Outfit Post - Peacock Feathers and Blue Suede Shoes

Some days, I wake up with a hankering to wear certain items..this morning it was my blue (faux) suede shoes and my new peacock feather ring.  I was so determined to wear them, I just put them on and built my outfit around them!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - Tardy!

I was running SO late this morning.  Of course, my cats refused to be corralled inside the house, my daughter forgot hercello and both of my girls decided to move at a pace that would make a snail look like an olympic runner.  Fortunately, I plan my outfits the evening before, but what to do with my soggy hair??  It just BARELY made it back into a ponytail and I held it all in place with a scarf (that I just noticed this morning goes remarkably well with this dress.  PHEW!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Oh the Possibilities..

As a self confessed self help addict, I subscribe to a plethora (< FUN word)  of excellent self improvement sites and blogs.  I simply can't control myself.  I LOVE possibilites.

Dream 1 - Start dancing again ( credit )

Today, I read this excellent post over at The Zen Mama's blog about becoming a "possibilitarian".

Dream 2 - Visit Paris (credit)

It came at a good time.  While I adore possibilities, I frequently lack direction.  I like to cram as many experiences in as possible, which can sometimes lead to burn out and a lot of half finished projects and ideas.  It can also cause me to get a bad case of the "can'ts".

Dream 3 - Build a wardrobe based on my Signature Style Project (Credit)

"I can't do that, I don't have time!"

"I can't do that, I have a family and responsibilities!"

"I can't do that, I have financial obligations!"

Dream 4 - Design a line of ConstantlyAlice Clothing and Accessories

The can'ts are just awful.  Besides being terribly irritating to The Man (he's a problem solver.  When I come at him with a "can't" he counters with a "do what makes you happy, I'll support you".  Kind of takes the wind out of my tantrum sails..) they frighten me into maintaining the status quo.

Status quo (<NOT a fun word).

Dream 5 - Open a physical location for ConstantlyAlice (credit)

I firmly believe the universe wants us to succeed.  That things are put in our paths when we need them to remind us to follow our hearts, dream big, fear less, act more.  The post about possibilitarians was like a road sign reminding me that life is short and I need to live it.  Stay tuned for some new adventures...

Dream 6 - Write a book (credit)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Home Ec Tutorial - The May Flowers Necklace

My wee Mum has a birthday coming up on May 31st.  It's pretty appropriate that she was born in the month of "May Flowers" since she has two green thumbs.  Here's a (small) example of her gardens.

So, I decided the most appropriate gift for her would be to make a necklace with a "May flowers" theme.  Here's what you'll need to get started:

• 4 different weight chains (you can re-purpose old necklaces that you don't wear anymore for this, or purchase new chain.)
• Head pins (for beading)
• Jump rings (various sizes)
• Clasp
• Flower shaped beads (I used Laliberi, which I loove, and you can find them at Joann's)
• Bicone beads
• Needle nose pliers and wire cutters
• Flower brooch

First, you're going to take one of your heavier weight chains and cut two pieces approx 9" long.

Next, take the lightest weight chain and cut it to 16.5"

Cut your third chain (preferable one with a little embellishment, like the one here) to 18.5"

Your last chain (this one has some rhinestones on it for visual interest) should be about 20.5" long.

Your next step will be to attach the 3 longest pieces together on each end with a jump ring.  Then add your shorter length of chain to each side.  When they're attached, they should look like this on each side.

Attach the the clasp pieces with a jump ring to the loose end of each of the shorter pieces like this.

Now you're going to add a few clusters of flower beads to the center chain (the one you cut to 18.5")

Start with a head pin and slide a bicone bead onto it.  (You could also use pearls here if you prefer.)

Next, add a floral bead.

Using your needle nose pliers, bend the wire to a 90 degree angle.  Clip off excess with wire cutters, leaving just enough to make a small loop.  (Don't cut too much!  It's easier to make it shorter if you need to, but you can't add length back on.)

Using your pliers, bend and shape the wire into a small closed loop.

Make several of these using different combinations of beads and then attach them in little clusters with a jump ring at even intervals along the center chain.

Attach your brooch to one side of the necklace where the grouping of chains meet the shorter chain and voila!  A May Flowers Necklace :)

If you decide to make your own, I'd love to see your variations!  Post them on my facebook page here.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - Geek Chic

Awwwwkward.  That's how I'm feeling today.  My eyes are a mess from my allergies, so I have to wear my glasses.  Don't get me wrong, I love my glasses (I even have them in several colors) but I only like to wear them when I have planned them as an accessory, not when I *have* to.  But a girl's gotta see ;-)

..and, I can always pretend I'm Velma from Scooby-Doo :)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan - Art of Seduction - The Natural

"The Natural embodies the longed-for qualities of childhood - spontaneity, sincerity, unpretentiousness.  In the presence of Naturals, we feel at ease, caught up in their playful spirit, transported back to that golden age..they make a virtue out of weakness, eliciting sympathy for their trials, making us want to protect and help them." - The Art of Seduction

Cora Pearl

Famous Naturals:

• Cora Pearl
• Josephine Baker
• Charlie Chaplin

Josephine Baker

Keys to the Character:

• Charming, unthreatening, Pleasurable attitude towards life
• The Innocent - Appears to see the world through uncorrupted eyes, vulnerable
• The Imp - Brazen, Blissfully uncaring, lighthearted spirit, naughty
• The Wonder - Spontaneous, Impulsive, ability to improvise
• The Indefensive Lover - Playful, receptive spirit.  Seems to age less rapidly, graceful.

Pin up Style

Louse Brooks

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - Tangerine and Green

My curls turned out MUCH better today, though I had different plans for my bangs..  The lovely Casey over at Elegant Musings cut her bangs recently and had created a pinterest board of different ways to wear bangs.  Since my general default is either straight, or pushed to the side when they get too long, I figured I'd give some fun curly bangs a whirl...Fail.  BIG fail.  I looked like a poodle, so I shellacked them to the side.  I think I'll practice a bit more with different ways of curling them before I debut a new bang look ;-)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - Lillian Gish

Today I woke up with crazy hair.  CRAZZYYY.  I tried to pin curl it, but it didn't dry completely, so all I got was a puffball on my head...I figured rather than fight it, I'd use it to inspire me ;)  Chaotic hair always makes me think of Clara Bow or Lillian Gish, so I did a little Lillian inspired make up today instead of my usual red lips/rosy cheeks.  Now if only I can keep from rubbing my eyes and smearing the black liner all over my face...

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan - Art of Seduction - The Ideal

"The Ideal reflects one's fantasy.  They are an artist in creating the illusion you require.  In a world of disenchantment and baseness, there is a limitless seductive power in following the path of the Ideal." - The Art of Seduction

Madame du Pompadour

Famous Ideals:

• Madame du Pompadour
• Tullia d'Aragona
• John F. Kennedy
• Cassanova

Tullia d'Aragona

Keys to the Character:

• The ability to observe
• Combination of sensuality and innocence
• The ability to stroke people's vanity
• Stir up good feelings and a positive response

Symbol - The Portrait Painter:  Causes other's physical imperfections to disappear.  Brings out noble qualities, immortalizes.

Pin up Style:

Credit

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Crafty

There are few things that make me happier than a paint in my hair, hands covered with glue, little scraps of fabric and paper everywhere kinda day.  Saturday was one of those days.

Butterfly Earrings in Sunshine Yellow and Deep Red $8

I decided to sit down at the table in my craft room and several (5!) hours later, I had a big pile of earrings, hair clips, pins, little miniature portraits I had painted to go on brooches and headbands.  It's so cathartic for me, I lose all track of time.  The only thing I'm thinking is what I can put together next to create something that has a little bit of my heart in it.

Whimsical Vintage Inspired Barrettes, Set of 2 $6

Whimsical Vintage Inspired Barrettes, Set of 2 $6

I have an equal amount of passion when I sew, knit, crochet, paint or embroider (even better when I can combine two or more of my loves into one project!)  It's such an amazing feeling to take something from an idea to an actual, physical object..and the best part..the more you work at it, the better you become!

Sweet Little Red Bird Brooch $6

The items listed here are in the shop now, and there are lots more to come (along with some fun new vintage and a few reproduction items from vintage patterns.)

Whimsical Red and Yellow Felt Birdhouse Brooch $7

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - Poppies!

I'm finding one of the perks of doing these outfit posts is that I get a realllyyy good look at what I'm wearing and how it works overall.  I tend to gravitate towards color (like the red in this dress, and the poppies on the cardigan..my favorite flower!)  However, I think now that I can look at this outfit objectively, the shape is probably not the best for me.  As a VERY petite (4'11") curvy gal, it's important to define the waist so I have a shape, and this dress does me no favors!  It's a good lesson in proportions ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

..it's an honor just being nominated ;-)

Sooo..My adorable friends at Stitching Purple Blooms and Miss Rosie Beau have both nominated me for a Liebster blog award.  (Muuuah!)

Ok, so the rules for the bestowing of this award are as follows:

1. Thank the person who nominated you (Thanks!  <3 you!!)
2. Link back to the blogger who nominated you
3. Copy and paste the blog award on to your blog
4. Nominate and pass on the award to five other bloggers who have less than 200 followers
5. Let them know the happy tidings by posting on their blog.

Here are five other award-deserving blogs.

Haute Rockabilly Fashionista - The dresses, people...Ooohhhh, the dresses. 

Caught Frenching - The super cute blog of my friend Amber over at French Press Vintage

The Market Darling - Great photography, and I loooooove my new collar from her shop (see today's outfit post here)

A Vintage Spirit - Wonderful, wonderful vintage posts!

Annabellebumps - Annabelle has some really adorable sewing project and outfit posts.

Hugs and Smoooooches!

D

Outfit Post - Butterfly Garden

I love the colors of this dress, and it has huuuge pockets, but it needed a little "something", which is why I was so delighted to discover this pretty collar at The Market Darling.  It's just what I needed!  The print is a pretty paisley made up of butterflies and polka dots, so I whipped up a pair of earrings to match as well.  You can purchase a pair in my shop here.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan - Art of Seduction - The Siren

First up in the Art of Seduction series..The Siren.

"The Siren is the ultimate fantasy figure.  Her presence is always heightened and sexually charged.  She is a mirage..cultivating a particular appearance and manner.  She embodies the male fantasy."



Credit

Famous Sirens:

• Cleopatra
• Marilyn Monroe
• Aphrodite

Credit

Keys to Character:

• Voice - Calm, unhurried, low pitched
• Body and Adornment - Everything must dazzle, but also be harmonious.  Clothing more often suggests sexuality than screams it.  Reveal only one part of the body.
• Movement and Demeanor - Graceful, suggestive, langorous.

Credit

Symbol:
Water - The song of the siren is liquid and enticing and the siren herself is fluid and ungraspable.

Pin up Style

Credit

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - Le Mustache

Mustache.  'Nuff said.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - The Artist

Someday..when I live on Martha's Vineyard and spend my days with my toes in the sand, painting, reading and hanging out with Carly Simon..THIS is the outfit I will wear ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Pin up Plan -The Art of Seduction

The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene has been in my literary arsenal for some time now.  One of my many "phases" involved a fascination with courtesans..which led me to this book and also a love of burlesque.

Art of Seduction - Robert Greene

I am a big fan of empowered women, and I think that courtesans and burlesque performers get a bad rep.  In reality, courtesans had far more freedom, education and power than their married couterparts, and burlesque (in my opinion) takes a certain level of comfort in your skin and self confidence.  (Not to gloss over the fact that there was indeed some ugliness in these professions as well..but I prefer to focus on the positives ;)

Veronica Franco, Courtesan Extraordinaire (The movie Dangerous Beauty was about her.)

Dita Von Teese, Burlesque performer and vintage darling

But I digress.  I had considered doing just a book review of The Art of Seduction for the Pin up Plan, but then it struck me that the different seductive characters addressed in this book can correlate to your pin up style.

For the purpose of this blog, I will only address the female seduction styles as follows:

• The Siren
• The Ideal
• The Natural
• The Coquette
• The Charmer
• The Charismatic
• The Star
• The Anti-Seducer

My intention is to relate each style to a pin up (past or present) and/or historical figure, to break it down as it relates to style preferences and to give examples of how you can use it to enhance your personal style.

..and before you think I'm advocating that you go out and seduce the world (though I'm certainly not opposed to that ;) I think this book can be read many ways.  It's not only a tool for "seduction", but insight into how you interact with others, what your strengths are and how you can use them to communicate to your best advantage.  After all, successful communication is flirting at it's best ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - The Ladybug :)

This weekend I finished changing out my summer and winter wardrobes.  (*Phew* What a lot of work!)  I realized that I have a LOT of red in my wardrobe and 7 (yes SEVEN) white summer dresses.  I'm going to have to work on adding a little more color variety ;)

In the meantime..Here is my outfit post for today, with my favorite ladybug brooch.  Isn't she sweet?

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Outfit Post - Red and Leopard

“I don't mind living in a man's world, as long as I can be a woman in it.” - Marilyn Monroe

I share these outfit posts regularly on my facebook and twitter pages, but I haven't thought to share them here until now!  I don't want to exclude any of my blog friends <3

Hugs and Smooches,
D