Happy New Year!

Keep your eye on the clock and surround yourself with bubbles and tinsel!

Happy New Year!

*CHEERS* To a fabulous 2010!!

And thank-you for a wonderful 2009.

xoxo

photos via carbonatedflickr

Mid-Week Inspiration: Bebaroque Pearl Tights

How adorable are these Pearl tights from Bebaroque? They feature a handmade pleated fan and tassel at the ankle. Perfect for any celebration, especially the one happening tomorrow night!

Holiday Sale: Hair Accessories!

Normally on Saturdays I do a round up of the new items I have listed in my Etsy shops. With my hand injury I am taking a break from listing new items. But that doesn't mean there are no treats for you! From now until Jan.3, I'm hosting a Holiday Sale in both of my shops! While the sale lasts I will be high-lighting some very special deals! This week the spotlight is on hair accessories from my handmade shop The Sparkling Cocktail, where all items are 25% off!

Red & White Polka Dot Satin Ribbon Bow bobby Pins with Cherry Buttons

Were $10, now $7.50!

Red & White Gingham Rose Bobby Pins with Pearl Button

Were $12, Now $9!

Turquoise Burlesque Fascinator Hairclip with Bow & Beads

Was $25, now $18.75!

Golden Nude Peacock Feather Headband Fascinator with Black Satin Bow

Was $20, now $15!

Merry Christmas!

I love the idea of being the Christmas decorations!

Have a fab holiday!!

xoxo

photos via hastingsraham'sflickr

and

carbonatedflickr

Mid-Week Inspiration: Snowflake Curtains

Making paper snowflakes is an art we abandon when we reach adulthood. But it doesn't have to be. I love these snowflake curtains from Bugs and Fishes by Lupin. When my hand is healed I really would love to make some of these. I also think they would look fantastic decorating a blue wall like handmade wallpaper. More future projects!

Vintage Finds of the Week: Christmas Decorations

For this weeks vintage finds on Etsy I have found some beautiful Christmas decorations. Some of these I'd like to display year round! Have a look:

Reindeer art deco white plastic post modern -$4-BraytonCottage

Candle Holder with Bow-set of two-$11-MilkasTreasures

Vintage Crochet Trees-$12-nocarnations


16 Christmas Push Pin Ornaments-$14-RushofWings

Holiday Sale:Intimates

Normally on Saturdays I do a round up of the new items I have listed in my Etsy shops. With my hand injury I am taking a break from listing new items. But that doesn't mean there are no treats for you! From now until Jan.3, I'm hosting a Holiday Sale in both of my shops! While the sale lasts I will be high-lighting some very special deals! This week the spot light is on intimates. Treat yourself to a vintage nightgown for snowy nights or a handmade garter set for party nights!

From my handmade Etsy shop, The Sparkling Cocktail, is this nude satin garter set with nude and black lace trim. Black bows and a nude peacock feather make this set special. Normally $30, Now $22.50

This vintage 1950's tea-dyed tulle crinoline is sure to please any vintage lover on your shopping list! From my vintage shop, Femme Fatale Vintage, this item was $75, Now $60!

I love this nightie! A sweet pink tapeze style from the 60's with black lace trim on the ruffle, Leonora label. From my vintage shop, Femme Fatale Vintage, this item was $40, Now $32!


This nightgown is the most fabulous! 1950's turquoise Artemis nylon chiffon with ivory lace. From my vintage shop, Femme Fatale Vintage, this item was $33, Now $26.40! That's an amazing deal!

Happy Holidays! xoxo

Weekend Reading: Links a la Mode

The Countdown Begins

Edited by Dramatis Personae

The countdown has begun–not only until the end of the year–but until the end of the first decade in the 21st century. That’s kind of amazing to think about. Styletastic and Sway, Sway, Away! both look at fashion from the Oughts with two distinctly different visions. [the3st] interviews the founder of ModCloth, while Wicked & Whimsy reviews Closet Confidential (by the hilarious Winona of DaddyLikey fame!).

Since this will be my last edit of links a la mode for this year, see you all in 2010!

Links à la Mode : December 17th

• 39thandbroadway.com: – How Brands Get Burned By Celebs


• A Typical Atypical: – Suffering from Buyers Remorse: The Real Deal


• Brunette and Pink: – Makeup Tutorial: Leighton Meester Inspired Winged-out Smoky Eye Look


• DailyDivaDish – Create a sparkling New Year’s look with the Tarte Treasure Chest Giveaway. Enter to this limited edition kit.


• Friend in Fashion – Sugar and spice and all things nice – Unearthing the unique designs of the fabulous, Arizona based designer Monique Martinez, through the captive lense of Galaxie Andrews.


• Grit and Glamour: – The Trend Conundrum–rends are a tricky thing; what makes some women look so pulled together is not a wardrobe full of the latest styles and trends, but the ability to know which ones to avoid.


• i'm the it girl: – My Love Affair With Hermes and the Great Debate: Kelly or Birkin?


• Idiosyncratic Style: – 12 Great Holiday DIY Projects – give something special this year (even if you are short on time and money)


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – My most amazing (and green!) find this year: Denim Therapy, a company who will restore your tattered favorite jeans to like-new condition. Seriously.


• La Société de Mode The Fashion Society: – Combats are stomping their way back into style


• Pursed Lips: – Thoughts/quotes on Lady Gaga as a powerful tool, if a difficult one to reach, for designers.


• Style on a String – Getting down to the wire: Gifts for the Stylish Geek who is kind of Girly too


• Styletastic: – As the 00’s are coming to en end, we look back at the fashion memories that will define the decade. Ah the memories!


• Sway Sway Away!: – Sway Sway Away! presents Caitie’s bitching and moaning on the worst trends of the Aughts.


• THE COVETED – Love it or Leave it : Rodarte for Target


• The Fashion Planner: – The Fashion Planner shows you how to make a jaunty beret.


• The Working Wardrobe: – Beware of “business casual” being too casual for the workplace.


• tick tick heart: – A focus on the varying fashions of some of our quirkier leading ladies in film.


• White Rabbit: – Pros and Contras of Artificial Nails


• Wicked Whimsy: – Closet Confidential: A Review


• [the3st]: – Success & Getting There: Interview with Susan of ModCloth.com

Fashionable History: The Rockettes

Well before Lady Gaga made "pantlessness" fashionable we had The Rockettes. There is a small part of me that would love to be a Rockette. Being 5'10" I've got the legs, but I never studied dance. Nonetheless, the high kicks and costumes have always been compelling. Here's a look at The Rockettes through the ages.

In 1925, The Missouri Rockets debuted in St. Louis. Inspired by the Tiller Girls in the Ziegfeld Follies the Missouri Rockets creator, Russell Markert, was inspired to create a group that kicked higher and had longer legs. Landing a gig at The Roxy Theatre in NYC they became The Roxyettes. From there they moved to Radio City and changed their name to The Rockettes as we know them today.


This is the part that looks like the most fun- the dressing room!

So glamorous!

As Russell imagined, they have become world renowned for their precision tap routines.

Modern Rockettes with US Navy Sailors. I love these costumes!

If you'd like to see The Rockettes live, be sure to check out their Christmas Spectacular, either at Radio City or on their National Tour!

Mid-Week Inspiration: Lounging on a Yellow Purse

I just love this photo.

Discovered on Couture Carrie from Numero Feb. 2008.

Vintage Finds of the Week: Beaded Cardigans

I have always loved vintage beaded cardigans from the 50's. I have a few in my personal collection that I wear both casually with jeans or as an insulating layer over a party dress. The bead work often has a wintery holiday sparkly feel to them which makes them even more appealing this time of year. Here are a few I've discovered on Etsy for this week's vintage finds:

Ice Blue Sparkle Cardigan 1950s Lambswool Sweater Hand Beaded Sequins-$40-Joules

50's Red Beaded Lambswool Cardigan Sweater Pearls-$50-littlethingsvintage

Elegant Lavishly Beaded Vintage Cashmere Cocktail Cardigan-$54-Anna Carina Vintage

Satin Flames Vintage 1950s Beaded Cardigan Sweater NOS-$110-Fast Eddies Retro Rags

Holiday Sale: Cocktail Hats and Fascinators

Normally on Saturdays I do a round up of the new items I have listed in my Etsy shops. With my hand injury I am taking a break from listing new items. But that doesn't mean there are no treats for you! From now until Jan.3, I'm hosting a Holiday Sale in both of my shops! While the sale lasts I will be high-lighting some very special deals! This week the spot light is on cocktail hats and fascinators. A great way to add some zest to your holiday party wardrobe!


From my handmade Etsy shop, The Sparkling Cocktail, where ALL items are 25% off:

Black Birdcage Veil Headband Fascinator with Feathers and Large Gold Button.

Was $25, Now $18.75!

Black Headband Fascinator with Round Veil and Black and White Feathers

Was $32, Now $24!

From my vintage Etsy shop, Femme Fatale Vintage, where all items (except sewing patterns) are 20% off:

Vintage 1960's Ivory Satin Beaded and Sequined Cocktail Hat

Was $24, Now $19.20!


Red Hot Burlesque Vintage Cocktail Hat with Sequins and Veil
Was $30, Now $24!

Weekend Reading: Links a la Mode

Choices, Choices!

Edited by Dream Sequins

At this time of year, even the smallest decision can feel like the biggest burden. As holiday shopping season swings into full and relentless motion this month, the choices we make as consumers can often feel overwhelming. This week’s compelling roundup of reading explores these choices from every possible angle and makes it clear that as bloggers, we should feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Whether it’s writing about a specialty gift guide for a geek chic girl, choosing the perfect red lip color or even exploring the nuanced difference in quality between designer and mid-priced items, these choices are what make us unique and connect us as an independent fashion blogging community.

Links à la Mode : December 10th

• A Typical Atypical – Get into vintage 50’s housewife mode for the Christmas season!


• Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History: L’Officiel de la Mode Archives


• Brunette and Pink – Holiday Makeup Inspired by the Sephora 2009 Holiday Sephora Catalog using Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II


• dramatis personae – High Fashion & High Art… Two Worlds Apart? Thoughts, Arguments, & Solutions for the Knock-off Debate


• Dream Sequins – A bling-tastic evening at jewelers, Doyle and Doyle.


• Fashion Pulse Daily – Fashion Pulse Daily finally finds a handbag that meets her very particular requirements.


• Fashion X K8 – Spotlighting the stylishly subtantial Desirée Rogers and challenging the press’s idea that those who fill jobs seeped in tradition should not only maintain the “tradition” but refrain from being eye-catching.


• Fasshonaburu – Shopping for the Geek Chic Girl: Holiday shopping advice for the girl who loves fashion as much as video games, gadgets and Buffy the Vampire Slayer!


• M.I.S.S. – She’s Crafty: DIY Ruffled Suspenders


• Oranges and Apples – The Sapeurs: vibrant and elegant street style from the Congo.


• Rags to Reverie – A Fab Four Fanatic’s review of the Comme des Garçons x The Beatles collaboration.


• Retro Chick – Fashion Economics – Are low cost retailers forcing us to be wasteful?


• Sophisticated Insanity – Take a look at the lady behind Rare bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel


• Style on a String – Leggings vs. Tights: The difference, how to buy them and what to wear (and not wear) with them.


• Style Symmetry – Christmas Gift Ideas for Him, For Her and Secret Santa…


• The Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire – Two days ago, it was 36 degrees out…today, I didn’t even have to a jacket- that’s New England!


• THE COVETED – Love bold red lips? Check out the Ultimate Red holiday collection.


• TheWorkingWardrobe – Here are some tips on how men can work jewelry at the office without any raised eyebrows.


• Thrift Eye – Dreaming of Shearling: Save up for the nice stuff and be warm or go with the cheap and be cold?


• ventures of jenn. – A spotlight on Berlin label Reality Studio.


• Wicked Whimsy – Practical Quality: Looking into what the difference, if any, is between a mid-range item & a designer item.

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Claudia Schiffer Russian Vogue

I absolutely love these colorful photos of Claudia Schiffer in Russian Vogue.

Shot by Solve Sundsbo.

Mid-Week Inspiration: Tim Walker's Lighted Dresses

I discovered a set of wonderful and playful fashion photos from the talented Tim Walker over at Fabulous Finds and Co. This image here with lighted dress tree decorations is so magical. I want to go to a tea party in that garden!

To see the entire post click here.They are delightful!

Not only does the very fabulous Christina of Fabulous Finds and Co. continue to inspire me, she also delighted me with this One Lovely Blog Award! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here!

Have a look at the other blogs she awarded this too. I am in great company! Click the award to see the list.

Vintage Finds of the Week: Capes

Capes are not only fashionable and chic, they are also very practical when you have a hand in a cast! Unable to fit my arm trough most of my jackets, coats, and sweaters, capes are my fashion statement this winter! Luckily, I own two vintage capes and a cape sweater but I can't help but look for more. Here are a few I found on Etsy:

Vintage White MOD Lush Faux Fur Cape-$28-rockinrubysvintage

Vintage Classic Hollywood Glam Faux Fur Cape-$68-adVintageous

Vintage 70's Tan and Leopard Faux Fur Cape-$40-heavensentvintage


Vintage 1960s Bonnie Cashin Tweed Cape with Pockets-$895-JettVintage

The Mode Merr Holiday Spectacular!

Yesterday I attended the Mode Merr Holiday Spectacular. As you can imagine, an afternoon filled with shopping, burlesque, live music, and a fashion show, was a ton of fun! With my right hand still wrapped up and unusable, taking great photos was a challenge. Here are a few decent ones, I'd like to share:

The adorable Angie Pontani doing her amazing burlesque act.

Melody Sweets singing her beautiful torch song while stripping down.

The lovely ladies at the Dirty Dolls Lingerie booth. Being the lingerie crazed lady I am, I will be posting more about them soon!

The beautiful World Famous *Bob* modeling Mode Merr.


I was thrilled to meet Rocket J, from the Pin Up Finishing School. Here she is absolutely stunning in her leopard Mode Merr suit after modeling in the show.