TCM Film Festival 2011

May 4, 2011

Last weekend was the annual Turner Classic Movies film festival in Hollywood, and on Friday night we attended a cocktail party/concert they held. TCM brought out Vince Giordano and His Nighthawks from New York to play the score for a Buster Keaton film and for the party, and they’re top drawer! They play only 20’s music, which is a little earlier than we usually listen to, but the band is so tight and well-rehearsed that it was a pleasure to listen to them. You know this band if you’ve seen The Aviator (2004) – they’re the band playing “Happy Feet” in the Cocoanut Grove.

Without further adieu, here are the pictures!

I took my anniversary purse out for it’s first outing! It’s the perfect size – I can fit everything I need for a nice evening out, and because it’s structured I don’t have to worry about my phone getting crushed. Not super-fancy and beaded, but I love it!

Chris looking dapper as always!

This dress is from a mid-40’s Vogue pattern, and it’s one of the trickiest ones I’ve made – the front princess panel wraps around to the back, and the back skirt is gathered to create a “bustle” effect. The back has a lot of visual interest, so I took the flower applique from a 50’s dress that was falling apart and added it to the front.

Our group of snazzy dancers!

I can’t figure out how to link to the video, but there’s a super brief clip of the dancing on the TCM website – follow the link and click on Festival Update Day Two if you’re interested. Doesn’t the weekend look amazing? I think I need to attend some movies at next year’s event!

We’re In The Money – Vintage Lifestyle Playlist

April 22, 2011

Friends, I’ll admit it. I almost forgot that I owed you a musical selection today! Theme weeks are going to be my downfall, I see that now. But my corsets are underway – as for patterns, I’m starting with the Mantua-Maker Regency Stays and the 1901 […]

You’re The Top – Vintage Lifestyle Playlist

April 21, 2011

Here’s a gem – a rare recording of the Great Cole Porter singing his own song, accompanied by himself. There’s a true sense of zeitgeist in this tune – not only are the lyrics practically plucked from the newspaper headlines of the 30’s, but his […]

Ain’t She Sweet – Vintage Lifestyle Playlist

April 20, 2011

Jimmie Lunceford is one of my favorite bandleaders – he’s the guy responsible for barnburners like “White Heat” and “Lunceford Special”. There’s a playful quality to his music, and this song is no exception. “Ain’t She Sweet” recorded by Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra (1939) […]

Great Stays Project of ’12

April 19, 2011

Things have been very scattered around here on the sewing front lately. I’ve got so many project and ideas swimming around in my head and I’ve had trouble focusing on anything. 30’s blouse? Hats? Regency stays? A shiny shirt for Chris? I’m also thinking about […]

Blue Skies – Vintage Lifestyle Playlist

April 19, 2011

When I’m in the mood for music, the playlist that I reach for most often is my Vintage Lifestyle playlist. These are the songs that, to me, most strongly evoke another era and take me back in time. The tracks tend to be a little […]