Gatsby Overkill?

A piece from Tart Deco  "Blue Magoo"

We knew it would happen. I am referring to the slew of Great Gatsby on the internet. In some ways I am glad because it could mean a boost in sales for my 20s hair accessories, as well as many of my colleagues who make some amazing stuff.

[start rant] However, there is a part of me that gets steamed because everyone and their mother is tagging items "Great Gatsby" or "1920s", or my favorite "Gatsby Inspired," when the item is not even close! Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of interpreting historical trends and I do it myself, especially in designing steampunk items. BUT- Vintage does not necessarily mean something can cover multiple time periods, especially when we are talking fashion. For example, there is a big difference between a 1940s silhouette and a 1920s silhouette. 'Nuff said. Even J. Peterman, who I normally adore, sent out an notice today about their newest online catalog called Gatsby Inspired. Sorry kids, I was unimpressed, especially because their amazing beaded "flapper" dress was not included. Perhaps I am overreacting? [end rant]

To end this on a positive note, I created a treasury of items by some of my etsy pals who have been selling and making 1920s/30s and Art Deco items for a while now.

I Had It All Along- 20s treasury

Also, when you get a chance, make sure and check out the latest Hey Doll! Magazine issue, which has a Great Gatsby theme. There a some really nice articles, plus a quick and easy 20s Day Dress tutorial (with pattern!). Let's support our blog pals Brittany Va-Voom and Bunny Moreno!

Click to view Issue Four: May {1920's/ Gatsby} on GLOSSI.COM

I'm Back!

Long time, no post :) I have had just about everything under the sun happen since my last post and I have been trying to get my blogging mojo back. Probably the biggest news is that I relocated to North Carolina and I am the new Music Librarian at Elizabeth City State University. I am actually creating a music library from scratch and it has all been very excited! If anyone is interested in following the process, I have created a blog. Yes. One more blog to upkeep because I have been so great at keeping up this one! Of course, that one is for work, so there is a bit more motivation in a time crunch. 

However, I happened to come across an interview I gave a few years ago on the Simply Stacie Blog that may motivate me to get this blog back up to snuff. There are so many blogs out there that cover vintage lifestyles and items. For those of you that are still with me, is there anything you would like to see in a blog that no one else is doing? Or is there something I used to do that you wish I did again?

Heads up readers- if you give me some input, you will get extra entries in a vintage giveaway that I will be having soon!

Moving Sale!

MOVING SALE! I got a job in North Carolina and now I have to move across the country. My gain is your gain- everything in my shop is 30% off until December 5th! Use the coupon code HAPPYMOVE.

Here's a preview of what is available right now:

Sweet Nothings: Women in Rockabilly Music

Janis Martin, 1956, Age 15

Image courtesy of the WRVA Collection, Library of Virginia

After 6 1/2 years of graduate school and much blood, sweat and tears, my Master's thesis "Sweet nothings: women in rockabilly music: LaVern Baker and Janis Martin" has been published and is available for download (free!) online through my university. It is 99 pages of rockabilly goodness, focusing on LaVern Baker and Janis Martin, of course.

Lewin-Lane, Stephanie P., "Sweet nothings: women in rockabilly music: LaVern Baker and Janis Martin" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. Paper 11. http://dc.uwm.edu/etd/11

The most exciting part is that I was granted permission to include transcripts of several interviews with Janis Martin, and her mother Jewel, that have never been available for scholarship. This was through the generosity of documentary filmmakers Beth Harrington (Welcome to the Club) and Elizabeth Blozan (Rebel Beat: The Story of L.A. Rockabilly).

Do yourself a favor and check it out. It's an easy read, if I do say so myself!

Shabby Apple Sale

Shabby Apple has a new line of clothing that I just adore! It's called Highclere Castle and it is glamorous, with a vintage flair. Kind of like Katherine Hepburn meets Marlene Dietrich.  Right now they are having a sale. Click the picture below to get 10% off.