Vintage Starlet

My Vintage Resolutions of 2012

2012-01-01T15:43:00.002-07:00

Like many... I have resolutions that I create every year and by January 3rd, they are all forgotten. However, this year, along with my personal resolutions, I wanted to add a few "vintage" inspired resolutions.Not too many, as I will more than likely get way too overwhelmed. So on to my vintage resolutions of 2012.

~Each month I would like to sew a new outfit and mend an old one.

~Take better strides in my appearance and wardrobe.

~Rid myself of my "beginner" vintage and replace it with a better wardrobe, complete and best fitting my needs.

~Attempt a decent outfit post at least once a week.

~Make a new vintage dish from either my old rags or cookbooks.

So there you have it. Let's see how long this will last.

I know I already have my plans for resolution number 1. I have a blouse I want to make from material an old friend gave me and I also need to mend my winter coat as it is starting to tear. :(

How about you all? What are your resolutions of the year?

Brew City Bombshells

2011-12-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I made my Wisconsin Burlesque debut with the Brew City Bombshells in Milwaukee! I had a wonderful time and thank everyone who was there. You were all so lovely!

I didn't get any pictures, but I did get a quick snapshot after I got home... I am obviously tired as it was 2:30am. I'm an old fart now. :)

Scarlett Johansson We Bought a Zoo Premiere - Love It or Hate It

2011-12-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Scar Jo walked the red carpet for the premiere of We Bought a Zoo donning a style very similar to the pink hair updo sported by Katy Perry not too long ago. Same stylist, maybe? Scarlett's blonde locks were swept up in side rolls with a coiffed front that blended in nicely with the sides.

Her 2 piece dress by Dolce and Gabbana was very a nice tribute of 50's lines and quilted designed high waisted skirt with a very 90's bust crop top. Worn simply with a black belt and gold jewelry.

While her look didn't scream authenticity, I really like her dedication to looking classy while keeping it current.

So, what do you think? Love It or Hate It?

New Confetti Earrings and Bangles from Miss Tayva Jewelry

2011-12-12T13:12:00.001-07:00

Just when I think Miss Tayva can't top herself, she whips up these hot items! Confetti Earrings and Bangles! Done in classic and modern color combinations... sure to add just the right touch to your outfit! It's always a nice surprise when you find confetti jewelry out and about, but that doesn't happen quite as often as we'd like it to... so now you can get your own set to match whatever outfit you want!! She is amazing with the treats she comes up with! I'm going to buy me a set soon, but I don't know what colors I should get. Help me!!! And get yourself a set too! These are already flying from her shelves so make sure you order yourself some! Tell her Lolita sent you! xoxoxox

Red Carpet Rock n Roll all the way!

Katy Perry II Mtv EMA's - Love It or Hate It?

2011-12-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Recently seen at MTV's EMA's in a kitschy 50's look with an 80's beat! What do you think? Love It or Hate It??

Personally I really dig the look. I am on the fence about the shoes... I love the idea of heels saddles, but not quite sure I like those particular platforms. The hair is wonderful and her dress is fantastic! The jacket I can take or leave, but love it with the overall look.

Katy Perry Hair AMA's 2011 Love it or Hate it?

2011-12-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Did anyone see Katy Perry's style at this year's AMA's? I know I am late to the game as I didn't watch the program, but I did find these photos of her on the net. I am wondering what you all think? One one hand I like Katy Perry (like, not love, not OMG GaGa love, not it's Madonna 'nough said love) I really like that she is a mainstream woman bring vintage style to the general public. Why some "vintage people" get all up in arms about her for her style or deny they have ever heard of her - I'm not buying that - I'll never know. Amy Jeanne, I know why you don't like her, but it has nothing to do with her lack of "authenticity" in vintage styling. I'm just bitching now, back to Miss Brand... I like the hair. In all honesty I think it is a well polished style. I see a lot of people try to go vintage and it is just a fail... messy, uneven, not quite right... but her hair style here is pretty darn well executed. The bangs could be freshened up, but I'll forgive her since I suck at faux bangs too. Hehehe Her dress is another matter for me -- I find it distracting and not in a good way, but I am posting this for her hair and nothing more. I know she wore her hair in another style(s) through out the night, but this was the most vintage.

Click the image to enlarge

What do you all think?

Love it or Hate it?

Heidi's Regency Blog

2011-10-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

In order to try to minimize "selling" posts here at this blog... I created a blog for Heidi's Regency. That is where I will post the majority of my "I'm selling goodies" posts. So please follow that blog for the latest happenings at Heidi's Regency! Thank you!

Heidi's Regency

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

Careful not to say my name while looking in the mirror...

What are some of your Bloody Mary stories?

Darkbloom Imagery - Self portrait

2011-10-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have been needing to make some promotional images for Darkbloom Imagery so I took some photos today of myself, until I can get more models. This was actually a pain in the ass to do since I have about 5 feet less space than I really need. Looking forward to making Darkbloom Imagery a success here in Kenosha so I can rent my own studio!

The story of Heidi's Regency

2011-10-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeidisRegency

Many years ago I met a fabulous woman who loved Vintage, Western, New Orleans, and most of all Kitties. She was a directly honest woman who never candy coated her ways and always played fair. She was a great supporter of community and artists and just loved life. While being a full time accountant in her own business, she still found the gusto to open up her own Vintage Shop in Phoenix, AZ. That woman was Heidi Owens and her Vintage Shop was Hollywood Regency.

Heidi was loved by many and loved many in return. Her store too was an amazing treasure in the wonderful shopping district of Melrose and the 7th Ave curve. Her business became such a treasure and success, she had to expand into a bigger space, not too far from the original location.

Sadly, it was at this time that the cancer that Heidi had survived years before, returned and in the end took her life. She was a fighter up until the end. She never wanted to be treated as someone who was sick and refused to let the cancer become who she was.

Unfortunately after her passing, Hollywood Regency was sold and renamed and after that I lost track of what became of the store.

I had a hard time deciding if I should name my Vintage selling "store" after her or not. As much as I wanted to pay tribute to her in my own little way, I felt that it may be looked down upon because my little nothing of a store couldn't compare to the grand woman that touched so many people. I finally said screw it and named my store Heidi's Regency. She is the one who inspired me to embrace the "sickness" that is buying and selling vintage plus, I wanted to do my part in keeping the original Hollywood Regency alive -- even though I am now 2000 miles away from it's origin. Although I would love to have a store front, I doubt I have the business savvy to do that -- so for now, it's an online store.

So those of you who are wondering who Heidi is... She is a woman that taught me, trusted me, pushed me, promoted me, and most of all believed in me!

Heidi Owens... You are still missed very much! Love you! XOXOXOXO

Weekend Finds

2011-10-25T13:56:00.001-07:00

I didn't have quite so successful of a thrifter's weekend this past week. I did pick myself up a couple of things and some goodies to put up for sale. Hope you all had a better week than me. :)

Perfect for your bobbypins! Will be listing later this week on my etsy.

From 1954! Year round gardening from Better Homes and Gardens! Will be listed on my etsy later this week!

Jello molds! I am keeping these babies! I have seen far too many recipes in my old rags to not try them out!

More sewing goodies! I am keeping these! I hate to have to use them especially if they are on original cards, but I can't have non-usable vintage in my home!

You can find my etsy at: Heidi's Regency

Weekend Finds

2011-10-16T14:27:00.001-07:00

Wooden Scotty pin, "Mother" brooch, dutch girls pin, silver holly earrings, rose on celluloid earrings, black round earrings, green ball earrings.

I am convinced that Kenosha is the land of the rummage sale. Every weekend you can find at least 20 in a 3 mile radius! Most are junk, some have something, and every once in a while you strike gold! This weekend was not filled with gold, but I did get some goodies... Here are some of the finds I got either at thrift stores or at rummage sales.

Share with me your weekend finds!!!

2 hats that need to be rebashed and restiffened and mustard colored gloves.

head scarves

Perry had one of these, but threw it out when we moved (he told me I couldn't keep it) so when I found it... I had to get it!

More sewing goods. You can never have too many I am now convinced.

One half of the cooking books -- you know for the cooking I won't ever do!

The other cooking books I won't use.

Chris Isaak - Beyond the Sun

2011-10-12T12:49:00.001-07:00

Amy, Chris, and Me

If you know me you know I have a hard on for Chris Isaak! His new album drops October 18th, 2011. I've already heard it and it's pretty damn sweet. Highlights for me are Dixie Fried, Miss Pearl, Great Balls of Fire, and Can't Help Falling in Love. I urge you to grab this album when it is released. His voice is tender and oh so smooth...

Here is a video sampling I made to promote the album. The pics and videos were taken in Stateline, NV a couple of weeks ago when we saw him in concert. Enjoy!

Outfit notes:

40's gabardine western shirt

40's brown slacks

30's western cowboy boots

giant rubber scorpion pinned to my hair.

In case you were curious, Amy and I had a Cowboys and Indians theme...

My Green Thumb

2011-10-11T18:38:00.001-07:00

Normally when I think of my green thumb, it's green with envy seeing all the wonderful home grown delights that others produce. Victory Gardens and flower beds grown to full glory with such ease that you think it was like putting on your panties every morning. But let's face it, while I can keep animals alive far beyond their time on Earth, I cannot grow a damn thing! Seriously, I've killed cactus. When I am able to get something to grow, it buds maybe once before it goes to sleep forever. It could be many things, not enough water, too much water, small planters, wrong time of season -- whatever the reason, vegetation doesn't last very long at the hands of Lolita!

This summer I wanted to grow things. Anythings. I am always a sucker for the $1 bin at Target and there they have little seed kits. I picked up a few. I can't remember what flowers they were -- as I am pretty sure they all died off. I also picked up a pepper kit. While I don't like peppers, Perry does, so I got terribly excited over the thought of growing him peppers to eat. While that isn't exactly a Victory Garden, I am on my way!

The plant grew for many months, but never sprouted a pepper, just leaves. Then one day I noticed something different. There it was, about the size of a pea, my first pepper!!! I was so excited I called happily for Perry to come take a look. Ok, maybe yelled is a better word than call -- I am sad that I didn't take a picture of the little pea pepper when I first saw it. Even though I told myself to take a picture.

Here we are a few weeks (maybe a month) later and it was time to bring the plants in the house. I see my pepper is still growing! About the size of a dime now. This time I took some pictures. Here is my pepper! Even if this little guy dies tomorrow, I will be happy to know that he made it this far -- which is a victory for me on my own!!

I really hope that it continues to grow and ripen into a big yummy pepper and has little pepper babies of his own. So Perry can sauté them up in a pan and gobble them up!

Tell me about your food growing experiences! Also which of the categories do you fit under? "Green thumb all the way", "I'm great with animals, but kill plants", "I am awesome with both", or "Meh, they're both goners in my hands".

That vintage feeling...

2011-10-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a long time since my last post... Sorry about that. I just wanted to share with you 2 of my latest finds.

Firstly this rayon cord purse. I just thought it was a cute purse to have. It's on the smaller side so it's perfect for that casual night out.

Secondly... I got these today. This is where that vintage feeling comes in. I am sure you all have experienced it yourself. That thrill you get when you spot something competly wonderful.

My eyes nailed these shoes and instantly I lost my poker face. I started to shake as I sat down on a bed that wasn't properly sturdy and nearlt fell through. It would have been worth it! I couldn't get my shoes off fast enough as I kept repeating over and over, "Please fit. Please fit." I could feel myself getting ready to cry because I thought for sure they'd be too small. They fit like a dream!! These babies were mine!!!! So I looked for the sign for how much shoes were... you ready for this? $1.00. I got these vintage spectators in my size for a dollar!!! This has to be my best purchase yet! Even better than my $40 full length seal coat!

I can't wait to wear these pretty ladies out!

So what is your latest find that gives you that vintage feeling?

Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials

2011-08-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Kenosha (like most towns) host a Summer music series in the park. Ours is oh so cleverly named Peanut Butter & Jam. Yesterday Perry and I made sure we went down to see the fun. We have missed all the shows up until then, but we made an extra effort to go to this show. Perry knows the drummer of the band and hadn't seen him in years. Lil Ed and the Imperials were playing and it was some amazing jump blues. These boys had the crowd out and dancing from the beginning. It was really nice to see everyone just unclench and dance. You don't see much of that anymore. It was just as enjoyable to watch everyone have a good time as it was to watch the band. The outdoor dancefloor... scratch that... outdoor dancegrass, was a pretty big area considering the amount of people who came out (I would guess it was near 500). Perry and I only danced the last song - and we barely did at that! The floor was jam packed so we had to grab a little spot just off to the side. Perry and I barely get to dance together anymore. So when it does happen I eat it all up!

Now that I know how enjoyable the Peanut Butter and Jam is, I'd like to go again, but there is only one band left for the series and it is truly doubtful Perry would go see a disco band!

Make up Review: Pink Quartz Minerals Lipstick

2011-08-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I hosted the Miss Symco Pin-up Pageant at the Symco Shakedown. More on the show in a later post. As part of the swag bag there was lipstick from Pink Quartz Minerals. Pink Quartz Minerals is a vegan mineral cosmetic company out of Neenah, Wisconsin run by Doree Klassen. I thought it may be fun to do a review on the free goodie so that is just what I will be doing. Pink Quartz Minerals did not offer the lipstick for review, I am just doing it on my own. *After looking briefly on the site, it seems these were specially named and designed for the Pinup Contest*

Look:
I received the lipstick in the shade of "Rumble". Though the label is an orange red, the actual shade in tube is a pink red - a slight hair away from being a pure magenta pink. The visual consistency is thick opaque with darker mineral dots.

Texture:
I wore this lipstick for a whole day to get a real feel for the lipstick. This lipstick is definitely an eco lipstick. The base wear is a vaseline texture, but not waxy. It felt a teeny tiny bit gritty to me at first, but that is because I am not used to natural makeups.

Color:
The color wears more like a stain than a lipstick. When applying the lipstick, it goes on very light, but with a few swipes across my lips I found it quickly got darker. It's not a pure opaque shade of pink, but rather a blushing color of the lips. It's more like a tinted moisturizer than a traditional lipstick. The nice thing however is that it is in stick form, so no dirty stained fingers and goopey outlines.

Longevity.
You will have to reapply semi often. Not for the texture, but for the color. It does fade, but when it does it is an even fade, so if you can't touch up right away, no worries. Due to the petrolium base, it does come off in eating and drinking, but the color is even when it comes off.

Suggested Use For:
I suggest this lipstick for girls that aren't comfortable with a traditional solid red, more natural vintage girls that just want to add color without looking made up, or for those casual days where even your favourite red lipstick looks too made up. Outdoor activities like camping, beach going, or hiking will be a great time to wear this as the lipstick will be moisturizing and the color will be just enough to keep you at your pinup pretty without looking like you are trying too hard. Being that it is a Vegan Mineral lipstick, I think Eco-Girls will like to try this as well.

Overall:
7 of 10 stars
I like that it is a vegan product. I may be a fur wearing vintage gal, but I also believe every little bit helps. I like that even though it wears like a tinted moisturizer with stronger color, it isn't messy to apply like many tints and stains. I prefer solid mattes, so I would like it more if it was a traditional based lipstick that isn't glossy or chapstick-y and I would also like it if the color was stronger.

Lolita Haze for Miss Tayva Jewelry

2011-08-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Not going to lie... I am so excited to make this post. One of my best friends has started a new jewelry making adventure. You can imagine how happy I was when she, Miss Tayva, asked if I would model her jewelry. I already knew from her pictures of her goodies that her stuff was awesome, but I was not prepared for what came in the mail. These pieces are even better in person! It made me kinda nervous about shooting in them. I was starting to stress that I couldn't do these pieces justice. Especially since I was doing EVERYTHING with the shoot. I mean everything!! I did the styling, hair, makeup, photographing, and editing! But in the end I think I got some decent images.

Her pieces are vintage inspired. So were the images... from the 50's, 80's, and today! Each piece is really hot and fun. As Jem would say, Truly outrageous!

So seriously... Go get yourself some fun bright jewelry! You can find her at Miss Tayva Jewelry

photos by Darkbloom Imagery

Hot Pink Summer Fun with Arthelia's Attic

2011-08-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Click on any photo to enlarge

Last Sunday bright and early Perry and I made our way to Lake Michigan to shoot the latest and hottest color of snood for Arthelia's Attic. I enjoy shooting photos for Naomi that illustrate the versatility of the product and not just pretty pictures of me. So I came up with the idea of shooting at the beach. Turns out that the beach is the perfect place to wear a snood!! Unless you are swimming, the snood is perfect for keeping your hair off your neck and keeping you cool on these hot summer days! Even better they still have you looking stylish and neater than just a ponytail. So for you gals out there that wonder how you can keep your vintage beauty while being active and enjoying life, a snood is the way to go! I know I am going to spend more time down at the beach and the snood will most certainly be part of my beach attire!

As you can see in the photos, I am wearing a snood in hot pink. Like the green that I modeled previously, the pink is another exciting color that gets one away from the traditional seen red and black (although I believe those should be a staple in the vintage wardrobe). The bright pop of color adds spontaneity and fun to your look and can only enhance your summer frocks! The wonderful thing about the hot pink is that it can be both dainty and edgy, so whether you like traditional vintage or modern interpretations of vintage, this color is amazing and will be perfect for you!

Once again I would like to thank the talented and ever beautiful Naomi Chambers of Arthelia's Attic! She has been a joy to work with and I can't thank her enough!

Now go and get yourself one of these snoods today! You can get them over at her etsy store here She has a wide range of colors to choose from and they are modestly priced too! As always her snoods are handcrafted in the USA! So for you Americans out there, remember shopping small businesses helps rebuild our economy and nation! As for the rest of the world, you get a wonderful product at a wonderful price! Could you ask for more? :)

photos by La Fine Photography

Weekend fun in Kenosha!

2011-08-02T17:30:00.001-07:00

I had a lovely weekend! It's funny as it seems I have done more things since moving back to Kenosha, than I ever did in my near 20 years in AZ. Maybe not as much "toury" stuff, but for sure, more local fun.

As always, click on the photos to enlarge.

This past weekend was the Homecoming carshow for AMC and Nash only cars. It was nice to walk around and take a look at 300 or so cars. I would have perferred more deco and war era cars, but the 98% of the cars were muscle cars. There were a small handful of "my era" cars, so that was a nice treat. I wanted to practise my "car photography" skills, but it was really hot and humid so our walk through became just that and I lost patoence for trying to make awesome photos. Hahaha You will see below that I didn't really try hard to shoot photos and then when I went to edit the photos, I started to play around with hdr type imagry. I am no expert, but I enjoyed tinkering with the photos and creating the images. I think I would like to continue tinking and work on my post editing skills with still life.

Having biked to the carshow and then walking around it, we became quite hungry. Luckily for us, Taste of Wisconsin was happening as well by the lake so we headed on over to check that out. We were slightly disappointed as the Taste of Wisconsin was more like the Taste of Kenosha. I'd say 95% of the businesses there were all located in Kenosha. :( We were hoping to discover new yummies, but alas, nothing really caught our eye. Don't think that stopped us from eating there! We ended up having hotdogs from Chubby Dogs, where their motto is Have you had a Chubby today? Yes, the juviniel in me LOVES that! I actually liked having a Chubby Dog. It was good! I really hope they sell their t-shirts. It's too awesome not to have! Timing is everything because right when we got our dogs, a band I have been wanting to see was getting ready to play. Pat Crawford Big Band. I kiund of roilled my eyes assuming they would be a 5 piece band if that, but I got really excited when I saw a whole bunch of gents setting up. Now, you know being a vintage gal, I am picture Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, and even Kay Kieser all dressed so fly in their suits and polised instruments -- so I honestly was a bit disappointed when all the gents (ranging in age from late teens to 60's) were all dressed in theirm polos with logo.

But hey, at least they matched, right? In the end I enjoyed the band and will hopfully see them again, but I was a little disappointed on the song choices. Nothing was really out there swinging. It was all easily listening. I wanted to see jump-jiving and wailing. But I suppose beggars can't be choosers in this town. As it is our 1 rockabilly band broke up. Crap. :( The Pat Crawford Big Band did have a fun mc that was laying eggs right after the other. Let me tell you he was the flyest of all the men there in his white slacks and white shoes with silk tiger shirt. I am seriously loving the guy -- not making fun.

In the end Perry and I had a good time although it was hot and we were tired.

Sunday morning was a treat too. It started out with a trip to the beach for my latest shoot for Arthelia's Attic Snoods. A post for that to follow soon.) After the shoot, Perry had been wanting to go to a place called Apple Holler. It's an apple orchird and restaurant. I thought the place was amazing and neat, but Perry thought it was stupid. Hah! Firstly and probably the only part we could agree on is that breakfast was super yummy. Both of us had simple eggs and meat. We didn't try any of their apple specialties. Actually, Perry tried their apple butter on his cornbread, but he didn't care for it too much. As for me, I didn't even try it as I am not a fan of cornbread at all.

After breakfast we took a jaunt around the Apple Holler Fun Farm (I am not sure of that is the name -- ). There were goats and chickens, cutouts and mazes. Fun things if you have children or if you are me. Perry was getting hot an cranky so my fun was cut a bit short, but I do give Cranky La Fine credit for trying and putting up with me just long enough to get a few photos. One thing I did notice is that a lot of the area seemed slightly over grown, like the farm/orchird hadn't been taken care of for a while. My guess is lack of daily interest in the fun area. I mean the restaurant was full and my guess is they get plently of business for food, but as part of the farm area it didn't seem like there was much interest in the place.

For me the lack of interest in a place like that as a fun family activity makes me sad. I love those "old fashion" type places. Parents will spend 100's upon 100's of dollars to give their kids game systems and other techie gizmos to keep them selves busy, but they won't spend under 10$ (or free most of the time) to creatye fun and memories with their kids to go to places like this, unless it is a holiday like Halloween or 4th of July. It makes me really sad that places as charming as this go out of business. Anyhow I am rambling now...

I hope you enjoyed my weekend recap and liked the photos. (More photos can be seen at my official candid photo gallery in the member's section of my website - LolitaHaze.com)

Tell me about places like this that you have been to. Any hometown joints that are charming to you?

Vintage Hour on Womens View Radio

2011-07-29T17:21:00.003-07:00

This past Wednesday I was interviewed by Womens View Radio as their vintage guest. While there were many possible topics about my vintage lifestyle to talk about, it was Burlesque that seem to be what most of the time was spent on. I really enjoyed the interview and I can't wait until I am a guest on the show again. Also take note that other vintage lovelies such as Fleur de Guerre and Lisa Freemont have also been past guests!

You can listen to the entire hour long interview here.

My Hollywood Hero

2011-07-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

No not Mr. Cary Grant -- although that is true of him as well, but this time I am talking about my beau, Perry La Fine. He humored me and my desire to start shooting photos again and posed so gentlemanly as my model. He hated every minute of it, but I think he makes a great model!

Playsuits

2011-07-13T12:39:00.001-07:00

Click to enlarge

I am having a great new love for playsuits. I currently have 3 -- 2 of which I have sewn myself and one that is vintage.

Here is a photo of me from the 4th of July goofin' it up in my new playsuit. It is a navy blue with little sailors all over it and other navy themed characters. I made this from an EvaDress Pattern. I didn't do it 100% right -- no top stitching the shorts darts and seams, but I still enjoy the outfit and this is surely to become a fast favourite outfit of mine for the summer.

Jelly Belly

2011-07-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

This Sunday Perry and I finally made it to the Jelly Belly factory to take a tour. We, and by we I really mean just me, were quite excited to take this tour. Unfortunately the tour was a disappointment. No actual viewing of the factory, but just video displays at each corner of the warehouse. It was a bore. We ended up joking the the "free tour" was just a free tour to the Jelly Belly store. Which I too fell victim of as I got myself some Jelly Belly goodies.

One good part about heading out was that this was their anniversary weekend and they had a carnival. Now I am a carnival whore. I will ride any ride and ride it over and over again. This carnival was small, but had enought fun rides for a delightful afternoon. Not many pictures were taken, but I will share with you what I have.

Also, the dress I am wearing is my newest one that I have sewn. It was my first "border pattern" dress and I am quite happy with how it turned out. The only bad part is that it is polyester, so it is a bot hotter than I had hoped for, but I loved the colors and the floral design too much to say no to it's $2 thrift store price tag. I paired the dress with a pair of pink and clear wedges from the 70's.

Dear Pale Skin,

2011-07-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Pale Skin,

You know I will always love you, but for now I need to say good-bye. I am enjoying living life to the fullest right now and that includes spending time with my loved ones out in the sun. I will continue to do my best to protect you and do what I can to keep you near me, but if you happen to go away and I find that a bronzed me takes your place, I will not apologize. I can't say no to discovering the fun the lake and town have to offer. Riding my bike throughout downtown and finding new places and outdoor eateries is putting a smile on this girl's face. I can't help that I tan so beautifully, but as I said before I will do my best to protect you and shelter you and hope that one day you will return to me. But for now... I am going to live my life to the fullest!

Love Always,

Lolita

BIG 1940's Hair

2011-06-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

To tell you the truth, I am not so much of a fan of this style of hair. You know, the big mass of rolls and waves on the head. You see it a lot in movies from the 40's. It looks a bit like helmets to me. There was one time that I loved it... Back when I was first getting into vintage and anything and all vintage was perfection, I admired the styles. Now that my style is a bit more refined I realize not all was pretty in the 40's. There were some AWFUL styles.

In these pictures some are better than others, but I just used these pics to illustrate what I mean whenever I say BIG UGLY 40's HAIR.

Now the kicker... I am pretty damn good at self styling these do's. Perhaps having hair made from cotton candy and pipe cleaners help, but seriously... I do a pretty good job at creating these styles. I am not perfect and I have to polish my techniques, but it's doable. Even though I hate these styles and they are not flattering for me, I have to say I have a sense of accomplishment when getting these styles. Hooray for me for creating good ugly hair! Hah!

Fiesta Time with Arthelia's Attic!

2011-06-27T12:20:00.001-07:00

You cannot believe how happy I was when Naomi Chambers of Arthelia's Attic sent me two more snoods to showcase for her. I heart her for being gracious and allowing me to model her beautiful snoods.

One of the shoots will still be coming but in the meantime let me tell you about this shoot for her Sage Green Snood. I was a bit worried at first because I don't have anything green in my wardrobe! I thought about accenting the snood to something I did have. While thumbing through my closet looking for something that would work, I came across this peasent top that I had forgotten I had. It had a lovely green band across the front that matched perfectly to the snood!

Well that took care of the top, now what about the bottoms? I wasn't so particular about teh bottoms as it was a snood shoot -- meaning bust up, so once again thumbing through my closet I came across a full tiered skirt in bright yellow! I wasn't quite sure it matched, but what does it matter, it covers my butt and the photos ae of my head.

However putting this together this mess of an outfit gave me a wonderful idea! Why not give the snood a southwestern/Mexican flare? I added my yellow bakelite earrings and a braclet and viola! It's Fiesta Time!

Then I remembered, Perry has maracas. What a fun extra prop.

Now the hard part -- finding a place in the middle of German Kenosha, Wisconsin to shoot a Mexican themed shoot. In Phoenix, I would have no problem, but now I was strapped. Perry and I decided to bike around and hopefully find something. I was thinking just a solid background to give the illusion of the fiesta, but nothing was just quite right. We found some lovely "nature" backgrounds, but the green either blended into the grass or the flowers were too noisy and the snood would get lost. Finally I looked around at my surroundings and saw a church with bright red doors! Perfect! Althought the building was gothic, it still gave a nice Catholic/Mexico feel. So there we shot. And probably the only time I will shoot at a church. It was a miracle I didn't burst into flames just stepping up to the door!! Perhaps if I had gone in, that would have been another story. Hah!

To my delight everything came together -- even the colors of the maracas matched perfectly! I couldn't be happier with these photos. I do believe these are my favourite of the photos I've done for Arthelia's Attic.

I would like to Thank Naomi Chambers again for being such a wonderful lady to work with!!!

Now go out there and get one of these sage green snoods! They are a nice change from the typical red, black, and white. Not that those are bad, because they aren't. (I wear my red snood all the time!) It's just that variety is the spice of life!

All snoods are Handmade in the USA

Photos by La Fine Photography

By the Lake

2011-06-08T13:32:00.001-07:00

Click to Enlarge

Last weekend Perry and I found ourselves making a quick stop at the lake. Even though the weather was perfectly gorgeous, we had to make our jaunt all too brief so that we could take care of other needed business. So here we had an impromptu photoshoot on the rocks. I am looking forward to doing a few shoots here lakeside. I think there are some fabulaous photos that could develope here!

Here is one of the photos from the shoot. The rest can be found in the member's section of my website.

Cheers!

Hometown Victory Girls BBQ

2011-05-24T14:59:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday Perry and I found ourselves taking a 3 hour drive northwest to meet new friends. I was invited by the lovely BoPeep to join her and the other Hometown Victory Girls at a BBQ she was having at her house. I had met BoPeep online about a month ago and was excited to meet her and the other vintage lovers. Sadly the weather was more rain and drizzle than sunshine, but it was still a great time none the less.

Even though there were 3 cameras between Perry and I, neither of us thought to pull out our cameras and snap some pictures of the group and Bo's lovely homestead. Luckily before everyone said good-bye, Cyd thought to take a photo of the girls that were left.

Here is the photo. I am the AMAZON on the left. I'm not that tall either. I only stand at 5'6" and the heels may be 4", but still I feel like Godzilla and everyone else are the Japanese. LOL

Some goodies up for sale on Etsy.

2011-05-20T12:25:00.001-07:00

I have listed some patterns that would be great for you summer sewing babes!
Plus this great swirl house dress, that is sadly just too big for me. :(
I will be listing more patterns from the 50's soon. Snatch these babies up!

My Etsy Page!

Haha Hair post

2011-05-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hahaha this was supposed to be a hair post, but instead it's about how manly I look. Hey Baby... want some sausage?

The failed pin curl set.

2011-05-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

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I just can't do it! I can't get pin curls! I followed various pin curl setting patterns to create my own combination of a look that I liked for the photo shoot Perry and I were doing today and it just did NOT happen. :( I am disappointed that it didn't work out according to plan, however I made the best of it and let my hair style itself by telling me where it wanted to fall. I then just pinned it into place and tried to smooth it out. In the end it's not a bad style (is it?), it's just that it is a reminder of how I can't master those damn pin curls! It's so frustrating!

My Face is nerdy, but it's the best photo that shows the style. Other angles make it either look like a bun on one side or a pompadour on the other. LOL

Hair Tutorial: The Betty Grable Updo

2011-05-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

I thought I would put together a video tutorial for the famous Betty Grable updo. It is in 2 parts, The Set and The Style. I've seen wonderful modernized variations on this style, but my tutorial is more focused on achieving an authentic do.

Let me know what you all think and if you try it... share photos!

Veronica by Veronica Lake

2011-05-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I think of Veronica Lake more like Veronica Plank of Wood. My Darling Perry, however, thinks she is "smokin' hot". :-/ Er. I will try not to fault him for this. Now I don't think she looks like she has been dragged through the gutter... I just don't think she's "Smokin' hot". Perry just recently picked up her autobiography and being that I just finished up my Cary Grant book... I needed another one to read. I jokingly referred to the Veronica book as my poop book. Call me gross and juvenile. I think it's funny.

I'll just start out by saying that when I was deciding to pick it up to read, I was afraid that I'd find her charming and have to admit she won me over. Let's just say this book did nothing but cement my dislike for her.

This book took me 2 days to read. Remember it took me 4 months to read the Cary Grant book, so you can see how easy of a read this is. However, I can't fault her for it... she is no writer, what I can fault her for is that it was an obvious write from a drunk.

Before I go any further, I will warn that I am going to pretty much sum up the book from here down, so if you want to read it yourself, don't read further down.

Veronica, born Constance Ockleman, tells the story of how Veronica Lake came to be. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Miami, she finds herself with her mother, stepdad, and cousin moving to Hollywood, CA at 15. By 17 she had become an extra on sets and it was during her time as an extra her trademark hair was born -- but not yet noticed.. Thanks to her pushing stage mother she began dating and fell in love with a 34(?) year old man, because Mom thought he could further her career. Now, I am not about to fault any young 17 year old for loving a much older man... seriously, how can I? However, I can fault the mom... but anyway... it worked. She landed her first major role and became an instant box office draw. And already she was getting a bitch reputation. Homegirl was shy so she built up a front to get through her lack of acting skills. She was pretty, not a good actress.

Still 17 she found herself married and pregnant when she started her second role. Her first child was a girl. Her marriage became strained because hubby couldn't handle being Mr. Lake. Her husband had joined the army and both Mr and Mrs moved to Seattle. Neither could escape the movie star Veronica Lake and so Veronica moved back to Hollywood to continue working. Nearing divorce, Mrs V was pregnant again. An unfortunate accident happened. She tripped on a cord and fell flat on her belly. Her son was born premature and died a week later.That was pretty much the end of the marriage.

Soon after Veronica meet and married a Hungarian man... big and strong and masculine. Veronica's reputation on set went from bad to worse thanks to her husband and his temper. Veronica was pregnant again and gave birth to a boy. (Her new husband had adopted her daughter already.) Even as a baby Veronica feared her son. Even with children in tow Veronica was partying and drinking heavily. Her husband was spending her money like it was water and she was not getting any work to recuperate their spending losses. Baby 3, a girl, rounded out Veronica's children. And a divorce to husband number 2 was finalized.

Veronica worked the stage after that in the 50's as a means to support herself, but basically went into the poorhouse and became a drunk. Passed off her kids to their father (who didn't want them either) and never really had a connection to them after that. She lived in crummy hotels and worked at bars... disappeared from Hollywood and never returned. It was at this point I became disgusted with her, She really wanted nothing to do with her kids. She's rather drink. My opinions weren't help by the fact that I just finished reading Cary Grant's book who went to the ends of the Earth to get his daughter and spend every moment with her. She was a drunk. Plain and simple a drunk. In her readings you can see that even with the moderate success she gained in her later years, she was still a drunk.

At this time she met and fell in love with the love of her life. A sea merchant named Andy. They never married and sadly he passed away a couple years into their relationship. She was "rediscovered" in the 60's and worked the stage again. But still a drunk...

I can sum up this book with it was the ramblings of a drunk. She was bitter and dismissive of the success that Hollywood gave her. She HATED her peekaboo hair that brought her all her fame and worst of all...pretty much lost contact with her kids. She did LOVE her booze though. I will give her credit for one thing... she didn't embellish anything like drunks tend to do. She kept it real... and sadly, that left the book a boring read.

Being that she herself wrote the book, I think it is a must for Hollywood fans and Veronica Lake fans. But other than that there is no real insight to the woman. It's doubtful anyone will come out loving her even more. My suggestion is stick to admiring her pretty photos.

Haunted Idol: The Story of the Real Cary Grant by Geoffrey Wansell

2011-04-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

For Christmas Perry gifted me with a book. Oh how he knows me sooooo well *eyeroll*. However it was a book I could get excited about. A book that was written about my dead lover, Cary Grant. Haunted Idol was written while Cary was still alive and surprisingly with some support from the private man himself.

Being that I have difficulty reading, this book was just that, difficult. The chapters were monsterously long so it took me 4 months to complete. Now that says more about me than that of the author. Other than the long chapters the only other difficulty I had is that the author would side note talk about various people involved in that particular sequence of events making me lose direction and not quite always knowing of who he was talking about.

Other than that, it was quite an insightful read about a man that makes me go pitter patter on sight alone. Unfortunately the insight was more depressing and shattering than anything. I believe the legend of Cary Grant is even bigger today than the image of Cary Grant was then. And it was pretty intense then! This book is not for anyone who wants to believe Cary Grant was anything more than the dashing man who was on the screen. If one needs that idol to look up to, leave it at just that. Don't read this book. Don't get me wrong, my Darling Grant was never a horrid man, but rather a weak man consumed with insecurities that left him bitchy, moody, cranky, and demanding. In other words... a mere mortal.

I could go on and tell you about him and what I have learned from this book, however I would then just be writing my own book. I don't wish to do that. If you are looking for an eye opening, bubble bursting account of a sex symbol whose presence is held in high regard today, read this book... I was left feeling a bit of pity for the guy. And not the pity you feel when you sympathize with someone... the pity you feel when you are left disgusted. Does it make me love him any less? No... he is still beautiful to look at. However, this fangirl's starry gaze has faded a bit. I don't think less of him... just different. He will still be my number one fantasy man ;) maybe even more so now because he has become human... I am not sure. I am still letting all this sink in. Oh sigh...

In the end, I can only sum up this book with the statement, Cary Grant is proof that if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Click on any photo to enlarge.

Ok. I REALLY have to stop.

2011-04-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

I really need to stop shopping! I picked up some goodies today and wanted to share. Nothing like what I got the other day, but nice enough. Have any of you made any sweet purchases lately?

This pin matches my earrings that I wore on Easter perfectly!

Carved tropical flower earrings.

Hula Girl earrings

Just a photo of all the jewels I picked up today. I only highlighted a few.

a small trivet for the stove.

Small juicer. I wanted a big one, but this was all I could find. Good enough for now.

A tub load of buttons! A good amount of celluloid goodies!

Speaks for itself.

Tins. Does anyone know anything about these? Date?

More metal zippers! Yay! And shoe laces.

Outfit of the day: Easter Sweetie

2011-04-25T10:51:00.001-07:00

Actually this was my outfit yesterday. There used to be a time when I celebrated holidays (non-religiously). The last 10 years or so holidays come and go. Makes me sad really. I always plan on celebrating and really enjoying the holidays, but they just kinda sneak up too quickly and before I know it, they are over. It doesn't help much when my fella isn't much into holidays either.

So while I "dressed up" on Easter, it really wasn't for Easter. Actually I got pretty for my fella and to run to the grocery store. It's still a little chilly here in Kenosha for me (a PHX gal) so I am still donning my wools. This outfit is a bit out of my usual style, but I think it is still an acceptable look. I still prefer wartime and this is later, but I don't have much warm early 40's wear.

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50's Sweater: Purchase Hollywood Regency (Phx, AZ) - CLOSED :(80's/90's Skirt: Thrifted PhxStockings: Purchase Magnolia Hosiery50's/60's Girdle: Gift from Hollywood Regency (Phx, AZ) - CLOSED :(50's bra: Purchase Hollywood Regency (Phx, AZ) - CLOSED :(40's peep toe slingbacks in Navy: EtsyModern watch: Birthday giftCarved rose earrings: Purchased from friend in PhxBrown Ribbon: I hope that doesn't matter.

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My first... pt 2

2011-04-24T10:13:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I made my way to an antique store which I found many delightful treats! One of my purchases was a first for me... My very first Bakelite! What? gasp! huh? How can a vintage gal such as I not already have Bakelite?? To tell you the truth, unless it is sparkly, I don't much care for jewelry. Plus Bakelite is hella expensive. However, the Bakelite earrings were for the right price so I did it, Lolita just got her first Bakelite!

Click on any photo to enlarge.

WARNING!! From this point down, it is not a PETA friendly post. So if you are an activist or extremest keep your spouts to yourself. I post for myself and for those who can appreciate finer vintage goods. My blog is not your soapbox. I moderate my comments, so if you even hint at a "discussion" I will delete your comment. So there.

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Just for the record, vintage fur doesn't bother me, but I don't really support modern furriers. With that said, I also believe in donating old furs you don't want, need, or use to animal shelters that could use them. So if you don't like em, buy what you find and donate them to shelters.

Not only did I find a great pair of earrings, but my super happy purchase was a second for me. My second seal fur. This time it was a full length coat from 1942. It's dated 1942 and owned by Mrs. Aurthur Pieper of Racine, Wis. The carved buttons are gorgeous. I am not sure if the buttons are Bakelite because I only know how to do the smell test and all I smell is fur. This coat is warm and HEAVY! Too bad that the weather is starting to warm up, but come next winter... It does have some condition issues, but being that it only coat $45 I couldn't say no. I thought I was reading the tag wrong!

Not only did I find an amazing coat, but I also found myself buying an ivory bracelet and an ivory necklace. The beads are carved into little elephants. And the bracelet is what really caught my eye. Once again I don't really do jewelry, but these I liked. Being that I don't do jewelry, I don't know when these were made... are they 20's? Are they 70's? I don't know, but I like them and think they have a classic look. But what do I know?

Now that my naughty purchases have been shared, I do have some other nice ones. I picked up this little swan pin. I thought it was celluloid at first, but now I am not too sure. It was only $3 so no biggie, but it seems a bit heavier and thicker than what I normally see with celluloid.

I also snatched up this cigar box for a couple of dollars. I thought the lady on the lid was pretty. I plan on storing my stockings in there. I need to take better care of my stockings. I usually trash them with carelessness after the first wear. So this is a bit of a motivator to put them away and put them away nicely.

Last but not least... I picked up this 30's taffeta party dress. The sleeves are intense! The dress is so close to fitting I am going to keep it for awhile and hope that with my new diet and exercise regimen that I will be able to keep this darling as my own. If once I get in shape and it still doesn't fit... I may have to put it up for sale. There are some condition issues, but that is mostly with staining at the bottom. I am going to do some research on taffeta and see if I can't clean it up nicely. It was very cheap to once again, I couldn't say no! Hell... I would have gotten it for the sleeves alone! I love HUGE PUFFY SLEEVES!

I can't wait to start scouring more antique store in the area... I hope to find more gems like this one!

RID-JID

2011-04-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share my latest purchase with like minds who I am sure can get just as excited about this as I am! I have been wanting a wooden ironing board for a few years now, but could never find them for less than $25 in stores. They were usually priced way higher than that and even on Craigslist averaged around $50. Apparently far too many people believe if it's old it must be worth a lot, which we as collectors and lifestylists know isn't always true.

Imagine how happy I was when the storekeeper pointed this out and said it was only $15! Hell yes I was going to get it! To top it off, it has it's original decal in great condition! That I would have gladly paid $25 for, but squeeled on the inside when he said it was $15. He did have another one from the 20's with original decal for $15 as well. The board wasn't in as great of condition, though still perfectly usable, and the decal wasn't as good in condition though the image was better. Since I like to USE my vintage and antiques until I kill them, I opted for the sturdier one so it will take me longer to kill it.

I don't know anything about this board other than it has found a new loving home. Do any of you know anything about the RID-JIDs? Also if you are in the Kenosha area and want the other board for $15, I'll pick it up for you (you can pick it up from me) or show you where you can get it.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Snoods from Arthelia's Attic

2011-04-18T11:25:00.002-07:00

Every vintage girl needs a snood or two (or three or four or five). We all have our days of uncooperative hair or just plain laziness and snoods are the perfect way to dress up an otherwise ugly hair day. Snoods not only cover up the bad, but they can help protect the good hair on casual days and outings in nature. Best of all they can add a bit of glamour to an evening look. Whatever the mood, casual or glamour, snoods can be a girl's best friend.

You can imagine how happy and delighted I was when I was asked to model snoods from the glorious Arthelia's Attic on Etsy. Naomi's snoods are amazing. She crochets them from a vintage 40's pattern and adds a detachable bow (also made from vintage ribbon) for a wonderful and versatile look. The snood also has an elastic band for a perfect fit. If your hair is long or short, the snood will cradle your curls nicely. The best part about her snoods is that they don't slide! With just a couple bobby pins to secure into place, I don't have to worry about my snood falling out like I've experienced with inferior snoods.

Click on the photos to enlarge

So for a casual day out or a romantic evening in... get yourself a snood from Arthelia's Attic. She has a wide range of colors; perfect to match with your favourite outfits! Best of all... They're HANDMADE in the USA!

Photos by La Fine Photography

The accidental bob

2011-04-15T17:10:00.001-07:00

Tonight I am off to see The Brew City Bombshells Burlesque perform and finally meet someone that I have known online for years.

Being that it is a "night on the town", I wanted to do something nice with my hair. As my beau just LOVES Veronica Lake (I'll forgive him for that) I wanted to try a Veronica Lake-esque style. My hair isn't quite as long as hers, but I thought a loose peek-a-boo might look nice. Being that I both dyed and washed my hair in the same evening (tonight) as I was to style my hair, my Veronica do turned into a Veronica don't. :( It looked ok enough as it was even without the sexy wave so I thought I'd throw a flower in a just go as is.

I had to take my dogs for a quick trip outside to potty (them, no me) and pinned my hair up and threw on a hoodie so my hair wouldn't be rained on and destroyed more than I had already done. When I got back in and took off the hoodie, I noticed I liked the faux bob I had going and that it reminded me of bobs that I've seen Dita sport, so this is my new do for the night. I cleaned it up a bit and re-pinned it and viola, my accidental faux bob for the night.

My Modern Love: The Jelly Shoe

2011-04-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

I cannot lie... I LOVE JELLY SHOES! These stinky sweaty feet causing foot mittens make me smile. I am very particular about the style of jelly I like. When it comes to everyday flats, the woven style will always win. (I am not a fan of the perforated style.) I have always liked the jelly shoe, however since I picked up 4 pairs a few summers back at Target for $2.50 each, I have been on a constant lookout for these gems since they tend to break fairly easily on me due to me wearing them daily. My first 4 pairs were in clear, neon green, neon pink, and electric blue. I have each of those pairs till they were dead and then some. Not even after others begging and pleading me to toss them, would I do just that. Not until I found replacements. Goodness why didn't I buy 10 pairs of each color when I had the chance! Since then I have found more at Goodwills and thrift stores to replace the broken ones (which I have now finally tossed). Still I can never say no to the jelly shoe. Even if it is in the same color.

I also like the strip-side ones. I have a pair in black and in white, but I barely wear those because the strappy vamp gets caught on my pinky toe.

The most I have ever paid for a pair of these is $6. (Actually that was the price my friend paid. They were a gift.) Although these are my cheapy jellies, I don't want to pay more than $5 a pair. However, being that they are getting harder and harder to find, I am debating on paying $15 as that seems to be the going price on Etsy. Oh by the way etsy sellers with Jellies... chances are your vintage 80's jellies are not actually vintage, but the repros Target put out a few years back. So $15 is a bit pricey for $2.50 retro shoes that you probably bought at Goodwill for $1.00.

Now that I am a grown up (har har har) I have found myself buying grown up jellies. These are my EXPENSIVE jellies that range from $25-75 that I have spent on jellies. Melissa's are the top dogs of this pack. Now before you go screaming $75 on jellies, keep in mind these are on sale from an average of $200 for the shoes and are actually one hell of a deal.

I find that when it comes to my expensive jellies, I usually like 2 style types. Style 1 will look good with vintage 40's. Style 2 80's, Baby! All the way!

While I have my own pet peeves about vintage wearing, such as when shooting for one particular era, make sure your hair matches your dress. (Not to be mistaken for the eclectic vintage wearing that can blend eras.) I find that I am ok with perfect era vintage with jelly shoes. Why? Because I am convinced that had jellies been around back in the 30's, 40's, and 50's women would have worn them more than they had in the 80's. With the fascination of plastics in that era and the obvious fashion accessories of various plastics (Bakelite, celluloid, and Lucite) there is no reason why women wouldn't have worn them. Besides a lot of fashion is what is made and available at the time. It may be an excuse, but it is a good one for me! :-D However, don't let me see you with 40's hair at a 50's event! Hah! (rockabilly broads don't count.)

So here is my small collection. First the cheapies and then the $$$$$$$$$

My first...

2011-04-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

My very first Burlesque performance was in 2002 at the Miss Exotic World Pageant (now the Burlesque Hall of Fame). The pageant was so much different then. Held in the middle of the desert in Helendale, CA you found many fighting the extreme heat, dust, wind and dehydration. Far from "glamorous". However, I wouldn't change those days for anything. I met some of the greatest people in Burlesque there and to this day feel a bit of kin-ship with them.

I got to thinking of my first performance. Oh how terrible it was! I am such a mess and only hope that a video copy doesn't exist. How horribly embarrassing that would be if it popped up somewhere. One of the songs I performed to, I no longer use, but find myself singing it from time to time. It's called You Turned the Tables on Me. Performed by Benny Goodman & His Orchestra and sung by Hellen Ward, this song always makes me laugh when I think about the Burlesque Mess I was and smile at the friends I made from that time.

While listening to the song, you may have different memories flood your mind, but I hope that they are just as enjoyable for you as mine are to me.

Now share one of your "firsts". :)

UPDATE

2011-04-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Made it safely to Kenosha. It is pretty dreary here at the moment, so nothing exciting to blog about just yet. Looking forward to discovering Kenosha all over again.

Take care and I will chat more soon!

History Repeats Itself

2011-03-16T22:23:00.002-07:00

Next week I will find myself back living in the city of my birth. Not but 5 mins from the house I grew up in and the same one my sister still lives in.

This week I find myself packing up all my belongs and enjoying the Arizona sun one last time -- at least for awhile. Mostly, I will be saying good-by to many friends I have come to love and cherish here in Phoenix and holding back the tears as I say I'll visit soon. As much as I am going to miss Phoenix and Arizona I am happy and excited for the change.

So where will I be ending up? Back in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Perry got a job back there and after 5 months of him gone, he has found a place for the both of us, so in a little over a week I will be snuggling up to the one I love in a new house under familiar skies.

Funny how fate works... I am from Kenosha, WI. I moved to Prescott, AZ with my Mom at 14 and then moved to Phoenix right after graduation with my ex-husband, then boyfriend. Through twist and turns and many a man in between, I discovered Burlesque and have been happiest ever since.

Perry, he is from Cicago, IL (not 45 mins from Kenosha). He is a photographer who photographed Chicago's Burlesque sweetheart, Michelle l'Amore when she first started to perform. A job moved him out to Phoenix, AZ about 5 years ago. It was at a Deke Dickerson Show he met another Burlesque performer. Perhaps you've heard of her... Miss Lolita Haze. New in town, Perry chatted up Miss Haze and they realized they both knew Michelle. The next day he emailed Haze, but she never emailed him back.

A few months later, up in Las Vegas both Perry and I found ourselves in Sin City for the Burlesque Hall of Fame Pageant. It's a weekend event filled with fun things to do. One thing was a photo shoot about town. I thought that was the guy whom I had met a few months earlier, but was embarrassed that I still hadn't emailed him back so I never approached him. He was busy snapping away at hot chicks so he paid me no mind - Not that I blame him... The girls of Sweet Soul Burlesque are super hot!! That was the end of that.

Now we fast forward about 2 years. A former friend of mine was raving about this new band in town that I had to go see. For one reason or another I never went. I FINALLY was able to make it to one of the shows and was introduced to the band. The drummer (who apparently called dibs on me when I walked in) was hard to talk to. It was like pulling teeth for conversation even though he came up to me. Weird... any way... we're talking and talking and discover that he knows Michelle l'Amore. "Wait a minute!" I shouted!! "I've met you before! I owe you an email!" I continued to say... Yes! It was AGAIN Perry.

Well, the next 6 months or so we'd cross paths here and there. Trying to have a conversation with this guy was hard! There was no reason for him not to like me. I was determined to make him talk to me, but everytime I'd talk, he'd turn around and walk away. Well screw it. I didn't like him anyway! Turns out he kinda thought I was a bitch. Hahaha. He still liked me, but thought I was a bitch. Quite honestly, I am.

So one random day we ran into each other and started hanging out. Next thing you know we are dating and here we are almost 2 years later moving back to Kenosha to start the next chapter in our lives. Right where my life began.

Who knows how long we'll be out there... but I know I'd like to come back to Arizona and visit often. As much as I have always wanted to leave AZ, it's provided me with many good things - I've met 2 of my 3 best friends in Phoenix. The 3rd I met in Las Vegas while living in Phx, does that count? I met my beau in Phx. Some amazing friends who despite some downs have always been there and amazing folk that I am not worthy of. But most importantly Arizona brought me my 3 greatest loves and greatest joys... Burlesque, Bonzai, and Samurai. If it weren't for those 3, my life would be meaningless. They are the world to me!

But back to the beginning and what this blog post is really about. I am looking forward to rediscovering a city I really knew nothing about when I left. Visiting old places I used to go to and seeing places I never knew existed. Most importantly I am jazzed to bring Burlesque to a sleepy little town that could use the cold water shock. And who knows, perhaps I will be making a blog entry from jail for indecent exposure while performing my art. :) It wouldn't be the first time a Burlesque stripper has found herself behind bars! I'm thrilled to spend more time with my sister now that I am not fighting with her like I did growing up. I am happy to spend time with my beautiful cousin after nearly 5 years since we last saw each other. I can't wait to see my brother again whom I haven't seen in many many years. There is a lot more as well that I am happy about, but we'll just stop there.

So if you are a Wisconsin peep or know a Wis peep. Let me know! Let's meet up!

Good-by ARZ. Hello WIS

Fashion by Robert Black

2011-02-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be working this sale along side my good friend Alicia and new pal Robert Black!

Fashion By Robert Black is having its second vintage clothing pop up sidewalk sale!
Vintage Fashions from $5.00- $50.00
Great deals Great dresses, Great fun!
Saturday February 19th, 9AM - 2PM, come rain or shine!!!
http://www.fashionbyrobertblack.com/
Fashion by Robert Black
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fashionbyrobertblack.com%2F&h=29b82
clothing and mens vintage accessories...

The clothes at this man's shop is quite a delight! Come on down and get some great deals on some amazing clothes!!

Will Work for Vintage

2011-02-12T20:03:00.001-07:00

My vintage obsession by far is hats. I will wear the hell out of them if they fit. So I was happy to see that a friend of mine needed my help and was willing to pay me in vintage. Yay!! So I got these 3 lovlies!! You can see that by the looks of them I have given them appropriate names.

Forgive the squaw shirt and the ugly face... It's too late in the evening to give a damn! Also these are "in the mirror" photos. Note to self: Clean those damn mirrors!

So who else collects and WEARS hats? Please post a photo of you in your favourite, or just tell me about it. I am obsessed with HATS!!!

The Ginger (Rogers)
Possibly being renamed the Fay Wray reason as seen in the photo below (stolen from Miss Matilda).

The Jean (Harlow)

The Sylvia Fowler

Inspiration Sunday

2011-02-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

Drag Queens

RuPaul

Lately I have been re-embracing my love of Burlesque. I've not been performing as much as I should be so I am really trying to get into a better frame of mind when it comes to my shows and the business end of the deal. One thing I lack skill in is my makeup. I always feel like I have enough on, but then when I see photos and video you can barely make out my features. So at the same time of trying to research stage makeup, the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race has begun. Now I have always loved me some Drag Queens. I am talking the all out showgirl variety.

Watching this show while watching videos of bad Burlesque has put me in a bitchy mood and apparently I think I am a Drag Diva now. My catty showgirl alter ego has been named "The Fucking Glitter Bitch". While my pissiness is rude and mean, it shouldn't be taken seriously or personally. Admitting it comes from my own pissiness towards myself for my lack of performing it should never be taken as anything but stoopid. My insults if you will, are just a way of trying to be an exaggerated funny that just uses something as a jumping board and then takes a life of it's own. Basically, all talk.

But back to the point of this post. I have always liked men looking like ladies... My first celebrity idol (of any celebrity) was Boy George. While he wasn't a full on Queen, he did wear the makeup and look feminine.

Boy George

Me on my 5th birthday as Boy George

Knowing how much time, creativity, money, and work these men put into their acts I can't help, but to consider them as inspirations into my own work in Burlesque. So here are some photos of some beautiful Drag Queens...

Carmen Carrera

Epiphany

Raja

Shannel

To keep with this being a vintage blog... I present... Barbette!

Barbette

Barbette getting ready.

Vintage Burlesque

2011-02-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

Burlesque has my heart and soul. More so than vintage. However I am happy that the 2 can and usually overlap. I haven't been performing lately and I am sad I had to cancel my performance at the Southwest burlesque Showcase this year due to conflicts. So I have been watching the good, bad, and ugly of Burlesque performances online for the last 3 days and it has been making me cranky and inspired.

Being that this is a vintage blog and not a Burlesque blog I thought I'd share a few vintage burlesque reels that are what I find to be good vintage Burlesque. I probably should have done this for my Sunday Inspiration post, but I missed it, so I will do something else this Sunday.

For now here are some performance I find delightful!

My Elvgrenesque photo for Halo Piercing

2011-01-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I did a couple photos for Halo Piercing, a local piercing joint here in Phoenix. I had almost forgotten about it until a friend of mine mentioned she really liked my photo for Halo. Curious to what she was talking about, I asked and she showed me the latest College Times newspaper and boom! There was my photo in the new ad! Squee!! So here is the ad, the photo and the inspiration!

Click on photos to enlarge.

Inspiration Sunday

2011-01-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

So here is something new I wanted to try out. A weekly feature if you will. Inspiration Sunday. Each Sunday I will try to spotlight someone or something that is an inspiration to me.

I think I will start off with the always gorgeous, Debi Mazar. When people think of main stream vixens who channel the past many here think Dita, Scarlett, Christina, and even Gwen from time to time, but I usually think of Debi.

I caught her new show on the Cooking Channel, Extra Virgin and you should see her!! She wears vintage inspired and her hair! She probably does the best Hedy Lamar style out there! Which would make sense as she was a hairdresser back when... Her vintage styles are very inspiring and she always looks amazing!

Click on any photo to enlarge.

I've always been a fan of Debi's. I first learned of her through her friendship with Madonna. (As many may know, 80's Madonna is a style icon for me.) There after I fell in love with her when she portrayed "Spice" opposite Drew Barrymore's "Sugar" in Batman Forever. Since then she has remained one of those celebrities I've always had in the back of my mind. Always gorgeous and looking like the original Barbie. Mrs. Mazar is an Inspiration of classic perfection to me.

Happy Birthday, Baby!!

2011-01-18T09:46:00.006-07:00

On this day in 1904 a weak lad was born. He was Archibald Alexander Leach. Born in Bristol, England to an over baring mother and a tired hard working father he found his early years wanting nothing more to be his mother's little Prince. And she would have it no other way. Sadly when Archie was 10 his mother was put away into a mental hospital while he was away at school and it wouldn't be another 20 years before he saw her again and knew what happened. After this the little boy who wanted nothing more to be a little boy sought out adventure. Now that he wasn't being babied by his mother he would run off and find entertainment... It was here he discovered the stage and joined a young boys Vaudeville troupe of acrobats. After many years and one thing leading to another, this now grown man found his way into movies... He figured out as a young boy that he could disguise his insecurities by pretending to be someone else. He got so good at this that by time he entered the movies he had everyone fooled -- including himself.

So today, I wish a Happy Birthday to the boy who would later become my one true fantasy love. Happy Birthday, Archie!!

Happy Birthday, Cary Grant.

Click to enlarge.

"Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant." ~Cary Grant

That 60's thing!

2011-01-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was a blast! My girlfriends and I went to see Showstoppers Live at Casino Arizona. Showstoppers live is an impersonators show. Silly, but fun. It was my gal pal, Kristy's idea to go out and she wanted to do a 60's night. All the girls looked amazing. Sadly the only ones who got their photos taken, were me and Kristy.

I was trying for a Sharon Tate look, but somehow I ended up with an amazing Zsa Zsa Gabor thing happening. Either way, it was a nice way to moderize myself, even for one night. Plus I had a great time with my girls whom I haven't seen in such a long time, except for Alicia. I see that girl all the time. :)

Kristy and me with Elvis!

Kristy and me with Chachi... er... I mean Dean Martin!

Well, Where have you been?

2011-01-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not pregnant... the coat just makes me look that way. That and my winter weight. LOL

Hello my Cherries! I have been wanting to do a post for awhile now, but unfortunately my computer got sick and just now found it's way on the mends!

I know that there was so much I wanted to post, but now I can't remember so this will be a short highlights post.

For Christmas my fella came home for a visit. He has been working back in Wisconsin since October, so it was wonderful to have him back. Even if it were just for a few days. Neither him or I really get into the holidays that much so it was a quite morning at home. We then took a motorcycle ride up South Mountain. We were surprised how many people had the same idea as us. Afterwards we came home for dinner and enjoyed the early evening. Later in the nighttime we headed out to the local Rhythm and Blues bar to see some friends play that evening. Perry hadn't seen his friends in awhile so he was excited to do so.

2 tired peeps.

I took some pictures of my outfit from the evening, but they really didn't turn out and I looked rather poopy. My hair had fallen flat and I just looked cruddy. These pictures are partially why I decided to cut off 3 inches of my hair.

The following day we did some shopping. Perry needed some pants so we found ourselves in Dillards were I got 2 great pairs of shoes.

One pair was on clearance and I thought they looked 20's/30's ish. The second pair I fell in love with right away, even though I have to wait til the summer to wear them! I thought the sandals were very Ginger Rogers. I had to have them. they too were on sale. Imagine my surprise when I was flipping through an old girlie rag from 1941 only to see the SAME SHOES!! Well, almost the same... the 41's were closed toed and mine are opened, but still! Yay!

Other than that not much has been happening. I've become a bit of a hermit and haven't gone out much -- if at all. So to sum up this post it would be -- My fella, shoes, and haircut. Yay...?

Singing in the Rain

2010-12-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

I know I am going to get a lot of flack for this, but...

I finally saw Singing in the Rain for the first time ever. What a lame movie. I didn't know it was supposed to be cheesy, but once I caught on to that part, I liked it a little bit better. However, with it being a "classic" I didn't see how it was any better or different from any other 50's technicolor musical. Everything was great, the songs, costumes, dancing, and acting, but nothing was standout. There are countless other techni-musicals that are just as good as Singing in the Rain, but don't have the prestige that goes with it.

Now I much prefer the Busby Berkeley musicals to the technicolor, but even coming in open minded, I really didn't see the big woohah about it.

I suppose I would say for me, this movie is good on it's own, but disappointed as a renowned classic.

More adventures in thrifting.

2010-12-03T16:48:00.001-07:00

My friend Alicia and I headed out to what was going to be a slow day of hitting a couple thrift stores, but turned into a crazy crack-driven day of goodies. I initially invited her out to go thrifting with me because we both enjoy it and find a few items that tickle our fancy and quite honestly I needed but one thing and that was dark blue seam binding. So, for what was literally .20 cents of a shopping need, I ended up spending all my loose cash on fun goods. All of which was close to 10$ She was on a jewelry buzz and went bonkers, but we had the best day today!

I wanted to share my goods. Nothing too particularly vintage nor spectacular, but fun none the less. What about your guys? Anything fun you've picked up lately?

Click on any photo to enlarge.

This was actually fun... the yard sale we stopped at had this album playing. It was great music and I am glad that they were selling the record. So for anyone selling records at a yard sale... bring a player and play the records! It works!!!

I thought this hankie was nice.

I have a ton of needles, but this was on cardstock and had cute little pockets for the needles. I had to have it. lol

I have never seen hair pins like this before! The card art grabbed my attention. Looks 30's to me. .25$ for those pins back then was pretty $$$. I am anxious to use them, but not quite sure how!!!

I thought these were pretty. Deco shoe clips!! Sadly, I don't have any shoes nice enough... oh wait, maybe I do...

How cute is this kangaroo from 1956? ~~He's a napkin holder!~~ It's a men's wallet caddy! Thanks to helpful reader, Kim, I found out it's real purpose. Hehehe.

Just some fabric. I have a ton already, but you never know when you might need more! Har har har!

So the 2 cards of navy seam binding was ALL I NEEDED on this trip, but as you can see I picked up a lot more. I don't need any of it, but I am sure, and by sure I mean hoping, I can use it in the future.

Last but not least, these 2 books. Both are scandalous and funny books. How can I say no to naughty naughty?!

Vintage finds

2010-11-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend and I found our way to a thrift store and I picked up some fun and random vintage linens. I am not into linens, per se, but I have found that I have somehow gotten more than I could imagine. When it comes to vintage, I have no knowledge on linens... so if any of you out there know anything, please feel free to share.
Click on any photo to enlarge

I picked up a cotton hankie and a silk scarf.

I also picked up 3 towels. My new job wants us to go green by bringing our own hand towels to use instead of using paper towel. Yay! Any excuse to use these vintage lovelies!

My favourite... what looks to me like a 30's half apron! I can't wait to bake something while wearing this!!!

I do have to clean these before I can use them, but I am CLUELESS! I want to just toss them in the wash... any tips before I do just that?

Blog absence...

2010-11-01T14:28:00.001-07:00

Sorry Loves for being so quite, but here you'll see just what has been keeping my time this past week!

One of my best friends got married this past Saturday so this week was dedicated solely to her and her now husband.

My love to Marina and Dustin.

Hair and nails.

2010-10-28T19:38:00.002-07:00

Today was a nice day. I was picked up by my bride and her sister and we went for mani/pedis. I decided to ask for a half moon manicure as I had never had one before. Neither did the girl painting nails. I think she did a good job considering she had never done one before and I had a hard time explaining it. I wish the polish came done a bit more, but over all I love it and feel super glamourous with it! I picked up a trick that I will try out next time when I try to do it myself.

Before I was picked up however, I was flipping through some old rags I have looking for a decent half moon photo to bring with me. Sadly I couldn't find any, but what I did find was a photo of Carole Landis that inspired my hair. It's not exactly the same as I pulled up the sides. However I do think I did a pretty good job for only a 1 hour bonnet set and 15 mins style time. Had I had longer, I am sure I could have done better.

Included is the only picture I got of my outfit for the day. The dress does fall just past the knee even though you can't see that.

Remember to click the images to enlarge.

Sweater Weather

2010-10-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

I have been so excited lately. It has finally cooled down enough to wear warmer clothes! Yay! The other night I went to see a friend's band play and meet up with some good friends and wore my 1950's Jantzen sweater set. Sweater, cardigan, and skirt. Hurrah! As always click to enlarge.

I was a bit unsure when I first got the outfit if the color was right for me. It's a bit different than what I am used to, but with all the compliments on the color alone, I think I made a nice choice. I finished it off with seamed stockings and my Cole Haan heels.

UPDATE: Vintage Hair with Lolita Haze episode 1 Technique Brushing

2010-10-25T14:11:00.002-07:00

For those who missed it, I placed my hair tutorial video in the left hand column so it is easily accessible at all times.

I am glad to read that it is helping a lot of people already and look forward to more of you sharing your thoughts and seeing your results!

Vintage Hair with Lolita Haze episode 1 Technique Brushing

2010-10-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to doing a video tutorial. More like a techniques video versus a tutorial. It isn't the greatest. But it is my first, so to quote the sexy Carey Mahoney, "Please, be gentle." It is a long one, but mostly because I start rambling while I am doing my thang. Let me know if you have any comments, suggestions, or want to see more. Thanks.

Hair: Before and After

2010-10-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wore my hair in curlers ALL day. Yes, even going to the grocery store in full on head dress. Now when I set my hair in the perm rods, I do it just to get curls in my hair. I really have no set pattern. My hair really isn't cut in a way to take advantage of a set pattern. Today after I took out the curlers I brushed and shaped my curls and then rolled and side combed the front and side and then side combed the other side. By that I meant placed hair combs in the hair, not brushed the hair with a comb.

So this is the before and after. Yes I am wearing the same dress as yesterday. It's a house dress and I am stuck at the house today. lol Click the photo to enlarge.

Outfit of the Day: Support the Burley Q's!

2010-10-16T20:55:00.005-07:00

Click to enlarge.Today I went to a Burlesque Graduation Showcase. I didn't perform myself, I just went to support the lovelies who want to be part of this magickal community! I had a blast and didn't get a chance to get a pic of my outfit before I left, so I had to take it at home by myself. Sorry for the icky quality of the photo.

Vintage 40's dress: Razzle Dazzle (Tucson)
Seamed stockings: I don't remember
Navy 40's heels: Etsy

Also, here is a closer up photo of my hair and dumb duck lips face. Sadly, this was the best of the bunch. I had to play with the coloring a bit because the lighting in the bathroom was vomit yellow. :-/

As always, Click the photos to enlarge.

Outfit of the Day: Autumn Sunshine

2010-10-12T16:34:00.007-07:00

Click to enlarge

I didn't have much planned for the day, but why should I let that stop me from looking my best? :) It is still quite warm here in Phoenix (mid to upper 90's) so I put on a simply casual nylon dress that I got on Ebay a few years back, some old stockings that I can't remember where they came from... I almost never get nude with black seams, and my Cole Haans which were a gift from my Auntie.

click to enlarge

I am actually happy that I got dressed today... A stray male pit mix and his 2 puppies decided to hang out at my place all day, so I had to call Animal Control. The officer who picked them off was a bit of a cutie... so I am happy I wasn't in my pj's all day -- like I can easily do!

I had set my hair last night and styled it today... wasn't really going for any particular look, just not ugly! :-D

click to enlarge

When will this warm weather be over?!

Garden Pinup

2010-10-11T17:40:00.001-07:00

Garden Pinup 001 LolitaHaze.com 2010 & La Fine Photography 2009.

These photos were taken spur of the moment after a shoot I did for Hollywood Regency. The sun was starting to set and Perry wanted to practice and dilly around before it got too dark.

1/2 set I am in the garden. 1/2 set I am in a clover patch in my lingerie and stockings.

This photo is from last year, but I wanted to share anyway. I am wearing a 1940's "cock" dress and late 40's early 50's hat. This dress was actually sold later on at Hollywood Regency, to a wonderful woman who became a friend of the store and of mine. I think she actually looks better in the dress than I do! Hah! She tells me she gets so many compliments on it when she wears it to work. This makes me happy to no end!!

Arizona whoas...

2010-10-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

One of the downfalls of living in Phx, AZ is the basic lack of spring and autumn. Sure, they are there, but all too briefly. The weather here seems to be bloody hot or why is it so cold? So when autumn rolls around and you find yourself wanting to wear your heavier knits and fall color schemes, turns out it's still too hot! So what's a girl to do? I want to wear my knits and slacks and but it's too warm to wear something that heavy. So instead I aim for one of my old spring/summery frocks, but it seems silly to wear pastels and white shoes.

You would think I would know this by now and be better prepared, but I am always a last minute kind of gal so by time I get a full autumn/winter wardrobe, it will be 100 degrees out again! LOL

I also have so many sewing projects on the back burner, I don't know if I will ever get caught up! That and shopping for heavy fabrics isn't something I often have to do or have the extra cash for.

This post really turned into a whoa is me kind of posting, eh? Iy yi yi! Looks like I am going to have to go on a plan of attack! Starting tonight!

LolitaHaze.com

2010-10-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Just a quick interruption from our usual vintage-goodness... LolitaHaze.com is officially open!

Baking question...

2010-10-02T17:28:00.001-07:00

For all of you vintage bakers out there I have a question. I followed a 1929 recipe for cocoa bread to the T, but something still went wrong. Not a bad wrong, just not right. How do I get my bread to be more like bread in texture (light and airy) versus cake-y in texture? Perhaps this was the way bread was back when? Let me also state, that it tastes good (bread-like, not much cocoa flavor).

EDITED TO ADD RECIPE
Cocoa bread
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
3 table spoons shortening
1 yeast cake
1/4 cup lukewarm water
About 3 1/2 cups flour

Mix the cocoa, sugar and salt. Add milk, which has been scalded, and the shortening. Let stand until lukewarm and add the yeast, which has been softened in lukewarm water. Add enough flour to make a dough which can be handles and knead until smooth and elastic. Let rise until doubled in bulk. Cut down and knead again. Shape into a loaf, place in a greased pan and let rise until doubled in bulk. Bake in a moderate oven.

Time in baking, 1 hour. temperature, 350*. 1 loaf

Outfit of the Day: Baking (Not so)Betty

2010-10-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ignore the headless doggie

Hahaha I am not looking my most stylish today... my hair isn't even (gasp) done! Do I loose my vintage cred? I decided I wanted to make bread today. I don't know why, I have never made bread in my life... it just sounded like a good idea. So my outfit today is a ratty vintage sun dress I thrifted for 4$ and a vintage apron that was gifted. My hair is straight in a ponytail... not even pomped. So while I am not the Baking Betty I should be, I just thought it would be funny to share my "awesomeness".

For those curious, I am baking cocoa bread from a 1929 cook book. I don't know how it will taste... or if it will even be edible as kitchen skills I do lack, but it is fun to try. If it does turn out, I will be delivering it to a friend of mine. She is the sweetest person in the world and will genuinely love the gift of homemade bread! If it doesn't turn out and is hard as a rock, I will be throwing it through the window of my arch nemesis. Just teasing.

So are any of you out there a bit like me? Unable to successfully cook/bake, but enjoy doing it anyway? Share your stories with me. Your best effort or your funniest fail!

More new Patterns

2010-09-25T21:15:00.003-07:00

So if you are anything like me, you'll always pick up cheap patterns even when you swear to yourself no new patterns/new material until you finish sewing up the projects you already have waiting at home. I am so horrible about this... this past Friday was just one of those days. I went antiquing with a friend and found some patterns for cheap. By cheap I mean under $5. Plus the booth was having an extra 15% off so I couldn't say no. I have no plans for these ones just yet. I do want to finish up my other started projects before I even go looking for fabric, but come on - they were cheap! LOL I thought I would share them with you all.

The only one that was more than $5 was the Vintage Vogue. I picked that darling up for $6 at a fabric store!

Outfit of the Day: Southwest Sporty

2010-09-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Today I really had no where important to go, but in order to get out of my funk, I got dressed. Granted it is completely casual as I did have to leave the house once to mail a letter. So here I am in all my glory!

Vintage Squaw top - Razzle Dazzle (Tucson)
Vintage 40's shorts - Hollywood Regency (Phoenix)
Not seen - Jelly shoes - thrifted Goodwill (Phx)

My hair. Brushed out and reshaped curls from yesterday's style. No reset.

Hair Inspiration: Unknown aka Madonna

2010-09-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

I found this photo of this lady on a friend's facebook page. For a moment I thought it was Madonna, but I knew that couldn't be right, so if anyone knows who she is, please let me know.

I instantly knew that this was a style I would have to try out. Last night, with freshly bleached hair I decided to set it and see if it worked. Now my hair is longer than hers, so it isn't perfect. Plus this is my first jab at it so it isn't exactly the same, but not bad for a 1st try, eh? Suggestions?

I have been a bit in the dumps lately, so I am hoping that this getting made up makes me feel better.

Vintage Bloggers Weekend BLOG!!

2010-09-08T02:49:00.001-07:00

While the name is still up to change, I have quickly set up a new blog to be the OFFICIAL SITE for the weekender. Please follow this blog to receive the latest news plus please take the polls as well as comment to the entries at hand. Also, feel free to share the link with everyone you think may be interested in coming to the weekender!!! Thank you!!

http://vintagebloggersweekender.blogspot.com/

The still unnamed Vintage Blogger Convention

2010-09-06T01:48:00.003-07:00

Awhile back I made mention in a post (click here) about how the lovely Syd Divine and I would like to host a Vintage Bloggers' weekender in hopes of rallying the community together and meeting in person some of our favourite online friends.

Not only would we like a fantastic meet and greet weekend, but we would also like it to be fun and educational. So my dear readers... I ask of you, what seminars, lectures, or other fun activities would you like to see at the weekender? While this is predominately a girls weekend, we want the boys to be included (especially since we'll need dancing partners), so what classes or activities would the gents like to see or take part in? Cars, fashion, war, lectures, ect...?

Syd and I will be chatting more tomorrow about location possibilities, but I wanted to throw this post out to let you know that yes, we are serious about this and yes we will be doing this whether it is for 10 or 100 people, but most importantly a year from now will be here faster than you know it, so start saving up now, because this weekender won't be as much fun without YOU!

Vintage Twins

2010-08-28T10:41:00.004-07:00

Last night I was watching parts of Not as a Stranger with Olivia de Haviland. The actress Gloria Grahame reminded me a lot of Maggie Gyllenhaal. Trying to find similar photos is a pain, but trust me, in motion, G Grahame and M Gyllenhaal look a lot alike.

Question from Formspring.

2010-08-26T11:37:00.001-07:00

Do you ever miss your old friend Steve. You remember....the big guy with the beard?

If this is my Zebra 415 Steve then YES!!! I lost your number when my phone died. :( Haven't been able to get a hold of you since. Email me at Lolita@LolitaHaze.com with your number!!

Rockabilly Rules II

2010-08-19T21:11:00.001-07:00

The Pin-Up Angels Presents: ROCKABILLY RULES II
August 21st, 2010
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Rhythm Room
1019 East Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85014-4811
$8 Cover

Hosted by Brenda Lee Pinup and Lolita Haze

Burlesque performances between bands include:
ROOSTER COUP DEVILLE
PAT ROBERTS & THE HEYMAKERS
VOODOO SWING
THE MOONLIGHT HOWLERS
LOLITA HAZE
MELISSA MOXIE
Mercy Beoucoup
Kara DeFluer

Pow Mia Honor Guard presenting colors and salute Military
Vehicles and pre-64 Car Show All proceeds to benefit the pin-up
angels carepackage fund.

All veterans and active duty military will get a free pin-up.

New hair.

2010-08-12T14:39:00.002-07:00

In case some of you missed it. I have a new hair color... actually new hair colors! I am in love with it and I think that it makes for beautiful pinup hair, oddly enough. Here is a quick snapshot of me in Mesa a couple weeks ago. at the Starlite motel where I took the photo of the diving girl.

Sadly my colors have already faded. While I will touch them up for a show I am doing at the end of the month, I will be going back to blonde there after as I am in a wedding. But who knows after that... I really love these colors!!!

Quick WWII History for the modern student.

2010-08-12T13:47:00.003-07:00

I thought this was funny. Also pretty damn accurate!
http://www.collegehumor.com/article:1802364

Starlite Diving Girl

2010-08-02T22:29:00.003-07:00

Perry and I took a scouting trip down to Mesa looking at the old motel signs they have there. He's been wanting to shoot them for sometime. Being that this was an unscheduled trip we ventured out at the worst time of day for photographing outdoors. We plan on going back when there is better light. Even though he is the professional photographer, I don't think I did half bad myself! What do you think?

The sign is 1 of 2 neon signs for the Starlite Motel along main street in Mesa, AZ.

Million Dollar legs

2010-07-30T11:35:00.003-07:00

Betty's Million Dollar Legs

Now I have never been a fan of Betty Grable, however one can't help but to know of her famous million dollar legs. Personally I prefer Ginger's legs to Betty's. Yesterday I happened to read a blurb about Betty having 19 inch thighs. Out of mad curiosity, I made my friend Alicia get me her measuring tape so I could check mine. I am 21 inches. I tried to find info on Ginger's legs but couldn't find anything. I suppose there is no real point to this post other than my interest in her 19" legs.

Ginger Rogers whose legs I prefer.

Down Tucson Way + bonus

2010-06-23T22:49:00.004-07:00

Over Memorial day weekend, Perry and I spent our one year together in Tucson AZ. I had never been there before, but he had many moons ago when he played with The Moondogs. Or was it the Riptones? Anyhow... Being vintage lovers, we decided to stay overnight at the Hotel Congress. Quite Famous for it's role in the History of 30's gangster (that is gangster not gangsta) John Dillinger. We got in not as early as we had hoped, but settled into the room fairly quickly. It was a beautiful rooms with green walls, original bed frame and a black and white bathroom. It made me realize just how much I want a large deep tub and wooden windows. It really was an amazing room!
Click on the photos to enlarge

O(n the way to Tucson.

The closet - 2 vintage dresses, a vintage dressing gown and vintage nightgown.

Cheesin' it up.

It was getting somewhat later in the day and we had brought down with us Perry's motorcycle and wanted to take a bike ride somewhere. We ended up going up Mt. Lemon(?) after a near decision to go back to the hotel because of the heat. We continued forth and had an enjoyable ride up the mountain, through the desert, canyons, and then forest. Funny enough, we turned around to head back before we reached the top because it got too cold! It really was an enjoyable ride. Here are some photos and video. Warning, the video may cause vomiting. LOL

Getting ready to take a motorcycle ride.

Stopping to enjoy the view.

Scenic views from the bike.

Another short photo break.

More scenic views from the bike.

After we got back to the hotel we were both beat, but I was hungry so we had dinner at a place called Chad's Steakhouse. It is your typical steak joint. I thought it was yummy, Perry wasn't impressed. It was nice anyway. As I say it isn't what you do or where you go, it's the company you're with. And that was perfect. Note that the bike rise earlier stole my curls, so my hair is rather flat and ugly. Blech. After dinner I took a relaxing bath in the tub and Perry fell asleep.

Going out to Dinner

However I woke him up just in time for photos... cause he loves photos! Hahahaa.

Some say ghosts... I say DUST!

The next morning we met up with the Lovely Syd Divine. I don't know how she does it, but she is even MORE beautiful in person than in her photos. Both inside and out. She was kind enough to free up her afternoon and take us shopping to the various vintage stores and show us around a bit. While shopping I was able to find the PERFECT squaw dress. I was quite thrilled! Plus I also picked up a pair of 40's pumps and another fantastic 40's dress. It was while spending time with her that we came up with a most fantastic idea! I will talk more about that at the end of this post. Syd was also kind enough to pose with me for some fun photos.

Waiting for Syd in our room at Hotel Congress.

Breakfast is served... and consumed.

Outside the giant Tikihead Bar.

All these photos and more line the underpass.

Posing at the train station.

Vintage girls and our modern toys.

Saying good-bye to the Hotel Congress.

It was getting late and Perry and I had to head home, so we said good-bye to our new friend Syd and made our way back home to Phoenix.

It was a much needed vacation for Perry and me and we were able to reconnect and that was worth the drive down alone!

**SAY! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA!???**
Syd and I were talking about how we each have special vintage bloggers out there that we really would love to meet in person. For me, Amy Jeanne, Dizzy Dame, and even the little Miss Eel who pops in every once in awhile, jump to mind right away. Along with others like TinTin, who don't really vintage blog, but still someone I met online. This got us wishing that there was some sort of Vintage Bloggers Convention where we could meet some of the people we've come to call as our "online friends". Then we got to thinking... why CAN'T we do this? We've already worked out some outlining for it, but want to know if there would be a call for it. We were thinking about hosting the first one on Labor Day Weekend 2011 in Tucson, AZ. A year away. So my question to you is, would you come?? Depending on the response would depend on the convention itself. We really want it to work out as a vacation for everyone since we're hoping those from far and wide and across seas would join us (Fleur de Guerre you come to mind). Basically, if enough people came we could set it up as a con with vendors, lectures, dances, shows, and tours and are looking into a historic resort area in Tucson. If the feedback is small, we were thinking just a small weekend hanging out at a bed and breakfast. While we don't have figures yet or a hosting venue, we wanted to put it out there and see if all you vintage bloggers would want to meet up for a weekend to meet not only your vintage blogging idols and celebrities, but the ones you've come to call friends! The idea behind the Labor Day Weekend 2011 is that we want people to have time to save up their $$ for the trip, we also want to promote it as a family vacation. (Tucson and Phoenix, AZ were favourite vacation spots in the 40's and 50's.) We also figure that most school sessions don't start up til after, so no worries about the kids being in school, if you plan on making it a family affair. While we hope to be having adult social activities such as cocktail hour, swing dances, and a Burlesque show, we do want to stress that this is a family fun environment. So before I continue forth with more details, My question to you is, would you come?? Please if you like this idea and want to see it happen, please make a post about Syd and I trying to make this happen on your blog to gain even more interest!!

Vintage Swimwear

2010-06-22T22:44:00.005-07:00

Ok, so this isn't the most exciting post I have ever made... or the most exciting post I will ever make, but I wanted to share my day with everyone.

Today Perry and I took a short road trip to Canyon Lake for some swimming. It was nice to get away and just enjoy the day with him. The water was a tad cold at first, but after I finally got in all the way (20 mins later), it was like bath water.

How does this pertain to vintage you ask? Well my suit is from the 50's and Perry is wearing swimming trunks from the 60's! It has a matching shirt, but no photos of that. While I tried to make the photos a bit older than the suits for nostalgia sake, I think the feel is still there.

Click on the photos to enlarge. Enjoy!

We even saw a Road Runner! Beep! Beep!

Afterwords we had some grub at the Tortilla Flats Restaurant. Yum!

Western BBQ Fun!

2010-06-03T22:21:00.002-07:00

Perry and I hosted a Western themed BBQ for our friends a few weeks back and I am finally able to post video and pics!! It was truly a wonderful time. I think this is the first time I played hostess to something like this and unfortunately I was running around and missed out on many hostess duties like inter-mingling her guests! Eek! Live and learn.

It started just before sundown and everyone showed up in their western threads ready to get their grub on. After we all ate, a few of the boys got together and started a jam. During this I would run between taking photos in our photo area and dancing to the music.

My outfit was on loan from Hollywood Regency Vintage. As many know I had absolutely NO WESTERN! :)

Please check out the video if you will and enjoy the photos. I wonder if people enjoy these types of posts or if the would rather I just stick to outfits and buys. Even though this is "my" blog... I hate making it all about me me me. Look at me. Look what I do. Look what I have. While I do have those types of posts... I like to share experiences I have and the friends I have them with. So let me know if you would rather just see me and my frickin' cute self. Hahaha and I will stop including photos of other people. Hehehe just teasin!

My new boyfriend - and he's a sailor!

2010-06-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

I just wanted everyone to meet my new boyfriend! He fits in the palm of my hand. I found this celluloid pin online for a very responsible price (imo) and can't wait to take him out on a date! I was hoping to take him to Tucson with me, but unfortunately he was delivered the day we returned. It's ok... he is the pride of our country and deserves a bit of forgiveness for being late. :-D

Updates

2010-05-23T16:08:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone,

Sorry for teh lack of posts lately, but believe me they will be coming soon.

Firstly, I will be making a post about a BBQ my beau and I hosted last weekend. So be on the lookout for photos and video from the night.

Secondly, I can't believe it, but I have reached 300 followers! When I statred this, I just assumed it would only be my friends from LJ that followed me, but low and behold a bunch of you find me just crazy enough to follow. Better still, a few of you have become great online friends of mine! So in order to celebrate 300 followers, I will be having a give-away contest soon, so keep your eyes out for that as well.

Thirdly, and lastly, I wanted to share this funny random. Today I was told that I look like a blonde Dita Von Teese! Hahaha I wish! Sure she is a natural blonde, but even still, I don't think I look like her. Possibly just the style. I don't know. But I still took it as a compliment, since Dita is a beauty! Weird. Any other Dita look a likes out there?

So to close up, just keep an eye out for further postings.

xoxoxox

~Lolita

Arizona Highways TV

2010-05-13T20:25:00.001-07:00

Here I am representing Hollywood Regency on Arizona Highways TV... and stuff! Hahahaha

Sorry for the lack of posts... I am now on a 6 days a week schedule for work and barely have time to do my home chores let alone hop on the computer. I will post when I can though!!

Outfits of the Days catch ups.

2010-05-04T21:37:00.006-07:00

Here is a simple collage of photos from outfits I have been wearing lately. The last couple of weeks have been a bit stressful and I have been moving. I am happy to say that the moving is done and hopefully the stress will subside and I will be able to put more effort into my clothes. So this posting will be brief. I am exhausted and should get off the computer.

In other news... I am nearing 300 followers. Wow! How cool is that?!? I am so happy that that many people take an interest in me. So I was thinking about having a give away once I reach 300 followers. While I don't know what all the giveaway will include, I thought about including some of my favouirite LUSH goodies as part of it. I think of more funzies to add once I reach 300.

ATTN Phx Girls!! Marco Patino is coming to town!

2010-04-28T14:42:00.004-07:00

If you live in the Phoenix area or Arizona and want to get your photo taken by the fantastic Marco Patiño http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=82326371950 get ready because he will be coming to Phoenix this June! Contact Miss Tayva at Misstayva@gmail.com for more information. I do believe that I will be getting my glam on with Marco!

Check out some of his work!

Outfit of the Day

2010-04-20T23:37:00.003-07:00

As usual, I was running late for work, so I just threw on a ratty ol dress given to me by Heidi. Hahah Not that she gives ratty dresses as gifts, she just knows that my standards aren't very high. Bwhahaha. Another lazy day when it came to my hair. I just brushed out my 3 day set. and wore it down with a ribbon. Not very exciting, I know. But I had on my stinky shoes, so all was well with the world today.

I am probably not going to be posting outfits of the day for the next few days. I am in the middle of a move, so I doubt you will want to see me in jeans and a t-shirt. Besides, I have conditioner in my hair and will be washing it out in the morning. Therefore I will have wet hair also known as not styled hair. Boring... :-D

Outfit of the Day

2010-04-19T18:43:00.002-07:00

Today I wore a dress I made many moons ago. It buttons all the way up in the back. I also made a bolero to go with it, even though the original pattern di not call for one.

Feeling lazy with my hair, I just did a giant front roll and pulled it back into a ponytail.

My shoes are my fantastic jelly shoes I thrifted! Yay!

Outfit of the Day

2010-04-18T20:31:00.002-07:00

This is a dress I got off of Ebay a few years ago. It is made of nylon and surprizingly comfortable. I couldn't get a decent full body shot on the floor, so I had to do a lame mirror shot. The socks are plain socks and the peeptoe shoes are my infamous "Stinky Shoes". 70 years worth of stink in there. I got them off of Ebay in worn but great condition. I have worn the hell out of them... and there are holes in the side and the soles are pulling off. Everyone wants me to throw them out, but not until I get another pair! Muahahahaha Not anything remarkable, but it is what I wore to work today.

Oh and ignore the ugly rockabilly hair I am sporting today.

Dear LUSH,

2010-04-17T16:16:00.003-07:00

Dear LUSH,

You know I love you dearly. I really do. Today was no exception. The local LUSH is having a sale this weekend. 50$+ gets you a free goodie box. I knew I would have NO problem grabbing 50$ worth of treats, but I managed to keep my spending under control. So what I got is...

Aqua Marina - I am obsessed with the smell of this stuff. Normally I don't like oceanaic smells, but this one I adore. It was my first facial cleanser I got at LUSH and one of the best for me. I need to put it back into my rotation.

Turkish Delight - A new product that I thought I would try out. It smells nice. Not OMG! THIS IS THE YUMMIEST SMELL EVER, but a nice smell. I have been wanting to try out on of their smoothies, so I grabbed this one. I hope I like it. If not, that is ok too. I can just give the rest to my bitch.

Coolaulin - I am on the hunt for something for my hair now that I have fried the crud out of it. I need something nourishing and moisturizing. I want to try all their hair products before I settle on one that I really like.

13 Soap (Unlucky for Dirt) - Not my fav smell in store as it smells too much like oregano, but in shower and afterwards, it isn't so bad. Plus it has helped a bit with the occational body acne that creeps up.

Sacred Truth - A anti aging mask that I thought I would try out. Now that I am getting older, I am looking it. I look like a blasted grannie sometimes, so I want to fit it all with all my might and this might help.

Supernova bath bomb - I don't really take baths, but I am finding myself addicted to the bombs now. Why, because when I wear my stinky shoes I am forced to do a foot soak. This helps so much with it and it is funn-er than just plain ol soap.

Hiney Bun bath bomb - Same reason as Supernova.

Free Gift: Katie's Box. What? That sounds dirty. Each employee put together a lkittle box of their 6 favourite products. Katies box includes...Smitten, Shave the planet, BIG, Veganese, Noubar, and the gold glitter bubble bar.

Samples - Paradise Regained, Imperialis, Creme Anglaise

For my Tayva - Sakura solid perfume, and Brazened Honey.

So you know I will be diving into these goods... You know the only thing I hate about going to Lush...? Having to wait until bedtime to use it!!!

The local LUSH is having a best facemask photo contest on Facebook. Here's my entry. Hehehe SQUEE!!!

Home movie

2010-04-08T20:17:00.002-07:00

I made a "home movie" of Perry and me when we were out playing with the dogs today. I wanted to share. :)

Are you, "In the Mood"?

2010-04-08T00:21:00.005-07:00

Tonight was the opening reception for the Phx Art Museums exhibit, "In the Mood". It is a wonderful collection of 1940's clothes. I am happy to say that Hollywood Regency had a few pieces in the collection on display.

Perry and I arrived dressed to the nines. I wore a 40's party dress on loan from Hollywood Regency as well as pearls, gloves, and shoes. The only thing that was mine was my underpinnings! :-D Perry was looking dapper in his dark navy suit. Sadly, he hates having his gorgeous self on camera so there are no pictures of him. I am starting to wonder if he is wanted by the law somewhere. Hahahaha. While we waited for Jenny to arrive, it was so wonderful to run into our friends from Matilda's Closet! Rose and Nikki were perfection. These two know how to work it! Doc, Jodey, and Max turned out to be a great surprise and we hung out with them until the lecture was to begin.

Dennita was the spokes lady and head mistress of the exhibit. She gave a wonderful lecture on the fashions of the 40's. It was nice to hear her make mention of Jenny and Heidi in reguards to contributing knowledge and pieces for the night. Jenny missed it, unfortunately. She was running late and they wouldn't let her in. :( We filled her in when we got out.

After the lecture, we mingled for a few and then made our way to the crowded exhibit. I want one of each please! No photos were allowed, so you'll have to get just a taste from the link I provided or if you are in the Phoenix area the exhibit runs through August.

So onto photos. Everytime I wanted to take someone's photo, someone else would come up and ask if they could take one of me and who I wanted to snap together. I really wasn't wanting to take photos with me in them, but you can't deny the public... although after seeing photos I wish I had! LOL. Why didn't anyone tell me I looked like crap?!

Enjoy the photos! No particular order.

Jenny and me. Jenny ended up not feeling well and had to leave shortly after this photo. Feel better.

Helen and me. Helen helped with the exhibit. She wore her Grandma's class ring. 1945!

Blurry crowd shot.

Doc n Jodey

Myself with a lady somehow connected to the event. I forgot her name. Barbara I believe. I had been admiring her outfit all night and was finally brave enough to ask to snap her photo.

Me and Nikki. I love how Nikki's head is perfectly framed by the art on the wall on the other side of the room. It was good to see her and play catch up!

Ashley and her friend Debbie. I met Ashley the day before. I sold her that velvet 40's dress. Her and I spent a good while chatting about fashion while we shopped around for her dress. She's a fun gal!

Bart and Friends Band

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.

2010-03-31T13:04:00.002-07:00

Tempe is hosting a movie night for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. One Kitty Gone, an amazing local band will be playing during the night. The night is asking for people to come dressed in their 50's finery! I know exactly what I will be wearing. My silver wiggle dress... which I have named, The Marilyn. Oddly enough, I found out about this event from costumers of Hollywood Regency. I am hoping that we can get a group together for the fun evening. So if you iare in the metro Phoenix area or near by (HINT HINT Hamilton Honey) come on out for the night! Seating and Parkin are limited so lets get this figured out!!!

Here is the info from the night:

On April 24th, venture back into the 1950's with a classic event featuring the live music of local band One Kitty Gone, in "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend". This home grown band is inspired by the 40's and 50's, studio era Hollywood and pinup girl glamour. The bands influences come from artists such as Gil Elvgren, Andrews Sisters, Cab Calloway, Peggy Lee, Vicki Carr, The Ventures, The Big Bopper, Glen Miller, Chuck Berry, Vaudville, Burlesque, Julie Andrews, and Shangri Las. The band also features 7 different musical instruments used in the performance.

In addition you will get the chance to sit down and experience the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" staring Marilyn Monroe, which really captures the theme of the show. This will sure to be an evening to travel back to 50's with music, film and traditional cocktail gatherings. In attendance will be the local Artists of AZCulture.

Come as you are or dressed to fit the era!

Due to the fact that there are only a certain number of seats available in the theater, SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Your RSVP here does not hold your space. Please purchase tickets today at: http://www.madcaptheaters.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eid=192

Hope to see you all there!

* Remember, parking prices vary in downtown Tempe depending on the other events going on around Mill Avenue. Please plan accordingly.

Please do not park in the circular drive.

MADCAP does not validate.

http://www.millavenue.com/GH-ParkIt.aspx

Parking:
FREE parking for MADCAP performers and staff is available at:
o Hayden Square Surface Lot at Ash between 3rd and 5th Streets (FREE after 4pm)
o Farmer Ave. & 5th St. Surface Lot (all day)
• Paid parking near MADCAP is available at:
o Centerpoint Garage on Ash just north of University:
$1.00 20 min, $12.00 all day
o Centerpoint Surface Lot on Maple and 5th St.:
First hour FREE
$1.00 ½ hr, $8.00 all day
o Brickyard Garage on 7th St. just east of Mill Ave.:
First hour FREE
$1.50 ½ hr, $12.00 all day
o Hayden Square Garage on 3rd St. just west of Mill Ave.:
First hour FREE
$1.00 ½ hr, $8.00 all day
o City Hall Garage on 5th St. just east of Mill Ave.:
First hour FREE
$1.50 1 hr, $12.00 all day
• Parking is also available at other garages, surface lots, and metered parking spaces throughout the Mill Avenue District.
• Disabled parking is always free and is available at all garages, lots, and meters.