Paper Oldies

Every now and then there's a real treasure in my Dover Sampler (a newsletter from Dover Publications with free samples/images/excerpts from their books/CD-ROM collection). This issue included paper dolls based on 1940's designs, namely Juanita and Patrick. Priceless, I say. Print and cut out these perky pensioners for hours of fun. (Click to enlarge for full scale)  Where will you take this dapper duo? Methinks they'd like to catch the early bird blue plate special down at the diner. 

Faces, Places

Back from a whirlwind trip, I still feel as if I'm not quite home. It was a bit frantic, slightly magical, at times tricky, seldom boring, and overall delightful. And now I have returned with my camper, a home for the weary , complete with wheels. What more could a girl ask for? I'll post some details and photos later but until then, listen to Lena Horne and drink strong tea.
(collage left by yours truly, Audrey Hoffman)

Happy Easter and Off on Spring Holiday

Hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend, reflecting on the holiday and its significance, spending time with friends and family....

I made it to church and only 15 minutes late. My sister has a 2-seater and decided that her boy toy was more important than flesh and blood, so I had to drive myself and stop for petrol of course. No matter, my dress was fabulous (shame I didn't get to curl my hair, though, or don a hat).

I didn't snap a picture in of myself in my lovely Easter dress, so here's a picture of the handmade vintage gem on the left. (That's a model, not me - although I have lost a bit of weight lately, I'm no woodland nymph). Dress fit perfect, as I was able to fill it out quite nicely with my curves ;) Cheers to Hot Vintage of New Orleans for getting it to me in record time, so I could sport it for Easter!

Tomorrow, I'll be off to Edisto, hopefully getting a bit of sun on my pasty whiteness. I'm sure the Vitamin D is necessary. I won't have internet for days, which always puts me into a bit of a shock. There's plenty of crafty things I need to tend to, and of course the "quality family time" bit, so no worries. Sis is bringing the boy toy, so I'll to wear brassieres under my night gowns and otherwise behave.

I miss my open-chats on this blog, but as PrettySwell.com rounds out, more time for musing surely must follow. Until I return from the beach, here's a few recent obsessions/suggestions//links/blah-blah-blahs for your perusal:

GO GREEN

As in Green Wing, a bit of raunchy raucous Brit humour now up on Hulu. Perhaps I enjoy it because I enjoy most Brit comedies or because I was once rather unfortunately hospitalized at St. Mary's in London.  No matter the reason, if you fancy Coupling and The Office (the real one), chances are this will have you smitten too.

WHAT A GEM(MA)
Didn't plan to get off on a UK tangent, but I won't fight it, as it were. If you like pugs not drugs and cute illustrations, you'll be keen on Gemma Correll.  I may tell her how tidy her art is, if I can muster the courage.

TIDY THAT
Maps are curious creatures, no? I mean, they potentially offer a wealth of information or a crock pot of bullocks. And if you didn't realize how vast the field of maps are, hike over to Strange Maps.  The blog regularly posts everything from the bizarre, obscure, figurative, and archaic, all in map form. Possibly one of the cleverest (and most emulated) map renderings in history, the Underground (aka Tube) map. Also worth note whilst you get your Brit-bearings: Sherlock Holme's flat.

Enjoy, love, and let's hope I leave the beach a tad golden. 

A Swell Introduction

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

The Almost-Big Reveal

I've been vacant from the blog for a month, due to some travels but mainly working on my super-big-fabulous-secret-project. Today I wanted to do the "big reveal," but due to some internet follies and delayed inspiration (read: procrastination), the announcement whirlygig isn't quite ready.

There will be a video posted either tonight or early morning and I'll let that tell the story.  Right now, I'm dirty and dizzy (need a shower and some grub), so I bid you all adieu.


Photo: Photographer, moi; Model, Karina Beck

Dark and Lovely

It's not that I'm macabre, it's just there's something a little sexy about that guy's hairstyle. Methinks it's because it's rather similar to my own. While I enjoy gazing upon Professor McDreary, peruse some of the intoxicating raven finds I've assembled just for you. Hold the arsenic and pass the lace.

Potion, Redmanreserve

Turkish Pipe Case, The Lovelys

Onyx Necklace, eighthandmaple

Vintage Men's Coat, CaptainCat

Gunne Sax Gown, CaptainCat

Raven Claw Necklace (unavailable)

Leather cuff, Katie Q

Ink Print, Jon Carling

Vintage Olivetti Ads

If you'd like an instantly amazing art collection, just invest in some old Olivetti typewriter advertisements. Wonderful examples of graphic design that shout both retro and timeless sensibility. (More info on Olivetti)

 

  

Old and Scary

Sorry, this post isn't talking about your toothless Great Uncle Gerald. No, the old and scary featured are vintage frights, perfect for your Halloween festivities. Or anytime, if you happen to be a weirdo. What better way to terrorize those you love than with a ghastly disguise? Check out the mask menagerie below and be inspired for classic ways to haunt and taunt.

Best Natural Remedy for Annoying Coworkers

Nothing says, "Hands off my stapler," better than an eco-friendly tribal relic. Keep it in your cubicle and be ready to OOGA BOOGA at will. Free voodoo curse available with purchase.
CozyStudio, $35

Best Travel Aid for Silencing Fellow Plane Passengers 
There are times when a polite greeting and social small talk can be comfort on a long flight. For the remaining 90% of air travel, allow me to present this vintage 40's era handpainted gauze mask, an affordable option for guys and gals on the go. Light and portable, it will breeze past security without adding extra weight to your carry-on. Once comfortably seated, secure mask firmly on face and assume nap position. Remain silent for the duration of the flight, and thank me for helping you enjoy a pleasant flight.
TinselandTrinkets, $3
Best Stalker Deterrent 

Face it, you can't help being irresistible. Too bad those charms are so powerful - there's no way to zero in on just one sweetie! What to do when Creepy Carl or Desperate Donna manage to weave into your web? It's hard to shake those clingy catches without a fail-proof plan. Why not send a clear message with  this 1970's-era Gargamel/Fred Flintstone/Psychobilly Mask? After all, this is no time to be subtle. You'll quickly quell any romantic interest, saving valuable time that could be spent playing Casanova to other cuties.
BytheWayside, $12

Best Anti-Childwatching Device 
It's not that you dislike children, really. It's just your friend Rhonda has decided to be fruitful and multiply for the fifth time and you kinda enjoy your weeknights whine-and-booger-free. Don't clown around! Take a stance for your free time. Next time someone tries to sucker you into pro bono babysitting, tell them you've taken an interest in carnival living. Wearing this mask insures no one (with legal custody or visitation rights) will trust you to watch their little angels.

RoseLuv, $12

Let's Have a Swell Party

Thinking of throwing a party? Don't be square! Get some nifty 50's (and 60's) goodies for your shindig. You'll find new old stock invitations and paper coasters at Etsy, as well as barware, games and other fine finds.
Featured here, beginning top left:

Party Invitations
Snack Server Tower
Drinking Glasses
12 Pack Coasters
Lime Serving Platter
Siamese Cat Playing Card Deck
1957 Game Card Ephemera 
Aluminum Tumbler Duo
Good Housekeeping Appetizer Guide (1958)

The best part - all of these goodies are under $12, so you'll have plenty o' money left over for a fine frock. Canasta anyone?

Do you have the power?

I could write about yesterday's Super Bowl or Twilight for rave reviews, but these things aren't on my mind. She Ra is!

The thought trail led me to thinking about the wondrous Princess of Power. Only 20 Halloweens ago, I donned a gold mask, wrist cuffs and white dress to emulate my cartoon shero. We all know the eighties brought a lot of amazing cartoons, but something was magical about the twin brother/sister duo of He Man and She Ra. I mean, how much manlier can you get than being a HE-MAN? And She Ra is just an abbreviated way of saying, "She rocks!" The colors of this cartoon were amazing, and even the villain was a load of laughs. My best friend and I both got a chuckle out of Skeletor calling someone a "boob." Yes, these were good times, friend.

I hate to brag, but I must confess I owed the plastic castle with elevator (activated by my hand moving a string, I believe; amazing). Enjoy the song below and see why I desperately wanted to be a blonde.