Makeup Under 15 Minutes After Cooking His Favourite Dish

In the 1950s and 1960s cooking for your husband was an essential part of family life, but what was equally important was being dolled up for your hubby when he got home.  Women of that era emphasized that a hot meal and looking good went hand in hand. Just take your mind back to the days when housewives were donned in their full circle dresses and big pocket apron ensemble;  shoving a pot roast in the oven with hair and make up forever in place. Don't you ever wonder how they did it? Now, while I don't advocate this lifestyle as an everyday routine,  it certainly is a wonderful way to surprise your husband and at the same time spice up your marriage. So I have recreated this atmosphere with the help of cosmetologist Cindy Edwards and Caribbean Cook Clara Questelles.

What's On The Menu?

Carla graciously shared her mouth watering recipe with me and so we decided to make smoked herrings, cassava and coconut dumplings. The lime and chadon beni underscored the smokiness of the herrings which made it more enjoyable. Carla just has a way of turning simple Creole food into gourmet meals, and she does it effortlessly.

Coconut dumplings - surely, you have tasted regular flour dumplings before! However the idea of incorporating coconut to the dough is brilliant!!! The texture was firmer than the regular dumplings because of the grated coconut kernel, yet, its rich oils made it tender and bursting with flavour.

Cassava - Carla hooked me up with a cassava vendor who sells the best cassava ever. It was soft and buttery and could have been eaten on its own. My favourite kind  of cassava!

Butter Cassava

 Delicious!!!! Being from the Caribbean, my serving size was more than generous, as you can see. 

This meal was a home hit!!! But don't take my word for it check out Carla's blog page for the recipe. Try it yourself and let me know what you think

https://caribbeanflavours.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=3TB7elEBAAA._dZs8nmemOgK1yz_r1bkbY16S5DTM7Z_8gLtcKrtm2zrY4T8AcBCF0YQGBC5m8HlCqLaq7vny9K9TGiiSv4ZWg.PAwVhr6jn-ye0Px8DUxx-w&postId=8303404824591629604&type=POST

Makeup Under 15 Minutes

After facing the heat in the kitchen Cindy came over to help with my make up. She used an inexpensive 2 in 1 foundation and concealer by Jordana on my face. This was perfect because with a limited time to get ready the need to use a concealer was satisfied with this product. Next Cindy defined my eyebrows with a dark drown gel liner.A  neutral coloured eye shadow was applied to my lids and then a brownish shadow was used in my creases and blended out. On my brow bones, Cindy used a  gold matte coloured eye shadow. Then she lined my eyelids with a black liquid liner and created a cat/ winged eye; which helps to create that  1950s/ 60s look.   Black liner was also applied to my bottom eyelids. Mascara was brushed unto my lashes.  A rouge coloured blush was dabbed on my cheekbones. My lips were lined with a red matte lipstick pencil followed by the red matte lipstick application. To make this look more authentic, Cindy imprinted a "false mole" close to the apple of my right cheek.  Then Cindy created this Lucille Ball hairstyle that complimented my make up.  To check out the make up tutorial see Cindy's vlog post at https://youtu.be/TJBslqUaj14

Make up Courtesy Cindy The Diva

My Vintage Wardrobe

 Seeing that my presentation was based around food, I felt that it was appropriate to select  this cherry patterned wiggle dress from my wardrobe. Also a wiggle dress edges out a full circle skirt/ dress when it comes to sexiness. It makes a greater impression when greeting your husband at the door; after a long day at work. This dress was paired with black kitten heels. As for accessories I used a pair of pearl earrings and necklace. For persons who are not as gifted with the styling of hair, like myself, I decided to do a simple open out vintage hairstyle by making a side bath and fastening a flower clip to my hair. When it was time to serve, I used my big pocket apron that belonged to my aunt Bernadine Wilkinson.  

Aunt Bernadine's big pocket apron

Vintage chic

Hope you enjoyed this blog. Feel free to post a comment in the box below.









Video courtesy Cindy Edward
Pictures courtesy Cindy Edwards & Carla Questelles

How To Refill Vintage Lipstick Tubes

Hello dolls! As promised in my last blog ( Vintage Gift Ideas For Her), I will share with you some tips on how to refill a vintage lipstick tube. Of course the technique is standard and can be applied to any lipstick tube. For example, if ever your tube is cracked, the cover is lost,  or the cover just keeps falling off and is messing up your purse, this tutorial will also be useful to you.

1. Sanitize The Old Lipstick Tubes.

 

This step is especially important if you purchased these vintage tubes in an antique store or even online. So to prevent any fungus from growing on your lips, dismantle the tube and soak them in hot soapy water. Use a tiny brush and scrub the insides completely removing any residue of old lipstick. Rinse with hot water then use a q-tip to wipe any further lipstick residue. Soak the tube in a bowl of rubbing alcohol for 5-7 minutes, then wipe with cotton balls or allow to air dry.

2. Reassemble The Tube Vintage Tube

 

 

Put the pieces of the tube back together and the the base all the way up, to the top of the container.

3. Lipstick Prep

 

 

Choose the lipstick that you would like to transfer. Most lipsticks of today can fit vintage tubes, but if you like you can test it out by using an inexpensive lipstick. Once the selection of lipstick(s) have taken place freeze it. Yes, dump the lipstick in the freezer for 2-4 hours until it is nice and frozen. This process makes it easy to remove the lipstick. Some persons use heat, but I stay away from that because it is quite messy and the heat can change the composition of the make up. Turn the base of the frozen lipstick all the way to the top. To prevent your fingers from getting stained, use wax paper and gently wiggle the lipstick back and forth until it is removed from its base.

4. Lipstick Refill

 

Push lipstick unto the base of the vintage container and align it as straight as possible.Then turn the base down to the bottom of the container and voila!!!! Modern lipstick in a vintage tube!

There you have it dolls! How to refill a  vintage lipstick tube. Feel free to leave a comment in the box below! In my next blog...make up under 15 minutes after cooking up a storm! Stay blugged!!!


Pictures courtesy Va Va Voom Vintage.

Vintage Gift Ideas That She Will Love

A true classic woman recognizes that it is the little things that count. She knows that while some vintage items are quite costly; she acknowledges that some vintage paraphernalias are weightier in meaning  which makes it more priceless than the exorbitantly priced stuff. Whether you choose to gift her with an expensive or weighty vintage item, it will be appreciated.

Remember these are just gift ideas, so if you don't find the exact item, don't pull your hair out. You can always look at other options.

1. Vintage Lipstick Tubes

 

Lipstick tubes

 These can be found at antique shops, ebay and etsy  at a price range of US$ 5 to US$ 10. You will need to wash properly and sanitize them before you give as a gift. In my next blog I will give you some tips on how to refill a vintage lipstick tube.

2. Besame Cosmetics 

 

1955 Exotic pink lipstick

 

Besame is a family company that has been making golden age cosmetics since 2004. If  she doesn't have time to refill vintage lipstick tubes then Besame lipsticks are another option.
These 12 lipsticks were recreated to mimic the lipsticks of the vintage era, ranging from 1920 to 1969. They are packaged in a golden silver bullet with a red  floral pattern on its exterior. This cost US$ 22, but if you like you can purchase a couple of the American Beauty Matchbooks which contain five sample sized lipsticks in each matchbook that are ideal for traveling. Price US$ 6.

American Beauty Matchbook

3. Vintage Compact

 

Austrian solid silver and guilloche enamel powder compact circa 1920

The compacts can  be found in antique stores and online at etsy and ebay. The price ranges from US$ 8 to US$100.

4. Vintage Brooch 

 

Rhinestone cherry brooch

Brooches were an important accessory in the vintage era . No doubt, the cherries were a classic 1950s style. This can be found on ebay between US$ 10 to US$ 40.

5. Veiled Fascinator

 

Plaid fascinator

A fascinator is "D" accessory to create that vintage edge. Buy this for a vintage lover and she will love you for life!!!  Prices start at US$ 60.  You can also feel free to copy and paste this link in your browser for more fascinator ideas  http://www.racheltrevormorgan.com/collections/autumn-winter/

6. Pocket Watch Necklace

 

Pocket watches

A vintage pocket watch can range from US$ 12 to US$ 120 on etsy and  amazon. The more intricate the design the more money it will cost.

7. Vintage Locket 

 

Heart shaped locket

Lockets are an ideal way to preserve the memory of that special someone by keeping it close to your heart, literally! Lockets come in different shapes, styles and sizes and can be bought at an antique store or online at etsy. Lockets range from US$ 25 to US$ 300.

8. Vintage Stuffed Toy! Awwwww

 

 

Fallon aviator stuffed pilot bear

If she adores cuddly toys then this stuffed pilot bear will be perfect for this vintage lover. This 10' cutie pie is approximately US$ 15 at Fallon Aviation Pilot Shop.

9. Vintage Camera

 

1953 Lecia M3 with custom skin

Recreated vintage moments can be beautifully captured through the lens of a wide or medium format vintage camera. However if you don't know much about cameras, you need to first seek professional advice before making a purchase. ( 4 Tips for Purchasing a Vintage Camera http://blog.freepeople.com/2014/08/tips-purchasing-vintage-film-camera/ ). The Price of  vintage cameras range from US$ 30 to US$ 200 on etsy and amazon.

10. Vintage Bicycle

 

Female basket bike

If she is an out doorsy vintage gal then this gift might give her an adrenaline rush!  Vintage bicycles can be bought at antique shops, where prices are sometimes negotiable.

Do's and Don'ts of a Black Tie Affair

With December quickly approaching, there might be a number of social gatherings encircled on your calendar. While you might have easily secured a vintage get up for your staff dinner of say...20 people, the other event is a black tie affair and you might be busting your brain as to what to wear to this black tie event and still incorporate this vintage themed style of dress.

Black tie affair

Well let us first understand the meaning of the term Black Tie. Put simply, it is a fancy affair of which men are required to wear a tuxedo. This social function usually starts at 6 pm,  but it is no hard and fast rule, because some black tie weddings kick off at 3 in the afternoon. Now while the expression black tie applies mainly to men, a woman should also know what attire is considered appropriate under this code.

Full length gown

Do I have to wear a gown? 

 Usually floor length gowns are worn for black tie gatherings, but in 2015 there are some exceptions to the rules. If you don't own a gown and cannot afford to purchase one then it is quite acceptable to wear a cocktail dress. Keep in mind though that if you are going to use a cocktail dress, the colour should be rich and classy, so as not to appear casual. You can never go wrong in black, but if that fails, you can opt for  metallics, jewel tones and browns.

 Satin cocktail dress

On the other hand, lighter shades can be worn with  a full length gown as it is naturally dressy. Another option for a black tie affairs are chic separates; such as a silk blouse with a full satin skirt.

Vintage chic separates

If you choose to wear a cocktail dress, just ensure that the hemline is not overly short or the style isn’t too revealing. Also keep in mind that your cocktail dress must stand up along a room full of tuxedo wearing men and women in their dressy full length gowns.
 `

Can I wear Red?

Traditionally, red was thought to be overly sexy and attention grabbing, which clearly shows that that rule was established during a more conservative  time period. However in this era there are thousands of high fashioned red dresses that are perfect for formal gatherings. Just be sure to stay away from the RED  unflattering, tight, spandex dresses with the low cleavage dress or any colour for that matter! Needless to say that it is highly inappropriate. According to Style Caster, " Choose red gowns that are made from rich silky fabrics like chiffon or organza, as opposed to shiny satin or anything too stretchy, and always keep embellishments to a minimum."

Red satin gown

Can I Wear White to a Wedding?

There are differing views on this but to be safe and to avoid upsetting the bride, save your pretty white dress for an other occasion. It might appear to many that you are trying to steal the bride's attention.


                         

If it's not your day, ditch the white dress

There you have it dolls, I hope this blog was useful. Feel free to leave a comment in the box below.

 

DIY Vintage Hairstyles

Hi dolls! As the end of the year is drawing near, you might have galas to attend. Keeping that in mind, I have included some simple do it yourself, beginners, vintage hairstyles to complement your vintage dress. These hairdos apply to all hair type. Women of colour with permed or heat-stretched hair can pull off the same look as Caucasian women. You might get a slightly different look depending on your hair length.  However, if your hair is all natural, and you are 100% opposed to applying heat to your hair, like myself,  I have included styles for the natural sisters as well.  Check out my video and let me know what you think by posting your comments in the box below.

Vintage Inspired Wedding Dresses With a Purpose

The styles of wedding dresses are sweeping and varies from bride to bride, but what I have noticed as a common and recurring pattern is the bustier.  While I am not in any way opposed to this look as it is quite stunning; once well-fitting of course,  I think that the place in which it is worn can make it inappropriate. I cannot recall how many times I have seen beautiful brides ambling down the isles with plunging necklines; muffin top cleavage and daring scooped backs dresses.  You can almost hear the gasps and murmurs of the staunch Christian ladies in between the wedding march hymn ( Here Comes the Bride). This is also distracting to the pastor/priest/elder.

Admittedly some brides try to look modest by covering up with a bolero but it sometimes takes away from the aesthetics of the bridal dress.  It looks like an afterthought that clashes with the dress.
So how do you wear a wedding dress without exposing too much and at the same time not look frumpy? Well I came across some vintage inspired wedding dresses that are appropriate for the chapel. Check it out and feel free to comment in the box down below.

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 This fit and flare lace dress looks classy and sexy and at the same time quite moderate.

A  glamorous lace  dress that covers the shoulders. It looks timeless and stylish and it also replaces the need for a boring bolero.

 

 This is a bustier type dress, but the sheer fabric adds some classiness to it, which does not overly expose the flesh.

Front

Back

 Here is another bustier type dress, but this has more coverage from front to back with the line pattern of this sheer fabric.  

If you are not overly fond of sheer and lace this dress might be perfect for you. Capped sleeves and embellished neck and waist lines might be all you need to be a vintage bride.

Straight out of a vintage story-tale.  The minimal sheer, from front to back, provides a very classy finish. If you don't mind showing off  a little skin but love to sweep the floor with your cascading dress, then this wedding dress might be for you.

This dress does have a bustier finish but not only is it covered in lace; the vintage collar masks the cleavage which makes this wedding dress appropriate for the church.

This fishtail dress shows off a bride's curves but does not expose her assets. The lace finish to the top along with the floral embellishment makes this dress simply beautiful.


Hope you enjoyed dolls. In my next blog-post I will share with you some 50s hairstyles that goes along with these dresses. Stay tuned and thanks for viewing!






These images were taken from Classy Tatiana Kaplun Bridal Collection 2015 and  House of Mookshki.

Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle

Marylin Monroe in a wiggle dress

Wiggle skirts were banging in the 1950s and 60s. It was so called because  the hem of the dress or skirt was narrower than the hips which automatically made a woman wiggle when she walked. When I think of wiggle dresses Marilyn Monroe comes to mind. It was one of her signature looks.Today the wiggle dress is still very much apart of our fashion trend, but it goes by the name pencil skirts or pencil dresses. Dita Von Teese is the modern day vintage queen and she wears this style flawlessly.

Dita Von Teese

Wiggle skirts/dresses are perfect for women with curves, namely the pear shaped and hour glass shaped women. With the end of the year drawing close there are so many functions to attend and you might be thinking of rocking something that is close-fitting.

Wiggle/Pencil skirt

However you might feel intimidated by this style because it highlights a woman's nightmare: cellulite, lumpy hips, bumpy thighs, pouch etc. This feeling is quite understandable, but with the right under garments you can totally pull off this look.

Curvy woman looks flawless in wiggle skirt

 I will include a list of foundation garments that can be worn with any type of dress, including the wiggle dress/skirt. I know this might sound like granny panties but how do you think these Hollywood stars of yesteryear looked so flawless? Say it with me ladies, 'Power to the granny panties'!!!

 5 Dress Solving Items that Every Woman Should Own:

1.  A fitted light control slip -  perfectly suited for wiggle dresses and skirts

Control slip- light

2. High waist cinched panties - ideal for circle and full skirts that have a high waist.

High waist cincher

3. A light half slip - suited for dresses and skirts worn with tights or stockings to prevent it from sticking.

Half slip- light

4. A strapless long line bra or basque - this gives far better results than a strapless bra which often shows up your fatty rolls at the back of the bra. The basque will give a smother line and cinch the waist. Also it is perfect for the low back dresses.

Strapless long lone bra

Basque

5. A girdle - Yes it is very old fashion, but it holds perfectly, thus hiding the bulging areas.  Most girdles possess suspenders which are worn over your normal panties. In the bygone days vintage dresses were made when everyone wore girdles which explains why ladies of that era looked perfectly tucked. These are ideal for hooking stockings and gives a more authentic vintage look.

A classic girdle

If you are going for that cliché look with your wiggle dress/ skirt, then get that 50s hairdo and rock those ruby red matte lips. If not, you can wear some ankle boots and modern accessories. Note: If your heels are too high you might experience difficulty walking in this outfit. Keep it simple and practice walking in it before you leave the house.