Ruby Reminiscing... Ruby Red Inspiration from ETSY

Cherry Aid ~ Embellished Sequin Heels by CharoletteIona

These are a few of my latest favorite finds on ETSY. I can never get enough red in my life!

Enjoy!

Vintage Royal Ruby Ball Pitcher by Look Back Vintage

Ruffled Romance Cuffs by EfiaFair

Cherry Tree Necklace by Pole Star
Ruby Slippers Cupcake Toppers from The Blissful Baker
Ruby Red Couture Shoe Clips by Sofisticata

Smokin' Hot Summer Tops

Now which one? Which one? I'll take THIS ONE...

Oh! and THIS ONE!...

...and THIS ONE too!...

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Might as well get 'em all. These awesome Retro Reproduction Summer tops come from Pin Up Girl Clothing. Where else?!

Check 'em out...

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Holly Tie Halter Top -This amazing new halter from Pinup Couture features a long attached contrast sash that can be tied either in front or in the back. The fabric is a super comfortable and stretchy cotton blend, lined in the bust, with an adjustable halter tie and elastic band at the back for great fit. Long enough to wear out or tucked in.

The Laura Top from Pinup Couture is made of a super comfy stretch jersey with gathers at the shoulders and cute little heart buttons. Long enough to tuck into your favorite skirt or jeans, or wear out.

The "Little Darlings" Stretch Poplin Polka Dot Top in Red - Adorable slim fitting stretch poplin blouse with short ruffled sleeves in polka dot print.
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Now that I am thoroughly pining away for these beauties.... I guess I'd better get workin' in order to afford them! Lol.
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Have yourself a great day!
~Danae aka 'Crafty'

The Icing On The Cake - Retro Hair Accessories

As women, we know that our hair is our crown... and never is that more true than when dressing in Retro or Rockabilly Fashions.
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During WWII, when rations on fabric, and budget restrictions often prevented women from indulging in new clothing; they turned to their best (and free-est) asset- their hair! Hair styles became the focus of the 'Everyday Womans' Fashion; inspired by the glamour girls of Old Hollywood. Woman curled, primped, and stacked their tresses into elaborate styles.
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In order to compensate for the exagerated Hair Do's up top- the lines of clothing began to change as well. This is when we saw the emergence of the super large shouder and 'Bullet Bra's'; set off by a tiny waist, and full hips. The 'Sweater Girl' look, made famous by Lana Turner became popular; as did the 'Woman's Suit', a la Joan Crawford- which echoed the mass entrance of women in the workplace.
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Nothing sets off this best feature better than a mane of healthy locks and beautfully curled tresses. But, as with anything... a little icing on the cake never hurts! This is where fabulous hair accesories come into play.
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Today's Retro Fabulous Women have many choices of 'hair jewelery' to glam up their Retro & Rockabilly Hairstyles. The most famous, of course, are hair flowers. Roses, Camellias and Orchids, of all colors, sizes and materials are found on today's retro savvy women. But these are just the tip of the iceberg. Hair Fascinators, Hats, Feathers, Bows, Jewels and Headbands can all be used to glam up your retro look. And I just love how today's designers have put their own spin on these hair fashions, by creating them with modern materials and in alternative styles.
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You can find them in a varitety of colors, with lace, glitter, fur, fun combinations of prints, and adorable embellishments.
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Check out a few of these Retro, Rockabilly and Psychobilly Hair Accesories that come to us from the LA based company- PinUp Girl Clothing. You can find them on their website, or for us 'crafty gals'- use them as inspiration to create our own. (Although, I have to admit that the ones at PinUp Girl Clothing are very reasonably priced! And they are handmade here in East LA by PinUp Couture.) And don't stop there! There are also a ton of wonderful, unique Retro Hair Accessories to be found on ETSY- all handmade by the many talented ETSY crafters & artisians.
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Happy browsing...
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- Small Juliet Hat with Feathers and Veil in Red (top photo) and White - This gorgeous vintage-style hat features feather accents and the perfect amount of netting to create a gorgeous veil. How perfect would this white version be for a Bridal Luncheon? Of course, you would HAVE to be the Bride... because in this little number- all eyes will definitely be on YOU!

- Red Rose Hair Flower - Pinup "Senorita" Rose Hair Flower with Rhinestone and Chiffon Petals by Pinup Couture Hair

-Yellow Sparkle Tiger Lily Hair Flower by Lila-Jo -Stunning glitter-encrusted large lily hair flower makes a beautiful statement with any retro look.-Burgundy and White Orchid Hair Clip from Pinup Couture hair -This fantastic silk hair orchid is sure to become a fast favorite, try two or more in complimentary colors for an absolutely gorgeous, unique look.

And to finish off with a bit of Psychobilly Fashion...
-Shocking Pink Satin Ribbon Bow with Skully Center By Kustom Voodoo -This little number features a big satin ribbon bow, with a skully detail at center.
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Enjoy your day!

~Danae aka 'Crafty'

All Dressed Up With Nowhere To Go

I just love me a sexy summer dress. There is nothing that makes me feel prettier than swishing out the door in a classy, little number, a pair of heels, my sunglasses on, and a great handbag to top it all off.
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I just had to share with you all, some of the latest dresses that I am drooling over. This particular batch of fashions are from Pin Up Girl Clothing. You can find them here.
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Enjoy!

-Retro Rockabilly Diner Dress in Olive Green from Heartbreaker -This classic diner dress looks sharp in a military olive green. From Heartbreaker Fashions.
-Jolene Dress in Red and Black Floral Pattern from Heartbreaker Fashion

-Gingham Swing Dress - The Daisy Dress in Black Gingham Poplin with Red Trim by Pinup Couture -The "Cutiepie" Dress in Black Sateen with Black and White Polka Dot Trim from Dixiefried -The Netti Dress in Red Asian Floral Poplin by Pinup Couture -Vintage Reproduction Dresses - The Dorothy Dress in Navy and Red by Pinup Couture -New Style Black Cherry Heidi Dress by Pinup Couture

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Now, if onlyI had somewhere to go....
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Someplace better than the market, the kid's school, or the park, I mean. The hazards of being a work at home Artist/Mom, I guess! Oh well.
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I also wanted to say a big Thank You! to all of you who have been so patient & kind untill I got back to blogging again! Thank You for your kind words and prayrs for my family.
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I had no idea that my little blogs would be missed. (I even won 2 blog awards on my other blog- Crafty's Cuppa Coffee- during my 2nd month of hiatus! Go figure.) As for me, I missed keeping up with all of my favorite blogs, as much as I missed writing my own. I hope to work back up to full speed (inhe Cyber World) again soon... and still find a way to keep my balance (in the Real World) lol :) .
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I hope that you all have a great day!
~Danae aka 'Crafty'

A Little Retro Fashion Eye Candy

Bangin' hot fashions from the Babes at Baby Doll Boutique.
When it comes to fabulous retro reproductions, the hottest models & awesome pin up girl photography- Baby Doll Boutique leads the pack.
Here are some more pics from one of my very favorite retro reproduction clothing manufacturers.
Whether I am looking for retro fashions & accesories, makeup & hairstyles or inspiration for photography ideas- they never dissapoint.

Enjoy!

Aaaah, The Lovely Bernie...

A Few Of The Things That I Have Been Coveting Lately...

Yes, My Friends,

I have been a very naughty girl. Well, not really. So far I have only been looking. But looking leads to buying, so they say!

These are some of the beauties that I have had my eye on.
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And, if you recognize a few of these pieces from a few pots back...that is only because I love them so much!

Since I can't afford to buy all of the gorgeous clothes that a girl craves...
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I am reduced to lusting after them online. Oh, well. It could be a whole lot worse!
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But...if I HAD the money (to spend on myself)...these are definitely some of the classy duds that I would be cruising around town in.
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It really is a good thing that I am a Crafty Chick. Of course, I cannot make ALL of the styles that I would like to; but I have been having a bit of fun, here and there.
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If any of you are interested; I have a T-Shirt Make Over Project posted on my Arts & Crafts Blog, Crafty Chick Creations. If you would like to check it out, you can find it at

(http://craftychickcreationsblog.blogspot.com/)
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I am still working on re-vamping my "Broke Girl's Spring & Summer Wardrobe".
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I have a few dresses that I am cutting down into shorter flair skirts, and blousey trapeze tops.


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And then of, course there are the usual t-shirt re-construction projects that I love so much for their 'Immediate No Sew Gratification' that they provide!



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I am also working on a few re-constructed outfits for my daughter, Makayla. I am planning a couple of jean skirts, out of her older jeans. I would also like to try out a project I found somewhere online. I think it might have been Alter-Nation, but don't quote me!
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Basically, you take a large men's button down work shirt, and turn it into a little girl's dress. It is VERY CUTE!

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Other than that, I don't have too much else going on in the way of fashion, this week. Now next week I could have a neat-o new project started...or finished!

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Anyways, I hope that you all are having a very nice week. My children and I have been thoroughly enjoying 'our' Spring Vacation.
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I say 'ours' because i get to enjoy the break from school as much as they do!
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I guess I am one of those weirdo Moms, who actually like it when my kids are home. Ha!
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I am always hearing others complain that they can't wait until this break or that vacation is over, so that they don't have to deal with their kids all day long...but like I said...we are having a ball. So far! Ask me again in a couple of days, and I might be singing a different tune.

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And other than that...Have a great rest of your week, and a very Happy Easter!

See Ya'll Soon! ~Danae

The Beautiful Bombshell Bernie Dexter

This is Bernie Dexter; and she is by far, one of my favorite retro reproduction models of our time. I wanted to introduce you to her for two reasons.

One; is that I have her photo as my avatar. I did not want anyone to mistake me for her. I am cute...but not that cute! No, I use that photo because it represents all of the qualities that I envision in a woman. She is cute, coy and classy; all things that I hope to emulate in my daily life, and my writings.

Two, I will be posting many of her other photos in this blog, along with several other talented and beautiful models. I enjoy her style and also the fashions that she models. So, I thought it fitting to formally introduce her, before any of you mistook her for me! Just as many people post their favorite photos as their avatar; this I have done also. I feel that it makes a nice transition between each of the blogs that I write; "Crafty Chick's Retro & Vintage Fantasy", "Crafty Chick Creations", and "Crafty's Cuppa Coffee". I hope that you all enjoy seeing her photos, and reading my blogs as much as I enjoy writing and producing them.

Springtime Has Arrived...finally!

Spring is finally here!

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Well, at least for those of us in Southern California. (But then again we don't get much of a real Winter
anyways!)

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So sorry for you guys in the rest of the country, I know many of you are still covered in snow. I guess you will have to live vicariously through me for now.

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Spring always makes me want to put on a pretty dress and walk barefoot through the grass. This Spring has me thinking of new wardrobe options.

Seeing as how there is not much extra money in the coffers right now; I am turning my thoughts to crafty ways to stretch and upcycle the wardrobe I already have.

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Recently I was bitten by the Clothing Reconstruction Bug, and it has me looking at everything in a whole new way. Now, instead of getting rid of clothes that I haven't worn in awhile, or don't fit anymore; I am now thinking of other uses for these them besides the thrift shop.

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I have a whole bunch of t-shirts that I wasn't wearing, for one reason or another, (too big, too small, not cut the way I like, etc.) A few weeks ago, I got out my fabric shears, and went to town. I recut the necklines and the sleeves into more appealing designs. I made scoop necks, v-necks, even made a one shoulder cut. For the sleves, I trimmed some a bit, others I sliced up the top seam, and made flapping shoulder sleeves, and some I used the extra strips to tie onto the shoulders. My favorites are the ones where I opened up the back with slits, and tied strips to them to searate the slits.

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My next project entails me cutting down my old hippie skirts to make some flowy blouses with v-necks and some with spagehtti straps. I also have some skirts in mind. I want to try my hand at the recycled jean skirts, and also make some cotton flare skirts, for all those nice Summer days. If succeed, then I will be duplicating them in a smaller size for my daughter, Makayla. I used to make sundresses,; and I may have to start again...because a girl needs a few new dresses to enjoy the warm weather.

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Untill then, I will just have to keep fantsizing about about these gorgeous creations that I find on the web. I love the cute and classy look of them. Even the prices are right, (just not for broke little old me!) Now maybe I could make friends with a talented seamtress an barter...Hmm***One of these days!