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"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing...kissing a lot. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls."
Audrey Hepburn


Tuesday, November 8, 2016

The Sadie Series: Gothic Brides


When you image-search the term 'Gothic Bride', there is a very clear depiction that prevails. White skin, hair dyed 'Black No.1', snowy bosoms struggling to escape from black corset cocoons, and deep red lips easily overshadow other visions of the style. But there are so many different directions one can take this idea. Victorian brides, like the one pictured, also speak the language of Gothic Romance, as do vampiresque mermaid gowns and drippy cobwebs of ivory lace. So the term can call to mind many dramatic styles that mesh and intermingle into one cohesive look. Fans of Jane Eyre, for instance, may see themselves in more of a demure gown that mimics the style of the heroine but also pays homage to the lunacy of Blanche (Ooo, I kinda dig that) in their vision.

In my mind, one gown has always reigned supreme as the be-all-end-all of 'Gothic Gowns'. This 1950's Dior masterpiece is what inspired my tutorial and truly inspires me in just about every other way as well...



With that in mind, the hair and makeup I came up with for this installment of my vintage bridal series is something that would suit a variety of looks that are not specific to any one era.
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HAIR:

The hair in this tutorial is very simple. I didnt really intend it to be, but as it came about, I decided that it needed to be. I'll be doing a Victorial bridal style soon, which will likely involve a more elaborate coiffure, so I didnt want to distract from the drama of the accessories and such by over-complicating the hair style. Therefore simple side combs, an easy pompadour, and the application of a faux ponytail is all that is required to achieve it.
My hair accessories are from Vintage Box 1947 and Taissa Lada Designs. My faux ponytail extension is by Irresistible Me.



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MAKEUP:

For the makeup, the secret is layering and blending the eyeshadows so that there is a very diffused smokey look to the eyes. This seems to come off really well in photographs, particularly in black and white shots. The lips are dark, of course, but not black or purple. These colors tend to make the teeth look a bit yellow if you should so happen to offer a toothy grin on the happiest day of your life. Skin is pale and has a satin-matte finish and a subtle highlight. Brows are darker and a bit more arched. Blush is bare to minimal.

Below is the tutorial, followed by a product list, if you'd like to know what I used. I do not believe that product choices are important here...you have unlimited options in this regard and can just use this as a loose reference if you wish.



Products Used:
Clinique Moisture Surge
Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Base
LORAC Behind the Scenes Eyeshadow Primer
Urban Decay, Original Naked Palette
Nyx Jumbo Pencil in 'Black Bean'
Wet n'Wild Pop Art Collection Shadow Palette in Three's a Party
Clinique Pretty Easy Lining Pen in Black
Clarins Supra Volume Mascara in Black
Ardell 105 Glamour Lashes
Napoleon Perdis China Doll Foundation-Shade 2B
Napoleon Perdis Mosaic Blushing Powder
Mary Kay liquid lip color-Discontinued product


So Long, Dearies!
Xoxo,
Ashley


Friday, October 21, 2016

Movies That Shaped My Style: The Women (1939)


Movies have always been my chief inspiration, when it comes to style. And there are a few films that I can truly say 'shaped' my taste in that regard. I thought it might be worthwhile to include a few words about those films occasionally here and on my Youtube Channel.

The one that is foremost in my mind is 1939's The Women, directed by George Cukor.

It's one of those movies that I enjoyed as a kid, because I always like the fashionable aspect of it and the witty one-liners. As an adult, I also identify with the female empowerment of it, although some might disagree with that notion. I personally feel that it taught some valuable lessons about humility, endurance, and hope.

The Movie:

Synopsis:
Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) is a society lady who leads what many feel to be a 'charmed life'. She is known in her community as one of the upper class 'elite' and seems from the outset to have it all..the perfect marriage, the perfect daughter, lots of friends, and scads of money. However, when catty gal-pal Sylvia Fowler (Rosalind Russell) hears a nasty rumor involving Mr Haines, Mary's friends suddenly seem all too glad to see her fall from grace. As the rumors circulate, build, and gain momentum-Mary must decide if her pride is more important than her marriage, and whether preserving her dignity is worth the loss of all she holds dear.

The story is simple, and one we've seen played out many times since...but never in quite this way. The black and white cinematography is crisp and stylish, focusing on details only women will truly appreciate. No men are present anywhere in the film; we don't even hear their voices or see them walking on the street. This little touch provides a mood and atmosphere that isn't obvious at first, but eventually proves to be the most important aspect of the story-telling itself. We begin to see how this priviledged world looked through the eyes of its females, and how modern society at the time influenced their behavior. The interior sets are painstakingly specific, drawing attention to the tastes and attitudes of each leading lady, and the full-color fashion show at a pivotal point in the story provides an even more impressive landscape to stage the scene.

The cast could not have been chosen better. Rosalind Russell is comically evil; Joan Crawford purrs and claws her way across the screen with a subtlety that I never knew she possessed; Paulette Goddard provides the sexy spunk that really set the standard for similar roles of the time. Supporting performances by Lucille Watson as Mary's wise and understanding mother, Virginia Weidler as the heart-broken little Mary, and Phyllis Povah as Sylvia's simple-minded side-kick are also standout, bringing the screenplay brilliantly to life. Although Joan Fontaine's portrayal is syrupy-sweet at times, and the story could potentially wear a little thin due to the fact that the second 'act' is a pretty drastic change of pace, this is a movie that never fails to improve with repeat viewings.

My rating: 10/10

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Fashionistically-speaking, this is one of the world's best. The designs by Adrian are memorable, to say the least, and really showcase the avant-garde look of his creations without overshadowing the players. Specific looks will always stand out to me. This blouse, for instance, worn by Sylvia during an early scene in the film, broadcasts without words her personal style and demeanor.


Adrian's designs were a great mix of new and classic. They brought to the forefront of fashion a kooky mentality that was a welcome respite from the stern drama of the 1930's.

In The Women, Adrian paid special attention to the characters he was dressing, making sure to give them an elegant feel without forgetting that sex-appeal and comedy were also key players.


He reserved his more bold designs in the film for the spectacular full-color fashion show, which boasted ensembles suitable for both day and evening events.


This beach jacket could be irresistible or off-putting, depending on who you are. It features a realistic human hand at the closure- holding a rose, no less.


Make sure to look up more of Adrian Greenburg's luscious designs, which are quintessential fashion examples of the decade. His life was relatively short, but he made a solid mark on Hollywood and the fashion world, as well as an undeniable impression on my own style choices and love of all-things-novelty.

Til Next Time...
XXOO,
Ashley



Monday, October 3, 2016

Fabulous Faux Ponytails!


Ever since I can remember, I have loved the look of a big, fake ponytail. Elvis movies were full of them; my mom LIVED in faux hair pieces in the 60's! They're just the sassiest thing! So my fine, thin hair was definitely not going to ever be capable of giving me the look I wanted in a ponytail.

Enter the Irresistible Me Ponytail Extension!

I first introduced this little item to you long ago, when I was still a blonde. The video still stands and you can still use it, as well as the rest of the videos in that playlist, showcasing all the fabulous retro ways to use this hairpiece!

After I had my hair cut into a pixie last year, I knew it would be some time before I could revisit this sort of piece, so I'm very excited to be back on the 'faux pony'! My hair is now almost shoulder-length and ready for action!

My ponytail was blonde, so I made the decision to color it to match my red, as opposed to trying to match it with one of their existing titian shades. Which was a good choice, as it turns out, because I've since discovered that the reds they offer are no where near my current color. The color I use is the Loreal Feria 'Power Copper' with the color booster. The problem with this color is that it fades pretty quickly on my own hair, so for a time, I've had to wash my ponytail extension every time I wash my hair, so they'll fade at the same rate. A headache. One of the only cons to being a redhead though, so I'll take it.

Now, the tail is the purrr-fect shade of bombshell red, so I'm not complaining.

I also gave it a good whack, since I was bored with the super long heaviness of it. Now, I'm wearing it ALL the time because it's more comfy!


Anyway, that's about it for this entry, other than the link below of course. Clickety-click on the play button and you will see this baby in action as well as hear some handy-dandy tips for applying it!
Oh! And remember that if you use the following link (also in the info bar of the video, on Youtube), you'll get a discount AND be helping me out!!
http://bit.ly/IM_Hair219




Til' next time

So Long, Dearies!

xoxo,
Ashley


Friday, September 9, 2016

A Tale of Two Tutorials


It was 'Styling as Usual' on Lisa Freemont Street for the last two weeks. That really just means it was a 'return to formula' and I was able to add to some existing series I have going on my channel.

Occasionally, I revisit a tutorial I've done in the past and call it a 'Street Repeat'. Since last week's tutorial was also based on the following Classic Pin Up Art piece, it qualified as both a repeat and an addition to that series. This Pearl Frush lady is just everything, and I love her one upswept little Victory Roll near her face.

Since I have bangs, I found a way to somewhat mimic that upswept look while hiding my fringe and I liked the final product!

The original version of this style, from all the way back in 2009, is still on Youtube and I'll go ahead and link it here as well. For fun, I used the same spunky little Squirrel Nut Zippers tune in my recreation. It's such a good one! Hopefully the lighting and instruction in the new one is easier to follow, but using both together could be helpful as well.

Original Tutorial:


New Tutorial:


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The second tutorial was an installment for my Diamonds & Dames series, which is an all-request series on my channel. You can visit the entire playlist, which started all the way back in 2009, here.

For this most recent episode, I used a request I received for the center-parted softly waved style worn by Donna Reed in From Here to Eternity and catered it to shorter hair. The result was just a semblance of the original style but still very much a 1950's option. It's such a simple look to achieve that I hardly feel it cam be termed a tutorial. So let's just call it a 'styling option' for short hair. Ha!


As far as the movie goes, I'm not a huge fan of this one. I feel it was mostly overrated and none of the characters really resonated with me. That said, the performance by Donna Reed was decent, albeit melodramatic even for the era, and who can forget that oceanside make-out session? It's been years since I've seen it, so I won't mess with trying to rate it accurately...strictly going on memory, I'd probably be scoring it a solid 7/10 based on the direction and some of the performances, in spite of its inability to connect with me.


And here is the tutorial for the Donna Reed inspired style...short and sweet and accompanied by a lovely little Eddie Fisher tune from the year the film was released. Enjoy!



So that was what was up the last couple of weeks. I'm currently settling my kid into K12 home school and planning a move back to middle Tennessee so I don't have as much time on my hands. I'll definitely be around though. You'll see me.

xoxo,
Ashley


Friday, August 26, 2016

Sponsor Salute: Miss Poppywear & the 'Vanessa' Dress

Yay for sponsors!

A few months ago, a site out of the Netherlands called Miss Poppywear contacted me about advertising here on my page. I was hesitant at first, since the site was not written in English (although there IS a little drop-down option in the top right corner that I later discovered and which magically converts the whole site into English-Voila!), but quickly got over that when I saw the great selection they had. There is so much good stuff to offer in this little online shop! Separates and dresses and hats-oh my!

But's let talk a little about this dress, shall we?

I picked this dress from their site on my own, and they kindly sent it to me for review. It's by the brand Lindy-Bop (a brand I've also come to love for their amazing childrens' clothing), and featured candy stripes, a little belt, and a flattering gathered bust that really appealed to the 1950's fan in me.


When I received the dress and tried it on, I was really impressed by the quality. Although it's not vintage-authentic in its construction, meaning it does include some lycra-stretch fabric for a more modern fit, it is very well made and showcases a sturdy lining as well. I always try my garments on initially without any shape wear, mainly to gage the 'actual' fit, and even without my handy-dandy under-duds, it zipped easily. It was very comfortable and needed very little pulling or tugging to make it sit correctly. Initially the bust area was a little big, something I'm used to since I am not the most proportionate of gals, but tacking down the extra fabric helped significantly with that little detail.

The fabric is a lovely shade of pink and white stripe, not too bubble-gummy but also not too deep, and the cotton chosen for the bust fabric blends with it beautifully. The belt is a patent material and really neither here nor there, to be honest but I think I may try it with a black belt eventually, to give the dress a little additional 'oomph' at the waist line.

The back of the dress is one of my favorite things about it. Instead of taking the predictable route, there is the added interest of the lovely pointed collar at the neckline which really helps highlight the classic feel of the narrow stripe. The fit at the rear is also very nice, since I feel it flatters that area without adding too much attention to it. Whew! Another nice feature is the graduated wide straps that finish in a cap sleeve for maximum bra coverage!


For the photo shoot, I did indeed wear my trusty Rago waist nipper for a little extra curve-appeal, and also some added security. I feel that from the front and side, the proportions are appropriately consistent and I am more than happy to wear this one out and about for afternoon or evening summer events.


For our hot and humid Memphis weather, I opted to pair the dress with a casual up-do, a gorgeous flower clip from Belle Blossoms, my pink peep-toe pumps by Remix Vintage, and an ever-important paper parasol that I purchased a few VLV's ago. I felt classic and cool-always a nice combo.


I am honored that Miss Poppywear wanted to advertise with me and hope that all of you will visit the site, linked here in this entry AND to the left in my sponsor column. Shipping is reasonable and questions are readily answered, but if you have any queries about either, you can always post a comment below and I will also do my best to help you.

So Long, Dearies!

All photos taken by uber-talented local artist, Jerry Plunk of Plunk Kreativ, at Overton Park, Memphis Tn. Plunk Kreativ is also linked to your right.


Thursday, July 28, 2016

Vintage Hair Problems: Rolling the Back of Your Head


I get a lot of Vintage Style questions via email and on social media and usually the questions are pretty easy to answer in writing, with just a few words. Occasionally however, one arises that I feel a video would better serve to answer. This one, for instance:

How do I roll the back of my head?

Because I tend to roll my hair without a back view at all, I sometimes take it for granted that it's something everyone does. I know there are some girls who firmly believe in precision in this regard, using a mirror and a rat-tail comb to delicately part and curl the back of their head to perfection. And certainly vintage styling books show very specific placement for the back of the head, being geared towards the professional crowd as they are. But I do think most people don't give it a lot of thought or effort. Or at least, I think most ladies would prefer not to have to take that much time setting their hair at night.

If you are that latter gal, this video is for you! This is how I set my hair in the back and yes, I show you the messy results as well as the actual style that comes from the process. It doesn't have to be a thoughtful procedure unless you want it to be...and if you do, I salute you. But if you don't...join me and the other ladies who enjoy sitting in a tv-lit room watching Stephen Colbert as we haphazardly throw our hair up for the night!

xoxo,
Ashley


Easy False Eyelashes for Doll and Cat Eyes!


For those of us with a vintage aesthetic, false lashes can make or break a look! No amount of wiggle dresses, high heels, seamed stockings, or bombshell waves will make up for a lash-less eye. While winged liner and lots of mascara can definitely add some thickness to your flutter, to really channel the broads of yore, you'll have to get used to applying some lashes-at least for special occasions.

The following video was made for YOU...you there, with your glue-problems and red eyes! You poked those tweezers in there one time too often, didn't you? I've got you.

Here is my failsafe, tweezer-less eyelash application tutorial! Enjoy!



Friday, July 15, 2016

The Country Broad & the City Broad- A YouTube Collaboration

I first ran across Lolita Haze quite a few years ago when I was a visitor of the forums called The Fedora Lounge. She had such a great attitude and such a handle on her own vintage style, that I began following her blog and youtube uploads with interest. Since then, we've both been super busy ladies and I actually lost track of her for a while.
I'm happy to see that she's back on youtube delivering more great platinum hairstyles with effortless rolls and plenty of pow!

When she approached me recently for a collaboration idea, I was stumped at first. It's hard to remain creative and vintage-authentic at the same time anyway, so adding someone else's style into the mix can be challenging. Then she mentioned a 'Country hairstyle/City Hairstyle' collab, and that really hit home...I loved the idea of doing a tongue-in-cheek revamp of the age-old 'Country Mouse & City Mouse' fable! I would be the Country broad, since I'm southern born and raise, and Lolita would do a vintage take on a City Broad.

For a few days I browsed the inter-webs in search of some photo-inspiration, and realized that I wanted to keep it simple...closer to what a typical country gal from the south might have actually done to her hair in the heat of summer. Usually there would have been a wet-set involved, to combat humidity, and flowers would have been plucked and perhaps woven into a chain for adornment. So the following look was born, and quite literally created 'on the fly'. It came out a little more bridal than I expected, which I didn't mind at all, and also even a little Petticoat Junction? I can see it with overalls and a gingham top but it would pair just as easily with an eyelet slip dress. I wore this with pride the day I did it though, because it felt completely organic to me. A bit sloppy maybe, but hey, who needs perfection?


I hope you enjoy the following tutorial as well..and please don't forget to check out Lolita's Video too, which will be linked in the info bar.


So Long, Dearies!!


Saturday, July 9, 2016

The Starlet Series Episode 4: 1923


So far, all of the movies I've paid homage to in this resurrected series of mine, are dramatic films. This time, I decided to use a look featured in one of the decade's most pivotal silent comedies: Safety Last!, starring Harold Lloyd and his real-life leading lady, Mildred Davis. I had only seen those famous iconic images of Lloyd dangling from a clock tower until now, so I was happy to see that the film is available on a variety of streaming options and in relatively good quality. I'm so glad I gave it a watch!


About the Film:

The story is very simple. Harold Lloyd portrays 'the boy', in this one. Names aren't needed, nor are they missed. The boy travels to the big city to seek his fortune, and thus procure the hand of his lady-love back at home. While he is highly ambitious, he doesn't quite manage to make said 'fortune', and instead lives hand to mouth, scraping together earnings from a thankless job at a local department store. Since he exaggerates his success in his letters to home, sending expensive gifts and making dishonest claims about his position at the store, the girl he loves decides to make a journey to the city as well, so they can go ahead and be married. Faced with her presence, the boy must decide how to quickly obtain the funds needed, and comes up with a publicity stunt that would result in a huge paycheck for him, as well as increased business for the store. Chaos and hilarity ensue.

In spite of the fact that the story is very basic, there are moments of comedic timing here that will rival anything ever filmed. The moments at the department store, during sale days, when the ladies ransack the dress goods for a good deal will still resonate with retail workers today. Both Lloyd and Davis shine on screen, separately and as a couple. While I still prefer the acrobatic charm of Buster Keaton, I can completely understand the appeal of Harold's 'every-man' persona. The tousled hair, black framed rims, and lanky frame all combine to create a presence that was much-needed during a time of dark and brooding screen heroes. Davis is a breath of fresh air as well, sacrificing glamour and icy sentimentality in favor of girl-next-door simplicity. Her expressions, fashions, and simple attire likely spoke to the ladies of that generation in a way that was attainable and identifiable for them. The climax of this film did not fail to impress, especially when one considers the amount of preparation and skillful stunt-work that would have been involved in such a feat. For what it is, it is hard to imagine it being improved upon even in light of today's technical advances.

My Rating: 10/10
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The Tutorial:

My inspiration for the look in this video was actually based on a head shot of Davis at the time. I liked the above photo because her curls are still very apparent, and the big beautiful white flower really sets off her hair length and texture.

The trick with this hairstyle is to mimic the look of natural curls, in spite of my stick-straight, fine hair. If you've already got curly hair, simply placing your hair in pin curls while damp and brushing through the newly structured curls until the frizz has abated will give you a similar look. For longer hair, just pin up the length into a faux bob.

I first set it overnight in the smallest foam rollers I had. I parted my hair on the side and sprayed each section with a diluted solution of Lottobody setting lotion before rolling it up.
End papers will also come in handy if you have layered ends. The results of this set are some serious frizzy curls and will be super intimidating at first. HAVE NO FEAR. You can brush past the frizz if you have a good brush and some patience. Forming the curls into waves will be a bit of a process (it actually took me about 20 minutes)but it will be worthwhile when you finish.

The makeup I did was the easiest option for 20's makeup yet. It's a wearable version more consistent with the every day look that makeup novices of the day would have done. After all, makeup was really new to the general public and folks like Mildred Davis made a natural, fresh look not only en vogue, but also highly attainable!

See the video for techniques and application tips, but below is a list of the actual products I used in this tutorial. Some are discontinued so I didn't include those. Just find something with the same general look.

Products Used:

Face:
Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch (primer) by Clarins
Beyond Perfecting Foundation by Clinique in the color 'Alabaster'

Brows:
Mac eyeshadow in Soft Brown

Eyes:
Napoleon Perdis Prismatic Eyeshadow Quad #4
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper'
Lancome Hypnose 'Doll Eyes' Mascara, black

Lips:
Rimmel Lip Liner in 'Spice'
Loreal Lipstick in Cinnamon Toast

Floral Hair Clip: Belle Blossoms



Sunday, July 3, 2016

Jane Jetson Gets the 'Animated Angels' Treatment...Again!


So not so long ago, in a comparatively kidless house, I did a Jane Jetson look for my Animated Angels series. The look was scatterbrained and bad quality, but I still dug it. However the powers-that-be in copyright-land, decided it could not stay on Youtube. The look now only exists in a few random photos from several several years ago.

Time has passed, hair has shortened, and I have decided to recreate a 'Jane' look for the series. The video quality is still not ideal when it comes to makeup, but this series is still one of my favorites because I feel so much more like I have 'free reign' when it comes to the look I want to achieve. My 'Bad Minnie' will have to be next!

That said, this week's video is for those of you who wish to channel the matriarch of the Jetson clan, without going full-on costume.


Starting with Makeup:

The makeup in this look is inspired by the early sixties, when bold opaque colors were used in high fashion all over the tear duct area, and fake bottom lashes were often drawn onto the model. Twiggy-lashes were all the rage and I decided to do them for this look, on a much more subdued scale. The top lashes are also big, long, sixties-inspired ones that flare out at the end. Mine are Ardells but dang it, if I didn't throw the box away! Anyway, any sort of spikey fluttery lash should work brilliantly. Otherwise, the application and techniques are pretty standard.


Foundation notes: I'm wearing my favorite Clarins True Radiance foundation in this video, with only Clinique Moisture Surge as a primer. Both can be pricey but the finish should be subtle and you can use whichever you prefer. The blush and highlighter I used is neither here nor there...but I do recommend in the video that you get the Nyx Strobing palette for highlighting since it's the BEST one I've tried!!

Eyeshadow notes: The eyeshadow palette I'm using is by Stila and it was in a purple cardboard packaging. The name of the palette was 'In the Moment', but it's since been discontinued. The colors are great though, so if you can find one anywhere, I highly recommend it. If not, no worries...you can use anything that you like. Just keep in mind that frosty eyeshadows do tend to be more reliable from the drugstore than matte ones. Just a sad fact.

Eyeliner notes: Okay, ya'll know that I'm not going to recommend you skimp when it comes to Eyeliner. The Pretty Easy Lining pen by Clinique is still my favorite since the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner...and it's cheaper! Draws thick and thin lines equally well and lasts FOREVER!

Lip Color Notes: The Soft Matte Lip Cream by Nyx in the color, 'London, is my all-time favorite nude shade, so get it! It's only 6.00 and it feels and smells great...sort of a no-brainer. The liner is also fantastic...hot mocha by Napoleon Perdis. It's not available in the US though, from what I understand, so find something similar that registers as a cool nude on your skin tone. The silvery lip gloss is by MAC and it's a discontinued shade called Flurry of Fun. Find anything with a bluish hieroglyphic glitter in it and you'll be golden...or...errr...silver-en?

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Hair Notes: As you know, I live in Memphis Tennessee...which is a LITERAL hot-bed of humid stickiness in the summer time. Although I used my Remington Tight Curls for the purpose of this tutorial, it's absolutely NOT recommended for my climate and I'm not sure why I did it. Laziness, I guess. That said, stick with your foam rollers or pin curls for humid climates and follow the same process. If you're in a low-humidity environment, use a curling iron, hot rollers, whatever...knock yourself out!

Hair Product notes: Always use a heat protectant without alcohol and a good hairspray. I'm loving my Sebastion Shaper Plus hairspray for helping fight humidity during our sticky late weather!

So that's about it....make sure to check the video link below for the full tutorial AND outfit suggestions from companies that I feel have options that perfectly encapsulate that whimsical space-age style!

So long, Dearies!


Saturday, June 25, 2016

The Nashville Boogie 2016



It has been more than a month since my return from the 2nd annual Nashville Boogie, and I feel it's time I said a few words about it. Now that the newness and the thrill has faded, it seems easier to give an honest review based on my memory of the highlights and the lowlights (or does that just apply to hair?).

This year, the Nashville Boogie took place between May 12-15 at the luxurious Gaylord Opryland Hotel and we all had very high hopes for it. The line up was incredible, and based on last year's success, it was by far 'the event' I wanted to attend in 2016. So did it measure up?

In a word, YES!



Simply put, I was very upset that I had to choose my event this year. My budget didn't allow for me to go to both VLV and the Boogie, and so we conscientiously booked rooms at both and waited for the band list to be announced. Although I like many of the bands that played Viva Las Vegas this year, the Boogie line-up was on a whole other level. Great international acts like Marcel Bontempi and the Go-Getters, as well as excellent artists in the states, like James Intveld and The Planet Rockers couldn't be denied. Although I knew I would miss my dear friends from the west coast, whom I only ever get to see at Viva, I knew that making the local choice this year was a much more responsible plan.


If you saw my Weekender Recap from last year, you know that the venue is a very big plus in this case. The Opryland Hotel is a legendary hotel of the south, being one of the largest non-gaming facilities in the world, and offers a whole world of options in terms of entertainment. While the food is still expensive, we made better choices this time, like eating our big meal of the day during lunch, so as to take advantage of the better pricing during that time. Wasabi, the asian eatery located with 'outdoor' seating in one of the hotel's three, lush conservatories, was especially yummy, as was the Jack Daniels Pub, which offers a lot of upscale comfort food. The cheesy grits were especially delectable at 11:30pm!



The bands we most looked forward to were staggered throughout Friday and Saturday, so we decided to sit out Thursday and spend that time with our kids, who had traveled to the area with us. We left them with family Friday morning and headed to the Opryland Resort just in time to check in and head to the main event venue for The Doel Brothers, one of my favorite acts of the weekend. The Doel Brothers hail from the UK and offer up some of the best traditional country that I've seen in a long time.
From that point on, the weekend was a rush of running back and forth to the Nashville Palace, where many of our favorite traditional acts were booked. We did a pretty good job hoofing it though, since we saw almost everyone we wanted to. Also, there was plenty of room to dance and cavort and people-watch to our hearts' content.

As far as negatives, there were very few. It was a bit of a walk from the main hotel to the principal venue, and the weather did get a bit chilly sometimes, but honestly who cares about a little stroll when Deke Dickerson is being backed by The Reverend Horton Heat!? I sure don't! And yeah, maybe the sound wasn't the best in one of the other showrooms, and maybe the cars were not as plentiful, but that was easily balanced by the abundance of great vintage shopping, a fabulous western couture fashion show, and the chance to see Chris Issak at the Grand Ol' Opry! So I certainly won't complain.

Let's just say, the Nashville Boogie is definitely shaping up to one of the best vintage themed festivals in the world, and there couldn't possibly be a better place for it than the birth state of so many great musical genres. So in my opinion, it's here to stay!

Give the following video a look-see, for a few more photos and a taste of some of the entertainment we enjoyed over the weekend.
Tim Next Time...
So Long, Dearies!






Friday, June 17, 2016

Using Foam Rollers in Vintage Styles


So many people have asked me to do another tutorial in 'real-time' of myself rolling my hair into a foam roller setting. I guess I sometimes forget that even the basics aren't so basic to those who are just starting out.

Therefore, I created the following tutorial, which is a bit lengthy and chatty, but which really tries to do just that...walk you through the basics of the foam roller set.

In it, we'll discuss a few of the following Frequently Asked Questions, which I will also answer in the most simple way here, but I do hope you'll also watch the demonstration since it's pretty important to the final process:

1. Why foam rollers instead of a curling iron? In southern United States humidity, as in many other tropical and humid parts of the world, a heated set just doesn't cut it...especially on straight hair. Foam rollers are one of several overnight sets I depend on to give myself that retro vibe without having to work too hard. It takes me about 15 minutes to roll up a haphazard set (about 20 to be more precise) and literally 5 minutes to style my hair after I unroll it the next morning. Now I don't do super complex styles for every day (or really ever) so this is the easiest thing I can do to my hair while still keeping it healthy!


2. Is a setting pattern important for every day hairstyles?
Probably not. You'll find that rolling you hair a certain way will likely become your favorite when it comes to the final outcome. But a 'setting pattern' is not necessary for a basic every day style.

3.Do I roll hair wet or dry? I see people do both! As a rule, towel-dried, straight-out-of-the-shower wet hair will be more trouble than it's worth! Not only is the hair more delicate when it's wet, thus risking breakage when you lay down to sleep on the rollers, but it most likely WON'T dry by morning, especially if your hair is wet! Even for the thinnest hair, I recommend starting with dried hair, prepped with a styling lotion, and spraying each section damp before you roll it, concentrating on the ends.

4. What setting lotion do I use? My all time favorite setting lotion was the Sahag Sculpt Mousse, which has been discontinued. Try to find a similar foam mousse that is good for crushable styling (get recommendations from your stylist perhaps) or go with the old standards: Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion and Lottabody Setting Lotion, both available at beauty supply shops. The former is more moisturizing so keep that in mind, and the latter has to be diluted and can sometimes make the hair a little 'crunchy' so use it sparingly.

5. How tightly Do I wind the curl? Pretty tightly! Start at the end of the hair, wrap the ends first. Then tightly roll upwards to the scalp before claiming in place. A tight roll guarantees that the curl will keep its shape as the foam base relaxes and the hair dries.

6. Do I protect the curls as I sleep? With what? I use a chiffon hair scarf OR a hair net interchangeably. The net has more 'give' but also holds nicely and won't slip. So it's probably the best choice. It's also a good option for protection other roller sets. Not a good option for pin curls,however, since the clips will likely tear the net.

Other questions and concerns are discussed in the following embedded video. Thanks so much for sticking around, Dearies!!


xoxo,
Ashley


Friday, June 10, 2016

Belle Blossoms Giveaway!



My friend Heather, at Belle Blossoms, has had a busy few years. Not only was she baking a baby (twice) for the majority of the time, but she still kept adding gorgeousness to her site!

As you know, Belle Blossoms has been a supporter of mine since WAY back...I'm talkin' 2009-sh. So I'm always happy when she sends me new stuff to review and demands that I give some of it to you guys as well! This time, the selection is out of this world. Lots of beautiful extravagant blossoms and don't forget those Grip Tuth side combs and fascinators! She's also just stocking some nylon head scarves for ya'll! So make sure you check out the site here, as well as visit the video embedded below so you can enter to win some of these babies for yourselves!

Giveaway is open to everyone and rules are posted in the info bar of the video. And if you decide to go ahead and purchase you also have the added perk of a 20% discount if you use coupon code LFS16! It's a win-win, so knock yourselves out!