Stepford Factory

Artists from around the world are committed to draw once a year. They call it "Drawing Day." So last year, on the Drawing Day, I went ahead and brushed up on my drawing. Back then, I haven't drawn for some time. I had to kind of practice shapes and forms to get my hand to the artist mode. It took me awhile until I finally felt comfortable with drawing in pencil again.

"Now what should I draw?" I asked myself. I wanted to draw something totally different from my usual Bohemian Girl Collection. I wanted it to be unique and unusual, but still in the Retro Pop Art category. I thought then of something that reminded me of Retro living. So the Stepford Wives movie came to mind. Yes, I have to admit I liked that movie. It's funny because I love to be the typical Homemaker Wife. Even though the movie was kind of making fun of the cookie cutter wife, I thought that it made my homemaker skills look easier.

I started to make a mannequin form, that was fitted with an apron and I added a touch of sparkle with a pearl necklace. Then I drew a face of a mannequin, which as you can see I added for the background effect. Then I repeated the mannequin forms and just changed her dress colors, to give it that Pop Art look. And viola, my freshly made Retro Pop Art " Stepford Factory" came about!


My "Stepford Factory" design is being featured below in this Jumbo size tote bag! Click the bag to visit my Bohemian Girl Shop!




You can visit my shop at anytime and see my other retro pop designs at Bohemian Girl Shop!


Have a fun weekend!


P.S. If you happened to enjoy the Stepford's Wives movie, you are for sure going to enjoy the article "How To Be a Stepford" on the Time Warp Wives website.


My Stepford Factory design is copyrighted by Carmen Johnson.

Fall Fashion Mirage

This Summer's heat is making me have a Fall Fashion mirage. Designer Alexander McQueen is always bringing to the cat walk many unique designs. At a distance I had spot some lovely outfits from Alexander's collection. I am excited to share with you my personal favorite picks!

Enjoy!



Black is always elegant. Here the designer wasn't afraid to make an all black outfit. What makes this outfit work are it's tailored classic lines. The top piece flares out a bit to add a feminine look. Very dramatic, I might add.



The model here is ready to go horseback riding. These fall colors work so well together! The trousers are in a mocha color. The fitted jacket is in a creamy light brown color. The golden fur scarf adds a punch of color to the ensemble.



Ready for a trip to the big city? I totally love Argyle! The model here is not only wearing Argyle socks, but she is also wearing Argyle gloves. The designer added additional top layers with the jacket and with the scarf. And he kept a tailored look for the pencil skirt.



The little black dress is here redefined! The designer kept the top part of the dress feminine with an off the shoulder neck line. The middle part of the dress was kept sleek and form fitting. And the element of surprise is the bottom bubble design.


Red is one of my favorites pop out color for when I wear black. Here the model is wearing a lovely red shiny mod sleeveless dress. Underneath she is wearing black fitted long sleeves and tights.

In all of these different ensembles the model is wearing pretty much the same accessories: Black or dark brown hat, black ankle boots, and the different gloves.


I am sure that these ensembles will inspire you
to add new style to your fall wardrobe!



Thanks to Cafe Hangout for the pictures!

Love Retro Shoes!

Why girls love high heels? What is not to love. High heels makes us look taller, our legs longer and our gluteal muscles more defined. And as we all know what completes a good outfit are a great pair of shoes. Ladies, the key here is to find that special on-of-a-kind shoe that will never go out of style and that goes well with most of your outfits.

I found these cute retro shoes at Daddy O's that will be perfect to wear for different occasions!

I just love these unique shoes!




These shoes are like retro Parisian! These lovely black t-strap vintage inspired heels have white piping, peep toe and double buckle closure. I love the cone heels, which are perfect for dancing!




I love these black and white polka dot shoe with red accents! These shoes have a peek- a -boo toe, which is so stylish!




As you probably have noticed I love everything black and white. And these Mary Janes black shoes with white trim are so the kind that I will always wear. Aren't they sophisticated?


Happy shoe shopping!


All of these shoes featured in today's post are from Daddy O's.

Pamper Your lips

Here are several lovely vintage reproduction beauty lip products that I found at Victorian Trading Co. I totally love these organic products, that I had to add it to my wish list! These beauty products come in vintage inspired containers. Aren't they so retrochic? I totally feel pretty already!


Brambleberry Rose Lip Balm

Essences of vanilla, honey and wild berry are infused within shea butter with Vitamin E. The emollient may be applied to pulse points or lips. 0.8 oz. tin.




Cornucupia Lip Satin

Black currant, pomegranate and plum are peppered with mint-spice, citrus and vanilla infused in a sumptuous smile emollient. Antique-inspired tin. 5 oz. Made in Australia.




Organic Lip Balm

"All the Better to Kiss You With..." Chai Mandarin, Lavender Vanilla and Pepperminty....no artificial anything in three varieties of delectable kisses.


Visit Victorian Trading Co. to purchase these and other goodies!

Picture:Wikipedia Commons

Soft Hair and Makeup!

These are some close-up photo shoot that I took with my lacy slip dress. Whenever I wear something soft and feminine it makes me feel romantic! So I decided to add some soft waves to my hair, which I did by doing pin-curls. For my makeup, I wore a soft rosy-brown lipstick for my lips. And for my eyes I applied a golden-white eye shadow. And to complete the whole look, I delineated my eyes with liquid eye liner and extended an upper cat- eye tip.

And viola! A soft and romantic look, perfect for a diner date!











I just love being a girl!

My Traveling Luggage

Here is my circa 1940's vintage luggage that I own! I had bought my luggage at my favorite thrift store back in January before heading to the 2009 Art Deco Festival.



I have been wanting to get a vintage luggage that was sturdy, elegant, and 40's looking. I was thrilled that it was exactly the kind of luggage that I was looking for!



There are so many pluses about my vintage luggage. When I traveled to Miami Beach with my luggage, I was confident that she could handle toughness. Besides being nice and sturdy, she is in great mint condition and she came with a set of keys, which makes it so more secure for traveling. Can you believe that she only cost me $11, yes very affordable! And last but not least, when I started to pack my things, she was able to accommodate my clothes, hats, and purses perfectly!


I just love a great vintage find!


See you next week!


Chao,


Carmen

A Helpless Romantic

What girl is not a helpless romantic? I totally fall into that category. And what best than Miss Jane Austen to inspire us through her novels that there is hope in love. Jane Austen novels are my favorite! Her stories are sweet, funny, proper and of course romantic. Jane Austen stories has gone from the pages of a book to the big screen. When you see one of Austen's novels you will be swept off your feet to cloud nine while a wave of emotions overpower your senses. And that my dear, is what a good story does.

Introductions of My favorite Austen's Novels

Sense and Sensibility:

Elinor and Marianne are two daughters of Mr. Dashwood by his second wife. They have a younger sister, Margaret, and an older half-brother named John. When their father dies, the family estate passes to John and the Dashwood women are left in reduced circumstances. Fortunately, a distant relative offers to rent the women a cottage on his property.

The novel follows the Dashwood sisters to their new home, where they experience both romance and heartbreak. The contrast between the sisters' characters is eventually resolved as they each find love and lasting happiness. This leads some to believe that the book's title describes how Elinor and Marianne find a balance between sense and sensibility in life and love.

Pride and Prejudice:

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's five daughters are all unmarried, and when a rich, amiable young man moves into the neighbourhood, Mrs. Bennet hopes to secure him as a husband for her beautiful, eldest daughter, Miss Jane Bennet. The growing relationship, however, is sabotaged by the young man's haughty friend, Mr Darcy, who regards the match as unsuitable.

When Mr Darcy in turn falls in love with the second Bennet daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, his condescending offer of marriage is rejected by Elizabeth with scorn and the connection seems over. However, events conspire to bring the various parties together despite the obstacles and misunderstandings that separate them. Pride on one side and prejudice on the other are slowly overcome and the characters come to a better knowledge of themselves and each other.

Emma:

Was used as a loose adaptation for the movie "Clueless" with Alicia Silverstone.

Emma Woodhouse is a young woman in Regency England. She lives in Surrey in the village of Highbury with her father, a valetudinarian (one who is afraid they will become ill) who is principally characterized by excessive concern for the health and safety of his loved ones. Emma's friend and only critic is the gentlemanly Mr. Knightley, her neighbour from the adjacent estate of Donwell, and brother of her elder sister Isabella's husband. As the novel opens, Emma has just attended the wedding of Miss Taylor, her old governess and best friend. Having introduced Miss Taylor to her future husband, Mr Weston, Emma takes credit for their marriage, and decides that she rather likes matchmaking.

Jane Austen World:

Are you a Austen's Fan? Jane Austen's World is a lovely blog that talks about everything of Jane Austen. In this blog you will find excerpts and reviews about Jane Austen novels, historical details of the 19th century, social customs, dress, food and extra things about the Regency Era. I am sure that you will enjoy this open invitation into Jane Austen World.

Step into Jane Austen World: http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/

You can visit The Jane Austen Center gift shop at:

Jane Austen Gift Shop

Information:Wikipedia

Photo: Audrey Hepburn Life Magazine

All About Aprons

Aren't these aprons cute? There are from Anthropologie and are now in my wish list! I so love these aprons designs for so many reasons. First these aprons are so classy. I believe that no matter what we are doing, even when we are baking a batch of cookies, it is always nice for a girl to look stylish and classy! Also these aprons are full length and they are not like plain Janes, they look like pretty summer dresses. That will mean that your getting an apron and also a dress at the same time. What a great two for one deal! I just love it!

Now the problem will be if I would want to wear one of these aprons while I am cooking. I don't want to ruin my apron with chocolate-flour-egg-mix, that won't look too classy.












Now, I am all inspired to cook today!


True Fact: I only own one vintage apron that I bought from Ebay. It is very girly, perhaps a little young looking. Also my vintage apron is not full length. Many times I have to change my top before having diner. I am very clumsy and my kitchen get's pretty messy when I cook. I just don't why? Sometimes I feel just taking a shower after cooking. T. V cooking shows look so easy. I might have to practice being neat when I cook. Martha do you have any tips for me?

Meet Me Tonight

Copyright 2009 Carmen Johnson

I have always love the romantic scene of Paris! So that was why I created my design "Meet Me Tonight". I wanted a couple in this romantic setting with a Paris water fountain as a background. I wanted to create a lovely night ambiance with a ray of moonlight that would fall gently on the water fountain without disturbing the love birds.

Before I had made the water fountain I saw several European water fountains with its statues forms. So I decided to create several women in gowns like they were holding the top part of the fountain.

The couple are featured like being in an old black and white photograph. And to add to the romance, I wanted for the guy to surprise his gal with a red rose. What girl won't be excited to receive a rose from her sweetheart?

My design " Meet Me Tonight," is being featured below in this Jumbo size tote bag! Click the bag to visit my Bohemian Girl Shop!



Shop at and see my other retro pop designs at Bohemian Girl Collection!

All designs are copyrighted by Bohemian Girl Collection.

Bows & Pin-Stripes

I have a great issue of a Bazaar Harper magazine that had Victorian girls wearing vertical stockings. I always wanted to see how a pair of vertical stockings would look on me. So I was excited when I received my stockings by mail, I just couldn't wait to try them right away!



As a petite woman, I am always trying to add some inches, either by wearing heels or a tall hairdo.



So when I first tried on my new pin-stripe stockings, I totally loved the effect! My legs looked lean and tall!



One of my favorite part of my pin-stripe stockings and my shoes are the satin bows! Aren't these cute? So Parisian!



My whole ensemble!

*Black dress ~ JCrew.
*Pin-stripe stockings~ Sock Dreams.
*Black & White t-strap shoes~ Newport.


Chao,


Carmen

An Interview with Stephanie Strowbridge!

The interview that I had with Stephanie was exciting for me for two reasons. First, I was so thrilled to interview such a talented woman that specializes in retro hairdo's! And second, this was the commencement of my Retro Reporting career!

Here in The Retrochic Corner, I will be featuring every month an interview
that I am sure will inspire you!

Enjoy!


“I would describe myself as a Timewarpian. I definitely stick out like a sore thumb! But that is OK with me!”

Stephanie Strowbridge specializes in hair styles from 1930's-1960's. Besides being a part-time hairdresser, she is also a busy wife and mother. Stephanie is a huge fan of Vincent Price, she loves watching classic movies, and almost always wears a scarf.

Read more of Stephanie's interview

at: Time Warp Wives!

See you next week!

Vintage Inspired Photography!

These vintage inspired photographs are from my latest favorite website store, Sadie Olive. This online vintage inspired store is so delightful, that it's like visiting a European boutique!

Sadie Olive is not only a vintage and vintage inspired boutique. But they also provide web and blog designs and professional photography services. It is certainly an all stop place for all you vintage lovers!

Aren't these photographs so lovely?

I am totally inspired!



















By the way most of the items in these pictures are ready for purchasing!


Come and visit Sadie Olive shop today!


Pictures provided with permission by Sadie Olive.

Bohemian Girl Coffee Mugs!

These are my Bohemian Girl Collection Coffee Mugs! The girls represented in my art are wearing their signature flower flapper hats.
What girl doesn't want to look stylish?

Now you can enjoy that delicious morning cup of coffee or that soothing evening green tea, with style!


This mug has my Bohemian Girl Collection logo signature design. This sleek design is an inspiration from my love of retro pop art. So chic isn't it?



Here are "All The Girls", from my International BG Collection design. It is nice to see that a retro girl comes in different hairdos and colors!




Step into my Bohemian Girl Collection shop,
to visit and purchase these chic mugs!

Pigtails with a French Twist!

My hair is a bit long right now for this hot Summer weather. So what do I do to remedy this? Pigtails! I know that I am past the pigtails age. Though being that I love retro hairdo's, I wanted to give my pigtails a more sophisticated look. And I think I made it work!


What I did was that I first parted my hair on the side.


Then I got my bangs into a half high french twist. To keep it in place, I used bobby pins.


I then section my right and left hair towards behind my ears, and made two evenly pigtails.


And viola, you get a retro pigtails hairdo with a French twist!


What a great Summer hairdo!



I am loving it!

Melting For an Ice Cream

I don't know about you, but it is hot here in Florida! Today I am totally melting for an ice cream. I am so happy that somebody came up with such a delicious idea! I just love the smooth feel of an ice cream going down my throat on a hot day like today.

And you know what I would add to that ice cream to make it perfect? A trip to Europe. Just imagine walking through Paris, Italy, Amsterdam, Spain, while having a frozen ice cream! That would be so dreamy...



Hers & His Neapolitan Ice cream . I have a husband that loves me so dearly. But when it comes to ice cream he want his own . And I wouldn't mine to also enjoy my own three scoops of Neapolitan ice cream. There are some things that are best enjoyed individually, yet together.




I think that this might be a pistachio ice cream. No matter how much ice cream you have eaten, the best part of an ice cream is that last little bit left. Good to the end!




So this is me having a chocolate cone ice cream. Not! I wish that that could be me! I love chocolate, and chocolate ice cream is my favorite, though I could just eat little bits of it. You remember that part from the Willy Wonka movie, when the little boy fell on that chocolate pool? I wish that I had a chocolate pool in my house. The only problem that I would have is to try to keep the flies away.




Your tour of the Tower of Pisa would be more memorable, when you enjoy it with a couple of scoops of ice cream. Warning: For your safety and that of other visitors. We recommend for you not to eat pasta, pizza and that gelato before you take our tour. If you have eaten one or all of these food mentioned, we prefer that you come back tomorrow on an empty stomach. Sorry for the inconvenience.




Please, don't jump in that water! You will ruin that great hand carved vanilla ice cream. You will feel better when you do taste that ice cream. Life will be so much sweeter. So, if you don't mind, may I have your ice cream if you decide to take a dip in this chocolate pool? I promise that I will enjoy every bit of it.


I love a cool & tasty Summer!


Photos: Creative Commons Flickr