Sewingswing

Someone please buy this dress...

2011-05-19T11:18:00.014+03:00

I mean... Just look at it!

This is just about as perfect as a vintage wrap dress gets. Starting bid is 19$, no bids yet...

Also, it's larger size with 54" hips, up to 36" waist (with tie to pull it more fitted) and up to 44" bust. Too big for me... can't have everything.

But if it's you're size and you're interested, you can find it here.

Noooo! Anything but this! Please?

2011-03-23T22:32:00.001+02:00

Been quiet for a while... Very busy, quite tired, you know how it goes.

Actually my absence from the wonderful world of blogs started because first I got really sick and stayed that way for a very long time, that's pneumonia for you. I was so sick I couldn't even read a magazine because it was too heavy. I don't even have a television, so there was nothing to do, except to feel miserable. After I got a bit better I ended up so busy with all the stuff I couldn't do while I was sick... Yeah, no time for anything I really love to do. If that does not make one feel exhausted then what does? Now, after my first true vacation in two years I feel like a new woman. So why not to share some of my strange thoughts...

Every since I bought this fabric in October 2009 from Urban Burb (while in San Francisco) I've had a strange craving for orange shoes... It must be those clovns.

See?! If that's not adorable then what is?

Actually I'm quite obsessed with the idea of orange shoes. I've been looking for a perfect pair for months now... John Fluevog had the models Fiorenza and Renata in orange. Renatas were my top pick in January while they were on sale, but sadly they only had sizes from 7 to bigger left...

Re-Mix Vintage Shoes had these lovely flats. I love the details! Still, somehow I never got into ordering a pair because their ordering system seems so complicated that I get frustrated even before I start to order anything.

...And there also used to be this design from Minna Parikka.

None of these seemed quite right somehow...

Now I know why:

These Fluevog Malibranis are my perfect orange shoes. I totally lust for these... Unfortunately the smallest size left (in Blood Orange) was 6 and what I've heard is that I should actually go down half size to get good fit. This means I should get them in 5, which is not possible.

I even tried to order these in size 6 once (in November 2010), but they didn't have that size at that moment. But then... (and now the bad news) I just found out they discontinued the orange version! Why?!?!?! What did I to deserve this?!?!?! What point is there to go on without the possibility to have these shoes? John Fluevog, you simply cannot do this to me.

Easy Summer Dress - The Instructions

2010-08-24T12:06:00.003+03:00

First, I'd like to apologize my English. I'm not a native speaker and translating from old Finnish proved to be bit of a challenge. ;)

And now, as I promised: The instructions for that easy breezy late 50's summer dresses I wrote about earlier...

The instructions tell that this dress is not only good for a sundress, but it can also be used as a jumper with blouses, and if a fancy fabric is used, it may even be suitable for evening wear... I don't know if I'd go that far, though. ;) They also mention that this dress could perhaps be used as maternity dress. So versatile! ;)

So, you'll need 2 1/2 meters (2,735 yards) of fabric 120 cm (48") wide. The article says that the original dress in the TV-show was made from silk lining fabric. As far as I know, this probably wasn't actually silk, but some other fabric (of man-made fibres). I'd say that light weight fabrics (with good draping properties) work better than heavier ones for a dress like this (like that sheer cotton versus thicker linen that I've used for this dress so far).

One word of warning… The end result will be much nicer if you take the time and preshrink your fabric before cutting. Warp and weft tend to shrink in different ways due to the tension differences in fabrication process. If the fabric is not prepared the hem will most likely turn uneven in the first wash, which is very usual problem with circle skirts and like.

Part 1: Cutting

Spread the fabric on a flat surface right side up (Picture 1) and fold along the center line E-F bringing the corner A to B and C to D. (A and C stay on the top.)

Then fold the fabric crosswise bringing the corner CD to E (Picture 2). After this you should have the triangular shape seen in Picture 3 and four layers of fabric.

Measure 20 cm (8”) from the corner AB along both sides of the triangle (AB-ECD and AB-F), marking X and Y. Cut away the corner along the curved line (I recommend pinning the fabric layers together before cutting) drawn between these two points (X, Y). This curved line will be the neckline of the dress (Picture 3).

Now decide the desired length of the dress and then add some for the hem…

Measure the added length from the point X to point P (and mark the point) and then from Y to Q. Carefully draw the hemline measuring from the curved line X-Y so that every point on hemline has an equal distance to the neckline. Now cut along the line (once again pinning the layers together might be a good choice) from P to Q.

Now open the last fold leaving the fabric only twofold. Voila! You’ve got your two dress pieces (front and back) now (Picture 4).

Baste the sides together starting from the hem. On both sides of the bodice leave c. 37 cm (c. 15”) open until you’ve tried to fit the garment to see how much room is needed for arm holes. Then baste the rest as needed to fit your own measurements.

From the leftover fabric cut two strips for shoulder straps. The width is optional, cut as wide or narrow as you like, but remember to leave some extra fabric so you can finish the edges... and cut the strips long enough, you can trim the excess lenght later.

The dress in the picture has a soft gathered sash cut on the bias. The width is 25 cm (10”) and it closes on the back side with hook and eye closure. The instructions suggest that self fabric belt is another possibility. (Purchased belt works just as fine...)

Part 2: Fitting

When fitting the dress you’ll need another person to help you (the shoulder straps haven’t bee attached to the dress yet). Turn the dress right side out and try it on. Attach the dress to the straps of your petticoat (!) using pins. See how far the side seams should go and baste them a bit further up if necessary.

The shoulder straps are first pinned to front of the dress. If the straps are wide, you can gather them a bit before attaching them to the bodice (see picture 5). Shorten the straps as needed and pin them to the back part too.

If you are making the wide gathered sash, try it on also now. Pull it tight to the back and pin it together in the middle of the back. Cut excess fabric away leaving enough to turn the raw edges in. If you are using self-fabric or purchased belt, the instructions suggest trying also these on at this point.

Take the dress off and remove the straps.

Part 3: Sewing

You’ll need a facing for the neckline… This can be either the same fabric or some other, whatever you decide. First, spread the top on a piece of paper (see picture 6) and draw the outline of the neckline and armholes on the paper (it needs to continue 2,5 cm or 1”, past the ending point of the future side seam). Remove the dress and draw the facing about 5cm (2”) wide (picture 7). Using this paper pattern cut two facings (front and back) on the bias (picture 8).

Machine stitch the side seams (picture 9), iron them open and finish the raw edges.

Turn in the raw edges of the shoulder straps and stitch (picture 10), you can also line them if you want.

Baste the shoulder straps to bodice front right sides together (see picture 11), the other ends of straps hanging towards the hemline.

Finish the bottom edge of the facing as needed. Put the facing on top of the bodice front and the shoulder straps right sides together with the dress (picture 12). Baste and then machine stitch. Turn the right side out and iron.

The instructions tell that the back facing should be attached in the same way, but leaving the straps away. The straps should then be hand stitched to the backside. (I just did it in the same way that the bodice front was supposed to do. I think it looks nicer that way…)

Blind stich the facings to the dress on the wrong side as seen in Picture 13.

Then just hem the dress and you're done!

I hope these instructions can be of use to you! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. :) And if you would like to have the instructions in Finnish (pdf), just ask!

I'll be right back...

2010-08-18T17:00:00.003+03:00

I got back from my mini holiday (and vintage shopping spree) in Sweden... more than two weeks ago. It was fun! I found a lot of nice stuff and got to dance plenty in Herräng.

Pictorial review of Herräng, the "lindy hop heaven"... I had a beauty parlour in the middle of forest where I whipped up some nice hairdos for friends of mine... LOL

Herräng pictures from friends...

I haven't been blogging lately because I've been sick ever since I returned. Not so nice. Now that I'm finally getting better I'll get on with the instructions for those summer dresses as I promised...

Old projects - Part 3

2010-07-22T14:16:00.003+03:00

This time it's two light and breezy summer dresses... tent dresses to be exact. I think this might be one of the easiest dress "patterns" I've ever worked with. First of all there is no pattern. ;)

The instructions were in a Finnish ladies magazine from 1959 (Kotiliesi). The article tells that this dress was one of the things featured in an British tv-series for home sewing without patterns that played the year before in British televisin.

I made one using sheer light beige cotton with two toned brown paisley print. I was supprised how well it turned out. Because it's cut on bias, the fit wasn't that bad either. It was easy, but took some time, because of all the hand sewing... I'm not sure anymore, but I think I hand hemmed it.

Once I was at it, I also made another one using linen. It was a bit thicker than the paisley print, so the fit wasn't that flattering. Also, I didn't have enough fabric, so I had to add a ruffle to the hem to make the gress little longer. Not that bad, but not very good either. This time I added adjustable straps because I got thinking I might not be using this dress myself - and I never did.

After the two muslins (that's what these really were) I quite liked the easy design and one day might even try it again.

I've still got the instructions somewhere and maybe I could post them here... if anyone's interested?

Old projects - Part 2

2010-07-19T11:18:00.019+03:00

I have this thing... I keep making stuff that I'll never wear. I still don't know how I ended up choosing pale apple green for this dress after I found that nice border print in aqua. Total waste of fabric. I thought about going crazy and using orange (yes, there's orange in the roses if you look closely). Orange is a nice color, it suits me and brightens up my day. With a happy color like that I could have at least used the dress around the house if I was too lazy to dress up properly...

Pale greens and yellows just are not for me. I don't know how I keep forgetting that. Usually it happens with pale apple green - I love that color, but it doesn't work for me in oh so many ways. Bold colors and prints are good, pale pastels will do if it's light blue or right kind of pink, but never ever will I look good in pale green, got it? No, I never do, just keep making the same mistake every few years again and again... I actually even had some orange fabric that I could've used, but decided to take it easy and go with the pale green. Bad choice!

So, I never wanted to wear this dress once I'd finished it. I just felt I was vanishing from sight when I put it on. I thought using black accents would be enough to spice up the paleness and make the dress work for me, but I was wrong. Every time I even tried it on I just started feeling crumpy.

Yes, it's my first and (so far) only version of the famous Walkaway Dress (reissued pattern), originally Butterick 6015, reissued as B4790.

Finished dress had a perfect fit and looked kind of cute, but the color of the overskirt made me sick. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful when someone else wears it... just really not me. I did have to shorten the bodice a bit, but that's the usual alteration I need to make so it really doesn't count. I did notice that the underskirt had the tendency to ride up a bit, so if I'll ever make this again, i'll need to fix that problem somehow.

This story does have a happy ending: Once again I sold the dress to a new happy owner (who looks good in pale green).

Here's a better view of the underskirt. That borderprint was so nice... Good thing I bought plenty! ;)

Old projects - Part 1

2010-07-17T19:28:00.007+03:00

I thought I should show you some of my old sewing projects... now that I finally found pictures of some of the lovelies I've already passed on to new owners. This is also a sewing blog, right? ;)

First one is a soft white (with two tone pink roses) linen swing dress with full circle skirt and self fabric belt. I made this about fifteen years ago, got to wear it once or twice, but because those little cap sleeves were just a bit too tight for my strong arms, this never became a favorite of mine. ;) After about ten years I decided I wasn't going to fix the sleeves (and that I'm really not that into pink) and sold it to a very nice lady with smaller arms (Who keeps asking for more - I just haven't had the time to sew for her yet. Sorry!). I made a petticoat to go with the dress for her after she bought it...

I really loved that fabric. The print was just about perfect, even with the pink-factor considered. I made the pattern myself and spent a lot of time on little details like the belt buckle. I loved the (slightly unpractical) combination of boat neckline on the front and very deep v-neckline on the backside. I also made a matching little scarf... I don't know where I got all the energy those days. ;)

What a week!

2010-07-16T11:55:00.001+03:00

We've been experiencing warm weather lately here in Finland. If it gets over 30C it's a record around here... and that's happened like three or four times within a week. I couldn't be happier! The heat wave also explains why it's been so quiet in Finnish blogworld lately... all bloggers are out absorbing the light and heat now that we finally have some. ;)

I've been busy enjoying the weather and touring flea markets and thrift stores (and washing windows), and I've actually found some pretty nice stuff touring around the neighbourhood: old cardboard suitcases, nice vanity table (needs a little TLC), nightstand/side table (can't decide which), black suede shoes from 40's, some cute clothes, big bunch of artificial frowers, etc. And I finally got to wear my new 60's/70's tent dress. Look, it's got a big pocket with Eiffel Tower! When I saw it I knew I just had to have it...

I'd really need a pair of Eiffel earrings to go with the dress to make it super kitchy... Something like these (from Distracto Girl).

I also won a giveaway held by the lovely Yesterday Girl and got these cute souvenir goodies from Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in mail two days ago. She was sweet to include that lovely felt brooch too (made it herself!)... :) If you haven't visited her blog yet, you relly should. ;)

Giveaway alert!

2010-07-06T12:29:00.004+03:00

Jessica of Chronically Vintage is having the greatest giveaway: a $75 gift certificate from CollectibleSpectacle! I'm super excited. I'm always lookin for "new" vintage frames.

Here are some of her personal favourites for the inspiration:

For those of you who do not need eyeglasses there's also a good variety of vintage sunglasses, so if you haven't entered this giveaway yet, I suggest you do it right now! Hop to it! ;)

Home renovating and decorating - a never-ending process

2010-06-29T12:35:00.011+03:00

Last weekend I finally got to spend Sunday putting up wallpaper. Yay!

I'm so exited. I've been waiting for this ever since I picked out the wallpaper almost two years ago. It's a vintage travel ad themed design from Wallquest/Fairwinds Studio.

Yes, I know it's super kitchy. (Isn't it great!!!?) No doubt about that. Yes, honestly I believe that no-one will ever want to buy our appartment because of that wallpaper. (But I love it!! Love it!) My co-worker actually said she'd have nightmares if she had to sleep in the same room with that wallpaper, but that she understands why I like it, whatever that means... ;)

I'll have to post actual pictures of the appartment after I get things (back) in place.

By the way, Wallquest also has other beatiful designs, like this Moulin Rouge themed wallpaper I originally fell in love with. Unfortunately I don't know where I would put it. Can't have everything... ;)

France Mediterranean

2010-06-23T08:48:00.020+03:00

Just a short pictorial summary of my holiday in southern France... This was in mid May when they'd just had this unbelieveable storm with huge waves and hail and snow. At the same time the volcano in Iceland was still erupting and just one day before we left most of the flights were cancelled because of the ash clouds. For the last week before our flight me and my friends were worried to sick if we are going to get there or not... I didn't mind the idea of staying a bit longer, but first you need to get there. ;)

Nice by day.

Monaco.

The Grand Casino and Café de Paris.

Jardin Japonais de Monaco.

Koi fish pond.

Nice by night.

This place had a hidden little beach and great big red rocks that reminded the Ayers Rock in Australia.

My toes on the beach, enjoying life.

This guy didn't read the sign "Shallow water - Don't park your boat here"...

The last picture says more than a thousand words. I don't know how long that boat has been there, because I've seen similar sights before in the same area. Maybe it's just a strange custom of rich people who can't really sail? ;)

That dress...

2010-06-11T08:32:00.001+03:00

After I saw this dress here chez The Retro Modern Housewife I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I mean... silk, slightly oriental design, slit sleeves... it's just stunning.

...And now it's mine. What a happy ending! ;)

Been busy lately...

2010-06-06T18:17:00.013+03:00

Insanely busy would be the correct expression. I've been busy at work, studying and (very little) dancing. I promised not to spend my time in internet while I had these other, more pressing things to do. Like study maths. For a week and a half now I've been just trying to get rid of all the excess stress and trying to tell myself that I'm still a good person even if I'm not perfect every time.

I managed to fail one math test and now I wont be able to graduate earlier than in August or September. Well, these things happen and it's not the end on the world, but I'm still disappointed. It would have been so much easier to get everything done before the end of June. The annoying thing is that I bet I could easily pass that exam now after I've had some more practice doing maths and I'm not suffering from bronchitis and fever anymore. But it's my fault really... I should've just started the process earlier. There's no way denying that, really. ;)

While I was gone I didn't just study... After that terrible math test I had this great candy apple flavoured milkshake in American Diner and went to movies to see Iron Man 2.

Before that I did also go to Tampere Vintage expo. It was fun, but I didn't buy anything this time. I was mostly busy performing, or trying to find something to eat, and mainly trying not to die because of that bronchitis. ;) I was in such a lousy shape that it's hard to imagine. I didn't really hear anything and was afraid that I'll just start coughing my lungs out any second. Dancing in that shape is really hard, and getting interviewed in front of people in that condition is just plain torture (but no-one else wanted to do that)... I'm just glad I survived. :) Still, I'm really happy to say our troupe got asked to perform again in next Helsinki Vintage. I also loved my hairdo that day. I had an accidental fake bob that turned out really nice. Sadly, no pictures - again...

Me fooling around on the beach near Agay.

And I visited Mediterranean France... Nice and St Tropez! I really love Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon areas. In a perfect world I would be living somewhere there. The climate is perfect! I can't wait to go back. It's been four years since I last went to France and that's too long for me to handle. ;) I'm hoping to go to Beziers next, or maybe to Montpellier... I'm not into Paris or the northern parts that much, but I love the Mediterranean!

Salvation

2010-05-02T20:04:00.001+03:00

I recently found this cute (unfinished) 40's day dress in Ebay. It's made out of really adorable feedsack fabric and is kinda my size, so I couldn't just pass it. Naturally it was also quite a bargain because (yeah, let's face it) it's also quite a mess and needs to be totally redone. But I'm up to that challenge.

It's weird. This dress is both more adorable and much worse in person than in pictures. The print is really neat: red, blue, wine and jadeite on white, but there's some age toning (it's far from the crisp white of the pictures). Side opening doesn't have any hooks or snaps, there are some spots and stains, the seams are all very uneven and there are some darts in really weird places... like the dress was really ill fitting and someone tried to compensate that by adding darts here and there. Let's just say that whoever started this project didn't really know much anything about sewing...

The seller thought that this could have been someone's sewing project in home economics class. Could well be... It remainds me of one of my best friends tossing her unfinished shirt around in the classroom when something went wrong Again. I loved sewing already then and would usually help my friends through the rough spots while doing more complicated designs or some extra projects to spend the time after I'd finished the required projects. Yep, I was a total nerd when it came to sewing. ;)

I already took the dress apart. When I'll have time I'll be re-sewing it back together in a bit more refined way than it was done before. (And removing those spots and stains.) Hopefully. ;)

I did promise myself... but it was on sale, right?

2010-04-23T21:22:00.001+03:00

Honestly, I promised myself I would spend less money during the end of March and all through April. After I found tons of vintage shoes, clothes, hats, purses and other stuff that I just had to have I began to feel a bit bad because all of that excess spending. Not that I would have any financial trouble because of it, but it just doesn't feel right.

So I promised myself not to buy more stuff that I just "have to have". At least not for a while. And then what happened? Trashy Diva had a sale going on and they had the Avian dress...

...and the Babydoll top. Both are mine now. (Bad kitty!)

But ain't they just oh-so-pretty? I just couldn't resist...

I thought I would be okay and back on the track after that, but then I heard/remembered that Freddies of Pinewood also had a sale. I'd been thinking about making myself vintage styled jeans, but with their sale prices I decided to give it a go and try theirs intead (since I won't be having any time to sew in the near future). So I got Rebecca top in light blue and pink (with striped collar)...

Wait! Those are not even jeans! (Very bad kitty indeed.)

I got myself a pair of grey Jeanies (not many jeans were left in my size at that moment). I've been lusting after Utilities, but I'll just have to get those later if I like my Jeanies well enought. ;)

Hmm, that's not all... I also got the 50's button top in pink. (And I don't even like pink that much.) The tops were just so cute and quite a bargain really.

Yes, I know... I really shouldn't even go to internet after a long day of working and studying, I just end up buying stuff. ;)

I think I'll just promise to relax about the whole thing and enjoy these when they arrive. ;)

No time to play

2010-04-12T11:04:00.005+03:00

For the past one and half months I’ve been working like crazy to finally finish my studies. I have to graduate in July if I want to avoid loads of extra work (and actually graduate at some point), so I’ve made it clear to myself and people close to me that I won’t be doing much anything besides studying for a while. I have to work full time too and sleep sometimes and there’s only 24 hours in a day. I need to focus and finishin my M.Sc. degree is my number one priority right now.

Yes, it’s totally my own fault that I haven’t started (to continue) the process before. I’ve had plenty of time. It’s just that after I finished my thesis I was so exhausted and wanted a time out. So I took a little breather and after a while I was offered a job and one thing kind of led to another… and now that I woke up again and smelled the coffee I’m in a bit of a hurry to get the last few bits done.

I’ve done about half of the remaining things so far. When I started I had five exams and eight papers to go, now I’m down to three exams and three papers. That’s called progress, woohoo! ;) After this week I’ll be left with those three exams and only one paper, so it’s going to be a bit easier for me in the future. I’m actually quite proud of myself – will be prouder if I manage to get everything done before the end of May that’s the actual deadline. ;)

Vintage student Barbie... ;)

I’ve really enjoyed my studies in the Technical University. I love the place, I love how it smells (each building has a different scent and even diffent parts of the buildings are recognisable just by the way they smell - yeah, I'm weird...) and I love the way it has it’s own weird life inside the campus area. The unexpected things one can run into in the campus area after dark... that's something that cannot easily be described. All those more and less private student parties and student clubs that come alive after the formal business is through for the day... The university is always alive, every minute of the day and night. I just love it. :)

Vintage Expo finds

2010-04-08T13:27:00.001+03:00

About a month ago I went to Helsinki Vintage Expo with my friends. We had so much fun! I also spent loads of money, but I couldn't help it... they had deadstock shoes in size 2 1/2!!! See what I mean...

And also deadstock winter boots in that same size Very Small...

This pair was used but sooo gorgeous! Black suede.

And to top everythingI found deadstock galoshes to protect my new shoes!

I know you can't blame me... ;) When I find shoes that fit like a glove I just have to buy them.

I also found some cute vintage frames (also deadstock). Please do not mind my messy hair and tired expression here... it was Very Late when I got home. Happy but tired. (My curls were by that time nothing but a distant memory...)

I love that yellow top I was wearing... I wish I had a better picture of it. It was made by my granmother who is a total wizard when it comes to knitting. So 40's, so chic. I wish I can find the instructions someday again to make another one.

Little something for the Mr. too! These fab deadstock all leather shoes...

Frames for sunglasses. (Yes, they're deadstock.)

Vintage tie... used. ;)

See, I don't shop just for myself... ;) Just cant wait until the Tampere Vintage Expo!

I'm sew inspired!

2010-03-29T15:14:00.013+03:00

Vogue Patterns has a sale going on, so I dropped by to see if there was something worth ordering in the Vintage Vogue section. I only found two new dress patterns (that I don't already have) and was not that thrilled with those even though they were cute enough. I have plenty of quite similar vintage patterns lying in my drawer, so why waste my money?

While I was there I stumbled to Suits/Coordinates. Some of the things in that section are really something and have that certain vintage flare... I'm officially inspired!

This would have been so perfect for this winter... I would propably shorten the skirt a bit, because it's likely to be floor lenght for me. Shorty. ;)

This enseble is so very Mad Men, yet oh so fresh. And that red dress is totally swingable. I would love the swing coat and pencil skirt in plaid. Yes.

The 50's meet the 30's? Why yes, I think I have this thing with suits going on right now...

This dress and jacket combo has an air of spring and feels very 50's/60's to me.

I'd love to look good in a jacket like that! The problem is that with my bust and hips I'd just look huge in a beautiful boxy jacket... not even pencil skirt could save me from that.

And then there's my old favorite 8604, but I think I already have that... have to check. Those high waisted pants and pencil skirt are to die for! I Want To Sew!

I think I have quite similar vintage patterns in my stash, so I could just recreate these outfits with those. It'd be exiting too to see how close I can get with what I have. That could be a new project for me... to create modern outfits using vintage patterns from 30's to 60's. LOL

What's really boring is that I don't have any time to sew. I have to graduate very soon, so all of my time and energy is focused on my studies. I've even had to take time off from dancing to get things done and that's saying something. Dancing has been the single most important thing for me for years now. I just have to be sensible right now and finish my education. It's not like I have a lot left, but it's all the nasty, time consuming bits that I didn't want to touch before. Well, there is a time and place for everything... ;)

Computer problems

2010-03-15T16:35:00.018+02:00

I'm currently experiencing some techinical difficulties. First my pretty pink laptop didn't want to play no tunes anymore... and naturally this happened only an hour before I was cheduled to dj in a party for three hours. :( Yep, that's just my luck! I've converted nearly every album I own on that computer so that I don't have to carry all my records with me all the time and it has over a year of music (if played non-stop), all organized in lists of dj-able and other songs. And it's not playing any.

I managed to dj that evening with a quickly gathered set of records and everyone seemed to have a good time dancing and fooling around. But I'm still soooo frustrated... all my pics of vintage expo finds and other things I've wanted to post about are there on that computer and there's no easy way to get anything out of it. Yes, I let the boys try to fix it... and now the situation is from bad to worse.

So, while I'll try to find a way to get my precious files out of that machine here's a piece of my family history...

That youngster on the left is my dad, visiting some relatives in Pori by the seaside. (That picture is from the early 60's.) On the right, wearing a swimsuit is his uncle, a very promising young gymnast who died during WWII. I guess that picture is from early 40's. He was also a musician, playing in different dance bands in the late 30's and early 40's. They have the same name (my dad was named after his late uncle) and there's also a strong family resemblance there. (Although I don't think dad was ever in That Good Shape...)

Speaking of my dad... there's also this picture I love from the 60's. He's looking so hip and cool in this picture (look at those tinted lenses)! And I love the colors of this photo! That girl sitting on his lap is my mom. Unfortunately she's just moved her head a bit and the picture of her is a bit unfocused. Very cute couple!

Before and after

2010-02-22T16:54:00.002+02:00

A little bit of makeup and a nice hairdo will work miracles... Here's an example:

These pictures were taken some weeks ago before the great Swing Cruise (24 hours of dance and fun). The first picture is supposed to be me all fresh and still a bit reddish after sauna with my rollers on (and with a skarf to protect them). The second picture was taken the following morning after some serious work was done. Sorry for the lack of lipstick... ;)

(Oh my, I just noticed that I'm not wearing any jewelry either, besides that missing lipstick. Shock and horror!)

It's amazing what a little makeup with some curls and bobby pins can do to a girls appearance... I usually don't bother that much with hairdo's, but perhaps I should start paying more attention to that area... It's not that I couldn't, just that I'm so lazy. ;)

Down with a cold

2010-02-17T19:55:00.009+02:00

I'm not feeling right. Runny nose and sore throat, but no fever. Can't say I'm enjoying myself much at the moment. It could be just a punishment for having too much fun though. ;)

We just came back from Munich and Rock That Swing festival around 4 am on Tuesday. I spent four days there with "my partner in crime", Mr. A. It was three amazing nights of huge parties with bands like Ray Collins Hot-Club, Nine Pennies Big Band, Jive Romeros, Marty & His Rocking Comets and Swing Cat Club, just to name some, and three days of dance lessons (we took lindy hop and collegiate shag) with great teachers.

Ray Collins Hot-Club performing on Saturday night

I'm still dead tired (and now sick too). It was so hard to find the time to sleep because I didn't want to miss anything, so I was exhausted when I got back home. Just slept through the day until I had to get up and go teach collegiate shag. So yeah, I had a blast last weekend, but now I'm paying the price for it. ;)

Snow covered Munich

The Unwanted Dress

2010-02-11T10:22:00.001+02:00

Two weeks ago I had to go through my things to find something to sell in a vintage/swing market we had during one dance event... I found some great things and made some flower clips to sell. The flowers were very popular, and I also sold some of my old clothes that I don't need anymore... but this dress came back home with me.

Yep, no one wanted to buy this even though many people told it looked beautiful and even tried it on... And the price was more than sensible too. It's very comfortable jersey dress, perfect for swing dancing, but there's a But... The bodice is short. Very short.

It's made combining two different patterns, both actually for children/teens. I originally made this for myself and made a little mistake during the process. Ok, it was a big mistake. I shortened the shoulder part without trying it on. Just because that's what I usually have to do to adjust a pattern for myself. I was in a hurry and not thinking. And then I had to add the satin ribbon there to keep it pulled under my bust.

So that's the shameful truth of a project gone wrong... It's even more shame because the fabric is so lovely. Maybe I could replace the upper front bodice with some other fabric and add some room for my bust? Maybe. Maybe not. I really hate mending and redoing my own projects.

I have only one final thing to say about this project: Despite what it looks like, I can sew. Really, I can. ;)

Cute but wrong size for me... and mostly blue

2010-02-05T14:00:00.019+02:00

For the last two day's I've been searching for cute/classy/pretty (yet inexpensive) vintage dresses from 40's or early 50's on Ebay. I found some that I'm considering and already bought one, but there were also so many charming dresses that were wrong size for me. (Or blue, because that really is not a color I feel comfortable in. I have a big problem with blue. Blue makes me look like a... a...)

So, inspired by Cheri and her post (about vintage dresses for under $80) I decided to share some of my finds with you.

Look at the details! I love the embroidery on this dress. (The seller says that this dress was propably never worn.) It's almost my size, but not quite (and it's blue). Bust 36", waist 26", hip 50". Price at the moment is $29.99 with one bid only.

This dress is just super sweet... Just look at that slightly sheer white insert on the bodice and those appliqued hearts! *Sight* The Bust 38", waist 30", hips free. Zero bids so far and the starting price is $9.99.

How about this one? It's even pink! Price $34.99 right now with only one bid... Bust 40", waist 30", hips to 46".

Casual but smart dress for winter, anyome? Bust 48", waist 46" and hips 56"... if I got it right. There's zero bids and the starting price is just $18.

Just stunning! This dress has so many pretty details. I would love this one, but I refuse to even thinking about buying it for alteration. Price at $20.50 right now... Bust 38", waist 27.5", hips 38".

This dress is a sensible one and needs a little TLC. But I still find it very appealing... Price seems to be $20 at the moment and measurements are: 44" bust, 39" waist, 49" hip.

I would love this dress. Yes I would. I could just immagine myself lounging on a lazy morning wearing something like this... Starting price is $24. Bust 38", waist c. 32" and hips to 50".

This dress is one of my favourites... and I usually don't even like blue. Zero bids at the moment and the staring price is $9. (Oh, really!?) The seller says it's in excellent vintage condition. Bust 44", Waist: 38”, Hips: 48”.

Una@Helsinki

2010-02-02T23:10:00.001+02:00

Last week I had to go to Helsinki for two days. The trip was work-related and the days were long and exhausting. The bonus was that I got to stay one night in a nice hotel... :)

My room was small but comfortable and the breakfast was great. I love hotel breakfasts! The idea of so many different choices, fresh fruits, croissants... I love it. The best thing is that I can just walk in and it's all there, ready to enjoy.

Because I had a free night I arranged to meet a friend who lives in Helsinki. We had nice time, a cup of coffee and went fabric shopping... Here's what I got:

I just couldn't decide if I should take the pink or the blue one, so I got both. ;) My friend was also very supportive and told me I should get both. (That's what girlfriends are for... LOL!) I also bought some sheer fabric to make a petticoat for my two future 50's style sundresses.

I barely had the time to visit Minna Parikka's boutique in Helsinki before going back home, but I didn't have to leave empty-handed (or should I say barefooted?). ;) I got these beautiful dark grey Brigitte boots I've been drooling over for a while now. They were on sale (that's always a good reason, right?), my size and make my big (strong?) calves look oh so fine and slender! I was thinking of buying them from the web boutigue before, but hesitated... very few boots actually fit me because of my "strong" calves.

I just love those bow details on the side!

Glamorous giveaway chez Fleur!

2010-01-19T10:56:00.007+02:00

The lovely Fleur of Diary of a Vintage Girl is having a very glamorous giveaway! Check it out, because every girl needs fabulous lingerie... What she has to offer is a gorgeous set of Kiss Me Deadly peach Alouette lingerie. The set includes a padded plunge bra, suspender belt and brief. Absolutelu fabulous!

I've been insanely busy so far this year, but I hope soon to find so me time to post about some things that have been waiting for a while... ;)

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T09:46:00.003+02:00

I'll be dancing through the whole New Year's Eve... First in a musical and then in a party. It's going to be great! What are you doing for New Year's Eve?

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T22:52:00.003+02:00

I just wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas! Here in Finland we are having a white Christmas as you can see...

This is a view from my balcony this morning. All nice, snowy and peaceful...

And the winner is...

2009-12-23T14:33:00.007+02:00

...Olivia, of Big Mama Introspection! She took the double chance and won the perfume. Congratulations to Big Mama!! (The drawing was performed at the office under the eyes of my co-workers... no hat, just my old Russian tea cup in all of it's glory.)

Ha ha ha... This is really funny, because just yesterday I received a lovely package from her as I won the lipstick giveaway she had earlier (which inspired me to do my own giveaway in the first place).

This would be the contents of the package that made me feel like it was Christmas already (with the little stars and everything!) and me wearing the lipstick at the office. I'm loving it! It is exactly the right color for my complexion (it's really hard for me to find nice lipstick shades, they are always too dark, too light, too orange, too something...), feels nice and even smells like a proper lipstick! Woohoo, loving it! Thank you again, Big Mama!

Giveaway!

2009-12-17T10:17:00.002+02:00

I won The Big Mama Introspection lipstick giveaway the other day (If you haven't still visited that blog, you really should do it! It's very hip, very cool and extremely entertaining!)... and because this is a season of giving and sharing I decided to do my own giveaway! So, here it goes...

For your pleasure a 5ml vial of Wiggle Perfume's Sakura perfume oil!

Here's what the creator has to say about this scent: "I went back to the drawing board and emerged triumphant with a soft, springy cherry blossom blend. I've rounded out the powdery pink floral with egyptian musk, red santal, and hints of fresh cut grass and nag champa. A tart top of pink grapefruit adds freshness." I can add that the scent is really delicious, rich and daring, the egyptian musk and red santal playing a big part...

I'm doing this the usual way, so to get a chance in the drawing, simply leave me a comment below, and if you want to get an extra chance, post about the giveaway on your own blog and drop me the link. (Open until Dec 22... and we'll find out the winner on Dec 23.)

Happy Holidays!!

Fabric finds... and dreaming about Josef Frank designs

2009-12-14T15:03:00.009+02:00

My last trip to my favourite local thrift stores was very fruitful in many ways, not only the fox stole and those fedoras... I also found fabrics! Two vintage bedsheets, amazing colors, cotton satin, very nice indeed! Each of them has at least five yards of facric and the condition is amazing. The colors are very soft (being so bright) and the printing quality, the width of the fabric and the way these are sewed (yarn, buttons, etc.) suggest that these are pre 60's. I would date these in the 40's or earlier, but I really don't care about the exact date because I'm totally in love with the soft rich colors and the exotic design.

Those remind me about Josef Frank's (Swedish, 1885-1967) work. I adore his designs. They simply are beautiful... and the reproduction like the next one (named Aralia) are a bit pricey too.

In the movie Mamma Mia! the hotel manager (played by Meryl Streep) has more of his prints than I could afford, which is kinda funny since in that movie she is supposed to be very poor... and living in Greece. Maybe it was ordering all those amazingly expensive bedheets from Sweden that made her poor? But hey, who am I to judge! The most important thing is that Josef Frank's designs make a srong visual effect in that movie.

Hats and facinators

2009-11-29T13:40:00.005+02:00

Just a quick introduction to H&M hats and facinators... These are from their 2009 winter collection and I'm loving it. Totally.

It's always so exiting to find something like this from big companies because that way we can get similar headpieces for every girl in our dance troupe. There's definitely a vintage inspired trend going on.

Foxy lady

2009-11-28T22:32:00.012+02:00

Today I took a little tour to two of my favourite local thrift stores. I had a good feeling about this day and was sure I'd find something really nice. The day turned out to be better than good!

I found three really classy black felt fedoras (one for me, one for the man and one for a friend of mine who's been looking for one for ages) and then this amazing fox stole... When I laid my eyes on it I had to jump up and down. I could not believe my luck. The condition is great and it was sooo cheap! I wonder why it actually was still there. Maybe people think it's just too creepy to carry things like this around their neck... My happy face tells you how I feel. I guess we were just meant to be. ;)

I personally wouldn't buy new furs for several reasons, but I have nothing against vintage furs. If it's something that existed before I was born, it can wear it.

For me a fox stole is something very essential for a classy lady. I still remember the first time I wrapped my godmothers vintage (late 40's) fox stole on my shoulders (I must have been five at the time). It made me feel almost like a royal. I really hope she still has it... For that 30's/40's look a fox stole is a "must have" and now I finally have my own.

Look what I found!

2009-11-24T10:16:00.011+02:00

Yes! It's 40's, it's pink and it's from Blue Velvet Vintage. Taffeta, no holes, no fading and the fabric should be in a good condition (but needs to be drycleaned).

I could not pass this one even thought I like to sew my own clothes... and do not actually prefer pink. First, it is my size (at least at the moment). One another thing is that this is a formal gown, and I’ve been looking for one for ages. And the details (like that peplum) are great: simple but effective. This dress appears to be girly and sweet (but not sweet enought to be sticky). Just a little something that I'll be able to live with.

For now, let's just hope that it arrives safe and sound to me...

Back from San Francisco!

2009-10-30T16:29:00.017+02:00

I'm still alive. ;) I just went to San Francisco for about two weeks.

The main reason for my trip was the San Francisco Shag Jam, but since traveling there takes sooo long I decided to make it a little holiday too. I love shopping, so that was included. ;)

Here are my new shoes:

Perfect pair of sneakers with low vamp (I believe that's what the upper part of shoe is called in English.) from Payless. I've been looking for shoes like this for ages!

...And I finally got myself a pair of Fluevog's. They are so amazingly comfy!

I also bought a pair of black brocade silk mary janes from Chinatown. I really like that type of shoes. No picture at this point, but I guess most of you know what they look like... ;)

Things that I'd like to do and things that I had to do

2009-10-07T11:17:00.006+03:00

A little story about one weekend in August. I was planning to do this earlier, but I found the perfect time for it just now... sitting home, resting and trying to get rid of bronchitis. I was sick as a dog for a week, but I'm getting better now. :)

I believe it was in August when I was hoping to make a new petticoat one weekend and to do a petticoat tutorial with pics as I go along... but no such luck (is there ever, really?).

First I noticed that it was the only weekend there was to finish renovating our second bedroom. And that needed to be done. Seriously. When we started fixing that room it was supposed to be quick and easy, so I wasn't worried about living without wardrobes for a short while. We changed the room layouts of our two bedrooms (next to each other) a bit, so we had to tear down the wardrobes from both of them. No problem, I'm able to survive two weeks without wardrobes...

I haven't counted, but I believe that those two weeks became more like three months. Not good. I wasn't able to find the clothes I would like to wear. Plus I don't like the giant piles of clothes, not to mention the clothes racks, all over my living room. And if I had my choice I would like to sleep in a bedroom, not in the living room. ;)

So we painted that last wall with "Stylish Petrol" (see that wall here), installed the laminate flooring (the style is called "Seagrass Spirit"), and assembled our new Ikea wardrobe with sliding doors. It was all done by Sunday 8 pm. Yay!

I couldn't get my clothes into the wardrobe and out of the living room at that point yet, though. I had to start making a hanging mobile I had promised to make for the following Monday, for a window display. (We were trying to advertise our dance club by having this display for two weeks in the centre on the city.) The mobile had both old dance pictures and new ones mixed and was supposed to draw attention as it gently rotated on the window.

I think the window display went together quite well. (Sorry about the bad quality of pictures.) It was done by four girls (including me) from our dance club. We wanted it to remind people about the age when swing dancing was born, but for some reason it had mostly 50’s flavour... What can I say, these things just happen sometimes. ;)

40's dress

2009-09-23T13:05:00.024+03:00

So this is supposed to be a sewing blog, eh? Not too many posts about my projects so far...

I've been so unbelievable lazy photographing my finished projects that I should be ashamed. But hey, with my full time day job, teaching two nights a week, performing regularly (I'm dancing also in a musical this winter, it's fun... mostly.), and trying to get some training done too... and continuing to renovate the apartment... and sewing... and desperately trying to get some sleep at some point... (Did I mention I still have few courses on my schedule too?) Well, you get the picture. Time is a limited resource here.

But hey, it's always a good time to start, so here it goes!

This is a project I finished over a year ago, one Saturday between balboa classes and evening dance party. (I actually cut the fabric on the dance floor before I went home to freshen up.) It took me about two to three hours to put the dress together. There were no alterations made, except putting darts on the back instead of gathers. It's really a muslin, so I have to admit I didn't hem it (properly) by hand, but instead just used my sewing machine for speed. (Yes, I'm ashamed of that.) But it was essential to get it done quickly.

I wore it the same evening at the party and got lots of compliment. (Sadly, again, no pictures.)

The pattern is Simplicity 4975. I estimated it to be a mid 40's pattern. I made the version with short sleeves. Here's the pattern cover:

I haven't made another one yet, but because the shape is very flattering this pattern is definately going to get another round.

It fitted like a dream... a year ago. After that I've been loosing weight, so now I'll have to pass it on to someone who will appreciate it more and fill it better than I do. ;) Here are some more recent shots of the dress:

Maybe I'll try the long sleeved version for this fall...

It's all about shoes, right?

2009-09-14T13:35:00.013+03:00

I know that I have enough shoes, but I can't stop drooling over Minna Parikka's designs. Her designs are fun, sexy and vintage inspired. Just perfect! See for yourself. Her website can be found here...

These are just a part of her collection for the Mantere Shoe Factory for spring 2009:

And these babies below can be found at her web boutique. I'm not sure if I can actually survive without her powder pink/black Armi boots (in the middle)...

Her Sonja boots (for Mantere) are actually affordable (below, on the right)... and I could also live with Helmi laced shoes.

Entire collection for Mantere for the fall 2009 can be found here.

Red is the new black!

2009-08-22T20:44:00.006+03:00

Yesterday I found my perfect black purse... only to find out it was red (and on sale!). Oh, they had it also in black, but that version was way too shiny somehow. I wonder why I don't mind that in the red version... Naturally I bought it, and I don't really mind the black purse being red because it's faux crocodile print and I've got the perfect vintage shoes to go with it!

I've had these shoes for ages and they are one of my favorites. It's quite sad that I've never had a purse to match them before... Actually I was thinking about that yesterday morning, just few hours before I found my new "black" purse...

I also found some black socks for fall, just what I've been looking for! The two pairs on the right are knee socks to wear with my 40's "sports" skirts. The pair on the left with lace ruffles and bows is "over knee" length, and probably my future favorite.

Last but not the least of my new findings are long gloves of soft leather, in dark brown this time. I already had a pair of black ones and I've been looking for brown ones for a while now... I'm planning for a brownish coat for fall/winter. Let's see if I actually get to make it.

Vintage glasses

2009-08-13T14:11:00.008+03:00

I found a great place to spend your money (once again)! Retrospecs has an amazing collection of vintage/retro styled frames. I love these 50's cats eye glasses, but I can't decide which ones I like the best... Maybe the black ones with silvery accents, or those apple greens, or...

...I also know a special someone who would like to have these Buddy Holly styled frames. :)

I wanted to do a petticoat tutorial last weekend, but life got in the way somehow. More about that soon... And I will make that tutorial as well, soon.

I want these!

2009-08-04T12:41:00.012+03:00

What can I say except big thanks to Nancy, from Waiter Waiter Percolator, for her last post! (You’ll be able to read it here.) It was because of that post that I found these shoes… And while I’ll have to wait for my fairy-godmother to appear to actually afford either one of these, I’m happy just watching them… Pretty shoes! Yay!

These and many more at John Fluevog’s. I just might have to visit their shop when I'm in San Fransisco...

Dancing all day and all night!

2009-08-03T20:35:00.003+03:00

Last few weeks have been busy. I just noticed today that during the last two weeks I’ve had one single day without dancing (no training, no social dancing, and no performing). So I decided to take a day off today… Sweet!

But hey, dancing is such a great fun that I really can’t wait to go training again tomorrow. Just to prove that here’s a pic from last Saturday: just me, my partner and the Collegiate Shag.

Look Who's Back!

2009-07-21T11:25:00.000+03:00

Finally! I finished my MSc. thesis about a year ago, and let me tell you it's been a really crazy year so far... Maybe now I'll finally have some spare time again. Time to do things that I really enjoy. This means sewing, folks! I've got a huge pile of fabric waiting (and more on their way from eBay), and even bigger pile of fabulous sewing patterns. Here's an example, some brand new Michael Miller prints that are just waiting to be... Skirt maybe? And two dresses, yes. Maybe a tote bag too. Must think.

...and two new Alexander Henry fabrics... Definitely a tote bag there with the pin up's on that blue background. The other one has a very special purpose too, but we'll come to that sooner or later.

Wild and swinging!

2007-09-05T13:02:00.001+03:00

Oh my, the "dance season" started again last Sunday and this means I'm going to have no spare time until Christmas. I'll be instructing two classes this season with my partner, 50's rock'n'roll intermediate group on Sundays and collegiate shag for beginners on Mondays, and I'm also the "responsible adult" for a junior dance class with junior instructors. I'll also be taking classes in lindy hop, balboa, air steps, bugg (the Swedish swing dance), and possibly fusku (the Finnish swing dance, with some resemblance to disco swing)... IF I'll be able to fit it in my schedule.

I do look forward to the teaching part once again. ;) It's nice to chop things into digestible size for my students. And it's so great to see the happiness when people manage to do new things. :)

I have a passion for the collegiate, aka double shag at the moment. It just rocks! It's the easiest, most fun dance ever. I would love to go to the 2nd San Francisco Shag Jam next June... We shall see if I can manage the cash somehow... If you don't know the dance yet, check this out:

Collegiate Shag with Sailor Mike and Sylvia Skylar

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I was also fortunate to find this clip featuring triple shag done in a tap routine. I don't think I've actually never seen triple shag before, although I'm familiar with the expression.

Hal and Honey Abbott

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And if you should ever find the opportunity to try the dance, double or triple or even single, just do it. It just might be the thing for you too. ;)

The charm of day dresses

2007-08-10T12:45:00.000+03:00

Day dresses fascinate me. I can't seem to pass 40's or 50's vintage day dress pattern in, or close to, my size. They are practical, and yet beautiful. That is a combination that is just too rare today. I quite like the idea "form follows function", considering that functionality can also be wrapped in beauty. It's not illegal to make something beautiful. In my opinion that is one of the things that makes design classics. I got this one just recently from LanetzLiving. I just love the simplicity of the whole thing. I hope I'll have time to sew this one soon.

But the idea of day dresses! It means that you also have dresses for afternoon and evening, dresses for all occasions. Afternoon ones to be pretty when your Mr. comes home from work, day dresses for managing all the daily matters. I wonder how many women today would find that idea actually insulting... that they should try to look nice just for their husbands (and the optional kids)? It's not that popular in these days. ;) People only dress up when they are going out. I guess it was a different world. That kind of world where it was not necessary for two people in one family to work just to manage the daily living and pay off the mortgage...

Creative fabric shopping

2007-08-08T15:38:00.000+03:00

Fabrics are not that cheap, right? And it's soooo hard to find nice vintage styled things around, if internet is excluded. And it is for the moment because if the fabrics are cheap, the shipping costs are not. So what can a girl do? Yes, the answer is once again thrift store. They have masses of old sheets and curtains and sometimes even fabrics. I came up with this not-so-original idea yesterday and found four lovely prints. This one in the picture is one of those: 31" wide, more than 4 yards in two pieces, 100% sheer cotton. Old curtains. ;)

And it was much cheaper than buying a fabric. I love it! The fabric is soft, but very firm. Just perfect. I'm thinking about transforming it into 50's styled sundress... The print is quite 50's to me. We'll see what happens. :)

Vintage Wonderland

2007-07-26T11:20:00.003+03:00

Oh, I simply must show you what beauties are making their way to me soon!

I have shopped for vintage patterns a few times at Lanetz Living, and what a happy customer I am! I've been returning over and over again, so Janet has (almost) all of my money now. ;) I found the site just recently by chance, and now I'm visiting it everyday just to see what's new so I won't be missing anything important. ;) The patterns are beautiful and Janet has made good description of each, plus the pictures are usually big and there's also the back view of the envelope available. You'll be seeing many of my buying’s soon here as clothes. Just wait and see. :) Meanwhile... take a look at these babies already safely home with me:

I told you Janet has pretty (simply to die for) patterns, now didn't I. ;)

But today I wasn't shopping at Lanetz Living. I took a sneak peek at Out of the Ashes Collectibles and found some really neat stuff. I've been having this "lingerie, petticoat, slip, night gown, bathing suit, etc." thing going on and was very pleased to find the answer to some of my retro prayers.

If only I had the time to sew...

Shoes, where do they come from?

2007-07-19T13:56:00.000+03:00

For some reason I seem to have quite a few pair of shoes. And I don't mean like a few dozen pairs, that would be serious underestimating although I don't know the exact number at the moment. I'm sure most of them have snuck in during night-time, because I have absolutely no memory of buying some of them. Fortunately Mr. Too Many Shoes is very understanding and has never uttered the words: "Darling, don't you already have enough shoes?". He might think that though, but is smart enough to keep quiet. ;) And he's actually even offered to buy me some of the practical ones, like dance shoes.

But yes, I do find it a bit strange how some people actually manage with only a couple of pair of shoes. Don't they want to mach their shoes with their outfits, or do they just have so easily matchable wardrobe? I guess I'll never find out, but I'm not too sorry about that. Most of mine are vintage, around 1950's, and wearable. Do I need them all? Possibly not, but I still would like a few more.

What I would really fancy as a collector (collecting only shoes in sizes I can actually wear :) would be a pair of Roger Vivier pumps. He's a true genious when it comes to shoes. Just take a look at these 1961 evening pumps (link to original site). He truly is the Fabergé of shoes. I love to examine all the little details of these beauties, although I would settle for something little less extravaganza. ;) Some of the pieces designed for Dior in the 50's are more simple, but yet oh sooo-o perfect, like little sculptures (just like he has actually described his shoes). Would love a pair of those. :)

I once did come across a beautiful pair of Vivier for Dior pumps from late 50's in light brown leather with a moderate heel and a moderate price. Only problem was that I could have used them as canoes, the size was something like Europian 43. My feets are bit on the smaller side (U.S. 5.5, Australian 4, U.K. 3, Europian 35.5 - but I'm usually okay with a half size bigger too) and strangely it's getting more and more difficult to find new shoes in my size. Luckily there's still plenty of beautiful vintage shoes in my size just waiting for me to find them. And yes, they actually make dance shoes in smaller sizes too, so I don't complain too much. Just a little. ;)