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.

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.

2 Influential Vintage Designers

For the average working woman designer wear is un-affordable. However we cannot have a  vintage blog without discussing some of the designers who have paved the way for other designers and whose designs are timeless and still popular today.

1. Coco Chanel

 

French designer Coco Chanel

Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel, born 19th December 1883, in Samur France; was credited for liberating women from the restrictive corseted silhouettes through the designs of her trademark suits and little black dresses. Chanel was raised in the Aubazine orphanage where she was taught to sew.

Coco Chanel trademark suit

Coco Chanel LBD worn by Audrey Hepburn

In 1910 she opened her first clothing shop. In 1920 she launched her first perfume then introduced the world to the Chanel suit and the little black dress, which is a staple in every woman's closet today. While Chanel is known as a prolific fashion designer, her creative designs were first recognized in jewellery, handbags and fragrance.

Coco Chanel handbag with hot shorts

 Her signature scent Coco Chanel No. 5 has become an iconic fragrance.

Chanel No 5 Ad in the late 1970s

 On  Time Magazine's 100 most influential persons of the 20th century, Chanel is the only fashion designer to be listed.

Coco Chanel puts her finishing touches on that LBD

2. Christian Dior

World famous designer of the 1950s, Christian Dior

Legendary fashion designer Christian Dior, born 21st January, 1905 in Normandy, France was renowned for his revolutionary post world word II designs. During the war years there was fabric rationing, which simplified fashion into a subtle and almost boring look.

World War II fashion minimalist fashion trends

 However,  Dior's designs were quite the opposite. His creations represented opulence. Dior tapered and sloped the shoulders,  tucked the waistlines and produced incredibly full skirts.

Christian Dior 1950s design

 During the 1950s Christian Dior was indisputably the most famous fashion designer in the world. Dior died in 1957 of a heart attack, but his work lives on.

Modern Christian Dior trademark design

How to Tie a Vintage Headscarf

Head scarfs are so convenient for those lazy hair days and lately I have been experiencing a lot of those. I have been rocking the 1950s vintage housewife head tie more than ever to: go to school, christian meetings, shopping and just plain old hanging out. This style is not just restricted to vintage fashion. It is quite versatile and can compliment almost any look including the bohemian style. I would also recommend this if you are wearing a vintage bathing suit. If you don't want to get your hair wet; instead of using a regular bandanna try these simple steps. It will not only scream vintage but you will turn some heads at the beach as well.


So are you ready dolls? Let's get started.

Prepping the Hair

If your hair is long or shoulder length you will need to pin it up, ideally into a neat French roll. Avoid rolling your hair into a bun or sweeping your hair into a pony tail, as it would create a bulge.

Head Scarf

You will need a square scarf.  The bigger scarf will allow you to create a bow at the top, a smaller scarf will afford you a knot. It all depends on the look that you desire.

 

 Step 1

Fold your scarf diagonally, creating a triangular shape. Ensure that it is neatly done to get the best results. 

 

 Step 2

Place the scarf on your head. Hold the two longer sides and allow the shorter side or tip of the triangle to fall downward. 

 Step 3

Pull the longer pieces up over the ears and tie them together on the top of your head. Make sure that the hanging piece remains in place.

 Step 4

If you have a larger scarf, tie the ends into a bow. If the scarf is shorter, tie it into a knot. Ensure that the hanging part of the scarf, in front of the forehead, is still in place. 
 

Step 5

Take the hanging end; and neatly tuck it under the ends of the bow.  If the tails of the bow are too long, tuck them in as well. if you desire, feel free to fluff your bow to create fullness.

Step 6

There might be some points sticking out; don't panic! Simply tuck it in as well so as to create a smoother and neater look.

 Et Voila! 1950s Head tie

There you have it dolls the 1950s vintage house wife head tie. Practice makes it perfect, so don't give up. Try this wrap and let me know the outcome. Hit me up in the comment box below.  

 Pics and info compliments Mandi Johnson of babble.com

 

 

 

 

Vintage ≠ Frumpy

I have never been good in math, but what I do know is that vintage does not equal frumpy. It is an awful misconception that vintage clothing is unwearable in the 21st century, which is furthest from the truth. Styles revolve and the only thing that change is its name; for example, what was once called the full circle skirt, is now referred to as vintage flared skirts which are very much trending today. Also, there are some vintage styles that are simply timeless. Being a lover of vintage I have been wearing a lot of classic styles. It is a part of my everyday life. From make up to the shoes to accessories and definitely the clothing. I have added two pics of myself at the bottom of this page, all donned in vintage. Check out these pics below and let me know if these styles are wearable today?