Model Hell......oh, and free U.S. shipping in the shop

So, today I reluctantly posted an ad on craigslist for a second model for the shop. I love my model, Sara. She is the best thing since the invention of wine. She totally embodies the Jojo look. She is tall and shapely and everything looks gorgeous on her. I get more emails about her than anything else on the site- lol. I've even had a few european men send odd love notes for her. I know I will be hard pressed to ever replace her when she's decided she's had enough. Anyway, my lovely Sara is broad shouldered and I've started a collection of items that are in the xsmall range that just don't fit her.

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!

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!

Whats Hot- ORANGE and CORAL!

So with spring just around the corner, everyone is shedding their winter garb and pulling out the bright stuff! Vintage clothing lends itself well to this trend, especially the 70s color palate and design lines that are hot right now. The hot color trend now is orange and coral...its in every mag in both clothing, accessories and makeup. A couple examples are shown here from the Feb 2011 People Stylewatch and March 2011 Lucky magazines:

I always try to incorporate a bit of the current trend into my vintage clothing offerings. I perused the web to find those lovely corals in cosmetic history and came up with some nice inspiration:

So, in preparation for my shoot this weekend, I made a stop at the MAC counter (diehard MAC fan, right here) and picked up some lovely Melba blush to match the hot Revlon coral lipstick I'll be using. Stay tuned for some fab new items and my lovely model sporting this new makeup look. In the meantime, here are some great orange and peach items currently listed in my shop:


70s bright orange trench coat (wow- a trench thats orange? double hot trend!)


70s sherbert orange fit n flare dress

sweet and sassy!

60s peachy keen classic coat

Orange 60s mod aline dress

So, maybe your thinking thats great but I'm not into wearing the all over bright colors. Well no need to be left out! Your home or accessory hanger could use a little color boost to chase away those late winter blahs! Here are some of my fav selections currently available from other etsy sellers:

vintage california pottery orange pitcher by Garden City Pottery available at Nachokitty

spring scarf by designer Adrienne Vittadini floral motif available at ArtistiekEndeavors

Lucite citrus necklace available at Popgoesmyvintage



mid century viking persimmon orange mod pair of candleholders available at Jenscloset

See you at the shop!

SALE AT JOJO'S!!!!!

Today and tomorrow I'm offering 20% off anything in the store with coupon code SUNMONFUN at the checkout.


Its a great time to snap up some spring or wedding/prom season dresses at a discount!

SEE YOU AT THE SHOP!

A Nod to Spring

After two weeks of a massive sinus infection and a sick toddler and hubby, I'm about ready to climb the walls! I started maximum strength horse pill antibiotics yesterday, and I'm starting to look human again. I've thrown open the windows and am airing out the house- ahhhh...the sun. I remember that. Early signs of spring are here- the snowbergs at the end of the driveway seem much smaller than last week and the roads resemble ICEE drinks instead of Antartica.

I wish it was full spring already, and the longing for it has left me and my pile of kleenexs perusing my favorite etsy shops for signs of it. So, I'll share a few of my favorites with you.

Perfect to add a little touch of spring to your freshly laundered lighter coat...

A beautiful Coro Painted Floral Brooch at MyMomsStuff

I've been drooling over this one for awhile...if I only had a studio to hang it in....

Gorgeous Vtg Bluebird Decoupage Plaque from Vintagegoodness


So darling...it makes me want to have a vintage patio garden party....

60s Vivid Aqua and Orange Print Day Dress at Wunderbarvintage

\

This is so light and airy looking- like a fresh breeze....

Vintage Floral Bouquet Rayon Dress by Fashionrerun

I love this pattern! I got the ironing board cover as a gift last year!

Sewing Machine Cover - Quilted Church Flowers from CityChicCountryMouse

Yeah, you know me and the sixties...I love me some mod sandals! Speaking of which, I need a pedicure....

Mod Lime Green Shoes-Joyce of California by VintageCatwalk

Well, I hope I've given a glimmer of spring hope to the rest of you out there too. Stop on by my shop and see my spring dresses too. Lots of green and florals in case you need a reminder of the good things to come.

See you at the shop!

How She Really Felt About Him

Ok, I'm on a Valentine's kick right now- with all the good, bad and ugly that goes with it. Dear Husband and I have once again managed to tell each other what we want and then just go and get it ourselves with the other's blessing. Jinkies, I guess having two kids will do that to ya. We are both pretty happy just to get more than 5 hours sleep at any one stretch. I guess the romance returns when the youngest hits preschool- or sleeps through the night. Anyway, I think I have it pretty good with my guy. He sure beats the pants off of the others I've had the misfortune of being with. I have lots of examples to draw from in my own personal history. As Holly Golightly would say, "He's a Super Rat!!!" This morning I thought I'd try my hand at a cathartic curation that tells it how it really was..... and so I present....

HOW SHE REALLY FELT ABOUT HIM

Be prepared to giggle just a little...you know you want to....

In honor of Valentine's Day, now through Feb 14th,

all items in store at Jojo's are 10% off.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FascinatingHobbies

"It's Valentine's Day..."

Words that strike loathing, sorrow or excitement in the hearts of many- whether single or married. If you are in the dreading category, don't be unprepared and spend the day sulking while gorging yourself of the chocolates left in the office lunchroom!

No good soldier goes into battle unprepared! Make a plan to defend your psyche and self-esteem! This year, treat yourself to something wonderful... a lovely cologne you've found in a magazine (you know, the one where you rubbed the paper sample all over yourself,) that vintage dress you've been drooling over on etsy, or if money is tight, just a soak in a (cheap) champagne bath while listening to your favorite tunes and sipping some of said bubbly. Toast yourself that you are contented and happy without "old whats-his-name!"

Here's a soothing bath suggested by Kristin Fraser Cotte, founder and CEO of The Grapeseed Company as seen in Dec. 2010 issue of Health Magazine:

"Combine 1 cup powdered milk and 1/2 cup Epsom salts in a bowl; add 1 or more cups of any sparkling wine (no need to splurge on the pricey stuff) and 1 tablespoon honey warmed in microwave for 30 seconds. When the tub is full, add in rose petals - they're a natural emollient that hydrates and tones. To double your indulgence, sip a glass while you soak!" Relax- your figure is safe-its only 78 calories per 4oz of dry Brut. Just don't overdo and slide under- safety warning: keep head emerged at all times (and dont make the water too hot!)

Once you've dried off, wrap yourself in something feminine, beautiful and lovely- all just for you! Heres a few suggestions from etsy shops to top off your lovely refreshed self:

antique 1930s aquamarine lingerie by GoodGodMan

60s long pink chiffon gilead gown from thedabaras

vintage vandemere chiffon and satin penoir by GeneralWhimsy2

bemberg rayon nightgown by Jojo's Retro and Vintage

Happy Valentine's Day! See you at the shop!