Outfit of the Day: 1987

The 80's has really had my heart lately

I don't know exactly what first brought on this feeling of nostalgia and wanting to go back to the decade of my childhood... I do know however that when I first saw Modcloth carrying rainbow striped dresses such as their long gone Some Flair Over the Rainbow dress (maybe a bit more on the 70's side) followed sometime somewhat soon after by the Too Much Fun Dress in Rainbow by Emily and Fin (also long gone), I sat up and took notice. I almost bought both dresses. But somehow, neither was quiet right with my heart's desire. In hindsight, I do wish I would have gotten both but you know what they say about hindsight...

Anyhow, now with a season's full of Stranger Things fresh on my brain, a new 80's arcade, High Scores, that just opened up in our home town, and a new Erstwilder collection out, Erstwilder Goes Galactic, a collection for which many of the pieces scream 80's nostalgia to me, I have truly been bit by the bug. I've really really been wanting some 80's style clothes!

So for now I dress in what I've got while being thankful there's a vintage consignment store in our town to browse through not to mention a super awesome nearby arcade to play in. ;)

Inside the new High Scores arcade, Hayward, CA

Awesome cocktail arcades at High Scores, Hayward, CA

Play all day, High Score, Hayward, CA

Stay all night, High Scores, Hayward, CA

Outfit of the Day (Friday): 

For the opening day at the new High Scores in Hayward, I knew I wanted to wear something kind of 80's to show my support for this awesome place. I got this dress a few years ago from Forever 21. While it's technically completely modern it really has a late 80's feels to it to me. Maybe because of the loose fitting off the shoulders top, or maybe the drop waist cut... It has cats printed all over and I knew my brand spanking new Erstwilder Rebel, Rebel brooch would be the perfect accessory to pair with this outfit. I also paired it with black capri leggings, a black tank, and black flats. For an extra finishing touch I wore a pair of fushia hoop earrings I had from an Invader Zim earring set I got from Hot Topic several years ago.

Forever 21 pink cat print dress- Front View

Forever 21 pink cat print dress- Front View

Erstwilder Rebel, Rebel brooch- Close Up

Outfit of the Day: Walk of Wine-O's crossing (yet again)!

This past weekend was the annual Hayward Walk of Wine

Walk of Wine is perhaps one of my favorite summer activities ever! (You can see my past posts on this event here and here) The city puts together this event once a year during the summer. For $35 people are invited to go from shop to shop in the downtown Hayward area and partake in wine pours (getting exceedingly tipsy at each stop) while also sampling cheese and crackers, fruit, deli meats, and small sandwiches with their wine pours. As always one of my favorite stops is the Hayward Fire Station in downtown Hayward. Another highlight of the walk this time around was making it out to the "Haywards" mural, as well while being slightly tipsy sitting on a bench on the sidewalk, waving to one of the downtown Hayward bike cops and having him wave back.

It's such a fun, friendly activity, and a good way to get out into the neighborhood. It was a good way to spend a nice sunny day out with Tim, his mom, and two of my best friends.

Come along! In the fire truck at the Hayward Fire Station

At the downtown Hayward Fire Station

In front of the Haywards mural, Hayward, CA

Outfit of the Day:

For Walk of Wine this year I decided to wear my Pinup Girl Clothing Bella Donna dress in Italian Landscape. I thought the Italian theme would go well with the wine theme of the day. Also, I figured dark red would be good in case I spill any red wine on myself. ;) To give this dress extra poof I wore it with a black petticoat I got from Amazon last year. I paired this with a comfortable pair of walking shoes-- black ankle strap flats by Blowfish which I got several years ago. For a finishing touch I also wore a pair of red plastic studs which I got from the local retro style clothing shop, Vintage Alley, also from a couple years ago. As pictured above I also brought along a paper parasol which was gifted to me by a friend several years ago.

Pinup Girl Clothing Bella Donna dress in Italian Landscape- Front View

Pinup Girl Clothing Bella Donna dress in Italian Landscape- Front View

Pinup Girl Clothing Bella Donna dress in Italian Landscape- Side View

What are your favorite summer activity ever?

Outfit of the Day: Walk of WineO's Crossing again

Last Saturday was Hayward's annual Walk Of Wine

This is an event not to be missed. You buy a ticket, grab a wine glass, then walk around downtown Hayward visiting different shops and restaurants getting pours and getting sloshed. It's always great fun walking around outside from pour station to pour station a little tipsy enjoying good company and the good sunshine.

Taking a breather along the sidewalk

At the Hayward Fire Station!

Having fun getting suited up!

Having fun at the fire station

Outfit of the Day:

For the Walk of Wine this year I opted to wear my Trashy Diva Maria dress in Turquoise Floral. When walking with wine in hand it's always a good idea to wear something with lots of colors and lots of pattern going on in case of accidental spills! Luckily, there was no spills going on this day! I wore this dress with a wicker sunhat by Magid which I got from Trashy Diva, a wicker cat purse I got from ebay, and a comfy pair of ankle strap black flats by Blowfish. 

Trashy Diva Maria dress in Turquoise Floral- Front View

Trashy Diva Maria dress in Turquoise Floral- Front View

Trashy Diva Maria dress in Turquoise Floral- Side View

Local Shop In The Spotlight: Vintage Alley!!

A vintage style clothing store in Hayward?! How awesome is that!

Vintage Alley, Hayward, CA

I was so surprised and elated when I heard about Vintage Alley opening in downtown Hayward a couple years ago. In fact, when I first heard the news, I thought it was a hoax. I mean, really, things like that are too good to be true! Lucky for me, though, it absolutely was true!

This place is run by a husband and wife team, the super awesome and charismatic Alfred and ever wonderful and beautiful Alicia. These people know how to run a true mom and pop shop too! It didn't take long for them to know me by name and greet me personally whenever I come into the shop. They also never fail to ask how my mother-in-law is doing after her pop into the shop last summer. I'm sure this personalized attention goes out to all their regular and semi-regular customers.

Vintage Alley, Hayward, CA

Not only do they run an awesome shop but they also have a chic hair salon at the same location where yours truly loves to get a vintage do done by the friendly, stunning, and talented Leilani.

Vintage Alley Salon Waiting Area

At The Vintage Alley Salon

On top of their hard work in running their shop and salon they also get involved in community events. For the past two years they have participated in Hayward's Walk of Wine, and this year, they even hosted their first annual car show in downtown Hayward!

Speaking of Haward's Walk of Wine Tour, while I blogged about it a few weeks ago, what I didn't tell you in that post (at least in length) was the behind the scenes of that day!

I started my morning by going into the shop for a hair appointment. While I was there the owner Alicia let me know I could pick our any item for 20% off! What an excellent surprise. But with the hair appointment done and the Walk of Wine about to start I was already running late so she let me take a rain check to come back later that day. When I came back later in the day for one of the wine pours I took advantage of the 20% off one item but ended up getting not just one item but two (though only one was 20% off). My ever wonderful husband bought them for me! He said, as a extra special treat and last present for my birthday this year. <3


So what did I get? Let's do a clothing review!

Heart of Haute Estelle Blouse in Black:

The Heart of Haute Estelle Blouse is my favorite top by Heart of Haute. When they first released this top earlier this year I knew I was going to love it. It has a cute and full pussy bow at the neck, lots of pleating, cute little puff sleeves that don't bulk you up, and a fitted design. I did find with the wrong bra that I got some button gaping but with the right bra, it was minimal. Still, I think I might want to invest in some fashion tape for this top to keep the gaping away or just do my usual fix and safety pin it from the inside.



   
Steady High Waisted Thrill Skirt in Red:

This is the prefect skirt! I've been stalking this one forever online going back and forth between convincing myself that I don't need it, and then telling myself that I really wanted it. I'm so happy I was able to pick this one up. It is just the right length, the right shade of red, the right amount of flare, and sits just right on my waist. And with it being a separate, it's very versatile... you can see it with another Heart of Haute Estelle Blouse here. I also can't wait to start wearing it with some sweater tops when the weather starts to get a little cooler.

Heart of Haute Estelle Blouse Black With Steady High Waisted Thrills Skirt- Front View

Heart of Haute Estelle Blouse Black With Steady High Waisted Thrills Skirt- Front View

Heart of Haute Estelle Blouse Black With Steady High Waisted Thrills Skirt- Side View

Heart of Haute Estelle Blouse Black With Steady High Waisted Thrills Skirt- Back View

Heart of Haute Estelle Blouse Black- Close Up

If you're ever in the Hayward area be sure to check out this shop! They carry a huge selection of Stop Starting dresses, a good amount of Heart of Haute, Steady, as well as a pretty large selection of men's clothing, some baby's clothing, tons of hats, and so many beautiful accessories and hair flowers!

Outfit Of The Day: Walk Of Wine-O's Crossing!

Once a year, during the summer, Hayward puts on it's Walk of Wine.

It's a fun event that only cost $25 dollars and you get to spend all day walking around downtown Hayward, stopping in at the different shops for different pours of wine, getting sloshed, and walking around drunk in public, wine in hand without worry of the cops busting you!

This year the consulate for Portugal was there followed by an entourage of cops. I couldn't help but get that feeling when I saw the cops to think... "quick, hide the wine!" But then I had to pause and laugh at myself  since for this event it's totally okay to have alcohol out in pubic.

In any case Tim and I spend the day out with friends enjoying good company, good wine, and good cheese and crackers.

Out With The Ladies Enjoying Haward's Walk Of Wine

On the way walking over to downtown Hayward, we walked past one of Hayward's numerous murals, this one of a cat... I had to stop and take a picture

Cat Mural In Hayward, CA

Another Cat Mural In Hayward, CA

In Front Of The Cat Mural

I was due for a hair cut, so I made an appointment for that morning, previous to the Walk of Wine, at Vintage Alley, a local store that sells retro reproduction clothing and has a super cute salon in the back. Leliani, my hairstylist, did a great job on my haircut and style! Hello Betties! Hello Victory Rolls! It's so great having this salon and store so close! <3

Hello Betties! Hello Victory Rolls!

 

At Vintage Alley With Hair Stylist Extraordinaire Leilani!

Thanks Leilani for a great job on my hair! <3



And just for fun here are pictures of me with my best friend, my sweetest girl, Murkurie.

My BFF and I

 

With My BFF Murkurie

Outfit of the Day:

For this day I had a vintage 1940's dress all picked out to go along with the victory rolls I had done but when I was getting dressed for the day I just wasn't feeling the 40's dress I had picked out so I decided to throw on a Stop Staring Ursula Polka Dot Swing dress instead which Tim bought me a couple years ago from Vintage Alley. I paired this with my black kitty earrings, also from Vintage Alley, and my trusty black flats from the Gap outlet since I knew there was going to be whole lot of walking going on. I also threw on a vintage red 1950's bolero I got from Etsy but ended up not needing it since it was so warm outside. Even though the dress style is not period with the hairstyle it felt really great to get so dolled up!

Stop Staring Ursula Polka Dot Dress- Front View

Stop Staring Ursula Polka Dot Dress- Front View

Stop Staring Ursula Polka Dot Dress- Side View

Stop Staring Ursula Polka Dot Dress with 1950's Bolero- Front View

Stop Staring Ursula Polka Dot Dress with 1950's Bolero- Front View

Stop Staring Ursula Polka Dot Dress with 1950's Bolero- Side View

The Etiquette of Taking Tea at the Golden Tea Garden

A few weeks ago a friend and I attended the Golden Tea Garden's special tea, The Etiquette of Taking Tea.

The event was described as such:

    So many guests have asked about the etiquette of taking tea that we should have another lesson. 

    Do you wonder who should pour, when to add sugar/cream, when should you place your napkin on your lap,  where should you put your napkin when going to the ladies room or when finished, can you eat that delectable treat in one bite or must you dissect it on your plate first?  What are you supposed to eat first?

    We will learn the answers to these inquiries and many others from our esteemed Etiquette Instructor, Lady Sylvia Montgomery.  Lady Montgomery has conducted etiquette lessons with her private groups at the Golden Tea Garden for years and now she will share her wisdom  with my guests. 

    As we enjoy a special High Tea Service Lady Montgomery will explain the fineries of taking tea.

This got me very excited! I was hoping to learn a lot about tea etiquette and some tricks of the trade perhaps. I was hoping I would learn whether the cream or the sugar goes first when preparing your cup of tea. I remember reading somewhere, in Tea Time Magazine perhaps, that the cream is supposed to go first. They had a long explanation of why but I can't remember what they said about it exactly. Also, a friend of mine from Australia who has a sister who lives in England told me once that when a pot of tea is served at your table, to ensure it has had sufficient time to brew you are supposed to rotate the pot clockwise X amount of times before pouring from it. With this as well, I can't remember how many times to rotate... perhaps 3? Maybe 5? With this particular trick of the trade I wasn't really thinking everyone in England does this (I would think the really good tea places would already have your tea brewed correctly before serving it to your table) but I did think this was a cute little trick. 

In any case, I think I had my expectations set too high for this etiquette tea. Not to say anything bad about the Golden Tea Garden, which I love. It's more just that we are American after all and perhaps manners are not our fine suit. What my friend Wendy and I found when we attended the Etiquette of Taking Tea tea was more of a general etiquette class served while having tea. There was not too much said specifically about tea etiquette, rather more on table manners, though there was some things said about tea etiquette and somethings were learned.

In any case, I will outline what was discussed.  

• As soon as you sit down you should put your napkin on your lap folded in a triangle. Use the top of the napkin when dabbing at your mouth or fingertips. The bottom of the napkin is to protect your lap.
• When sitting you should be about 8 inches away from the table.
• If you are relaxed you may put your forearms on the table. 
• Never put your cell phone or purse on the table.
• If you need to excuse yourself from the table, your napkin goes on your chair. 
• When pouring tea, never fill the tea cup to the top; be sure to leave room for adding cream or sugar.
• Always use the accouterments or sugar spoon to pick up the sugar from the sugar bowl. 
•  Try not to make any noise when stirring in your cream or sugar. Your spoon should not touch the sides of your tea cup. With your spoon stir from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock then make figure 8s. Never swirl your cup.
• When done stirring in your cream or sugar, place your spoon on the side of the saucer. Never leave your spoon inside the cup.
• If you are somewhere that serves sugar in packets ask for a saucer to put the waste in.
• If you are adding in lemon, you should have been served lemon slices. If you were served lemon wedges cup your hand over the wedge to squeeze it into the tea.
• Bring up your saucer with you when drinking. Your cup should never be more than 12 inches away from your saucer at all times. 
• When you place your cup down, your tea cup handle and spoon should be at the 4 o'clock position.  
• When eating soup always dip the spoon from front to back then up. Bend slightly forward and bring the spoon to you. Do not slouch forward too much and do not sit straight up. When getting to the end of the soup tilt the bowl away from you to get the last of the soup. If putting crackers in your soup, do not put more than one piece at a time. 
• If you are served food on a tiered plate always start from the bottom of the tier up. She described this as being savories first, then scone, then desserts. But I always thought scones were first, then savories, then desserts. ?
• If you are sharing a tiered plate, use the utensils to take the food off the plate.
• When eating a scone, break one piece off at a time and put on your lemon curd, jam, or cream on the broken off piece. Eat one bite at a time. In other words, pick it up, break it, spread, then eat.
• For things that could be messy, use your knife and fork and cut it. Cut one piece at a time when eating food. 
• When using utensils, never put utensils back on the table. Leave utensils propped up on the plate.
• When you are finished from the meal, lightly crumple your napkin and place on the left side of the table. 
• I found this particularly interesting: When you have a tea party there's always a specified person to pour the tea-- this person is called the mother. She also does the cream, sugar, and lemon. If Mother is away from the table there should be a designated person to do the pouring; this is usually a close friend. Is this true? Is Mother an English or American thing?

There there you have it. 

And now, pictures from our tea:  

The Golden Tea Garden, Hayward, CA

Indoor Mural, The Golden Tea Garden, Hayward, CA

Fountain and Mural, The Golden Tea Garden, Hayward, CA

The Table Waiting For Us

The Tea Menu at the Golden Tea Garden

More Tea Choices

Love that the Golden Tea Garden Has Over 300 Tea Choices!

Our Tea Pots at the Golden Tea Garden

First Course Chilled Strawberry Soup

Tiered Plate: from bottom, seafood salad in cucumber, cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, chicken salad on wheat, egg salad sandwich, ham and water cress tea sandwich; middle tier, grape macaron, swan cream pastry puff, petite four, strawberry filo; top tier, cream filled strawberry, mini chocolate truffles, scone

 

Heart-shaped Scone

Enjoying Tea at the Golden Tea Garden

Outfit of the Day:

When we went out to tea, it was a rainy cool day. I opted to wear a maroon sweater dress from B.B. Dakota from Nordstrom Rack, a beaded collar from Nordstrom, beige Vera Wang sweater tights from Kohls, beaded head band from Forever 21, Chelsea Crew Sofia mary janes and a black cardigan.