I cannot believe it's one year since I decided to open my shop...a year since I did my second swap meet in the heat and dust and thought 'there must be a better way'. What a journey it has been. And so busy! Things like this little blog have fallen by the wayside....but I'm back! In a very basic way though, just to share some vintage tidbits that I find, like patterns. And don't forget to click on the vintage ads link above for my tumblr blog full of great ads💋Deb
It's the end of September, and here in north Queensland the days are warm and sunny. It's definitely back to sun-hat weather.
For someone who has just had a skin cancer removed from their face, hats are a must! It's still possible to get sunburnt here, even in winter. The sun in Mackay in July is stronger than the sun in Chicago - I spent two weeks walking around Chicago one July a few years ago without burning, and two hours here on my return and burnt!
So for a little vintage inspiration, here are some hat ideas from 1954 -
Even a small hat will stop your scalp burning, and I do have a few cute little hats in store a the moment - just $25 each!
What to do when you've made soup for dinner but are out of bread and short of time? Make scones!
Every 50s housewife know how to make scones - usually sweet with jam and cream - but a scone recipe is adaptable, and can be savoury as well.
If you follow me on instagram you will know I make scones now and then for afternoon tea (seriously its quicker than driving to the store). This is my easy never fail, cheat recipe -
3 cups self raising flour
1 cup lemonade (or other soft drink)
1 cup pouring cream
Mix ingredients together gently, don't knead, and press into a round about 1cm thick. Cut into circles with a floured glass. Place on greased tray, brush with milk, beaten egg or water and bake for about 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Yes its time for a name change for the blog, to match my new Etsy shop name.
Why Kitten Vintage? Well it combines my two favourite things - kittens and vintage!
Here are our two newest additions, Sebastian and Charlie, rescued by a friend who kept their mother. Their arrival coincided with my twins birthdays, so of course we had to keep both of them!
Hopefully a bricks and mortar store is not too far away....
In the meantime, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Tumblr.....I'm enjoying making gifs from vintage films at the moment.....like this one:
Despite an acting career only six years long, Grace Kelly remains one of the most loved and iconic actors of all time. She began her acting career in 1950, age 20, and in April 1956 retired from acting to marry Prince Rainer of Monaco and take up royal duties.
This article from April 1956 gives a little behind the scenes look at the royal wedding......
Rosemary Clooney, known to her friends as Rosie, or even Clooney, was born in Kentucky on 23 May 1928. A talented singer, one of her earliest hits was the crazy but cute "Come On-a My House" in 1951.
As I get older I find high heels more and more uncomfortable to wear. As I work from home, and live in the tropics, these days I mostly wear sandals or thongs (flip flops), or in winter low heeled or flat Mary Janes - they have a great vintage vibe and are very comfortable and supporting. Even in the 50s the overuse of high heels was warned against. The Australian women's Mirror in December 1959 stated: "It is not to be expected that any of us will wish to refrain absolutely from wearing high heels, but whenever possible we should save them for dress-up occasions and wear moderate or low heeled shoes during the day or while we are working."
Today more from this weeks Magazine, The Australian Women's Mirror, 2 December 1959. Gloves were worn on every outing in the 1950's, even in Summer. These lightweight cotton gloves would have been just the ticket!
I have been researching vintage powder compacts this week in order to list some of my own collection on Etsy. I came across a fabulous site about KIGU compacts, which gave a brief history of KIGU - "JOSEF KIASCHEK, master Goldsmith, created the first ever Powder Compact in his workshops in Budapest, Hungary. His son, GUSTAV subsequently founded KI-GU in Budapest and was the creator of fine hand-made compacts. An original and unique collection exists to this day and may be found illustrated elsewhere on these pages. Gustav raised three sons, Charles, Paul and George. Charles settled in New York to persue his career as a Goldsmith. George moved to London where he founded KIGU of LONDON and was later joined by his brother Paul in post-war years." The site has some fabulous photos, and you can see more here. None of the compacts pictured there are for sale, but these ones are available on Etsy now!
It's school holidays again here, and after a week off entertaining my MIL and my eldest daughter home from college I finally have a little spare time. I managed to find a sweet little Australian magazine from 1959 to read and thought I would share some of it this week. Today, being Monday, the fashion. I love the fabric of the swimsuit on the cover - I thinks she's being a mermaid tangle in the nets....
After having yet another skin cancer removed from my face, I have decided I really, REALLY, need to wear hats more - not just to the races and at the beach. Even a hat with a little brim can help keep the sun off your scalp, one plae where it is difficult to apply sunscreen! Today some hat inspiration from the 1950s.
In 1952 French designers liked grey and white for daytime wear, and this included hats. Dior had a grey straw hat swathed in matching grey silk.
I lovvve vintage, but unfortunately the 1950s were really the start of everything bad when it comes to cosmetics and beauty products. After World War 2 they seemed to be obsessed with cleanliness and banishing germs - and just as with housing there were so many new products and ingredients available - and you can see that by the ads of the time.
Nyal, 1955
Hair had to be clean, neat and controlled.
Brylcreem 1955
And soap just wasn't good enough any more.
Vaseline shampoo, 1955
Vaseline had been patented in the 1870s, and as a by product of petroleum production it was by no stretch of the imagination good for you, but the advertising of the 1950s put it and similar products at the forefront of consumers minds and made them appear safe, and necessary.
Vaseline hair tonic, 1950
Petroleum is one ingredient that we shouldn't be using in cosmetics. According to world famous environmentalist and my all time hero, David Suzuki, there are twelve ingredients we need to avoid at all costs - he calls them the deadly 12 - 1. BHA and BHT Used mainly in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptors and may cause cancer (BHA). Harmful to fish and other wildlife. 2. Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as "CI" ,FD&C Blue No. 1" or "Blue 1 Potential to cause cancer and may be contaminated with heavy metals toxic to the brain. 3. DEA-related ingredients In creamy and foaming products, such as moisturisers and shampoos. Can react to form nitrosamines, which may cause cancer. Harmful to fish and other wildlife. 4. Dibutyl phthalate Used as a plasticizer in some nail care products. Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant. Harmful to fish and other wildlife. 5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives Also in nail polishes 6. Parabens Used in a variety of cosmetics as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disrupters and may interfere with male reproductive functions. 7. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance) Any mixture of fragrance ingredients used in a variety of cosmetics — even "unscented." Can trigger allergies and asthma, linked to cancer and neurotoxicity. Harmful to fish and other wildlife. 8. PEG compounds "eth" (e.g., polyethylene glycol). Used in many cosmetic cream bases, if contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, may cause cancer. Also for related chemical propylene glycol and other ingredients with the letters 9. Petroleum Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturisers, bay oil - makes an unbreathable barrier on the skin, ageing it faster and may cause cancer. Read more » 10. Siloxanes Look for ingredients ending in "-siloxane" or "-methicone." Used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten - also hair products. Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant 11. Sodium laureth sulfate - SLS Used in foaming cosmetics, such as shampoos, cleansers and bubble bath, can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. 12. Triclosan Used in antibacterial cosmetics, such as toothpastes, cleansers and antiperspirants. Suspected endocrine disrupter and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Harmful to fish and other wildlife If, like my husband, you've gone - "What, but I remember my father using coal tar soaps for years", you can read more and download the fact sheet here. And there is also a downloadable pocket shopping guide, here. Products that have been advertised for over 100 years seem to be safe, don't they. Surely they wouldn't still be using products 100 years later is they were bad for you?
Coal tar soap, 1952
People have done stupid things for beauty (just think of arsenic in face powder to make skin white) and even sillier things to make money. Today there are many companies using the terms 'natural' and 'organic' when their products are anything but - you really need to read the labels and go with companies with a good reputation. Stay tuned each Wednesday for some more vintage beauty ideas. Deb
I picked up these little hand knitted slippers at Vinnies ( op shop) today for just $1.
It's inspired me to try and make a pair. First step, find a pattern. ....
This pattern from 1952 calls them bed-socks, and I suppose as they don't have a sole that's really what they are. Looks simple enough.
This 1938 pattern looks a bit more complicated, although the cape doesn't look to hard.
Somehow I think they will cost me more than a dollar to make though. Maybe when these ones get a bit older... Oh, and I also found some great aluminium storage containers at the op shop too - you can see them on my instagram tab.
Many people have heard of Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. I live in Mackay, which is about 1 1/2 hours drive south of Airlie, and gateway to the southern Cumberland group of islands. One such Island is Brampton Island. Once a tourist destination, with stars such as British band The Police holidaying there, Brampton island is now closed to all but the most intrepid day trippers - the buildings are derelict and there are no facilities.
We had a family day out to the Mirani "Show and shine' on Father's Day.
It was a great event, run by the local Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club. I don't know much about cars, but I know what I like......here are some of my favourites -
My son's favourite, mainly because it had a smurf in the engine.
I actually love the number plate on this one...mid-life crisis perhaps?
This pink VW beetle was my daughter's favourite - and it's actually owned by one of the teachers at our school!
I can't really remember any makes or models, but I do have a lot more detailed photos that I will put on tumblr.
Back in the late 80s and early 90s I had two velvet dresses. Both navy, one short with puffy organza sleeves, and the other long with a deep neck and long sleeves. In fact I think I still have them somewhere....My favourite fashion accessory at the time was a big black velvet bow. It was on a large hair clip (barette) that you could use to make a flat sort of low pony-tail. I also had one with a hair net underneath - very vintage! I was reminded of them recently when I spied this article (Australian Women's' Weekly, August 1952) - 'Velvet for Between Seasons'.
Oh, I love that red dress!
Traditionally velvet was made from silk or cotton, but now synthetic versions are available. I don't think I'll even try fitting into my old dresses at present, but I would love another bow. There are a few around at the moment, but this one at Just Peachy on Etsy is lovely, handmade, and such a great price - only $5.50.
Not worth making your own really for that price! Although all you need is a scrap of velvet (great if you've made your own dress) and a metal barette clip - Sew a small rectangle the size you want your bow, turn the right way and stitch the seam, then sew on the barette. I have made a bow tie this way too - much better than using ribbon.
Or for something really vintage, what about a cute little 1950s velvet cocktail hat - only $22 from Nat Kat Studio on Etsy.
And I love the velvet gloves in the first illustration. I have also found some similar on Etsy, like these from Paisley Babylon.
What about you. Do you love velvet?
Did you know, the word velvet derives from the Middle French velu, “shaggy.”
In 1948 petite 15 year old school girl Mary Frances Reynolds won the "Miss Burbank: beauty contest. Her impersonation of Betty Hutton, and her pert, green eyed face and trim 5 ft 1 in figure caught the attention of a Warner Brothers talent scout, and a successful screen test followed.
At age 16, changing her name to Debbie Reynolds, she signed a contract with Warners, fitting drama, singing and dancing lessons in between her schooling. When her contract was not renewed, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) gave her a small part as American boop-boop-a-doop singer of the 1930s, Helen Kane, in the film Three Little Words (1950) starring Fred Astaire and Red Skelton.
Her role won her a movie contract, with Warners signing her for seven-years. In her next film, Two Weeks with Love (1950) with Jane Powell, she had a hit with the song "Aba Daba Honeymoon", which she sung with co-star Carlton Carpenter.
Her big musical chance came in 1952 with a leading role in "Singin' in the Rain" as Gene Kelly's romance and dance partner. Her dancing really improved during the movie, with many hours of practice and great help from both Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor.
In the Esther Williams film 'Skirts Ahoy' Debbie had a wonderful dance sequence with Bobby Van. which confirmed her as one of the best song and dance starlets in Hollywood.
In the early 50s Debbie's named was lined with that of Robert Wagner, but her nice , unspoiled girl-next door image remained unchanged. Born on 1 April 1932 to a nice middle class family, and winner of 48 girl-scout merit badges, Debbie apparently preferred jive dancing and playing her French horn to a night on the town.
Debbie Reynolds, 1953
By the mid-1950s, she was a major star, appearing in more than 17 movies during the decade. In Bundle of Joy (1956) she appeared with her then-husband, Eddie Fisher. In October of that year the couple had their own bundle of joy - baby daughter Carrie Fisher.
Their marriage also produced a son, author/host producer Todd Fisher, but ended in divorce in 1959 when Fisher fell in love with Reynolds's former (and later) friend Elizabeth Taylor.
November 1958
Another major movie for Debbie was "Tammy and the Bachelor" in 1957, in which she co-starred with Leslie Nielson. She played a hick country girl from the depths of Mississippi who meets and falls in love with a gent from the smart part of town.
Her version of the song "Tammy" earned Debbie a gold record and was the best-selling single by a female vocalist in 1957.
Debbie also scored two other top-25 Billboard hits with "A Very Special Love" (1958) and "Am I That Easy to Forget" (1960)—a pop-music version of a country-music hit made famous by both songwriters Carl Belew (in 1959), Skeeter Davis (in 1960), and several years later by singer Engelbert Humperdinck - quite poignant after her short marriage.
Debbie Reynolds, 1957
1962 saw Debbie play showgirl Thelma Ritter in a major role opposite Gregory Peck - in the first drama to be made in 'Cinerama' - the epic western 'How the West Was Won.'
In 1964 Debbie starred in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", a biographical film about the famously boisterous Titanic shipwreck survivor. She received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role.
Debbie herself says that she was "a real ham" in her early movies, and that it wasn't until "Goodbye Charlie" also in 1964, that she really learned to act. In the late 1960s Debbie hosted her own television show - The Debbie Reynolds Show.
In what Debbie has called the "stupidest mistake of my entire career", she made headlines in 1970 after having a fight with the NBC television network over cigarette advertising on the program - NBC cancelled the show, despite Debbie winning a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy that year.
In 1977, after her thirteen year second marriage to Harry Karl also ended in divorce, Debbie said that she would not marry again - "I'm resigned to not marrying again. Twice has been enough" she told the Australian women's Weekly. " I just want to keep working." After losing her estimated $15 million dollar fortune to to Karl's gambling, it's hard to blame her, although she called him " a sweet man who loved my children and me... he just loved my money more’.
Debbie Reynolds age 45, 1977
Unfortunately for Debbie she did marry again, to real estate developer Richard Hamlett. In the 1990s they bought a run-down Las Vegas hotel and casino and renovated them, adding a Hollywood Movie Museum which showcased her extensive collection of movie memorabilia. the couple divorced in 1994, after the hotel went broke. In June 2011, unable to find a suitable home for her large collection, she began auctioning it off.
The first auction, which included Marilyn Monroe’s ‘subway’ dress from The Seven Year Itch and Charlie Chaplin’s bowler hat, made £8 million.
By 2001 Debbie and Elizabeth Taylor had reconciled to such a degree that they starred together - with Shirley MacLaine and Joan Collins - in the TV film These Old Broads, written by her daughter Carrie Fisher.
In November 2006, Reynolds received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from Chapman University (Orange, California). On May 17, 2007, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Nevada, Reno, (Reno, Nevada) where she had contributed for many years to the film-studies program.
Debbie continues to perform successfully on stage, television and film, with her most recent movies including Katharine Siegel's 'One for the Money' (2012) and as Liberace's mother in 'Behind the Candelabra' (2013). Even with the nose she looks amazing!
“I have never had a better time than being Liberace’s date,”Debbie said in 2013. “We all knew he was homosexual. That was a friend: You know what they love and the people that they love, and what they are.”
And at least he didn't take her for millions of dollars! Debbie says now that she's done with men - "dogs are less demanding," she says "and they don’t spend all the money." Amen girl!
