Half The Bootsy

It seems like Florida didn't get the memo that we are already in Fall. In the meanwhile I am looking for Boots inspiration. These cute bootys by La Canadienne reminds me of times gone by, when Parisian women wore hats, gloves, and drove buggies.

These classic boots are definitely unique. These are that kind of boots that are stylish and yet dependable. When you choose boots you want to always make sure that they will stand against harsh elements. These boots are crafted by the using only Italian materials. It is true that these shoes are a bit costly, though they are a great investment for years to come.

I chose these bootsy, that had each a different style and color. As a boot lover you can never have enough boots to wear. Boots are like shoes, they each have their own personality.







Want to meet some friends at a café ? These brown boots are casual yet super chic!







Do you want to perk yourself up? I recommend that you wear these perky red pair!







Want to imagine that are going on a diner date in Paris? These lace-up black bootsy are the ones for you!






For more boosty inspiration you can go to Zappos!




Have a great weekend!



Chao,



Carmen

Hair Accesories

As you have perhaps notice in my A Date in Celebration video I was wearing a flower in my hair. I totally love how it added that feminine touch to my retro outfit. Flowers in the hair will make any woman feel beautiful.

At Etsy, I found these lovely flower hair pieces from Sara Peach's Hair Accessories that you will absolutely love!




Moss green flower with velvet organza petals, and peacock feathers.






White Orchid with Ivory Pearls.








Red Rose with Red Feathers.





I feel so romantic!




Chao,



Carmen

I Have A Crush on Cracker Barrel!

I have always loved homestyle cooking! And whenever I want that special home food meal and I don't feel like cooking, I go to one of my favorites restaurants Cracker Barrel. For any of you that haven't heard or haven't been to Cracker Barrel you are missing one of the best restaurants in the U.S!

Cracker Barrel is a vintagey restaurant chain known for it's homestyle food. The store is easy to spot because it looks like a an old country store with wooden sides and a large porch. When you first step into the store you are warmly greeted by an hostess. The whole store is decorated like a vintage barn home, with old fashion tins, photographs, lamps and all types of country decor
that takes you to that simple home living.

The food is not only delicious and succulent, but it is also less expensive than other restaurants. And there is so much good food to choose from. For Meats you have: Fried, Grilled, or Baked Chicken. Turkey, Pork Chops, Meat Loaf, Roast Beaf, Country Ham, and Fish. For Vegetables you have: Corn, Green Beans, Turnip Greens, Pinto Beans, and Cole Slaw. And for other type of sides you have: Mashed Potatoes, Hashbrown Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, Fried Apples, Dupplins, Apple Sauce, Cottage Cheese, and Corn Muffins.

And of course we can't forget their breakfast food. Cracker Barrel is known for their tasty
Blueberries Pancakes, Grits, Eggs, and Buttermilk Biscuit with Sawmill Gravy.

Want to reminiscence the past? You should try their root beer!

Make sure that you have room for their nice Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola^® Cake! And the ice creams, and the pies. I am telling you, the food is amazing here!

Now one of the other fun thing about this restaurant is that they also sell cute gifts for you and your home. So you can leave full and satisfied with a little scented candle or kitchen towel as part of the whole Cracker Barrel experience! How fun is that?



Want to make great pancakes like the ones from Cracker Barrel? Well, you can! Cracker Barrel sell this Pancake Mix and other food and gift items in their online store!


Last week my hubby and I had a wonderful time at Cracker Barrel. Whenever we go is like we are going on a date. We left happy and in love!





Chao,


Carmen

Photo: Creative Commons and Cracker Barrel

An Interview with Marzipan Jones!

Time Warp Living has always fascinated me. As a Retrotimes Reporter I have enjoyed talking with many people that love living in the past. Now there is one particular gal that wanted to see how it would be to live vintage.

Last year in 2008 Marzipan Jones lived as a 1950’s housewife. Her most difficult challenge was not being a housewife or a mom, but rather that she had to be made up everyday; dresses, stockings and heels while she performed her housewife duties.

Several months later Marzipan Jones realized that living as a 50's housewife wasn't as easy as she thought it was going to be. One of the things that she had mentioned in her blog was that she felt she was somehow missing her real self. Eventhough she didn't complete her year long vintage living experiment, she was brave enough to had start it in the first place.


Here is an excerpt of her interview:

“I've learned that the homemakers back then were some tough broads! You had to be in order to get everything done in such a stylish and gracious manner without expecting a salary in return.”

We asked Marzipan what is the 50’s year housewife. “The 50's year housewife is Marzipan Jones, my alter ego. I'm basically living out the next year as a stereotypical 50's housewife and following the golden rules of such wifedom.”

Marzipan Jones had been meaning to conduct a year-long experiment for a long time and always had the idea of “doing a 50's year” in the back of her mind. “I've always been extremely interested in 50's pop culture: the music, the literature, the films, and especially the clothes! And as a feminist who respects a woman's choice to stay home, I always found the 50's notion of a June Cleaver-type to be both intriguing and a bit frightening."

To read more of Marzipan Jones interview you can visit:

Time Warp Wives Interviews.


Have a fun day!



Chao,


Carmen

Paris By Night Earrings!

I am excited to model these lovely Paris By Night earrings by Avon! These vintage looking earrings are now my favorite! These silverstone Paris inspired earrings are so sophisticated, chic, and very unique. When I first wore these earrings, I was wearing a simple outfit. I didn't really needed any other jewelry, because it gave my outfit just that perfect touch of sparkle.

Now the fun doesn't end there! Avon made Paris By Night a whole collection of jewelry: earrings, necklaces and rings! You can always wear any of these beauties and take Paris with you any where you go.




Aren't these earrings retrochic perfect? I am in love with my new earrings! These earrings can be yours also. And they are now for sale on My Avon website shop page! If you have any questions about these gorgeous earrings feel free to contact me anytime.



O la la, Paris!



Chao,



Carmen

Self Service is for the Birds!

Today while my hubby and I where in the gas station, I happened to see a lady using a tire gauge. I thought for a moment how I admire an independent woman that knows how to take care of her car. And the reason that I thought this was because I am not such a woman.
If I ever have to air up my tire, I will be an a pickle!

You see even if I know how to air up my car, I rather not do it. And that goes for anything that is involved with car maintenance. I don't intend to learn how to use a tire gauge, air up my tire, much less change a tire.

Even when it comes to gasing up my car, I rather have somebody else do it for me. The gas fumes make me dizzy and I don't like that I have to touch the "thingy" hose (hubby just told me it's called, nozzle). Everytime I have to gas up my car I feel like I need to go home and take a shower. I can't help it, I am a girly girl.

Scenario: Here you are about to go to a job interview. You noticed that your gas is low. You drive to the cheapest gas station. You get out of your car wearing your favorite shoes. You gas up the car, gasoline drops fall on your shoes and your life is ruined!

Wish: That somebody was there to help you.

Solution: Please bring back the boys! Bring back the full service gas station attendants!


Wouldn't it be nice to stay in your car and have somebody take care of the dirty job? I know that you have to tip these hard working boys. Though it would be worth every dollar that you give them!



Full Service Please!



Chao,



Carmen

Photo: Creative Commons

Aviator Outfits

Do you need some new fall fashion inspiration? These lovely aviator inspired outfits are by HERMÈS! Aren't they out of this world? I am so loving the Amelia Earhart and Steampunk flare in these outfits.

These fall fashion outfits come in different styles and colors. These classic coats are a great investment for many fall and winter years to come. Classic clothes are always in style! Don't you love that?




Khaki color jacket. This coat has a slight shine to it, which gives it that rich glow.






Off-black color A line coat dress with hoodie. Perfect for that evening date in town!





Bronze color jacket and skirt. The fur adds that glamorous look!






Dark wine color jacket with pencil line skirt. This rich color is bold and yet feminine.



And to complete these looks you can add a pair of these vintage inspired goggles at: Gentleman's Emporium.



Have a great fall!




Chao,



Carmen

Call me Victoria Jones!

I love weekends because it gives me time to reboot my mind. What does a girl to do when she wants to relax? Well, I for one love music. Right now I am enjoying a little bit of oldies before I watch the online Cicada Club performers. I am listening to Bing Crosby, the Andrew sisters and Billie Holiday. When I listen to this music I imagine that I am a jazz singer star back from the 40's. And that my name is Victoria Jones. I just love it!

I always wanted to learn how to sing. When I was little, I use to perform. I used to sing and dance in front of hundreds of people. It was fun and it had nothing to do with winning an award of any kind. Over the years, as I got older I realized that my voice needed some real tune up. So while I was in junior high I started taking singing lessons. Unfortunately I didn't continue taking the lessons, and my voice stayed stagnant.

I admit that I don't have a great singing voice. Though I am modest enough to say that my voice isn't that bad either. I know that I have plenty of room for improvement.

Would that stop me from singing? No sir! I don't care if I sound like a shaky chicken or a goose. I am proud of my singing voice. Singing makes me happy. And even if I don't fit the standard of perfect voice, when I sing I am Victoria Jones, and yes I have a beautiful voice that will make you melt like a sundae on a winter's day!


I got to go now the Cicada Club Show is on!



Chao,



Carmen Aka Victoria Jones

Street Artist

The other day I told my hubby that I was ready to start drawing again. For several years I have been creating my retro pop art the Bohemian Girl Collection. It's been a while since I got into my artistic frame of mind. Over the years I realized that I have a short attention span when it comes to my creativity. For instance several months ago, I was in the mood to paint the walls of my house. Sure enough after I completed most of that project I was ready to move on to something different.

Now that I am again into my drawing mood, I am going to start dusting off my drawing supplies and start putting it to good use again. Who knows I may one day be a famous artist working in the streets of Paris!



These street artist from Paris could be one day my coworkers...



So I don't think you need canvas to paint. What a great idea!







Perhaps I could sing a little, that way I get peoples attention. I am taking notes.






What if I lost my voice after I sang the whole week? I would have to move on to Plan B: Wear a stripe outfit, layer my face with white makeup, and smile.



Give these artist a round of applause for their creativity!




Have a fun weekend!



Chao,



Carmen

Photos: Creative Commons

Body Butter

Now that the cold season is on it's way, I have to make sure to maintain a healthy and soft skin. I don't know about you, when I don't put on my creams my skin turns into an alligator skin. It not only looks bad, but it feels bad also. Trust me it isn't a nice sight!

I am a huge fan of butter creams. I think butter creams are best for my skin. The natural oils penetrates better into the skin, and my skin feels smoother much longer.

Have you heard of Notorious Kitsch? This neat retro online store carry a wide variety of retro products for you and your home! I especially love the body butter that they carry. You will totally enjoy layering your skin with the natural and delicious ingredients.

Recently I interviewed Fiona, the owner of Notorious Kitsch for Time Warp Wives. Fiona is very passionate about her retro store. She loves looking for the best quality items that her customers will love.


To read more of Fiona's interview visit: Time Warp Wives Interviews!


This creamy body butter is an exquisite combination of Peach and Mango extract with added Vitamin E. This lovely cream will naturally replenishes the skin helping to give it a healthy glow. I love a healthy skin glow!




Green Apple, Maple and Blueberry body butter. Rich in natural extracts that help to revitalize and moisturize the skin. I know my skin will love this!




An irresistible, sumptuous combination of nourishing and enticing Strawberry and Vanilla extracts! Now that sounds delicious!



Skin Love!




Chao,



Carmen

Hold on To Your Hats!

The season for hats is here! I am sooo happy because that means that I could finally wear my chic winter hats. I don't own too many hats. The problem is that I keep loosing my hats. I do have though a nice assortment of hats that I could use for this fall and winter. For some reason I loose hats like I loose sunglasses. I don't seem to keep them too long. So I have no choice than to buy more...Oh, well life is tough.

Here are these cute hats from Jasmin Zorlu Millinery. They are that perfect fall and winter hats that you would never want to leave home!


























Love them! If only this Florida weather starts getting cooler.





Chao,



Carmen

Weekend Bag

I am always looking for retro inspired items. So when I spotted this red Original Penguin retro bag from Munsingwear, I knew that it was love at first sight! I always love red handbags. My mom gave me as a gift many years ago a red messenger bag that I used through high school. After then I never go without having at least a red bag in my closet.

This Penguin Retro bag is perfect for that weekend getaway. It is stylish and yet sturdy enough for a trip. This bag comes not only in red, but it also comes in black and white.

Lately I am totally into the 60's fashion. And this red Penguin retro bag is totally a mod bag!



That is why I had to add this bag to my wish list!



Chao,


Carmen

Retro Dining Decor

As an amateur decorator I love getting inspiration all the time. Here I found this retro chic dining nook by Jenn Ski from Apartment Therapy. I totally love the white & chrome 60's dining set!



Paint is the cheapest way to decorate your home. This apple green color makes my mouth water. Great color to open up your appetite!




I am a huge fan of white furniture against a pop out wall color. Here Jenn used white and chrome to accessorize her dining room. She kept this room bold and yet not too cluttered!



I am so inspired!



Chao,



Carmen

Peep Toe Shoes!

There is a lot more choices of shoes around this time of year. One more reason why I am in love with fall!

Here I wanted to share with you these classy peep toe shoes from Ros Hommerson. These shoes look smart for school and yet stylish for an evening out. I love the corset style front with the added lace, sooo cute?

I am totally excited to start wearing my boots. If only this Florida weather start getting cooler. Can you believe that it felt like 104 degrees here? I know that is totally not fair!




Black and sophisticated. This pair can take you from the school library to that date!






Soft like a camel. These shoes will look perfect with a brown chocolate skirt!






Oh la, la romantic red. Red shoes make you fell happy and perky, no matter how cold it is outside!



For more information on these shoes you can visit Zappos online!



Take care,


Chao,


Carmen

Comfort Food

When I am having a crazy day, I think more about food. Doesn't that happen to you, that If you are having a bad day, that you feel like eating something out of the ordinary? When that craving sets off, I can't seem to be happy until I get that sweet, salty, greasy thing in my mouth.





Today I felt like having one of those nasty greasy cheeseburger that you can only get from a diner, the one that the grease and ketchup drips down your mouth! Yummy!





My favorite of all comfort food is chocolate. And I am sure that that is also a big favorite for most people. There you are working at the office and having to put up with a demanding boss, with rude customers, and with dirty mouth coworkers. Buy the end of the day, you just had enough, and you loudly say, " I need a break!"

Then you end up going to that corner place you see everyday, but you never dared to go in. Then it was that day you had enough, you need that break. "Charlie give me a chocolate malt, triple that! I am having a bad day.

I know that kind of sounds like the add of that one hamburger chain. Though there is something true about this statement, in that when we want a break from our problems we tend to want to indulge in some form of food or drink. There is something in our brain that says, " I am stressed, give me food."

So no matter if you have a leaking roof right in the middle of your living room, you are happy because you just had the best french fries in your life! Who cares about the leaking roof, look I am a happy and I have a wonderful life!

There is something about comfort food that no medicine can fix. And that is,


it sure taste good!



Chao,


Carmen

P.S. I took the idea of chocolate malt from the scene of Back to the Future, when Marty's dad George was going to ask Lorraine to the dance. I just love this movie!

Photo: Creative Commons

A Walk in The Park

On Friday hubby and I with doggie took a much needed walk in the park. I love spending quality time with family surrounded by nature. And now that the weather is cooler, I can't wait to do more outdoor activities! I am so fascinated with nature. I love to day-dream of a future day when people will live in harmony with nature.

In the meanwhile I am soaking up the beauty of God's creation, and imagining that
that we spotted far off a castle, that sat so pretty like a jewel in a garden...

just day-dreaming!



Enjoy your weekend!



Chao,


Carmen

Photo: Creative Commons

One of a Kind Fall Fashion

I have always loved unique fashion. So when I saw these stylish 2009 fall fashion by Leifsdottir, I knew that I found one of a kind fashion. Don't you think that these outfits are retro looking with a little steampunk fashion to them? I totally agree!

Most of these lovely designs can be found in Anthropologie. What I like about this store is that they add a little bit of retro flare to their items. Every time I go to this store I come out happy with great fashion ideas. Now that fall is here, why not add a little of pizazz to your wardrobe. Gals, it is time to take out those long forgotten winter accessories and put it to good use!





This fashion is very Russian looking. I love the vintage inspired jacket and the rider hat.





Net pantyhose is a must for the fall, you will look sophisticated while it keeps your legs warm.






The first instance when I saw this dress I thought about a deck of cards. Is like seeing a character from Alice in Wonderland.







You know that I am a big fan of gloves. I love wearing long gloves with a short sleeve dress. I love also the ruffle scarf that this model is wearing. What a great idea if you are going for a more glamours look!



Be inspired and have fun!




Chao,


Carmen