Sad Day In The Fashion World: The Tragic Death of Alexander McQueen

I am really having a hard day today. I woke up this morning ready to prepare for work by going on my daily workout when I stumbled across the news that Alexander McQueen died. The world famous fashion designer was found dead in his home, apparently suicide was the cause of death. There has been a huge outcry from the fashion world, celebrities, and every day people like myself who have been touched by the work of Alexander McQueen. He was by far my favorite designer; his collections were so unique, intriguing, and inspiring. He was not afraid to challenge the norm and create works of art that some may consider to be "too much." He was known for his outlandish designs and the dark imagery he often portrayed on the runway and in his collections. I did not know him personally, but through his designs, his art; he let us into the depths of his mind, the dark recesses in the corners of his existence that one would only share with a close friend. The death of Alexander McQueen has left a black hole in the fashion world; not only in fellow designers but in those who appreciate the art he gave us. The Purest form of creativity radiated from him and will definitely be missed. RIP Lee Alexander McQueen. May your designs forever inspire us all to challenge the norm and not be afraid to stand out.

" The candle that burns twice as bright only burns half as long."

Here is just a brief overview of the short but bright career of Alexander McQueen.

I found my wedding song! Now I just need the guy....

I am absolutely smitten with the song "This Heart of Mine" Fred Astaire sings and dances to in "Ziegfeld Follies." I dream of dancing to this song at my wedding with my dream man....Cary Grant? Clark Gable? Fred Astaire? Except I would rather hope he wouldn't be luring me in to steal my jewelry. :)

Mirror, Mirror: Am I vain?

Bottom line: I want a vanity. I have been looking for one lately in local antique shops and on the internet, but have had no luck. I am to the point of giving up. Most of my furniture in my bedroom is very dark wood, but I have always wanted a light colored vanity....that sound so swell. I would re-decorate my entire bedroom to match my beloved vanity. A light cream colored vanity with intricate detailing throughout the wood, giving it a very dainty feel. Mmmm dream, dream, dream. I have wanted one ever since I was a little girl and watched Gone With The Wind for the first time and saw the vanity that Scarlet O'Hara had in her house with Rhett Butler. Oh, what would I give to be in her shoes....Anways, back to reality: I haven't found one and am starting to think finding a dainty little cream colored vanity is never going to happen for me. Have any of you guys come across a vanity such as this? I could use any help possible and would be forever grateful! :) Thanks,
~Ashley

Old Time Cinema

I have been watching TCM a little too much lately and the one beneficial thing I have taken from it is some pretty good film recommendations. I want to recommend these two films to those who have not already seen them: Swing Time and Vivacious Lady.  Both of the films have Ginger Rogers in them; she's just great. :)  Swing Time is Ms. Rogers with Fred Astaire, a classic pairing in their time. I believe they did around seven films together? It's not difficult to see why, they made an amazing duo. It's a musical comedy film set in New York and its acclaimed to be their best musical together. Really, it is such a great film and I personally watch it all the time. The clothes are phenomenal and the plot is great too. It's just a classic. I don't want to ruin it for those who truly desire to watch it but it involves a gambler, a dancer, tardiness, good intentions, love, dancing, and $25,000. Watch it, I know you'll love it.  If you guys have seen it, what do you think? Am I correct in saying that Swing Time is a marvelous film? I would give it 3.75 out of four stars.

The second film I want to recommend is Vivacious Lady with Ginger Rogers and the very handsome James Stewart. Most of you will recognize Stewart from the holiday classic, "It's A Wonderful Life", in which he co-stared with Donna Reed. I can't even tell you how many times I have seen that film and it still makes me choke up at the end. Truly beautiful. Vivacious Lady is a completely different type of film, but still as good. Vivacious lady came out in 1938 and is considered to be a romantic comedy, which is a good label for this film. Rogers and Stewart play a nightclub singer (Rogers) and a botany professor (Stewart) who fall in love instantly and decide to get married. It follows the trials and tribulations and hilarious moments they experience while trying to keep their sudden marriage a secret. For those who have seen this film, what do you think about it? Do you think that Rogers and Stewart make a good pairing? How likely do you think this film would be in real life? I would give this movie 3.5 out of 4 stars. 

I hope you enjoy!

~Ashley

I need to get a better paying job....

Covet.Covet.Covet. I stumbled across this Red Knuckle Duster Clutch earlier today on the Alexander McQueen website. Not that I can actually afford anything on that site; I just like to look and daydream. The concept of this clutch is so unique. It has decorative rings attached to the top so you have a secure hold on your purse and have good looking fingers at the same time. While it has more of a pirate feel rather than retro 40's or 50's, it's still totally rad. Now if I only had $1,895.00 hidden some where in the couch.....
~Ashley

Glitzy Secrets

I recently stumbled across this website while looking for vintage hair combs to add to my collection. I have a terrible obsession with hair accessories and almost died when I saw this website. Glitzy Secrets is an online shop where you can purchase reproduction vintage costume jewelry including hair combs, earrings, necklaces, and other glamorous items! You seriously must check this store out if you like girly accessories that will definitely add that extra sparkle to any outfit!! Granted they are not actual vintage accessories, we cannot all be so lucky to find that perfect vintage item, so a few reproductions here and there never hurt anybody! For the quality as well, they are fairly decently priced too! I have my eye on a few items already....oh paycheck, you cannot come soon enough!
~Ashley

Pearls of Purity Hair Comb, $27.37

Made with Austrian Crystals

Breathtaking Beauty Brooch/Pendant, $48.43

Made with 5 multi-faceted Austrian Crystals

Old Family Treasures

Here are a few photographs of family that I found today while just lazily looking through old boxes and drawers. I did not know that I had such treasures packed away. Most of them are of my grandmother, who seemed to be quite active and vivacious in the 40's. She was born in 1918 and died in 1986, but as these pictures hint at, she lived a very full life. What I absolutely love about these photos is the fashion and the history behind them. You can see amazing dresses full of different patterns, lovely cocktail hats and other types of hair adornments, and other fun things as well.  I wanted to share my new found treasures with you all because I know you all will appreciate them as I do. These photographs range from the 1930's until the late 1940's, so you can visibly see the evolution of fashion occurring. The looks of these eras are so distinctive. You see a picture and you can immediately tell almost to the decade when it was taken. This is something that doesn't really exist anymore. For example, women wore their hair higher on their head and in more dramatic styles in the 1940's to make up for some of their rather "bland" clothing. This clothing was bland, like I'm sure most of you know, because of using money for other expenses and resources relating to the War. So in order to still keep their dramatic looks and fashionable appeal, they focused more on their hair. Fashion has lost the ingenuity and creativity we saw during these time periods.   What kind of treasures have you guys found from your relatives' past?
~Ashley

    Mike Jennings Night Club, "Dancing Nightly"

St. Louis Park, MN circa mid 1940's

Andy's Bar, "Andy Ain't Mad At Nobody"

Minneapolis, MN Oct 30, 1944

Family Portrait, circa early 1920's

Circa early 1930's

Circa late 1930's