Fit for a Femme Fatale

I couldn't resist. I bought another evening dress from one of my favorite sellers: Roads Less Travelled Vintage. Tracy, the shop's lovely proprietress, has helped expand my vintage wardrobe. I've purchased quite a few dresses and vintage shoes from her the past few years. Okay a lot. She just has a great eye for fashion. 

I miss seeing her at the Alameda Antique Market and the Vintage Fashion Fairs, but I understand that it's a lot of work hauling the inventory across the bay and back. But at least she has her Etsy Shop open for business. And that's where I found this stunning evening dress. I love lace overlay and the draping over the main skirt. It fits just a bit snug, but since I have been trimming down, it won't be long before it fits comfortably. I will definitely be donning this dress at Noir City Festival 2016.

2015 Purchase #6: Alameda Flea Hoppin'

It was back to the Antique Flea Market at Alameda Pointe. After having danced 4 hours the previous day, my feet were not looking forward to the 3+ miles meandering around the fair. Although I had a good pair of sneakers, my feet certainly ached at the end of the day. Was it worth it? Meh. I came away with one thing.

I really liked this clock for its Art Deco design; however, I don't think it's from that era (1930s). In fact, I know it's not. I researched the manufacture and learned that it was a stylized clock from the mid 1950s. At least it looks nice on my Art Deco highboy dresser. What I really want, though, is a coo-coo clock. My grandmother had one (and I don't know who has it right now), and I'll always remember her clock chiming on the hour. Hopefully I'll find one soon enough.

Side note: The Antique Fair has its own magazine, and each month it selects Instagram pictures to publish in the following month's issue. So far, I've had my pictures selected in May and June. Awesome! Not only that, but there was a picture of me (albeit a super tiny image) from the fashion fair contest. I had no photo published in July's magazine simply because I was uninspired last month. I almost felt that way again when I happened upon this item, and I took a quick snapshot.

Here's a great restoration project for all you #ClassicCars buffs. 😊 #4thepoint 

Sometimes I think the picture's publication is more about the caption, and I always try to be witty. We'll see if this makes the cut.

One of my friends works at the fair, and due to our busy schedules, we've rarely hung out, so this time, we made it a point to meet for dinner. He still had a couple of hours to work by the time I was done perusing the Point, but since we were to meet at Ole's on Park Street, I decided to check out the antique shop next door.

It's three stories of antiques and vintage clothing. Now didn't I say that I wasn't going to purchase anything until the next fashion fair? I relented only because it was a 1940s cotton day dress, and it was cheap. Add this little number to my collection.

It fits rather loosely on me, but I can tie it in the back to make it more form fitting. Plus, it's perfect to swing dance in. This is exactly what I need more of: true vintage cotton dresses for work and dancing. I have plenty of evening dresses, so I'll hold off on buying those (after I just bought an evening dress that is currently on layaway).

Lindypendence 2015

The 4th of July landed on day one of the Fillmore Jazz Festival. Each year, my friend Burnie holds his Lindypendence Weekend show with some dance lessons and large open dance floor. Swing dancers from all over the Bay Area come out for a few hours of dance. Newcomers are offered dance lessons. 

I danced for nearly 4 hours and my feet/legs were feeling it. Burnie and I gave a quick Collegiate Shag lesson. I really want more people to take up this dance style because there are very few shag dancers out there. It is rather fast, but oh so fun.

I DJ'd a two hour set (quite possibly my longest). The first three songs had the colors Red, White and Blue, some BBQ themes and American Patrol  to cover the holiday theme. After that, it was a free for all.

2015 Purchases #5: June acquisitions

No clothing purchases in June. I splurged at the Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair in May. I only made purchases that caught my eye at a Half Moon Bay estate sale and some antique shops in San Carlos.

Did I say no clothing purchases? Well, I'm not sure if this counts, but I did come across some gloves. I only purchased two pairs; basic black and off white. This may be a collection that will eventually grow.

The next two acquisitions came from the Half Moon Bay estate sale. The property was once owned by a Dairy farmer, and at this sale, there were so many glass jars. I only bought two small ones for $2 since the larger ones were taken. (Some guy actually bought hundreds of them. I guess he plans to resell them at a higher price.) I figure I can use them to hold coconut creamer for my coffee.

I also bought an old Nancy Drew novel from 1933. Considering my love of detective fiction, I figured, why not? And for only a buck? Sold. I'm such a big spender.

La Vie en Noir

A while back, I purchased an old piano bench. My plan was to refurbish it with foam and fabric; preferably vintage fabric. Instead, I came across an interesting fabric site where there was what seemed to be an infinite amount of patterns. I decided to search "film noir" to see what would pop. My, my there were so many patters to choose from. I made an order, purchased some foam and refurbished my bench. Well, actually, my dad did it. But I helped! I think it came out quite nice.

Now all I need is to get is the Ulterior Votive lamp to give it some subtle light.