Goodbye Little Star

It was about that time...

That's right. A trip to SoCal requires a visit to my favorite tattoo parlor in Orange. I was completely undecided on which design to tattoo; Robert DeNiro Portrait, a 1920s diver, Wonder Woman. For some reason, I just wasn't ready for either of those. So I decided on an old idea I once had; the gramophone. After all, I enjoy classic big band jazz. I own a 1912 gramophone and I DJ 1920s-40s music.

At first I was going to place it just below the ditch of the arm; I've always been afraid of that pain of tattooing on it. When I approached Bud (my artist), I told him, "ah hell with it, cover the stars." I knew that meant going into the ditch. He said, "I'm not going to lie; it's pretty harsh." I gave about 5 seconds thought, and just said, "let's do it." 

I got the stars many years ago for no good reason other than to see the ink-slinging process. My dad hated them because it reminded him of the Dallas Cowboys. And us being die-hard 49ers fans...eww! So I really started to hate them. I got them lasered twice; light enough to easily cover them. Now that was PAINFUL! I figured anything else would be more pleasant. And I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't really much pain in the ditch. Bud loves tattooing me because I give him the concept and complete control on design and color. I trust his judgment completely. As an added bonus, I never flinch as he tattoos.

He came out with a beautiful design and the cover up is just awesome. Now let the healing process begin.

The BEFORE and AFTER

Post Script: As I was getting tattooed, Kenny Baker's "Goodbye Little Star" kept playing in my head. Appropriate for this tattoo post. Enjoy!

Noir City 13: Unholy Matrimony

It's that time of year! The Film Noir Foundation descends upon San Francisco's Castro Theatre for a 10 day film-fest of classic noir known as Noir City. I must say, though, the selection has been less than stellar. The movies are good, but I think the foundation can do a better job of selecting films that are true film noir. There is too much emphasis to fit the marriage theme more so than they did showcasing noir. Of the double-features I attended, only ONE is a true noir. The others were just melodramas that used few elements of noir; very few. Dark shadows and sharp camera angles aren't enough to sustain the mood required to be a noir. There are some true noir films on the bill, but unfortunately I'm not able to see those since:

     A) I have my rehearsal
     B) My first day of Portuguese class is this week
     C) I have double duty DJing and performing with my dance troupe at a private event.

Woman on the Run was a great noir film, though. The best one at the festival so far. What was even better about the film, it was set in San Francisco. Great to see how it looked in 1950, but a little disheartened to see that many of the places were demolished to occupy parking lots or really plain buildings today. The film maker cheated a bit too, by filming a few scenes in Los Angeles and passing it off as SF. Otherwise, it was great noir flick and Ann Sheridan gave a great, witty performance.

IF I decide to go back to the festival, it won't be until next weekend. But on the bright side, going to Noir City is all about the fashion show, and of course I am going to go all out.

NIGHT ONE

I went with my femme fatale look. I wore true vintage 1940s black dress and pumps. To finish off the look, I wore Cuban heel stockings. I must say that I really love my posterior in this photo (and, no pun intended, it's one of my best assets).

I kept my hair simple styling it only in a side part that was very popular during the 1940s. My make-up was subtle using only a bit of color on the eyes and cheeks, the cat-eyeliner and red lips. 

NIGHT TWO

I thought about wearing all black again, but I opted to go more traditional 1940s. I wore an early 1940s green dress paired with late 1930s ankle straps and milk glass earrings. Now the hair!

The hair! I decided to go big on the front reverse roll. Now I've done this style myriad times, but I decided to tease it up for more height and volume. After I was done, I had the "whoa!" look on my face. How long did it take, you ask? About a minute. Throughout the evening people were complimenting me on my hairstyle. Even as I was walking down Castro St., people stopped me to ask about my style. 

Between the two styles, I prefer the femme fatale. It's simpler yet far more glamourous. I always enjoy any opportunity to doll myself beyond the usual 50s daydress and pageboy hair that I wear to work.

2015 Vintage Purchases: A little this a little that

These next three items have the distinction of being my first vintage acquisitions of 2015. All items were purchased at a local antique shop in San Mateo. It's your typical mom and pop shop and the gentleman who runs it is super sweet. He always has something new since many locals bring in antique items, or he is contacted to retrieve items from those who have lost loved ones. His inventory consists of furniture, linen, housewares, garage items; pretty much everything that isn't clothing.

This is what I brought home:

 Nothing makes your applying lipstick more glamorous than a vintage compact.

 A trivet for those hot pots when placed on the table or counter

And a lovely tablecloth to accentuate the dining area.

So as the year continues, expect a little more antiques for the home and a few accessories here and there. I have a huge wardrobe as it is, so I may purchase fewer dresses. If I do, I'll be eyeing more day dresses.

Ciao!

What's in store for 2015?

Happy New Year! It is now 2015 and although the year's just begun, I still see no flying cars or hover boards. All kidding aside, here are this year's commitments:

1. Go to church every Sunday and FINALLY start the process to complete my Catholic sacraments.

2. Get my knee back to 100% (or closer to it) so that I can continue dancing and hiking regularly.

3. Fix my surfboard and get back to longboard surfing.

4. Learn Brazilian Portuguese

And most importantly, continue to be successful, happy, and healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

Cheers to a new a year and many blessings in 2015.