Dalena Vintage

in the shop

2012-02-12T16:21:00.002-06:00

Last week, I headed a bit south for the day and came across these vintage beauties from the 1950s. I've been so busy, they're just now going up in the shop. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm looking forward to the days ahead with enough warmth for taking afternoon dips in the nearest swimming hole.

annex paper dresses

2012-02-06T18:58:00.000-06:00

Maps. Vintage. Dresses. Only a few of my favorite things! I would love to have myself a little collection of these paper dresses from the annex. One-of-a-kind. Just for me. Really what could be better?

a little music mix

2012-02-03T17:00:00.006-06:00

A few weeks ago I came across Spinner's 10 Anthems for a Feminist Revolution. It was great, don't get me wrong, but made me think of all the music loved that wasn't on the list.

So...Being the terrible editor I am, I created two lists. The first, music from angsty teen years and a couple from early college. The second, a mix of classics. I wouldn't say that each song is necessarily feminist, per se, but each does have a spark of humanist revolution.

P.S. If you're asking yourself, why the Loretta Lynn photo, give this article from Bitch Magazine a read. And then of course give the mix a little listen!

Old School Feminist Revolution by Leslie Torbett on Grooveshark

Feminist Revolution by Leslie Torbett on Grooveshark

Now for a few interesting tidbits:

In 1960, the birth control pill was introduced in the United States. Revolutionary, yes. Controversial, oh hell yes. Loretta Lynn's, The Pill, tells the story of a woman fed up with pregnancy year after year, and overjoyed at the control she now has over her body. The song was held back three years because of it's controversial nature but eventually released in 1975.

Kitty Wells recorded It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels in 1952 as a response to Hank Thompson's The Wild Side of Life. Her song was initially banned on the NBC radio network and on the Grand Ole Opry.

This Natalie Merchant quote on her inspiration for the song Tell Yourself says it all,
"I wrote this song to comfort all the awkward teenage girls I have ever met, will ever meet, and will never meet. The years 13 through 16 were the worst of my life and I wish that there had been someone who was perceptive enough to notice how much misery I was in. I would have had to turn myself inside out to become a pretty, outgoing, and popular girl. No one was there to tell me that it wasn't worth it."

Now help a girl out, and let me know a few of your favorites!

in the shop

2012-01-14T17:40:00.005-06:00

Apologies are in order for my absence! I've been a busy bee over here with the holidays, a New Year's trip up to Halifax and starting a new job. The blog and shop have been suffering, it's true. But with the new year already here, I'm back on track and am excited for the new direction both will be taking. Nothing crazy, of course! Just a little more focused. Expect more DIY tutorials, weekly recipes and a steadier stream of posts in general.

Today, I'm easing back into the swing of things with a few new pieces over in the shop. Hope you enjoy!

new year's eve hair

2011-12-26T16:10:00.010-06:00

Whether it's going out to a party or staying in for a quiet evening, the jury is still out on what exactly I'll be doing this New Year's Eve. Regardless of what happens, I will be dressing up, there are no questions about that. I just can't help myself! It feels so good to get dolled up, and honestly, I don't have many occasions to do so these days.

When it comes to hair styling, my skills are worlds away from exceptional but at least I can say they're not horrible. This said, I've been looking for vintage inspiration that is actually attainable given my average coiffuring skills.

Rita Hayworth & Classic 1940s Curls. I absolutely love the wild look of Rita's voluminous curls in the 1940s film, Gilda. Never would I have thought that my hair could achieve such ample curl, however, Fleur of Diary of a Vintage Girl created this video, proving all you need is a wave. Love.

Veronica Lake & The Peekaboo. What can I say other than, in my mind, this hairstyle pretty much epitomizes Old Hollywood glamour. It's hard to believe this iconic style was created with an accidental runaway lock of hair during one of her early photo shoots.

While this style requires more patience than Rita's style above, it's still easy to create on your own. Get a bit of help with this tutorial. Not only is it a great visual guide for this classic peekaboo look, it also gives a variety of gorgeous alternatives.

Myrna Loy & the Finger Wave. There really are so many ways of creating and styling a finger wave. I particularly love Myrna's style above with long hair, a center part and loose, slightly frizzy curls. I'd love to wear it with a large bun at the nape of my neck, adorned with some sort of sparkly vintage clip. This tutorial features a gal with short hair, but it's easily adapt it to a variety of lengths.

Now, I just need to decide! It's between one of these looks or possibly a more modern style from one of these incredible tutorials below. In case you're looking for more inspiration, here are a few other links I love.

Super sweet & simple hair tutorials on the more modern side.

More styling guides! Equally lovely but definitely more complex.

A cutesy, inspirational hairstyling video straight from the 1930s.

a tiny shop update

2011-12-20T16:01:00.004-06:00

Things have been rather busy around these parts. My expected influx of vintage lovelies was kind of a bust, but I did snag this adorable wedding dress and baby blue lace dress that would be the perfect accompanying bridesmaid dress. There are a few more pieces coming later this week so stay tuned, and head over to the shop if you'd like.

deoma's boutique

2011-12-14T08:31:00.005-06:00

With the holiday season nearly in full effect, I pulled a few gorgeous pieces from Deoma's Boutique that would be perfect for upcoming events. Perhaps I'm partial because Deoma's is my mom's shop, but the truth of the matter is that she does, in fact, keep her boutique stocked with wonderfully unique vintage dresses that are in mint or near mint condition.

And here's the best part of today's little post, she's offering a 15% discount with the coupon code DALENAHOLIDAY valid until December 24. If I were a gal with a little pocket change and a holiday dinner to attend, I would run over to her shop for a peek!

le voyage dans la lune

2011-12-09T09:35:00.001-06:00

In lieu of the usual, A Little Music Mix, I'm just going to say, wow, and leave you alone with this film clip.

Raise your hand if you love Air. After 12 years, this girl still does, and Moon Safari reigns supreme in my book. What about you?

peppermint ice cream

2011-12-06T15:11:00.003-06:00

Ice cream may not seem like a winter dessert to some but I love pairing it was something warm and fresh out of the oven. Today, it's peppermint ice cream with dark chocolate brownies. Yum! I essentially used the same recipe as the Thai tea ice cream I made over the summer, substituting fresh peppermint sprigs for the Thai tea. I'll include the recipe here anyhow!

Here's what you'll need:
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1 1/2 cups cream
* 6-8 sprigs of peppermint
* 1 cup sugar
* 3 egg yolks

Here's what to do:
Heat the milk on medium until it just starts to bubble. Stir in the peppermint leaves and remove from heat. Let steep about 25 minutes.

Strain into another bowl and add 1/2 cream and sugar. Mix and heat until steamy. Put your egg yolks into a large bowl then spoon the heated mixture into the egg yolks while whisking. Be careful not to add to much at a time or your eggs will cook to quickly resulting in an unwanted egg drop soup situation.

Alright, we're almost here. Add the rest of your cream. Then, take the combined mixture and cook at medium heat until it thickens into a custard-like texture, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let it sit until cool. I tend to get impatient so I pour the mixture back and forth between two containers to speed up the cooling process, and then stick it in the freezer until it cools down completely.

Now that you've got your custard, just follow the instructions on your ice cream maker. After about 15-25 minutes of churning, your ice cream should be ready! I served this batch with the most amazing brownies baked from a recipe from Inside a Black Apple.

What's your favorite winter ice cream? Drop me a recipe if you've got one!

goldie london

2011-12-05T08:20:00.001-06:00

Wearing deep hues and rich luxurious fabrics is something I'm only able to indulge myself in for a small part of the year. Thankfully that season is here, as is Goldie London's fall collection which I'm currently in love with. Their current line epitomizes the spirit of the 1970s and embrace the chilly days that are finally upon us down here in Texas. I think we've said our final goodbye's to the heat this year. I'm jumping for joy preferably in one of these dresses!

a little music mix

2011-12-02T09:00:00.003-06:00

Last Sunday, I took a little road trip to visit my grandmother, Gigi, who lives about two hours away. She was being honored as the oldest living member of her church and was lighting the Advent candle for the season, so of course I wanted to be there to celebrate. It was a beautiful service. The choir dedicated a song to her and the preacher said a few words as did my uncle.

Music has always been a huge part of Gigi's life. She was an incredible pianist and often played both the organ and piano at her church. But seeing as I didn't go to church too often, I mostly remember what she played at home, a mix of 1930s-1940s tunes played by ear and gospel music from her post-it filled hymnal.

While she can't remember who I am now, just a vague sense of familiarity, she can still sing and recite song lyrics. It truly amazes me.

Today's music mix is a collection of songs she loved combined with those I used to ask her to play for me. Enjoy!

Gigi by Leslie Torbett on Grooveshark

Any guesses at which song was her number one favorite and which one I asked her to play most often?

The First United Methodist Church in Marlin, Texas where Gigi has been a member since 1929.

i believe i can fly

2011-12-01T07:48:00.006-06:00

This morning, I came across a trailer for the documentary, I Believe I Can Fly, via A Cup of Jo. (She's always posting amazing things over on her blog!) Anywho, I was immediately taken by this group of crazy Frenchies. Cartwheels of the side of mountains!? Yes, admittedly, I have a bit of a crush. Have a look at the video, and I think you might feel the same way.

Here's another video I loved by indie filmmaker, Sebastien Montaz-Rosset. It possesses a mood completely opposite I Believe I Can Fly. In fact, I think it may be commercial or something to that end. It's beautifully shot nonetheless.

the autograph book

2011-11-30T08:26:00.000-06:00

Over the holidays, I came across the autograph book of my great-great aunt, Beatrice (pronounced Bee-AAH-Trice). It was given to her in 1918 and she used until her early death just a few short years later. It's filled with funny little poems and sayings from friends and family who were expected to write something witty or clever.

***Side Note: The names of my great grandmother and her three sisters all came from late 1800's/early 1900's romance novels. Their names were: Ethel Arduro, Beatrice Owens, Iva Deoma and Lillian Chesney. If you happen to be a turn-of-the-century romance novel buff, and know where these names may have come from do let me know!

in the shop & a winner

2011-11-29T07:49:00.005-06:00

I feel like it's been ages since I've had a substantial shop update. I'm working on that, promise! Until that point, here are a few lovelies that will be going up in the shop this afternoon. It's hard to let that 1940s silk number go, but alas, I am.

I'm also excited to announce the winner of last weeks Abbey's Accessories giveaway. Congratulations to Olygirl, who will be receiving the 1950s faux fur beret just in time for holiday outings!

AND...I almost forgot! I'm offering free domestic shipping in the shop this week so head over and take advantage of some most excellent savings. All you need is the coupon code, HolidayLove!

bits of love

2011-11-27T17:47:00.004-06:00

napping in daylight
(head at feet and feet at head)

being so close to the edge
(and restraining myself from jumping in)

lazing on porches
(while cuddled in quilts)

nestling up in cozy kitchens
(gazing out into the chilly fog)

reaching the top
(basking in the view)

photo credits: seren coşkun, miu1miu, parker fitzgerald, elias.and.theresa.carlson, mariam sitchinava

sweet potato minis

2011-11-22T17:28:00.004-06:00

I've been wanting to make these sweet potato minis for a few weeks but just got around to it this afternoon. A little treat just in time for Thanksgiving dinner I suppose!

The recipe is a modified version of a family-to-family sweet potato casserole. A Southern holiday dinner staple that's usually served as a side dish, I wanted to sweeten it up a bit to serve as a dessert. I didn't really know what to call it. It's not so much a pie, not really a tart and not eggy enough to be considered a custard. Here's what happened...

Here's what you'll need:
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 small can evaporated milk
1 stick melted butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg
1 cup pecans
2-3 tbsps. brown sugar

Here's what to do:
First you'll need to preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, fold the eggs into the mashed sweet potatoes. Add the sugar, evaporated milk, 1/2 stick butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.

Now it's time for the crust. Finely chop up the pecans, then toss in the brown sugar and butter. Mix well and spread on the bottom of a pie pan or tart pan. Add the sweet potato filling. Bake for 35-40 minutes depending on if you're making a full size pie or little minis as shown above. Add a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg and devour!

P.S. Better names welcomed!

abbey's accessories giveaway CLOSED

2011-11-19T13:47:00.007-06:00

Good Saturday to you! Today I'm happy to introduce a giveaway from the ever lovely Austin-based boutique, Abbey's Accessories. With holiday season quickly approaching, how wonderful would it be to adorn yourself with this alluring faux fur hat straight from the 1950s?

Entering to win is easy as pie. Simply have a look at Abbey's Accessories and tell us about your favorite piece. Done and done! If you're feeling extra ambitious, tweet this giveaway for an extra entry. Be sure to leave a separate comment with a link to your twitter account.

The giveaway is open internationally, and ends Saturday, November 26 at 10 PM CST. Best of luck to you all!

a little music mix

2011-11-18T21:07:00.006-06:00

This morning's overcast winter sky left me feeling an odd and slight melancholia. If you heard them (my thoughts and emotions, that is) they probably sounded something like this:

Melancholy by Leslie Torbett on Grooveshark

And because I'm a sucker for eye candy, two shots from an Andy Warhol screen test with Nico.

peculiar snapshots

2011-11-17T08:12:00.004-06:00

After coming across this set of photos via Bats and Rags last night, I couldn't take my eyes of them. Bizzare. Amusing. Eerie. Intriguing. Peculiar Snapshots pretty much has it all. I had a hard time selecting just a few photos to share, but here are a few of my favorites for one reason or another.

in the shop

2011-11-16T08:54:00.004-06:00

Good morning loves! Here's what I've got in store for the shop this afternoon. Stay tuned if you like what you see.

your woman

2011-11-14T09:18:00.001-06:00

Nearing 15 years and I still love this song...

hello holiday

2011-11-08T06:35:00.006-06:00

My mom, cousin and I went over to small town Texas on Sunday to photograph all of the beautiful party dresses we've been collecting for both of our shops, Dalena Vintage and Deoma's Boutique. I like to think of our shops as sisters, Deoma possessing an older air of elegance and maturity, and Dalena, surrounded by an aura of youth and flirtation with dreams of walking in her sister's shoes one day.

A gorgeous home built in the early 1900's, the house is filled with antiques and memories of annual Christmas gatherings and summer reunions. Here's the fruit of our labor.

sneak peak sunday

2011-11-06T16:59:00.006-06:00

Such a busy weekend it's been over here! Yesterday was spent as a clean-up girl over at a construction site my uncle is finishing up, and today as an all around gal in the creation of a holiday lookbook my mom and I have had in the works. As we recently collected a slew of perfect party dresses, we decided to join forces for a holiday-themed photo shoot.

The location was perfect! It was in a home we've spent our family Christmas' and annual summer family reunions every year for over 30 years. My aunt and uncle were even married at the house in the late 1970's. Needless to say it holds a dear place in both our hearts.

Here's a sneak peak of the shoot, but stay tuned for the Dalena & Deoma Vintage Holiday Lookbook!

a little past due

2011-11-02T08:46:00.007-05:00

So yes, coming out of Vogue Korea August 2010, this editorial is a little out of date. That doesn't change the fact that I'm enamored with the styling of the shoot. If I could, I would fill my closet with full circle skirts, cozy cardigans and perfectly tailored jackets. That first outfit looks completely comfy and easy-to-wear. Any thoughts on wear who carries the coziest cardigans?

art deco inspiration

2011-10-31T22:45:00.009-05:00

In a random perusal of the internet tonight, I came across these gorgeous art deco inspired covers on Penny Sparkle. The designer, Coralie Bickford-Smith, created an entire Christmas collection set of F. Scott Fitzgerald novels that I would love to have as I imagine they're even more stunning in person.

I'm also loving the Gothic Horror and Boys' Adventure series she designed in paperback. Although I've only actually read one of the books from those two series, her design alone brings intrigue to each novel. I think a few new books have just made their way onto my reading list.