Dance Party Friday- France Gall

Because I am channeling France Gall today, with my hair in my skinny jeans and ballet flats. And because I love her. That's all. Happy Friday!!

Mod Monday- Betties and Dons

I met this cutie couple at the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market 2 weekends ago. I LOVED the collection of dresses. and Although i tried on the most fun yellow Lilly dress, I didn't take it home because it was a wee bit too small. They had a pretty great selection of men's shirts too! You can keep up with them on their Facebook page, to see where they pop up next!!

Mod Monday- Vidal Sassoon on the watch list

I spotted the trailer for this movie over HERE. They did a pretty awesome synopsis and made me want to get a super mod haircut via Vidal Sasson.
Have you seen the movie? Did you like it?

Mod Monday- Moonrise Kingdom

B and I went on a dinner and movie date Friday and saw Moonrise Kingdom. I loved it. Wes Anderson is one of my favorites (my freshman college roomie and I used to fall asleep to The Royal Tennenbaums 60% of the time). The whole movie was muted in that fantastical 60's era coloration. Anderson's Mise-en-scène is pretty brilliant, you could pause the movie at any given point and you would have a hang-able work of art. We noticed many of the scenes were very symmetrical, but I think that is just Anderson's style.

Alternative Movie poster snagged from HERE

I like to think that Suzy and Sam were what Ben and I were when we were little. Suzy with her books and records, and Sam with his mad outdoor skillz. I could just see little Ben on his canoe navigating through the woods. I am seeing a very potential Halloween costume in the works and Lox Papers has put together the perfect board so I can shop for Suzy. Anyone know where to get a Khaki Scout uniform for Ben?


Its a perfect movie to get you in the summer mood. I highly recommend this film. I will definitely see it again.

Mod Monday- Marilyn on the movie Que

Have you been watching SMASH on NBC? Well I have! And I am really looking forward to tonight's episode where it all comes to a culmination. Karen or Ivy? In the meantime, to educate myself on the Bombshell,  my Netflix Que has started to collect many a Marilyn movies. Which one is your favorite?

Mod Monday- Twiggy!

Last week, Ben and I were talking, I mentioned how fabulous this girl's "Twiggy" lashes were (we were people watching). Ben's response: "Twiggy?"
I was shocked and appalled. Then we asked 2 more of our friends if they knew who she was. Both no. Mortified and saved by my girlfriend who joined the conversation, she did know Twiggy, we took the experiment to Facebook. Only to be disappointed again. So tonight I find myself browsing Twiggy image search on Google, then to http://www.twiggylawson.co.uk/ for a big dose of Twiggy.

So tell me friends, you know who Twiggy is... Right?! If not, please educate yourself. :)

Mod Monday- retro swimsuits

Swimsuit HEAVEN when I found Fables by Barrie on Etsy. Literally 4 pages of amazing handmade retro swimsuits. I got the one above (it is a combo I put together cause pieces are sold separately). Having used it over the weekend, I can attest to the exquisite fit and how well it is made. I can't wait to wear it all hot Texas summer. Plus the high waist makes me feel less self conscious. Brilliant!
What are your favorite styles this summer?

Put a Pucci scarf on it.

A few weeks ago I picked up this super fun Pucci scarf (a la Braniff girl uniforms) from Zola's in the Bishop Arts district. The whole structure of the scarf is made so you can wear it a buncha different ways. As I was having a bad hair day, I channeled my inner Lauren (who gave me the courage to rock a head scarf) and went with it. Totally distracts from the crazy hair, huh?
Paired with Ralph Lauren Kelly green pumps, Gap Khakis, Zara green top and Target cardigan.

Mod Monday-ModFire

My friend Gregg gave me some literature on the Modfire that he and his partner Eric picked up at Modernism week in Palm Springs. He knew it would be right up my alley and he was right! That thing is pretty awesome. There are a few different sizes but I would LOVE to have the bonfire version (the largest). I think it would fit in Perfect with our Cliff May backyard. Don't you agree?!
Is there a way I can put this on our wedding registry? Otherwise I am savin' up for this baby. So cool.

If you need a Holiday...

Once upon a time, 2 girls graduated college with no jobs and the whole world in front of them. What better way to start their new life then a road trip across the United States? With the Honda packed and newly acquired stick-shift driving skills (for one of them), they set off from NC to CA and a lotta places in between.
I could continue to tell you the entire story, but you would need some time and a few cocktails.
The two girls were myself and my bestie/college roommate/ partner in crime Amanda. I learned a lot, had a lot of fun and started my overall journey to Texas (that's another story) on that trip.
What does this all have to do with the photo above you ask? Well, we took A LOT of photos on that trip, but the Holiday Motel photo above was my favorite. Amanda was driving us out of Las Vegas and I snapped this one out the window. I have always wanted to blow it up big, and since I snagged a deal on Daily Candy recently I was able to.
What better place to put it than our guest room? So that's where it now lives. Anytime I need a holiday or a trip down memory lane, I can go gaze. Won't you come join me?



On another note, I picked up that rocking giant S at Junkadoodle last weekend. Pretty sure it's gonna make an appearance at our wedding.

Mod Monday- Tips for buying vintage clothing

I am pretty comfortable buying a antique/vintage piece of furniture. I got the mad skills/tips/insight handed down to me from generations of women in my family. My aunt is an antique dealer after all. But one thing I have never felt terribly comfortable buying is clothing. Don't get me wrong, I can pick out a gem, but sometimes I am a little rushed and can't try something on so I hold it up, and go "yea, I'm that size" then I get it home and WRONG, it is not the right size.
That is where my friend Angelica comes in (that's her up there in the vintage Pucci, jealous?). She is a master at buying vintage clothing and the last couple outings I have gone on with her, she has taught me some tremendous tips. So I asked Angelica to pass this knowledge on to you.

Without further ado... Angelica's tips:

Vintage shopping can be quite an ordeal for some of us. How many times have we vintage fashionistas uttered the phrase, "That would never fit me...women were just much smaller back then!" Well, women back then used cinchers, corsets, cone bras, and other undergarments meant to tuck and nip every little flaw. Now, let's be reasonable. Most of us simply don't find practicality in these things anymore. With fashion being more comfort-oriented these days, the vintage clothing can be constricting, matronly, gaudy, and really hard to shop for. So, I am offering a few tips to help make it easier!

1. A good seamstress is everything! Take the time to find yourself a trustworthy seamstress. Most vintage clothes can be altered to fit well, but it is essential that you find someone who has experience with vintage fabric and clothing, and can help you get the most out of your purchases. Often, a simple hem, shortening of sleeves, or widening of a neckline is all you need to modernize and freshen up a vintage frock. Which brings me to my next tip...

2. Use your imagination! Sometimes, vintage shopping requires you to think outside the box. Long, bulky dresses can be shortened, necklines can be altered, stains can be removed, buttons can be replaced, and rips in seams can be repaired. Re-styling is also an option for the more matronly, outdated vintage pieces. Again, a good seamstress can help in this department. If you love the fabric or pattern on a piece that is unwearable, it can be re-used to make something new, like a headband, a belt, jewelry...there are lots of possibilities!

3. Know your measurements! Vintage clothing sizes don't run the way modern sizes do. In fact, just ignore the sizes on the tags. Often, they don't reflect current sizing standards. It's essential to know your measurements (bust, waist, and hip), and to carry a tape measure with you when going shopping (this works great at estate sales, where there is no dressing room). This way, you can measure the garment, and know whether or not it will likely fit, saving you time in the dressing room. You can allow a little leeway for the more stretchy fabrics.

4. Bring a Good Friend! This is one of my favorite tips. Shopping with an extra set of eyes can be both useful and fun. You can give each other honest opinions on the fit and look of a garment, and advise each other on those super-hard decisions. Having a gal (or guy) pal with you that knows your style and dress habits can increase your chances of walking away with some great pieces, as well as walking away from a potentially unwise purchase!

So, what are your tips? Please share!

photo above taken by Rachael Laine 

Mod Monday- Zou Bisou Bisou

Let's be honest... you have been singing this song ALLLLL day. And if you are like Ben, you found the original Zou Bisou Bisou, the Sophia Loren version and the Huffington Post announcing custom vinyls of Jessica Pare's version.

And since the storyline didn't seem to move very much, I focused on the fashion. I felt like they were just reintroducing all the character's back to us. It has been a long time, I'm sure we needed a refresher, I'll give them that. My favorite dress of the night was the short black number that Megan was wearing... very Trina Turk-ish, no?

I Loved Janie Bryant's recap of the fashions from the episode. And despite my love of that black dress above, I normally am drawn to the 60's colors... and this episode has it FOR SURE.

photos from AMC and Huffington Post

Mod Thursday? Duh, it's Mad Men Mania around here

Yes, I realize I should be throwing back a martini as I catch myself up and get excited for the Mad Men premiere this Sunday. But come on, it's Thursday and I didn't have a bad day. So, as i sip my wine I have a few things digital and wait for it.... analog , for ya to get excited about the premiere on Sunday too. Newsweek had a pretty bad ass throwback edition this week. Ben picked one up at lunch today... you should too.

 This gallery of clothing from Mad Men Costume designer Janie Bryant. Amazing insight and a few sneak peeks for the season.

If you are in Dallas you can join us and a few mod friends at the Dallas Smoke 60's Mod Night tomorrow (Friday the 23rd). And dress as your fave character... just get ready to dance. That is what it's all about. but definitely friend their Facebook page even if you can't go.


And if you are really bored... you can play this interactive Mad Men game on YouTube... not gonna lie, it is fun.
We'll meet back here for a Mod Monday rehash of the premiere. ok?

Mod Monday- Countess Mara

"Tell a man you like his necktie and you will see his personality unfold like a flower"- Countess Mara. I was a total newbie to Countess Mara neckties before this weekend. I attended the VintageJewelry and Clothing showin Grapevine over the weekend and saw some pretty amazing local vendors. I was pretty excited about a lot of them, but today for Mod Monday I am featuring Bess & Evie's Vintage Kalen old me all about the Countess Mara ties and although she started designing men's neckwear in the mid 30's the 50's designs are obviously pretty mod. I picked up that navy blue one with the carriage design and skyscrapers for Ben. Bess & Evie's also has those awesome cuffs made out of vintage teacups... So cool

Mod Monday- 60's vintage dress from Texas Style Council

It was an AMAZING weekend at the Texas Style Council. I came home energized, inspired, full of life, ideas and NEW FRIENDS. I just wanted to pop in real quick and show you the vintage 60's dress I picked up at New Bohemia in Austin during our Saturday shopping day. The perfect Mod dress, right?!
I'll give you more details about the conference after I catch up on the rest of my life. 

Please excuse the Instagram photo, but is does give it a little more vintage flair... yea, we'll go with that.
Have a great Monday.