Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Not Walking in a Retail Wunderland......
Its that time of the year again where retail madness reigns supreme!
I caught a commercial for Walgreens on the t.v. where very little was said, but it showed the cattle-herding insanity of shopping at a big store during a peak time. I had to laugh- brings back many memories of elbows in the back and the strollers blocking any conceivable walking path (and, yes, I've even been one of those women wielding my stroller as a personal space preserver!) Shuffling down an aisle, climbing over people thinking to yourself in your best Captain James T. Kirk voice, "If..... I could only get past.....this......woman....maybe I can save...the ship!" Yes, I can shop without fighting over a sweater with some little old lady who looks like a seasoned pro at caning to death competing bargain hunters while listening to my toddler scream "DOWN! DOWN!" to the tune of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. It seems like retailers have caught onto the unpleasantness of the trend in "Christmas-kamikaze-road-rage" style shopping and extended their hours so the nutters can get their list done without the involvement of the police.
I myself have only gone out on one Christmas shopping excursion since Thanksgiving, and they can be fun when you are in the mood and most of the people around you look sane. Gorgeous Christmas tree displays and lots of things to drool over that I could never possibly afford. Kind of like pressing your face into the glass of the toy store like Ralphie in the beginning of "A Christmas Story." This in and of itself can be torturous, so give me good 'ol online shopping! Give me my jammies, cup of Joe and specs, and I'm ready to play Santa on Etsy!
In addition to the higher physical safety factor of shopping at home (unless you fall off your chair and dump your coffee down your lap,) there is the wonderful feeling of potentially helping along another small business. Being a small business owner concerned over every sale, I can appreciate the challenge of remaining afloat with your unique goods while the big guys raffle off Kindles. I have found some amazingly wonderful things from Etsy this year, my favorite being vintage wooden painted tree ornaments that we had back in the 60s-70s when I was little. Most of my mom's collection has disappeared over the years so I was delighted to get a full collection of them again! They were kind of a paint by number wooden kit, so they looked exactly the same as the ones of my youth. Mom and I looked through them all noted the ones we remembered the best. Hey, you can't get that at the mall!
So, please support your favorite small businesses this season, both on-line and in your town. We are chock full of wonderful goodies and guarantee to be safer and kinder than Walmart- we promise!
P.S. GET FREE U.S. SHIPPING AND GIFT WRAP THRU 12/31 at my shop!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Holiday Dresses are Here!
Frosted Windowpanes....
Candles gleaming inside....
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Longing for A Very Vintage Thanksgiving (oh but theres a SALE too....)
My mother's kitchen smelled of basting herbed turkey and her kitchen cabinets were decorated with carefully cutout images from magazines depicting vintage holiday scenes, happy families dining, and festive decorating ideas. We always had the same meal each year: sage stuffing, corn and bean succotash, butterball turkey, white rolls and the jellied cranberry sauce. The sauce was a mystery to me in how it had been extracted from the can so it lay in a perfectly rippled, molded state in the carousel glass dish. Thrilled at being out of school on holiday but without much to do, I'd spend my time hovering around the table watching her preparations and marveling at all the different colors in that amber toned dish. She would set the table with her white china dishes that were only used for special occasions. They each had a single red rose etched into the center of each dish and were simple and elegant. I came to find out as an adult that she obtained those dishes one at a time in a supermarket promo. Ah, the days before credit cards, when it actually took time to obtain your prized possessions. I rarely see those dishes anymore. Mom is in her 70s and prefers to use festive paper plates so the clean up is less tiring, but those old magazine cutouts are still taped on the wooden cupboard doors. When the fine dishes have made a rare appearance along with the familiar cooking smells, I am filled with the awe of looking at a childhood memory through my now adult eyes.
Over the years my family of five has changed and grown and shrunk with the changes that come with altered relationships, long distance moves and the growing of children. This year will mark the first year my mother has not had a thanksgiving dinner as she has accepted an invitation from a younger in-law who will host a gathering. I and my young children will be shuffled off to my husband's enormous multi-generational family gathering in southern Minnesota. I fear my little homespun thanksgiving has forever been altered by the now customary driving all over the state to attend extended relatives gatherings. Yet, I am thankful for the memories my mother gave me and that fact that despite a strict budget, she created wonderful memories for me. My challenge is to try to recreate holiday memories for my own children. With the help of etsy and the internet, I've tracked down a lot of vintage Christmas decor that we had when I was little along with the wonderful bubble lights for the tree. But Thanksgiving? I'm sad to say my cupboard doors are bare. Maybe its time to get some old magazines off etsy and a pair of scissors.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Oh, and as I promised..... Jojo's big annual sale info:
SALE SALE SALE
JOJO'S ETSY THANKSGIVING SALE
starts on....Thanksgiving! Tomorrow through Cyber Monday, receive 20% off and free gift wrapping on ENTIRE SHOP starting at midnight tonight- so mark your favorites today! Get that fab vintage holiday party dress for a song! :-)
Additionally, starting Black Friday, Jojo's is participating in the Vintage Market Team's fantastic sale- search all members offerings with search term VMTEAMBFCMSALE. Etsy sellers will also start their sale with the tags BLACKFRIDAYETSY, CYBERMONDAYETSY, and FREESHIPPINGETSY.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Jojo's is in Hot Wax!
"Join The Current’s Bill Deville for an afternoon of live interviews with veteran rock critic Jon Bream, Badfinger’s Joey Molland and Mint Condition’s Stokley Williams on the impact and legacy of the era’s music. Relax in the music lounges with the DJd sounds of “Crap From the Past’s” Ron “Boogiemonster” Gerber, “Cosmic Slop’s” Chuck and Joel, Jake Rudh and Danny Sigelman. Tour "The 1968 Exhibit" with a psychedelic musical backdrop provided by “First Communion Afterparty.” Vote for Best Album, Worst Artist, Greatest British Import and more. Make a vinyl-inspired musical keepsake, then stop by vintage boutiques and shop for vinyl and clothing from Electric Fetus (founded in 1968), GoJohnnyGo, TJNovak, Riffs-Ahoy, Tim’s Music Shop, Jojo's, Ms Tips and Vintage Studio. For more information visit http://www.the1968exhibit.org/."
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
VINTAGE DEALS! 25% off select items at Jojo's Retro and Vintage
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Jojo's Show and Sale this weekend!!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Jojo's Gift Certificates are Here!
Your recipient will receive a beautiful, professionally printed 8.27" x 3.74" color gift certificate as pictured on premium 100 pound matte paper with hand printed amount, to/from and redemption code. Certificate comes in a white envelope and is adorned with a pink and chocolate polka dot matching ribbon. Shipping to you or your recipient is free!
I can mail you or the recipient the physical gift certificate or can email an image if you prefer.
Each gift certificate will have a unique code which the recipient will enter in the "message to seller" upon checkout. A refund for the full amount of the certificate will be processed through Paypal within 24 hours of the order. Redemption instructions will be included with the certificate.
Stop by the shop and order yours today! http://www.jojosretroandvintage.etsy.com/
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES...WITH A SALE AND A TRUNK SHOW!
Also, Jojo's Retro and Vintage will have a booth at the Midwest Vintage Clothing Jewelry & Textile Show & Sale on October 14-15th at the Fine Arts Building at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. Fantastic show with over 100+ years of one of a kind wearables, collectibles and fashion accessories all under one roof! Be sure to stop by and see us! Many items for sale from our stock that have not made it online yet!
Fri: 5pm to 10pm
(Early buying at 3pm for the serious shopper)
Sat: 10am to 5pm
For more information, visit http://www.catspajamasproductions.net/
Saturday, September 3, 2011
LABOR DAY WEEKEND SALE
Storewide sale through Monday, September 5th, so you're sure to find something grand! And by the way, this sociable prefers Diet Coke with a splash of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. Cheers everyone! Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
END OF SEASON SALE
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Christmas in July Sale starts tomorrow!
Heads up, Jojo's followers! Tomorrow starts the
Christmas in July sale- 15% off everything in the store! A great chance to score some lovely vintage and a fab price!
This sale is part of the Etsy Vintage Market Team's promo and runs through 24th. To see my other team members sale items, simply search with the tag "cij" or "christmas in july" on etsy!
Happy Shopping!!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
YOU SAY ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Speaking of sites: stay tuned as a Jojo's will have its own website outside of Etsy in early July! Ding-ding-ding!! Thats right! It will be released in all its gorgeousness within a few weeks. Lots of great features like more beautiful photos you can zoom in and move around on and better categorization- search by era, size, color, etc! Stay tuned for more info!
Thanks so much to you all for help making Jojo's shop a reality. Its the best birthday gift I could ever ask for!
Josette a.k.a. Jojo
Monday, June 13, 2011
FREE U.S. SHIPPING!!!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
You want hats? We got hats!
50s vtg black velvet and toffee satin hat |
60s vtg chocolate velvet and leather toque hat |
50s vintage green feathered cocktail hat |
50s vintage heiress black bubble turban hat |
60s vtg velvet and satin audrey hepburn hat |
50s vtg sequined beaded ivory bridal juliet cap |
50s vintage ladies flared lustrous mauve toque hat with rhinestones |
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Vintage hats, brandy and summer gloves
I have several beautiful vintage hats that I need to photograph and list this week. I'm entertaining the idea of staging them with the brandy and gloves- well unless I drink the brandy first. Thats dangerous as the result of the photos may not be all I'd hoped. While you are awaiting this arrival of this newsworthy artistic expression, I'd like to introduce you to a lovely Jojo's customer, Ms. Kris, from British Columbia. Kris recently purchased these two beautiful vintage hats from me:

Kris seems like such a cool cat! She loves her hats and says, "I like an assortment of styles when it comes to hats and clothing; from vintage retro dresses to making myself medieval gowns, I think I've worn it all. If I like it, I'll wear it, no occasion needed!" Now thats my kind of girl!
Other than wearing hats, Kristin enjoy drawing, sewing and working with her husband on their company, Dingo Games. They make computer and iOS games, like Laser Dolphin and Tasty Planet for the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad. Check them out! She also has a blog, http://www.tatterhood.com/, where she posts drawings, some crafts, and game updates. Please stop by and say hi to Kris and see what she's up to!
Meanwhile, stay tuned, as those little beauties are all lined up in the studio, awaiting their Jojo's debut!
Monday, May 30, 2011
VOTE AT LULU'S CHOICE AWARDS

Please vote TODAY for Jojo's Retro and Vintage at Lulu's Choice Awards! Voting ends tomorrow-ack! This would be a great honor for me to be included in the top 10 online vintage stores!
Lulu's Vintage Blog
and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Bargain vintage time!

Well, its high shopping time for vintage purveyors with the sale season in full swing. Folks are clearing out their closets and I'm on fast forward with my wallet (much to the hubby's chagrin!) My storage room is bursting and I need to make some room for my new treasures!
So, I've created a permanent section in the shop called $15 bucks and under for all my bargains! Items will be cycling in there, so keep an eye out and snatch up some sweet stuff!
See you at the shop!
Friday, May 13, 2011
FREE U.S. SHIPPING ON VINTAGE! SERIOUSLY!

Sunday, April 17, 2011
Spring Sale coming to Jojo's!!!



Saturday, April 16, 2011
Etsy Vintage Market Team blog

Friday, March 11, 2011
The Making of a Jojo Girl

As I mentioned (or ranted rather) before, I was in search of a second model for my shop. My advertising was very successful and I received a slew of interested young ladies. I narrowed down the choices and came up with a handful that I will be photo testing over the next month. I've decided to bring on several new girls with different looks and sizes - kind of an retro army of "Jojo Girls." Funny, that makes them sound like they will break out in choreographed Janet Jackson style moves in the studio! That way I can stylize hair and makeup more specifically to a period and shoot a dozen outfits in that era on one girl in one shot.
My first test was with the lovely Miss Kitteh. I attempted to document her transformation in the studio so you could see some before and after photos. I will give a brief tutorial for achieving her look. She has graciously agreed to this with the promise of universal fame and fortune. Well, perhaps just the promise of a monthly phone call to come back and model again. :-) We have decided to transform her into a look thats a cross between Bridget Bardot and Twiggy, so she can model some 60s fashions for me in her test shoot. I wanted to look to be a wearable nod to the 60s yet not completely over the top. We will primarily be using MAC products.
So here is Kitteh (pronounced Kitty)in the studio premakeup. I've prepped her face with MAC's "Fix +", "Strobe Cream" to brighten and moisturize, and then "Prep + Prime Skin Base to keep the makeup on. "
Using a flat foundation brush, I applied MAC "Studio Fix Fluid" foundation in NW20. Then with an eyeshadow brush, I've filled in her whole eyelid with a "Paint Pot" in Soft Ochre to give a nice base for the shadows we will be using. I've put some undereye concealer in the darkest part (crease)of the undereye and a little around the nostrils to blend.
So then we apply an all over wash of "Mylar" eyeshadow with a 213 fluff brush. Then I place "Aquadisiac" on the lid only starting at the outer corner and blending up and in.
Using a 219 pencil brush, I carefully line the crease with "Carbon," a black eyeshadow to give the eye some depth. The line is clean but not as heavily stylized as Twiggy's, because we want this look a little more wearable and not as theatrical. I pull the line out past the eyelid a bit and then backtrack to meet the corner of the eye.
I then do a light dusting of "Shroom" under the arch of the brow with a 224 tapered blending brush. I deposit a little in the inside corner of eye as well. I smudge directly into the lashline "Graphblack" black eyeliner.
Next comes a light sweep of black mascara on the upper and lower lids. I curl the upper lashes with an eyelash curler. Then we apply false lashes- I used Model 21 Fashion Lashes in "3m 28." I cut them into halves to make them easier to apply.
Using a small angle brush, I apply liquid eyeliner in "Blacktrack," starting high at the outer corner of the eye coming in towards the pupil. I go back and fill in from the upper line down to the lash line. Again curl the lashes to blend the natural into the false, and load up on very black mascara on the upper lashes.
Then I lined the waterline of her lower lid with a white pencil to make her big eyes look even larger. using a stiff angled brush, I filled in her browns with "Cork" eyeshadow. I applied "Prep + Prime Lip", lined with a nude pencil and then filled in the lip with "Viva Glam V." I put "Melba" blush on the apples of her cheeks. A quick dusting of "Blot Powder" and a spritz of "Fix +" sets the makeup and keeps it from looking to powdery.
Next stop, Hair. We did some backcombing and spraying and pulled her hair up into a Bardot-esque pony tail. Her hair was fine, so I think next time I will use rollers and some hair powder to get even more volume. Yes, thats my mom in the background. She is my resident hair teaser- since she lived through the 60s, she can tease hair like nobody's business!
So, here is a quick chart of the look I designed for Kitteh before she came.

And here is our lovely Miss Kitteh in her test shoot:


Wednesday, March 9, 2011
SALE AT JOJO'S- Special Sneak Preview

Special notice for my blog readers: Starting tomorrow, there will be a SALE OF 15% OFF ANYTHING in the store that will run through Sunday, March 20th. If you would like me to reserve anything for you today so you have first dibs, please contact me in the etsy shop! New items will continue to be listed every day! This sale is part of the Etsy Vintage Market Team promo "Rewear the Ides of March!" You can find other sale items from team members starting tomorrow by using the etsy search term "vmteamides."
SEE YOU AT THE SHOP!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Model Hell......oh, and free U.S. shipping in the shop

So, I finally listed an ad and now have the unpleasant task of trying to sort through pretty women to see who has the right look for the shop. Its tough. They have to have a young face that can pull off many different eras, not to mention needing a 24" waist. So many young women today look,well.... too modern. I need a girl that can pull off a 60s bouffant or a sleek 40s or 50s look. I guess I'll know her when I see her. Hopefully this process will be easier than a root canal. Best to have a cup of tea and calm my nerves.
Anyway, etsy came up with a great new coupon code system to offer free shipping. So, for a break in this model mayhem, I thought I'd try it out. Right now I'm offering free DOMESTIC U.S. SHIPPING on anything in the store using coupon code USFREESHIP (yes, I know it should be "modelhell" to tie this all together, but I'm a mom that operates on little sleep. )
See you at the shop!
Monday, February 28, 2011
SHOES, Glorious shoes....

While I was listing shoes today, the old Oliver song, "Food, glorious food" had its lyrics swapped around in my head. Its shoes! SHOES! "Shoes, glorious shoes...."
Lately I've been setting my "vintagedar" on high for unusual shoes for my shop. I love shoes. I've never had the money to have 60 pairs of designer shoes in some rotating platform in a walk-in climate-controlled closet, but I have had quite a few pairs of cool vintage ones in my life. When I was 15 I found a pair of blue suede pointed toe 50s heels with dainty little gold chains all around the opening. I wore those babies and walked many miles in them until they literally fell apart! However, having size 9 feet does tend to narrow the choices some. So, like all my vintage, I buy it to admire, touch and examine it, and then sell it to someone else who can actually wear it.
So, today I share with you what I consider some of etsy's most daaahhling spring shoes! Shush! You can thank me later, dahling.

Pastel embroidered floral shoes - New Vitality available at HipandVintage
Fruity tootie delicious- even my size!
1950s-'60s bone white shoes - Martinique available at Tiddleywink
Some serious ladylike behavior is required.....No! Optional....

Ferragamo spring green fabric and patent stripe available at Tinygirl
Delicious citrus- these just make me crave a gin and tonic

Hipoppotomus vintage 70s cherry red woven leather clogs available at BirdsChasingBugs
Saucy with a pair of skinny jeans!
And of course, what kind of vintage dealer would I be lest I forget to show you my own beauties:

Geppetto 60s mod pastel graphic heels available at Jojo's Retro and Vintage
for the delightfully insane. Really love, all the best people are!
See you at the shop!