Yes Kiddies, you too can discover the incomparable world that is... Vintage!

     You know you gotta love children, I don't think there is anyone on this earth more naturally accepting. If no one else you can count on children to love rockabilly, pinup; frankly any chance to be different. I'm sure that's the case for that little tike in your life who would just love (why wouldn't she after all) to look just like you. However with the assumption that vintage ages you most parents (and in my case Aunts lol) shy away from dressing their children likewise. This assumption is completely wrong, especially in the case of children. There are a plethora of both vintage and vintage reproduction shops that are dedicated to only children. I think people assume children's fashions in the 1920-60's basically didn't exist and were just miniature versions of adult fashions.

    

Kiddies Guide to Vintage Discovery

 

     Now buying Vintage for children is a little different than buying for buying for us Dolls. For starters and most importantly! Children are always growing, you can barely keep them in anything for a decent amount of time. So for that alone score one for vintage (high five for team rockabilly woo-hoo!), However like we also know vintage can get really expensive and that especially happens with children's wear. Because in the end you're not going to get your moneys worth like you would with an adult I wouldn't recommend the pricer items until later teens (16+). Also get familiar with your local community children's consignment shops are becoming increasingly popular and you may just find a hidden gem in the mix.

   They're also a lot of great local children's specialty vintage and reproduction shops that are always worth finding out about. As always there's your local Goodwill which you can find some great vintage children's finds if you're willing to take the time to look. The important thing with the places is making sure you go on your local rounds. We all know how hard it is to keep kids in clothing so these places are always getting new stock, you're job is to go and weed through it. Get to know the people working there and exchange numbers and they'll call you when something comes in that you'll like (its always important to establish relationships). 

           The actual selection of pieces is very important because you want something that's going to last. Children aren't like us they don't care what vintage means, they just what to run, play, etc...So you go for the same types of pieces like you would for yourself. When you're going through the rack's or reading the descriptions online you want pieces that are stretchy so that your child can move and not feel constrained by some of the older stiffer fabrics. You're also looking for things with elastic in them so you can get a descent amount of wear out it; kids are constantly growing and you'd hate to get a favorite dress or top only for your child to not be able to wear it in six months. Another thing to help you in selection is to beware of the head opening in shirts, (button downs, or vintage tees) be
sure to make sure there's a bit of stretch there. You want them to be able to dress themselves. It's also good to look for pieces that are or could become convertible; for example a little swing dress could be worn a top with a cute pair of leggings and so on.


     It's inevitable your children will grow out of their clothes; but don't be afraid to keep really memorable pieces. I have a rule in our small little vintage community we have to care then share. When I say that I mean, for as long as we have our pieces we treasure them. Then when its time (have your last dance together) you find a new home to make room for more vintage collectables. Your local consignment shops will always give you a good deal if you want to go that route. If you have a Ruth's Closet in your city they are always taking donations and as you know proceeds go towards House of Ruth. And you can go back to your vintage store and get discounted for next purchase. But we all know they're at least three pieces that hold too much memory to go so what do we do with them if they can't be worn anymore? Well instead of throwing it in a box in the basement turn those
old memories into art.

     The most important thing when shopping vintage for your child is the actual piece the item. Here are a few target questions to ask yourself when shopping that will make you feel more confident about whether you're picking out a quality garment. What's the state of it? How does it look, feel? Is the stitching intact, how do the seams look? Check for runs, tears and rips also get into the light how is the color. Is there any yellowing or discoloration? Think
about what your child is going to be wearing the item for. Obviously we buy vintage because of the character so you'll rarely buy an item with nothing wrong whatsoever. However depending on how bad you want it, where you're wearing the garment to...some of these target questions I've given you can be fixed or covered up creatively (ex: patches, temp. stitching glue etc.) . Always wash clothing before giving to your child to wear a lot of these pieces have been in these stores for a long time ( say no more).

  
  


      I know a lot of parents are afraid to shop for their kids online period let alone vintage but don't be it's a great resources. Once you have your childes measurements, have brought a few pieces and with these rules I've given you should feel sufficiently confident to venture out. Here are a few awesome
companies, now do me proud girls!


Willow's Room


Posh Girl Vintage

The Couture Baby

Ballyhoo Vintage  (this is a favorite of mine)

Dapper Lads

 

No Matter How hard You Try... The Sun Tells All

Unlocking Nature's Secrets

This article is a  response to reader request if you'd like me to answer any questions , discuss a certain topic or etc... simply contact me on Facebook.

   In our artificially obsessed world where everyone enjoys a quick fix; if you have any wisdom at all you know how fleeting and artificial those fixes are. You may look nice now but fast-forwards 10-15 years and (insert cheesy thriller music here ___). Yes it will be that scary. I've personally seen before and after results. Greatness never comes without work Dolls and Dukes!- and most importantly it's never achieved through shortcuts.
  So I know what you're asking now; where are you going with this...Well its simple. I'm talking about something that's essential to every pinup girl, rockabilly queen, and greaser. A great palette. Or to say it plainer great skin. Look we all know this isn't just a look for us its a lifestyle therefore we're all conscious of how we present ourselves.

Great skin is one of the top ingredients on that list, if your skins not great nothing else is. (no matter how hard you try concealer doesn't hide but so much.) The sun tells all Dolls. So stick around I got some great tips, plus some D.I.Y.'s that are natural, won't break the bank and are guaranteed to have you looking great.

The Big not so Grand Reveal LoL

    First and foremost great skin starts on the inside not on the out. Believe it or not but the state of your skin is actually a reflection of state of ones health. For example with good health the skin is bright , will have a youthful glow and clear.  All of the things we do want our skin to be.
However with bad health skin will generally appear dull, lifeless, prone to
breakouts and other stress related skin diseases. Now this isn't set in stone its a general statement you will find that these things will go both ways depending on the person. In the end it depends on the work you put in.
   As I said you can't begin skincare with taking care of the body first, and water is one of the best things for that. if you're not already drinking it you should be drinking at least 8 glasses a day. Or more. If you're a person that suffers from dry skin, eczema (which i do), acne or anything like that; drinking an abundance of water will do wonders for. As well as detoxing. On the weekends take a lemon and squeeze it into a gallon of water. Then proceed to drink 2 gallons over the weekend, it will flush out your system from the inside out.
   One thing you always learn starting from grade school is K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid well the same goes for your skin. An Anti-aging should be incorporated into your régime at all ages (if you expect to be a silver minx later, you need to have it together now), also complicated skin routines confuse the skin and often produce the opposite effect you'd been hoping for. God gave us everything we need to sustain ourselves found right within nature itself. The chemicals and byproducts that are put in our beauty products today are astounding, using natural products is both great for the environment but your pocket as well. You can find a subsequent replacement for each store brought product with essential oils, fruits, veggies and just about anything in your kitchen. You'll find yourself replacing a wealth of everyday items from moisturizers, to exfoliators, and even sunscreen. (if you have a allergy do not use the subsequent essential oil/ organic oil of the nut, fruit, etc..., replace the oil for something of your own preference.)

   A good skincare regime should consist of an alternation between a gentle preferably creamy or soap cleanser and an exfoliant. I know you hear and read all the time about 'toners' but here's my opinion-you don't need them. A lot of times they actually do the reverse in what you think they're doing. D.I.Y. products are amazing and the best way to go. Its a great way to luxuriate; plus you'll be surprised how both cost efficient and what great gifts they make. So grab your paper and pen cause I'm sharing all of my favorite at home skincare recipes. Also I'm giving you,  your shopping list for all you're future at home skincare endeavors.

* I have and do use all recipes that I have shared. So no worries that I am just experimenting on you guys lol*

OOTD: 'A Day at the Doctor's', With a touch of Gab

 

Art by Joie Cuentista

   Hey there Dolls and Dukes👄. I've missed you all; I know I haven't posted in awhile but there's a reason.  We all know how life can jump up and kick us in the Kobus sometimes. Things haven't been all loco ,First I've had a birthday (on the fourth of march), which was great; an amazing vintage bag was procured during this venture which will be included in a future post. But the other two were not so good. My nana's not doing so well health wise so I've been spending time with her and if you follow me on Facebook (the bane of all our existence) you might have heard me talk about my recent Lupus flare ups (it ain't easy living lupie Dolls).

   Anyway on to happy things Today we've got a supper cute OOTD. Our destination is a trip to the doc's office and nice day out after. I'm sure we all have these days, however I know all too well what that usual Doctor visit go-to consist of. Well I have two things to say to that. One a lady should never walk out in sweats and two there is never a reason not look your best...especially a trip to the doctor.







OOTD:

Dress:
Vintage Asian print shirt waist dress Sorry guys I can't give you a go-to for this one. It's from Asia I brought it from an estate sale.


Accessories:
Grey pashmina Boscov's this place is great you can get a beautiful pashmina in virtually any color or pattern for about $4.99. For you Doll's and Dukes that are fans of Boscov's second level like me lol... they're having a sale soon
Black waist belt: to add some definition to the dress I added every pinups staple a black waist belt. But to give it a little something extra instead of wearing my flower in my hair I clipped it onto the side of my belt. flowergirl belt

Combat Boots:  I got these black combat boot surprisingly from charlotte ruse. Now they don't have these any more. But this pair is super cute Belted Lug Boots

turquoise teardrop: wire wrap earrings by Unexpected Things my own accessory line.

Hair ,Makeup:
Hair:  For this look we're going with side parted victory rolls. With silver bow hairclips from modcloth  as accents.
Makeup: 
I don't wear foundation as you well know so I'm sorry but i can't help you with that department. However, this Dame never leaves la casa without some Red lipstick. For todays look I tried out  Rimmel Alarm . For Bronzer I used ELF Baked Bronzer.

Well that's all for today darlings tell next time...

 

$ Hot Buy $: Don't ever say I don't include everyone!

   Alright Dolls sorry but this weeks hot buy is for the guys. It's just too great a deal not to share...and I do so love a snappy Duke.


Lot of 10 vintage men's shirts and sweaters from the late 50's-60's. Bonus! they come new with tags.

 

 

 

 

 

vintage mens shirts

Cultivate your Curves Dolls: My top 10 plus size vintage and reproduction retailers

  "Cultivate your curves...They may be dangerous but they won't be avoided" ---Mae West

 One of the biggest things I love about our little pinup and rockabilly community is it's celebration of the 'real woman' however she comes. I have never been a person to lack confidence but I also sadly believed in the past that I had to cover-up because even though I'm not a  plus sized woman I'm very curvy hourglass. We know stereotypes Dolls things don't look the same on extremely curvy women. You know the stereotypes: you don't want to look like a slut, or as if you're asking for it, etc... I love that with vintage clothes you don't have that problem-the more curves the better and majority of clothes where made to make a woman look like a woman. The problem now is that if you happen to be a Pleasantly Plump doll (doesn't that sound so much juicer ) now-a-days it can be really hard to find vintage and reproduction that's your size. This especially goes for reproduction which often times doesn't even carry over certain sizes at all. So that's why this post is dedicated to all my Pleasantly Plump and curvaceous Dames! Today we're talking flaw cover-up tips, shape wear, and I'll be giving my list of top 10 vintage and  reproduction sites for plus size Dolls.

  

Technically what I'm about to say goes for everyone, so listen up Dolls. Every Dolls that has gone through puberty needs some form of shape wear. Its not a symbol of some form of lack on your part by any means. Think of it as the final drizzle of chocolate syrup on your sundae transforming it from good to delectable. We all have flaws Dolls and quite frankly a lot of the styles we vintage dolls tend to favor are not flaw friendly. So here's a few common problems we all most likely deal with, and the solutions. So the next time you slide into that pencil skirt and tee, or wiggle dress you do it with complete confidence that you're looking your best.




Top 5 common flaw and shape wear solutions:

1.  The Muffin top 

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The tummy band : this piece of shape wear is designed to specifically elevate the problem of the muffin top. this is great for dolls that maybe don't feel comfortable taking the whole step into the world of girdles. But it will definitely get the job done.







2. Love handles 

      Full coverage smoothing camisole
A camisole can cover up a host of sins, even better they now come in shape wear form. You can choose whether you need full or medium converge, but this will quickly become your favorite piece of lingerie when you see how smooth and shapely it makes you look.









3. Stomach pouch