Found Photographs | A Story Lost, A Story Imagined

I collect vintage photographs. There is something about an old photo that tugs at my heartstrings. I can't quite put a finger on it, but it's the same feeling I get when I listen to "Clair De Lune" by Claude Debussy (my all time favorite song if you ever did wonder)


I do not know the stories behind the photos, but I place them in a little notebook where I draw little doodles and conjure up tales of love, of lost, of hope, of dreams.

What do you collect?

The Vintage Fashion Expo in Santa Monica - Feb 5th 2011

Imagine an entire convention center filled with vintage clothing from the 1850s to the 1980s...seems overwhelming, right?


The truth is, it IS incredibly overwhelming and if you are anything like me who gets butterflies in her stomach at the sight of anything polka dotted, chiffon, or lacey... your mind just goes all a whirl and you don't know where to begin.


You really have to go to these things with a game plan. This is the 4th convention I've been to and I still haven't gotten down a system, I just spend hours wandering around, touching things, holding dresses against me, squealing with delight when I see sparkly baubles or embroidered clutches... it's like a giant vintage playroom except everything is really (and sometimes REALLY) expensive and sometimes you get "you shouldn't touch that" looks from the sellers.

You're always bound to run into some fashionista whether it be an indie chick or a modern day style icon. The latter was the case for me. I was in the same booth as Alexa Chung and we were both trying to peek at ourselves in the mirror. She had slipped on a 1930s black polka dotted dress with a seafoam green bow on the front, very cute. I had made a friendly exchange with her and told her that I really admired her personal style...and to my greatest sadness, my compliments were met with a barely audible "thanks" and when I resumed to compliment her on her vintage dress choice, she WALKED AWAY. Well, pish posh, how extremely rude!

I was a bit annoyed and we happened to be in the same booth again and the seller clearly knew who she was and had asked her if she gets photographed in the dress to tag them on Facebook or Twitter and her friendly attempts were met with...Silence.

My heart was crushed. I've always admired Alexa Chung's style so much, her dress choices always seem so whimsical, sweet, cute... I thought she herself would also be the same. Maybe she was having a bad day? Oh well, I'll probably still admire her fashion choices, but now I won't be as enamored since her lack of friendliness really just put me off.

But back to vintage clothing... the massive amounts of it present at the Vintage Expo... I actually ended up not purchasing anything. It was really crowded (although in my photographs there aren't people present, aren't I clever?) and I was met with so much snobbery that day. From sellers, from other buyers... when did vintage get so elitist? It was really quite tragic!

Hipstamatic: Tour of La Salle de Bain in my Vintage Apartment

During today's photoshoot with one of my favorite girls from ANTM (Raina Hein) I was introduced to "Hipstamatic" by the wonderful hair stylist Paul Anthony Castro. And may I just say, it was love at first take. So, in the next few weeks I will be doing mini series of "hipstamatic" photos of just daily happenings in my little vintage world.

First on the list, a tour of my very girlie bathroom, one of the locations from today's French inspired boudoir shoot.



Hope you enjoyed the tour! ^_^

A Vintage Outfit Post

Trying to get better about documenting how I wear my vintage finds, but I always feel a little geeky in front of the camera (I suppose it's because I've always been a bit of a geek since always)... so I'd rather skip the camera time and just blog about what other people are wearing *hehe*

Anyhow, I picked up these pants from ZARA yesterday and just loved them! I love that they taper at the end but have some volume on top. I tried on a few other pants, but I've found with my body type, I cannot pull of skinny jeans or those jeggings I've been seeing everywhere. So apparently if you remotely have any curves at all, jeggings will not look good on you. Or at least they didn't look good on me, and I've tried numerous brands. Ahh it just isn't meant to be! I'll stick to vintage cut slacks (looser on the legs).

Vintage Outfit Post: A Rose By Any Other Name

Yesterday morning my lovely friend Sade and I scouted locations for a fashion spread we're shooting for Dujour magazine. We stopped by a lovely rose garden and thought the location would be so fitting for a magazine as girlie and vintage inspired as Dujour. I had Sade snap some photos of my outfit but was quite happy there were some candid ones as well (both of which I am holding or looking at my iphone, honestly, this device is glued to my hands at all times!)


Dress: Vintage 1940s Chevron stripes
Cardigan: Thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted
Socks: Urban Outfitters
Bag: Etsy
Necklace: "The Cat Lady" necklace from Adorevintage
Hat: Thrifted

Coffee Date with Bella Vintage

This week flew by so quickly! We arrived back on Monday from Sacramento, Tuesday was spent doing laundry for the family (we've been out of town, on business trips for the past THREE WEEKS, that's A TON of laundry!) and later on a dentist appointment for the kiddo, Wednesday I met with the lovely Gisela from Bella Vintage at La Mill Coffee Boutique in Silver Lake.


Gisela got the most amazing looking "Cream Brulee" latte, it literally had a burnt sugar foam on top. (Jealous was I, yes, yes) but I did go for a safe bet, a plain latte.

Gisela was such a sweetheart! We both have daughters (hers is 13, mine is 12) who are both into fashion but follow their own little styles. Her daughter's name is Zoe and my stepdaughter's name is Chloe! Isn't that a happy chance?

On Thursday I had a lovely 1940s inspired photoshoot with Caitlin Bellah that will hopefully appear in a magazine soon! I'm so excited for the photos!

And yesterday, what I thought was going to be a quick pop into FedEx to pick up a most important package turned into a 6.5 mile WALK to Koreatown in 90 degree heat. I meant to get work done for my kiddo's birthday party this afternoon, but I passed out on the bed with my workout clothes still on.

My poor vintage shop has been so neglected, I did add a few little vintage goodies yesterday, but trust me, I have so MUCH more to post up along with lots of lovely new pictures to share of my latest styling jobs!

What I'm Wearing Today: "I Love History Channel"

Well I've done it, I took the plunge (the cut)! So far I'm loving it, it's definitely shorter than I thought it would be, but luckily my hair grows lightning fast, so soon I'll have more to play around with.

Goodness, I feel like a different person all together! I feel taller too. I look quite tall in the photo next to Beatrice and Eloise, but that's just a trick of the camera *hehe*

I've also just started a LOOKBOOK.nu account. Although, I probably won't be updating it that often as work and being a wife and mom keeps me pretty busy, but I do save many inspirations of other girls who have amazing style, so feel free to take a look! { Rodellee's LookBook }

{WHAT I'M WEARING}
Bowtie: Vintage, Adorevintage.com
Lace Collar: Vintage, Antique shop in Orlando
Lace Dress: Marshall's
Cardigan: Vintage, Thrifted
Satchel: Vintage, SLOW L.A.
Socks: UO
Shoes: Thrifted, Aldo?

Just a day, an ordinary day in a vintage girl's world...

"Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me." - Audrey Hepburn



"Don't fuss, dear; get on with it." - Audrey Hepburn



"I've always had a passion for the outdoors, for trees, for birds and flowers." - Audrey Hepburn

Project Runway Design Challenge: Circus Inspired Style, My Own Take

While watching Project Runway I was inspired to draw up my own "circus" dress. Too bad I can't sew :( and I couldn't quite draw the "petals" right, they look like eggs. LOL. But they're suppose to be large floaty chiffon petals!

I do wish I could sew though, other than the simple adding buttons and simple hemming I'm pretty clueless with a sewing machine. I would have the loveliest clothes if only I could sew!

The inspiration is from what tight rope walkers or those aerial dancers would wear in the good old circus days. I would wear this to a birthday party. And the floral ribbons on the shoulders are detachable in case you don't want to look too "fairy" like. (But I like fairies... so I would definitely wear these)

My Directing Debut: Saturday at Griffith Observatory

Well, it's not very vintage related I know, however one of my monthly goals (all right, it was March's goal) was to purchase a video camera, and so I have at last!

I spent most of Saturday evening splicing clips together and adding the soundtrack. I've never created a video in my life, so sorry it's a bit shoddy. The quality isn't the greatest, I think I compressed it too much. But, I hope you enjoy!

Also, for those who have made videos on Youtube, any advice? I am so very excited to start making little films about vintage and even to get my toes wet with a new creative medium, but my thoughts and ideas are really too scattered. Thoughts? Ideas? Advice?

About A Waist, My Quest to 23"

This mostly pertains to my most recent post (just below) about the measurements of many celebrities of yesteryear.


My closest measurement/height double is Vivien Leigh, but trust me I'm still quite a few inches off here and there. (She's slightly taller with a 23" waist) I tried to do some research on how women had such small waists (exact exercises) and I could not find much information. However, one lovely reader { Principita de Porcelana } was kind enough to point out that many women back then were used to being corseted as were their mothers and their grandmothers so their waists were "better formed" so to speak.

So (please hold the laughter because I'm a little embarrassed to admit this) I went and bought one of those elastic waist bands. My mother swears by them and she's nearly 49 with a 25" waist. So, it must be working, right?

Is it comfortable? Not really. But it's not terrible. In fact it was all right before I had dinner. I've noticed how straight I've been sitting all day though. So I'm trimming my waist and improving my posture. 2 in 1, hooray!

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Tomorrow I am off to New Orleans to meet up with some dear friends for a long weekend trip, so I won't be able to post until Monday. I added a few new goodies in the { vintage shop }. Have a wonderful evening and rest of your weekend!

Cream Fronds & Checkers: An outfit post

So very happy about this blouse and the fit and the color. Recently I have becoming increasingly in love with creams, whites, and beige... the absence of color. Which, if you have seen my outfit posts from recent years, is quite a leap in the other direction.


And this time with my shoes showing as a lovely reader pointed out that an outfit post is not complete without shoes. *hehe* I mostly don't post my shoes because in full length shots I feel like a lollipop head. Unfortunately, I have a rather large head compared to my body. *sigh*

All but my shoes are vintage. I haven't been carrying a bag around lately. Mostly just this coin purse I got in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. (this word is so fun to say, btw, Chi! Chi!) So, no bag today. And for a bigger picture, it's here. Oh, dear, I feel so very vain.

Will be adding more items in the { SHOP } today as well! Items are selling out fairly quickly, so I need to make sure more inventory is added so my virtual store shelves don't look so bare! Goodies from the 1940s and 1950s soon to be arriving.

My adventures at the Antique & Textiles Show at Pickwick Gardens

First and foremost, I did not bring my camera after all. But mostly because I knew I wanted to get lost in the world of vintage and lugging around a big clunky camera was not in my plans for this little magical trip.

So, off I drove to Burbank, stopping to get a latte and croissant along the way. I arrive and I'm immediately smitten! I can feel the energy around me as other woman "coo" and "ahh" over vintage dresses and costume jewelry. At last! A place where like minded girls are all under one roof and can relish in all of these pretty little things. Sometimes I feel like such a big nerd when I find a pretty vintage dress in a shop, I run my fingers through the fabric and hold it against me imagining the stories behind the garment. La! La! La! I'm so pretty!

There are two big rooms, one on the right and one on the left. Both rooms have vintage clothes, accessories, and textiles (linens, aprons, blankets). I go into the right room first. Lace blouses and pretty floral prints and billowy chiffon dresses all catch my attention first. 15 minutes of being inside and I've already asked three different booths to put something on hold for me.

I must not be impulsive! I will practice control!

I am not there for jewelry or handbags. So, I don't look through any of the booths that have them. But trust me, there are PLENTY to choose from varying in price ranges from "nearly broke college student" to "thank God my husband is with me and he's footing the bill" (haha!)

I feel like a hummingbird flitting from booth to booth. Oh! Oh! a green velvet hat from the 1940s, oh it looks so perfect against my dark hair! Oh, it's $100! (sad face). Oh my God! Oh my God! It's a vintage Versace! Someone else grabs for it. No! No! I saw it first! The dark navy chiffon and silk rustle past me in a blur. (another sad face) Ooo what is this grey 1950s day dress with the big lace collar? That would look so great with black tights and mary-janes. Oh, no! What?! You don't take Visa? Arg!

Many of the booths take credit cards if their prices are higher. Almost all the booths I went to that had reasonable prices only took cash or check. Lesson learned. Bring your checkbook!

I'm inexperienced at these things. I hear other women haggle for prices. I'm not brave enough to do it. But, if you're good at that sort of thing, go for it. Bargains are to be had here!

Hey, who's that? She looks familiar. I know her from somewhere. Keep walking, walking. Oh, look at all of these gorgeous Victorian dresses! So much lace! Eggshell, cream, beige, cafe au lait colors... I am swooning! There's that girl again, and that other girl, and that other girl.

Oh! It's Tennessee Thomas. And the other girls from "The Like" except I don't realize this until much later. And I recognize Tennessee from theFashionspot forums, but I'm shy when it comes to strangers so I don't say anything. I notice her colorful 70s mini dress and mirrored novelty 1950s straw bag.

After a couple hours, I am hungry and know I might lose control if I stay longer. I pick up business cards, introduce myself, enquire about an AMAZING AMAZING 1930s cornflower blue silk dress cut on the bias with a gored skirt and capelet and I want to cry because I can't buy it (it's $345 and I have no need for a formal gown) but somehow or other this dress and I are meant to be together. It's DESTINY!

I leave clutching three paper bags in my hands. I am floating. I have three new treasures to add to my closet. HOORAH! HOORAH! What a great day it has been!

And if you've read through this lengthy post... here are my new treasures!

(See, I practiced restraint ^_^, only three things!)

Another outfit post, and I'm on a roll!

I'm feeling a bit gleeful today. Perhaps it's because I have finally organized the Adorevintage work closet or perhaps its because on Sunday I am going to a vintage clothing and textile show! *HOORAH!*


I wonder if they will let me bring my camera? I don't see why not. I bet there will be loads of well dressed women all just waiting to get their photo snapped to inspire outfit decisions in the future. *hehe*

Oh, another reason to be happy, in March I start taking pastry and baking classes at Gourmandise Desserts! I am so very excited to learn how to make French macaroons and finaciers and opera cakes (whatever those are)! I've always really enjoyed baking, and now I can take classes with a real life French pastry chef. Oui! Oui!

White, black, and rust... Another What I Wore post

Well chickadees I was quite pleased with myself for waking up at the crack of dawn (well 6:30), pinning up the curls, and putting on "my face".



Now that I'm dressed I feel less like a sloth and off to enjoy a cup of coffee & 15 minutes reading a new book (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers)

Afterwards, I've got a date with my sink full of dishes and then another date with two baskets of laundry. Such a glamorous housewife I am!

BTW, thank you all to posted comments on my previous outfit post. Your comments actually inspired me to put in a bit of effort. After all, if the mothers and wives in the good old days could still work, keep house, and watch their children while looking tres chic, I certainly can with all of our newfangled "shortcut" gadgets we have now, right?

Stripes, Dots, & High Waisted Shorts, a "What I Wore" post

Outfit posts are pretty rare for me nowadays. Have I become lazy or is it because I have too many other things going on to really get dressed and have a picture taken? Anyhow, today I decided to put in that extra bit of effort, pin up my hair, and added a brush of red lipstick because red lipstick always cheers and awakens. (Well, in my case anyway)


I look tired here. Wait... I AM tired. The past week I've only been getting 5-6 hrs of sleep a night. I need to get to bed earlier...

As far as the rest of the outfit goes. Black tights paired with black Seychelle booties.

Getting Better!

Oh my goodness, the past couple of days were stressful. Running an online store can be really vexing at times.

Apparently on Nov 1st, AV was hacked. *sigh* It can happen to anyone, but it just disheartens me so much when things like this happens. Anyhow, the past few days I had to delete almost all of my archived files and update every single HTML file on AV (literally HUNDREDS of pages).

Then the shop pages were compromised. Not as easy to deal with as each page is composed of multiple components. So I had to scan through files to find where the code was added to my site and replace all of those too.

Afterwards I had to contact my hosting company and let them know of the problem. Reset all my passwords. Contact Google for site reviews so that the warnings would be removed. And of course scan my computer to make sure I didn't have anything bad on it. AUGHhhhhh.

BUT...it's all better now! I just got the message from Google that both Adorevintage.com and shop.adorevintage.com are now clean and safe to browse and use. HOORAY!

Thank you so much everyone for the kind comments and encouraging words, I sincerely appreciate them. ^_^

The Mean Reds

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Paul Varjak: Sure.
Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away.

Well, it's Monday and this seemed quite fitting as I am having quite a rough start to my week.

But I must remember, it isn't the end of the world, the sun will shine again, and I just need to do what I can do today and keep at it tomorrow.

Holly Golightly had Tiffany's. And I have Audrey Hepburn. ^_^ Somehow when I imagine how would Audrey handle this, I think "with poise, grace, and calm" and I regain a bit of composure.

The White Rabbit Costume

My Halloween costume is almost complete! Hooray! I need to sew on a couple buttons to the blazer and I think I should have a white hankie. And of course I need a pocket watch. I might just make one from vintage jewelry scraps though since I haven't been able to find one.



Everything was purchased at Goodwill, except the vintage gloves, I've had them for awhile. Hmm...the mask is kind of creepy... hopefully I won't scare any of my nieces and nephews at tomorrow's Halloween party.

My inspiration for the costume
(but with a different color scheme and pants, LOL)