When it is more cost effective to make your own ears

At Magic Kingdom in Florida it seemed to me every cool person had some kind of Mickey/Minnie mouse ears, or a goofy hat, or a WHOLE PRINCESS OUTFIT. (Me? Jealous much?). I investigated the cost of buying such a headpiece but at $17 for your standard ears to look like everyone else seemed a little dear. Even a nutter such as myself wouldn't find much use for them again until the next time I visited.

So I made my own.

The plan was to make two sets of "ears". A Minnie Mouse bow to be worn as above and a Christmas Bauble set of ears. These are the sorts of things I think about when waiting in queue to go on a ride! 

 I had already purchased felt squares (yes I spend time in craft centres while on holiday). I had a few twisty ties from the bread bags, a rubber band, my mini sewing kit (thanks Jenny), and a bit of ribbon from a chocolate box (yum). I stumbled over the mini baubles at Forever 21 (good for hair flowers in there) and picked up some of those snappy hair clips.

 Minnie's dots took the longest as I didn't have any glue so they needed to be stitched on, but still, quick enough.

Ta dah! Then I put my hair up in pigtails, backcombed them until I looked quite a fright and doubled the ends over. It's falling down a wee bit in this pic, but it lasted all day with a few tweaks

The Christmas themed ears were to wear on the official first Christmas party. Basically I just threaded the baubles onto two clips using a couple of twisty ties on one and a rubber band cut in half, then knotted, on the other. I was "Make Do and Creating" with what was on hand.

The ears had height because the baubles are strung together tightly, so they bunch up. I'm oddly proud of the fact that The Mad Hatter in the parade noticed them and gave me the thumbs up. It was a bit like a royal seal of approval!

 I think I'm going to do a similar thing but in smaller bunches all nestled in my hair for a Christmas dance.

Being on holiday in a hot place meant I didn't take too much real vintage. I didn't wish to be spending any of my holiday hand washing or ironing and so there are some old normal civilian t.shirts in my pics. I do apologise! In my defense I was prepared to leave these behind if I found good vintage bargains and had run out of space, which can happen in the vintage hunting mecca called the U.S.A (Universal Shop for Antiquities).

I leave you with the final pic of Sleeping Beauty's castle at midnight. Pretty huh?

Shona x

How many Cinderella shoes is enough?

I had a different kind of get together with friends recently. We get together to be tended to by a vintage hairdresser, and as it was the last weekend in November, a bit early for too much tinsel. 

The time felt right for a tiny sprinkling of Christmas magic though so I made up an easy party theme:

"Dust off your Cinderella shoes"

By definition, a Cinderella shoe is one that you must get out of by midnight, which is when you cast them off to hobble home bare footed, and while not practical for everyday use, are very useful for hooking a prince.

Of course the blokes didn't really have any Cinderella shoes, but they arrived  looking stylish

It turned out to be a better theme than I thought it would, since I made sure everyone knew that the rest of the outfit didn't matter. Casual clothes on a blustery wintery day makes sense in London

The number of "arriving" shoes I have is quite extraordinary, though I didn't think so until some of the ladies gazed at the tree and asked "are they ALL yours?" 

But of course! In truth these are just my brightest ones on the tree, I have far more. But YOU guys knew that.

Having said that, I've bought most of them at car boot fairs, charity shops etc and since my classic vintage style doesn't change, some of these on the tree I've had for 10 or 15 years (it would have been longer if I'd stayed in one country), and some I only paid £2 for. Plus I think it is the easiest way of glamming or funking up any outfit as well as lifting your spirits.

How about you? Could you fill a tree with Fantasy Shoes?

Shona x

10 reasons why you should holiday for a month

Hello lovely followers!

Sorry you haven't heard peep from me for so long now. Lets see now... I've recently come back from a really long trip to Orlando, Florida for a seriously needed RnR. And before that, I was running around getting organised work wise and other stressful-things wise. I was very glad for the trip coming just at the right time.

Our holiday was for a whole month (yes I KNOW!) and we haven't had a break that long since we were on our way over to the UK, over 10 years ago. I must say, my time efficiencyometer loved it and here's why:

1.  After 2 weeks I really felt like I was on holiday. There was a difference in the chill out factor level from there on in.

Universal Studios car and a Tart.

2.  We had plenty of time for not doing anything much. We had days packed full of the theme parks and other days chock-a-block full of books and napping

3.  It is more time efficient to go away for a longer time than have two or more short breaks. Granted, it is not often you can go for a month, but there is something to be said for making all that holiday planning, packing, just-must-do-this-thing-for-work-ing, not to mention jet-lag and travelling, worth your while.

Photograph, taken in 1930 on display at Miami International Airport

4.  We got settled into a bit of a routine, we knew were to get our groceries and how to get around quickly, saving planning time and holiday stress

6.  If we got distracted by an outdoor bar drenched in sunshine offering happy hour cocktails served by fun bartenders, so what?

Mr Heyday at a bar at Universal Citywalk (there were a few)

7.  It was cost effective. Since we based ourselves in one self-contained condominium for the whole stay (which are cheaper than you'd think), we got an extra 20% discount off the total, which made the trip much more possible. The per day rate on the rental car was also better.

5.  We had time to go back to places if we really liked it. Including vintage shops (but of course)

Me with Barb, the most entertaining vintage shop owner I could have met, I'll let you know where when I find her card!

8.  We could do little bits of work (necessary when running a small business) and not feel resentful that we were supposed to be on holiday because it didn't really get in the way

9.  We have come back ready and eager to get back into work because we were away long enough.

10.  Simply because life is too short not to make the most of it when the chance comes up - but you knew that already!

(He might hate me for this) Mr Heyday, impressed at the fake snow at Magic Kingdom (it will only be too soon before we get it for real back in the UK)

Our flights were courtesy of BA air miles, mostly clocked up on hubby's American Express card for his business - proving it really does pay to buy into some of these reward programs!

So now that we are back there is so much to tell you - holiday stories, shopping tales and of course we will HAVE to do a Christmas giveaway especially since we are now over 600 followers, but first dear readers, the most important thing to know is that we are running a Christmas Countdown, with a different BARGAIN each day. The deal of the day and the code to use will be announced on Facebook and Twitter, so make sure you follow us there. And if you have joined our newsletter I will send advance notice next Wednesday of the following weeks discounts (sorry, this weeks one has gone as a thank you to those who already have signed up)

We'll see you back here soon

Shona x

Vintage Resurrection: On the Wagon

I've had this dress for a while, but didn't wear it much, despite the fact that I loved the print. The thing was, despite needing some seam repairs and darts put back in, it used to have black binding on the neckline, armhole and pockets. But the binding had faded, and seemed to dull the dress down a lot. So I changed it to a bright green to match the print. I'm much happier with it now. Green is my thing anyway

It had a decent hem, so I used fabric from there to make the belt. The outfit will be complete when I make a little bolero out of green fabric to match the buckle.

The photo is making my boobs look maaHOOsive, (which they are a bit), but hubby taking the pics doesn't help, as he will tend to put himself in such an angle that I just about have to peer over them to see him! Also though, I've been loosing a bit of weight (on purpose) and it has gone off my waist first, leaving me a bit top heavy. Some would say that it is a good problem to have.

Isn't it a great print?

New Shoes! I had been berating the fact that I sold a similar pair years ago, and missing them because they were so lightweight and went with everything. I had to remind myself that they were also a half size too small in reality.

Anyway, these are an excellent replacement, since they have all the features of the old pair, PLUS flowers on the front. I found by complete fluke has I *just happened* to walk through a sale in a department store (I seem to only go in those places for make up nowadays). 

 Here's my tricky pretend 50s short hair. I roll it up at the back using a rat and then pin curls around the edges. Everyone asked if I had cut my hair that day - RESULT!!

From the other side -  I tidied up that big curl after I saw the pictures. A few flowers distract from the roll at the bottom. The bonus is that the curls will hold until the next day since they are pinned in place.

Shona x

Twinwood 2012

There is nothing that speeds by quite as fast as time does it seems - Whooosh! It has already been 2.5 weeks since Twinwood and I haven't said peep about it. When we are trading, it is usually just so busy that we forget to eat, let alone take pics. This time I didn't quite forget you dear readers, and although they are all posed iphone pics, I hope you do enjoy them.

Gemma King and I on Saturday. Gemma was re-enacting that day and here she is in her full medics outfit. 

A monster dragonfly that came to visit long enough for us to name him Jim

Me about to tuck into one of the cupcakes that Charlotte from Restoration Cake bought along for me. It was very warm that day and my make-up has melted off.

Madeline Brown, wearing our Navy Mary dress with a bit of extra blinging sparkle, all set for singing in the main arena.

Kitten von Mew with hubby Richard, in her Peacock Mary dress that she customised with embroidered gold leaves. I love a bit of individual flair! Kitten performed all over Twinwood, and you can see her Burlesque photos here

The gang from Vintage News TV came to interveiw me. I've been too terrified yet to watch it until just now, you can go see for yourself if you like, they have a lovely round up of Twinwood, and Kitten makes a cameo walk through in the best hat ever

Gemma came back to help me on the Sunday and Monday, and had a brainstorm of an idea of getting into a pair of men's trousers. (No, not with a man IN them already)

Don't they suit her well? Gemma is quite a straight figure, and while she looks great in our normal ladies trousers, can also get away with the men's ones too. Here she is in one of those "sporting" style poses reminiscent of the golden days of advertising

Jude and his Mum dropped by on Monday, using the ticket Jude won on this very blog. Just as he promised he would, he dressed up for the day in military flair with a funky Elvis inspired hair do.

Then the team from Radio Twinwood came by to visit as well! They have just launched an online radio that you can listen to here. It's great!

I had to laugh at how I look that last pic - like I've just gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson and won! Well that was the 5th day of my pin curl set, and what with a little wind, warm, rain and living in a plastic tent, that's what you get with my hair. I can't explain my sleeve though. Hmmm... do I look tough?

I think I've told you before that Twinwood is one of our favourite events of the year - I simply love it. This year they did even better AGAIN. We've been going 7 years now and seen the organisers slowly but steadily grown it to the size it is now, without loosing the easy going, relaxed, happy feel.

It is August Bank Holiday every year and camping places are already selling for next year. Do come if you can, it would be lovely to meet you there

Shona x

How I get the BUZZ back

When you run your own business, the to-do list is endless and it can really be overwhelming because it seems never ending. I'm sure a number of you out there get what I mean! When I worked a "normal" office job, I had NO IDEA it would be so tough to be your own boss.

I've found that I can combat this somewhat by just getting a little bit of me-time at the sewing machine, making something for myself (rather than a sample for the business for instance). Doing something for me seems to give me a bit more I buzz that I can in turn give to the business. It is the BUZZ that counts, don't you think?

I might only get half an hour or an hour at a time, but it adds up, and presto - a new outfit!When I'm sewing for me, one rule is to use what I have in the stash first, saving money of course, but also because it is getting out of control. 

So in fact, it is a new outfit for free.

I've been practising with pin curl sets with wet hair and I find it fabulous! It takes my hair 24 hours to dry but then I have *good* hair for maybe 5 days. This is my hair on day one, and I haven't brushed it out on purpose, just separated and arranged the curls with my fingers. 

No I haven't dyed it - it is some trick of the sunlight! And yes, I'm still in the UK, it is just that the sun was out last week.

With this dress I made a reversible jacket. I'm so glad I did, because now I'm planning a skirt and blouse in plain colours, that I can accessorise with the floral belt and the floral side of the jacket. Ohhh the options are endless! (over excited now, maybe my true passion in life is Co-ordinating - oh dear!)

And since we are on the subject of doing something you love. Heres my latest Etsy find - a seamstresses broach!

The dress without the Jacket.  I'm not mad on the asymmetrical line of buttons, but at least I tried the pattern out. I think it would look better on a squarer figure. Not one that is quite so packed with curves such as mine. 

Look! Pockets!

The shoes are commented on by everyone who sees them, yet I nearly didn't buy them. I got them at the Hemsby car boot fair and wasn't mad on the colour (Nutso - since they go with nearly everything I own) or the high ankle strap (also Nutso - since it is such a vintage look). 

Anyway they are Clarks Originals, but must be a few seasons old, so ebay being the best bet if you'd like  a pair.

How have you been doing with your Level of Buzz? Do you need a bit of ME time too?

Shona x