An Interview with Johanna Öst!

One day, when I was looking for retro inspiration online I stumbled upon my next interviewee Johanna Öst! At a first glance when I first saw Johanna's photos she reminded me of Marilyn Monroe. Then as I looked closer I realized that she also resembled Shirley Temple. I won't be surprised that this girl will one day get Hollywood's attention.

This girl from Sweden is not only pretty, but she is very talented and very creative. Johanna arts and illustration are well-known throughout the internet. She is also a history student at her University. And she speaks fluent Swedish and English, and a bit of French.

This gal loves clothes, beauty, and vintage fashion. She started "The Wardrobe Project," to clean out her wardrobe, which I thought was a fun and clever idea for any girl to do. Johanna incorporated every garment into a great outfit, in which she would take a picture of. Now she has a catalog of great outfits for inspiration.

And how she loves Disney and Barbie!


Here is my interview with Johanna Öst:

I've always had this wish to have a 'glamorous' life, which pretty much meant wearing pretty vintagey and princessy outfits all the time, but I never felt like I could give up all the other great clothes that didn't fit that aesthetic. Then my style sort of naturally evolved into that ideal anyway."

Johanna loves clothes, beauty, and vintage fashion. She said that she loves lots of other styles as well, but that she feels the the vintage style is the ultimate for her. As long as she can remember Johanna always loved looking through old magazines and pictures and the typical glamorous 50's and 60's bombshell has always been something of an aesthetic ideal to her.

We asked Johanna what her dream job would be. "I would love to be able to live more comfortably off my art and illustration work, but I'd also love working at a museum with historical clothing. Ideally I'd do both."


To read more visit:
Time Warp Wives Interviews



Chao,



Carmen

An Interview with Candice De Ville!

Whenever I watch an old Hollywood movie, I am not only enjoying the movie itself, but I am also looking for my next retro inspiration. So one day I wanted to experiment with a new retro hairdo. The problem was, how was I going to figure out the steps to achieving such a look? Well that is how I came across Super Kawaii Mama, my next interviewee!

Author of the popular blog "Super Kawaii Mama" and hostess of her own vintage hair tutorials on Youtube, Candice De Ville has made her passion for retro style and living her career.

I have enjoyed and learned new retro hairdo by watching her tutorials. Her tutorials are easy to follow and her Australian accent adds an air of sophistication, which I am sure that you will find very delightful as well!

Not only did I had the opportunity to learn a new hairstyle, but I also got to meet a lovely lady!


Here I present to you part of the interview that I had with her:

“I believe that to a great extent you create your own reality and can choose to
live in a more beautiful world, even if you do spend most of your time chasing
after two small children.”

In her blog “Super Kawaii Mama“, Candice concentrates on her own take on fashion, style and many of her inspirations. “I’ve made it my personal mission to introduce more glamour to the world, particularly the world of the stay at home mum."

Her blog also features examples of her daily outfits, health and beauty tips, styling recommendations, style icons and inspirations, as well as discussing the ethics of fashion in a wider sense. Her vintage hair tutorials came from a desire to connect with her readers. Candice wanted to demonstrate that “looking good is not all about having a lot of money or a team of stylists behind you.”

Most of the styles she started out with began as happy accidents that she refined. “I have since been studying different vintage looks I’d like to achieve and figuring out short hand ways to achieve the same styles with the wonder of modern products.”

To read more of Candice De Ville interview you can visit:
Time Warp Wives Interviews


Have a great Monday!



Chao.


Carmen

Vanity Verses True Prettiness

You know how much I love having a vanity! I am the typical old fashion gal that loves sitting in front of my vanity without rushing. When I am in my Paris room it is my girly time. I can't help it, but I don't like to be rushed when it comes to my beauty routine. Folks, I need concentration when it comes to my hair and makeup. Or else I am going to end up throwing a Miss Piggy fit, and it ain't going to look pretty. That for me is what makes a true lady look her best. Not the way she looks, but the way she acts.

Have you seen the show Bridezilla? Well, no matter how pretty the brides-to-be look, they end up looking like crazed women when they throw their hissy fit. Yikes! Trust me, I had to encounter several of them in my life time.

Like it says in the Good Book, "beauty is vanity". And isn't that true, no matter how much hairspray and jewelry you are wearing! What matters is the inside beauty. That lovable, kind, and sincere person that people want to be with. That, my dear, constitutes true beauty!

If you have noticed in my Time Warp Wives website I have tried to strike a balance when it comes to beauty tips and comportment of a lady. The reason that I do that is because, like you, I have noticed a lack of decency everywhere. You walk down the streets and you see how girls dress and comport themselves. I don't want to blame this lack of decency on one particular person or community.

The society, bad parenting, and a lack of a spiritual compass, have to do in part with how children are becoming. Children learn and imitate from what they see. The things that we are surrounded with are directly or indirectly molding our little ones minds and hearts.

For instance, T.V is a major problem. You can train your child not to watch certain shows. But nowadays the regular family shows are allowing things that years ago were frowned upon. Where did the decent shows go? To whom are the television networks catering their shows? Unfortunately their biggest audience is our children!

There are still people out there that want wholesome programming that they could enjoy without having to constantly switch channels and to avoid indecent exposure. It is true that there are still T.V. channels that show, for instance, Little House in the Prairie and I love Lucy. But does that mean that we have to be stuck watching these same shows, because there is nothing good left out there to watch? Our children and we would like to watch new shows also, you know.

Now there are channels out there that cater to us women. Though what seems to me is that their most popular shows are the ones that make us women look and feel cheap. Every time that I turn around there is another new show with the same concept: Skimpy clothes, foul language, and bad manners. My question is: Where do they find these women?

Even day time regular network shows are allowing words that describe women in indecent ways. In addition, they have to constantly beep out the bad words, or fade them out, which I find very annoying and disturbing! Do I need to use my imagination to fill in the blanks? Are you kidding me? I don't find that entertaining at all!

What are we teaching our children in this generation? That it's okay to wear skimpy clothing, to be rude, and that it's funny when they use foul language? What's going to be next, that it's okay to kill? Which by the way it has become also very popular lately among teenagers. We have to stop this insanity!

One of the questions that I asked folks to answer in my Time Warp Living network site is: What would you like to bring back from the past?
More than half the people answered:

Manners

Morals

Respect

Etiquette


This list may be considered old fashioned, though this is what most people want. People are not animals, as if they have to act on instinct. People were created with a mind to think, to decide, and to reason. I feel for parents out there who are trying to raise a decent and productive human being, because it seems like all odds are against that. But even if that's true, you can make a difference in how you raise your family.

So it is not popular having good morals anymore. That is how Rome fell, didn't it? The very essence of society is composed of strong families that abide to decency and rules. If there is no barometer in our society, what would it become?

That is why this year I have decided to use most of my time and efforts to encourage families to again read and study the Bible. This book might be five thousand years old, but it's advice and principles are superb and never outdated. Those who follow what is written in the Bible are the best well behaved and mannered citizens that you have ever met!

I am happy to be part of the next generation of law abiding human society that will live in love, peace, and unity!



Chao,



Carmen

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

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

An Interview with Regina Ann Moscrop

One of the many perks that I love about interviewing my guests is that we get to find out how they manage their personal lives and their work life. Have you heard of the Bear Flag Republic store? Well this retro store is owned by the lovely Regina Ann. She was such an inspiration to all the women that dream in having a their own successful business. Not only that but Regina is also a designer of these cute vintage inspired shoes, which are highly used for dancing because of their comfort and great style.


Here I present part of our interview:


“I really like modern kitchen appliances. Love the microwave and crock pot. However, I do hold old fashion values”.

Owner of Bear Flag Republic and Designer of BFR retro shoes, Regina lives on a 20 acre ranch with her husband and their two children . She loves Marlena Dietrich, vintage hats and the Cicada Club in Los Angeles.

Regina decided to start her business when a friend of hers was getting married on the Queen Mary and it was a period wedding. “ I had the hardest time finding vintage clothes to fit my larger hips. The 40's women were much thinner and less hippy.” The groom for this wedding was a musician so they wanted to get him a radio/CD player that looked vintage but had all the modern elements. But instead it turned into a treasure hunt that ended with them buying antique dishes...

You can read more of Regina Ann's interview at:

Time Warp Wives


Enjoy!


Chao,


Carmen

An Interview with Lorelei Lee!

I love retro photography and I am always looking to interview ladies that love dressing retro. So when I saw Lorelei Lee's lovely retro pictures I didn't want to pass the opportunity to interview her!

When I interviewed this gal, I found out that she had other passions in life besides fashion photography. Here it was a young wife waiting for her husband to come from oversees and be reunited with him again. Reading about her love for her husband and their strong marriage was like reading a love story!

And here is part of her interview:

“I love wearing vintage, listening to old music, watching old films, and dancing. But I also love taking care of my husband and making sure he is comfortable.”

As a teenager, Lorelei Lee started buying antique dresses. Years later she is an Antique Dealer, a wife and a homemaker. She loves the clothes from Gone With the Wind, the handsome and rugged Clark Gable and the soulful Billie Holiday.

For the past year, her husband has been overseas serving in the Navy, so right now a typical day is a tad different than it will be when her husband comes home. But on a typical day she would take her dogs out for their morning walk, then tidy up the house before heading out to search for antiques at auctions or garage sales. “That can sometimes take all day. But its worth it when you find that perfect piece.”

You can read more of Lorelei Lee interview at: Time Warp Wives

Enjoy your Monday!

Chao,

Carmen

An Interview with Dolly Dahl!

I have always loved retro pictures of times gone by. And when I came across Dolly Dahl lovely pictures and retro website, I knew that I wanted to interview her. Dolly loves Home Economics and being a house wife. I am sure that you are going to love Dolly's perky and fun personality!

So here is an introduction of my interview with Dolly Dahl:


“I personally prefer staying home and being a '50's wife', but that doesn’t make me any less interesting to my man."

Born in Virginia but grew up in Scotland. Dolly Dahl lives in a tiny house in Palo Alto which she shares with her husband and their little dog Butters. She loves Marilyn Monroe, Technicolor Musicals and being a Housewifery.

To read more visit:

Time Warp Wives

P.S. I have been so crazy busy this week! My sister have been visiting from out of town. And we have been going to bed very late chit chatting. There is nothing better than to have a sister or a friend to talk, "girl talk". Her visit have been so much fun. I wish it will never end.

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!

Time Warp Wives

I had recently launched my new website Time Warp Wives. Inspired by the British documentary “Time Warp Wives”, I wanted to create a website where I could have the opportunity to interview and meet people that have a passion for old school living.

At Time Warp Wives you will be fascinated to meet ‘Timewarpians’ and regular folks from all over the world who share a passion for retro living. Time Warp Wives also will feature retro events, movies, music, fashion shows and the best retro places to shop. Those who come and visit my website will also enjoy beauty, fashion, and home keeping retro tips, passed down from past generations.

As a person that is very passionate about retro, I have always yearned to live in those bygone years. Although those days are far gone, I believe that we can still bring a little bit of the past to the 21 century and beyond. And that is what Time Warp Wives is all about.


Step in for a visit:

http://timewarpwives.com/