My Vintage Wardrobe: Christmas Edition 2012

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! I also wanted to thank you for all of the  incredible support you have given to Brittany and I as we prepare to launch our  Hey Doll Vintage Living Magazine. I still have more important news to share with you but this darn cold I have has slowed me down a bit-I should be able to announce it before the new year!

So, as some of you may recall, once in a while I post a special series called My Vintage Wardrobe. It consists of the things I have learned about vintage clothing as well as how I apply what I have learned into my own growing vintage wardrobe. All the things that are important such as, what colors look best on you and the wonderful world of trousers, dresses, etc. Today I would like to share with you what I wore for Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve prior to this one I would always wear a pair of nice jeans and a red sweater or top. this year I changed into two outfits; one was a 1970's dress that reminded me of something Vera-Ellen wore in White Christmas and the other was a more casual look  (my 40's jeans, a white blouse, and red cardigan) that I wore as we went house hopping that day.

I didn't know if I could make a 1970's dress look like it was a 1940's one but I think I did a pretty  good job. I loved the way it fit and I am now inspired to search for more dresses that have a 1940's feel. It is great to score authentic 1940's clothing but the price difference is massive. Believe it or not I purchased this dress for just $27.00!!!! 

 I wore these amazing sparkly poinsettia earrings that my friend Penni from Penni Pops Vintage Designs sent me last year for my birthday. Thank you again Penni! I also wore a red flower I purchased from Claire's and a Berry Brooch I purchased from Etsy for just $2.00!!!

I adore the last photo as my youngest baby grabbed my face to give me a kiss under the mistletoe! My little monkey boy sure like too kiss hehe

I hope Santa gave all of you loads of goodies! I cannot believe a New Year is about to begin! My family and I have dealt with some big challenges this year but there have been so many blessings-I cannot begin to count them. So instead of looking back at your year and thinking of all that you didn't do or didn't have or didn't get, perhaps we can all remember all that we did do, get, and have.

I feel grateful for all of you-many who I have forged friendships with and my wish for you for this New Year would be for good health, peace of mind, and joy.

Happy New Year!

xox

Big News....Big Adventures Ahead!

What happens when two people connect over a passion and love of family, traditions, fashion, history, and old fashioned values-well, that's simple!! They become friends! And in our special case, Brittany from Va-Voom Vintage and I became Vintage Sisters. United in our love for vintage and our love for our families we decided to take the next step...we are....collaborating on a huge project and here is a preview!

Yes, you read right! Brittany and I have created our very own Vintage E-Magazine! Free to view online and we are taking submissions now for articles and photos. Each issue will have it's own special theme so if you are interested in submitting email us at: heydollvintagemagazine@yahoo.com

Come and follow us at our Pinterest and Facebook pages and don't be shy-say hello! If you are interested in advertising in our Magazine, let us know as well. 

We look forward to unveiling our first issue on February 2nd and look forward to sharing our love of vintage with all of you!

Tune in tomorrow as I will announce my second part of my big news-it is something really important and close to my heart so stop by and read all about it!!

xox

Merry Christmas to you~1940's Style!

Merry Christmas to you all! I wish for you all is that you are safe, healthy, and very happy where ever you may be.

Hope you enjoy these wonderful photos from the 1940's!

On Santa's lap, 1945

Looking east from 7th and Grand in CA~1940

A house during Christmas in the 1940's

Two sisters in 1946 on Christmas Day

Soldiers decorate a tree during WWII

Christmas rush at Macy's in NYC, 1947

Shopping for Christmas presents

Christmas Carolers in MN~1940's

Christmas party at school~1940's

Celebrating Christmas during the World War II

xox

Christmastime In Old Hollywood

It's just a day away! I have been baking and wrapping and putting rollers in my hair hehe I am sure all of you are either house hopping like we will be doing today or greeting guests in your home. I wish you many blessings and good wishes as you prepare your special meals and especially to the vintage mama's out there who are working hard at being elves!

Here are some fabulous Christmas photos from Hollywood in its Golden Age:

Christmas at the Hollywood Canteen in 1943 with Eddie Cantor as Santa who is surround by starlets Shelly Winters, Lynn Merrick, Maxine Fife, Leslie Brooks, and a couple of servicemen.

Danny Kaye and Nat King Cole

Princess Grace Kelly and her family

Gracie Allen, wife of George Burns with their child

Boris Karloff and Ginger Rodgers at a party

Louise Brooks being her fab self

 Jean Harlow looking darling as always

Carole Lombard-wow those gams!

Lucy and Desi being so adorable..besos!

 Vera-Ellen-what a cutie!

Bob Hope in Korea during Christmastime

xox

A White Christmas Costumes

Christmas is now just two days away and boy are we excited! My daughter is writing her numbers really well now and is thrilled when I ask her to write the numbers for our Christmas countdown on our chalkboard.

This week I introduced to you the talented Bing Crosby and yesterday I shared with you one of my favorite classic holiday films, White Christmas. Today I want to share with you a few wonderful the fabulous costumes that were worn during the filming of "White Christmas".

While doing my research on this film I was curious about the dresses that were worn by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen because I recently purchased a dress and thought to myself, I think it looks like something one of the ladies wore in the film! My search led me to only a few photos but eventually with enough searching I did find out that there is a wonderful place called The Rosemary Clooney House in Augusta, KY! And of course I put it right on my vintagey places to go list!

This is the dress that started my search:

 I purchased this dress to wear for Christmas as I still hope to do. I then realized it out it reminded me of Vera-Ellen's robe! This is the only photo I could find of it! What do you think???

The Rosemary Clooney House has the largest collection of "White Christmas" costumes in the world. Just take a look at their pieces!!

These are some other costumes from the film (not at The Rosemary Clooney House), some very elaborate and some simple:

Although the 1940's is more my passion, I do truly adore the 1950's just as much as I have a massive crush on the 1930's. These costumes really inspire me and I wonder if one day I can recreate some looks from films? Gee, I would like to try anyway! You know me-I love my classic films hehe

I hope these images have inspired you as well and brought some extra cheer in what must have been a busy and tiring day as you all prepare for the wonderful days ahead!

xox

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: White Christmas

"White Christmas" (1954)

White Christmas is a must watch film during the holiday season. It stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen doing what they do best-singing, dancing, and just being wonderful in their roles.

It begins in the midst of World War II, Wallace (Crosby) is performing for the troops and Davis (Kaye) is assisting when they have to bid their farewells to General Waverly (Dean Jagger-isn't that a fabulous name!!??) who has commanded their troop successfully but because of an injury has to leave his post. It was an emotional farewell and the first song, "The Old Man" is one of my four favorite scenes.

Bidding their General farewell with a performance of "The Old Man"

During a bombing attack Davis (Kaye) saves Wallace's (Crosby) life. When Wallace asks how he can repay Davis he shows him songs he has written hoping they could become a duet. Although Wallace is convinced and before he knows it they become a successful duo called Wallace & Davis. After a few years Davis becomes exhausted by the rigorous schedule they keep and hopes that Wallace could fall in love with a nice girl so they could slow down their pace.

Enter the Haynes sisters, Betty (Clooney) and Judy (Vera-Ellen) who happen to be the sisters of a fellow they were acquainted with during the war. I thought it was neat that the photo of "freckled faced Haynes" was actually of Carl Switzer who was the star of the "Our Gang" series playing the wonderful "Alfafa".

Betty finds out Judy wrote the letter to get Wallace & Davis to see them perform and possibly get some useful advice about their work. Davis notices Wallace taking a liking to Betty and Judy who wants to be away from the "mother hen" (aka Betty) notices as well. Before you know it they are all on their way to Vermont!

 Clooney actually sang both parts of the "Sisters" song

 To help the girls out, Wallace & Davis perform "Sisters". At the end when Wallace starting cracking up is authentically Crosby laughing out loud because he couldn't contain it any longer-I love that bit!

This is my second favorite scene when they all sing "Snow"-Love it!

 General Waverly! What are you doing here in Vermont? In this Inn? Hummmm...

Mary Wickes (his housekeeper) and Anne Whitfield (his granddaughter, Susan) are a wonderful addition to this film as well!!!

When they arrive in Vermont there is no snow and the girls almost have their gig canceled but the owner of the Inn just happens to be Wallace & Davis's beloved General Waverly! He asks the girls to stay and Wallace & Davis decide to help the old man out they will bring their whole show to the Inn to help him get more business.

 Crosby, Kaye, and Clooney practicing for the big show!

There are moments of misunderstandings, lying, false engagements, and lots of warm milk for sleepless nights. In a surprise move Wallace goes to New York to get on the Ed Harrison show to ask all the men from their troop to head out to the Columbia Inn in Pine Tree, Vermont to surprise General Waverly and remind the old man that he still means something to so many.

My third favorite scene is when they sing "Gee, I wish I were back in the Army" and when all sing "White Christmas". 

Betty and Wallace kiss and make up!

This film is beautiful to look at-especially because it was filmed in Technicolor but also because of all the stunning costumes, props, dance numbers...oh my! It was also funny, touching, moving, ans sweet.  A girl cannot ask for much more!

It brings joy to my heart to watch this film and I am sure it does the same for so many of you!

May we all have a White Christmas!

xox