Want to learn how to apply make-up like Marilyn Monroe? Daniela Turudich gives some tips in her Vintage Face book (which is unfortunately out-of-print). I was lucky enough to find a copy and have included the scan for Marilyn below, plus how to apply 50s eye makeup. Click on the thumbnails for larger views.
If you run across a copy of this book and it isn't too expensive, pick it up. It is amazing! Another option is to borrow it from your local library.
I saw this post on Pink Avenue Bride and think these DIY ornaments look adorable and would make a great addition to a vintage tree. Of course, if you are getting married in the winter, what an easy way to add some snap to your ceremony or reception.
I don't know what it is about glitter that appeals to me, but thank goodness it is cheap to buy! BTW, the key to working with glitter is to use an old show box or gift box with some paper in the bottom to make it easier to put excess glitter back into the container to reuse.
Sorry it's been a while since my last post, but it is finals so I've been preoccupied :) I'm hoping this post makes up for it! Here are some sexy wiggle dresses on ebay that are at decent prices right now in decent sizes. Enjoy!
I am very addicted to hair flowers and have amassed quite a collection. In order to keep my hair flowers in good shape and away from my cats, I made myself a hair flower hanger. I had enough people ask me about mine that I went online to see what else was available and I was surprised to find that everything was geared towards children.
So starting a few days ago I added a couple of rockabilly hair flower hangers in my etsy shop Tart Deco with adults in mind (although it can be used for hip children). The hanging space is approx. 12" long and you can fit 10-16 clips, depending on size, sometimes more.
They are going for $20. However, right now I have the one pictured at left on ebay and the auction starts at $13.99, so you have a chance get it for less than regular price.
I am also taking custom orders and can make them twice as long for just a little bit more if you have a lot of flowers like me. I will be adding more if I get enough interest in them, so let me know if this is something you'd like to see more of.
Sorry for the less than stellar pictures but I still haven't had a chance to set up my photo area since the move!
I just finished watching "The Fifties" by David Halberstam, which was a TV series produced by The History Channel. For those of you who don't know, I am currently getting a coordinated degree in library science and music history and my area of research is women in rockabilly and the social constructs of the 1950s. I have written two papers already and having not seen this series I was amazed at how closely the the special followed my previous papers on the subject. I have read a few reviews by people who lived during the time that they felt this series concentrated too much on the negative aspects of the time and how it fed into the sixties, but I feel that Halberstam did a great job of stepping back and trying to put the decade into context despite having lived it himself. There is a lot of information assembled into this 8-part (6 tape) series, but I felt each topic was covered sufficiently and gave me enough to research more on my own, if I desired. I plan on acquiring the book that the series was based on as it should delve a bit deeper into each subject.
As far as how the series covered the topic of women, it could have spent a little more time talking about the role of women and how they were used to keep the family unit together to combat "the red scare." I was pleased at how they talked about the boom of consumerism, but again, little was mentioned about how the media would try to manipulate women, who were the major buyers of the time. Also, any mention of music of the time was spent on Elvis Presley, which is an incredibly narrow view of the history of rockabilly and rock n' roll. Some of this is probably due to Halberstam's concentration of major social issues and the fact that he is not a music historian. I am hoping the book covers more of this and I will make sure to follow-up once I have read it.
If you are interested in learning more, you can view reviews and abstracts, as well as available copies, by clicking on the covers below.
One of my new favorite blogs Wearing History just posted about a vintage pattern primer on a blog which I am sure I will be devouring the entirety of- Casey's Elegant Musings. The primer has tons of practical advice on how to work with vintage patterns, as well as links to other sources to find patterns or other advice.
Be sure to go to the Threads Magazine link for grading vintage patterns. Wow, it is a thorough explanation with pictures (like the one shown) on how to upsize a pattern to keep the original line of the garment.
I am a rockabilly singer, seamstress, reenactor, and soon-to-be music librarian who loves to create beautiful things.
I started my Tart Deco blog to journal planning my rockabilly wedding on a tight budget and now it has blossomed into a blog about rockabilly and vintage lifestyle. Thanks to my readers!
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