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