The optical illusions dress

This is my newest find, a vintage Hawaiian ankle-length cotton dress.Made in Hawaii by Hilo Hattie. It is in excellent condition, like new. I call it the optical illusions dress because it makes me look thin.It has a flattering hourglass shape to it when its on.  IT MAKES ME LOOK THIN! I cannot stop singing its praises since this is no small feat. Did I mention it makes me look thin? Plus, hold onto your hats, it was only $5. Yes, $5. And it makes me look thin!! An anvil should drop out of the sky and onto my head any minute now.....

Plus I am undergoing a Joan Crawford style initiative to replace all of my hangars with old wooden ones or pretty padded ones. I pick these up at the estate auction whenever I can outbid someone on a batch of them.

New Bijoux

Although August has been filled with rain and flea markets are being cancelled left right and center, I did manage to score some great vintage jewelry at reasonable prices. Below are 2 sweater clips, a necklace and a green rhinestone bracelet. My poor photography does not do these justice.

 Below is the greatest bracelet I have ever seen, along with 2 necklaces.

 Clip on earrings and a celluloid scottie pin, which I will wear with a vintage plaid jacket.
 More bracelets and a groovy cocktail ring that will awe and amaze all who see me quaff a martini.

More fabulous decor!

Here are a few more shots from the 1950s decorating book. Below is another view of the turquoise kitchen.

 Tremendous bedroom. Look closely at the hanging plant, it is held by a cherub that is suspended from the ceiling. It does not get any better! So Valley of the Dolls.

 Nice bathroom. I like the monogrammed towels.

 Politically incorrect boys bedroom, called the "Safari." Also, why publish a decorating book in black and white?

Festive patio straight out of a Doris Day movie!

 
 The table in this kitchen has built in tiles with great atomic designs. I love that stove as well.

 Notice the woodwork in this den is all pink.

 Another bedroom designed by a visionary who knew toile would go well with aqua. I agree! This bedroom reminds me of the one Joan Crawford had in the movie Straightjacket, which is one of my favorites.

1950s home design Wowee Zowie!

This is a great book that I scored at an auction. (No other bidders, much to my delight). Its called The Good Housekeeping Book of Home Decoration, from 1955. That means it was published smack dab in the middle of my favorite decade and showcases the best in retro decor to which I can aspire.  There are alot of great retro rooms pictured and a fair share of ugly colonial ones as well. Many photos are in black and white but here are a few color ones. My camera batteries died so I will supplement this post with more photos later. Below: Great orange and turquoise color scheme! Why have we as a society turned our backs on this color scheme?

 Check out this amazing rec room complete with stylish linoleum built-in shuffleboard alley! There's a rattan chair in the lower right corner as well, be still my beating heart!

 Another stellar rec room! Dig that mural on the wall! Plus those stools-- I am loving them. I can just picture myself in this room, wearing a killer vintage dress and serving up some mai tais to the strains of some Esquivel or other suitable lounge music. Yes, I dare to dream.

 Now, hang onto your hats, behold the TURQUOISE metal cabinets in this dream kitchen! I am short of breath, I am so enraptured. Ahh, I love it!

Bachelor Pad Magazine in the works!

Here is what we can expect in the upcoming September issue of Bachelor Pad Magazine:
http://www.bachelorpadmagazineonline.com/

Hiatus of home repair

Lots of hellish home repairs going on here at the nearly 100 year old bungalow pad where I reside. Due to said hellish home repairs I have had minimal junk scores (but migraines a plenty) , but I do have some stuff that I will photograph and post about shortly.

Greenwich Village Movie

Last nite I watched Greenwich Village, a musical from the 1940s starring Carmen Miranda, Don Ameche, William Bendix and Vivian Blaine. It was quite enjoyable!  Carmen Miranda has fabulous costumes and does some great song and dance numbers. Plus the colors in the movie are so vibrant and rich.