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Happy 58th, Disneyland! and the Barstow Family’s “Disneyland Dream”

The Barstow family in Disneyland, 1956
The Barstow family in Disneyland, 1956.

Disneyland’s 58 years old today! To celebrate, here’s the Barstow family’s 1956 D-Land adventure! One of the kids won the trip – a dream vacation to the then-one-year-old theme park – through a 3M cellophane tape contest.

The film – titled “Disneyland Dream” – is a great record of early Disneyland, but it also includes glimpses of old school Knott’s Berry farm and 1950s SoCal in general. These days, it’s hard to imagine northern O.C. covered by anything but pavement and buildings… Continue reading “Happy 58th, Disneyland! and the Barstow Family’s “Disneyland Dream””

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New to Eshakti? Get $40 off of your first purchase!

While normally a Made-in-USA kind of girl, I appreciate Eshakti’s traditional Indian cotton fabrics and whimsical prints. Many of their designs are retroable, and almost all are customizable! For a modest fee, you can have any piece made to your specific measurements (through plus size 36!). You can also choose sleeve, neckline, and length for many styles.

Through the middle of this month, new customers can use code TANY4177 to get $40 off. Give Eshakti.com a try!

Eshakti options
Eshakti options.
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Outfit of the Week: Trashy Diva Jaclyn

Trashy Diva Jaclyn
Trashy Diva Jaclyn Dress.

My friend Monica gave me a Trashy Diva gift certificate for my birthday, so I used it to get the fabulous Jaclyn Dress in the Big Band Bows print! This one’s got a warm summer print (fruit, flowers, and bows), but the colors and cut make it totally autumnable, too! I adore the cutouts on the neckline…they’re super-1940s!

I was warned that the invisible zipper would be tough to get past the waist seams, but it wasn’t that bad. I will say that the neck opening – while perfectly comfortable to wear – is a bit close when pulling the dress over your head. So, do your hair and makeup after you get dressed to avoid getting foundation on your clothes and messing up your coiffure. Additionally, my size 14 size charted a 33.5″ waist, but I flat-measured it closer to 32″. That wasn’t an issue for me, but it might be for you.

Trashy Diva Jaclyn
Trashy Diva Jaclyn.

I’m wearing it here with my 1950s copper “Sealife” earrings and cuff by Matisse Renoir and my Remix Gloria wedges, a great 1940s repro shoe!

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A Planet Pinup Fourth of July!

Planet Pinup cherry hairscarf and Pinup Couture Cherry Heidi Dress
Planet Pinup cherry hairscarf and Pinup Couture Cherry Heidi Dress.

I celebrated Independence day with some great new American-made accessories by Jean Peplinski at Planet Pinup!

Her pinup-inspired fabric hairflowers, hairscarves, 1940s-style snoods, bows, fascinators, and other fashionable frills are beautiful, filled with personality, and totally original!

Continue reading “A Planet Pinup Fourth of July!”

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Summer Preview: Deadly Dames Malibu Tiki Dress

Malibu Tiki Dress
Malibu Tiki Dress.

As the weather heats up, so do the summer shindigs. If you’re looking for something cute and festive, Pinup Girl Clothing’s Deadly Dames Malibu Tiki Dress in blue and red is just the ticket! The adjustable straps, structured bodice, sarong-style side tie, jaunty bolero, and vintage Hawaiian floral print give this dress set the style and class of a mid century Alfred Shaheen design. It’s truly worthy of any hukilau, luau, or other tiki-tastic event!
Continue reading “Summer Preview: Deadly Dames Malibu Tiki Dress”

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Summer Preview: Trashy Diva’s Pontchartrain Beach Set!

Trashy Diva Beach Set
Trashy Diva Ponchartrain Beach Set.

Trashy Diva does vintage style like no other. This New Orleans-based shop cluster and fashion line offers authentic looking designs in beautiful retro-print fabrics. The two-piece Pontchartrain Beach Set (named for the lake, I assume) is a playful, summery take on the usual Trashy Diva aesthetic, featuring a cropped top with pretty square neckline and a high-waisted skirt.  The fabric is a cool cotton voile, woven with a purple-and-turquoise plaid pattern. Large, white rose buttons close the bodice and decorate the large pockets on the skirt.
Continue reading “Summer Preview: Trashy Diva’s Pontchartrain Beach Set!”

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Review: Kiyonna’s fabulous 1940s lace dresses…in plus sizes!

Kiyonna Boudoir
Kiyonna Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress. Cocktail hat from Pinup Girl Clothing.

I’ve shopped with Orange County, CA- based plus size clothing manufacturer Kiyonna since 2007. Their fashions are classy, made in the USA, and designed with curvy figures in mind. What’s more, a good portion of their dresses and separates are retro-inspired. Some of their best sellers include gorgeous 1940s-inspired lace cocktail dresses in sizes 10-32 US. That’s right; 0x-5x! Over the past six years, I’ve worn everything from Kiyonna size 0 to Kiyonna size 3, so I’m well-acquainted with their fit.
Continue reading “Review: Kiyonna’s fabulous 1940s lace dresses…in plus sizes!”

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Summer Preview: Red Poppies from Bettie Page Clothing

Bettie Page Clothing Poppy Seed Red Circle Dress
Bettie Page Clothing Poppy Seed Red Circle Dress.

Given all the amazing Memorial Day sales online, I had to pick up several things. I wasn’t really planning on purchasing anything but my new red Dita Cardigan from Wheels & Dollbaby, but the Poppy Seed Red Circle Dress by Bettie Page Clothing really, well, popped out at me as I browsed the sales!

Bettie Page and Unique Vintage were sold out of my size, so I purchased mine from ever-reliable JBR Clothing in Brea, CA. JBR’s regular price for this dress is $10 less than Bettie Page Clothing’s, plus they offer regular free shipping on this dress! Even though I ordered on the Friday before Memorial Day, JBR shipped the very next day. The dress reached me on Tuesday afternoon, a mere four days (one a Sunday, another a holiday) after I ordered!
Continue reading “Summer Preview: Red Poppies from Bettie Page Clothing”