[ reader inspiration: christine. click for a larger view. ]
I always love receiving emails from people who read my blog, and this week I got a really fun one from Christine. She told me she had been watching my hair tutorial videos on YouTube and wanted to share some photos of her 40s inspired looks. She was kind enough to allow me to share these photos with you all! I just love the pageboy and the half-updo style that was inspired by a 1937 movie. She told me she uses foam rollers and a setting lotion, and offered these helpful tips about using a setting lotion:
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“I find that if I use plenty of setting lotion on damp (almost dry) hair that the curls will last 2-3 days. I used to use my mother’s mousse and gel when I was in high school and they never seemed to work very well. My hair doesn’t curl easily (forget heat styling!) so I was very surprised when I started using the setting lotion that it made such a difference. The curl is more like a natural curl– when you bounce it springs into a tighter curl, not out of the curl like when you heat style. The term “lotion” is a bit misleading– it’s actually a thin liquid. I’m sure there are several brands out there, but Wella’s Elan is what I use (the Extra Hold formula). I get it from the local Sally’s Beauty Supply.“
Aren’t her hair do’s gorgeous? Thank you so much, Christine for sharing these! I’m inspired (and can’t wait to get my hands on some setting lotion; something I haven’t tried yet)!
June 11, 2009 ·
16 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: beauty
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Thank you all so much for your sweet comments and such on my Monday post! I was a bit unsure if I came across as bragging (I hope not!)–but I was too excited and thankful to keep it to myself. hehe!
I’ve been enmeshed in sewing this week (well, most of the week… lol!), and the results are starting to get exciting! I drafted a pair of shorts in a 1940s/50s style last week, and made this yellow pair as a “working muslin”. Basically I cut out a test version and it didn’t need any alterations, so I decided to finish it. They’re almost done! I also cut a pair out of denim, which I need to finish by the weekend… I’m pretty pleased with how they’re turning out and the fit. I normally really dislike how I look in shorts and feeling so exposed, but somehow I think the higher waist evens everything out.
Hopefully a more interesting post tomorrow…
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June 10, 2009 ·
35 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: sewing
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Something delightfully surprising showed up on my doorstep this weekend! My Aunt D. sent me a box full of antique and vintage goodies that she thought I might enjoy. My grandparents were in the antique business for many years and Aunt D. has been cleaning out the leftover stock and such lately, and this box was a result. She sweetly sent me a whole bunch of lovely things–my head is still swimming with all the beautiful treasures (from table linens to clothes)! (Thank you, Aunt D. if you’re reading this!)
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I think my favorite is this beautiful 1920s beaded dress. The shoulders of the delicate fabric have split, but I am thinking that I can salvage the beautiful (and heavy!) beading. Perhaps embellishing the dress I want to make for the Navy Ball this autumn?
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June 8, 2009 ·
32 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: happy things
[ click for a larger view of these wonderful images & sources! ]
I have been such a bad blogger this week! I think I just needed a tiny break to recharge my imagination. hehe! What has been occupying my waking hours this week is sewing. Mostly working on some drafting, testing, and trying not to get frustrated with problems present themselves! Hopefully I will have something to show you all next week…
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This week’s inspiration image is again from 1950 and features one of my favorite fabric patterns: stripes! Who doesn’t love a good stripe? I wish I could find a similar fabric (though maybe not seersucker; I’m not a huge fan of the fabric weave)–it’s so colorful! Oh, and making it up in an equally cute swimsuit and beach jacket (with the obligatory sunhat) is a must too. lol!
So without further ado and to spare you of my technical-sewing ramblings, I hope you all have a lovely and inspiring weekend!
June 5, 2009 ·
17 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: vintage inspiration, weekly inspiration
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- Midriff Top: made by me; vintage pattern
- Skirt: refashioned by me
- Shoes: Steve Madden; DSW
- Belt: thrifted
- Earrings: MET, NYC
Apologies for the quietness around here lately… This week has just been one of those times I feel like I don’t have anything of interest to say. I’m spending my time catching up on much-needed housework and sewing–I’m definitely in the Sewing Groove this week!
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This post is part outfit post, part sewing project showcase. Last week I cut out two midriff tops from different 1940s patterns. So why did I make two? Well, for starters, they are perfect in the semi-beach culture that seems to permeate Florida. Also to satisfy my own curiosity! I had leftover fabric from the first top, so I thought: why not find out how the other pattern works out too? The first top (and the one I’m wearing in the entire outfit photo) is my favorite. I made it from Hollywood #1841, which I purchased on Ebay recently and was eager to get my mitts on! I really love not only the fit of this one, but the details (tucks and narrow halter strap); it just seems more elegant to me.
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The other I made from Advance #2516 (another Ebay find from last year). I’m not as in-love with this one as I am with the Hollywood top. The whole design feels a bit “clunky” and the fit isn’t as flattering as the other. (Though I can hardly blame the pattern, not being a gal who is terribly well endowed. These tops aren’t the most flattering for a small gal–as Sal would say: they don’t offer any enboobing help! lol) Even though the second one isn’t terribly exciting, I think both will be worn a lot this summer, both with skirts and high waist shorts. I purposely chose a light pink cotton that I knew would go with 75% of my wardrobe; makes things a bit easier! Either would be equally adorable in a polka dot… Not that I need an entire wardrobe of these tops! lol.
* Just to clarify, I didn’t wear both tops during the day; the second one was just modeled for the purpose of this post!
June 3, 2009 ·
35 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: outfits, sewing
