AlleyKatsStore.com

To a new Tune

~Kat~ — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:16:28 +0000

It has been quite a while since I have been able to update our posts. I apologize for all of the delays and continuous absences. When it rains it pours I suppose.

On a personal note we have been battling several illnesses in our house hold. Our four year old son, Wyatt, has had some mysterious issues and what we expected to be an easy do the right thing kind of mission turned into a nightmare. Since he has been ill and his dog that we adopted only 6 months ago had been re-homed with our veterinarian we set out to find him a new dog. One that like Jonas, could be his own and would easily tolerate all the wild concoctions and ideas Wyatt was certain to come up with.

After lots of research and debate we settled on a Golden Retriever that was sadly released to a shelter by his previous owner on Chistmas Eve. On the very day he was slated for a fate that no animal should endure we drove over an hour to meet and assess him. Throughout all the tests I threw at him his temprament remained stable and he passed with flying colors. Satisfied that he would easily fit into our family and lifestyle we made adoption arrangements. Only the shelter would not release him to us until he had been nuetered by one of the agency approved veterinarians. Annoyed that I was unable to use my own vet that I know and trust I reluctantly agreed and we left without dog in hand.

" Pweeease take me home"

After returning to pick him up three days later he immediately went to our personal vet (another 2 hour trip for us) to have a full work up. We then learned the bad news. This one year old Golden Retriever had endured quite a harsh few weeks at the shelter. He had bronchitis (kennel cough), gastritis, esophogealitis, a skin infection, an ear infection, and the canine flu. It has been a bumpy road and throughout the ride he has had to spend many a nights on hospital watch at the veterinary hospital. After several weeks and several thousands of dollars later we can now happily report that this new addition to our family is home, and illness free.

In many ways he and Wyatt have healed together. Along the way we had many people helping us. Whether it be financial support or round the clock care, our thanks go out specifically to Dr. John Roberts, Jenny Haralson and DogStuff.com. Without each of you this poor little guy would have certainly been reduced once again to a shelter environment.

So I am happy to introduce you all to Rooney, affectionately known as Rooney Tunes in our house.

Rooney Tunes and Wyatt, now healthy and happy.

Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:51:37 +0000

The months seem to keep passing me by. I just barely look up from the last month to find out that we are already in a new one. Lots of great things come with the month of February. Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, School winter breaks, best friends birthdays and of course a new Ambassador of Vintage.

This month we have chosen what one may call a broad celebrity. Having filled roles in various categories and all the while captivating audiences. This vintage do gooder needs no formal introduction. Being that he is more of a laid back soul that has a flare for making the rules as he goes along. He? Did she say He? Yes…that I did.
We are pleased to introduce our first male Ambassador of Vintage, the actor extraordinaire, Mr. Johnny Depp.

Johnny Depp in a 1930's Horsehide Aviator Button Jacket

Seen here in a 1950's style "Ricky Jacket" and "Hollywood Slacks"

Being that this month focuses on love, we knew we had to have a heartbreaker Ambassador. We hope that you are all pleased.

Keep an eye out for upcoming Valentine’s day posts, specials and more info on the Hearts for Haiti campaign.

Makeup Mondays–Headturning Hedy

AmandaLee — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:52:47 +0000

Known as “The Most Beautiful Woman in Films,” Hedy Lamarr was a striking beauty with raven hair, clear green eyes, and a cool affect. Her classic beauty was combined with brains too—Hedy is credited with inventing frequency hopping, a technology that makes cellular phones, fax machines and other wireless operations possible today.

As always, begin with a smooth base by applying the foundation of your choice and setting with a colorless powder. Apply a crimson or coral blush, such as Ben Nye Red Hot or Flame Red, La Femme Red, or NARS Exhibit A, to the cheekbones. For Hedy’s face shape, the blush is applied just under the cheekbones and blended out to the temples.

For Hedy’s eyes, start by applying foundation, setting with a colorless powder, as a base. Apply a warm beige shade to the the lid and brow bone; try Ben Nye Shell, MAC Malt or Julie Hewett Muse. A deeper color, such as MAC Haux, Julie Hewett Terra, or Ben Nye Just Nude, is applied to the crease, blending well. A soft brown liner is applied to the upper lids and smudged upward to soften the line. Joe Blasco Ultamatte in Eddie Leonard or Medium Gray Brown would work very well; Ben Nye Cake Liner in Brown or MAC Fluidline in Dipdown are also good choices. For pencil, try Joe Blasco Brown or MAC Technakohl Liner in Earthline. Lightly smudge this liner into the lower lash line as well; a touch of white liner applied to the lower lash line will further widen and add luminescence to your eyes. A full strip of false lashes can be applied if you’d like; finish with two coats of a mascara of your choosing. The brows should be penciled into classic rounded 40s arches; be sure to blend the pencil strokes with a stiff angle brush. Try Ben Nye Brow Pencil in Black Brown, MAC Eye Brows in Stud, or Maybelline Expert Eyes in Dark Brown. Joe Blasco Ultamatte in Eddie Leonard or Dark Brown applied with an angle brush would also work for well for this look.

Hedy’s mouth is painted into a glossy coral-red pout; for this look, line and fill your lips with pencil (), then fill in with a creamy lipstick (Ben Nye Poppy, Revlon Fire and Ice , or MAC Lady Danger). The mouth should be overdrawn, elongating the outer corners and creating a rounded cupid’s bow. You may prefer to apply your lipstick the 40s way, using a lip brush (this application method is more precise and will apply a thinner layer); applying straight from the tube will work as well. Blot and reapply a second layer of lipstick, blotting once more to set.

And there you are—the face of Hedy Lamarr!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

Hearts for Haiti

~Kat~ — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:29:16 +0000

In one way or another we have all contributed to the rescue efforts going on in Haiti. Recently we learned of a group of Etsians that had put together an Etsy shop named Hearts for Haiti. The shop is a collaboration of many different sellers. Items are donated by various sellers to go into the shop and then once purchased 100% of all proceeds go directly to Doctors without Borders. AlleyKat’s recently submitted several items to be listed in the shop. We are donating the entire cost and will be offering FREE worldwide shipping as well. We were told that it may take some time for the items to be listed as the shop administrators have been overwhelmed by generosity of donations. One of the best problems a charity can have don’t you think?

Peruse the shop and pick out some favorites. The current running theme right now is Hearts in preparation for the upcoming Valentine’s day holiday. Buy with confidence and know that many people will greatly appreciate your purchase.

Click on the picture above to view the shop. Should any buyers or sellers need information on purchasing items, or donating items for resale feel free to contact us, or Hearts for Haiti directly.

Makeup Mondays–Lana’s Look

AmandaLee — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:02:57 +0000

For today’s vintage beauty breakdown, we’ll take a look at the lovely Lana Turner. With her smoldering eyes and luscious tresses, it’s no wonder Lana made the perfect femme fatale! Here she is on the cover of a 1945 Movie Life, in full vintage glamour!

To recreate this look, apply a foundation of your choosing, stippling on a thin, even layer. Set with a colorless or translucent powder, such as Ben Nye Neutral Set or Coty Airspun. Then, apply a warm rosy pink blush to the cheekbones—La Femme Pink Velvet or MAC Pink Swoon are good choices. Contour the cheekbones with a shade of powder or foundation slightly darker than your skin tone.

For the eyes, apply a sheer wash of soft white or cream shadow to the lid and brow bone—a shimmer shade, such as MAC Vapour or Joe Blasco Pearl, would work well for this very clean look. A slightly darker pinkish beige shade—La Femme Beige Pink, MAC Malt, or Joe Blasco Isis–can then be applied to lightly contour the crease. Using a soft brown or charcoal shade of liner (pencil or cream formula will work—try Revlon Colorstay liner in Black Brown, L’Oreal HIP Cream Liner in Brown, MAC Fluidline in Dipdown, or Joe Blasco Ultamatte in Medium Gray Brown or Dark Gray), work the color into the base of the lashes to create a lush fringe. Apply false lashes if desired,and top with 1-2 coats of mascara. For the brows, use a neutral brown pencil, such as Shu Uemura Hard Formula in Seal Brown or Maybelline Expert Eyes in Light Brown, to fill in and define your brows into thin, rounded arches.

For the mouth, line and fill the lips with a true red shade, such as Rimmel Red Diva or MAC Russian Red. Then fill in your mouth with a creamy lipstick to match—good choices include Revlon Love That Red or Certainly Red, Julie Hewett Femme Noir, and MAC Red or Russian Red.

And there you have it—the face of Lana Turner!

Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:15:26 +0000

Now that we are officially in a New Year I have taken a few minutes to step away from all the Christmas boxes in order to introduce our new Ambassador of Vintage. Being a Hollywood A lister and prominent humanitarian, she needs no immediate introduction from me.

Whether dressed up for a movie premiere or red carpet affair she continously brings a vintage element to Hollywood with every picture taken. Kudos to this months Ambassador of Vintage, Cate Blanchett, for helping to bring old Hollywood glamour back into madern day times.

Cate Blanchett in a pale yellow vintage Valentino gown, 2005

While I could easily peruse pictures of this particular starlet for hours, I must return to the boxing of all our Christmas decor. Sadly, it won’t take care of itself. And if I don’t do it now, it will just end up staying out until next year.

A Season of New

~Kat~ — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:49:43 +0000

We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season and are off to a great start to the New Year. We are excited to spread some new news of our own. In the upcoming weeks a brand new AlleyKat’s site will be launching. We have been compiling a large inventory of children’s vintage materials. Everything from clothing to games and books. We even have everyones favorite character linens! We are very excited to open AlleyKat’s Kids and will let you all know when everything is up and running.

AlleyKat’s Kids will be sold exclusively on Etsy and like our other items will be strictly authentic vintage items. A link will be provided when we introduce our Grand Opening.

The Love Goddess–Recreating Rita’s Look

AmandaLee — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:50:36 +0000

Hello again, my lovely followers—I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! After a short vacation, I am back with the first in a new series of vintage face how-tos. Each beauty breakdown will focus on a different starlet with suggestions for modern day products to get that vintage look. This week, we’ll take a look at one of my favorite stars, Rita Hayworth. With her cascading red locks and captivating screen presence, it is no wonder that she continues to be adored!

This photo of Rita in costume for The Loves of Carmen shows her in full Technicolor glory. To recreate this look, create a smooth canvas using the foundation and powder of your choice. Then, dust a warm coral or crimson shade of rouge on the apples of your cheeks—Ben Nye Red Hot, La Femme Peach Sparkle, . Nars Cactus Flower, Ben Nye Red and Coral, and NYX Red Cheek lovely cream rouges also worth checking out. You may also choose to contour your cheekbones slightly to bring them out to their full advantage; a slightly too dark shade of foundation or pressed powder will work well.

Now, onto the eyes; Rita’s are made up with warm, bronzy colors that echo the rest of her makeup. Eye shadow possibilities include Ben Nye Terra Cotta, MAC Haux, Woodwinked, or Coppering in the crease, with a matte beige shade, such as Ben Nye Shell, applied to the brow bone. Warm gray liner is softy applied to the upper lids (try Ben Nye’s cake liner in Charcoal), with white liner on the lower waterline to highlight (both Rimmel and NYX offer inexpensive white pencil liners). Her brows are neatly defined with a deep brownish-auburn shade—try Maybelline Expert Eyes in Medium Brown or Ben Nye’s brow pencil in Dark Brown (Shu Uemura Hard Pencil in Seal Brown is a fantastic option if you prefer to use a more neutral, taupey-brown shade on your brows.) Finish with two coats of black mascara and if you desire, false lashes.

Rita’s mouth has been carefully lined and filled in with a creamy, warm red shade; Revlon Fire and Ice, Julie Jewett Belle Noir, or MAC Lady Danger are good choices, and can be paired with Rimmel Red Dynamite or Julie Hewett Belle Noir lip liner.

So there you have—a breakdown of suggested products for recreating this classic look. I’d love to hear from any of you who try it out—please let me know what you think!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Vintage Christmas Fashions

Syd Divine — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:42:30 +0000

Hello fellow Vintage fashion enthusiast!

I am so excited to be moving right along into the spirit and fashion of Christmas! Obviously for this month’s fashion post. I will be concentrating on the elements of Christmas. Using small signature pieces such as colors, fabrics, flowers & jewelry from the season, again in a graceful way. To incorporate into your Vintage fashions for all of the Christmas parties, dinners & events taking place in late December!

I decided for this fashion article, I was going to pick an outfit from each era. Beginning with the 1930’s and ending in the 1950’s. Giving a broader spectrum of inspiration for enthusiast of several era’s of fashion.

First up on the list is a gorgeous green 1930’s era inspired dress from Able Grable. Simply 1930’s screen maven glamour in every way. This dress is perfect for an elegant Christmas evening.

In fact it is called the “Dream Girl 1932” and is shown here modeled by the lovely Fleur De Guerre.

In my mind, the perfect accessories for this dress, are Deco emeralds! Here is an idea of what I’m referring to. I saw this divine necklace on Etsy.

To make the look complete, here are a pair of amazing 1930’s gold lame shoes! Perfect for a glamorous night of dancing and recreating some of Ginger Rodger’s fancy footwork! Available from Etsy store Adeline’s Attic.

Now, lets catch the Topeka or the Santa Fe right into the end of 1945! As soon as the war was over. People were able to dress up in a little more ornate attire again. Using lovely bright colors, higher end fabrics and embellishment’s. Which were not available in war time, due to the rationing effort. Dressing extravagant was considered unpatriotic!

This fabulous red dress right out of the mid forties, is just strikingly beautiful. Vibrant with color and complete with rhinestone decorations. This dress is located at Lulu’s Vintage.

And just look at these silver 1940’s platforms from Dorothea’s Closet Vintage! There is no doubt that they would look amazing with this dress!

A 1940’s up-do to show off some Vintage rhinestone accessories such as this 1940’s era pair from Etsy. These would be a perfect match to complete this Christmas ensemble of 1940’s fabulous!

And last but not least, let’s “Rock around the Christmas Tree” into the early 1950’s!

The 1950’s was a much more relaxing, prosperous, happy and playful time. The war was over and G.I’s had returned to the home front with big dreams of college, careers and success. In return, the economy in the 1950’s was booming and so were the playful, extravagant fashions. With more fabric to spare, the dresses of the 1950’s became fuller in circle and elaborate in style.

What better way to celebrate that era at Christmas time, than with this playful 1950’s dress! Inspired by Santa Claus himself and available to purchase at Posh Girl Vintage.

I couldn’t write this fashion article without mentioning Christmas’s symbol flower. Not just any Poinsettia’s, but some that sparkle!

These one of a kind Poinsettia dress slip-on’s are from the early 1950’s, and absolutely gorgeous in every way!, They have all that glitters in Christmas colors sparkling all over them. I just can’t tell you how magnificent these would look with the gold 1950’s Christmas dress! They are available to purchase from Black Cat Vintage.

Yes, I have found the perfect 1950’s rhinestone clip-on earrings to match! You kittens can find these little lovelies on Ebay.

Take any of these wonderful eras of fashion, full of Vintage Christmas inspiration. And you are sure to be “The Cat’s Meow” at your next Christmas bash!! I hope I have inspired the Holiday season and I look forward to writing more Vintage fashion articles in the new year.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

XOXO,

Syd Divine

Vintage Stylist, Model & Lifestyle Enthusiast

www.goldengirlofthewest.blogsot.com

The Little Black Dress

House of Hearts — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:25:27 +0000

Today’s post is inspired by my purchase of a great comfy black vintage dress from Spear Me! It got me to thinking that every women no matter what her size, shape or budget should own a great black dress. (Because we all look good in them!)

So I have picked three of my favorite vintage dresses for each category $30 and Under, $60 and Under, $100 and Under and $100 and Over so there is a dress for budget.

$30 and Under

This great little black dress from Elena Maria Vintage will have you up and dancing for a small price of $18! I love the full skirt on this dress it really makes me want to get up and do the salsa.

This classic 60’s Vintage Chic Black Silk Shantung Sheath Dress is stunning with a black belt and shoes OR dress it up with a funky red pump and belt! For only $21 from Denise Brain Vintage you can’t go wrong.

I love this sassy Velvet Off-The-Shoulder Swing from Vzmoda 35 and at only $20 its a steal!

$60 and Under

This Little Black Bandage Velvet Ruffle Mini Party Dress is perfect for the every day or dress it up for a date or a night out with the ladies. For only $34.99 you really can not get much better from Dress Fire Gypsy Vintage.

I know I have used this dress for treasuries on Etsy but I am in love with this Black Sequins Dress from Tialey Vintage. You will be the center of attention anywhere you go with this great dress and for only $56 that is a small price to pay!

Elegance for a small price of $42 that is all I have to say about this amazing 70s Vintage ‘STOLEN KISSES AT MIDNIGHT’ Black Sheer Party from Dress Astral Boutique.

$100 and Under

I found a fellow Quebecois at Garconniere and she has some beautiful things in her shop. This amazing little black fashion dress with lovely black velvet detailing and pockets (my weakness!) You don’t have to break the bank to own this dress at only $90.

When I stumbled along this amazing 1950’s Little Black Wiggle Dress with beaded bodice of black pearl like beads and rhinestones I had to take a moment to remind myself to breath! So classy and elegant but yet fun and flirty. This amazing dress can be yours for only $100 (FREE Shipping within the USA!) from Bad Girl Vintage.

This is one sexy black party dress from Love Me Deux Vintage with it’s plunging neckline, racer back with slit, ruched empire waist and cascading asymmetrical skirt! Get your sexy on for only $99.99 (FREE shipping within the USA)

Over $100

Now this dress from 13 Bees is a bit out of my price range right now but I feel in love with the back of this dress! It is so simple but elegant (I envision the back of my wedding dress to be like this!) For $158 you will have this dress forever and love and cherish it.

I could not pass up this 1950’s black crushed velvet creamy white fur dress. It will make you feel like you are in the 1954 movie White Christmas. For a little bundle of $125 you can pick up this amazing dress from La Meow Vintage.

Last but most definitely not least a beautiful vintage inky black party dress from Dear Golden Vintage. With voluminous built-in crinoline, pretty black beaded detail on collar, bodice and skirt and very full skirt. For $245 this vintage piece should stay in your family and pass it down to generations to come.

Now if you have not had a look at Lauren shop it is a MUST! Lauren is a gem and has an eye for all things beautiful and vintage. Her shop has been a huge encouragement to me as starting up in selling vintage.

Don’t forget The House Of Hearts is giving you 15% OFF the featured items in my shop for the month of December! Hope you all have an amazing weekend