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

Antiquing Adventures

Hello all! Just got back from another antiquing adventure in which I found some pretty good treasures! I'm surprised I didn't get kicked out of this antique store however, after I accidentally spilled part of my mocha from Starbucks on the glass counter displaying all the brooches and cameos. I am such a klutz! My friend swears to never been seen in public with me again. :) Anyways, I didn’t pick up any clothing items or accessories this time, like the fur front tilt hat I found last time I went antiquing, but I did find some really great albums. To my luck they were all in great condition as well! I could spend hours looking through all the albums my local antique stores have, but unfortunately do not have the much time on my hands. Luckily, today I found my treasures pretty quickly. Here’s what I picked up:

Gone With The Wind 1967 LP with accompanying picture book for $4.00!! Great buy!! Gone With The Wind is and will forever be my favorite movie of all time. A classic love story with triumph and loss combined with the amazing costumes!  It simply does not get any better than Gone With The Wind. Random fact: the number one movie quote of all time is: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," said by Rhett Butler played by Clark Gable in GWTW, as he leaves Scarlett in the last scene of the film. Love it!

‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan -1963 LP for $8.00

I almost cried when I saw this sitting in one of the boxes and realized it was only $8.00!! Whatever employee marked this item should be fired!! But first thanked by me! J Bob Dylan is by far one of my favorite singer-songwriters. He holds a special place in my heart being from Minnesota as well. Random fact: Bob Dylan attended the University of Minnesota (where I go) and started gaining a name for himself playing the local cafes on the West Bank. What he has done for the music industry is unfounded. This LP includes songs like Blowin’ In The Wind. I plan on getting an ode to Bob Dylan in the form of lyrics to this song tattooed on my foot. Along with the word “Imagine” on my right wrist, for the late John Lennon.  

Lady Day Swings The Blues- Billie Holiday LP for $20.00

I know I probably paid too much for this album, but I just couldn’t help myself. I absolutely adore Billie Holiday and to have a greatest hits of hers on album is something I could not pass up. Her voice, her soul, and her emotion just floods every song she sings that one cannot help but become emotionally involved.  Not to mention she also has some really great hairstyles!  

So overall today I spent $32.00 at the antique store and I already, like most of you, have plans to go back soon! My next purchase hopefully will be an actual vintage record player so I can listen to my recent purchases. I could keep them safe and in good condition, but a part of me secretly wants to play them, hear the crackling and dance to the wonderful sounds being played. 

~Ashley 

Why Don't You Do Right

Lately, I have been obsessed with listening to this song. I listen to it when I'm getting ready for the day, cleaning the house, or even just dancing in the living room! It's Peggy Lee singing with Benny Goodman playing the clarinet in the back, an instrument that doesn't get much attention anymore. What a great combination! It's from a movie made in 1943 called "Stage Door Canteen." I haven't seen it yet; I really want to watch it sometime soon. Has anybody seen this film? If you guys remember Jessica Rabbit sang a version of it in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" in the 1980's.

Here's the Jessica Rabbit version:

Which one do you guys like better?
~Ashley

I want this.

But then again...don't we all?
~Ashley

Classic Imagery and Inspiration

I was browsing through My Vintage Vogue and it is difficult not to have your breath taken away by all of the phenomenal outfits and pictures on that site. I just wanted to share a few of many of my favorites with you all. Check out that blog, it is simply amazing. Most of those photographs I have never seen before, its like a vault of the history of fashion in the 40's and 50's. Enjoy!

Suit by Irene's 1951, myvintagevogue

Charm Magazine - December 1954 , myvintagevogue

1949 LIFE Magazine - Photo Nina Leen, myvintagevogue

LIFE Magazine 1951 - photo by Nina Leen, myvintagevogue

Vogue-Jean Patchett courtesy of myvintagevogue

LIFE 1951 - photo by Nina Leen, MyVintageVogue


Hope you enjoyed! It's amazing how a style that occurred so long ago can maintain as much power now as it did back then. Why do you guys think that is? 
~Ashley 

Pea Green with Envy

I know it is not right to covet things but I simply cannot help myself with this beautiful hat. I noticed this hat while browsing around on Etsy.com for one of a kind items to add to my wardrobe. The hat is labeled " Nicole de Paris" and is a vintage piece from the 1940's. Perfect!! I really would like to call it my own. I'm going to copy and paste the description from the seller, her words speak better than mine : "The rayon velvet is a rich, very 1940's olive green hue. The spray of feathers is true, deep emerald varigated with black. There is a soft round base that fits at the crown of the head, and an elastic band to hold it on to your hairstyle. The folded bow-like structure drapes low over one eye. The piece is just massive - and so is the impact!" Available for $124.00 on fabgabs shop on Etsy.com. If anybody purchases this hat before I can save up to, please enjoy and I will be pea green with envy!!
~ Ashley

Little Updates :)

Just finished updating my Top 10 Obsessions, some were removed and new ones were added! I also added some new quotes for you to enjoy! In spirit of one of my obsessions, here is a picture of Ava Gardner to enjoy! Isn't the hat gorgeous?! I would totally wear it, but I have a feeling I would get strange looks, more than I already do. But then again, who cares!!
~Ashley

Little House of Horrors

This is a definite oldie; but goodie. I haven't posted in a while so I never got the opportunity to show my outfit for All Hallow's Eve. I went as a Zombie Mourner to the Minneapolis Zombie Pub Crawl. I sure did get a lot of compliments on my outfit, especially the hat! Got my hat from Hot Topic for about 20 dollars, the earrings from Forever 21 online for about $5.80 and all the make up I did using the vast amount of eyeshadow I own!! Oops! Too much! Enjoy!
~Ashley

Oh boy do I love antiquing!!!

As much as I hate getting out of my warm bed on cold Minnesota days, I am forever grateful to my friend for making me get up this time. We went antiquing in Anoka today and I struck gold in the first shop I entered. I had been looking all over FOREVER for the hat that Violet wore when she was leaving town to head to New York in It's A Wonderful Life. It's a front tilt hat made of brown fur, which I am assuming is mink and it's GORGEOUS!!!! It was only $8.50 too, which makes it all the more swell! :) My friend thought it was atrocious, but she does not appreciate that style like I do. My camera is not working at the moment, so here is a picture of Violet, from It's a Wonderful Life. :) Now all I need to do is to figure out how to get my hair like that, with the bouncy curls on top and I will be all set. Any suggestions?!
~Ashley