Outfit Of The Day: Sixties Stripes

Hello Kittens!

This past Saturday Tim and I had a few errands to run. It was hardly all work and no play though. To start off with, Tim and I went to the local retro/vintage reproduction shop, Vintage Alley, and had fun shopping for the Mister. Retro style is not Tim's cup of tea but he did humor me by saying let's go get him a few dressy shirts for when we go out to fancier style events. And boy do they have men's shirts galore there! After having a blast shopping we went and had crepes for lunch then on to my mother-in-law's house to check on and play with her kitties while she was away for the weekend. And as I like to do, if you're going to step out, you might as well step out in style!


Outfit of the day:

For this day's activities, since it's still Fall and there's a crisp coolness in the air without being too overly cold, I decided to wear my Bettie Page Fever dress. The Fever dress is perfect for Fall. It has a super cute mod styling that while has a shorter skirt, the longer sleeves keep you nice and warm. I paired this with a pair of navy flats though in retrospect, it may be time for me to get some red flats ;)

Bettie Page Fever Dress- Front View

Bettie Page Fever Dress- Side View

Do you have any season specific dresses?

OMG! Streetcar!

LOL. I'm not trying to be cryptic with my blog title of the day.

Those Trashy Diva lovers out there probably knew what I was talking about right away!

Trashy Diva's Streetcar dresses are probably my favorite among all of Trashy Diva's dresses. Last year they released this design in plaid prints. While I knew I loved this dress with its high big neck bow right away I was super hesitant on ordering this dress because I wasn't sure if it would be a flattering look on me since I am short with a larger bust size. A combination which doesn't usually work out with high necklines with lots of fluff. I took a chance when I ordered the brown and purple plaid Streetcar last year and was rewarded 10x over when I found it is one of my favorite dresses in my whole closet. I should have gone ahead and ordered the black and white plaid... something I regret to this day! :( In any case, let's move on.... What I am so excited about is that I found the Streetcar released earlier this year in Cherries print in my size! While it may not sound like a big deal to the non Trashy Diva obsessed out there... those that are Trashy Diva obsessed will probably understand my elation!

I don't know what it was this year but it seemed like all of Trashy Diva's dresses released this year tended to sell out quicker than usual. And thus the idea of buy it or lose it became a moto among us. Not good for the shopaholics like me but even worse for those that completely dwell on the dresses that got away for which I am also a member.

When Trashy Diva released their Cherries print this year and I saw that they had a Streetcar dress among this group I knew I loved it right away. But I was torn because I also loved the 40's Flutter Cherries dress and while I had at least one Streetcar dress I didn't have any 40's Flutter dresses. Maybe a decisive decision would have been more easily made if I lived in New Orleans and was able to go to the Trashy Diva store to try on both dresses at the same time... though probably not as they are both incredibly beautiful dresses! In any case, I ultimately decided to get the 40's Flutter dress (you can see the review here)... first because I love flutter on my dresses! Second, because I don't have any 40's Flutter dresses yet. And third because I had a pretty hefty store credit to use at Cats Like Us and they were selling the 40's Flutter dress at an already awesome price! And while I was resound to live with my not having the Streetcar dress in Cherries because after all, you can't have everything you want, I did kind of keep a side glance out for it.

Then one day, size 10 and size 12, two sizes I could usually fit in, mysteriously popped up on TD's website. I kept a watch on them thinking maybe next payday I'll get it, thinking that if one sells I could always go for the other size. I checked it everyday to make sure at least one of the two sizes was there. Then, just as mysteriously, both sized disappeared at the same time! I had an idea that one lady must have bought both to see which size would fit best since I know there are lots of people that do that. And I was thinking one of these sizes would probably come back one day once she gets her dresses, tries them on, and sends the extra size back... but it doesn't mean that my heart didn't drop when I saw both sizes gone from their website yet again. I decided to email Enz's in NY to see if they had any in my size. I know they had these dresses but I also know these dresses have been going so quickly. I didn't really think they would have any in my size since it's such a sought after dress. Thus, I was completely surprised when they wrote back saying they had one in a size 10. How could I let this beauty pass me up again!


Dress Review:

What can you say about the Trashy Diva Cherries print Streetcar dress! It is more lovely on than I'd ever imagine! The Streetcar dress is a 1950's style dress with a high neckline, which can be worn three different ways for three different looks. The neckline has a high Mandarin collar that opens in the front. It can be worn completely open with the collar folded down to form a v-neckline. It could be worn with the collar up and buttoned closed with a hook and eye closure at the top of the collar. This creates a kind of key hole neckline. Or, it could be worn buttoned up with the detachable neck bow tied. The back of the collar has an inconspicuous scarf loop to pull the detachable neck bow through to keep it in place. Aside from the versatile wearing of this dress, this sleeveless dress also features a side zip, a full skirt with pockets, a fully self-lined bodice, and comes with either a red patent belt or a self fabric cherries belt (depending on where you ordered it from).

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print- Front View

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print- Front View

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print with Red Belt Variation- Front View

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print with Red Belt Variation- Front View

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print- Side View

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print- Back View

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print Without Bow Collar Variation- Front View

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print Collar Open Variation- Front View

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print- Close Up

Trashy Diva Streetcar dress in Cherries Print- Close Up

Just a note for those TD lovers who love this dress, bought it, and found it came with the red belt instead of the self fabric belt: (Enz's and many other online retailers were selling this dress with a red belt rather than the self fabric belt) I emailed TD and was able to purchase a self fabric cherry belt directly from them. They might still have some available for those who are looking. While I love the red belt with this, it's nice to also have the self-fabric belt option. :)

Also, for reference my measurements are 39-31-39, 5'3"and I got this in my usual Trashy Diva size 10.

Bernie Dexter's Sugar Doll Dress In Pink Elephant, A Dress Review

It's no secret that Bernie Dexter makes some of the funnest print dresses. 

Retro style dresses with fun novelty prints are definitely her forte! Just check out her latest collection to get a peek of her fun-loving style!

When I first saw her Sugar Doll Dress in Pink Elephant print I was giddy with excitement. This dress has one of the funnest novelty prints I've ever seen! It has large pink polka dots throughout the print as well as drunken pink elephants all over. Some juggling, some single-hand standing, some fallen over in giant martini glasses and some even wearing lampshade hats! Because it was a dress I long regretted passing up, I was so happy when I recently found someone selling theirs on a swap and sell group I'm in even if it was a size larger than my usual size large.

Aside from the awesome print, this dress features wide shoulder straps, a boned bodice, pockets, and a self-fabric belt!

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress in Pink Elephants- Front View

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress in Pink Elephants- Front View

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress in Pink Elephants- Side View

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress in Pink Elephants- Back View

 

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress in Pink Elephants- Close Up

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress in Pink Elephants- Close Up

I'm starting to get quite the collection of drunken pink elephant dresses! Aside from cat printed dresses, aren't they the cutest thing? ;)

Matching Your Dress To Your Teaware Part 8: Elephants On Parade!

Get ready for Magic to happen!

I love it when I find a teatime pairing that not only belongs together but creates magic together! And what is more magical than pink elephants on parade??  

First and foremost, let me interject here, what are pink elephants if not the most illustrious and notable allusion to the musical scene in Dumbo of the Pink Elephants on Parade? Now that you have these elephants tramping around in your mind, I'm ready to continue with this post.

The first time I laid eyes on Bernie Dexter's Sugar Doll dress in Pink Elephant print I knew it was something I would think about and pine over for years to come. How ingenious and so perfect is this 1950's style dress made with pink elephant novelty print? If you look closely at these drunken pink elephants you will see some even wearing lampshades!

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress In Pink Elephant- Front View

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress In Pink Elephant- Close Up

Bernie Dexter Sugar Doll Dress In Pink Elephant- Close Up

 

Pair this with a vintage Pink Elephant tea set from ebay seller Adirondackantiquities and you truly have a magical pairing. This French antique set comes in the loveliest shade of pink (grey also available) and the happy little elephant teapot is complete with tusks! 

Antique Pink Elephant Teapot, Adirondackantiquities, photo: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pink-Elephant-Tea-Pot-Six-Demitasse-Tea-Cups-Made-France-/161419662236?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25955c939c

Antique Pink Elephant Teapot, Adirondackantiquities, photo: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pink-Elephant-Tea-Pot-Six-Demitasse-Tea-Cups-Made-France-/161419662236?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25955c939c

Antique Pink Elephant Teapot, Adirondackantiquities, photo: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pink-Elephant-Tea-Pot-Six-Demitasse-Tea-Cups-Made-France-/161419662236?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25955c939c

And what do you know? This perfect pairing is more than just a pair! Check out how perfectly paired this tea set also is with Pinup Girl Clothing's Annalise dress in black with Tipsy Elephants!

 

Pinup Girl Clothing, Annalise Dress In Black With Tipsy Elephants- Front View

These elephants seems to stumble and jumble around on the dress as they merrily dance around bubbles and martini glasses. (You can check out my full review of this dress here) 

Pinup Girl Clothing, Annalise Dress In Black With Tipsy Elephants- Close Up

Pinup Girl Clothing, Annalise Dress In Black With Tipsy Elephants- Close Up

Antique Pink Elephant Teapot, Adirondackantiquities, photo: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pink-Elephant-Tea-Pot-Six-Demitasse-Tea-Cups-Made-France-/161419662236?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25955c939c

 And as they say in Dumbo, 

"Look out! Look out!
Pink elephants on parade
Here they come!
Hippety hoppety
They're here and there
Pink elephants ev'rywhere
Look out! Look out!"

 

Outfit Of The Day: Out By The Still Lake

This past weekend Tim and I went out for a walk around nearby Lake Chabot.

Although we could definitely feel the Autumn chill in the air, it was a perfect day for a leisurely walk. It was a nice change of pace getting out in the fresh air and taking in the scenery.

Outfit of the Day:

For this day's activities I wore a dress I got from Forever 21 some years back with black sweater tights from Kohl's and black Sketcher Go Walks, a super comfy pair of shoes for walking!

Peter Pan Collar Dress, Forever 21- Front View

Peter Pan Collar Dress, Forever 21- Side View

Peter Pan Collar Dress, Forever 21- Close Up

Outfit Of The Day: Goodbye Halloween

Goodbye Halloween. A tout a l' heure. Sayonara. Until we meet again!

The day after Halloween it is a tradition of mine and Tim's to go to the Spirit Halloween stores to see what is left and what we can pick up for 50% off. I was surprised to see this year that the day after Halloween sales were now 50% home decor and 25% off costumes and accessories... I thought I remember everything in the stores being 50% off. In any case, we had a fun time browsing though the last of the store even though we didn't find much. I account the slim pickings this year to be due to the fact that the day after Halloween was Saturday and more people than usual were able to go to the stores early.

After our stop at the Halloween store Tim took me out the a new crab restaurant in Hayward, Bubble Crab. This new crab restaurant along with another crab restaurant in Union City, Backyard Bayou, kind of make up for my favorite crab place, the Hayward Fishery/Art's Crab Shack, closing. We didn't get a chance to try the crab since both Tim and I opted to try Bubble Crab's gumbo along with a plethora of sides (Cajun fries, lobster balls, and fried zucchini). Even though we didn't try the crab, what we had was delicious! I look forward to going again!


Outfit of the Day:

For this day's activities I wore a forest green Ixia dress from Modcloth, the Convivial Celebration dress, along with a black cardigan, black tights from Forever 21, and black flats from the Gap Outlet.

Ixia Convivial Celebration Dress- Front View

Ixia Convivial Celebration Dress- Front View

Ixia Convivial Celebration Dress- Side View

Ixia Convivial Celebration Dress With Cardigan- Front View

Ixia Convivial Celebration Dress With Cardigan- Side View

 Do you have any after Halloween traditions? What about Halloween traditions?

Halloween SCream Tea

I hope you all had a great Halloween!

This year, I unfortunately had a night class Halloween night but my friends were kind enough to come over to watch some Halloween themed movies with me keeping me company while I cut my husband loose for the night.

To make the night extra special I prepared a light cream tea... or scream tea it you prefer. ;) I got out my favorite Autumn tea set, Johnson Brother's The Friendly Village, baked up some warm pumpkin current scones, made little zombie sugar cookies, and put a pot on the stove!

For the evening we watched the classics, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and Disney's Icabond Crane. 

Zombie Sugar Cookies For Halloween

The Halloween Cream Tea Spread

Warm Pumpkin Current Scones

Zombies!

Halloween Tea By Candlelight and Glowing Pumpkin

Toasty Scones