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.

Un mensaje a la familia Miranda

Escribo éste apunte con todo respeto...

Me di cuenta que unos de su familia siempre leen mis escritos. Son ustedes ¿no? Un de Richmond -- y ya sé que está cerca de Pinole. Y el otro de websitio "North Peninsula Neighbors" donde trabaja S. Miranda la "suegra" de Demian. Investigué el "IP" (ahí estaba en mi página "analytics") y también el sitio donde encontré esa información.

Lo que no entiendo es  ¿por qué ustedes siempre me tengan interés si nunca nos encontramos? No quiero ningún problemas con ustedes y espero que su familia tampoco les quieren.Yo no soy (ni era) el problema; solo Demian. Él esta dañado y tiene muchos problemas...De verdad, lo amaba siempre y tengo mucho cariño por él pero ya sé que no nos podemos ser juntos si él no aprende ni quiere hacerse un persona cambiada.

Hazme un favor y déjame en paz. Es solo lo que quiero. Que vive bién y Dios les bendiga.

Con respeto,
Noemí

La bailarina

For nearly a decade, I had been an occasional swing dancer at various Rockabilly venues. After awhile, it got pretty boring since most Rockabillies don't know anything beyond the 4-count Jive and few knew how to do East Coast Swing. Trust me, any dancer who touts how great they are at Jive really aren't great dancers at all. In 2009, I decided to try other forms of swing such as Lindy Hop, Charleston and Balboa. I took a few private lessons to refine what I already knew and my teacher immediately said, "what's your purpose? Do you want to perform or compete because you already know how to dance." I never gave the matter much thought since I felt I needed more improvement. So he trained me to be a performer and recommended joining a troupe.

When I returned to San Francisco, I was determined to join a dance troupe. A friend of mine introduced me to one lady who ran the Deco Belles. When I expressed my interest, she took a good look at me and stated, "there are other dance troupes in the Bay Area," and she immediately dismissed my presence to talk with my friend. I was insulted. She judged me solely on my appearance and not my ability as a dancer. At first I thought, "is it because I'm not rail thin?" That had always been something that deterred me from inquiring about other troupes. Most of the girls are really short and petite. I'm very tall and curvy. Later, I met a Deco Belle who was much larger than me. She stated that it was my tattoos that this person took exception to. It made sense. None of the Belles had tattoos. I guess I felt a little better.

I heard about other troupes and saw their routines, but I didn't really feel a connect with them, or I thought they just weren't that great. I thought about training for burlesque but I'm not quite confident enough to take my clothes off in front of an audience. Again, I attended shows and noticed there were plenty of bigger girls who knew how to get a crowd going. More power to them, but I'm just not that confident...yet. 

Earlier this year, I was told about a newly formed dance troupe looking for more swing dancers...and they had tattoos! Without even a meeting I said, "count me in." The troupe is focused more on a 1930s style Chorus Girl dance troupe. The style is Charleston as well as some Lindy moves. Over the past four months we had been learning new routines and training for future performances. We met every Monday night to learn new moves. It was a bit of a challenge getting all 12 girls committed to the troupe and we ended up losing 2 of them. Other times, someone was always absent (I admit I missed 2 practices). It made it harder to foresee how this whole routine would look, but I remained committed to the group (as did everyone else) and began meeting twice a week for practice.

We had custom fitted outfits to go with our first routine including bobbed wigs. We started doing dress rehearsals a few weeks ago and the first thing I noticed was that the outfit was a little big. I'd lost weight since the measurements, but it didn't look that bad. After everything was put together, I stared at myself in the walled mirror. I have NEVER shown this much leg in public. All my dresses are at or below knee length. It took me awhile to get past my image. (I have a complex about my body; an issue I've battled since I was 14 which will be saved for another post later.) One of the girls asked what was wrong. I just stated that I'm not used to showing my legs. My legs take up more than half my body and they're not stick thin. The first thing she said was, "you have great legs! You're lucky that yours taper. Nice ample thighs, strong limbs going down to a thin ankle." I never really thought of my legs that way, but it definitely changed my perception of how I viewed them.

Last night (June 2, 2013) was our debut performance in Alameda. I was super nervous; not so much about the routine but exposing my legs. I wore a long coat to cover myself before finally revealing my shape. I was incredibly surprised by the positive comments I received. Curves and hourglass were the two words I heard most to describe my shape. I never minded them much because I'd always had a smaller, cinched waist which was something I liked about myself. My posterior has always been round and firm; another plus. But my legs....I am learning to accept them more. 

The performance was an absolute success. Everyone was whooping and hollering as we danced. They especially liked our "grapevine" where we kicked out and flashed our legs. I was very nervous most of the time, but after that first performance was over, I just smiled. We had such a positive response that other promoters want to book us for future events. I am absolutely amazed. It was definitely a blast being up there with the other ladies that I'm looking forward to our future performances and additional routines.

Being a part of a Chorus girl dance troupe has not only heightened my love for swing dance, but it has helped me to be more comfortable with my body. I think, eventually, I will continue with burlesque (in addition to the chorus line). I already have a song and dance; I just need the right costume. That will come in due time. For now, it's about the chorus line. Stay tuned for additional posts, pictures and videos as they come.

Adoro Le Scarpe!

Just what the title says (ma in italiano). I love love love shoes. As my vintage wardrobe has expanded, so has my shoe collection. I've bought a few true vintage shoes, but I'm always afraid to wear them out on the dance floor, so I have relented and decided to buy reproduced pairs. However, they're not your typical repros from the mall or big box stores. They're from shoe designers who, themselves, are vintage aficionados specializing in historically accurate footwear. I've decided to buy exclusively from three shops: Re-mix Vintage, American Duchess and Aris Allen (classic footware made specially for swing dancing).

I have more shoes than the ones shared below, but these are the favorites. So as my collection grows, I will add more pics to this post for you all to fawn over. Enjoy!

The Gibson from American Duchess

The It Girl from Remix

The 23-Skidoo from American Duchess

The Picasso (top) and The Briarcliff from Remix