You can now thank me for yet another app to download

This week we're showing you the Pick My style advisor app from the Google play store.

 






Pick my style is an app with an amazing concept and alot of potential. For all my Dolls that not only love to get themselves both organised and snatched but enjoy doing the same for others. You're going to love this one. And maybe even make a few new amigos along the way.



FASHIONABLY SPEAKING...Joie Cuentista

What's on The Net, Monday?

   So Dolls and Dukes this is both a quickie and the first of our What's on The Net, Mondays? So if ever I am given or find something stellar on the net. From now on this is day to share it. So lets get going... Someone shared this with me over Instagram and I too thought it was awesome so of course I had to bring it to you guys as well. It's just a quick makeup tutorial done by Kat Von Dee posted on Instagram showing you how how to do a bat wing cateye eyeliner, if that doesn't make you want to pull out those liquid eyeliners Dolls I don't know what will.

Happy practicing Darlings. Fashionably Speaking ...

Imitated Not Duplicated

If you are a online shopper like me than you have seen countless companies that advertise endlessly about these celebrity inspired dresses. I don't know about you but I get really curious, not that i'm dying to look like someone else. However do these dresses really look that close to the original, and what is the quality even like. Well the only reason I even got interested to be honest was because of an ad I saw about 4-5 months ago from a company that makes dresses Dita Von Tease Dresses. Tatyana.com is an upscale vintage inspired brand. They have boutiques all over and the one in New york is great its how I first heard of them.So without further ado.

Well I must say the hardest thing I've ever done was put my picture next to Dita Von Tease lol. Hear are my thoughts on the dress. To be brutely it's clearly not a dior however it was a great dress. It hugs your curves amazingly and makes you feel fabulous. I paired it with a dior belt that I had already in case anyone particularly likes the belt. As far as construction no loose threads, the fabric was nice and thick. But I have to be honest this wasn't a 200 dollar dress. Though I liked it I think I will search for another company for my next Dita dress, which I am currently already looking.

  Fashionably Speaking... 

Holiday Party Wardrobe Planning : The Look For less

  The holiday season can be simutaniusly a source of unimaginable stress as well as a great chance to reflect on what's important, and a chance to connect with family and friends. However it's easy to loose sight of all of this while one has to not only plan holiday gatherings for friends,work family etc... You also countless other expenses planned, unexpected and many quite frankly that should be thrown out and burned. So My Darlings I more than understand the desire to cut back on expenses where you can ; but still want to look and feel as decadent as you have become accustomed.  So to prove to you that it is possible to create amazing holiday looks for less. I've created a vintage office party look for under $100 that can be purchased currently as our first look.

     Even though these peices are inexpensive, they still look as if you could have paid more. That's the trick when going with the LFL ideally you want to mix the higher quality pieces you already own with the cheaper ones that immediately gives you a chicer look. We' ve partially done that by adding the vintage beret (even though this isn't an expensive item it is a good piece ). But if you can't do this you want to pay attention fabrics, heavy the better. Stitching , are they straight and tight. Stretchiness what is the elasticisity like because if its bad after one wear and wash it will be a stretched out mess. And how the piece lays. I know trying things on is a pain but it will do you a world of good. 






THE WORK PARTY:

1. Knit sweater crop sweater and skirt set from Sammysdress.com priced at $19.99
www.sammysdress.com
2. Quilted faux leather bag from Forever21.com on sale $19.53
3. Curved ear jacket earrings from Forever21.com $4.90
www.forever21.com
4. Vintage Goldmans velvet navy blue beret sold on Ebay.com for $15.99 + shipping and handling
vintage funky goldmans beret

                            Fashionably Speaking... Joie Cuentista

I.W.U.L.T. Channeling the lovely Audrey H.

                                                              

 

      Okay this is a quick " I woke up like this " look of the day.  To be honest it's been on Instagram (@borntoolatefashionablyspeaking) for a bit but I've been running around like crazy with doc appointments. And I have gotten the messages asking for updates on my lupus and I promise to do a post about it soon, maybe even a video. However enough of that lets get down to some fashion Dolls!

Look of the Day: Audrey H.
The Dress:
I'm wearing is late 1950's vintage perasico A-line dress. It has sheer sleeves and sheer ascents on the shoulders. As well as floweral embroidery also done in black. I wore a black crinoline slip under the dress so the dress could have the more high fashion look.  Originally the dress had a belt but it was lost so I acquired it without one although I actually like the way this dress in particular looks in belted since its still very flattering so I went without

Accessories:
I'd had a Audrey musical movie fest  at the time I wore this dress. I'm sure you know how that feels we vintage Dolls get so caught up in our favorite classic sirens that we cant help but want to steal their looks a bit. In this case I wanted to capture Mrs Hepburn's  spirit more so than try to clone a look . For earrings I wore a simple pair of vintage Pearl studs. Since the accents on the dress where pretty striking I left the jewelry there and let the dress speak for itself.  For shoes I wore a pair of black flat maryjanes by Comfy Sole.

 

 

Hair:
As a pop of colour I wore a pink blushed lily hair flower. For the actual style I kept it naturally curly. I used frankesence & mryth oil and mixed it with doves new curl pomade to give me shine and counteract frizz. I parted my hair to the side and did a simple roll.  On the opposite side I placed the flower arranging it so it laid flat to my head.

Well that's that hope this give you ideas for you own inspiration looks Darlings. Hope to see your looks on Instagram and Facebook.
               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born Too Late...Welcomes: Deaths Dark Veil !

   

     Many of you guys know that I'm also a author, artist and singer so I appreciate art in all its forms. I especially of handcrafted items, the idea that someone put something of themselves into this item and you won't see thirty other people walking around with it. Having a mother that makes and sells jewelry Im immensely pleased that handcrafted wares are becoming increasing popular especially in the alternative fashion community. That's why we're pleased to welcome the adorable and extremely talented Jose Camarena of Death's Dark Veil.


Death's Dark Veil
                                                                            @deathsdarkveil.Instagram

Question 1:

 Jose thanks for taking the time out to hang with us for a while. Why don’t we start with telling us

about yourself, how you got started, and about your creative processes?

Answer:

Hi, guys, you're welcome. My name is Jose. I'm 26 and I live in Los Angeles. I actually got pulled into the jewelry "business" when I was around 18 back when MySpace was in. I started selling jewelry and hair bows on that website, constantly promoting and got over 15,000 friends. I think I did that for almost 2 years but then I stopped. It wasn't until recently (a year ago) that I decided to open a etsy account but I didn't have a product in mind. Then I decided to sell pillar candles with my own design. Six months later I got inspired to make jewelry after I happened to accidentally open a box with a bunch of old accessories. And here I am now lol 

My creative process is pretty basic. To be honest I just have all these ideas from a lot of different styles I like. Kind of goth, day of the dead, ect... I think of something, I quickly sketch it on paper to get an idea of what it will look like and then I make it. 

 

Question 2:

I’ve been admiring you on Instagram for a while now, I love the edge that a lot of jewelry has. Who would you say your ideal customer is?

Answer:

I don't think I would have an ideal customer. I think I have different styles that a lot of different people may like. Like I said the goth style with velvet brooches I made and the felt day of the dead roses. They're two completely different styles.

 

 

Question 3:

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time in regards to your jewelry line?

Answer:

In five years I see myself with my own shop. Only time will tell.

 

Question 4:

What do you use for inspiration?

Answer:

I don't try to force inspiration. I can get inspired by anything, really. But it doesn't happen everyday. Sometimes I do get inspired by seeing something really beautiful. For example, I love to paint, but I haven't done it in over a year because I haven't felt inspired to do so. And I am not one to force it. 

 

Question 5:

What does your perfectly dressed woman look like?

 Answer:

I can't choose. Too many beautiful outfits to choose from.

 

 

 

Question 6:

What are your personal definitions and difference between style and fashion?

Answer:

To me, style is something you have and fashion is something you buy. 

 

Question 7:

Do you have any final words that you’d like to leave the Born too late… Dolls and Dukes with?

Answer:

I guess I would like to say if you love to do something, do it. My store is very tiny but I will not give up on it. Just keep trying and never give up. Even when you feel like it won't go anywhere. No matter what, don't give up.

 

 

To purchase from any of the beautiful items from Death's Dark Veil (and I highly recommend it)

Death's dark veil@ Esty

 

To contact DDV

@deathsdarkveil.Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a Mysterious Mood; Let's Try My Classicwood Wrap

  I am a strong believer that sometimes a girl wants to look how she feels. If you're feeling quirky you might pull out those great go-go boots and your 60's mini dress. If you're feeling sexy that red wiggle dress and lace garter will certainly do the trick. But when you're feeling mysterious I have the perfect unexpected solution. We'll call this one the Classicwood wrap; I'm sure you can picture your favorite tinsel town actress, singer, or model heading out for a drive. Or an elegant night out, even a stylish way to keep out the bitter cold with a heavier scarf. Don't be afraid to try this on Darlings; its will give you a effortless sexiness that will have all heads turning. This truly is a great vintage look and one of my favorites... so try it out and send in your pics.

The Classicwood Wrap:

1.  Chose a scarf.  You want a long scarf for this one; it needs to be long enough to wrap around your head and loop around your neck twice. I went with a great find I found at H&M but for anyone that's shopped there. Finding a great scarf in that store is a one in a millón; so here's two great vintage online boutiques for scarves at both ends at the price spectrum.  Totally Scarves you can find them on etsy the owner sells a collection of beautiful scarves something for every taste. Dressing Vintage is a high-end designer vintage boutique. Their scarf collection is amazing as is other finds. The price point is higher however keep in mind these are vintage designer brands your buying Chanel, Hermes, YSL, etc...you get the idea. 
2.  Fold the scarf duh.  Really simple we're going for a triangle so you have two long tails on either side.
3. The Tail. Part your hair to the side and pull your hair into a faux victory roll low ponytail. Part two a section of hair on each side and loosely roll it back into the ponytail. Look in the mirror and lift the roll to add fullness. For the back you have two options if you want the scarf to lay very flat and tight to the head. Twist the hair hanging from your pony and make a small tight, tight bun; other wise to give your scarf some fullness let your ponytail hang free. If you have straight hair you can tease it just a bit to give yourself some fullness.
4. We're getting warm.  Take your scarf and like I demonstrate in the picture place it just behind the faux rolls we've just fluffed up. Snatch a few bobbies and pin the scarf in place (I would place one just about each ear but close to the roll where its concealed).
5. We're Smoking Dolls. Take the tails of your scarf make sure they're even then cross them and wrap them around your neck twice. You want the scarf to tighten especially on your head. The part that's around your neck should be snug but not uncomfortable. (this look doesn't work if its droopy so take the time to be neat. If you need to twist the tails of the scarf as you wrap do that just make sure its snug against your neck when your done.) End the look with tying the scarf at the side of the neck. This sounds strange but make an vertical bow. Continuing pulling on the bottom tail so that you are only left with the top loop at your shoulder. Fluff it up and tuck in the small bit of scarf left. Or leave it hanging. Top the look of with your favorite shade of matte red lipstick, a vintage pair of cateye shades and a black wiggle dress and Darling you're SMOKING!

This is what you should have....remember send in your pictures of your own versions and variations of my Classicwood Wrap for me to share.

Fashionably Speaking... Joie Cuentista

Dolls We're Heading Down The Rabbit. Hole...P.S. Alice Not Appropiate

 Don't you miss the days when you had to dress for a night on the town, and actually got some actual entertainment. Many of us vintage lifestyle diehards long for the return of the golden years when a night out didn't consist of a sketchy club and bad music. What the term "a night out" meant then and now has drastically changed.
  Las Vegas's Rose.Rabbit.Lie. at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas brings back the nostalgia of the supper club/social club; but with a modern twist that all kinds of people can enjoy. Its has spontaneity, mystery, live entertainment, great drinks, and better food. But most importantly there no rules "You just come when you want and leave when you wish" (www.roserabbitlie.com). What could be better than that? This place is a vintage Doll and Guy's wet dream- so I don't know about you but I fully intend to head on down to the Rose.Rabbit.Lie.

Going to a venue like this one gives you one of the few opportunities to really have fun with your outfit, especially if you're shy  and normally wouldn't. Step out of your comfort box. If you normally wear pants try a wiggle dress, or if you're a dark color person try a red dress instead of your go-to LBD. However a great suggestion is what I've done; pick an inspiration look and go form there. Going with Rose.Rabbit.Lie.'s 20's & 30's theme. I decided to go with classic Hollywood starlet Jean Harlow's signature look as my inspiration. It's a fun sultry look as well as flattering for all sizes (though I do highly recommend shape-wear with this one Dolls...we want to look our best) but it allows room for adding your own personal style touches. For example your favorite vintage necklace, a few broaches, or modernize it with a neon colored faux fur bolero and some funky sparkly jewelry. This type of look works much better versus going with a more obvious choice like a flapper look which while it can be very fun and very stylish for many it can also be very costume-like(which we don't like). Here's an example of the perfect Rose.Rabbit.Lie. night out look:

Our Inspiration Look:  Classic Signature Jean Harlow

1. Retro waistcincher in blush from Pinup Girl Clothing
2. 1930's Style Black Harlow style satin gown from Unique Vintage
3. Azurine mink cape vintage from Vintage-furs.com
4.Cuban heel stockings in nude from Pinup Girl Clothing
5.Our Destination the new hotspot Rose.Rabbit.Lie. Vegas's hottest new modern supper club. Meet me there we'll be swinging from the rafters 👄 R.R.L.
6. Satin T-strap Cutiepie in red by Pinup Couture shoes from Pinup Girl Clothing
7.Therese Ahrens Velvet Black and  Pink floral fascinator Hat from ebay  (still available)
8. Hairstyle:
Step 1: Part hair to the right and taking a comb part a section from crown to ear and curl the ends of your hair.
Step 2: Part the first section of your hair and grab two pins and roll it into a pincurl. Continue sectioning your hair in small sections and pincurling it until you reach your ear. If you have any small flower clips that will fit nicely into your pincurls it adds a beautiful feminine touch.
Step 3: smooth back the left side of your hair using a bit of coconut oil to smooth down flyaways, and add your fascinator at an angle.
Step 4: split the back of your hair into two sections and roll it into a pincurl. Make sure each pincurl is facing the other.
If your hair is short another option pincurling your entire hair and sporadically adding flowers to accent the hat. If your hair is long enough a bun would be quite lovely.
9. Silver-Tone Genuine Swarovski Crystal Y Necklace From 1928 Jewelry
(prices range from $29.99-500.00)

 Fashionably Speaking…Joie Cuentista  

Pinups for Patriots

  

       I am a firm believer that its important for a person to devote at least an increment of their time to some charitable work, organization, or good cause. Along with the obvious (which is no one should have to tell you to be charitable) what it does for your sense of self as well as those in need; is more than I can say.  Christmas and New Years  are two of the most popular times of the year in which to volunteer your time to any charitable organization or cause. However i'm sure you've seen reports on the lack of contributions and volunteering through the years. In my opinion there's no greater way to get yourself into the season of giving by combing your sense of charity with something you are already passionate about. And these organizations sorely need your help.
   One of the biggest excuses people give is not knowing where to donate their time. Or not being able to find a place that actually interest them; for many as great a soup kitchen or shelter is, they hold no interest to them. Many are even  quite intimidated once they find themselves in such environments. So if you're like many others and are considering donating money, time, or like me and want to help get the word out about the charity of your choice-your solution is very simple. Combine your interests, hobbies, or talents and make use of them with the corresponding charity of your choice.

    If you're like me   and share a love for the vintage lifestyle;  Pinups for Patriots is an amazing for-profit business bringing back the good old tradition of the original classic pinup.  They're owned by female vets who as of now have twelve different chapters running in twelve states. The organization which is also the nations largest pinup organization- is most known for their famous pinup calendar's which they put out each year. But Pinups for Patriots has proudly grown and prospered into something much more, now have events, tours and much more. Not only do they have a great message but they do an amazing job entertaining our troops both here and over seas, there an amazing morale boaster and that's enough to make this organization a godsend. If you've ever dreamed of becoming a classic true-true blue pinup this is an amazing opportunity and you couldn't pick a better cause. The selection process is stiff, but come on I think we can forgive them for that considering. After all they only want the best our brave patriots. However let me remind you the model is only  a small part of organizations like this one, they need all sorts of volunteers. It never hurts to contact and see what they need, it's for a good cause.

 





Fashionably Speaking…Joie Cuentista



 

http://www.pinupsforpatriots.com/
 

 

HOTD: Back to Black / The Jackie-O

Yes we are back from hiatus and I am back to black! So here's a Quick one for you Dolls. I promise you'll look Jackie-O fab and all you need is three items or less. So let's get started:



A bunch of bobbies, some hairspray (if this is need for your hair), and a comb
 



Some kind of sheen is also great to have, I use coconut oil for everything. The brand in the picture is my preferred

And a hat

 

 

Alrighty Dolls this one is as simple as it gets, sometimes we get caught up in the beauty of all these complicated styles that we forget what its like to just fluff and go.  This gives you an idea of how you can maintain the authenticity of your look while still sticking to your time clock on in a pinch.

 

 

The Inspiration:

Okay like I said the beauty of this one is that its a get up and go. there's one step which is to part your hair to either, then place your pillbox hat on the crown or back of your head.

 

Tips:

Its not necessary to curl your hair at all.  One option would be to fake all together by pin-curling the ends of your hair either tucked up or flipped under to mimic flip curls or curls. You could also just fluff out your second or third day roller-set.

If you're a curly like me there's no to go overboard with straightening your hair then curling them again. Just work with your natural curl (we've already got it why not flaunt it Dolls). Use bobbies to tame unruly strands and guide your tresses into the direction in which you want them to go.

Another option is to either put your hair up in a French roll and place the hat on crown of the head. Or you can put your head up in a really tight knot and tuck it up under your hat similar to an Audrey Hepburn style.

 

In the end you'll have something that looks like this:

 

Fashionably Speaking…Joie Cuentista



 



 

The Vintage Muse Series Part 4: Hats Off Dolls! It’s My How-To Guide for All Things Vintage!

Hey Dolls this is an old post from the end of August that I forgot to post but since I'm back now here we are :)! Missed you Dolls

            It’s hard for many women to believe now-a-days that there was once a time when women once planed their outfits around wearing a hat, but it’s true. At one time the hat was considered  as important  an accessory as the handbag and the shoe is for many women today. However rain or shine, casual, cocktail, or formal- for women from the twenties through sixties (and even way before that) that hat was a staple accessory. For the stunning Dames of yesteryear (and lest not forget all her modern day reincarnations) the hat was that final touch to an already fabulous ensemble. However as the years passed , with them so have our sense of fashion and the rules that have gone along with them and the envogue hat sadly died. It’s safe to say that for most cultures, (England being a famous exception) hats took a severe backseat instead to be made and used for function and not fashion. Most people usually don’t even see women in hats anymore  with the exceptions of  protection from the weather, and theatrical customs’. There’s also the famous yet ridiculous Kentucky derby hats that thankfully only come around once a year though we all love to look at, or the few ladies that still wear their elaborate hats to Sunday morning church.  

               Here’s the thing once you get to the stage in your Vintage Journey where you’ve collected a substantial dress or whatever collection in which you are happy with; the natural thing is to begin to look for other wardrobe completers of the eras.  Yet one of the first items on the list when building or expanding your vintage wardrobe is hats however it seems a fear of the unknown and not knowing etiquette usually has us pushing them to the back of our check list. Or not knowing what to do with the hat we've purchased it just sits in the closet collecting dust.  

 

            The most important thing to know, before we go any further is that- there is indeed a hat for everyone…look Dolls if I can find a hat for my big head and still look mouthwatering fabulous so can you J.  In one sense purchasing a modern hat today is hard; your choices are extremely limited which is a major disadvantaged for two reasons…number one being in general you find yourself picking from various forms of either the baseball cap, the beanie, or etc… and number two when the rare dress-hat can be found it is in general inappropriate. Wearing a huge gaudy decorated hat is not only embarrassing it’s distracting for others around you and we don’t want that.  Therefore shopping vintage is your smartest choice, and you'd be surprised how many easily you can get a hold of not only vintage hats but great vintage reproduction hats. Since hats were such a staple of the culture back then its easy to find a hat for just about any need and incorporate it into not only a vintage wardrobe but a modern one as well.

           So here's my own sort of how-to guide on all things vintage hats:

First things first before you go shopping for a hat , fascinator, cocktail hat, halo hat, etc... you need to have at least a some knowledge of them. This way you can have an idea of what will look good on you. This picture is from a vintage etiquette school  but it shows the basic hat structures. Using the diagrams you insert you facial structure and that gives you an idea of what works for you.
 

  For example: Berets are very flattering on a square shaped face, while though nearly anyone can pull off a pillbox hat they are the most flattering on a round face.

  

        









                          My number two is a rule of etiquette that you Dolls may or may not know but here goes; unlike men women do not take off their hats. So you don't have to plan for that or be afraid of having that line across your forehead or flat hair. A woman's hat is considered apart of her outfit, not an addition. 

        







                            There's this misconception that hat's have to be matchy-matchy , go with your ensemble completely but that's not true. Don't be afraid to experiment and tap into your quirky side. They're a lot of fun vintage hats out there and your hat doesn't have to nessarly match your outfit    

                                               Its okay to have fun with your hats, but when you begin your journey into creating your collection, you will begin to distinguish the difference between a day hat, night, cocktail,  tea hat, evening, etc... While sometimes you may have a day where you just want to be fun in general it makes no sense either to the vanillas or us fellow Vintage Dolls for you to walk out of your house in a large black mushroom hat trimmed in chiffon, lilac's and pearls. As beautiful as you would look; you would also be inappropriate which would ruin the effect (as I have said more than once Dolls there is a time and a place-always). Again these rules aren't etched in stone for many (me included) you may see a hat, intended for one purpose but you'll find yourself wearing it for another. Just be open.

This half hat actually originally was a cocktail hat with a veil but I removed it and now it works as a day hat.
 

 

                                            Be inventive vintage hats weren't always traditional. Turbans, scarfs, and infinity scarfs make amazing hats. They are amazing vintage tutorials out there from World War 2 showing you how to tie different types of turbans, hats, and half hats with scarfs. Then to add your own special touch top it off with a flower, or that favorite vintage broach.    


                                   









                When your wearing a hat your hairstyle should be as simple as possible but at the same time compliment the hat that your wearing. Typically if you have medium to long length hair you would probably tucking and rolling your hair in the back or giving yourself a bun. If your hair is on the short to medium side then depending on the cut and the hat I would suggest either making the back as sleek as possible  or letting your pin curls fall naturally. The front should either be pulled back or in a style that adds to the hat not fight with it. Without the hat the hairstyle may look crazy (as you can see in my own picture) but with the hat on it all compliments.









               Hats have to be one of my favorite accessories they are not only versatile but unique. But more than that hats give you the chance to express yourself in a way that few others us. With a little bit of searching you can find a hat for every outfit and a few to brighten some days as well. And who doesn't appreciate that?...Fashionably Speaking…Joie Cuentista