Thinning Out My Stash

Hello lovelies! Just to let you know, I am going through my personal stash of vintage items sell in my Etsy store Tart`Deco over the next week or so. I just listed 5 pairs of vintage cat eye glasses (see above) and 2 pairs of shoe trees and will be adding some lovely rhinestone pieces on Tuesday and Wednesday. I am pricing this stuff to sell so make sure to visit often over the next 2 weeks to get some great deals! Still in time for Viva too ;)

Retro Butterick Pattern $3 this week

For those of you vintage bloggers that sew, you can get Butterick pattern 5605 is on sale this week for $2.99 online. The sale goes to March 20th.

BTW, they are also hiring a patternmaker in N.Y.

Viva 14 Sold Out

pic from billpresing.blogspot.com

According to my sources, Viva Las Vegas #14 is officially sold out. Hopefully those of you who planned on going got your tickies early. Those of us who can't go will wait for your after VLV posts to live vicariously through you until next year.

Also, I am still working on a Getting Ready for VLV Playlist, but I am having some issues with Java so I can't upload my more obscure rockabilly tunes to my usual site Grooveshark. If anyone has any suggestions of decent online playlist bulding sites that allow you to upload, please let me know.

PS If you like the pic from this post, make sure to check out the artists blog at billpresing.blogspot.com. I just love his work! He also has a few pinup books for sale: BOOK PLATE BETTIES, and BELLE DU JOUR: Cheesecake but be aware that they are out of print so aren't always available.

Train Cases Part 2

So I got to thinking about the tray issue with vintage train cases and how they are often missing. I took a peek at a few modern train cases and found some really cute ones with lots of compartments and neat lifting trays. So if you aren't set on going vintage, take a look at these beauties:

Viva Las Vegas Series #15- Train Cases

If you gals are like me, and you might be if you like to read my blog, then you have a large amount of make-up. I just never know what kind of mood I will be in and what colors I will need. Plus, some days I need a little extra oomph and add a touch of sparkle to my eyes. So basically what I'm saying is- I have a LOT of make-up and need a stylish place to put it. I was lucky enough to find a 1950s Samsonite Ultralite train case with tray and key for about $35 and I would gladly kill for it if anyone tried to take it from me. I am able to fit all of my make-up in it, plus a small bag of jewelry and some hair styling products. It is probably my most essential item in living a vintage lifestyle because it means I can be mobile at the drop of a hat.

If you don't have a train case, I would seriously suggest getting one. To make it easy on you I found a few on etsy that looked like they were in decent shape and most of them come with a tray. Some people don't care and like the extra room without it, but I find it a must. Below is a snapshot of the etsy treasury I put together for you. As an added plus, there are 2 of the exact same case I have in the listing. FYI, decent train cases don't usually stick around, especially with a tray, so if you find one you like don't wait too long to get it!

Train Case Treasury

Rockabilly DIY from Design Sponge

I just discovered a new website with tons of fun and easy tutorials on how to spruce up your home called Design Sponge. There are a bunch, but I went through and picked the ones that were the most rockabilly:

Vintage brooch knobs (shown above)
Kitchen glass canister makeover
Kitchen metal canister makeover

Vintage Hankie boudoir pillow (shown left)

Light switch cover
Fabric covered hangers
Decorative shelf edging

Bookstrap side table (shown right)

Viva Las Vegas Series #14- J. Peterman On Sale

Oh J. Peterman Company how I love thee! I get your catalog every month and circle the items I want with a sharpie, just like I did for xmas when I was child in my Grandma's Sears catalogs. My husband does it too.

If you are not familiar with the J. Peterman Company, their clothing is heavily vintage inspired and many times an exact replica of historical fashion. They are mostly known for their exquisite men's selection, but I adore their women's items and one-of-a-kind items for the house. Unfortunately, while I am in school the catalog is the closest I can get to my beloved items because they can get a bit pricey. However, once in a while they have something on sale or clearance that I can afford and in my size (!) and I snatch it up asap!

Here are a few things that are on sale right now that are elegant, but still casual enough for a day-to-night look at Viva:

Knotted Tie Dress
$68

Tie Front Cotton Blouse
$46

Velvet Party Pants
$68

1940s Cord Dress
$74






Make sure when you visit the website that you request a catalog. Then go get yourself a sharpie and let the circling party begin!