Sailing the Ocean Blue

We have all heard it. “In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue”. It is engrained in our minds from a very early age. And rather catchy I must add. It certainly comes to me easier than geometry equations. I never was one for math. With the upcoming holiday I thought I would do a little research on Columbus Day and find out why it is that only banks get the day off.

What is the deal with that? So apparently Columbus and his discovery is important enough to have his very own dedicated day. Okay. I get that. But why is it only important enough for banks to be closed. It isnt like Christmas or Easter when the entire country shuts down. It isn’t even like Valentines Day when everyone gets a guaranteed night out. There isn’t any free flowing champagne like New Years Eve. So, what is it? What makes Columbus Day? And even more important..what are WE supposed to do on Columbus Day? I didn’t have a clue, so I went in search of some information. Since I finished with term papers long ago I will pass on the “Columbus Day Cliff Notes” that I compiled for you.

1. The first recorded celebration of Columbus Day took place in New York City (of course, where else would you party?) On october 12th in 1792.

2. In 1892, the 400th celebration of Columbus Day, the Pledge of Allegiance written by Francis Bellamy was recited publicly for the first time.

3. Colorado was the first state to recognize the holiday, in 1905.

4. In 1937 President Roosevelt proclaimed October 12th Columber Day.

5. And in 1971 President Nixon declared the second Monday of October as the national holiday.

(All above information per www.history.com)

Well, now I have some tidbit information, but I still don’t have a clue as to what I am supposed to do for Columbus Day. I grew up in Austin, Texas. I miss it dearly and still to this day no matter how far north I get, I still consider Texas my home. Always will be. What can I say, Don’t Mess With Texas. Growing up in Texas I was introduced to a rich diversity of culture. I grew up eating pescado tacos, wearing authentic embroidered dresses, and dancing to salsa music. While I still do all of the before mentioned things, people now look at me like I am nuts. Apparently, embroidered mexican dresses aren’t seen very often in the hills of Tennessee and Virginia. For me, Columbus Day is a celebration of foundation. Digging deep into a rich history that reminds us all we came from somewhere other than where we are. The deepest, richest history I can personally remember is my upbringing in Texas. So for this featured blog I have compiled a list of sellers that have caught my eye with authentic representations of the cultural diversity I experienced as a child.

The first item I have is a certain favorite of mine. This Marcasite pendant necklace is exactly the type of thing I grew up loving. I wasn’t considered “old” enough to have one until I had moved away from Texas. But on my first adult trip back home I bought a piece similar to this. It was over 15 years ago and somewhere along the way my necklace went missing. This pendant reminded me of my love for Marcasite and that I need a replacement. Listed by RQuick, this Sterling Silver pendant is available for $17.00. This featured seller has generously offered BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on Anything in the store to AlleyKat readers. When purchasing simply enter AlleyKat’s into the buyer message. Stop by this shop soon, and make sure and say THANKS!!

Marcasite Pendant on 18" Chain. Available with RQuick for $17.00. Thanks for offering BOGO to ALL AlleyKat Readers!!

This next item is exactly the type of bag I used to see carried all over town. The versatility of this bag is only part of what makes it so great. The hand tooling is cool too, but for me it’s the smell. Does that make me weird? It ‘s kind of like new car smell..it never goes away. As soon as you smell it, you know what it is. Hand tooled leather with rubbed oil..it’s perfect. I would love to have a bag like this..I would carry it across my chest and sling public library books around, like a good little “green” girl. This one can be yours for $62.00 and is available with Recy. For AlleyKat readers only, this fantastic seller is offering 15% off of this item. Simply add “AlleyKat” into the sellers message for this discount. Kudos to Recy for offering a great one of a kind find, and at a discount for our readers!

Hand Tooled Mexican Hand Bag. Available with Recy for $62.00. Offering 15% OFF to AlleyKat readers. Thanks Recy!!

While I realize this isn’t the typical salsa dress worn when I was a child..many, many, years ago, I still love this dress. The problem? I have no where to wear it. Hopefully you do..because this dress is a gem. From the sheer leotard top to the micro mini fringe it couldn’t be any more perfect. The only thing that would add icing to the cake for me, is if once put on I instantly obtained thighs like the model shown. Worth 10 times the asking price of only $34.00 in my books. Available in the JessJamesJake shop this seller has oodles to suit any vintage lovers needs.

1980's Sequin and Sheer Salsa Dress. Available for $34.00 in the JessJamesJake shop.

This old cuff bracelet is hand tooled and made from an old leather belt. The Native American design caught my eye and I couldn’t pass it up. I think it would look fantastic paired with some vintage turquoise and a retro denim jacket. Or maybe even a brown leather boho coat. This seller has tons of styles to pick from, all are just as unique and original as the buyer should be. That is the fun part about fashion, especially vintage fashion. Mix and mingle different pieces and different eras to suit YOU. No one else matters. Certainly not a magazine or even a blog for that matter. Be you. Be original, and help support and advocate for others that are as well. This bracelet suits me, and I hope it suits you too. Listed with Rainwheel, this bracelet costs $35.00

Native American Cuff Bracelet made from Old Leather Belt. Listed by Rainwheel for $35.00.

Moccasins are a staple in Texas. Kind of like the Who’s Who of shoes. If you don’t have moccasins then don’t bother coming out of the house. Well, now it is much easier cause you can order them online, have them delivered and no one would ever know you didn’t have moccasins. Join the Who’s Who crowd and walk away in these crisp white moccasins with fringe. Listed with Funkoma Vintage, they are available for $18.00. Not your size? Not to worry, this seller has a great vintage eye and always carries a wide selection of quirky treasures. Mark them as a fave and be watching.

White Moccasins with Fringe and Beaded Thunderbird design. Offered by Funkoma Vintage for $18.00.

There are a few things that come to mind when one thinks of  Mexico. I have spoken before about the vanilla, and of course there is Tequila. But another great find in Mexico is chocolate. A rich, dark, decadent chocolate that comes straight from the cocoa beans. This 1930′s Mexican silver broach embodies all without actually being chocolate. Still rich, dark, and decadent…just not fattening. This beautiful piece is offered by Metro Retro Vintage for $95.00. This seller describes her items in only ways that a true vintage seller can. Her obvious love for her trade shines not only in the items she has chosen for her shop, but also in her customer service. Take a moment to peruse the feedback that has been left for her and you will see what we mean. Be sure and bookmark this shop as a fave.

1930's Stamped Mexican Silver Cocao Bean Broach. Available with Metro Retro Vintage for $95.00.

The last item I have selected is what I remember most about growing up in Texas. The beautifully embroidered mexican fiesta dresses. I still have one to this day in a bright cheery yellow. I love it, and feel quite comfortable in it, even among the hills of the north. As a little girl, this dress would be a dream dress for me. The vibrant colors and soft threading make these dresses a comfortable “go to” staple for every wardrobe. Listed by GreenMarketVintage for $24.00, this dress is a child’s size 3 to 5. This seller is well stocked with culturally diverse items and carries several different colors and designs of these ethnic embroidered beauties.

Little Girls Mexican Embroidered Dress by Green Market Vintage. Available for $24.00

So even though we still don’t exactly know what to do for Columbus Day, I hope you have all enjoyed some of the items we found for you. I am not sure about what your plans are for Columbus Day, but I think I am going to put on my yellow Mexican embroidered dress and go out for dinner!

Goodnight All.

~Kat~

All pictures have been used with permission. For more information on the sellers or items featured please click on the pictures or contact us directly. Thank you to all sellers for offering discounts to our AlleyKat readers. Please remember that Pink and Proud continues throughout October. Continue to support Breast Cancer Awareness in any way possible.