Crazed Hair. Also, Makeup Lessons

Today's outfit was built around my hairstyle which made me think of a crazed, frazzled, or scary governess who lives in a book like "The Turn of the Screw."

I am wearing my cutsie navy blue cotton skirt over sensible boots, for walking in the fog and being pursued by ghosts or other crazy people. I am also wearing a hand-knit wool 1950s golden cream-colored cardigan. Its elbows were fairly worn out when I purchased it, so I sewed spiderweb patches onto them. The patches are from an old t-shirt that I cut up. Under the cardigan is my no-nonsense high-necked vintage blue polyester frilly-face shirt. I am also wearing a floral brooch to hold the cardigan closed because I lost all my buttons...or maybe a ghost stole them?

I had a phone conversation this morning during which the subject of blush and false eyelashes came up. So in honor of that conversation, I added Photoshop blush and eyelashes to my picture.

By the way! Check out our awesome shamrock photo example for Wink Pinup by clicking HERE.

Have a great Sunday!

Saturday Rules! Mannequin. The Musical!

Hi guys!

What a wonderful and busy day here at UnderWired! We just started a new pinup series here at Wink Pinup, too! Get your pinup photo with a giant shamrock for St. Patty's Day! Exclamation point! Winkpinup.blogspot.com will be updated soon with pictures.

Today's outfit was inspired by coziness and love. I wore the cozy beige wool skirt that I love and a cozy black sweater and pulled the outfit together with a cozy vintage fur collar. Which I love. I am all cozy and lovey and I keep hugging strangers and the police told me to stop that but I won't.

I decided to try being a mannequin in this photo so that I could go back in time and star in a movie call Mannequin. It's really a wonderful piece of cinematic art and if you think I'm being sarcastic, well then. Yeah. I recently re-wrote the movie to make it a musical. It goes like this: I'm a sad mannequin. I see a strange, slightly creepy but charming bearded man working in my store. I break into song and we live full, happy, human lives together. The end.

See ya tomorrow!

Vintage Is Nice And So Are You

It is lovely and shiny and melty out today! No harm done from yesterday's snow at all. I like it! I'm going to become a fan on Facebook! Thanks winter, for being kind and gentle with us.

Today's outfit combines new and old elements again. Modern retro inspired navy blue pants with buttons running up both hips to mimic sailor pants. Warm but light-weight brown polyester 70s shirt. Favorite 50s/early 60s black cardigan. And for an extra touch of warmth: cat hair from wresting my pets on the way out the door this morning. Retro hairstyle with giant flower ornament. Also, tiny hitchhiking bird.

You're nice! See you tomorrow!

Staged Photos, Super Heros, Faking an Era

Hi! I have to tell you something. I staged the photos for today's blog last night, just in case I got snowed in and became afraid to leave the comfort and safety of my pajamas. That is how dedicated I am to this blog. You can thank me later.

I was playing around with my hair last night and was like "Wow! I have really impressed myself with me. Sean! Take pictures of my hair RIGHT NOW!" Today's actual outfit (the store is OPEN!) is the same as pictured in the photos for the sake of authenticity, but as you can see, my hair is down and I am wearing my vintage super hero mask. It came with glamorous eyelashes!

Today's fashion lesson is called "how to fake an era by combining the right elements." The overall look is 1950s. What pulls the look together is definitely the hair (in the staged photos). The cardigan is 50s, but the shirt is modern and the skirt was probably born around, say, 1981. Yeah, 1981. As you can see below, I later made the outfit look slightly 1940s with the addition of green spider shoulder pads. What is this tomfoolery? It's fun, buster, that's what! The point is, if you combine the right shapes and accessories, you can create the illusion of an era. Today, my outfit looks nothing like the 50s because of my hair (and the mask).

Drive safe today! The roads seem ok now here in our little town of Bethlehem.

Go forth and be awesome!

Snow again? WT*@!? (What the darnit)

Ok. Winter, I like you. I like that we're friends. But I feel like maybe you're taking advantage a little bit. I mean, it's cool that you crashed in my back yard and all over my neighborhood a couple times this season. But tomorrow's prediction of 50 mph winds? That's kind of scary. Is it a cry for help? Do you feel like you're under-appreciated? You need attention? Trust me, we're all paying attention, and we love you and feel like maybe you have a problem. Here's a big hug and a pat on the back and a "good job" for being such a good snow-filled winter! Maybe tomorrow you can take a nap, though.

Loooooooooooooove,

Lisa

Oh by the way, today's fashion post is from a time and place long ago. A place I like to call summer, last year. See how Tina seems to be saying "hey summer, you're kind of cute. Why don't you come by for a visit?" I am in the background, looking in the mirror just to make sure that I'm still there.

Overly Dramatic Tuesday at UnderWired!

Good day!

Today I woke up and said to myself "let's wear something dramatic on this rainy Tuesday." Then I said "ok." I am wearing that beautiful retro-inspired fishtail skirt again, multiple veils and flowers in my hair, and another beautiful top from my pal Annie. It was a birthday present many years ago. Thanks Annie!


Here's a picture to remind you what Annie looks like ------------->



I interviewed her for today's post. By interview I mean, imagined things that didn't happen and then typed them out. I couldn't actually reach her on the phone this morning. Here's what I think our interview would have been like:

Me: Hi Annie. You are pretty.
Annie: Yes.
Me: What are you doing right now?
Annie: Talking to you on the phone.
Me: I am wearing one of the shirts you gave me one hundred years ago in Transylvania.
Annie: Cool!
Me: Yes. Tell me a little about yourself and why you love vintage clothing.
Annie. I am awesome. I like vintage clothing because I like other things that are awesome.
Me. Thank you for your time today, this has been very informative.
Annie: Yeah.

I sure hope Annie approves of this unofficial pretend interview!

If you're in South Bethlehem today, stop in to see some of the cute new tops I brought in to the store. If you're not in South Bethlehem, come over here :)

See ya!

Photoshopped makeup rules. Click image to see skillful fake eyeshadow.

On a Mission

Hello,

I am on a mission to bring in some cute cotton spring tops in the next couple weeks. Lots of washing ahead in my future!

Today's fashion post is about mystery. The mystery is: what the heck is this? --------------------------------->

It's a vintage scarf. I am wearing it in a bow-tie around my neck, just in case I get invited to a place with a fancy dress code. I might be wearing jeans, but guess what? I am also wearing a tie, so let me in. Thank you.

In other news, aren't you jealous of this big bowl of berries I ate with cinnamon on top? Yes. Yes, you are.

See ya soon!

New and Old, Perfect Together!

What a lovely Sunday we're having today. Nice weather, beautiful sunny skies, and a vintage boutique in your home town. Your life is great!

The dress pictured here is not vintage. I purchased it a few years ago at Popmart in North Bethlehem! I love it. It is cozy and soft and very versatile, and I bought it locally! Because it has a low-cut back, and it's still winter, I have layered a black t-shirt underneath. To give the dress a retro boost, I layered one of my 1950s half-slips underneath, and I am wearing my 1960s Mary Janes. I am also wearing a vintage rose necklace that belonged to my grandmother. I love this necklace. There is no reason why you can't combine your new and old pieces to make one great outfit. Nope, none at all, I checked. And if your new clothing comes from a great independently owned store, all the better! Why not stop in and say hi at Loose Threads today while you're out and about? Home Base and Shuze would love a visit, and if you like tuxedo t-shirts that say Eskandalo on them (and who doesn't) head over there as well! The haircuts over there are pretty awesome.

I also recommend smuggling cats in your hair. See example at right. You never have to worry if you see a mouse and small cats make great napkins.

Well La-Dee-Da! Looky here!

Look at this picture -->
"Hey look at me! I'm takin' pik-chers of myself so that I know I was here. I gotta pose so that people know how I like to stand around in...poses. It's part of my LEGACY!"

The dress in these photos is the polyester dress from my very first 300 Something post. The arm warmers were actually once the sleeves of that cute puffy-sleeved top I wore a few weeks ago with a plaid jumper. I just couldn't handle this much fluff on one piece of clothing so I took off after the shirt with my scissors. After several uncomfortable moments featuring wild eyes and maniacal stabbing motions, I had two "new" pieces for my wardrobe.

The white top is a faker. Not really vintage but looks as though it is. The vintage brooch is the only piece of costume jewelry I'm wearing other than earrings.

Today's lesson: If you like a piece of clothing, but not enough to wear it as-is...break it! Then you can have fun being creative/destructive, and you can have more stuff to wear!

Why buying local helps keep us sane. And a special visit from The Devil!

Hoooooo-weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I am about ready for spring. As you can probably tell from the photos in the blog, I'm not big on tanning. BUT, I like opening my windows and walking around outside and growing things in my garden. I love being inside and cozy during the cold months, but I'm ready to have a spring breeze blowing through this store!

Today, I will talk about clothing, but I am also going to talk about the importance of buying local. First, the usual - the outfit. Modern retro-inspired snug-fitting velveteen skirt, handmade "tube" to layer on top for a high-waisted effect (the tube was handmade by a local artist in Easton). It is versatile and can be worn as a hat, a scarf, a skirt, a tube-top...so many options. I chose to use it to add dimension to my outfit. I am also wearing an adorable vintage polyester ruffle top. I was going to say that I look like a school teacher again, but then I was possessed by the devil (as pictured) and instead I look like The Bearded Lady.

Ok, buying local. I went to the mall the other day (gasp!). This may not seem like a big deal, but I had not actually been to a mall in about six years. So I went to one of the biggest in the area: the King of Prussia Mall. I can't really describe the strange sense of displacement I felt in the mall. I guess the feeling was akin to being a space alien landing on a new planet for the first time (thanks for that analogy, Neil Gaiman). I was surrounded by SO MUCH STUFF in an enclosed area, and much of the stuff was just like the stuff in every other shop. Prices ranged wildly, and didn't seem to reflect craftsmanship, but rather, labels. I quickly began to feel overwhelmed and upset. I realized that it was because I saw a security guard on a Segway. That's not really why, but seriously, Segway? The real reason I was having heart palpitations was that everything around me was easily duplicated and easily attainable, but it was all in this enclosed area, being marketed as "lifestyle enhancement" and I had to eat my lunch in front of a giant Victoria's Secret-wearing butt in the form of a 12 foot tall poster. The message of "buy me I will complete you" was freaky, and the lack of individualism and creativity was even freakier. And not knowing where exactly my money was going was weird too. If I buy coffee from Starbucks, I am supporting the national economy in a way, and I am not here to bash corporations. But if I buy coffee from Jeff at Deja Brew or Troy at Cosmic Cup, I know that I am supporting businesses I care about in my community, I am contributing to the paychecks of the great local people who work there, and I am giving my money to someone who is active in my community and who works very hard to support other local businesses. The support of these local businesses is the thing that will help make your community unique and ever-growing. And it will keep us sane. Because you can get to know your local business owners, and decide for yourself what you want to buy, what's important to you. And I don't think I know anyone in the Lehigh Valley who will make you eat your lunch in front of a giant butt (unless you want to).

That is all for now!

Looooooooooooooooooooove,

Lisa

The Omen

I am in the mood to watch the Omen. I think it's because of this cool vintage polyester dress in black, brown, and cream. Lovely floral pattern on the skirt. I feel compelled to do one of two things when I wear it: either take up smoking and smoke in all kinds of inappropriate places like doctor's offices, OR have a son named Damien. The more I thought about how I don't have a son named Damien, the more desperate I became for diabolical, yet childlike companionship. So I grew this little talking face on my neck and now I feel complete. He's not so bad. Only compelled me to kill kill kill once, and I failed in my task, so no harm done.

Come in to the shop today and yell "It's all for yooooooooou!" for 10% off your vintage purchase!

Wednesday is for...

Today is the day I like to celebrate two of my favorite style icons. Wednesday Addams, and also my cat, Wednesday.

Both know how to wear sensible, simple black with just a touch of white to break up the monotony. Both understand that sometimes simple is better. Both like to bake Girl Scout cookies made of real Girl Scouts.

FYI, I have a dress in the shop that is strikingly similar to Wednesday's famed macabre uniform. Wednesday would wear it but it's a little big on her. Wednesday my cat, I mean.

Little Vintage Shop on the Snow Prairie

I was getting ready to go to the one-room school house to teach my students this morning, when I saw that it was snowing on the prairie again. I chose to wear a 1970s cotton prairie-revival sundress with a lovely black cardigan, sweater tights and boots. I did this so that my students would know that I am an authentic prairie school teacher and that I mean business. I wore the black lace bow from yesterday's outfit around my neck. You see, Ma 'n Pa gave me a Christmas gift wrapped with this bow, and on the prairie we have to use everything we can in order to look fashionable, because who knows when that ol' Sears and Roebuck catalog is going to be delivered. And once you place an order, the train on which your garment is traveling could be hijacked by bad cowboys. Then the cowboys would have your dress and accessories instead of you, and that's just wrong. Lesson learned in the one room school house: use everythin' ya got. Also, sew Velcro onto your dress and attach a cat. Cats make great companions.

High Waisted Jeans RULE!

Hi!

It's Monday, which means UnderWired is taking a nap, and I am at a secret location in an alternate dimension, baking cookies. I have a hard time completing the baking process because I like to eat everything in my path as I go along, but I make really yummy desserts with whatever is left over.

Today's post is about jeans. I don't wear jeans that often, but when I do, I really enjoy retaining the ability to complete my normal day's tasks without the fear of full or partial butt exposure. I don't hate low-rise jeans, but they are not for me all the time. I am showing off my authentic black 1950s high-waisted jeans in this set of photos. These are the greatest! They zip and snap up the side and they're from the 50s. Two equally neat-o qualities. And, while I bake, my cats can rest assured that, even if I drop something and must bend to pick it up from the floor, they will not have to see an accidental butt cameo appearance.

The rhinestone heart brooch on my sweater is from my wonderful friend, Jo. The ribbon in my hair is from the packaging of a Christmas present. The coffee pictured here is what makes today's typing possible in super fast motion.

Today's fashion lesson has to do with high waisted jeans. Wear what is complementary on you. The clothing should be made to work for YOU, you shouldn't have to work for IT. You rock, so just buy what you like and what looks good, don't force your own perfect natural self into something you dislike just because it's popular. I have spoken. On to more sugar.

Happy Valentine's Day!

You know what they say: nothing says "Valentine" like "Vintage." They say it all the time. It's true! What better way to show that special someone you care than by saying "Hey! I bought this from an independent business and supported my local economy. I bought vintage, therefore ensuring that I did not contribute to new manufacturing waste, AND I got it for you. I helped save the world AND I bought you a present. Did I mention that I walked to the store instead of driving? Love me back. Right now."

If you don't celebrate Valentine's Day, and many people don't, that's cool too. I like to celebrate Bloody Valentine's Day. Sometimes I give my sweetheart a still-beating heart or a Tupperware container filled with blood or little bags full of teeth. This year, I am baking gross-out themed treats instead. To be a better vegetarian.

Today's outfit is one of those old 30s pieces that I have to repair every time I wear it. In fact, I am not wearing the authentic matching slip with it because it needs more tlc, so I have added a modern fake fur wrap. I have a little detail photo here of the dress's collar that is hidden by the wrap. Pretty pretty.

Here's my hair.

If you can find the heart-shaped accessory I've "hidden" in one of these photos, you get 10% off your entire vintage purchase today. Also, 10% off to everyone on anything red today! Because I love you , and not just on Valentine's Day!

xoxoxoxoxo

Domestic Goddesses and Lil' Monsters

Hello class! Today's lesson is called "Being a Modern Domestic Goddess for Girls and Boys." We are also going to study local art and how you can have your very own Lil' Monster to love and cuddle.

Today's dress is a soft pink 1950s dream and it is one of my favorite pieces of clothing. It was given to me by someone very special a few years ago, and I wear it when I am feeling happy. It was also featured in this beautiful photo by Alison Leigh. She's the photographer with Wink Pinup here at UnderWired! Check it out!

Under the dress is a black slip to prevent obscenity. Hehehe. The shoes that fill my heart with joy are 1960s patent leather Mary-Janes. This dress screams Domestic Goddess, and here is how to become one. First, define domestic. Domestic = relating to family or home. So, if you have ever heard of family or homes, you're covered. The Goddess part is fun. First, look at yourself and say "I kick ass." Then, decide what you like and do not like, pertaining to family and home. Like fixing the car? Do it! Like baking? Do it! Enjoy nurturing your loved ones? Cool! Hate mopping? Quit it! Want to spend the day watching movies in the dark? YES! Like taking out the garbage? Awesome, please come to my house!

Then, wear sumthin' spiffy or comfy or old or new or special or plain - whatever makes you happiest - and walk around punching faces and taking names. Don't punch for real that's mean! Maybe walk around giving out hugs and taking names?

And now - how to obtain a lil' monster to love. I know someone who you should meet. Her name is Michelle Strader and she is a very cool lady and talented artist. She is having a Valentine's sale at Strader and Associates, 610 Broad Street, Bethlehem (18018). I bought these adorable little ceramic "Monsters for your Lil' Monster" for only $2 each! Also for sale are beautiful ceramic animals, pottery, paintings, and more. Definitely check it out. Michelle will be there until 5:00 today.

Ok, those are your assignments! To gain extra credit (10% off vintage), come in to UnderWired and tell me where you saw the well-hidden pirate in these images. Hint: you can click on the images to make them larger. AND, take 10% off anything red today or tomorrow for Hearty Heart Day.

It's Family Fashion Fun Friday!

Well hi there! How are you? You were only *this* tall last time I saw you.

Today's post is the beginning of an idea that will continue to develop over the next several weeks. Remember how I said that wearing vintage can keep you connected to your own past? Today's accessories are an example. The total outfit is almost 100% vintage starting with the beige wool skirt (I wore it about 2 weeks ago), to the 1950s sweater ( I removed the shoulder pads. I have fairly prominent shoulders as it is, so wearing shoulder pads makes me look like I left a hanger in my shirt), to the boots, to the reappearance of the veil from earlier this week. What makes this concoction special is the addition of jewelry from both of my grandmothers. The pearl screw-back earrings are from my mom's mother. The ring (please excuse the blurry picture), is from my father's mother. Both were great ladies and I plan to talk more about them in posts to come.

The point is, when you wear something with a little personal history, you tend to feel more connected to the world. Helps you to remember that you are not the only person who ever lived on Earth in the history of ever. It's good to be reminded of that, often!

On a less serious note, I just ate a huge SACK, not a bag, a SACK of potato chips. I think that might be the single most amazing and delicious thing I do today. I highly recommend gorging on food once in a while, it's the best.

See you tomorrow!

Snow Pirate Fashion!

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!

'Tis I! Captain UnderWired the Vintage Snow Pirate! Today's adventure began when I awoke to the sight of another beautiful winter wonderland and said "Arr Matey, but I believe I shall walk me bones all the way to UnderWired!" Sean was still sleeping when i said this, so really I was just talking to myself.

I am wearing that cute vintage pajama top again, with a modern "vintage inspired" dress over jeans, and under the jeans are boots, because pirates wear boots. The jeans are a must in case I get in a sword fight. The hair is up in a psuedo-kinda Gibson Girl style. I would like to note that the majority of my vintage wardrobe holds up very well, even when I mistreat it, but this new black dress that is part of my outfit ripped after two cleanings in the washing machine. I'm just sayin'.

I marched my pirate self through mountainous snow drifts, slippery slush, and murky puddles of pestilence. I even fell once. Right on my butt. And kind of on my wrist. But, being a pirate, I merely shouted to the near-by snow shoveling folk, "I say! But what a gloriously treacherous path we walk today! Have you a hook arm?" No one answered me, which was kind of weird. Then I walked the rest of the way, smug in my snow pirateness, carrying three bags of goodies for the shop, winking and nodding at people as if to say "I rock at being a pirate." People looked back at me as if to say "Please stop winking at me, it makes me uncomfortable." I was wearing my little red riding hood style detachable hood (you can see it some other time) and big sunglasses. The sunglasses came in handy, as I was thrice splattered with the spray of briny sludge by passing trucks on the bridge. Thrice, I say!

Come visit me at the shop today and say "shiver me timbers!" and I'll give you 10% off your entire vintage purchase!