Silence is Golden

This past weekend was San Francisco's annual Silent Film Festival at Castro Theatre. I had already seen most of the films showcased (thank you streaming!), so I chose to watch the films I hadn't yet seen. The most anticipated film was The Last Edition. It was considered a low-budget, aka B-movie during its original release in 1925. You wouldn't know it judging by the packed house. There were no seats left. The appeal? It was set and filmed on location in San Francisco. Most of the setting is in The Chronicle Building were you see the the working printing press. There were quite a few street shots with the more prominent locations featured: City Hall, Ferry Building, Market Street, the ever present trollies, etc. It was quite fascinating seeing what San Francisco looked like 88 years ago.

As the movie was getting more interesting, the reel guy messed up the production. It featured the film backwards before shutting off to correct his error. When it came back on screen, it wasn't where we left off. We probably missed a few seconds that were pertinent to the film. I'm left wondering what happened, but I'll never know unless the film is showcased again.

And yes, of course, I dressed in all my vintage glory. I wore a 1930s pink taffeta dress and a hat. I met my friend there who was also dressed. People kept asking to take our pictures (both in the theatre and out on the street), and we happily obliged.

My buddy, Burnie

Pendletons

Vintage Pendletons are a hard find. When you come across them, they're always men's. Some of my friends buy them anyway knowing that the fit isn't made for the female form. It does get a bit cumbersome when you have to use your right hand to button (all women's buttons are left handed), the length doesn't sit well on a lady's hips, and the cut is not flattering on the female form. And since Pendletons are still in production today, you have to do your research to make sure you really are getting a vintage piece. The giveaway is the tag. The design changes over time, so this is the first place you have to look so that you don't get cheated out of the price.

Today, I embarked on another estate sale. It was a crazy madhouse, which is to be expected on the first day. I usually visit each sale twice; once on the first day and then within the final hour of the second day. The first day is grabbing something you know will be bought quickly, and the second day is rummaging the leftovers for 75% off the original price (or if you're lucky, get it for free). I wasn't looking for anything in particular when I spied what looked like a Pendleton amid other vintage coats and sweaters. Upon inspection, I was pleasantly surprised to score a true vintage women's Pendleton in excellent condition. I couldn't find any tears or stains. The original owner (God bless her recently departed soul) took great care of her clothes (but what I want to know is, where were all the dresses? The only clothing available were coats and sweaters).

There was no price listed, so I took my chances. I thought perhaps $15 maybe $20. Well I thought wrong. SOLD for $4! Four dollars! Yay me! I just love estate sales; almost as good as antique/vintage fairs and expos.

The women's 49er Pendleton

Tag indicates that this piece can be as early as 1949 but no later than the mid 50s.

I am my father's daughter

So on my hunt for more estate sales this weekend, I came upon a few vintage furniture pieces. FOR FREE! I actually saw these at last weekend's estate sale which were priced at $75 and "make offer", but I passed on them. Sometimes it's worth bypassing some items when in all likelihood, you'll later find them on the corner marked free. These two pieces definitely need some work, but restoring is always part of the fun.

Yes, I am my father's daughter, always finding under-appreciated treasures and restoring them to their vintage glory.

Hats! Glorious Hats!

My latest craze is hats. I was a bit apprehensive about wearing them since they can misshapen an updo, but considering that every rockabilly girl is doing the era inappropriate victory rolls with the reproduction 50s clothing, I've become more partial to pin curling, fingerwaving, and styling my hair that would accommodate a hat.

Hats are a necessary accessory to complete an outfit. It adds just that much more class to your vintage attire. It's not easy finding them, though. It's a challenge matching a true vintage hat to a true vintage dress. Whenever I find a cute hat, I have to think about whether or not I have a dress for it. It's not just matching the color but also matching the era. If the hat is cute enough, I'll buy it anyway even if that means not wearing it for a long while.

Below is my current collection.

Estate sales

Antique and vintage fairs and flea markets are by far the best way to amass vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and other wares. My favorites are Alameda, Treasure Island and The Fashion Expo. I've gone to other antique fairs with moderate success, and I've attended music festivals that have vendors but most items are overpriced, cheaply made reproduced clothing.  I used to buy vintage clothing through ebay but after awhile, the prices started to increase due to multiple bidding and often the items were not as described. Forget storefronts. Unless you know the employees, there is no negotiating the price.

The only downside to these fairs is the timing. They occur once a month, and the Expo is twice a year. What's a vintage loving shopaholic to do? Estate sales. They happen every weekend, anywhere and everywhere. So during the lull between Alameda and Treasure Island, I research the next estate sales around the bay. It's not so much finding them, but really looking into what's available. There are several aspect of vintage. You have to consider the culture, the era, the design of its time, etc. Keywords I look for are: Americana, mid-century, art deco, Edwardian, classic. 

It's definitely a hit or miss. Most of the time I walk away empty handed, but when it's a good day, the effort is well worth it. I've bought a few dresses, some furniture and 78s for my victrola. The biggest purchase was my 1940s Wedgewood stove. It's currently stored at my parents' house, but when I buy my house, it will be the focal point of my kitchen. The prices tend to be dirt cheap. I pay an average $10. Of course the stove was pricey at $500, but it was very reasonable considering a stove in poor condition is at least $1200.

Not everything I purchase is true vintage, either. My latest buy was a few CDs that are Big Band compilations; more music to add to my library since I moonlight as a DJ. I also found a couple of DVDs that were set in the early 20th century. Aside from the entertainment value, I study the hair and makeup, the wardrobe and dialect. 

I can admit that my love for vintage is a bit of an extreme, but I never really considered it a hobby as it is a lifestyle for me. Plus, there's nothing wrong with bringing back class.

An advisory

Gia,

It is astonishing that you continue to stalk and harass someone who wants no contact nor any conflict with you. I have made every effort to keep a long distance from you both physically and online. I had blocked you from every site that we may have in common. I had filtered your full name and aliases to block any form of communication from you. You don't seem to get that I could care less with whatever you think of or have to say about me. You are insignificant. 

My family and friends advised that if I ignore you, you would get bored and go away. Clearly that is an impossibility with you. At the court hearing, a judge (A JUDGE!) told you to stop. Instead, you have continued your unacceptable behavior. Lets see, you have...

• Stolen my information from your job's database.
• Threatened me.
• Slandered me.
• Harassed my friends (they know it was you trying to make contact with them)
• Stalked around my neighborhood
• Called my cell number SEVEN TIMES IN A 30 MINUTE PERIOD??!!
• Tried (both successfully and unsuccessfully) to restrict access to MY profiles.
• Stalked my blog by accessing it EVERY DAY through my Instagram account. Seriously? You have to read it every day? Today alone you accessed my blog 37 times! You account for 68% of the total page views since this blog began. OBSESS MUCH! I went ahead and hid some pages from my blog, but I'm sure with your obsessive, valiant effort, you will find a way to read my posts.

I have remained idly patient, completely ignoring your behavior. But that doesn't work. You are like herpes. You pop up, go away but still linger before you pop back up again! And there doesn't seem to be a cure. It is quite apparent that you will go through great lengths to try to destroy my well being even if it means bringing yourself down. It bothers you that I've been very successful professionally, academically, and socially. It bothers you that I've been ignoring you all this time. You want my attention? Well you've got it. Expect the SFPD to come knocking at your door. Better yet, questioning you at your job so your boss can see what an obsessive psychopath you are. Do you realize that you're doing more harm to yourself? You have made it publicly clear that you are a basket case! In the past 8 hours I've received nothing but supportive messages informing me that you are one scary individual and that they, too, have blocked you from accessing their profiles.

FOR THE LAST TIME, GIA, GET A LIFE AND LEAVE MINE ALONE!

Demian,

I'm saying this to you because, despite what had happened, I will always care for you. Woe is you when you dump this girl. If this is what she's doing to someone who refuses contact with her, imagine what she could do to you. When that time comes, file an immediate & permanent restraining order. I will gladly turn over all the documentation of her harassment and the subsequent police reports to strengthen your case.  Take this post as advice: KEEP THIS GIRL AWAY FROM YOUR SON. She is clearly a psychopath with the added bonus of being an alcohol and drug addict. Anyone who would make a huge effort to stalk, threaten and harass another person is at obvious risk to others. And I'm not the only one she's stalked and harassed. She has a history of doing this to others as I had learned from some of my friends who've had run-ins with her.

Chorus Girl Musings

In February, a friend and fellow swing dancer alerted me to a dance troupe's recruitment. She lamented that she was the only person with a swing dance background and asked a few of us to join. I was immediately on board especially since my friend is heavily, heavily tattooed. I'm only moderately inked, and it was definitely a hindrance for some other local dance troupes.

It took some time before we determined who was committed to the troupe (some girls dropped out) before finally developing our routine. It took weeks of practice with occasional conflicts. Some girls were missing rehearsals, others were disappointed with aesthetically unappealing moves, a terrible seamstress who ruined our costumes, differences of opinion, etc. That is to be expected. Nothing is 100% perfect. The important thing was, we all remained committed to each other and made improvements. Once we refined our moves, it was on to the stage.

I figured we would have an occasional gig here and there. I never thought that after our first performance, we'd be booked for the next six months. Audience members would come up to us to congratulate and compliment our choreography, performance, appearance, style, etc. We were even told that our troupe is better than the Deco Belles. Wow. It's definitely flattering to be recognized and exalted for your talent.

What I've enjoyed most is developing new friendships. We've spent some time doing activities such as swing dancing, meeting for dinner, attending shows around the city, roller skating, karaoke, etc. It's nice not having to focus on rehearsals when we can just enjoy a good time as a group. We're also networking quite a bit with the swing dance and burlesque communities as well as contacts with photographers for modeling shoots.

Aside from receiving all the accolades, the most rewarding experience is learning to be comfortable in my own skin. I grew up with curves, the round posterior, long legs and a small waist. Growing up, I was always shameful of it because most of my peers were short, petite, and rail thin. It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned to appreciate myself more, yet I still felt uncomfortable. I'm always hiding my body. Since our troupe has begun performing at burlesque shows, we share the changing room with other dancers. They have no qualms about letting it all out. Girls walk around nude without apology. Heck, even guys enter the room, and it's no big deal to them. I'm still a bit of a prude that I have to look away. It's not just the thin girls, either. Very, very large girls also walk nude. I have to appreciate their confidence in that they don't care what others think. In fact, given their positive attitude and confidence, everyone (men and women alike) love them. Still, for me it's baby steps. I've gone as far as being in just a bra/underwear in the changing area.

My self-image awareness has undergone tremendous improvement, but I still have to build up more confidence. After all, I'm not yet ready to be a burlesque dancer. This is still something I'd like to do; I even have a stage name. For now, I'll just focus on being a chorus girl.

Classic Films as They're Meant to Be Seen

The last modern film I watched was Man of Steel. I didn't really like it very much. My cousin was undecided about watching it and I told her not to bother; it sucks. Then her fiance chimes in stating, "It was the best movie I've seen. I'll see it again. I'm gonna buy the DVD." It doesn't take very much to stimulate his brain. In fact, that's how it is with most viewing audiences today. It's all about eye candy: explosions, speed, and sex appeal. Yawn. The movie wasn't entirely bad. The acting was actually well done. It's too bad there wasn't more of it. Man of Steel was 90% action and 10% plot. This does not make for a good film. 

This is why I prefer to view classic films. There was less reliance on action and more emphasis on good acting and a good plot. The society of its time dressed classier and conducted themselves with utmost respect for others. I swear by Turner Classic Movies and Netflix. I can have a 24 hour classic film fest in the comforts of my home. I watch for entertainment purposes, but I can't help but watch for its educational value. I study the wardrobe, hairstyles, and make-up. Lately, I've been watching more 1930s musicals to gather ideas for my chorus girl troupe such as outfits and routines. Now I'm looking more at speech so I can practice speaking in a 1930s dialect.

I've watched classic films since I was a wee tot mainly due to my dad's influence. He, too, enjoys classic films. I always thought about what it would be like to see these films on the big screen. I would love to watch the 1933 King Kong classic on the big screen and The Wizard of Oz! I used to dream about owning an old movie theatre that would show nothing but classic films. The films today just don't stand up to the films of yesteryear.

Thank goodness for Stanford and Castro Theatres. These movie houses are devoted to showcasing classic films. Stanford tends to show films that are pre-1960 whereas Castro will occasionally show modern films.

Stanford Theatre

University Avenue in Palo Alto is a throwback to vintage Americana. It's a mix of antique and modern storefronts, but well maintained to retain a vintage feel. You will find eateries that are themed to reflect the bygone era. Unfortunately, the prices do not. Yet, Stanford Theatre is surprisingly inexpensive. For $7 you get a double feature, and refreshments average a $1.50. The theatre itself is a classic movie museum. Large (original) movie posters are framed and hung prominently throughout the theatre. There is a separate gallery containing movie artifacts and literature. The contents change with each showcasing film. 

Stanford tends to theme each season. There have been decade specific, Hitchcock, Astaire & Rogers, Film Noir, Silent, Bogart, pre-code, etc. Every Christmas Eve, the theatre will show It's a Wonderful Life. It's always a good time since the crowd interacts with the film. You'll hear cheering & clapping for the protagonist and boos & hisses for the antagonist. Watching It's a Wonderful Life at Stanford Theatre is now my annual Christmas tradition.

At the center of the stage is the Wurlitzer organ. Before and after each 7:30 showing is a performance. If I take in an early show, I'll stay long enough to listen to the performance. When the theatre shows a silent film, the music accompaniment is always live. I took my dad to a silent film showing and he absolutely loved it. "Better than TMC!" He was grateful for the intermission to use the facilities and get more refreshments.

I'm hoping that Stanford will have another early Hollywood Musicals festival (their last one was 12 years ago) or perhaps even a Busby Berkeley festival. If they do, I would love to do a live performance with my dance troupe. 

Castro Theatre
Like the Stanford, Castro was also built and showcasing films in the early 20s. The theatre stays true to its art deco elegance and architecture. Located in the heart of the Castro District, this theatre is the iconic landmark that glows brightly each night. Castro is not exclusive to classic films. Occasionally, it will showcase modern films a few times a month. Like Stanford, Castro also has thematic festivals. The biggest draw is the Noir City festival each January and the Silent Film Festival held each June. There are occasional mini-festivals such as the Hitchcock 9 and Silent Winter. In the mezzanine, you will find vendors hawking literature, knickknacks, apparel and antiques suited to the festival. Most attendees (myself included) will dress accordingly. I often don my femme fatale outfit for Noir City and a 1920s outfit for the silent pictures.

Apart from these festivals are thematic double features. One double feature theme was the mafia screening The Godfather and Goodfellas. This was a 6 hour double feature, but thankfully, the theatre held an extended intermission between each film.

Unfortunately, Castro isn't as inexpensive as Stanford. $10 for a double feature is still a good deal, but the refreshments reflect the prices at your contemporary mega movie theatres.

Most films today lack substance, style, plot and, most importantly, originality. There is always a market for these films that appeal to the mindless drones of today's society. But for the rest, for those who truly appreciate the art of film, Stanford and Castro are there to truly entertain their movie audience.

Femme Fatale

I've always maintained an interest in detective novels. Raymond Chandler and James Ellroy are among my favorite authors in this genre. Its motion picture equivalent is Film Noir which was at its peak during the 1940s. There's just something visually appealing about this genre. So for my latest photoshoot, I chose to dress as the striking femme fatale. I'm amazed with the results. I never wear this much make-up such that I almost didn't recognize myself. Plus, I'm always smiling. Here are a select few.