Happy Anniversary

On May 19th my husband and I celebrated our 1st year

wedding anniversary. To celebrate we did a number of things. We went out to some antique and vintage shops in the city of Orange, CA. He bought me a lovely red bakelite bracelet and we also got a much needed vintage record player stand! My husband was very kind and also gave me Mad Men Season 4 ( I was missing that one)! I bought him a bowling shirt and a Johnny Cash shirt and paid for the record player stand as my gift to him. Later that night we got a little dressed up for cocktails and dinner at the fabulous Dal Rae!

 

me ready to celebrate!

 

If you haven't been to the Dal Rae yet, I suggest you go! It houses some of the most delicious steaks and the outside of the restaurant is very mid century. Delicious food, very strong drinks and a gorgeous atmosphere!

 

 

Outside the Dal Rae

 

 

Inside the bar area of the Dal Rae

 

 

The beautiful dinning room

 

We had a reservation but got there early just to have some cocktails. I had a mai tai and it was super strong but delicious! Dinner was amazingly good and I was happy that we actually got to sit in one of the booths!

 

 

Outside the Dal Rae waiting for our car.

 

After dinner we headed on home to enjoy some champagne and dessert! I made us a lemon cake

with butter cream frosting. I had these sweet retro Barbie cake toppers that I did not end up using for our wedding but had decided to use for our anniversary. I thought it would be a sweet tradition to bake us a cake every year and to use these cake toppers.

 

 

My mom had bought them for many moons ago and I had them in my hope chest and really wanted to use them for my Anniversary cake. I had also did a little digging at the thrift shop and found some vintage champagne glasses for us to use. The cake cutter was given to me (along with a cake plate) by my mom. The heart shaped HAPPY ANNIVERSARY box was a thoughtful gift from my cousin.

 

 

All in all it was a sweet way to celebrate!

 

 

The next day we both had off of work and so we spent it at Disneyland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love.

 

Getting our Marriage License

 

We are near our 1 year anniversary so I thought I would take a little time

and introduce you to my husband. That's Bobby in the photo with me. We took that photo while standing in line to get our marriage license at the court house last year.

 

 

I met Bobby in 2008 but our history goes back even further. Bobby and  I attended the same high school and lived in the same city. We were both well aware of who we both were but our paths just never crossed. Bobby was a popular guy and very athletic while I was the type of girl who rather date the not so social boy with the cool vespa.

 

One day in 2008 I received an email from Bobby via Classmates. I must confess that when I read it , I mistook him for another Bobby. One that I actually went on a date with. When I realized that was NOT the Bobby I dated..I was a little embarrassed however I was also flattered as we both had never talked before and he still remembered me.

 

 

At first it was all emails then that grew to a phone call and then we decided to meet for coffee. I still can remember that day as if it were yesterday. We had vanilla ice coffee and as I sat and talked with him something strange had happened. As he spoke, I saw a bunch of pictures flash by in my mind as if I saw my life flashing before me. I saw holidays and memories we both were meant to have and although I know this sounds cliché, It was then that I knew he was the ONE. You hear it all the time how someone says they JUST KNEW and though I never thought that it could happen to me, it did.

 

He went to a party after our meeting where he spent the majority of the time texting me. It was summer time and we were embarking on a new found friendship and though we wouldn't know it yet our lives would mirror each other and a closeness would soon begin.

 

In November of 2008 we both were laid off of work. Him first then me. Though most would see this as a difficult time (and it was) it actually brought us closer. We spent many a days together, thrift store shopping and selling items on Ebay to make extra money. We sold vintage at flea markets and always had the best time waking up at the crack of dawn to do so. We still looked for other jobs and wouldn't find them for another year.

 

We had the BEST dates, the kind that seldom call for much money. My favorite of all dates was when he took me to a building in Down Town LA for a roof top showing of SAY ANYTHING (which is a favorite movie of mine). He also packed a mini picnic of cheese, fruit and crackers and brought along all the ingredients to make me French Martinis.

 

We were crafty souls and often enjoyed venturing out to Michael's with coupons in search of items to make snow globes, ornaments or whatever crafty project we wanted to try. Our nights were sometimes spent just talking of the old days and what it was like to grow up in our town. This was always special as we both did the same things and went to the same places. During all of this I couldn't help but think that the boy I had always searched for was always in my own back yard.

We dated and fell more in love and then one summer day in 2010 Bobby took me on a trip to Santa Barbara.

 

 

He made a reservation in a lovely restaurant where we sipped martinis and had a run in with the actor

Alan Thick.

 

 

 

He booked us at the sweetest hotel that was said to belong to Charlie Chaplin in the 1920's

 

 

It was all the makings of a lovely trip!

 

 

 

After dinner we went to have another cocktail out on the veranda of a little sweet tavern

and it was there... that Bobby asked me to marry him.

 

 

 

And... I said Yes.

 

 

 

A year later and whole lot of planning, we were married :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekend Fun

 

Fred

 

The weekend brought many a good things to write about. One of them being the birthday of this

little guy here. This is Fred our fur baby. Fred has been with me since 2007. He and I became fast friends and nearly went everywhere together. We like our walks, our snacks and movie time. When I met my husband in 2008 I was not sure how Fred would be with him. Bobby showed up at my front door with hot dogs in his pockets and he and Fred have been best friends ever since. We celebrated with some cookie treats and a new squeak toy.

 

I also got out of work a little early on Friday so naturally I hit the thrift store. I searched the racks and found many a cute dresses however I had just purchased some from Ebay so I headed over to the blouse department and found a sweet aqua and white gingham print blouse. I thought it would be good with jeans. Next I visited the hand bag department and found a vintage Acapulco bag that I had to get for Summer! I love these kind of bags! They are perfect for the beach, farmers market and overnight stays. It was in great condition and only 3.99.

 

I hit up the housewears next. I found the cutest vintage wooden pineapple hors de vours server, a vintage monkey pod snack tray and a wooden pineapple shaped candy bowl. All of these were items I was hoping to find! I love the pineapple. It has little holes in it where you insert tooth picks and then put something yummy on the other end!

 

I was nearly ready to go when I browsed the shoes and saw some cute red ones with a wooden heel. Upon further inspection I realized that they were actually a pair of Lucky Lou's! They were also MY SIZE and they were only 6.99! I could not believe it! I snatched them up and tried them on. PERFECT! I giddily went to the register to pay for all my treasures and then headed on home.

 

 

Thrifted Red Lucky Lou Shoes: 6.99

 

I have always been drawn to the ones that have Tiki's on them but I find that these are lovely as well!

I started to take out my dresses and pair up little outfits!

 

 

Here are the bag , the shoes, the monkey pod and pineapples! Sorry the photo is not very good as I took it with my phone. It was a great Friday and a great way to kick off the weekend!

 

We spent the next two days with our families. It's always nice to be surrounded by those you love.

 

I am getting ready to celebrate our first year wedding anniversary which this coming Sunday May 19th. I have purchased a few things here and there and hope to create something special for my husband and I. More on that to come!

 

The Retro Glam Girl

How To Create The Vintage / Retro Look On a Budget Part 2

 

Estate Sale Vintage Navy Evening Purse: $4.00

 

 

Once again having good stock in vintage accessories helps when creating a vintage

look from non vintage items. As I have said before, these accessories can be pricey but they don't

need to be if you frequent yard sales, estate sales, thrift stores and have cool aunts and grandma's who give you said items for free.

 

I scored this 90's Vtg dress at a local 1.00 thrift store. I knew with a pretty slip and some vintage accessories I could make it look more retro. I did not do anything but add a brooch, a belt and a pearl necklace (which I already had). This dress is navy and it has pretty embroidered detailing by the neck. Here I did not add the slip but I did wear it with a nude color slip. It looked BLAH and shapeless on the hanger but sometimes you have to look beyond the blah to see potential. I often grab belts in the store and belt it right there and then magically it comes to life.

 

 

Thrifted 90's Vtg, Navy Sheer Dress: $1.00

Vintage Pearl Necklace: Free / Gift from Aunt

Vintage Gold Brooch: / Free / Gift from Aunt

Thrifted Black Belt: $2.00

 

 

 

When I thrift, I often check for sales. Sometimes shirts will be on sale. Other times it's a tag color on sale. I find out what the sale is and go there first. My favorite is when Coats and Jackets are on sale.

I found this sweet vintage inspired black velvetine evening jacket at a thrift store where jackets were 50% off that day. I went straight for the jacket rack and came up with this.

 

 

Thrifted Black Velvetine Evening Jacket: $7.00

 

This jacket was made recently though it had such a vintage look. It was fully lined in red and had the most beautiful rhinestone button in the center. I loved the collar and the trumpet sleeves! The regular price on this was $14.00 but because jackets were 50% off..I got it for $7.00!

 

The dress is the same one from the photo before and the gorgeous vintage necklace was also a gift from my aunt.

 

 

 

 

This next dress has a 1950's look to it though it was actually a 1970's dress. I loved the chiffon and glamorous look to it. It had a sweet V neck and tied at the waist on the side.

 

 

Thrifted Vtg Chiffon Dress: $6.00

 

I actually got this up by Solvang when I went on a mini wine tasting trip with my girlfriends.

We saw a thrift store and just HAD to stop in. I got this dress and some mid century teak salt and pepper shakers for a steal! Sadly this dress was not my size but I sold it to a very happy customer on Ebay.

 

 

It's amazing the things that you can find in the stuff other people toss out. My mother's friend has a daughter who is going to get married this year and she told me she has spent so much on the wedding that she can't seem to think about spending more on a dress (mother of the bride). I suggested that she go to a thrift shop then showed her some of the lovely things I have found. She was so excited about that idea that we have a date to go thrift shopping together.

 

 

Thrifted 80's Vtg Polka Dot Dress: $4.00

Vtg Pearl Necklace: Free / Gift from Aunt

Thrifted Vtg Belt: $1.00

Yard Sale Vtg Christmas Wreath Pin: $.50

 

This secretary dress was 1/2 off. However, it was wrinkled and wadded up. For four dollars, I took it home, washed it in the sink, let it drip dry in my shower and then gave it a little steam and it was PERFECT. It even doubled as a Christmas Party Dress with the aid of some sparkly accessories.

I see past the wrinkles and wads and I dig like I'm hunting for buried treasure!

 

 

 

This next find was one of the BEST. I found it at a little church thrift shop in the city of Orange

and paid.... $3.00 for it! A vintage skirt suit. two pieces, floral print! It's so chic and really timeless.

The best part of this find is that it was MADE for the orginal owner and the detailing was

magnificent!

 

 

There are ways around an expensive looking vintage wardrobe. All you gotta do is go on a little adventure and be open minded. I suggest trying everything on if you can.

 

So check your local paper for estate sales. Stop at that yard sale you see when going for breakfast on Saturday morning. Visit your local thrift store and inquire about sales.

 

Your next outfit could be right around the corner!

 

The Retro Glam Girl

 

 

 

How To Create A Vintage / Retro Look On A Budget

 

 

For me this is easy. I realize for other's it may not be so (hence this post). Because I am on a budget, I can't go right out there and buy all the vintage outfits I covet. I will admit that I save up for things

I REALLY want (makes me love them even more when I do get them) but I usually don't just shell out the cash at the drop of a hat.

 

When I was 22 I worked at a receptionist making $8.00 an hour. This was a full time job however I was also living on my own. I had rent, a car payment, an insurance payment and the usual utilities to pay each month. I also liked to go out. A LOT. I didn't have a lot of money left after the bills were paid. What little I did have I spent on going out. While going out was fun.... not having anything new or new to me to wear... was not. I have always been a frugal gal and have always had a love for thrift shopping. Back then I could take $10.00 and bring at least 9 items home.

 

I was inspired by old movies and would often try and copy looks as best as I could.

 

 

 

Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina

 

I loved incorporating vintage with new. Taking something flashy and elegant and pairing it with something more casual. For example... If I found a vintage hat like Audrey's, I'd pair it with a pair of jeans, a black tank top and heels. Or I'd find a basic black dress with spaghetti straps at the thrift store and then I'd tie black ribbon to the straps and create bows much like she has in the above photo. 

 

All those thrifting years have been very valuable to me. I have collected such lovely items and learned a thing or two about fabric, but I'll get back to what this post is really about.

 

To create vintage or retro looks you don't have to stick to vintage items alone. My best advice is to KNOW what you like and DON'T be afraid to mix and match eras to create a look. Lets start with the basics: ACCESSORIES

 

 

Vintage accessories are pretty affordable to buy. In fact, sometimes you get them FREE. Yes, Free!

Your mom, grandma or aunts may have things in their the closets that they have or will pass down to you. My mom gave me her Vintage Leopard Hat. My aunt gave me her 1940's Rhinestone Jewelry  and my grandma, her fur trimmed collars. You will also find that when people know you like vintage things...they tend to give you stuff they no longer want. I must admit that those things are my favorite. Mostly because they sometimes come with a story. If you don't have anyone to give you their "heirlooms" then worry not. This stuff is looming about at local yard sales, estate sales and local church thrift shops. Anything from costume jewelry to hats and scarves. It doesn't have to be vintage either. You can look for items that have the look!

 

 

 

Thrifted White 3 Strand Vintage Necklace: $3.00


Once you have some cute accessories, take an inventory of what you do have in your closet. You'd be surprised how some of your items may give off that retro look you want when paired with the vintage accessories you just got! Do a little research on what type of look your going for and go thrifting with an open mind. For instance, of your looking for a vintage 40's look, know the shape of the garments from that era. It's rare you will find 40's dresses at the thrift shop BUT you may find 40's STYLE dresses. shoes, coats and what not. Don't be afraid to mix your era's to create your look. I do this all the time. Sometimes I find a vintage 80's blouse with a retro look and I just go with it.



Thrifted Vtg Heart Print Secretary Blouse: $4.99
Thrifted Vtg Black Skirt: $ 3.99


The above blouse is 80's vtg. Cap sleeves, white with black heart print.
The skirt is also 80's vtg and it wasn't very pencil like so I took it in a bit on my sewing machine.
The bag is also 80's vtg however the brooch, necklace and belt are from the late 50's and 60's and were given to me by my Aunt Dee. This is fun retro secretary look I sometimes use for work.
The best part about this is you can use both items for other looks and not just work.

For instance.....




Thrifted Vtg White Sequin Blouse: $4.99
Thrifted Vtg Black Skirt: $3.99
Vtg Pearl Necklace: Free / Gift from Aunt Dee
Vtg Gold Bag / Yard Sale: $2.00

Here I used the same skirt from above and paired it with a pretty blouse. my aunt's pearls and yard sale bag and I went to my friend's black tie wedding. What I love about this is it's a classic look and though it's vintage from multiple eras, it never really goes out of style.

Pulling looks from one era to create a look from another era is something I do often. I see a dress and RETRO it up in my head. The below dress is from 1970's era but I saw it quite another way.



Thrifted Vtg Two Tone Dress: $4.00

The belt, bag and necklace I already had.

I like to wear lighter colors in the summer and I am always looking something cute to wear to work.
This dress was it! I loved the two tone red and paired it with my hear belt and added a vintage necklace. This pic looks like she is going to a picnic or boat party (with the clutch) but for work I would just change the bag.

Stay Tuned For Part TWO

The Retro Glam Girl




 

Plus Size Retro Chic Part Two

Curves are Lovely


After I found a few lovely plus size retro chic garments, I got inspired to search for more.
I actually stumbled upon a yard sale one Saturday morning where a gal was selling
all her wares for $1.00 a piece! I kid you not! I dug through her boxes of things and
was able to find what I was looking for!

 

Yard Sale Retro Chic Polka Dot Halter Dress: $1.00

Thrifted Red Belt: $.75

 

How cute is this? I love the polka print, the fitted bodice and the full circle skirt.

I think this could easily be dressed up or down. It's cotton so it's light weight as well!

Cute City!

 

 

Yard Sale Retro Chic Floral Print Sun Dress: $1.00

Vintage Necklace: Free! Given to me

Michael's Hot Pink Flower Pin: $4.00

Estate Sale Vintage Black Clutch: $2.00

 

 

I loved the cut on this dress. The floral print is lovely and the hints of pink are devine!

 

 

 

Yard Sale Retro Chic Sun Dress: $1.00

Thrifted Black Belt: $2.00

Thrifted Vintage Envelope Clutch: $2.00

 

I love the idea of dressing up this dress with heels, petti coat underneath and a belt.

The simplicity allows you to take it to next level. It's elastic on top and does have straps

but I also think changing out the straps for thicker ones made from black ribbon would be nice as well!

 

 

Yard Sale Retro Chic Leopard Dress: $1.00

Thrifted Vintage Black Purse: $2.00

Elastic Black Belt: $6.00

 

This dress was my favorite find. I love the leopard print, the cap sleeve and

the deep v neck! Heels or Flats, work or play... super cute!

 

 

These dresses varied in size from a XXL to an XXXXL. I was lucky that I did some digging

because for a buck a piece... you couldn't go wrong!

 

I have listed and sold all these dresses but I just wanted you all to know what was out there.

All you gotta do sometimes is dig.

 

Plus sizes are now a regular thing in my shop. I'm glad my friend brought it to my attention :)

 

 

The Retro Glam Girl