Explanation as to why I have been away for so long.

I just thought I had better send out a little note to my blog followers (I am surprised I still have any). I have been having some health issues of which I can not talk about at the moment and is the reason why I have been away for so long. I do not know when I will be back in blog land so all I ask of you my readers is that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Kiss Me Kate is having a blog contest!

Kate over at the Kiss Me Kate blog is having her 100 followers give away! She is giving away a fab 50's hat and other great items (of course you will find out what else by following the link above and at that time you can take a peak at the pics too!).

xo

Brooksie

My neighborhood in 1933.

The other day my friend sent me a picture of my neighborhood in 1933 of course I love it and had to share.

Then I had to add a picture of what it looks like now, it is not nearly as pretty now as it was then but the traffic looks to be just about as crazy.

Another funny thing is notice the trolley car in the top pic, sad to say they took out all of the trolley car lines in the 1960's to make way for gas sucking buses however the city has decided after all that street cars are a good thing and they have been doing major construction to put the rails back in. The new street car line will be up and running in 2012 and will run right out side my apartment door.

Memoirs of a Geisha.

I just got done reading Memoirs of a Geisha and I loved it. The book was very beautifully written. I had seen the movie several years ago and I loved it too. I highly recommend both of them. The movie is very visually stunning and the book goes into so much more depth of the daily life of the Geisha back in the 30's and 40's. I have a collection of vintage Asian robes and I have a photo shoot on Saturday that will feature my collection. Memoirs of a Geisha is definitely inspiring me (I am going for an old time postcards from Paris feel with some 1930's Japan thrown into the mix for this shoot). I have added a couple of very pretty images from the movie for you to enjoy.

Sparks of creativity swirling through my mind.

The beautiful desert at sunset.

I have had lots of wonderful and creative ideas flowing through my head. Visions of the ancient silk road, French Indochina during the turn of the century combined with 1920s safaris to Africa with maybe a stop over in India. Trips on a giant ocean liner half way across the world.

I think I am having all of these thoughts and inspirations because for one I just got back from spending last weekend at the Oregon Country Fair: http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/ which was truly amazing and inspirational in its self. The entertainment was wonderful, awesome food, and so many beautiful and inspiring handmade creations that were sold by the vendors. Also I am reading a book called Victorine about a French woman living in Indochina during the turn of the century.  As far as the thoughts about 1920s African and Indian safaris that is a pretty common random thought that occurs on a regular basis in my mind, well because I love the 1920s and safaris are just plain cool.

Now the decision about what to do with these ideas in my mind, create something? Plan a photo shoot? We shall see where my inspiration will lead me...

Trader Vic's Returns to Portland!

The original Portland Trader Vic's at the Benson Hotel during its hey day.

Have you all heard the news? Trader Vic's is returning to Portland! Trader Vic's is a famous chain of Tiki inspired restaurant and lounges that are all across the US and the world. Trader Vic's originally started in the early 1930's by "Trader" Vic Bergeron he traveled the South Pacific extensively and collected artifacts with a tropical theme along the way. One day he decided to give the Saloon that he owned in Oakland California  a make over with all of his collectibles.

The original Trader Vic's of Portland was in the Benson Hotel from 1959 to 1996. With it's torches burning every night for 37 years it had been a venerable institution of all that is Tiki in Portland. This new exciting location will be opening on July 26, 2011. The address is: 1203 NW Glisan Street in the Pearl District. I hear this new location will be quite expansive and features a collection of 80 handcrafted tropical drinks plus signature entrees and loads of other goodies to nosh on.

Checking in, seamed stockings, and blog contest!

Yes, I am still alive in case any of you were wondering. I am taking a moment to come up to the surface to grab some air and to check in and say hi. I have been pretty darn busy these days.

I know I have been promising a blog contest for a while now, just as soon as I hit the 100 mark, I have been hovering between 90 and 92 for a month or two now. I can do it I know I can! I have wonderful things to give away - make up and a beautiful vanity set.

Also I scored a whole box full of about 20 pairs (my size) never been worn vintage (nude color) stockings half were seamed and half were unseamed which is great because I wear both. I was pretty stoked about this because the few pairs I did have were not going to last forever!

Photo by de Santis Photography

Water for Elephants.

Water for Elephants is due to hit the cinemas on April 22, 20011. On the 22nd I have a burlesque show I am taking part in however I do plan to see this movie sometime soon while it is on the big screen. I read the book by Sara Gruen a couple of years ago and I was very excited when I heard they were making a movie about it. I liked the book very much especially because it takes place in the 1930's and it is about a traveling circus (I will not tell too much more about it because I do not want to ruin it for those who have not read the book). Those of you who know me really well know that I LOVE circuses and carnivals especially the ones with an old time flair. I adore books and movies about circuses and carnivals too especially historical novels.

Baby's got some new shoes!

I splurged on my self today and bought a pair of new saddle shoes! (I bought the black and cream, the link is bellow to view them)! I found them at Nordstrom and they are the Miz Mooz brand: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/miz-mooz-hoola-oxford/3144305?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=miz_mooz_'hoola'_oxford:334605&cm_pla=shoes:women:oxfords&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=707DC1EF-2941-E011-997F-001517B1882A.

I have been wanting a pair forever, the shoe is a timeless classic and will go well with so many of my vintage outfits. A couple years ago I had an old pair of Stride Rite tan and beige with a red rubber sole that looked like they were from the 40's but they were a narrow width (I used to wear a narrow width at one time and after owning that pair of Stride Rite's I realized I was no longer a narrow, I now wear a medium).

I have a picture of Louise Brooks in the Louise Brooks Biography book by Barry Paris and she has on a great tennis outfit and the shoes she had on in that picture - I could have sworn they were saddle shoes - however when I found the pic online I realize they were not. I was going to say if they were...wow! Saddle shoes have been around since the 20's. I read online that actually they were but girls did not wear them back then. I guess they have been around since 1906. They became very popular in the 50's for both guys and gals.

Another fashionista that liked her saddle shoes was Audrey Horne the sultry sex kitten from twin peaks. She knew how to rock a pair saddle shoes. Some day I will have to do a fashion post just on the lovely Ms. Horne alone.

The lovely Louise Brooks and her tennis attire. Note her shoes are very similar to a saddle shoe.

The very pretty Audrey Horne from Twin Peaks with sweater, her fab plaid pleated skirt, and black & white saddle shoes.

Blog Contest going on over at ZootsuitMama's blog!

Go on over to ZootsuitMama's blog she has a contest going on: http://zootsuitmamablogspotcom.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-did-i-miss-opportunity-for-give-way.html

Beautiful new fountain pen.

The other day I went to Oblation Papers & Press (an incredible store in the Pearl District in Portland): http://www.oblationpapers.com/. They use old time printing presses to make invitations and stationary etc... they also have a wonderful assortment of fountain pens. I have been wanting a fountain pen for several months and I finally went and bought one. The one I bought is in the picture above on the far left (all of the pens are named by the maker) and the name of mine is Lava Flow. It is very pretty, it is a dark charcoal grey with an opalescent sheen to it with orange lines flowing through it. I also got a moleskine notebook to carry in my purse to jot down notes or to do sketches when needed. I love to write and I love beautiful writing implements, my new pen has inspired me to journal again and also to make this blog post.

Ciao Bella's!

Brooksie

Super fab give away!

Hi folks! Just wanted to share this super fab blog contest going on over at: Living Vintage! Living vintage now has 200 followers whoo hoo! So go on over and check it out: http://livinvintage.blogspot.com/2011/02/200th-follower-giveaway.html.

Pirate Fashion.

About a year ago I ran across a pirate themed fashion editorial spread, I found it very unique and inspiring. I tried to find it again but I was not successful the only advantage to this is that I can find images and make my own. So here we go:

I love the muted tones and the bird to match.

Ok so they are not all pirate like but somehow this just fits anyway, must be the ruffled collar.

This one has a vintage quality to it that I like.

This one is my favorite of them all, I love the simplicity of it.

Windmill in neon!

Photo by Vintage Roadside: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintageroadside/ you can also find Vintage Roadside on Facebook: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintageroadside/ check em' out there are some great vintage sign pics on here!

I was inspired by this neon sign tonight while out and about in my hood. I was making my way home (on foot) from the chiropractors office (at about this exact time of night where the sky looked just like it did in the picture above) I saw the windmill and thought wow that will make a great story for my blog (I find inspiration anywhere and everywhere) plus it goes great with my most recent neon theme. So I found this pic and got permission (plus made a new cyber friend in the process - thanks Jeff!) and then did a little research about the Miller Paint Company:

Ernest Miller was born in Germany, he was a scenic painter and also painted houses, he moved to Portland Oregon in 1885. He was not very happy with the house paints at the time. For one thing paints came from back east and had to be shipped all over "tarnation" (this is a whole other interesting story for a whole other time!) just to get here to the west coast. The quality of the paint was not able to hold up to our wonderful Pacific Northwest weather-now imagine that!

In 1890 Ernest purchased a stone mill and began manufacturing his own paints. His paints were such high quality that other paint contractors asked him if they could use his paints and alas the Miller Paint Company was born! The company remained a family company for many years and generations. It was the dream of Walt Miller - Ernest's youngest son who became the company manager until his death in 1990 - for the company to remain independent and employee owned, in 1999 Walt's wish finally came true for the Miller Paint Company. The company has grown to include 35 stores. Their goal has remained the same after all of these years: To provide the highest quality products available, with extraordinary customer service!

So if it is great paint you are after think of Miller Paint. It has been made in the Northwest for the Northwest since 1890!

My view while on my way to work every morning.

This is my view that have while I walk to work in the mornings, not a bad view at all especially if you like neon like I do. When I leave my apartment in the wee hours of the morning it is still dark out as I make my way to work - I basically just go down stairs, then in the back door and I am there. The easiest and most stress free commute in the world. I love it.

Anyways here is a little bit of history regarding this sign the Portlander's seem to have grown fond of over the years:

In 1940 the sign was built for White Satin Sugar Company by the Ramsey Sign Company, The White Satin Sugar Co., rented the space on the roof out just for the sign. In 1959 the sign changed from The White Satin Sugar Co. to White Stag Sportswear because they were operating out of the building bellow it for a while. In 1977 the sign was designated a Portland Landmark by the City's Historic Landmarks Commission. In 1997 the sign changed to Made in Oregon and then in 2010 the sign was changed to say Portland Oregon - Old Town (the sign designates the area of Portland that it is located in which is Old Town). During the Christmas and holiday season a simulated red nose is turned on in imitation of the character Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

So, there you have it the history of the sign in a nutshell!

Time for tea!

I absolutely adore tea however I only drink herb tea or decaf black. Having a cup of tea is a nightly ritual for me, I started it when I moved into my apartment back in August. I love to put the kettle on and pull out one of my fancy tea cups and saucers.

None of my tea cups match and I like it that way. I prefer my tea with honey. I also enjoy having treats with my tea, I do not eat refined sugars so I will buy cookies that are sweetened naturally with honey, agave or rice syrup. I have really come to enjoy tea time in my home so much because it is my time to just unwind and think about the day or to sip on tea while I read my favorite bloggers blogs. This relaxing ritual has become a great way for me to destress. I love tea time!

Live Art time again!

I was a model yet again at Live Art: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=10150119902426639&id=775491638&aid=316156 here are some photos from last Saturday's session.

*Note I am a candy cigarette girl and I am pretending to smoke a candy cigarette, also I am drinking a Hot Lips Raspberry Soda (YUM!) and not a beer. Not that any of that matters.

I will be modeling again at Live Art on February 5th at Backspace Coffee Shop. Frankie Tease is the host/hostess of Live Art it is from 1 - 3pm every Saturday. Bring your camera or sketch pad and pencils. Cost is $10 to draw and photograph live models.

Blog Contest Coming Soon!

I am excited to announce as soon as I reach 100 followers (which will be right around the corner!) I will be having a 1950's themed contest. (I know it is not Art Deco but that is ok because hey the 50's are very cool too). Here is a teaser for now with a description of what you will be getting but I will not post a pic until closer till the time (just to keep you in further suspense). Drum roll please.....I will be giving a way a 1950's silver plated vanity set which includes a mirror, comb and brush. To go along with the 50's theme I will be giving away some make-up which will include bright red lipstick and black liquid eye liner. To top it all off with will be a 6.7 ounce body lotion which is called none other than...50's Glam! The 50's Glam essence is a romantic bouquet of blushed florals, voluptuous fruits and fresh sophistication. This description makes me think of Audrey Hepburn! There you have it - so what do you think folks?

Ciao for now!

A few of my favorite aviatrixes.

Amelia Earhart 

Amy Johnson 

Beryl Markham 

I don't know about you but I LOVE vintage aviation, especially aviatrixes. When you are 5ft 2in and 103lbs and you used to be a long haul truck driver (like me) you tend to gravitate towards strong, independent women for role models or at least I do. One of my goals is to someday do an aviatrix style photo shoot - I have a couple of entire vintage aviator/aviatrix style outfits complete with head gear and goggles, so I am ready to go just need to find the right photographer. Enough about me...I am sure you are really here to find out more about these interesting high flying women of yesteryear.


First is Amelia Earhart and I am sure we are all familiar with Amelia but just in case here is a little bit of info about this woman who was nothing short of amazing:

When Amelia was a child she was very much a tomboy, she continually defied conventional feminine behavior and did all the things a boy would do. She also kept a scrap book of news paper clippings of successful women in predominantly male oriented fields which included film, production, direction, law, management and  many others. Earhart took her first flying lesson in 1921 and was hooked ever since. Six months later she saved enough money to buy her own plane. The plane was bright yellow and she named it Canary.

In 1928 Earhart was the first woman to fly the Atlantic, starting off in Newfoundland and ending up in Wales, 21 hours later. The landmark flight made headlines world wide because three other women had attempted to do this flight but all had perished except Earhart. From that moment on her life was devoted to flying until in 1937 when she was almost 40, she was attempting to be the first woman to fly around the world when she was never seen or heard from ever again.


The next aviatrix who is not nearly as well know but is just as strong and amazing as Amelia is Amy Johnson. Amy Johnson was born in Hull England from a family of modest fishermen. She had always been fiercely independent and became interested in flying when she was 25 years old. Amy worked as a secretary and spent all of her money on flying lessens. She was also very mechanically inclined and ended up apprenticing with an airplane mechanic and became the first British woman who was granted an aircraft ground engineers license, from the British Air Ministry.

In 1930 Johnson became the first women to fly solo from England to Australia. Johnson with help of her father managed to scrape together a small amount to purchase the gypsy moth plane which she named Jason. Amy Johnson's life was never the same again, she inspired songs, fashion and drew the admiration from her public with her direct manor of speaking. Amy eventually moved to the US and became great friends with Amelia Earhart. Amy Johnson died in 1941 in a crash while ferrying planes for the RAE.

The last brave and courageous aviatrix is Beryl Markham, a pioneer aviator who was the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from London to North America. Born in 1902 in Leicester England, Beryl was three years old when her and her family moved to Kenya where she spent most of her life. She became well known for her career as a bush pilot.

In 1939 Markham move to the US and for some time there were plans to make a movie about her famous flight across the Atlantic however the movie was never made. Instead she received an offer to write about her experiences. Her book, West with the Night was published in 1942 and was a success. After Ernest Hemingway read her book he said: "She can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves writers". Markham's book appeared on 13 best sellers lists after it was published, West with the Night tells of the story of Markham's childhood in Kenya, her unconventional career as a bush pilot and her pioneering transatlantic flight. During Markham's final years she became a well known personality once again. West with the Night was republished, it became a best seller and she was the subject of a television documentary. Beryl Markham died in 1986 in Kenya at the age of 84.

20s & 30s Fashion Resource

http://www.brighton.ac.uk/screenarchive/fashion/index.html

I just wanted to share the link above for this wonderful website that is a great resource for fashions of the 20's and 30's. I am sure most of you already know about this site (I do not even remember how I came across it) but here it is in case you do not know about it.

This online resource provides a thematic guide to aspects of 1920s and 1930s fashion and dress as depicted in film from Screen Archive South East’s (SASE) collections.


I hope someday that they add more to it if possible and I also hope you all enjoy looking through it as much as I do. 


Merci & A bientot! 

20s & 30s Fashion Resource

I just wanted to share the link above for this wonderful website that is a great resource for fashions of the 20's and 30's. I am sure most of you already know about this site (I do not even remember how I came across it) but here it is in case you do not know about it.

This online resource provides a thematic guide to aspects of 1920s and 1930s fashion and dress as depicted in film from Screen Archive South East’s (SASE) collections.


I hope someday that they add more to it if possible and I also hope you all enjoy looking through it as much as I do. 


Merci & A bientot! 

Happy New Year Everybody!

Happy New Years plus I am celebrating year two of modeling! I started modeling in January 2009 and it has been a fun ride.

For my Happy New Years Day and modeling celebration post I thought I would share with everybody pictures from my 1920's Crazy Candy Cigarette girl photo shoot that I did with Frank DeSantis -the nationally acclaimed & award winning - photographer.

I have had the honor and the pleasure of working with Frank twice now - the first time around he even put me in his 2010 pin-up girl calendar (I was the pin-up for the month of April and July). You can see more of Frank's photos at: www.dasantisphoto.com.

Also other exciting news: Frankie Tease of GirlPartiesPDX Burlesque and Pin-up Shows and Events, has invited me to be a regular at any of her shows (not doing burlesque but as the 1920's Candy Cigarette Girl!). Frankie Tease is a dance instructor and producer of Burlesque and Live Art (Pin-up) shows. I have been a vendor of vintage lingerie and accessories at many of her burlesque shows (I had to retire from vending unfortunately but it has opened the door to the Candy Cigarette Girl Opportunity) and as you all know I have been a participant in many of her Live Art Shows. Here is Frankie's website: http://girlpartiespdx.bravehost.com/.

Now on to the photos:

I had so much fun doing this photo shoot with Frank, he told me these are really different for me because I am normally so reserved but I have been exploring fun, new and crazy ideas to add to my photo shoots to keep them super fun and interesting. This shoot was like kooky candy cigarette girls gone wild or something similar I would say.

Au Revoir

Brooksie