Thursday, April 26, 2012

girls.



After our show a few weeks ago, we enlisted a couple friends to take some new 'Good Night Noises' pics for us.  After trying an actual photo shoot setting out last week, I've come to the conclusion that we definitely need a little help from good ol' alcohol to rid ones nerves :).  These are from the first shoot, and I think they turned out great!




Have you 'Girls' on HBO??  Well, it's awesome!!  I randomly came across the movie 'Tiny Furniture' on Netflix, and it immediately became one of my favorite movies of the year.  After doing some research, I found that Lena Dunham, who is the main character, also wrote and directed the film. 

I am in absolutely in love with her writing/directing/acting style.  She has a raw, real woman outlook that she is able to project onto the screen & viewer in such a fantastic way.  She captures what it REALLY means to be a woman, something I don't feel that I have EVER seen in a movie, let alone tv.  As an actress, she doesn't think about which angle will make her arm look skinnier, and she isn't wearing the most flattering outfits or vying to be the most attractive woman in every room she enters.  She is the mirror of daily life, and I find it sooooo refreshing.

Shortly after falling in love with her movie, I found out that she would be starring/writing/directing a tv show on HBO called 'Girls'.  Ugh, the build up was frightfully difficult, but I made it, and the show is everything I could have asked for!  Three of the characters were in her film as well; which is fun to see. 

Lena is 25 years old- can you believe it?  When was the last time a woman of that age was able to have an opportunity like this (i.e a show written, directed and fronted by a woman)?  I believe never...  I know it sounds silly, but I am so proud of her!  I'm so proud that such a well spoken, intelligent and down to earth woman is out there representing us in the cruel world of Hollywood.  I think this breakthrough will affect how the industry views women; and hopefully society will eventually follow.




I can't tell you how many times I have heard a man say, "Women aren't funny.  Name me 10 women that are funny".  PSSHHHH.  Please.  And you know, I last heard this comment/insulting question about a month ago.  From an adult man. 

The older I get, the more I am aware of the subtleties of the male hold over women.  Before I continue, I obviously do not mean all men, I am speaking only of the non-evolved men that find women intimidating and act out either quietly or loudly. 

I notice small things- women not being themselves, women not laughing, not speaking their opinions, not telling jokes- when they are around men.  I think as women, these things have been beaten into our souls by society.  Once again, either consciously or subconsciously. 

We believe that these things will make us seem unattractive to men; or on the flip side, that other women will dismiss us as a 'guys girl', and judge appropriately,

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  Women, we need to be our own best friends first.  We need to stop judging each other, ignoring one another, being jealous of one another.  Once we are at peace with being a woman, and other woman, we can do anything!  Because at the stem of jealousy, is an unhappy person.  A person who does not love themselves, and wishes they could be ANYONE else besides themselves.

With that being said, everyone has felt that way.  Everyone has lacked confidence at one point or another (I know I have!).  The brain is hard to rewire, but think of it as you would a habit.  The thoughts that pop into your head have patterns.  You created that pattern, that 'habit', and you can just as easily change that pattern or habit.  With practice. 

When you feel jealous (or have a negative thought), don't hate yourself!  Stand apart from your thought, and view it as if you were someone else.  Laugh at it.  Say to yourself, "Oh brain".  Move on, brush it off.  Acknowledge the crazy thought, accept it, and put something positive in it's place.  The more you feed into these thoughts, the more they will flourish.  Even if your trying to NOT think about something, you are still putting thought into it, thus giving it life. 

This works for all negative thoughts.  Eventually, they will become fewer and further between.  Obviously, we will always have negative thoughts pop into our minds- it's human nature.  But we don't have to listen to them!  :)

We are always a work in progress!




Lena <3

Thursday, April 19, 2012

so long, Picnik.



1970's Gray, White & Pink Silk Scarf  (Thrifted, $1)
1970's White Eyelet European Dress (Ebay, $16)
1970's Bass Sandals (Thrifted, $6)



Well, the day has finally come; Picnik.com D-Day.  I guess the company was bought out by Google?  Either way, I checked out google plus editing, and I'm not really feeling it...  Luckily, a friend suggested a website to me, so we shall see how that works out.  But for now, you will find me editing All.Day.Long. 

I've been waiting weeks for it to be warm enough to wear this dress!  It's such a beauty :).  The flounce at the top really gives this dress personality.  And, I can't lie, this dress definitely changes my mood the second I put it on.  I love it, but it's a corset, so it is SO tight!  Sitting is going to be mighty interesting today :).  It's been so long since I've worn a dress with boning; it certainly takes some getting used to. 



Did anyone ever watch 'Pete & Pete'?  Do you remember the episode about the kid that sat behind young Pete and chewed those pink dental pill/candy things?  Check out my teeth in the top pic- hahahaaa, it's all I can think about, lol.  I loved that episode; that kid was so awesomely gross!


Just so you know, I come up with all kinds of *important* things to talk about throughout the day to share with you, but then I get on and just word vomit my stream of consciousness all over the place. :)

On an outfit note- I really do dig the idea of my blog; the 'what do I wear to work everyday, blah blah'; but I do come up with my best outfits when I'm going out at night (who doesn't really?). 
Plus, I really, really don't like putting on makeup during the day (which is why I usually just do lipstick so that I look somewhat awake and photogenic).

So, I've been trying to find interesting places to photograph, but it just isn't panning out.  Here is my question to you:  do you want to see pictures from outside of the store?  Perhaps some pictures of my well dressed friends thrown in? 

Now that I've typed the question, I've decided that the answer is yes.  So, look forward to some new scenery :).


 


My Jamaica trip is coming up!!  Woohoo! 
I can't wait. 
I've been sewing some beachy-summery looks from the 40's and 50's, but I think I'll wait to photograph them until I'm on the beach :). 
Ahh, sunshine, fruit & relaxation..




Oh yes.  I've been meaning to mention this for ages. 
::::Men, avert your eyes::::

Have you ever heard of 'Party in my Pants' cloth pads?  I know, the name is a little silly (and it's PIMP abbreviated), but they ROCK.  I tried out several different kinds, with not so great results, until I landed on these.  I've been using them for years, and I will never, ever go back  to anything else.  Not only are you saving tons of resources every year, but you are saving tons of money as well.  Plus, you don't have those nasty chemicals in or against your body. 
Oh yeah, and they come in all kinds of cool patterns/fabrics, which does more for a pick me up during those days than you'd think :). 

Well, that's all for me today folks.  Have a great day, Ally.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Painted Lady.



1990's Jean Jacket (Thrifted, $4)
-Painted by Me-
Orange Lipstick
Tshirt Dress ($7)
Orange & Pink Socks (?)
Orange-y Keds (Thrifted, $ .50)

-Please avoid staring at my blotchy ankles.  It's cold in here, geez...-


A few weeks ago, after dreaming all winter of multiple tshirt dresses adorned with vintage t-shirt transfers, I threw down the necessary funds and purchased an 1970's Transfer book.

Well, the transfers don't work (shame, shame), and my tshirt dress idea didn't quite turn out as planned.. but behold the result:



Ahh. 
I hand copied my favorite transfer out of the book (yes, this took a while, lol) with a black sharpie, and finally got around to painting it last night.  I'm in love <3. 
I've been looking for a customized jean jacket for months, so why didn't it occur to me sooner to just paint on my own??  Who. Knows.

Finding the perfect fitting jean jacket did take HOURS of running from thrift store to thrift store, but I found it, and it couldn't be more of what I wanted :). 

Anyway, I am probably going to be making about 50 in the next couple weeks- so watch out!
The possibilities.





'Oh! Darling Vintage' s 1st year anniversary was on Saturday!  Of course, it stormed ALL DAY; but it went really, really well overall.  We got a ton of new customers (which we wooed with vegan cookies & cupcakes), and lots of happy purchases. 
So many purchases, that I had to go out and replenish on my days off (no complaining here!).

While I was out, I found these awesome orange 70's Keds at a new (to me) thrift store for $.50.  With thrift prices skyrocketing lately (grrrr.), it's nice to still be able to get a deal sometimes.  Seriously, I went to one thrift store that was selling a Mexican circle skirt (with a stain on it) for $50.  Jesus christ.  I mean, come on people. 



So excited that it turned out!!!


I'm going to see the 'Punch Brothers' tonight! Pumped! They are playing in the town near where I went to high school, so I'm meeting up with some old pals and doing dinner and then the show. :)


Have a great day, and see you soon.
ally.

 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Sweetheart.


 
1950's style Sweetheart Dress
-made by me-
(materials: $8)
Black Sandals ($9)

 


I finished this dress yesterday, and it has now become my favorite handmade dress yet! 
I've been searching for a 'Sweetheart' neck dress for a while now with no luck, so I decided to make one.
Have you noticed that even in the past year vintage clothing has skyrocketed in price?  It's getting a little annoying; especially if you're someone who liked "vintage" in the first place because of cheapness and originality (me).  Sewing has created an amazing outlet for me to capture that feeling without the hassle- I can make exactly what I want, and no one else has it :). 

Not being able to find a sweetheart neckline dress pattern for under $30 (yeah right, lol), I took an existing bodice (my tried and true pattern), and drafted a new neckline.  I'm so happy with how it turned out!  I used a thick paper so I can save it, although I already want to make it a little more extreme (angle wise). 

The fabric is soooooo soft; and it you see it in person, the black looks faded and washed out, which I absolutely love!  All in all, this dress has given my sewing inspiration the kick it needed.




I've been riding my bike to work everyday, which does not meld very well with blog post worthy outfits, haha. 
Have I posted since our show?  WELL, if not, it went great!  I'm so happy to get back into playing shows, and to have some new people who add some fresh perspective. 
Truth be told, I have been playing my guitar instead of sewing as of late; and I even have a new guitar to show for it!!!  Ahhh, it's a beauty...  (I'll post a pic at the bottom of the post).  It's a sea foam green pearl Telecaster :).  It sounds awesome, and feels so smooth.  I've always been an acoustic player, but have wanted an electric for ages.  So glad I took the leap- no regrets here. 


I will be joining Jimmy's family on a trip to Jamaica May 15th (!!!).  This knowledge has thrown me head first into creating my summer wardrobe!  I have so many ideas, and I'm happy to have some sort of deadline to work torward :).  Inspiration:

Sweetheart necks, Banana Hair clips, Ruffle crop tops, Novelty shorts/pants, B & W sundresses, Landscape patterns, Daisy's, Ruching, Embroidery.

 


Last night we started watching 'Life's too Short', which stars Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant.  Oh my god, it is so hilarious- I was crying in the first 30 minutes, haha.  I love Ricky and Stephen, but man, Warwick Davis is so funny!  There are also walk ons by other celebrities like:  Johnny Depp, Laim Neeson, Helena Bonham Carter, Cat Deeley, etc.  If you like comedies, check it out!!!  I can't believe it took us so long to start watching it. 

I have to post a bunch of things on Etsy today, so I must go...


Have a great day!  ally.

I'll leave you with this baby: