1920's Style Shoe Give Away!

American Duchess is having a contest! The1920's 23Skidoo Shoe Give Away: americanduchess. The lovely 1920's reproduction shoes have a t-strap and are spectator style. They come in two color variety's, solid white along brown and white.

Go over to American Duchess and enter today!

New Coat!

On Friday night Tim and I were out and about in downtown Portland and we had some time to kill so we ended up at Nordstrom Rack. I found this most beautiful princess style coat there that was half price. This coat was too beautiful to pass up so I of course had to buy it. I do not normally buy new or modern things - I usually shop at thrift stores or vintage clothing stores - however I will buy things that are new if they are of high quality and reproduction vintage or vintage inspired. This coat is very well made and is completly lined inside with very nice fabric. This coat I would say is vintage inspired because it has the same shape and lines as a 1940's princess coat combined with a belted trench. Also while at Nordstrom Rack I got the pretty silk hair flower I am wearing and also a pair of very pale pink thick patterned thigh high stockings which are not shown. I had the opportunity to wear my new coat out last night (when this picture was taken) because Tim and I met another couple who are friends of ours for a double date at the Portland Seafood Company.


Until next time!

Brooksie

October 30th and 31st.

I thought I would do a couple of outfit posts. On October 30th I went to the chiropractor (I never wear make-up on Chiropractor days but I usually put on a nice frock though) then afterwards I went to Goodwill and I found the cutest little leather western style costume skirt (I do not know how old this skirt is so I can not say it is a save the vintage from Halloween find that and it did appear to be a part of a costume at one point and time) but I did end up wearing it as a part of my Halloween costume last night while out on the town with friends and I will probably wear this skirt in the future - because it is so darn cute - at other times then just Halloween.

What I wore on Oct. 30th.

Close up of my Halloween socks.

Cute little leather (black with pink fringe) western skirt.

Me striking the traditional Marlboro Man pose with my Halloween costume (no I do not smoke).

One more of me and my costume.

Oct. 30th outfit:

Dress - Goodwill
Slip - Thrifted
Orange ribbon - Oblation Press
Halloween socks - Mom
Dansko heels - Clogs ~N~ More Store

Halloween costume:

Straw hat - Tim
Levi's western shirt - Goodwill
Leather jacket - Pacific City Library Thrift Store
Skirt - Goodwill
Boots - Steve Madden from Nordstroms

Au revoir!

Brooksie

Fashion Inspiration from the Movie Australia.

The other day I saw the movie Australia with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. I really enjoyed watching this movie it was set in Australia in between 1939 and 1943. I especially loved the costuming. Here are some pictures from the movie for you to appreciate:

I love everything about this amazing outfit!

This I believe is my favorite costume of them all, I love that top hat.

I love this stunning picture with all of the Asian lanterns.

Such a breath taking dress and photo!

I love the jodhpurs!

Nice summer dress.

Another wonderful riding outfit with a great hat!

I love the high boots and Jodhpur combo.

More great details such as an ascot. 

Another pretty combination. 

Wow look at those goggles and safari outfit!

Yet another terrific outfit.

Take a look at those long wonderful leather gloves!

Well my friends, thank you for stopping by and visiting!

Until next time.

Brooksie

Speakeasy Themed Video!

Not too long ago I was invited to be an extra in a 1920's/1930's speakeasy themed video. My friend Ashly came along and joined me. The video was filmed at Kelly's Olympian in Portland Oregon. My friends Russell, Susan and Lindsey are the main dancers in this video (I did a post about them a few weeks back for Susan's birthday) they put this video together for the 4th annual (2012) Jazz Dance Film Festival music video contest.

The music is Smokey Joe's Holiday and is by the Stolen Sweets, a 1930's style jazz band. Ashly and I are in the back, I am short the short one with a long black silk 1930's dress on with a 1930's yellow rayon short sleeve bolero jacket, Ashly is next to me in all black. Being a part of the making of this video was tons of fun, I was so glad and honored to be apart of it!

xo

Brooksie

How to Look Steampunk: For Everyday Wear.

My pocket watch pendant necklace (photo from google).

Hello gang, how is it going? Today I was in a steam punk kind of mood and it shows up a little bit in today's clothing selection. I love the look of steam punk, for some reason it speaks to the 16 year old me that still lives inside. I guess it speaks to that part of me because when I was a teenager I was really into new wave music and new wave clothing. When I was about 16, I still liked new wave but I was just starting to get into punk. Then in my early 20's I had almost a kind of goth thing going on so it seams that this is just the next natural evolution in clothing for me. (It was my teen years when I started to express my creativity through my clothing and I still do it to this day). I have a lot of fun with clothing.

With my jacket on.

With my jacket off.

When I first became aware of steam punk, I thought to myself all of those things are so pretty but they are all so expensive! After time went on and my wardrobe (mostly vintage) started expanding, I very recently thought to myself why don't I go shopping in my own closet and see what I can come up with for a steampunk look. What I wanted was an everyday steampunk look not something too over the top that would be worn to a costume party, steampunk convention or photo shoot. I like the idea of having a steampunk look just for the fun of it every now and then. The key to dressing up in this manner (I feel kind of like a female dandy!) is the little details such as my pocket watch (which does not work and is just for looks) it is a 1970's does Victorian and was super cheap $2.99 from a thrift store. I wore this outfit while out and about doing everyday errands. It was raining so it actually proved to be pretty practical with my bowler hat and spats to keep my head and feet - dry and warm throughout the day.

Here is a close up of my spats & Dansko heels, I had a pic of them from a previous outfit post.

Here are the specs on the outfit:

Vintage bowler hat - Magpie Vintage
Earings - Handmade by me
Black long sleeve top - Goodwill Bins
Vintage 40's or 50's ladies suit jacket - Portland Antique Show
Very dark denim (almost black) waistcoat/vest - Goodwill
Pocket watch pendant necklace (worn in the pocket of the waistcoat) - Thrift store in Tillamook Oregon
Wool skirt - Thrift store (do not remember which one because it was so long ago)
Black tights - Macy's
Dankso heels - Clog's N More store
Vintage wool spats - Boutique down the street from where I live
Purse - From mom many moons ago
Victorian garnet ring - Also from mom, many years ago

xo

Brooksie

Navy Retirement.

My sweetheart retired from the Navy last weekend - after 22 years of service to our country - his retirement was held in Eugene Oregon which is where he is from originally. It ended up being a very nice service, here are some pictures that I would like to share with you:

Tim's retirement.

Here he comes!

Color guard.

Giving his speech. 

Pretty flag cake.

Love a man in uniform!