Barbie Goes Retro

Well, I've come full circle, once again Barbie is better dressed than me.

Career Girl Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: $24.99	Preferably Pink Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: $59.96
Christian Dior Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: Not Available Through Mattel	City Smart Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: Not Available Through Mattel
Suburban Shopper Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: Not Available Through Mattel	Day in the Sun Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: Not Available Through Mattel

2007 Pinup Collection

Hula Honey Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: Not Available Through Mattel	Lady Luck Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: Not Available Through Mattel
Way Out West Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: Not Available Through Mattel	Way Out West Barbie Store: BarbieCollector.com Price: Not Available Through Mattel

Halloween in June

Halloween is unquestionably my very favorite holiday. The last few years I have procrastinated until the last minute to get my costumes together and they haven't been very good at all. While my favorite costumes are the "Play on Words" ones, I think this year I'm going to get a kit costume and tart it up with lots of makeup and accessories. In my search for one of these all-in-one costumes I came across some Totally Boss retro ideas for all the Halloween honeys out there...


5th Avenue Girl
Store: Nothing But Costumes
Price: $52.99


Summer Daze Adult Costume
Store: buycostumes.com
Price: $39.99


50's Housewife Adult Costume
Store: buycostumes.com
Price: $39.99


I Love Lucy Polka Dot Dress
Store: Halloween Express
Price: $43.99


I Love Lucy Candy Factory Adult Costume
Store: buycostumes.com
Price: $38.99


2 PC. Pin Up Girl Cadet Costume
Store: BabyGirlBoutique
Price: $49.95


Adult Hula Girl Costume
Store: Costume Craze
Price: $39.95

More To Come!!!

Look Inspiration:Patti PageConquest, 1956

Collectif Maneater High Waisted Skirt
Store: PinUpGirlClothing
Price: $59.00

The Death of Salvador DaliFeaturing Dita Von Teese

I have been looking for this short film featuring Dita forever!

Picnic Perfect!

The summer cookout season is officially here and you might just find yourself at a company picnic (Insert ominous music here). Many people, myself included, avoid work gatherings at all cost. Sometimes this can be made worse when you are attending the work gathering of a significant other. Like June weddings, it is an almost unavoidable social obligation.

After several days of attempting to select an outfit to wear to my own significant other's company picnic, I was at a total loss instead of being totally boss. So I did what I always do when in doubt... I say the magic word "Google" and an answer appears!

According to Peggy Post (Emily Post's great-granddaughter-in-law), "there's something between a pinstriped suit and a halter top in your closet that will work just fine. You do want to retain a degree of professionalism, even at a picnic. Smart choices include khaki slacks, Bermuda shorts, or a sundress that's not too revealing."

Here are some Totally Boss sundresses that will Totally Work (pun intended) for the Company Picnic...


Trixie 2 Dress
Store: Trashy Diva
Price: $69.00


Stop Staring Cherry Pie Dress
Store: Daddy O's
Price: $104.95


Heartbreaker Ahoy Dress
Store: Heartbreaker Fashion
Price: $84.00


Nettie Dress
Store: Tear It Up
Price: $69.00


Kimchi & Blue Eyelet Shirt Dress
Store: Urban Outfitters
Price: $58.00

Retro Recipe: Cucumber Sandwiches

I have an obsession... a cucumber sandwich obsession. Ever since having my first one a year ago (well, actually more like twenty in one sitting), I've been in love with this retro classic. Although the English tea treat has been around since the Victorian Era (Wikepedia-Cucumber Sandwich), it was an especially popular choice of retro hostesses everywhere in the 50's. As far as preparation goes, its just about as easy as it gets...


Photo By: BitBoy, Some Rights Reserved

Recipe From: Gourmet Food Revolution

"Cucumber Sandwich Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Enough for approximately 30 to 40 bite size sandwiches

• 1 cucumber peeled and sliced


• 1 loaf white or brown bread, thin-sliced


• 1 stick (4oz) unsalted butter at room temperature


• 1 level dessertspoon finely chopped mint leaves


• squeeze of fresh lemon juice


• salt, freshly milled black pepper and paprika to taste

METHOD

Beat together the softened butter chopped mint and lemon juice. Season with salt and paprika and beat until smooth and creamy. Check the seasoning.

Slice the cucumber very thinly. Salt the slices lightly and place in colander for 15 minutes to drain. Press to release water; pat dry with paper towels.

Spread one side of each slice of bread with the creamed butter.

Lay a double layer of cucumber slices onto half of the bread slices.

Season the cucumber with freshly milled black pepper.

Place a slice of bread over the top of the cucumber and press down lightly.

Trim the crusts off each sandwich. Now cut them into either 3 rectangles, 4 triangles, 4 squares or 4 octagonals (squares with the corners trimmed off).

Arrange neatly on a serving platter and garnish lightly with a few sprigs of mint and thinly sliced cucumber. Serve immediately."

-Robert Jackson

Visit Gourmet Food Revolution for more Fabulous Recipes!!!

Totally Boss MoviesVampira: The Movie (Currently On DVD)

Those of us reared in the eighties remember a fun little show called Elvira Mistress of the Dark. Well, you may or may not know, but long before Elvira, there was Vampira.

Maila Nurmi (1922-2008), aka Vampira, was the original monster movie MC, hosting B-horror movies on Los Angeles-ABC from 1954-1955. With her exceptional looks and figure (an astounding 36B-21-35 according to IMDB.com) it is no surprise that she had once modeled for pinup artist Alberto Vargas.

In 2007, the critically acclaimed documentary Vampira: The Movie became available on DVD. If you are a fan of 50's horror movies, or kitschy goodness in general, than I recommend you add the movie to your "to rent" list OR ELSE...


New: $14.98, Used: $8.75

Opening of the Vampira Show...

Look Inspiration:Grace KellyRear Window, 1954

Perhaps no woman has been more aptly named than Grace Kelly. Although she only appeared in 11 films, she was an Oscar winner (The Country Girl-1954), two-time Golden Globe Winner (Mogambo-1953, The Country Girl-1954). For more information and fabulous pictures of Grace Kelly visit GraceKellyOnline.com



A retro/modern twist on the Edith Head designed dress...


Nine West Willow Branch Dress
Store: Macy's
Price: $134.00

Pomona

Goddess: Pomona

Origin: Roman Mythology

Symbols: Pruning Knife, Fruit Trees

Domain: Goddess of Fruit Trees & Orchards


Nicolas Fouché, 1700

Retro Pomona Look...

Trashy Diva Yellow Print Cotton 50's Style Dress: XS - L
Store: Unique Vintage
Price: $98.00


Black Retro High Heel Peep Toe Pinup Pumps with 4.25" Stiletto Heel & Concealed Platform
Store: BabyGirlBoutique
Price: $29.95


Grow an Indoor Lemon Tree
Store: Wayside Garden
Price: $29.95

In Honor of Cyd Charisse

Corsets! Corsets! Corsets!

Recently, I was watching a Sex and the City re-run and noticed Charlotte wearing a beautiful Ralph Lauren corset out for cocktails. It is a look that I've always wanted to try but never had the guts or the cash. I have to say though, Charlotte looked every bit the perfect lady (See look 2 from the Season 6-HBO Get the Look slideshow) and it convinced me that I might finally be ready for this wardrobe investment.

Totally Boss Corsets

1. 
   
   Steel Boned Rockabilly Swallow Corset
   Store: Rock Cherry
   Price: $118.00
   


2. 
   
   What Katie Did Pin Up Doris Corset
   Store: Bernie Dexter
   Price: $219.00
   


3. 
   
   ASOS Boudoir Oriental Corset
   Store: asos
   Price: $75.71
   


4. 
   
   ULTIMATE SATIN CORSET
   Store: Fredericks of Hollywood
   Price: $49.99


5. 
   
   I LOVE L.A. CORSET
   Store: Fredericks of Hollywood
   Price: $54.00
   


6. 
   
   Apprentice Zip-front Corset
   Store: Lingerie Diva
   Price: $48.98
   

They just don't make 'em like they used to...

I love Love LOVE Totally Boss vintage purses. It wasn't until I discovered etsy.com that I began my own collection. I remember seeing my friend Liz's mind boggling collection of purses once and not really getting the importance of have just the right bag to match your outfit. As a matter of fact, I remember my reaction was a gasp followed by an expletive. NOW I know what she already did. Living in Manhattan will do that to you, I think. I always find myself in the quandary of having a great dress, but not quite feeling as put together as I should, for lack of the right shoes or bag. Thanks to etsy and other vintage stores, I'm slowly but surely remedying the situation.

There are two reasons that I really love vintage handbags...

1) They are environmentally friendly. When you recycle the glamor of the past you are saving the energy and natural resources that go into the production of new bags (Sorry to get preachy here... I also own new purses like anybody else).

2) Vintage designs of the past are sharper and more "dressed up" looking than many of the purses out there today (which often have the slouched appearance of a croco-covered gym bag).

Here are some of my etsy faves...


Vintage Jackie O Style Handbag
Store: Shannah M Mignini
Price: $30.00


Bright Cobalt Blue 50s Handbag-Perfect Condition
Store: Mels Vanity
Price: $28.00


Lime Green Shantung Clutch Bag
Store: Marcellas Excess
Price: $16.00


Silver Vintage Clutch
Store: Nijoli
Price: $6.00


Black Vintage Clutch Bag
Store: Rebelyun
Price: $10.00

Look Inspiration:Joan HollowayMad Men1960

To continue my week-long, rave review of the AMC series Mad Men, today's Look Inspiration is Joan Holloway. The role of the red headed, sultry office manager at Sterling Cooper Advertising, is played by the superb Christina Hendricks. Throughout the first season it would be easy to write off Holloway as an empty headed, gold digging bimbo. Hendricks however, hones in on the deeper side of the character revealed in the script. Joan's vulnerability and intelligence shine through in several episodes and it is obvious that much of her office bravado is a cover for a very sensitive and insecure person. In my opinion, her character is more sympathetic and interesting than that of Don Draper's wife Bettie, who gets a much larger amount of screen time. After all of the twists and turns of the first season, I can hardly wait to see what happens when the new season premiering in July!




Galactic Stretch Pencil Dress
Store: Diva Corsets
Price: £75.00


Vintage Let the Sun Shine Pin
Store: Spirit Mama Vintage
Price: $10.00


1950s Tan Leather Handbag
Store: Agataga
Price: $18.50

Fashions for the Office

I just had to share this...



"The boss herself. Yes we said herself."

Sales, More Mad Men, Hot Fashion in the Summertime...

First-there are a two sales I want to alert your attention to...

"Pinup Girl Clothing 20% Private Sale - 4 Days Only!!!"
-All you have to do is enter discount code: ccblog628 at checkout to receive 20% off of your order.

Queen of Heartz is having a 20-50% off Sale
-Visit this link often, because they will be adding more items over the next few days!

Wouldn't you know it! Only in New York City would I blog about Mad Men and then the very next day walk by the Bloomingdale's window and see their Totally Boss Mad Men themed window display! If you aren't in Manhattan, you can still view the display (which runs until June 30) on the AMC Mad Men Blog. If you spend $200 on Theory products at Bloomingdale's you will also score your very own copy of Mad Men Season 1 on dvd. You can also pre-order it from the AMC Store for $10 off the list price of $49.98! What a deal!

Some of my favorite Summer Dresses...


Sapphire Blue Halter Swing Dress
Store: Red Dress Shoppe
Price: $69.00


1940's Dress
Store: Trashy Diva
Price: $249.00


1950's Style B & W Gingham Cotton Dress - S to L
Store: Unique Vintage
Price: $64.00

Mad Men

My new favorite television show is the critically-acclaimed and Totally Boss AMC series Mad Men. Set in 1960, it delivers an unparalleled look back into the cutthroat world of Madison Avenue advertising executives and the people that inhabit their decadent and closed world. Although the societal issues raised in Mad Men will not be new to the audience, the content is delivered in a fresh, thought provoking, and addictive way. Best of all, the period costuming is INCREDIBLE. Here are a few examples...



The costume director is Janie Bryant, who also created the period looks for HBO's Deadwood. She is one of the most talented designers working in television. Her grasp of the period is complete and her designs make the show. To read an interesting short interview with Bryant, visit this link.



If you do not have AMC, you can download it for $1.99/episode on itunes or rent the dvd version (Season 1 available July 1).

Totally Boss Beauty

I have a very fair complexion with lots and lots o' freckles, and to be honest, I rather like it. I know it isn't the best hide to have during the age of global warming, but I've grown used to wearing several coats of sunscreen. I've never really cared too much about having a tan, and thats probably because its almost impossible for me to get one. Its just something I've accepted with age. Usually, when I know I'm going to be in the sun for many hours I take all the necessary precautions and really pride myself in not getting burned. I can honestly say, I usually have only one bad sunburn a year. Saturday, I slipped up. I thought that certainly, there would be sunscreen for sale at the racetrack. Of course, since I had left it to chance, there wasn't any. As I sat for 2 hours in the front row of the paddock, waiting to get my perfect shot of Big Brown (the 11th race favorite and unsuccessful contender for the first Triple Crown in a generation), I knew that I was going to be burnt to a little piece of gristle. What I hadn't remembered, was that earlier that morning I had applied my SPF 30 Neutrogena® Healthy Skin Glow Sheers Foundation. I did not burn on my face AT ALL!!! How awesome is that? My shoulders and chest are cherry red, but my nose was spared! I highly recommend this foundation. I had been wondering if it was actually doing me any good. Well now I know... it is.



Image Source: Neutrogena® Official Site

Johnny Cash-Camptown Races

In honor of the Belmont Stakes today, a little something for all of those who couldn't be with me...




Please do not repost without written consent. All rights reserved.

Retro Recipes: Baked Alaska

In our second installment of totally boss Retro Recipes, I wanted to provide information about, and instructions for Baked Alaska. Going into this feature I didn't have the slightest clue as to what a Baked Alaska was. I had surmised, based on the name, that it probably has something to do with either global warming, ice cream (no problem with that), or Copper River Salmon preparation (less exciting than global warming). After doing a little research, I was able to finally take the mystery out of this quintessential 50's DESSERT!!! (I know... I know... I love salmon as much as the next person, but I was relieved. I was assuming, of course, that this is not a dessert made with fish.).


Photographer: Daxiang Stef
SOME RIGHTS RESERVED-Click here for details.

First: The Facts

Baked Alaska is also known as a Norwegian Omelet.

Thomas Jefferson may have been one of the very first people to serve Baked Alaska at Monticello in 1802.

The dish was named Baked Alaska at Delmonico's Restaurant (New York City) 1876 to celebrate the purchase of the Alaska Territory from the Russian Empire

Source: What's Cooking America-Baked Alaska

Second: The Recipe

Baked Alaska with Strawberry Ice Cream
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
Show: Paula's Home Cooking
Episode: Ice Cream

Red Velvet Pound Cake:
1 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
3 cups granulated sugar
7 eggs
1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
Meringue:
6 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cups sugar

Assembly:
1 gallon strawberry ice cream
Red velvet cake
Meringue

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan. Using a mixing bowl, combine the butter, shortening, and sugar and cream until light and fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add in the food coloring and vanilla. Combine the flour and salt, and add to the creamed mixture alternating with the milk, beating well. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack.
Preheat the broiler.

To make the meringue, place egg whites and cream of tartar into a mixing bowl. Beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and beat until stiff and set aside.

To assemble the Baked Alaska you have to work quickly. Slice the cake into 1/2-inch thick slices. Spread top of 1/2 of the cake slices with about 1 cup strawberry ice cream. Top with the remaining half of the cake slices. Place on a sheet pan. Spread meringue on all sides and form peaks using a knife. Broil until the meringue is light brown. Be careful not to burn peaks.

Totally Boss MoviesSavage Grace (Currently In Theaters)

I am absolutely mad for Bakelite jewelry and as such, am very interested in seeing the recently released film Savage Grace, starring Julianne Moore. The twisted and tragic biopic centers around the sordid lives of Barbara (Moore) and Tony Baekeland. Tony Baekeland was the great great grandson of Bakelite's creator and heir to the Bakelite fortune. Although the drama has been well received by critics, the dark details of this true story will be uncomfortable viewing for many. It is definitely not the feel-good movie of the year, but if you are interested in true crime, psychology, or Bakelite perhaps I'll see you at the cinema!




Deeply Carved Cherry Bakelite Bangle
Store: Stories Divinations
Price: $255.00


Vintage Bakelite Ointment Jar
Store: Elsies Attic
Price: $23.00


Vintage Red Bakelite Zig-Zag Cut Carved Bangle
Store: Booboorw
Price: $145.00

Look Inspiration:Rita MorenoWest Side Story-1961

One of my very favorite performances on The Muppet Show was that of Rita Moreno in an unforgettable rendition of "Fever" with Animal on drums. At the time, I had not yet discovered that the beautiful woman in the red dress was also "Anita" from West Side Story. For this role she received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (Born in Puerto Rico, she was the first Hispanic actress to be awarded this honor).





Elizabeth Dress
Store: Delias
Price: $44.50


Simple Plain Sterling Hoops
Store: Sara Westermark
Price: $15.00

Animal & Rita Moreno...