A Pinup Couture Christmas

Ahhh, school is out and I'm through teaching until next year. With my two weeks off, I've found plenty of time to relax, eat, paint, eat, write, shop online, and eat again. The holidays have been great and I've been enjoying all the UPS deliveries from Modcloth and Pinup Couture (isn't it great to buy gifts for yourself and get exactly what you want?)

Me, ordering on the computer: "Mike, you just bought me 3 pairs of Deadly Dames capri pants and a Modcloth skirt for Christmas."

Mike: "Sounds good to me."

  Cecily: "And now a Hell Bunny dress, too." 

It has become an after-Christmas tradition among the women from my husband's family to get together for an a ladies-only lunch and "Dirty Santa"ornament exchange. This year it was held at the Beau Rivage Casino, which everyone on the Coast knows is the most beautifully decorated place around during the holidays (and they have a shoe boutique, too!)

Dress: Pinup Couture "Birdie" Dress in Cobalt

Shoes: Payless 

Necklace: Swarovsi (thanks to a Dillard's gift card!) 

I won the mistletoe ornament in the Dirty Santa exchange. Just another excuse to smooch Mike when I get home. 

I have been scoping this at the Dillards jewelry counter for a year (ever since I opted to get the Dooney and Bourke purse with my gift card instead last year). 

Gingerbread village of the Bellagio hotels. 

Tender is the Night

Back in May, I order a beautiful flapper dress from Blue Velvet Vintage. Though I don't mind dressing a little costumey on a regular basis, I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear it. The weekend before Halloween, Mile and I attended "Gatsby on the Gulf" at the Beau Rivage Resort. The 1920s-themed fundraiser was inspired by the Great Gatsby and the Art Deco period.

Mike tried on a few gangster-style costumes at a Halloween store, but they all seemed very poor quality. Instead, we put together a look with a new black shirt, suspenders, vest, tie, and of course-- a fedora. I love this era in men's clothing and would love to see it return.

I am regularly a 1950's-style girl and it was fun to experiment with the Roaring 20's style. It was such a great for women in America. They were expressing their new-found freedom by cropping their hair and dropping and relaxing the waistlines of their dresses. I think the look fit my artistic sensibilities and I would wear this dress anywhere, costume party or not. The fur stole belonged to my great-grandmother who would have purchased it in the 1920s. I would love to find more casual style clothing from this period to wear ona daily basis.

Dress: Blue Velvet Vintage

Shoes: Nine West

Accessories: Amazon.com

Mike's clothing: Belk and Dillards

                         

Prima Donna

This month I was the featured artist at Prima Donna, an art gallery/vintage consignment shop along the Rue Magnolia, the historic heart of Downtown Biloxi. They sell a wide variety of retro clothing, from dresses to hats to sweater chains. It's fun to stop by and play dress up with awesome owner and stylist Jerika Broussard!

As a lover of all things vintage and a painter of vintage fashion, this was the perfect outlet for my art. The opening reception was held during a "Finally Friday" event in which all the businesses stay open late. The night included live music, great food, and lots of shopping.

It was a great opening night and was glad to sell some art and have so many supportive friends, family, and students stop by!

I opted to wear my Trashy Diva dress fresh off the summer sale rack. What better place to wear Trashy Diva than to a place called "Prima Donna"? All accessories  modeled are courtesy of the store.

Dress: Trashy Diva "Honey Ruffle"

Glasses: Allyn Scura

Pearls: Mikimoto

Shoes: Bandolino

Accessories: Vintage

Art and shoes. What could be a better combination?

Me and Jerika Broussard, fabulously fierce owner of Prima Donna.

All my art!

What a great turnout!

Guess who?

One of my former students, Flora, standing by a portrait which she posed for.
 Love seeing her retro outfit.
See what happens to my student's style under my influence?

I think I need to buy this hat. 

"Muriel's", and oil on canvas.

Flora bought this hat, handmade by Jerika, before leaving the show. Love it! 

Will have to have this hat, too. 

Ready for a Dr. Zhivago remake!

  

"Salon Rouge"

Rue Magnolia

I had a ladies' lunch today at Le Cafe' Beignet along the Rue Magnolia in downtown Biloxi, MS. It is a beautiful area lined with salons, art galleries, and locally owned restaurants. Cafe Beignet is newly opened and a great addition to the area. They serve fresh seasonal salads, sandwiches, and desserts such as bread pudding and of course, beignets. 

Le Cafe Beignet is located in a restored Creole Cottage and displays the flavor of the area. 

Dress: Pinup Couture "Dee Dee"

Wire headband: Girl is a Gun from New Orleans, LA

Purse: Antonio Melani

                  Shoes: J.C. Penney                               

For those of you who have never been to the South,a beignet is a kind of deep-fried doughnut topped with powdered sugar. Here it's served with sweet cream chicory coffee. Any trip to the South is incomplete without an order of beignets. 

Beautiful interior

                                                                                   

                             

                                               

Love the kitty painting inside! The owner has paid attention to every detail of the decor. 

                                

I can't help but twirl when I wear full skirts.