Well, I've been back for a few days. As it happens, I forgot my camera - and so did Dave. (But all out clothes got there, organized in outfits, and that's what is REALLY important!) Because of that, I've had to rely on photos taken by friends to record the outfits, and there's only a fraction of the 17 different ensembles I wore represented here.
My birthday night ensemble, featuring the finest hat in my collection. A New York creation, with gathered red rayon over black felt. The rayon is gathered at the bottom and can be pinned around the hair.
Dress: Bombshell Vintage, Portland, OR
This black taffeta dress has an amazingly gathered bodice with a dropped waist. More impressive in person, but it really isn't "me." I'll be selling it.
I lived in these suspender pants almost every night for the record hops! I brought two pairs, but one got rum & coke all down them. The blouse is a 1930's gathered silk crepe with wide, ruffled collar. One of my favorite thrift finds ever. The pants!
JITTERBUGGIN of course!
I really was living in pants a large percentage of time. These mustard rayon pants are worn out, but I can't give them up! The 40s short sleeve sweater is red-orange, navy and cream. A dear favorite of mine.
More of Jitterbuggin's suspender pants, with a silky pink rayon blouse.
Until this suit, I never had anything to wear these not quite mustard colored gloves with. Enjoying the ONLY quality cocktail of the whole weekend.
I am extremely fond of this hat. Tore the heck out of my stockings that night though, had to lose them.
Birthday pants! Black rayon gab - one of my gifts from Dave. I *LOVE* these. Bought the blouse that night from Santa Fe vintage to make a perfect set. There's even more bakelite on the other wrist. Turns out I have a LOT of green.
Okay, bombshell isn't my natural state, but I can play too! This smokin' deal of a dress was a surprise find by my friend who runs
Eagle Eye Vintage. Most - not all - but most of the bakelite on my friend to the left is mine. I was a bakelite ATM at Viva.
Actually, this was one of my favorite ensembles and I almost forgot it! Silk 1940's novelty print halter, clearly made out of the remnants someone had hanging around. I've always thought this was something I could actually make while I learn to sew. The skirt is a 40's rayon wrap with ruffley/drapedness to the closure.
Sooo... go buy yer Jitterbuggin pants and peek in at Eagle Eye, too! She has a knack for finding amazing handbags. And of course, you can peek in my shop. I'll be listing things perfect for NEXT VLV shortly.
My thoughts on the weekend: finally, I felt like Viva got too crowded. The car show was stupidly big. The main showroom for Wanda Jackson was beyond packed - you literally COULDN'T move. All in all though, I had a fantastic time, one of the best weekender experiences I've been too over all. Maybe because I gave up on trying so hard to bring my strictly "rockabilly" stuff - and just wore what I pleased!
In fact, it seems there were a number of gals in hardcore 40's attire there - including my fashion icon from Chicago, over whom I have major hair and clothes envy. She's positively inspiring. I wonder if she has a blog....
Oh oh oh! And I met two customers (one wearing the carousel dress!), the other recognized me and someone from Twitter/FB recognized me, too! That does good for my ego.
