Bow Baggins.

1950's Straw hat w/ Plastic fruit (Estate Sale, $.25)

1940's Handmade Wrap Top (Estate Sale, $1)

1970's High waisted Red shorts (Goodwill, $4?)

1970's 'Bass' Sandals (SVDP, $4?)

Oh, oh, oh.  Man.  I found an ad for an estate sale earlier this week that seemed perfect, so I woke up this morning bright and early to check it out.  Right before I woke up I had a dream about being at the sale (no shit) and looking through clothes that were all marked $1.  I went this morning, and all the clothes were $1.  !!!  I have premonition dreams alot. 

Please scroll down to read about the history of this top!!

While talking to her son, I found out that she was a seamstress all of her life, and worked at a Tailoring company called, "Reliable Ladies Tailors"(what a cute name!), with the main brand being, "Skurrow Brothers".  It was located in Norwood, Ohio.  At the sale, there was a TON of sewing supplies, but not too much that I already didn't have unfortunately...  BUT, I did get away with 3 patterns from the 40's, some tailors chalk from the 50's, and some gorgeous metal zippers (in teals & pinks). 

In addition to all of the clothing and sewing things I acquired, I found a GORGEOUS black wool coat, with lamb sheering around the collar, sleeves & pockets.  It was made by her in the 1940's at the tailoring company she worked for.  There were 3 or 4 fur coats there, and he definitely was looking to make money of off them.  I decided to try it on, and while I did, he and 3 other old women were watching (they were standing near by), and it fit me PERFECTLY.  They went on about how beautiful it looked.  Haha, so he let me buy it from him for $10.  How sweet!  He told me that I was the same height as her (5  feet), and basically the same stature.  :).  I will cherish the coat forever!  And am so thankful that he could see how much I loved it!

After returning home, I tried everything on (naturally :), and realized that this top was made from the pattern I also purchased!  Wow!  How cool!!!  So, yeah, I'm going to be making a TON of these tops.  Also, as you can see in the pics at the bottom, it is a 'Hollywood Pattern', which you sewers know, are a rare find!  Especially for $.25!!! 

Also, I adore the hat so much.  So random, haha.

I'm going to grip for a second, so scroll down if you don't want to hear it!  :).  On the ad, it said specifically, "No Early Birds!" in bold letters.  It opened at 9am this morning.  When I got there (at 9:15am) there were probably around 20 people.  I found that pretty shocking.  When I started talking to the man, I commented on how packed they were, and he said they had people coming by all night the night before, and this morning from 7am on.  It has been brought to my attention that there is a woman in the area (that owns an auction site) that goes to the houses the night before.  She basically knocks on their door, and asks to look through everything.  These people are grieving.  I find this deplorable.  These are people that have usually just had a mother or father JUST pass away, and I find that disgustingly disrespectful.  Yes, we are all there to buy things, but have some Respect!  We aren't vultures people!  Okay, I'm done :).

Pattern!!!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend so far!  See you Tuesday!

ally.

Use your Illusion.

 

1990's Illusion Lace Bodysuit (Thrifted, $1)

Plaid/Floral wrap skirt

1970's Wooden Platforms (Thrifted, $2)

Rubber bracelet/Friendship bracelet

I loved the JH stories I heard from you guys :).  

I went thrifting yesterday, and scored these insane 1970's wooden platform shoes for $2 (?!).  At, wait for this, 'the village'!  If you live around here, you know that finding stuff like this there is a rare occurrence.  Yep, I was excited :). 

The friendship bracelet was given to me by my friend Lindsay, who made it in elementary school.  When I was in grade school, I started a friendship bracelet business.  I had all the examples compiled in a book (that I made) that stated the info under each product.  This included the price, turnaround time, and also color choices.  I actually sold a good amount too, haha. 

While we're on the subject of childhood...  I was reading a blog yesterday where the writer was talking about her alternative style as a teen.  Then she went on to say that she believes people who are get really into vintage (in adulthood) are more than likely the ones who dressed "crazy" in their childhood.  "It's the perfect clothing retirement plan".  What a great way to say it, and I totally agree!  There were so many years that I didn't think I would ever wear color, or not wear a collar (yes, spiked/rhinestoned/etc.).  Ah, youth.  The next time I'm around a scanner, I'm going to post some pics from my, ahem, clothing "stages". 

If you like soft serve, and also want to be healthy, make this recipe ASAP.

~*Banana Soft Serve*~

Freeze some RIPE de-skinned bananas (I usually use 2 for a personal serving)

Throw them into your food processor until smooth- give it a second, it will ball up, then start to smooth out.  

Add some raw agave or dates.  And any other add in you like- I usually throw in some cocao nibs :).

Beyond words delicious. 

My horoscope was terrible today.  Ouch.  Supposedly the world is against me- and should I decide to leave my bed, I should wear some armor because tons of word vomit are coming my way.  GREAT!  THANKS HOROSCOPE!  Hmm. 

'They might be Giants' are coming soon- and really not fast enough.  I've been trying to keep it in the back of my head since we purchased the tix (months ago).  And it's getting really annoying difficult.  I want to see a good show!!  I'm getting antsy!!  Anyway, they're great live- even if you don't know one song. 

See ya!

ally.

the Juliana Theory.

1990's 'Juliana Hatfield' concert T, sewn to fit (Ebay)

1970's Plaid Bells (NC vtg. store, $18)

Blue tennies

Juliana Hatfield is awesome.  I love her.  I finally got to see her in Lexington a couple years ago, right after her book came out (which I loved), and she's great live.  We got a hotel, were able to walk to the show, and got right up front :).  The place was small, so I was able to meet her and get my book signed (I felt like a total nerd).  I mustered the courage, and she was VERY nice, and even commented on my shirt.  I was wearing an 'Only Children' band shirt, which was one of her band members husbands band.  She was gracious, easy to talk to and awesome.  I even got a picture with her!  Anyway, as you know, some "rock stars" are real assholes.  So, naturally, I gave up EVER talking to anyone in a band, because I hate to be disappointed, and prefer to keep their music separate from their attitudes. 

Bottom line:  she rocked.  Musically and personally. 

My pc is in the middle of battling a virus- so I'm stuck with using Jimmy's mac.  For some reason I can't add video (?) onto my blog?  Argh, hopefully it will be fixed soon :).

I've been meaning to make this shirt fit for years!  I've lost it countless times, and so this morning I got up and sewed it up :).  Thank god I finally did, because the graphic is so cool.  

Since I can't add video, buy the song, "you are the camera".  You won't be disappointed.  

ally.

Polished Cotton.

1970's polished cotton Crop Top (DIY)
Brown Rayon Circle Skirt (DIY)

Platforms (Thrifted, $6)

Got my top done last night!  Followed by an impromptu rayon circle skirt :).  The crop top is the other test bodice for my upcoming dress, and is made of polished cotton- which has QUICKLY become my favorite fabric.  I love fabric that holds me in, and has a thickness to it, but still moves.  And it definitely fits the bill.  Besides, it just looks really cool too.  The rayon brown circle skirt is soon to have some orange-y brown patch pockets in the front. 

Between the multiple storms and my cat knocking over things, I barely slept at all last night- but did spawn some pretty awesome half-conscious outfit ideas :).  Those are the best.  And I actually took the time to sketch them at 4 am, instead of just jotting down weird sleep speak.  Nice. 

So, I read sewing blogs all the time, and hear about "hand rolled hems" constantly.  I thought, hey why not try it on this skirt?  DEAR GOD, it took FOREVER.  I'm sure it gets quicker the more times you do it, but honestly, I'm not sure I can deal with it. Whoa, I think I'll stick to hemming by machine.  That said, I get it.  It makes it look kinda floaty, and all that.  I think the only time I will EVER do it again, is if I am making something out of chiffon/silk/satin.  

Oh yeah, these wrinkles are spawned by me having to fix the air conditioning at the store for 45 minutes before snapping these shots, haha.  This top looks awesome when it's all crisp & ironed :).

Vietnamese!  My friend Lindsay took me to a Vietnamese restaurant last week, and I have wanted it EVERYDAY since.  I'd never had it before, and the tofu was >amazing<.  If you live around here, it's located in 'Findlay Market', but beware: they are closed on Mondays!  Since that night, I've eaten it 4 times, and am having it for lunch today...  heaven. 

 

Can we talk about how awesome the show, 'Pete & Pete' was for a second?  I watched a couple of episodes from season 2 this morning, and am still pretty much in love.  Thank god I had cool shows to watch growing up...  I feel so bad for kids these days.  Hannah Montana?  Barf.  Bring back some mentally stimulating children shows people!  Seriously, in the 2 episodes I watched this morning, global warming, treating animals with kindness, and pollution were brought up, among other things.  Sigh.  Also, appearances by Iggy Pop (disgruntled dad), Steve Buscemi (counselor), and Janeane Garofalo (teacher).  And, if that wasn't enough, it is just fabulously weird!!!!  

ally.

ya hear?

1950's Howdy Doodey scarf (Heirloom)

1950's Red/White checkered top (Estate Sale, $5- has matching skirt)

1990's Jean skirt (Friended, thanks Lea!)

Pea green tennies

Sorry Lindsay!  Couldn't cut you out of this one!  Alright, so, this outfit looks super cute in real life- but doesn't really transfer in photos... shoot.  Oh well!  I'm almost done sewing my outfit for tomorrow, so I'll look forward to that :).

One of my favorite people ever, Lindsay, came to hang out with me at the store for a few hours :).  We started out coffee, and then she came back to play some dress-up! 

Over the weekend I went to a great estate sale (a little pricey, but worth it).  I found a 50's outfit, a couple pairs of awesome shoes from the 60's, and a few outfits from the 40's- they are REALLY beautiful.  One of the 40's outfits is a navy wool cropped jacket with a matching navy wool circle skirt with buttons down the front.  Ugggghhhh, FALL PLEASE COME SOON!  I'm dying to wear it. 

The next couple pics are from Chad's (Jimmy's brother) birthday pool party.  Yeah, everyone was outside swimming, but I have a couple good ones :).

(Adam & Dez.  She has on an "Oh! Darling Vintage" shirt :).  What a great picture!)

Haha, I love this one.  No one but Dez knew it was coming.  Geez. 

I had a great weekend, and am still trying to get back in the swing of things (don't know why, but this weekend felt longer than usual). 

See ya tomorrow!  ally.