My Very First Blog Award!

Thank you to the lovely lady at Mid-Century Pink for awarding me my very first blog award. LaToya is relatively new to the vintage scene, but has hit the ground running. She dresses as if she's been doing this for years without having that awkward phase many of us had in the beginning. If you haven't seen her blog yet, go check it out, and add it to your blog must reads.

1. Salty or sweet treats?

I mostly crave sweets. Like most, I love chocolate, and this is what I usually crave. But, my favorite    dessert is cheesecake. I haven't met a cheesecake flavor I didn't like. 

2. Who is your favorite musician or type of music (or both)?

This is a tough question. My musical taste is pretty much all over the board. My favorite band will always be The Beatles. But, to pick a favorite style of music depends entirely on my mood. Sometimes I listen to classic jazz. Other times it is classic rockabilly. Still others, I'm more in the mood for modern electronic style stuff. But, whatever mood I am in, I can always listen to The Beatles.

3. If you could be anyone other than yourself (living or otherwise) for 1 day who would it be and why?

As cliche as it sounds, I would probably choose Marilyn Monroe. She was so troubled even though she had what a lot of us would like to have. I would want to know what went on in her head, what she was really like, and what prevented her from healing from her childhood. She was, in my opinion, a talented actress that wasn't given the chance to really use those talents. Instead she was only looked upon for her body. Whether that was partly her own doing, or the doing of the men around her, I really would like to know.

4. What is your absolute favorite thing in your closet?
Another tough question. I have been collecting for almost two decades. I am also constantly going shopping. I also have at least one new garment made a month (I can't sew to save my life). I have weeded my closet of things that I don't love, but if I had to pick just one thing, it would have to be a silk green Asian style (from British Hong Kong) hostess suit (jumpsuit underneath with an open skirt on top). I entertain frequently and this outfit is both comfortable and fancy.

5. If someone gave you a million dollars to do only 1 thing with what would you do?

I would probably buy time capsule home. Rents are so expensive in San Francisco, that it would be nice to lower that housing expense. This is nothing I'd ever save up for, but only if I was awarded a serious amount of money.

6. Vintage night attire or (if you are like me) old yoga pants and sweat shirts?
Oh, definitely vintage night attire. I don't wear yoga pants often, and even wear nightgowns to bed. 
 
7. What is your favorite quote?
Though I try not to let this side of me show on the blog (I don't think anyone wants to read negativity), I am a bit of a cynic. Ok, maybe not a bit. I might be a full on raging cynic. So, I tend not to enjoy inspirational and positive quotes. One of my favorite quotes happens to be from the noir The Scar. It was also used by the Film Noir Foundation for some of their merchandise. It is: It's a bitter little world full of sad surprises, and you don't let anyone hurt you. Most of my friends say I am a fatale at heart, and it's hard for me to hide this in my everyday life - no matter how innocent I try to act. So, I think that this quote, and where it is from, sums up how I view life pretty well. 

8. What's the one thing on your vanity that you could never live without?
My perfume. I have many depending, again, on my mood, and the occasion. I have some that are vintage, like Evening in Paris. I also picked up some vintage samples from Etsy of various perfumes, which sadly are not in production anymore. They are sealed vials. So, when opened, they smell just like they would have when they were made. My favorite vintage perfume is Schiaparelli's Shocking. My favorite modern perfume is Pink Sugar, which smells like candy. I get lots of compliments (from men too) when I wear this perfume. At night I tend to wear Tom Ford's Black Orchid. It starts off as a very powerful seductive scent, and changes to a soft powdery scent. I love perfumes so much, that I have to stop myself from buying a new one when I go shopping.

9. If you could relive any age, which age would it be?
Though I've made lots of mistakes in my younger years, I wouldn't go back and relive them. Now that I am in my 30s, I feel like I am an adult, but I can still enjoy acting like a big kid. I feel more comfortable with who I am, and I don't feel like I have to prove anything to anyone. I only look forward to the coming years as I gain more experience and wisdom. 

10. If you could have been an extra in a classic film, which one would it have been?
Being the big noir nut that I am, it would have to be a noir. I don't have a particular film in mind, but would love to have been in something that either Barbara Stanwyck or Dana Andrews was in.

Those are my answers. Now here are my questions.

1. What is your favorite cuisine?

2. Which historical figure inspires you most? Why?

3. What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure?

4. If you had 24 hours with out any responsibilities and limitless money, how would you spend it? 

5. What is your most fond childhood memory?

6. Which is the best city to visit?

7. What is your go to hairstyle?

8. If your blog had a soundtrack, what five songs would you choose?

9. If you could only have one outfit in your closet, what would it be?

10. What product that is no longer made, do you wish would be reproduced?

I wanted to tag blogs that were new to me. Because I am a new follower, I am not aware if you have gotten this award before. I understand if you chose not to participate. Even if you haven't been tagged, feel free to take the questions and answer them on your own blog. Thanks to all who do participate. 

Lady By Choice

Leah Loverich

Dots Divine

Trunk of Dresses

Lilies and Remains

My Favorite Childhood Music

I didn't grow up in the best of areas. The type of music the kids were listening to around me was music I was forbidden to listen to as a young child. Of course, by today's standards, this music seems tame. But, at the time, my parents did what they could to protect my young mind. Instead of listening to the radio, I listened to what I could get my hands on. This usually meant older music.

My dad had a decent record collection. Though most of it was the singer/songwriter stuff of the mid to late 70s, there were a few records I did enjoy. One of them was his Paul McCartney album. At the time, I did not know who The Beatles were, though as I got older they became my all time favorite band. I practically wore one song out, and that was Maybe I'm Amazed. To this day, I still immensely enjoy this song. 

Another record that I enjoyed I have only recently started to admit. If you know how particular I am, you would never guess that I still secretly, from time to time, listen to selected songs from this album. And, here I am, announcing to the world that I enjoy Taco. Taco, who? Exactly. They were a synth band that did covers of jazz standards. You gotta love the 80s. There were four songs in particular that I would play. They were Puttin on the Ritz, Singing in the Rain, Cheek to Cheek, and La Vie En Rose. 

Another thing I am going to proudly admit? Though I had never seen Singing in the Rain, I was aware of the dance scene in the film. When it rained, I would put this song on as loud as I could, open all the  windows and doors, and dance with an umbrella. I thought I was Gene Kelly. I'm sure the neighbors thought I was the strangest kid they had ever seen. 

I think that this early exposure helped me to have the wide musical taste I have now, and to enjoy music from all decades. Other experiences involved cassette tapes. I don't know what the occasion was, but my grandfather had purchased a box set of oldies for my mother. It was music from the late 50s and early 60s. I don't think my mother ever even opened the package, but I did - and she never saw them again. I would also listen to these tapes over and over. My favorite songs were Why Do Fools Fall in Love and Mr. Sandman. I still remember all the words.

What are some of your early musical memories? Do you have any embarrassing musical stories? I'd love to hear from you. In the meantime, please listen to Taco's version of Puttin on the Ritz below. Please, remember that this was the early 80s, and political correctness was not invented yet.

Vintage party of one

In all my efforts to try to get someone to be as passionate about vintage as I am, I have not yet found that person. So, I continue to live this life solo. Most of my friends are used to me dressing up, and have accepted it. Though, some wish that I didn't. It can be hard to have this obsession without any one to share it with. Almost always I am the only one dressed vintage in a group of "normal" looking people. I don't get too many stares, but I think that goes along with living in a city full of people who accept nuances. I feel more myself when I am dressed up, and feel more self conscious when I am not. I sometimes wish I could wear a badge that says Yes! I am vintage, or something to that effect, so that everyone knows who I truly am. I love to share my vintage knowledge. If given the chance, I can talk an ear off. I try to control myself the best I can, but when you have such a passion for something, it isn't easy. Maybe someday I will find that vintage partner in crime.

Hair Chameleon

I've been changing my hair color frequently since I started putting Sun In in my hair at the age of 15. By the time I was 17, my hair changed almost monthly. My favorite colors were purple red (burgundy) and bleached blonde. Fortunately, my hair can take a lot of abuse. I may not like much about my hair, but the fact that it can take such abuse makes me happy. I started this blog after dying my hair a red that I had never been before. I had that color for over a year. It started to become my identity. I think that this color suited my personality. Though, I have since changed my hair color, a little piece of me still considers myself as a red head.

Along with trying different colors, I've also tried different cuts. When I was a pre teen, my hair was down past my back end. I remember getting it caught in everything, and even sitting on it when I took a seat. My parents frustrated with my tender headedness, and not being able to take care of my own hair, urged me to cut it. I cut quite a bit off (to the middle of my back) and never stopped. When I was 15, I cut it super short for the first time. I have gone back and forth between medium length and short hair ever since. For the time, I'm letting it grow - that is until I get sick of it and cut it off again.

I don't really have a favorite length or color. I enjoy being able to change my look with just a quick trip to the salon. Sometimes I miss being the red head I was a few months ago, but for now I am rocking the dark brunette hair. What are some of your hair stories?

The natural:

The blonde:

The brunette:

 

The red:

For the love of old movies

I was fortunate enough to have a mother who likes old movies and tv programs. Though a child of the 50s, she much prefers old programing to new. I grew up watching her favorite shows Perry Mason and Charlie Chan. Though at the time I did not appreciate these particular television, and preferred the comedy of the I Love Lucy show and sci fi from the Twilight Zone, I can appreciate these now. As I grew older, I discovered such gems as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Peter Gunn, Father Knows Best, The Danny Thomas Show (Make Room for Daddy), and Dragnet. Though television was in it's infancy, I think that these shows were well written, and still entertaining today.

My mom was also a Jimmy Stuart fan. I can't tell you how many times I have seen Rear Window.  Through this exposure, I developed a love for classic cinema. So much so that when an assignment was given to my tenth grade English class to write a poem about someone deceased, I chose to write about Myrna Loy, while my classmates wrote about family members, and other figures notable in history.

Another thing I was exposed to, though I didn't realize it at the time, was film noir. One of my favorite movies as a child was Sunset Boulevard. Later I would watch Gilda, still never hearing the word noir. I did not discover what film noir was until I was out on my own. One day I was watching the Turner Classic Movie channel (my favorite). They were showcasing a noir called Clash By Night. As usual, before the movie played, Robert Osborne gave a little explanation of film noir and this movie. That was all the exposure I needed to fall head first in love with film noir - Clash by Night being my favorite, and Barbara Stanwyck being my favorite actress.

Since then, I have seen countless noirs. (I even have a check list -- told you I was anal). I have collected more dvds than I have room for. And, I go to the Noir City festival held at the Castro every year. It wasn't until I moved to San Francisco that I found others, who like me, have a passion for this genre (Yes, I am calling it a genre. Please, don't send me hate mail.) Though it has recently fallen by the wayside, we even had a noir club where we would watch a movie (or movies) one day each month.

This is the time of year I start preparing for the upcoming Noir City festival. The schedule will be announced at a special screening today. Though I am not going to that screening, I anxiously await the announcement of the 2012 line up.

If you live anywhere near San Francisco, I suggest you make a special trip to at least see one showing at the Castro. For more information, please visit Noir City.

Also, a smaller noir festival is held at the Roxie in February each year. If you happen to miss Noir City, don't miss the Roxie's noir week.

A little about me

I have decided to take a break from Ruby's life since I'm having writer's block. If you don't mind, I'd like to write about various random things. I wanted to start off telling you a little about myself. (Warning: this will be long winded).

Like most who are into vintage, the most common question is: What got you into vintage? I can't count how many times I've been asked this question. I think most people expect there to be some quick answer; some definitive moment where I said "I love vintage!" But, there wasn't. For as long as I can remember, I have been attracted to things of decades past, even before I knew what old, vintage, or antique was. As a young girl, my grandmother used to sing to me songs such as the Chattanooga ChooChoo. I always loved to hear these songs over traditional lullabies. Even at 10 years old, I loved going into antique stores. I would get a charge of energy from all the old things that surrounded me. History was always my favorite and best subject; that is 20th century history - the rest bored me.

I used to go to garage sales with my other grandmother when I'd come to stay with her during the summer. I must have been about 11 when we went to one that an older couple was having. My grandmother said that I could pick one item off the 25 cent table. I picked out this beautiful rhinestone choker. Little did I know at that time that it was from the 1950s. I still have that choker.

When I was 14, I started becoming aware of what vintage was. I still had yet to do any actual vintage shopping, but I remember wanting to wear 1940s styled clothing. I also wanted to learn how to swing dance. But, when I asked my friends to learn with me, they all laughed at me and called me weird (which would be a common theme in my life). Just a couple years later, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy became popular among my "friends." I couldn't go to a party without watching people swing dance. Being the stubborn person that I am, I refused to learn (still don't know how). Later Cherry Poppin Daddies and Royal Crown Revue made hits with this circle, and I just couldn't get away from the popular new swing movement. So, I got into punk.

When I was into punk, I shopped only at thrift stores. But, my deep seeded vintage obsession fought me. I would mostly buy vintage clothing from the 50s and 60s, at the time the 60s being my favorite - the brighter and bolder the better (do you see how conflicted I was?). I still didn't have a grasp of decades.

I also have an anal side to me. I can't do something without being as authentic as I can. One of my most memorable times in high school was in the 11th grade. In my English class, my teacher decided to stage a mock 1960s Vietnam protest. I don't know what this had to do with English, or why we were doing this project. All I remember was what I wore. We had our choice to which side of the protest we would be on. Who would really want to be for the war when it was more fun to dress up as a hippie? And, a hippie I dressed up as. I was the only one who went all out. From my gauzy white cotton top, to my braided leather headband. This was the first time I had dressed up as authentic as I knew how, and I loved it. I would have fit right in the picture below.

By the time I graduated high school, I felt a little more free to pursue things that I loved without as much mocking from other people. This is when I shopped at my first vintage store. When I was 19, I moved into my own apartment. By this time, the vintage obsession over took me. I scoured ebay and vintage decor books. This is how I learned what I know about vintage. Since then, I have pursued only the 1950s. This is the decade that fits me. This is the decade that I get the most energy from. It has now been almost 20 years since those first days of my teenage years. I have never lost that yearning for living in the past.

2002

2006

2010

2010

A little deviation..

I love my 99 year old apartment. I love the charm and the location. I love how it feels like home. What I don't love is my insomniac neighbor and our squeaky floors. I've tried everything these last three years. I've written her letters and notes. I've talked to her. I have made suggestions about things that would help her sleep. I am so tired of constantly complaining that I've stopped. I wear earplugs to bed; the best I can find. I have a noise machine near my head. But, none of this helps 100%. Short of putting an anti gravity machine in her apartment so that I won't hear the heavy footsteps, the things that drop on the floor, and the furniture sliding across the floor, there is nothing I can think of to help this problem.

Last night was the worst. With only four hours of sleep, she is now spending the morning cleaning her apartment. I wouldn't normally mind the noise during the day, but when I've been kept up all night, it can be nerve grading to hear it during the day too.

We spend so much time making our place of dwelling a home, that we just want some peace -- and quiet. Moving is not an option. And living in apartments is always a gamble. What are some of the neighbor issues you have dealt with? What have you done to resolve those issues? Do you have any suggestions that would make my living situation bearable?

My home