions.

Oh well. These pictures from the other day warm me up alittle.

I think Ill go put the kettle on and try to get some life back in me....

...the night (or late afternoon) is still young!!

*dramatic fist shake

A study in bangs: Part One

2012-01-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

I've been having alot of fun with my new hair recently. Going through some of my pin-up books, I realized that some of my favorite style icons posses a great set of... bangs! (har har)

One if them being Brigitte Bardot (whom I recently expressed my awe of in a previous post)

So I gathered some makeup in Brigitte-esque hues and plastered my face with em!

Then with a comb and spray I teased the life out of my crown, added a pony extension, and just did some general tousling. I need some practice, but I think come summer and longer hair Ill definitely be trying her look more often!

I thought a gingham dress and polka dot ribbon would be appropriate.

(up next, I try to fake the Audrey doo, without touching scissors! We"ll see :)

Dream Stove and some Good Morning music.

2012-01-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

As someone who gets really excited about a new Christmas vacuum, or perhaps a toaster, its no wonder I have a favorite stove. This amazing stove resides in my parents incredibly rustic, time-capsule of a cabin in middle-of-nowhere New Hampshire. When they bought it (before I was born) it was still furnished and full of trinkets from the elderly couple before. (side note: Over the summer my mom found two vintage bathing suits in the very back of the closet wrapped in a plastic bag in great condition! I cannot wait until beach weather to show you guys!)

I love it. It looks like its going to come alive and start puffing around and saying things like "don't you dare leave this kitchen without something in your belly!" or "your looking thin dear, have some stew!
You know, typical things a stove would say....
all of course in a granny voice...

Anyway, enough about talking objects that magically cook food for me, here's some morning music!!

Murder By Death Is one of my all time favorite bands.

Both there music and aesthetic are so incredibly beautiful it makes my heart ache.

This one is off of 2010's album- Good Morning, Magpie- "As long as there is Whiskey in the world"

Enjoy!

-Heather Jean

Farm fresh in winter

2012-01-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

I'm really lucky that there is an indoor farmers market close by that stays open during the winter!

Otherwise Id live on chips and fudgy brownies...

We stopped in this morning for a few tasty treats!

It seems that all farmers markets have a mandatory awesome cat. Cutie.

You cant really see it in this photo but this egg is light blue! The "egg people" told me they will have light pink ones in spring....this excites me.

We grabbed some homemade Tex Mex cranberry jalapeno jam and a great loaf of crusty bread.

No winter food rut for me yet!

Snow, and the hats that go.

2012-01-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

We are all snowed in today.

Its been coming down all day, so I borrowed my boys suggly grey ushanka, wrapped myself up in a thrifted faux fur and went out to play in it!

This is what happens when I watch "Dr. Zhivago" and "War and Peace" in the same week. Furs, russian hats and snow! I Also finally had the time to do my winter hair! I'm very pleased with it, I tried not to go scissor happy on my bangs.

stay warm!

-Heather Jean

Scrapbook- Lupe Velez

2012-01-21T05:03:00.000-08:00

"Hollywood's Mexican spitfire"

(1908-1944)

"The first time you buy a house you think how pretty it is and sign the check. The second time you look to see if the basement has termites. It's the same with men"

At only 36 Lupe committed suicide by way of overdose.

A dress and a hat.

2012-01-18T12:46:00.000-08:00

I purchased this dress a good five years ago for seven dollars.

It caught my eye while hanging in the back of a van in an upstate NY flee market next to another older dress. I was really only admiring this one but apparently the vendor was having trouble selling the two and he offered to sell them both to me for seven dollars. In the end I've actually ended up wearing the other dress more than this one, so I'm quite glad I got the deal!

Its getting to be pretty delicate, the top is made up of sheer mesh and an aging lace pattern, There is a peach colored under piece so it's not all the way see through, and a small tie at the breast bone.

I've had this hat awhile also, its a funny little thing that swoops over the head and to the side, with small bead-work and felt flowers.

The dress has two fabric panels that attach from above the waist to the bottom of the dress, If anyone knows what this might be called I would love to know! :)

I hope you like it! I have a tough time doing outfit posts because of a lack of light in the home, but today was bright and sunny! Id like to try to do more.

o more

Sometimes I make things.. other than food.

2012-01-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

These are a few necklaces I made a couple months ago, I posted them on my fb, but thought I would share them here as they are made with vintage and antique bits.

This first picture is of course familiar. The two pocket watches belonged to my great grandmother Bertha. She uses to live with us when I was little little, so I never really had a chance to talk with her about, well, so many things I would have loved to know now.

This is a gear from a rundown mill alittle ways down the road from me. My friend Ali and I were having a blast with a photoshoot and we saw that the ground was speckled with bunches of rusty old bits! What luck!

This one doesnt have much of a story. Its just a tag along.

...and so that was a creative spurt that kinda fizzled out for now, until I find more trinkets and inspiration. I wish I had the motivation to make things like this all the time, but I hit slumps or move on to quickly. I really need to find my steady pace as far as crafting goes. Maybe Its just to cold for creativity? Im always willing to blame the weather :)

Almost There

2012-01-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

Today I attempted my forth batch of french macarons. Batches one and two not having worked at all, three tasting good but not too pretty. I'm determined to make perfect little crisp and chewy pastel macarons.

I really wish I had an electric mixer. I dream of a baby blue or sage green kitchen-aid. Alas, they are pricey.

(grandmas antique china, teapot from my aunt)

So this four. Not perfect, but that's okay. I don't think I should get it right until five or six, it wouldn't be fair to the cookie. nom nom.

Sitting Pretty

2012-01-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

Our kitty Frey being stately. Perched on our Sherlock Holmes volumes, in front of an antique GE fan.

Hes such a ham. He knows hes pretty and manages to always look picturesque.

Brigitte Bardot

2012-01-11T17:59:00.000-08:00

(Above shot from the film Doctor at Sea- 1955)

Truthfully, young Brigitte Bardot makes me want to wear a paper bag over my head. At all times.

The girlish grin, huge eyes, general look of innocence mixed with wonderful cheekiness.

Its too much to handle.

This is my favorite picture of her, also from 1955. I found it some time ago in the book Screen Dreams-The Hollywood Pinup(1982 Dlilah Communications Ltd)

*deep sigh and a ho hum*

"Qu'ils mangent de la brioche"

2012-01-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

This morning I made brioche for breakfast. Which really was brunch....because it took awhile. But they were worth the wait.

I really love making beloved foods that have history.

I think these heavy delectable french pastry's definitely fall into that category.

Lunasa

2012-01-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

"But there are still green trees

And one last round for the bees

Before we all freeze

Over for a spell..."

"....So let us treasure
These moments together
As we sing along
So long and fare thee well.."

..."The beautiful flowers
Will all fade away
The streams will all freeze and
The fields turn to gray..."

"...The frogs all will slumber

The birds will take flight

And winter's cold wonder

Will bid us goodnight "

Photos by Ali Tinlin

Song Lyrics-Karen Elson "Lunasa"

Antique Wedding dress( sneaky peek)

2012-01-06T11:23:00.000-08:00

From a shoot with my dear friend John Nikolai and a gorgeous antique wedding dress( think Miss Havisham) a few weeks ago.

More to come in time.

Marjorie Woodworth

2012-01-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

Grandparents Scrapbook- Marjorie Woodworth 1919-2000

I do not think Marjorie had a great run in Hollywood.

I can hardly find anything on her, and many of her roles are uncredited or things like"girl in shop"and "dancing blonde"

According to this TCM article, it sounds like she was another case of another girl being over groomed, over publicized..and well, flopping.

I personally thing shes adorable in the above picture! Maybe they got it all wrong by trying to make her a sex bomb. I like the smiles.

Mmmm friends and food, this is a good crowd.

This happened to so many young girls just starting out. Publicized to be the next Harlow-Hayworth-Monroe.
It seems to me Marjorie's personality shines in the more candid pictures rather that the glamor shots.
There has to be a lesson here somewhere....something about embracing yourself I think? Or being the next you?

Anyway......The next foxy lady in the book is the sultry and tragic Lupe Velez!
So stay tuned.

-Heather

DOH

2012-01-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to a few lovely lady's who left some comments on my last few posts!

As I am not actually used to receiving comments (hardy har) I accidently deleted a bunch in my mail box not realizing that deletes them from the post!

But i did go back and respond!

forgive me!

My delicious New Years!

2012-01-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

My New Years was fantastic. Amazing friends, an out of this world dinner, a very cool dog.

It really couldn't have been better.

The food! THE FOOD!!!

These two are evil Kitchen GENIUSES.

The Sparkle Brigade

All these photos are by the great Travis Farrenkopf !

Hair Inspiration

2012-01-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm getting my yearly Itch to go darker.

Its Like clockwork.

Every single year I go through my different "temperatures" of hair. Auburn for autumn, ruby for holidays, dark for the winter...summers a wild card.

And it can be brutal on my tresses (especially last summer when I tried blond for the first time, which I loved everything about, except for the upkeep) but it just happens.

I'm sure there is an emotional trigger too. After the holidays, I just feel a little darker, and that's OK. Being snowed indoors, the walls creaking, wind howling, curling up in sweaters and fuzzy blankets to catch up on some reading. The last of hint of summer freckles disappearing. Dark hair just feels appropriate.

My most inspiring dark haired lady?
The mind melting beauty that is Gene Tierney, especially in "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" and "Laura". I'm a little obsessed, in a healthy way.

The lovely Vivien Leigh a la "Anna Karenina" Dark hair just looks wonderful under hoods and furry hats, don't you think?

I also really like Olivia Wilde's dark hair( who consequently, looks alittle bit like Gene Tierney, I think). I'm trying to take note from women with similar skin tone and green/light eyes...this is to keep myself from being enamored with a color that would never work on me...... I'm learning from past mistakes!!!yay!

So this will most likely be happening within the next few weeks, along with the first proper snowing.

-H

Home strange home

2012-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

I love my home. Well, I'm starting to love my home. Now that the chaos of the holidays is over I can get back on track as far as getting the place to look the way I want, and being a comfortable and inspiring dwelling.

Here are a few shots I took today after tidying up.

Tis home.

scrap book-Lynn Bari

2011-12-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

Grandparents Starlet scrapbook- Lynn Bari (1913-1989)

Born Margaret Schuyler Fisher, she was an actress signed at Century Fox throughout the 30s ans 40s.

.......and she was drop dead gorgeous...

Enjoy!-Heather Jean

A good wednesday.

2011-12-29T11:44:00.000-08:00

I love my Wednesdays off.

I love waking up late, having the time for a few cups of tea, cleaning my home (with my new vacuum!!!!!! I know I'm not the only one who gets excited about new appliances.....), shopping and lolling about when other people are at work.

And having my lovely lifelong friends over for a day of dress up, frolicking through fields with guitars and accordions, picture taking in a giggly way and just plain good old fashioned fun.

Being around genuinely kind, creative, and supportive friends really perks me up.

A hatted Kara braiding Jackie's lovely long locks , Ali rocking a retro orange plaid pullover while camera fiddling.

Wine. Always wine.

Our bag of hats, woolly sweaters, dainty gloves and magic. Then we set out......

Presents!

2011-12-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

My cousin Sam gave me the coolest gift! I have to share it.

Among all the other awesome things, she gave me a box set of 14 genuine reproduction Elvis "Art-i-facts"

Elvis picture cards with mini interviews on the back!

These two are my favorite,

"why do you wiggle?"....

I loooooove it!

snippits

2011-12-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

I like to think that someday I will finish all of my Christmas shopping a few weeks before the day, but I know that will never be the case. I'm just not wired that way. Needless to say I have spent the last few days running around, tracking down presents, stressing, making last minute plans.

I visited our beautiful post office(below) to track down a package. It had been delivered to my neighbors house. Of course!

I trimmed my hair! Im trying to grow it out, but It really really needed it.

It was chilly enough for me to break out my glove stash and wear this pair, with tiny tiny wrist buttons!

and I have been munching on clementines non-stop!

They are so delicious!

Well, hello there....

2011-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

Where your pants be Mr. Bogart?

Silk

2011-12-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

This is a vintage (possibly antique)

silk dress that was given to me by my aunt. I do not know too much about it.

The fabric is almost impossibly thin and delicate. I spent a few hours yesterday making some repairs to numerous rips and loose hems so as to be able to don it for a friends evening photo reception.

Very glad I was able to wear it one night, but I think this lovely will be going into the "treasure but never wear" chest with a few other time worn and loved items.

Wish I could provide better pictures of the clothes, this is still something Im working on.

Ill figure it out eventually.

There's poor light in my apartment for this kind of thing. But its so chilly out :)

The ghost of shoots past.

2011-12-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

I have so many pictures from shoots that I mean to post when they are still seasonal.

The intention is there, just not the time.

So what the hey, better late than never!

These photo were taken on the first day of autumn If I remember correctly, an early foggy morning.

This is one of my favorite dresses! Vintage, hand sewn, hooded wonder.

Photos by Art and Discord

All along it was the oceans song...

2011-12-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

These photos are from a Cape weekend In September, spent with my lovely friends Ali and Kara. There was much thrifting and beaching and eating.

I miss it.

Photos by Ali Tinlin

Trinkets!

2011-12-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

I know I've posted a picture of this black nickle locket before, but a few months ago I found this gold version in a NH shop! I sense a collection starting!

I have done some researching and talked to other jewelry enthusiasts, but I still cannot find any information about these interesting lovelies!

This bracelet was my grandmothers on my dads side, and the broach was my great grandmothers on my mums side.

This watch was also my great grandmothers.

Meringues

2011-12-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

I love meringues. I didn't realize how easy the are to make until trying my hand at this recipe:
Peppermint Meringues

Since learning, I have made three batches in five days.
(each batch made about 60, except for my last batch, which i doubled. I'm a cookie monster)

And Im not even close to sick of them yet!

I plan to make them for all my friends and family.

.....they will probably get sick of them...

( my wonky meringue ^)

Bucket of cookies!

I decorated my Christmas...dress??

2011-12-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Bringing a tree into my home would be a disaster. My kitties are monsters and would have it over the second we looked away. So this year I decorated a Christmas dress! With vintage Shiny Brite ornaments, pearls and other such sparkles..

Oh Christmas dress, oh Christmas dress

thy hemline shines so brightly!

Oh my town.

2011-12-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

I didn't get dressed until 5 o'clock today. I really hadn't planned to either. I had this whole Sunday to myself, movie, quiet reading, tea, a no obligations lazy day. It was wonderful. Then a bit ago I realized that the loud tinny Christmas music I was suddenly aware of was not coming from my overzealous neighbors but from the town hall a few streets away. Pants- sweater- downed wine- no makeup later, I grabbed my camera and headed out to investigate. A Brisk walk up to a large crowd of mostly parents and children gathered around a piano singing Rudolf and apparently waiting, I found an inconspicuous spot under a decorated pine and waited with them. Lo and behold Santa arriving in a fire truck!!

( I hold a very special spot in my heart for school bands)

.....then 20 minutes later I was back on my couch.

And that's todays adventure kids!!

(and just an extra snapshot from the Wrentham Country Store, visited earlier this week)

Oh Dear. its that time of year....

2011-12-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

Okay. I'm starting to get into the spirit. Just a bit. I do love this time of year. My tolerance for Christmas music is growing( thanks A very She & Him Christmas!), my shopping urges are uncontrollable, and my cookie lust is insatiable. Maybe Ill even get alittle crazy and watch a Christmas movie or two this weekend.... after i visit the craft fair and get a Christmas tree with my family. OK fine. I guess I'm fully Christmas spirited.

(scenes from "Meet Me In St. Louis")

Marilyn's Fitness regimen

2011-11-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

I'm on another one of my monthly Marilyn binges. Watching my movies, reading my mini Marilyn library, and researching nonstop. This months binge is undoubtedly brought about (to my giddy excitement) by "My week with Marilyn". Can. Not. Wait. I'll have to go on a bit of a drive this weekend as its not playing in my usual theater Ah well, ill make a day of it :)

Anyway, I've had this excerpt from Pageant magazine(1952) waiting for quite a while and though now would be a wonderful time to post them!

Id be lying if I pretended that I didnt keep this article in my mind while working out.

One can only dream!

enjoy :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from The New York Woman -November 1936.

I think next year I might try my hand at guava stuffing, sounds delicious!

Happy feasting!

Wicked Thrift

2011-10-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

After we were all shopped out at Wilmas, she sent us to a thrift store I had never been to called Wicked Thrift to find some duds for the guys.

This thrift store is actually two different buildings crammed full of awesome modern, vintage, jewelry, hats shoes....pretty much everything!

(This is my "I'm so overwhelmed by everything i want to buy that i really cannot fit it all im my arms!" face.

I ended up buying a gorgeous cream colored vintage americana/praire dress with a small flowered design and ruffles. I love ruffles. Featured in this lovely photo by Art and Discord

And a cape....which happened to be on sale for about 50$. I looked it up online, and its worth 220$. (steals and deals and such!)

I'll be adding this shop to my yearly haunt list.

http://www.wickedthrift.com/Wicked_Thrift.php

Wilma's Eclectic Finds

2011-09-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend, a few of my dearest friends and i went on a lovely weekend trip to the cape to end summer with a bang and welcome in my favorite season. Camp fires, clambakes and beach frolics ensued.

Along with some serious shopping.

First up was Wilma's Eclectic Finds in West Yarmouth. I visited this shop twice this summer and found some amazing treasures. And its sooo wonderfully organized, not overwhelming at all.

Along with a large selection of women's clothing, theres also a bunch of cute housewares and trinkets.

And dapper mannequins.

So go visit! Its wonderful, and you will most definitely find something that you could not possibly live without and don't know how you've managed all this time with its absence.......yes. That wonderful.

Wilma's Eclectic Finds for you and your home.

616 Rt. 28 West Yarmouth
Wilma's Facebook page

(and "like" mine while your at it. Its lonely. )
Heather Astatic

P.S. Stay tuned for all the fabulous pictures we took in our fancy new clothes.
And for the next post about "Wicked Thrift", the amazing shop Wilma's sent us to after.

Gypsy Rose Lee

2011-08-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, things were getting rather dull. So I'm spicing it up by skipping over a few starlets in my grandparents scrapbook(ill get back to em!) to get to the stripping gypsy. Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous American burlesque dancer, entertainer and writer, was born Rose Louise Hovick. (1914-1970 ) Hands down the single most influential woman of burlesque, still inspiring dancers of today. Shes lovely.
(click pic for larger image)

"If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing slowly . . . very slowly. "

-Gypsy Rose lee

"I used to come home at night full of inspiration, and sit up with a bottle of Scotch. As I wrote, the words seemed wonderful, just too wonderful to be coming from me. Next morning I always found they were terrible and I could never use anything I wrote."
-Gypsy Rose Lee

Aint that Something

2011-08-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

I really love rummaging. Don't get me wrong, I also love stylized, beautifully arranged, choice clothing and come hither window displays, but when i find something amazing after hours of getting buried in random garments and sorting through dusty bins until my hands are a disconcerting shade of dirty gray...i feel victorious. This is one of my favorite less-than-organized shops. but i always find something amazing.

Cabbage patch head and a troll doll. Hello my retrospectively creepy childhood toys. Is that a Disco Ken you ask? Why yes.

Ill post the cute driving gloves, amazing granny/prairie boots and the foxy cocktail dress I bought here after I finish hemming and bringing it in.

vintage lace dress in the Enchanted Forest

2011-08-08T05:49:00.000-07:00

A few more from the Enchanted Forest shoot i just got back today. I do love this dress.

( for more fun, just add 3D GLASSES!)

All of these photos- John Nikolai

Go Lightly Consignment Boutique- New London NH

2011-08-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

My mother and I spent two and a half hours in this shop, its one of our favorites and there is soooo much to look at.

( this shelf looks like my boudoir :)

I ended up going home with this Moroccan leather box bag, White and blue stripe shorty shorts, a very Marilyn grey sweater and this Vera Bradly wallet thing (normally I really don't like the super colorful paisley patterns of VB but I love this simple bumbly design), and a few other numbers all for cheap!!

If your ever in the area, I very much think you should pop in the this lovely shop.

(p.s. The owner is a young vintage enthusiast, very cute and talkative, and the shop is mainly Audrey Hepburn themed)

Off to New Hampshire tomorrow

2011-07-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

Its that wonderful time of year. My annual NH vacation with my family. I love it sooo much! I have dreams about it.
A tiny cottage next to a clear, gorgeous lake. Sleeping on the sun porch and waking up with the early sun and to the sound of little waves and loons right outside. Tea, then a swim. boat fun, reading, fresh air! Fresh Air!!!
And the ridiculous amount of thrifting that my mother and I accomplish. And seeing my older brother whom I have not seen since...December!?!

It is always a perfect week.
I cannot wait to post all my new goodies when i get back.
I'm excited.

My favorite painting. Ever.

2011-07-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

So there is this painting. I love it. So much. If I came into a lot of money, I would almost definitely be really irresponsible and blow it on this :)

But as it is, I am content to just keep track of it, and to visit every few years.
I first saw this beautiful slightly morbid piece of art about 5 years ago (while visiting Grandpa with my family) in an upstate NY antiques shop. Every time my family or I visit, we always stop in to make sure its still there.
We know that its very old, and most likely from France.
That it is 5,000. And the owner refuses to budge on that.
But anyway, its gorgeous. With a depth and subtle darkness that is completly lost in these quickly snapped photos (shop owner is the sort to frown on use of camera in store. Distraction techniques were deployed)

although maybe its better to just admire a painting like this rather than own it.....I have a feeling if I brought it home my house would burn down, or we would start seeing strange aparitions. Or it would fall off the wall at 3 am every morning. You know stuff like that......

Twist

2011-07-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few neat finds in a great antique store in NY. My Mom, Dad, Tom and I were visiting my grandpa for the weekend. This shop also has my favorite painting in the world, which Im going to feature in its own little post.

Vintage lace dress.

2011-07-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

I bought this vintage lace gown in a consignment shop in New Hampshire. I visit it on vacation once a year, but i cannot remember the name of it. Ill find out. I find great things there.

Its very pretty and perfect for this ethereal, dreamy shoot.
Photographer John Nikolai
Model Myself (under Heather Astatic)

Ill post more picture of this dress once i get them :)

tidbit!

2011-06-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just little something from part of my inspiration board at home :)

Im so sorry!

2011-04-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

In case anyone other than my mom reads this, I'm sooo sorry!
I get distracted.....for months.
forgive me.

Ill make it up to you!

Vintage Opera Glasses- Wrentham Country Store/ Antiques

Tortoise Shell Hair comb- Gift from my parents (part of a larger collection)

Zodiac Clock pin turned necklace.

Flee market find!

The New York Women Nov. 18 1936

2010-12-29T13:21:00.000-08:00

During my family's Christmas gathering, my cousins gave me a bunch of wonderful older books and magazines!
Ive had my nose stuck in them ever since!
One of the magazines, "The New York Women" (from November 1936) is full of great stories, tips and advertisements.
(View big versions by clicking on photos)

Trend alerts! What to buy and wear. That much hasn't changed. Only the prices (evening gown- 26 dollars )

In style head wear. I'm partial to number 3 :)

Again with the cheap. It makes me want to throw cosmetics at innocent pharmacy clerks.

This is a feature picture. The article is about passing "that" women from days gone by. The one with dated clothing, makeup, and aura. It reminds me of what one might say about all the ladies in head to toe vintage today. Its really great (When i acquire a decent scanner i would love to upload the entire article, until then..sigh*)

I'm a magazine addict. And this was a real treat for me to flip through

-Heather Jean

Winter frolic

2010-12-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

Again the snow! It makes me so happy. I would have been so sad if it had not snowed before Christmas.

But it did, and Tom and I went for a lovely walk. It was so quiet and perfect and fresh.

And when we returned home there was a parcel and Christmas cards in the mail box!!

Letters from family and friends, and a great print from my friend Nikolai, the stinker.

Anyway, the outing gave me a great excuse to wear my old fuzzy black coat, tiny hat and slightly worse for the wear Danelle boots. But totally deflated ma hair. Worth it.

Black Davis of Boston coat -Thrifted......for one dollar.
Black hat - Weiser's Dorf Antique center Middleburgh NY
Boots - Thrifted
Leopard gloves- I may have had them since i was 13. May have

Hope Everyone else is having winter wonderland weather!

Ellen Drew

2010-12-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

Ellen Drew is the second lady in my grandparents starlet scrap book. She was born Esther Loretta Ray.

Her clothing in these cutouts is fabulous!

I love this coat!

And polka dots!

And This robe!!!!

Beautiful!!

Enjoy :)

A very Vintage Christmas

2010-12-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

I am in the Christmas swing now that its snowed. Its so pretty.

And so are these!

And this Christmas album cover is just awesome

And this Card is just creepy

...but i kinda want a Krampus doll for Christmas.

Snakes and spiders

2010-12-20T18:26:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite wardrobe items. This dress was originally a powder blue. It reminded me of Easter, but i loved the lace pattern. Between the flowers are delicate spiderweb-like designs.

So i dyed it dark grey and it came out a lovely light pearl grey.

The locket is my go to necklace and one of the strangest pieces iv seen. It holds three nickles...but I'm not sure why.

The snakeskin belt is from a little boutique in New Hampshire where my mom and i spent forever trying on great vintage dresses, shoes, and trinkets.

Snake Skin Belt With dove buckle- Go Lightly Vintage Boutique, New London, NH

Lace overlay dress and nickle locket- Wrentham Antiques Marketplace

Jinx Falkenburg- Round 2

2010-12-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

There are lots of pages of Jinx, and the pictures only get better

Next up in grandmas scrapbook is Ellen Drew

Stay home Friday

2010-12-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

Well, its Friday night and I'm Christmas broke, and Toms gift shopping. So ill keep posting.
I just baked chocolate chip cookies in my new oven in my new place, and ate too many.
And now I will share some clothing and pictures!

All Photos by Ali Michelle Tinlin
Ali Michelle

Green Vintage Carol Rodgers dress- Wrentham Antiques Marketplace ( my favorite!)

Black vintage Stetson Premier hat- estate sale

Travelers bag - Thrift find

Shoes- Payless :)

-Heather Jean

Grandmothers starlet scrap book

2010-12-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

When my grandmother passed away I was given an amazing 5" scrap book filled to the brim with magazine and newspaper cutouts of hundreds of old starlets, models, and glamorous beauty's.
(such as Vivian Leigh, Jane Russell, Delores Del Rio, Gypsy Rose lee, the stunning Gloria Stewart, Donna Reed, and Katherine Hepburn)
She put so much work into it and i would love to share :)
Every so often i will feature one of the Lady's on this very blog!

The first is Jinx Falkenburg
Jinx was a successful model, pin up and actress during WWII

Enjoy all you Vintage Ladies!

pin urp! Just a little tidbit!

2010-12-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of letting you know about me.
I used to do a lot of photos (~~modeling~~ not being my favorite word), more than i do now. These are a few of the first pin up photos I ever posed for. It was few years ago.
The hair is a wig. My hair was very short at the time, and dyed jet black :o
I don't think it will ever be that way again.
I think i did well with the posing but I've most definitely learned abit as far as the clothing goes ;)
Hope you enjoy!

Photo credit- Zygore
gosh i tried so hard :p

-Heather Jean

A few of my favorite leading ladies

2010-12-17T06:32:00.000-08:00

Although its hard to say favorite really, there is something captivating in all the celebrated old film stars.

Maybe its the transformations that i love, the story's, or that "something" that caught the studios eye, these lady's have it.

Margarita Cansino - Rita Hayworth, "the Love Goddess"

Betty Joan Perske - Lauren Bacall

A classy lady with fox like eyes and a trombone voice. I love watching the Bogie and Bacall films, you can almost watch them falling in love.

Constance Frances Marie Ockelman -Veronica Lake ( the Jessica Rabbit template)

Often paired with the equally slightly mini ,but handsome, Alan Ladd as to look less mini on set.

(can you believe the difference!)

My dream hair style

Press shot from "This Gun for Hire"

Norma Jeane Baker - the iconic Marilyn Monroe.

I inherited my love of Marilyn from my grandparents. After they passed away i received so many books about her, a few movies, newspaper cutouts and other memorabilia.

Some of my style and beauty inspirations!

- Heather Jean

Hello

2010-12-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

Because I adore vintage clothing and accessories, photographs and trinkets, antiques and dusty books.
Because I believe that every new dress is a new women born.
That old objects have story's and souls that cause you to pick them up, take them home, and add a new chapter to there long lives.
That red lips, soft wavy hair, and memorable scents can make any women feel timeless and beautiful.
And because i fell in love with what my grandparents lived.
That's what this blog is dedicated too, the excitement and the need to share one of a kind items, beauty tips from days gone by, and to celebrate timeless treasures.