A big surprise!

I have a ton of blog catch up to do, so I will start with the weekend prior to Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend.

On Friday April 15th I had the day off, so I went to get my hair and nails done for Viva Las Vegas. As usual, the nail salon thought I was crazy for wanting a full set, shaped oval, and painted red with a bare moon. I guess no one comes in for that anymore. They turned out great though! I got a little packing done too. Then Zachary asked if I wanted to go to Disneyland the next day, his treat. I had a lot to do to get ready for VLV, but who can turn down a free Disneyland trip?

 

We got up bright and early on Saturday to head to Disneyland. We got on the road just to find out that Zachary forgot his wallet, and we had to turn back. When we finally got to Disneyland about 10:30am, we were pleasantly surprised to see that it wasn't nearly as crowded as we were expecting on a Saturday during spring break. We went into California Adventure to have lunch and hit a few rides. 

Then we went into Disneyland and went on a few more rides. 

With Rocky the Billy Goat. I love him!

Then we went to my favorite place in the park, Snow Whites wishing well. 

Zachary gave me a coin and told me to make a wish.

 I wished for the same thing that I always do....that Zachary and I would get engaged and live happily ever after! Well ladies, dreams do come true! Zachary got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I said yes of course! 

The ring is more than I could have ever imagined! Its a 1930s art deco ring with an oval center stone and 4 round side stones with tons of little details and filigree, set in platinum. I could go on and on about this ring, but I will refrain. I will just say that I LOVE IT!!! 

Not a very good close up photo-sorry!

Then we went to a nice little dinner and had some Creole food. 

After we went to the pavilion to see some swing music, and then saw an Elvis impersonator preform in Tomorrow Land.

After some dancing and a few more rides we got ice cream cones and watched the fireworks. 

It was the perfect ending to the most perfect proposal ever. I am such a lucky girl!

XOXO

Dollie

 

 

How To Be A Rockabilly Socialite VLV Style!

The countdown to Viva Las Vegas is over-I am leaving in just a few hours. My bags are packed, the booze is on ice, and the gas tank is full.....it's party time! I hoped to do a post about last weekends festivities, but I never got around to it. I also never got around to posting about the pre- and post-VLV events going on....I know, I know, I am a terrible socialite! I have just been partying way to hard to fit in computer time. So, before I leave for VLV I wanted to leave you with one last little gem: How to make friends at VLV. Enjoy!

The best part of Viva Las Vegas is being around like-minded people who share similar interests. It is the one place I feel normal, and not like a freak. So, obviously it is a good place to meet new people! You can make lasting relationships because you will most likely see these same people year after year, and with modern technology, you can keep in touch via email and facebook. So, here are a few tips to help you make some new friends!

Socialite Tip #1: Start up a conversation in every line you are in. You will find yourself in a lot of lines during the trip-bathroom, buffet, bar, the list goes on and on. If you strike up a conversation with one person in every line, you will leave with a ton of new friends! This also makes the lines go a lot faster!

Socialite Tip#2: Compliment people. A genuine compliment is always appreciated. If you like someone’s hair, dress, or shoes…tell them! I am sure they would like to hear it. You never know, maybe that is a person’s first time wearing that certain style and maybe they feel unsure about it all, but one compliment may make all the difference in making them feel comfortable.

Socialite Tip#3: Ask someone to dance. I meet a lot of new people on the dance floor, and not just boys either. You can meet girls while bopping and strolling too! Maybe someone wants to dance but doesn’t want to dance alone. So, offer to be a partner. If they don’t know how to dance, offer to show them a few moves. This will go a long way!

Socialite Tip #4: Buy someone a drink. Again, this is not just for boy/girl combos. Last year at VLV a girl next to me bought me a drink, and we sat and had a nice conversation! See, new friend.

Socialite tip #5: Have a card with your contact info. This is the most important part! How will you stay in touch with all of your new friends? If you are drinking, you are likely to forget their name by the end of the night (but try not too!). If you have a card with an email or facebook then you will be able to save them all for when you get home. Then write them and tell them how nice it was to meet them! I have only had a facebook for about 5-6 months, so this will be the first VLV that I can tell people to add me on facebook, so I added that to my new business cards that I am bringing to Viva.

I hope these tips will come in handy during your trip. Do you have any of your own tips for us?

Remember, if you see me in line around the hotel, or on the dance floor, say hi!

VLV Countdown: Safety Tips

Vegas isn't called sin city for nothing. It's a seedy town, so you need to be cautious everywhere you go, even in the hotel at Viva Las Vegas. So, I thought I would pull together a few tips to help you stay safe over the weekend.

Tip #1: Don't carry all of your cash on you at one time. Don't carry it all in one place period. Put the amount you plan to spend while out, then keep some in your suitcase, and some a few other places too. Refill your cash when you go back to the room. Also keep a spare ID in your room. This way, if your purse gets stolen with your wallet, ID, and cards, you have money and ID somewhere else. The room will have a safe, but don't put all of your money in it and forget the combination. Duh!

Tip#2: Don't walk alone at night. This one is a no brainer. If you have seen Vegas at all, you know it's not a good idea. In fact, don't walk off the beaten path, even in a group. Stay on the well lit and often traveled strip, or inside the hotel.

Tip#3: Don't go into strangers’ hotel rooms. Again, seems like a no brainier, but a lot of people do it.

Tip #4: Try not to bump into, or crowd people. This one is hard because things can get really tightly packed at Viva Las Vegas. Most people are there to have a good time, but there seems to be some people that feel they have something to prove, and they are just waiting to start a fight. If you do bump into someone (its bound to happen), sincerely apologize immediately. If you spilled their drink, offer to buy them a new one, and help clean up the mess. If they still seem intent on starting a fight, be the bigger person and remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. I find that this sort of stuff happens most down stairs in the 'Tough Guy Alley", where there are a lot of people that just came for the car show and don't have a wrist band. I have never seen any problems upstairs, so you are safe if you spend most of your time up there.

Tip #5: Avoid the "jacket crowds". I'm not really talking about the car clubs either. I don't want to stereotype, but you can tell when people look like they are up to no good. Most car clubs members are awesome people, so those are not the type of jacket crowds I am talking about now. The ones I am talking about here are really just gangs that use the façade of a club. I could name names, but I will refrain because I don't want to end up on a hit list. If you have seen a special about them on CSNBC, then you know those are the ones to avoid like the plague. I hear that Viva is cracking down on this, and that these groups will have to remove their "colors" before entering the casino. Either way, keep yourself safe and be aware of your surroundings.

What To Do At VLV: Sunday

What to do on Sunday: Pool party! 

Sunday is the day of rest. The Sunday of Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend also happens to be Easter Sunday. So, how do you suppose rockabillys rest on the Sunday of the biggest weekender in the world? At the Tiki Pool Party! By the pool, in a vintage swimsuit, drinking a cocktail with an umbrella in it. How else?

The Tiki Pool Party is the coolest pool party in the world (if you are rockabilly). You can just imagine it now: You are lounging in a chair by the pool in the shade of a palm tree. The sun shining, but there is a light desert breeze. Everywhere you look there are girls walking around in vintage gold lame swimsuits, cat eye sunglasses, and carrying parasols. One just handed you a lei, so you take a picture together. You have a mai tai, mojito, or some other summery cocktail. A live band is playing, people are dancing, and everything….is just right with the world. Ahhhh…..relaxation at its rockabilly finest!

Doesn’t that sound amazing? Well it is!

The Rockabilly Socialite’s Verdict: Can’t Miss This Event!

XOXO

Dollie

What To Do At VLV: Saturday!

What to do on Saturday: Car show! 

The most talked about event at Viva Las Vegas would have to be the car show. This is probably due to the fact that you don’t need a wristband to get in (you can pay a fee to go in just for the day), so this ends up being the most attended and publicized event of the weekend. It is possibly the biggest vintage car show in the world (I read that somewhere once). You have cars, pinup girls, vendors, booze and bands-what more could you want out of a car show?

Car show in '05 I think

The car show takes place in a back parking lot at The Orleans Hotel on Saturday afternoon. The car show is put on by The Shifters Car Club. If you want to put your car in the show it has to be pre-registered, approved, and you have to pay a fee (not applicable if you have a wristband).  Then you can park it in the show area when you arrive at Viva , but I think you will still have to get there at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. We put our car (’55 Ford Fairlane Custom) in the car show twice, and we still have a ton of friends that do it every year, but it is a lot of work. We ultimately decided that it is not worth the headache and hassle of driving it all the way to Viva, getting up early on Saturday morning, and sitting there with it all afternoon. So, now we are just attendees. But now that we have seen how much work goes into getting a car ready for an event like this, driving it all the way there, and actually getting it in the car show-we have tons of respect for all of these amazing cars we see there. Some of these cars come from as far away at Canada and Mexico too! If you love cars, you can’t get any better then this car show!

Car Show in '07

There are always a ton of girls at the car show taking pictures. Some girls set up appointments with professional photographers because they are always there with special deals for Viva. Most girls will pose for anyone who wants to take their picture, so this is a great time to get a souvenir picture with a cute girl and a nice car. Some people even provide props for people to take pictures with. Last year someone brought a giant steel cake that you could get in and have your picture taken. It was a hoot! So, if you like being in front of the camera more then behind it, this is the place to be.

Car show in '10

There is also shopping! The car show has tons and tons of vendors! They are not just car parts and they are not just the same ones from upstairs. There are bigger reproduction clothing and accessories companies with booths, car parts and accessories booths, art booths, and also more vintage clothing booths. So, if fashion is your thing, you can people watch to see what all of the girls are wearing, and do some shopping too!

On Saturday we normally hit the jive lessons at 1pm and get to the car show about 3 pm-just in time to take a stroll around the cars and see the bands. This year the lineup is the best yet- The Dynotones, The Blasters, and The Killer himself Jerry Lee Lewis! I personally am very excited to see Jerry Lee for the first and probably last time. If you are in it for the music, you can’t miss this show!

Chuck Berry at the car show last year

The car show area is very wide, and it is all on concrete, and there is only standing room for the bands, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes to walk in. While standing there watching the bands you will get very scrunched in by the crowd, and it is very hot outside already, so make sure you wear something cool, preferably with layers you can take off and put on if you get hot or cold. Remember to wear sun block and drink plenty of water.

The Rockabilly Socialite’s Verdict: Try to make it! Even if the car show crowd is not your scene, you don’t want to miss this chance to see Jerry Lee Lewis. Who knows how much longer he will be with us!

XOXO
Dollie

What To Do At VLV: Friday!

What to do on Friday: Dance Lessons!

On Friday afternoon we like to go to Sophia Wolf’s dance lessons. This year it is at 1:00pm in the ballroom upstairs. Sometimes Zack likes to sleep in on Friday morning, but I always get up to make it to the strolling lessons with the girls. Sophia teaches beginner and advanced moves, so while my girlfriends are learning the beginning moves, I am trying to learn the spin moves! The dance floor is always packed with girls trying to learn the stroll, some come alone, and some come with a bog group of girls. Everyone is casual, easy going, and just there to have a good time. So it’s also a great place to meet some new friends. Besides the strolling lesson, Sophia teaches the bop and the jive. The bopping lesson is fun too, because for a lot of people that is their first time on the dance floor doing to bop. Some how it seems easier knowing that everyone there are beginners too. The jive lesson is always the highlight of the afternoon. You can come with a partner, or they will pair you up with one. Then they teach the basics to everyone and rotate partners. At the end of the lesson Sophia and her teaching partners take center stage and show off their skills. Then Sophia does an advanced lesson on Saturday afternoon with more advanced moves. This is exactly how I learned to dance, so I highly recommend it. Did I mention these lessons are free???? Yep, you just need to have your VLV wristband. They also have the bar open upstairs if you need a stiff drink to get you in the groove. Then after you pick up some new moves you can go practice to anyone of the DJs playing. After a weekend full of dancing, you will be a regular!

The Rockabilly Socialite’s Verdict: Try It! If you have always wanted to learn to dance, but needed guidance, a partner, or a group atmosphere-these lessons are for you.

Jiving lesson

Men's jiving lesson

Bopping lesson

Sophia Wolfe and I in 2009, I think. Not looking my best!

Hope to see you there!

XOXO
Dollie

What To Do At VLV: Thursday!

What to do on Thursday: Hooch and Smooch!

If you want to start Viva Las Vegas off right, you will want to get there in time for Sweet Pea’s Hooch and Smooch. Lets face it-You ain’t doin’ Viva right if you miss the Hooch and Smooch! What is the Hooch and Smooch you ask? It is a meet and greet that is basically the official kick off of viva. It is hosted every year by the uber-fabulous, super sweet, amazingly friendly Sweet Pea. If you don’t know her, that is even more reason for you to attend-to meet her! Everyone that comes gets a “Hi My Name Is” name tag, and you are encouraged to walk around and meet new people. It’s a great way to make new friends if you are new to Viva, came by yourself, or just like to be a socialite (like me!). It’s a hoot because you meet all of these new people, and then you see them around all weekend. Last year the Hooch and Smooch was held in the downstairs pub of the Orleans. The line was around the corner, and you couldn’t get in unless someone walked out. Once you got in there, it was really crowded, had a tiny dance floor (that was covered in tables and chairs, making room for only one couple to dance), and a small stage. It was still a blast, but it needed some changes. This year the Hooch and Smooch is moving up stairs a ballroom-huge improvement! There will be a big stage, room for dancing, and no long line to get in! You need a wrist band to attend this event, and all events for VLV, but that is no biggie because I know all of us socialites already got our wristbands (you better have, because they have long been sold out!). Now, this wouldn’t be a VLV event without some music, and Sweet Pea has booked some great bands. She tries to showcase bands that you probably haven’t seen before. Most are bands that are popular in the area they are from, but that don’t really tour nationally or internationally. Like my boyfriends band, Blue Collar Combo. They are great, and pretty well known on the LA rockabilly circuit, but have never played in Vegas before. She also has booked The Buzzards from New York. They are a really fun band that I first saw at Ronnie Weiser’s Pre Party last year. This year she does have a big name on the bill also: Lil’ Mo! So, the music is sure not to disappoint.

Rockabilly Socialite’s Verdict: Don’t Miss This Event! Every year this is one of my favorite events of the weekend. There is nothing like starting the event off with a bang! I always wear my cutest day time outfit for this event, not to the car show or the pool party, so you know it must be pretty swingin’!

XOXO
Dollie

What To Do At VLV: Wednesday Night

Getting in to Vegas early, and looking for something to do on Wednesday night?

Go to Frankie's Tiki Room!

Every Wednesday night before Viva Las Vegas we head to Frankie’s Tiki Roon. Frankie’s is a tiny little tiki bar in Vegas that delivers big on tasty cocktails! They have a long list of signature fruity drinks, but also make all of the standards as well. For an additional cost, you can order your drink in a Frankie’s souvenir tiki mug! Each drink has its own signature tiki mug, so its fun to see how many you can collect before you are toasted! The most I have ever gotten to is 4. These drinks are really strong (most made with Bacardi 151) even though they don’t taste like it. The place is decorated really cool too, with tiki décor from floor to ceiling. There are only a few seats at the bar, and a hand full of tables. So, if you want a seat, make sure to get there early.

Anyone in town early, come down to Frankie’s and say hi!

http://www.frankiestikiroom.com

VLV Countdown: Packing!

I dragged my suitcase out of storage this week. You know what that means? Its time to start packing for Viva Las Vegas! I always start packing a week or two prior, because the closer we get, the busier I get and the harder it gets to find time for things like packing. Now, the boys have it easy in this department. Zack doesn’t start packing until, well, the night before. He mostly throws everything into one suitcase, throws the suit jackets into plastic, and then he is done. We girls have it harder. We have more liquid and cream products that are prone to spillage. We have a lot more fragile things to pack, like lucite purses. We also have a lot more little tiny things that can get lost easily, like bakelite earrings. Everyone has a certain way they like to pack, and I am no exception. So, I thought I would tell you how I do it.

We drive to Viva Las Vegas, so we have the luxury to be able to pack more than most people could bring. 9 pairs of shoes? 7 purses? No problem!

I bring one large rolling suitcase, one train case, and a garment bag. Most of my dresses go into the garment bag. The suitcase holds separates, undergarments, purses, and shoes. Then I put makeup and hair products into ziplock bags and place those on the outer zip pockets of the suitcase. What is in the train case you ask? Jewelry of course! I wouldn’t want my bakelite to get broken, so I put those all save and cozy in my little train case. To save space, I put things like scarves and stockings inside my lucite purses. I also stuff my shoes with tissue paper, so they don’t get squished down and make the leather get those nasty little creases.

This is my Two Five train case. 

It has boomerang print and pink velvet inside. 

I adore it!

When we unload the car and check into the hotel, we only make one trip, period. We don’t want to go back. So, I have to have a system. This is why I can’t have a vintage hard shell suitcase. I need a rolling one! I put the handle of the suitcase up, and hang the garment bag on it, looping it up so that it is folded in half and doesn’t drag. Then I take my train case and precariously balance it on the top of the suitcase, leaning on the handle. Then I can carry all of that in my right hand. Why? So I can carry the booze with my left hand! Zack does the same thing, but he gets the pleasure of carrying in our heavy ass cooler in his left hand- also why it needs to be on wheels! So there you have it-how to carry a whole car load of stuff in one trip. That is a skill!

Then once we check into the room I hang all of the clothes in the closet, and put my suitcase on the stand provided. Then I go to work converting the desk into my vanity space, and viola-Its Viva Las Vegas time! Cocktail please!

XOXO
Dollie

Crazy 25% Off Pre VLV Sale!

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

Follow the link above to see some of my stuff that is being sold at 25% off! This is 1/2 of what I paid for this stuff!!! Get it while it lasts because after Viva I am thinking of pulling all of the vintage off and keeping it for myself. It just breaks my little heart to see it going for so cheap, when I could just take it in and and still wear it!


$25????? Are you serious? This dress could easily sell for $60+ on Ebay


$40??? I paid $80 for this dress and old wore it once. Thats 1/2 off!


Fredrick's Corset $25!





















Rago clincher- $16!


Lady Marlene corset $19!


Rago corselette $15...really!!! I think I paid like $95 at the V Male booth at VLV


Nina heels $28 never worn


Body Glove suit, a steal at $9.99!


Eyelit cotton dress, $10


Blue and White summer dress, $7


Skirt from My Baby Jo, also bought at VLV for $45, now only $18!


Sexy red wiggle dress $20!

Like I said, this stuff wont last forever!

XOXO
Dollie