Vintage Vs. Reproduction

The fight is on! In the left corner we have tried and true ol’ school Vintage, and in the right corner we have a new kid on the block, Reproduction. It’s going to be a tight match……..

Let’s get ready to RUMBLE!

First up: Vintage!

PROs: Wearing vintage clothing is a sure-fire way to stand out, look unique, and look authentic. You can be sure that no one will be wearing the same thing you are. Vintage clothing has stood the test of time. The styles are classic, classy, and timeless. They are also built to last (most in the good ol’ USA!), like most modern clothing is not. If taken care of properly that garment can last another 50 years. Vintage clothing is only becoming more rare and sought after everyday, making it a good long-term investment. But, if you know where to look, there are still great deals to be had. Also, vintage is green! Reduce, reuse, re-wear!

CONs: No matter how well the garment has been taken care of, it is still 50 +/- years old. The armpits could be torn, there could be stains, and it can smell really musty. The ones that are in perfect condition (a la deadstock) can be pretty pricey, especially the name brands. Vintage sizing is very different from modern sizing, and it is very limited. It can be hard to find the style garment you want in your size. Vintage clothing being rare can also be a con: I once lost an ebay bid on a beautiful strapless wiggle mermaid dress in red lace. Do you think I will ever see that dress again? Not likely. It’s enough to break your little heart!

Only You Can Be The Verdict: Vintage is a labor of love. It can cost you a lot of time and money. Vintage clothing collecting can also become an addiction. There is always something “new” and exciting that you want. This can cause you to spend endless hours and paychecks on Ebay. It can also leave you needing a bigger closet (in my case a spare room). But, it’s sooooo much funnnnnn!

Next up: Reproduction!

PROs: Reproduction clothing has brought vintage style to the masses, who otherwise may not have been exposed to it. Reproduction clothing is so accessible; you can even find it in the mall now-a-days! It comes in many sizes, colors and is always available. In some cases it is more affordable than the vintage inspiration. Reproductions have come a long way! Some are as good as the real thing. Reproductions can be made with vintage patters, vintage fabric, or vintage buttons, etc. Reproduction always makes a great gift too, because the sizes are modern and they take returns!

CONs: You better wear it girl! If you buy the most popular style reproduction dress of the year and want to wear it to a big event, you better make sure you can wear it better than anyone else. Sometimes the ease of reproduction clothing can cost you. In some cases I find it cheaper to buy the real thing. Like a cotton wrap dress: you can get a vintage one for $20 (or less!), but a similar reproduction one may cost you $50. In the past I have also seen some reproduction clothing that was not good quality in my opinion, like thin fabrics and messy sewing.

Only You Can Be The Verdict: Reproduction clothing is great when you don’t want to spend a lot of time and energy hunting down good vintage. It is also great if you need to get something in a larger size. Ask for reproduction this Christmas! It will be a lot easier for Mom to get you something you actually like! The verdict is still out on if it is a cheaper or more expensive option though.

My take: I mostly prefer vintage because I like the uniqueness and authenticity of it. I really enjoy searching high and low for the perfect vintage garment. I do wear reproduction though, especially to work. I have ripped a lot of dresses on my keyboard tray, spilled a lot of coffee, and gotten ink on too many shirts, so now I wear reproduction stuff that is easily replaceable. I mix and match vintage with reproduction a lot too! The most important thing is that you wear something you feel good in, and rock it!

 

Can you tell which of these is the Shaheen, and which is the Whirling Turban?

I don't know if I could tell the diffence without really looking at it up close! What a knock out reproduction!

This is a close race too! This red pant suit is from Atomic Swag, and a steal at only $87! I have tried it on and it fits beautifully and is very well made. The vintage one is $175 from Blue Velvet Vintage. Both are so cute! 

Lets get shopping! Here is a small sampling of online recourses:

Vintage:

http://www.ebay.com/
http://www.etsy.com/
www.poshgirlvintage.com/
www.propervintageclothing.com/
www.rustyzipper.com/
www.monstervintage.com/
www.vintageous.com/
www.dandelionvintage.com/
www.lavintage.com/
www.penelopepupsvintage.com/
www.kittygirlvintage.com/
www.vintageswank.com/

Reproduction:

www.revampvintage.com/
www.whirlingturban.com/
www.remixvintageshoes.com/
www.mybabyjo.com/
www.bettiepageclothing.com/
www.daddyos.com/
www.stopstaringclothing.com/
www.atomicswag.com/
www.modcloth.com/
www.queenofheartz.com/

Or both at the same store:

http://www.bluevelvetvintage.com/
www.unique-vintage.com/

I hope you enjoyed this post! Who do you think won this fight? I would love to hear!

XOXO
Dollie D.

Ol' Time Fable For Today

Here's a fable about the sun and the wind. They quarreled about which was the stronger, and the wind said, "I'll prove I am. See that old man down there with a coat? I bet I can make him take his coat off faster than you can." So the sun went behind a cloud and the wind blew until it was almost a tornado, but the harder it blew the tighter the old man wrapped his coat about him. Finally, the wind calmed down and gave up. The sun came out from behind the cloud and smiled kindly on the old man. He mopped his brow and pulled off his coat. The sun then told the wind, "gentleness and friendliness were always stronger than fury and force." Friendliness and appreciation can make people change their minds more readily than storming at them can.

The Honeymooners

 

Zack and I are still living our quintessential 1950s lifestyle. Our home has no home phone, no cell reception, no TV service, and no internet. But we finally got a microwave! Thanks to Vintage Christine! It is really nice and quiet at home (minus the constant sound of rockabilly music), so I kind of like being so far removed from the rest of the world. It feels like a little private honeymoon cottage for the two of us and no one else. As nice as it is at times, we are a modern couple, and we do get bored. You can only clean, cook, and garden so much. Being a modern couple, we do have a TV, and a PS3, so our only source of entertainment is watching DVDs. We don’t have a big DVD collection because DVDs were never at the top of our list. But, we do get a few every year for Christmas. We have had the box set of The Honeymooners for years, but never got around to watching it. Zack always told me the show was great, but I always argued that it was no I Love Lucy. Well, about a week ago we finally got around to watching it, and let me tell you……This show is great! If you know Zack and I at all, you would know that we are very much like Ralph and Alice. If you have never seen the show, here is some background:

The Honeymooners, starring Jackie Gleason (Ralph), Audry Meadows (Alice), Art Carney (Ed) and Joyce Randolph (Trixie) was shot before a live audience, which debuted as a half-hour series on October 1, 1955. The majority of The Honeymooners focused on its four principal characters on fixed sets within a Brooklyn apartment building. The lead character Ralph is bus driver for the fictional Gotham Bus Company. Ralph is frustrated by his lack of success, and often develops get-rich-quick schemes. In most episodes, Ralph's short temper got the best of him, leading him to yell at others and to threaten physical violence, particularly against his wife Alice. Ralph's favorite threats to her were "One of these days ... one of these days ... Pow! Right in the kisser!" or to knock her "to the Moon, Alice!" (Sometimes this last threat was simply abbreviated: "Bang, zoom!") This has led some to criticize the show as displaying an acceptance of domestic violence. Ralph never carried out his threats, however, and others have pointed out that Alice knew he never would. In retaliation, the targets of Ralph's verbal abuse often responded by simply joking about his weight, a common theme throughout the series. Alice was never seen to back down during any of Ralph's tirades. The show saw fair success (at one time was the #2 show in the country) but ultimately only lasted 39 shows.

This is really a good show, I recommend you get the DVD too.

Fun Tip! Ralph Kramden was the inspiration for Fred Flintstone!

If you know Zack and I well, you have probably heard one of us threaten to punch the other in the face. We do this multiple times a day, every day. We turn everything into a joke about domestic violence, but we know that neither one of us would ever dare lay a hand on the other one. We actually don’t argue much at all, so maybe all these empty threats help release tension so it never builds up. Who knows? Maybe you should try it! Next time your husband says….”I fixed the sink. Don’t break it again.” You say, “My fist is about to break your face if you don’t stop telling me what to do.” Then you both laugh and hug. When you wife says “I don’t think it was my cooking that hurt your stomach, I think it was all that wine.” Then you say, “No, it was your face.” Then you both crack up and kiss. See how this works? Now you can be like The Honeymooners too!

Now, tell me your best Honeymooners line!

XOXO

Dollie

Are you an apron goddess?

I know I am!

I love aprons and wear them every chance I get! The Apron Goddess is hosting a blog giveaway, and it is a good one! The lucky winner will get any Cupcake Provocateur apron she wants!

For entry details, visit this link:

http://aprongoddesses.blogspot.com/2010/08/cupcake-provocateur-yes-its-time-for.html

Thanks to the Apron Goddess for the great give away!

XOXO
Dollie

Blog Rules and Moderation

From this point on a new set of rules and moderation will be in effect here at The Rockabilly Socialite. I am sorry that I have to police this blog, but it is necessary in order to keep it going. Some ugly and hateful things have happened here, and that is something I can not stand for. From this point on I will not allow cyberbullying of any type to take place.

This blog may only be used for the following purposes:

- To provide a common forum for discussing rockabilly music, shows, weekenders, vintage clothing and accessories, retro hair and makeup tips, mid-century design, and common interests.

- To share relevant experiences

- To act as an alerting mechanism for upcoming rockabilly events

-To share my "rockin' hepcat adventures"

In order to achieve these goals, all participants in The Rockabilly Socialite are required to comply with the following terms and conditions of participation. By participating in this blog, users hereby agree to be bound by and warrant their full compliance with the following Terms and Conditions. In the event that any participant fails to comply with these Terms and Conditions, such participant may be denied the right to further access and participate in The Rockabilly Socialite.

I will hold MYSELF and all of my commenters accountable to the following rules:

-No cyberbullying. No name calling, bashing, bantering or negative talk. You are allowed and urged to state your opinion here, but not if it is a directed inappropriately at a specific person. No mobbing, please.

-Do not post any defamatory, libelous, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, hateful, racially, ethnically, or otherwise offensive or illegal information or material, and do not utilize this blog in any illegal manner.

-Do not post any information or other material protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner. All images of Miss Dollie DeVille within this site remain the copyright of Miss Dollie DeVille. For example: You do not have the right to take my photo and put it on your facebook. I repeat, DO NOT post my picture on your facebook, twitter, or myspace page. It is sad that I have to mention that, but maybe it is not obvious to some people.

-All postings shall be of an informational nature and for informational purposes only. Commercial use or any other unauthorized use of this blog is prohibited. Do not use this blog to solicit or conduct business, including the direct or indirect marketing of users' products or services, in any manner. This blog may not be used to provide information, materials, products, or services in exchange for compensation of any kind. For example: No spamming, a la “vote for me for this contest”.

-Remember we are all here to gain knowledge, be around like minded people, and most importantly have fun.

-Realize when someone is being sarcastic and joking. Please don’t take anything too seriously.

-Lets stay pretty: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

-This is not a public forum, even if you think it is. This is my personal blog. The only reason you can comment is because I LET you comment. I give the power and I can take it away. I reserve the right to delete any and all comments I deem not suitable for my blog.

- If you have a problem with anything contained within this blog, please contact me directly with your email, and we can resolve the issue privately.

Again, I am sorry that I had to post this, that it had to come to this, but it needed to be said. I don’t want to take the fun out of this blog, but things need to be run a little differently in the future, on my part and my commenters part.

Thank you

-Miss. Management

Dont buy from this Ebay seller!

http://myworld.ebay.com/repperts

Warning to all my mid-mod and vintage lovers out there! This ebay seller has some nice stuff, including one Vintage Cosco Cart I bought on July 20th, but he just takes your money and runs! I paid him the same day the auction closed. After 8 days it said the item still had not shipped, so I sent this nice message to Repperts:

Based on Ebay, it says that you have not shipped this item yet. That may just be because you didn’t print the shipping label off of ebay. Has this item been shipped? Do you have a tracking number? When should I be receiving it?

I thought that was a fair question, no? By August 3rd there was no response from Repperts. So I contacted him yet again:

Where is my item? Payment was sent on July 20th and

he item has not been shipped yet. I also sent you

a message a few days ago with no response. So far,

your feedback on this isnt looking good.

That got a rise out of him! Here is his response:

really

you paid on july 30 today is aug 3 2010 iam in pittsburgh on the east coast and your in california on the west coast.come on give me a break here.whats the feedback conment mean??

Here is what I wrote him back:

I paid you on July 20th. That was 16 days ago. Per ebay it says that you have not even shipped the item. So, I sent you a message multiple days ago asking if you had shipped it. I still have not received it, so I messaged you yet again to see if you shipped it. I had to include a comment about leaving bad feedback so that you would get back to me. I don’t feel like I should have to do that, but since you don’t seem to have good communication, I felt it was necessary. Now, I ask a third time.....Has this item been shipped? If so, when and where is the tracking number? This isn’t that complicated. Most ebay sellers don’t have a problem with it. All I am asking is a simple question, which I don’t think is too much, considering that I paid you 16 days ago. I need that item. Thanks!

Ruppers never responded. Apparently he thinks its okay to take your money and not ship your item. I waited a little longer before I opened a claim with ebay. I reported that the item was not shipped and that I tried to work it out with the seller and he was unresponsive and when he did respond he did nothing to remedy the situation. I reported that I just wanted the cart shipped. He had 7 days to respond to the claim, which he never did. After the 7 days I had the option to take it to Ebay customer service for a decision, which I did. They refunded my money within 5 minutes. That was nice, but I really wanted the kitchen cart! Now I have no where to put my microwave. Thanks Ruppert!

I left some really nice feedback for him, which he responded to saying that I was a piece of work and very demanding. I responded to that saying that I didn’t think asking you to ship my item within a month after payment was too much to ask. Ha ha.

So, there is my cautionary tale on Rupperts. Please heed this warning and do not buy from Rupperts!

http://myworld.ebay.com/repperts

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to me! Its my 23rd birthday today. Yay!

We celebrated on Saturday night, even though it was not planned. We went to the Redwood to see Blue Collar Combo and The SideWynders play. They were so nice and sang me birthday songs.

Blue Collar Combo!

The SideWynders!

There were also burlesque acts, including my favorite, Tira Mi Sou (is that how it is spelled?) Anyway, Alana made me a delicious heart shapped cake, in funfetti and strawberry, covered in pink frosting, purple frosting, and sprinkles! Fun!

She also gave me a beautiful blue vintage dress, a vintage dark blue sharkskin skirt (LOVE!) and like 5 pairs of vintage earring! My favorite are the pink confetti ones! Yay! She is the best friend ever! The SideWynders sang Happy Birthday to me, and that was really nice. It was a fun day.

Thanks to Travis and Mia for the vintage paper towel/saran wrap/foil holder!!!

 

Pretty blue dress! 

Sharkskin skirt! Thanks Alana!!!

Eat your heart out Rose!

Today I woke up to a really cute card from Zack. He got up at 6 am, which is hard for him, and took me to my favorite breakfast place. It was really nice. Then I came to work and my cubicle was decorated, and they bought me an ice cream cake. It was yummy! Then tonight Zack is making me turkey tacos on wheat tortillas (my favorite!) and homemade salsa. He also said he would give me a massage. All this on top of the Shaheen dress he bought me. What a sweet boy!

So, I bought something for myself for my birthday! Normally I get my one massage and facial for the year from a swanky spa (except for one year, my 19th, that I bought my first and only car, VW rabbit lovingly named Squabit, that I had to pay $312 registration for today), but this year I got this for the Viva Las Vegas car show:

Its an Alfred Shaheen playsuit with matching top!

I love it!

Happy Birthday to me! yay!

XOXO

Dollie

Weightloss

I got a question on this, and I actually have a few times now, so I thought I would post a blog about it. I think now is about a good time to address it. Ha ha.

The question is:

How did you lose weight?

Answer:

Yes, I did lose weight. I guess it is quite noticeable to anyone that knows me or anyone looking at my old pictures. I lost 45 lbs to be exact.

How did I do it?

No secret, just lots of hard work! ha ha. I have been doing Weight Watchers and working out 5 days a week (minimum) for the last year or so. Its a big part of my life now, but not something I talk about much here. Why don’t I talk about it? Well, because weight isn’t one of those things a lady talks about. Ha ha. Just kidding. At first it was a personal journey that I did for myself and myself only. I was ready for a change, so I joined Weight Watchers on Aug 1st 2009, and really stuck to a rigorous workout schedule. I do cardio 5 days a week, walking 3 miles minimum on lazy days, running and cycling a few days a week when I feel good. Then I do strength training a minimum of 3 days a week as well. I add step, yoga, pilates, and swimming when I want something different. Most people wouldn’t believe it, but I am also a big outdoors girl, who will hike whenever given the chance. Now, activity is a part of my everyday life, and I love it! I hit the gym everyday after work and it is a great stress reliever. I also like the way working out has helped change the shape of my body, helping me look fit and toned. I like to know that I am healthy and that my body is very capable of doing whatever I ask it to. I just don’t talk about it much here, because it would be boring to read. Ha ha. There are some great blogs out there that talk about this topic on a regular basis, including a favorite: bitch cakes: http://msbitchcakes.blogspot.com/, and a new kid on the block: Kim Smallwood’s Vanity’s Only Virtue: http://vanitysvirtue.blogspot.com/. They are a great read!

This photoshoot was the week after I joined Weight Watchers. I think I had lost 5 lbs as this point.

This is the most recent picture I have on my computer at the moment. I have lost 5 lbs since this picture was taken.

I had to get rid of most of my wardrobe because it didn’t fit any more, but then I got to buy new and better stuff! I love the way my new figure looks, so I am definitely keeping it up! I think I just want to tone up more, and lost 5 more lbs before Rhythm Rocker in Oct, then maintain!

Thanks for all of your kind words and support!

XOXO
Dollie

Looking Forward To The Weekend!

Tomorrow night The Side-Wynders and Blue Collar Combo are playing at the Redwood. There is also a burleque troupe preforming. There was talk that I might be the MC, but I am not sure yet. It should be a good night though, see you all there! 316 W. 2nd Street LA, 8pm.

On Sunday Blue Collar Combo, The Resistors, and a few other bands are playing a "tiki night" at the VU Bar in Newhall. I am not sure I am going yet, but if so, I will see you there! 22505 8th Street Newhall.

XOXO
Dollie

B.B. King and Buddy Guy at the Hollywood Bowl

On Wednesday, Alana and Rene invited us to see B.B. King and Buddy Guy at the Hollywood Bowl. I had never been to the Hollywood Bowl, which is surprising because I have lived in the surrounding area most of my life. Zack had none been either, so we decided to take them up on their offer, even though it was a work night. We met at their house and drove over together. We parked at Hollywood and Highland to save money (it was $2 instead of $25). Then we took a little stroll to the bowl. There were a lot of street vendors selling hot dogs, drinks, and B.B. King t-shirts. The area around the bowl is really pretty with a nice park. There are also a lot of hills at the bowl, so they have really tall escalators everywhere. They have a gift shop, snack shop and bathroom at every level of the bowl, which was really convenient. They also have big flat screen TVs located all over, so you can see what is happening on stage when you are making potty trips. They let you bring in whatever you want, so Alana had packed a ton of snacks, sandwiches, and a cooler of beer for the occasion. We sat in the middle of the bowl and it was easy enough to see. The stage is huge and they have a really nice lighting setup. Buddy Guy was on first. He was really good with a lot of energy. He was a great guitar player, even playing with his teeth at one point. He went out into the audience for a large part of the show, and the crowd really liked that. Then they had an intermission and B.B. King was on next. This was my first time seeing B.B. King. I like blues though, so I thought I would like it all right. B.B. King is a legend, and he isn’t getting any younger, so this might have been my only opportunity to see him. He is a big guy in person! Ha ha. He sat for the entire show, but was still entertaining anyway. He still has just as good of a voice as ever, and he makes interesting facial expressions when he talks and sings. He talked a lot to the audience and got them to sing songs like “You Are My Sunshine.” He also made all the ladies in the audience kiss the men they came with. He was actually really perverted for his age, talking about taking “little blue pills” and such. Overall, it was a fun experience, mostly because of being in a nice place with good company. The price was great too! At only $8 per ticket, it was cheaper than a movie!

Shaheen Dream!

My Shaheen Dream has come true, all thanks to one sweet boy named Zachary!
I have been wanting an Alfred Shaheen sarong wiggle dress with a sweetheart bust, with the “swoop” thing, and the detachable cape forever. They are very very very expensive, rare, and were not normally in my size. Since I have lost 45lbs since this time last year, now I am starting to see them in my size. This week I found a blue one on Ebay with a starting bid of $30 and a Buy It Now of $198. The label was missing and apparently the seller had no idea that it was a Shaheen, because she did not mention it anywhere in the post. I thought that would be my golden ticket to swoop it up waaaayyyyy below market price. It was $68 when I went to bed last night. When I woke up the listing had ended because someone got it at the buy it now price. I knew I was not the only person out there that knew it was a Shaheen! I was so sad! I was mostly sad because I knew that it was a dealer that was going to sell it for way more then they bought it for.

The dress that got away for $198! What a steal!

I was determined to get one of these dresses for Viva Las Vegas next year, so I kept looking. I saw some on Etsy and other stores online for $400, $500, $600+ but they were all sold, or not with the exact things I wanted. I didnt want a circle skirt with a halter top, because I already have a red one like that. I also found one with a missing shawl, but thats like buying only one shoe! No good. I saw a really nice one for $1,200, but thats waaayyyyy to rich for my blood! Then, I found the exact same dress on Ebay in Canada, just in a warm reddish brown, and with the Shaheen label. But, it was over a $100 more than the other one on a Buy It Now. I sent the link to Zachary…..and then magic happened! He bought it for me! My birthday is next Wednesday, and he had some money set aside for a gift, and he said if that is what I wanted, that is what I will get! Yayyyyy! He said he liked that one better than the blue one anyhow, and its better that it has the label. Isn’t he the best boy friend ever? He treats me like a queen and does everything in his power (within reason) to get me what I want and to make me happy. What a sweet boy. I really appreciate him. All of the nicest stuff I own were gifts from him.

This one didnt get away!

The "swoosh" bust. What the heck is this really called?

Gotta love that rare chocolate label!

Also thanks to Vintage Christine and her blog giveaway for the Ebay giftcard that we are putting towards this hefty purchase! Also for the microwave I also bought with the gift card!

I can’t wait to wear it to Viva Las Vegas next April. It’s a Saturday night outfit for sure! Just try not to spill anything on me!

XOXO
Dollie

Krazy Karaoke!

Last Friday was our good friend Rene from The SideWynders’ birthday. We celebrated at All Star Lanes with cake, booze and karaoke. I am not a karaoke type of person- no one wants to hear me sing. Ha ha. But, get enough booze in me, and I will do just about anything for a good laugh. So, since I can’t sing, and I am doing karaoke purely for my friends to get a good laugh at my expense, what should I sing? I looked over the book and couldn’t find much that I liked. I knew I wanted an Elvis song, mostly because I love Elvis, and I thought I could shimmy and shake my way threw any of his songs. So, I chose Viva Las Vegas! Perfect! I sounded like a baby squirrel (my cold didn’t help that much), but like I thought, my dancing got me threw it! I did the Elvis hand shake thing a ton, shook my butt, and ended with a “down on one knee” grand finale finish! It was possibly the silliest thing you could ever see, but it was entertaining. Everyone else did a much more serious show. Ramon was possibly the best of the night, doing Bobby Darin’s “More”. It was really amazing. The birthday boy got the most people on the dance floor with “La Bamba” by Richie Valens. Zack and Dave “Pappy” Stuckey did a duet rendition of Elvis’ “In The Ghetto.” It was a pretty amazing night overall!

Sorry, I didn't bring my camera, so I have no pictures! I was glad in retrospect that no one got a pic of me on stage!

XOXO
Dollie

Life in the Vintage Fishbowl Update

I thought I would update you on my neighbor situation. The last comment I got from my neighbor, while gardening in the front was: “Stand up, let me see what dress you a wearing today.” I showed her my pink eyelet sleeveless dress, and then she said: “Ohhhhh! I see something you are wearing that is not 50s!” I thought about it, and said, “This headband?” She replied, “Nope! Your tattoo! That’s not 50s!” Ehhhhhh. I was instantly frustrated with her ignorance. I then proceeded to explain to her that tattoos have been around as long as skin, and that my tattoos are traditional Sailor Jerry style, and who Sailor Jerry was, and that plenty of men and women had tattoos in the 50s. Then she just walked away. Apparently now she thinks I am some juvenile delinquent. So, yes, tattoos are part of my 50s style, and she can kiss my rosy cheeks if she doesn’t like it. That was the last time I talked to her. I saw her at the grocery store the other day and I acted like I didn’t see her. I will still be nice, but I don’t care to hear anymore of her ignorant pre-conceived notions about me. I wonder what she thought about the electrician with the full sleeves that we had over the last two weeks? Ha ha.

But on a brighter note, a received a cute note in my mailbox from our favorite young couple across the street. It was a hand written note on Shag stationary welcoming us to the neighborhood and telling us to come over for tiki cocktails anytime. I squealed out loud! I am so happy to have at least one neighbor that understands us! I really like them and cant wait to see their tiki backyard!

Also, we really are living the 50s dream in the new house. We have no TV, no home phone, no cell phone reception, and no internet ! (I have to post from work, so that’s why I have not posted much.) There is nothing for me to do all day except for clean, garden, and cook. So, everyday I have been wearing my apron and serving Zack breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the table while he waits there with a beer. It's great! The house is always spotless too! Since the neighbors are so interested in our strange way of life, I decided I would start selling tickets for a walk through tour of the house in the evening. They can see a real life Dollie cooking dinner for her husband in an apron! Then serving it at the table and talking! Then cleaning up! And then having coffee in the living room while listing to music! Ohhhhhh……Ahhhhhh……


We painted the cabinets this weekend, they are beautiful! I will post pics really soon!
XOXO
Dollie

Life In The Vintage Fishbowl

I am starting to think I live in a fishbowl…..a vintage fishbowl. To explain, we moved into our new home last Saturday. We noticed a lot of people on our street looking at us while we moved in, but I figured that was normal curiosity. They just want to see what we were moving in, right? For one example, the neighbors next door stared at us the entire walk from there door, to the car, and from the car down the street. Interesting. Then on Sunday I was hanging some bird feeders in the front, and the same neighbors came to the side fence and asked if I was the 50s girl. The 50s girl? I guess so. I asked if I was that obvious, and they said that they could tell by my dresses and aprons, and that they had seen us carry in a vintage blue fridge. They said that the old owner had told them that a 50s couple was moving in and that they wanted to see us. They had all the normal questions. Including an interesting “What’s with the aprons? Are you one of those types of women?” Insinuating that I am under my man’s thumb and don’t have a thought for myself or something. Then she started going on about her mother's generation vs. her generation, and how she had to choose whether to stay in the home or go into the work force. I explained that I would like to be a housewife, but don’t have the choice because modern households require two incomes. We live next to hippies! Eh. Then the next day we noticed this lady walking her dog up and down the street, well mostly just up and down our yard, staring into the house through the windows the entire time. Kind of creepy. Then yesterday I was weeding the front flower bed and the neighbor across the street came out to meet the “50s girl”. That must be my new name! Everyone has the same questions, and I try to be nice, but it’s hard. Am I that abnormal? It seems like every moment someone is staring at us, confused. I feel like an alien. I guess I am just the “50s girl” in the 50s fishbowl house.