My Pretty Top is Out of Stock?

I totally am looking forward to Spring! For one thing I can't wait to see what's new in Spring fashion. Right now what's in fashion is mend, alter, and cut. Pretty much you have to be your own seamstress and pray that you don't end up looking like Lucy on that episode when she made her own dress. Trust me, if that was in real life you will end up in the funny house!

So what's the other option? Well sometimes you do feel like getting something new, fresh, and unused once in a while. I am a girl that loves window shopping online and in person. When I do window shopping I get inspired, I get a work out, and at that moment I have no money!

But then there happened to be that perfect item that I totally would fall in love with. So I wait for several weeks to save up to buy it. Then after several weeks later I have reached my goal and I am ready to make my purchase. I'll run to the store or to my favorite online store, and there it is my perfect top. But then in a matter of seconds my happy face becomes a frown. There underneath my pretty top is an ugly note that reads: Out of Stock!

"What? I can't believe it. But didn't I just came to this store a few days ago and there were still selling my top?"

So then I would try refreshing the page to make sure that it wasn't a computer glitch. I would go around the store to make sure that maybe they must have that shirt in another rack. So after I looked and looked everywhere, I realized that yes my top was sold to that girl that perhaps have not a closet, but a whole room the size of my house full of clothes that she doesn't even wear!

But then do I feel defeated? No! So I go around and look for something similar to my top. I can't get all upset for a top. And plus that top may not even really looked good on me. As a matter of fact I don't even think that I really like the colors.

Then there in front of me I found another pretty top. This top has everything that I was looking for. The cut is perfect. The pattern is pretty, just the way I love it. It's in my favorite color. This is definitively the top for me!

So then later on that evening as I would leave the house with my hubby for a nite out he ask me, "That is a nice top. Where did you get it?"

"Oh this old thing. Well I got it out of my closet. I totally forgot I even had it."

"Well it's looks great on you!"

"Thank you baby!"

That sure made my day. Hubby loves my top. I didn't spend a dime. Here it was the complement that I was looking for.

In a way that "Out of Stock", can be a blessing in disguise.



Chao,


Carmen

The Office Secretary Outfit

A lot of gals have had to go back to the workforce. And that means one thing: Shopping time! Now because fashion seems to change in a blink of an eye and the budget is tight the best solution is then to shop for a smart classic look.

Here is my take of the office secretary classic outfit. I totally love this office secretary ensemble that I found at Mod Cloth ! The dress is by Bettie Page. And even though I don't work at an office building, I still consider myself my husband's secretary. Just a few minutes ago he asked me where his favorite pen was. Well, besides helping him look for lost items, I take care of our house budget. I pay the bills. And I make suggestions with many purchases, like finding our cute little home and our automobile.

And of course for his appreciation of my hard work he brings me flowers! Like he did yesterday.




These glamours metallic pinkish gray sandals from Zappos and made by Naturalizer will look great with your new classic secretary dress! Just remember to make sure that your toes are beautifully polished. It's important to always look presentable, no matter how crazy things get.






Now a secretary always makes sure to carry her notebook, pens, cell phone, and of course her compact powder. And what best then this powdery pink handbag by McKlein to complete the look! Now the only way that you can purchase this bag is if your boss gives you a rise. So be brave and ask for one!


Yes, gals you too can look put together with this classic secretary outfit no matter if you work at home or at the office.



Chao,


Carmen

The Gibson Girl

Have you ever heard about the Gibson Girl? The picture above is by Charles Dana Gibson. He was an American graphic artist that created his pen sketch collection of the Gibson Girl. His designs was an iconic representation of the beautiful and independent American woman at the turn of the 20th century.

Mr. Gibson works were depicted in major publications like Life magazines, Harpers Weekly, and Collier's. From late nineteenth and early twentieth Gibson's fictional images were extremely popular. There was merchandising of "saucers, ashtrays, tablecloths, pillow covers, chair covers, souvenir spoons, screens, fans, umbrella stands", all bearing her image.

Some people argue that the "Gibson Girl" was the first national standard for feminine beauty. All I could say is that I totally love this art! Mr. Gibson made sketches look pretty and delicate.



This is my Gibson Girl tote bag that I had bought several years ago from the Victorian Trading Company. It is still one of my favorites!




And by the way Victorian Trading Company carries several designs of the Gibson Girl. Just the other day I told my hubby that we were down to just two drinking glasses. And when I went to check out the latest thing in this store I was excited to see these pretty Gibson Girl glasses!


Perfect for a party with girlfriends!



Chao,


Carmen

Research: Wikipedia. Photo: Creative Commons. Copyright Has Expired.

40's Style Silky Dress

Today was a pretty winter's day. So I felt like taking my camera and doing some photo shoot in my backyard. Because it has been so cold here in Florida, I haven't had a chance to wear short sleeve dresses in a while. So today was a perfect day to wear my silky black dress from JCPenny's!




One of the best features of this dress is the style and the cut. And although this dress is not vintage, it definitely has that 40's vintage flare, which I absolutely love!





To add a little sparkle to my ensemble, I added my silvery necklace and earrings that I got from Avon!






The best feature of this dress is the empire style top. Here you can appreciate the details of the design. Very couture chic don't you think?






I added my silvery bow belt to the dress. Not too bad looking.







To finish my photo shoot I did a swing. Then I came back inside my house because it started to get cold again.




Chao,



Carmen







True Fact: I used to love dancing to the fifties. When I was in my mid 20's I attended a friend's party and I started to dance to the twist. Then all of the sudden I twisted my knee out of the socket. That was the end of my twisting days. When I went to see my doctor he said that he used to see more patient with this problem way back in his days. Now I understand why so many middle age folks are having knee surgery.

Photos: Copyright © 2010 Carmen Johnson.

Retro Barbie Doll!

I always wanted to start my own retro Barbie doll Collection. And for the past several years Barbie Reproduction Dolls have been making a comeback, which is great for any who is starting to collect them! I am not thinking to have a big collection. I like to keep things simple and easy to manage. Though I would still like to have a couple of dolls, dresses, and retro accessories.




I think I will start my collection with the Barbie's 50 Anniversary Doll. This Barbie has always been my favorite! I love her stripe bathing suit. She also comes with her cocktail black dress and shoes. She is a Classic!







They other day I realized that I lost my favorite umbrella. I wanted to get an umbrella that was both retro and chic. And sure enough when I saw this cute Barbie umbrella on my Avon Page, I immediately added to my wish list!







The neat thing about Barbie is that at times she is featured in neat products. Here Barbie is being featured in Stila cosmetics! I think it's so retrochic!


Recently I came across Michelle Phan's Barbie Transformation Tutorial. She has become one of the most popular girl's in Youtube! Her Barbie video is of a modern Barbie look, which was pretty neat. But if you would like to see a vintage Barbie transformation you should see Johanna Öst Barbie look. I think she did a phenomenal job looking like a real life vintage Barbie!




Have a great week!



Chao,


Carmen

My Besame Cosmetics!

I am totally excited because I just received my very first Besame Cosmetics products! A few months ago I had the privilege in interviewing the owner and founder of Besame Cosmetics Inc, Gabriela Hernandez. When I read how much thought went into making theses products, I wanted to try them myself. And I have to tell you that I am a very HAPPY customer!

Over the years I have tried different kinds of beauty products, and I have never used anything like Besame Cosmetics! These products are 100% luxurious! From the beautifully retro designed packaging, to the very lush quality of the products itself, there are no comparison!

Did you know that Besame Cosmetics are the only reproduction beauty products there is? That is why you can't find anything like this.

I couldn't keep all the excitement to myself. So I wanted to share with you my little treasure!




So here is what I got:

• Red Velvet: Voluptuous Lip Cololur
• Signature Compact with Cashmere Pressed Powder/ Medium
• Peacock Blue Shadow
• Black Pear Shadow
  

This is my new and now favorite compact! I was blown away by the porcelain affect this powder had on my skin! You won't need to apply foundation with this compact, which is excellent for that girl on the run! Also, Isn't she a doll? What I love is that both my compact and my eye shadows come with their own red velvet pouch. Such glamours girls, just like their mom!





My Red Velvet lipstick is now one of my favorites lipstick! When I first tried this lipstick I couldn't believe how lush it was! The coverage was excellent! I also love the yummy chocolaty scent it has. My lipstick came with it's own lip liner and a little brush applique. And she also came with her own velvety black pouch.





Last but not least, this is that perfect retro eyeshadow that I have been looking for! When I finished applying my new Besame Cosmetics eyeshadow, I immediately felt that it completed and complemented my retro look! I knew that it was a keeper!

I am thrilled to announce that I am a new Besame Girl! So if you any questions about these beautiful products or if you would like to sell them in your beauty salon you can contact me at anytime! My email is: retrotimesproductions@yahoo.com


And if you would like to purchase these products for yourself you may visit: Besame Cosmetics.




Chao,



Carmen










Photos: Copyright © 2010 Carmen Johnson.

Black & White Fashion

I have always loved black and white clothes. I think a basic black and white dress is super chic. And like a little black dress, I believe that a black and white dress completes any girl's wardrobe. The pretty dresses that are here are from my favorite store Mod Cloth! I love going window shopping in this store, because it gives me some inspiration as what to look for when I go to my local thrift store.


By the way, aren't these cute outfits so Parisian looking?






This is a great idea if you have a simple black dress. By just adding a black and white bow, you have a complete new outfit!






This black and white dress is totally a mod dress! Great for grabbing it out of the closet when running late for work.







This chic dress has a performers flare to it, which is retro hip. Just add a little pop out red lipstick and you will be ready for that movie date!


I am totally loving my online window shopping!




Chao,



Carmen

Retro Shopping at Target!

As a retro lover, I spend some of my time researching and browsing through the internet and visiting my favorites vintage stores. Two days ago, I decided to visit some stores that I haven't been in a while. So I went to Target, looking for that special item, and there it was, not one, nor two, but a whole collection of retro dresses and accessories for sale! I was totally blown away by all of these selections! For the last two days I have been walking on cloud nine.


Here are just a few retro items that caught my eye:


























And the best part in shopping at Target, is the unbeatable price!



Chao,



Carmen

Phonograph Gallery in Paris

I always wanted to have a phonograph! Playing an old record on a phonograph is like trying on a vintage dress, until you wear it you don't have the full vintage experience. Several months ago we went to a vintage shop and saw this beautifully elegant phonograph. And the best part of it was that it was a working phonograph! Now what are the odds of that? And of course because it was in mint working condition, and well persevered it was always very expensive.

I came across a website called "Phonogallery". They are located in Paris France, of course. They sell phonographs, gramophones, cylinders, and much more. They also sell phonograph parts, and they even repair them, which is great if you happened to buy one that doesn't work. And if you happened to be working on a project and need a phonograph, well they to rent them out! Now that is swell!


Here are some pictures from their gallery:




















And if you happened to know of a nice little old lady that is giving away her phonograph, just let me know, I will send my agent over. Thanks!




Chao,



Carmen

Photos: Photogallerie.com on Flickr Creative Commons.

In Vogue: The Illustrated History

The other day hubby and I went to the book store for some relaxation and inspiration. Yes, we both are book worm, though he more than me. We have this routine where we both get our different reading materials and then we meet in one of those comfy chairs. So I went to my favorite girly fashion and beauty isle, while he went to the history section. Then that is when I saw the new beautifully illustrated book, "In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine." I have been wanting to get my hands on this book since it's been out. And there it was right in front of my nose!

This book is a compilation of illustrations and fashion of Vogue magazine throughout history. My first impression: This book is dark, tall, and handsome!

The white and black photograph on the cover of the book caught my attention. I wanted to right away dive into it's pages. This book is as big as an encyclopedia! So when I tried to pick it up from the shelf, I realized that I needed man power. So I asked hubby to help me take it to my seat.

After I finally sat down and got cozy, and I opened the first few pages, I knew that this will be a book that many fashionistas would want to have. This book is filled with vintage pictures and illustrations that made Vogue famous. I especially loved the stories behind the scenes. You will get to learn the different takes and techniques that photographers had back many years ago. It's interesting to note how models and fashion have changed over the years. As a retrochic, I loved looking at the fashion photos of the 20's through the 60's.

For me this book is one of the most beautiful fashionpedia book that I have ever seen. If you like Vogue, fashion, and history of fashion this is the book for you!

I wish that I could have taken this book home. It is quite the price for my modest pocketbook. At the book store it cost $75. But don't worry, you can still buy it used for about half the price, which is worth every penny!


I just love fashion inspiration!



Chao,



Carmen

Train Traveling Case

My dream vacation will be to travel with hubby by train through Europe! Just thinking about it makes my heart warm and cozy. And what girl doesn't want a lovely traveling case to take with her?

I had spotted this vintage traveling case a few months ago at an Etsy shop called Nineteen O' Three. And like an elegant lady, it is waiting for someone to ask her for a dance. The seller did a wonderful job in restoring the traveling case. She even added a few little touches here and there, making this traveling case one of a kind.

Sooo retro Parisian!
















I haven't gone to my favorite vintage shop in a while. I am hoping that one of these days a nice traveling case like this one shows up. And I will make sure to give it a great home!


Hope that you all have a pleasant weekend!



Chao,



Carmen

Sock Dreams & Inspirations

I am totally ecstatic that finally Florida is cooling off! Time to take out those warm socks. And what better than these fabulous looking socks from Sock Dreams! They are so chic and classy and there will keep your footsies warm and happy.

As a Retro Reporter I am always looking for people, places, and things that inspires me. Through Dolly Dahl, I heard about the very talented Emily Martin. This artist and designer sells her cute art collection at her Etsy store called the The Black Apple. Not only was her art inspiring, but I found that Emily had a unique sense of style.

Emily knows how to add a little whimsical flare, to her retrochic look. And one of her signature looks are these knee high socks. I totally love how she is able to pull out her unique outfits and still look ladylike and classy!

I am sure that you too will love visiting her blog!




B. ella Gigia Microfiber Trouser Socks





Liza Polka Dot Knee Socks





B. ella Alessa Argyle Trouser Socks





B.ella Lena Diamond Trouser Socks



Don't you love these Parisian looking socks?



They are sooo dreamy!





Chao,



Carmen

P.S. I am hoping to hear from Emily for an interview on my Time Warp Wives website. I know that her vintage fashion will inspire many.

Knitted Fashion Patterns

The cold season is the only time that I get to wear my knitted clothes, and that means about a few cold snaps here, and there. Oh, well that is how Florida winter is. Anyhow, here I found some inspiration for vintage knitted fashion that I know you will absolutely love!

To always looking stylish in knitted clothes you have to make sure that it's fitted. An over sized and bulky knitted outfit will make you look heavier. These samples will get you going to how to correctly wear a knitted outfit and still feeling pretty!
















All these knitted fashion patterns are from Iva Rose Vintage Reproduction. If you know how to knit these patterns are for sale! And if you don't know how to knit, this will be a great time to learn!



Chao,



Carmen

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