Thursday's Getups!

Happy Thursday Folks!

One more day until the weekend is here! I just thought that I would squeeze a quick wardrobe post in before the end of the week. I promise next week I will get back into the swing of things. Hopefully it starts to calm down a bit. I have some interesting stuff in mind to share. This week I started my class and things have been kind of crazy in the Ballesteros house! I intend to get the schedule under control by next week LOL! I mean I hope too........

Here is what I wore today as I headed over to my son's school. I promised him that I would eat lunch with him at school today! MMM! peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!

Today I wore my yellow 1940's blouse paired with my trusty dungarees and red Rocket Original 1940's inspired wedges. I accessorized with my thin red belt, red Bakelite cherry earrings and red Bakelite bangle. My hair was in standard 1940's Victory rolls (excuse the unruly piece of hair on the left ugh!) and I had a 1940's silk scarf tied around my head. This scarf is one of my favorites! It has all of my favorite colors and Vintage flowers incorporated in it. Oh yeah! and my trusty Roosevelt pin!


P.S.- I was trying to think of a consistent title for all my wardrobe entries. What do you think of Syd's Getup's? I would really appreciate your feedback.........

I hope you all have a swell weekend!! Till next time......

xoxo,
Syd

Tucson's 224th Birthday Celebration!

Hello fellow Blogger's,

First things first! I must admit that I have been a real procrastinator the last couple of days! I have been busy attending to other things that needed to get done. My computer is full of dust! I apologize for the delay in blog entries...

I am going to start this week by sharing with you the event that took place in Downtown Tucson last Thursday. The City of Tucson celebrated it 224th Birthday! For the past two years the bridge Downtown which connects 4th Avenue to Congress street has been under construction. They finished it just in time to collaborate the bridge opening with the celebration of Tucson's Birthday. Different events took place all along the streets of Downtown; food, vendors, artist galleries, music, and even a swing dance at the Train Depot!

With the newly constructed bridge comes an extension of the Trolley line that now runs all the way from University Blvd. under the bridge to Congress street in the heart of Downtown Tucson. This is a huge step in helping to restore the ambiance of what Downtown Tucson once was in it's heyday! Even though I have my gripes about the design and architecture of the bridge itself. I am grateful that it is done and hopefully will help to bring Downtown back to life again. Also it will help with traffic and transportation issues.

I mentioned the design of the bridge because I just really can't believe that not one person on the staff to put this project together; took into consideration trying to incorporate the historic charm and Deco architecture of the original bridge into the new one. That was a little disappointing for me. It is totally modern with no Vintage inspired charm what so ever! So that is my two cents about that! Not that my little petty complaint matters in a world of modern seeking people. I am sure all of you appreciate and understand my feeling on this subject.

Despite all of that I was glad to see that a lot of people came out to the event to show support for Tucson and ride the new Trolley Downtown. When I saw the trolley full of people commuting and walking around Downtown. For a short moment I had a vision of Tucson in the 1940's when Downtown was the exciting place to be and commuting by public transportation was the way to get there. If only everyone was dressed in Vintage!

Speaking of that here is what I wore to the celebration as well as a picture of the new modern looking bridge! (that was sarcasm!) Shortly after this my camera died and I wasn't able to take anymore pics. Luckily I got at least one. I was so mad at myself for not remembering to charge my battery!


I wore my pink and black 1940's blouse with ribbon applique's on it paired with my pink satin 1940's high waist pants and black 1940's inspired wedgies. I accessorized with my black chiffon scarf tied in a bow over my forward roll bangs, my black Vintage Lucite and rhinestone earrings and matching bracelet and my Vintage black Lucite handle purse.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Syd

Get a Copy for your Collection!

Happy Wednesday to all my lovely followers! So sorry I gave been MIA the last couple of days. School started on Monday and I have spent the last couple of mornings getting my son settled into his 3rd grade classroom. This is just going to be a quick post to let you know that I am still here. I look forward to having more time next week for some new and exciting entries. There is a big event happening in Tucson this week as we celebrate our 224th birthday! I will be sure to post pictures and some historical reading material on Tucson as well.

Yesterday, I took a stroll down Tucson's 4th Avenue to visit a friend who owns Desert Vintage. A great local Vintage clothing store here in town. As I walked by Antigone Bookstore (also a small local bookstore) I remembered that they had a book I had seen a long time ago, and wanted to purchase. I took my chances walking in hoping they would have a copy in stock!

I got lucky! She had just received her order that morning and there were 2 copies in the box of books! One definatley had my name all over it! I bet you are wondering what this mysterious book is all about. Well, I am so excited to share it with you all and encourage you to order a copy for your collection!

Mexican Calender Girls by Angela Villalba!

Angela spent years of research to share the history and pictures from these amazing calenders and the artist who created them. Talented Mexican artist produced hundreds of these beautiful images on calenders from about the 1930's to the 1960's. Angela has managed to collect and reproduce over 150 of these images that are available to look at in this book. Including some of the most famous,rare and beautiful images I have ever seen. There are too many amazing pictures for me to post, but I must suggest adding this book to your own collection of inspirations!

I believe you can pick up a copy on www.chroniclebooks.com or also take a look on Amazon to see if they might have copies!

Also, for an added little wardrobe piece. This is what I wore today as I strolled down 4th Avenue!



My 1940's Vintage yellow and grey Pinafore dress paired with my 40's inspired grey ankle strap wedges. I accessorised with my yellow scarf placed above my forward roll bangs, my favorite yellow Lucite earrings and my WWII sweetheart Navy bracelet!


I hope you all have a swell Wednesday ahead of you!

xoxo,

Syd

Preserve our History!

Happy Thursday!

I woke up this morning to the lovely smell of rain. We were blessed with a nice storm last night. It fell into the deep hours of night and into the morning. It was very relaxing to fall asleep to the sound of rain pounding on the window. It is going to be a nice day today. Right now the sky is overcast and the smell of fresh water still lingers on the wet dewy grass. My plants are nice and perky this morning and I didn't have to wake up at 6:00am to beat the heat just to water them. So nice! I wish that would happen more often.

I am so glad that today's high looks to be only 92 degrees compared to the usual 104 degrees. Since summer is coming to an end (school starts Monday). I had plans to take my son to the local zoo today, and I was dreading walking around in the heat for a couple of hours. Most of the animals are hiding in the shade anyhow. Thank goodness for small favors!

Yesterday, I headed over to St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. I periodically check in with them for Vintage clothing and home items. I have been lucky so far and always manage to walk out with at least one item. On my trip yesterday, I planned on finding something different from the usual.

Sadly there was an article in the newspaper a few weeks ago about the Historic Santa Rita Hotel.
The Santa Rita Hotel was built in Tucson in 1904. Then in 1917 an addition was added. Other than Hotel Congress, it was the only remaining Historic Hotel left in Downtown Tucson. The Pioneer Hotel is also long gone! Well it drives me batty when I hear of people in the City wanting to demolish Tucson's History for new and modern skyscrapers. Or there own greedy pockets for that matter. Some people just don't see the value in preserving history. You know, the craftsmanship and architecture of eras past that you can't get back EVER! The buildings that make a city unique with charm and character! Why not make The Santa Rita Hotel part of a project to revitalize ad restore Tucson's Downtown? Preserve the Past!

Low and behold that is what is going to happen to the Santa Rita Hotel. Any day now they will take a bulldozer to a part of Tucson's History that will never have the chance at a restoration to bring back the Glamour and life of what once was! Sadly I am only one voice and there isn't anything I can do about it, but dream about what the Hotel felt and looked like in it's heyday. Being a 10th generation native to Tucson. I have heard plenty of stories from relatives about the Hotel. To let my imagination think of what it once was. When people appreciated an enchanting atmosphere. For years people have said that the Hotel is haunted. I had to chuckle at the article when they mentioned the ghost were not happy about the news to demolish! Of course their not!

The least they could do was salvage some of the architecture from the Hotel. Such as tiles, windows, stained glass, wood, rod iron, fixtures, etc. That is where St. Vincent de Paul comes into place. The owner of the Santa Rita Hotel agreed to donate most of these salvaged materials to the thrift store. I thought maybe I could at least own a piece of the history. Something even some tiles I could preserve and incorporate into my home decor, something!

On my quest to preserve history. I guess I was a little too anxious! The donation rumors are true! However, they have not had a chance to sort through and put much out on the floor yet. Other than some windows and doors. I am due to head back over there middle of next week. Hopefully to find the perfect piece of The Santa Rita Hotel. I attached an article from a person who wrote in and shares the same view I do on this matter. It is nice to hear what he has to say!

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/related/294329

Also here is a picture postcard of The Santa Rita Hotel in it's Glamour days!

On a lighter note, I did manage to walk out of St. Vincent de Paul thrift store with my handy dandy one item. I saw this lovely blouse as I was walking out. It is a light blue rayon blouse from the 1940's with beautiful white embroidery work down the front and on the collar. Couldn't resist for a whopping $2.00! It's in mint condition also, and to boot! I had the perfect pair of earrings in stock to match accordingly. So I couldn't wait to try it on for size today as I head out for a trip to the Zoo with my son! I hope you all have a wonderful day!

For my casual zoo attire, I paired the blouse with my trusty 1940's inspired dungarees, navy tennis shoes, navy blue belt and baby blue and green flowered celluloid earrings!

Espana Collection

Good Morning,

Just thought I would share the news!

As I headed out to the local beauty supply store yesterday. I was so thrilled to discover that the fabulous O.P.I. nail posh company had just released a new collection for fall called the Colleccion de Espana!

OPI ESPAÑA COLLECTION

NATIONAL RELEASE DATE AUG. 5, 2009... NOW SHIPPING!!

Dark and mysterious with fiery passion, the latest collection from OPI celebrates the drama of Flamenco, the excitement of the bull fight and the beauty of a country rich in art and culture. In the evening, plazas fill with Spanish beauties to see and be seen, stopping at outdoor café’s to share the Tapas and Sangria. It captures the warmth and complexity of Spain from Barcelona to Madrid to Seville.

Check out all the colors and amazing Spanish inspired promotion material at the O.P.I website! http://www.opi.com

I couldn't resist owning a piece of this collection. I purchased the color Bullish on O.P.I! E-52 on this display, a real Senorita Red! and Manicurist of Seville #E-49 will be the next purchase!

So to coincide with the release of the Espana Collection! I received the rest of my photos from my Senorita shoot! So here they are.....

I hope you are all enjoying this Tuesday morning!

XOXO,
Syd

Thursday's Wardrobe

Good Afternoon,





One day closer to Friday! We finally had some rain in Tucson yesterday. Thank goodness, for a while there I thought we were going to have a never ending drought like back in the 1930's. I tell ya, for as much as a Vintage loving girl that I am. I just know one thing; I would not trade the modern convenience of having an air conditioning unit! I have so much respect for people back then who did what they had to do to survive the desert heat with no cooling. Tough times and a hard life. I remember my Grandmother telling me stories about her and her sisters sleeping outside in the summer nights. The outside air at night was cooler than in the house...





I love those stories! I picture it in my mind as such a more simple and pleasant time. That could never happen in today's society. I won't go to the store by myself after dark. For the fear of getting car jacked or some awful thing like that. What happened to the world? It makes me sad and my heart hurt. I really wish that I would have grown up in that time. When you could sleep with your doors open, or borrow a cup of sugar from the friendly neighbor. Kids could be kids and play outside for hours without the fear of going missing. Even though they still had their set of problems. They were nothing like the world we live in today that is consumed with greed. And people who are crazy and have no conscious or remorse for taking another life. I fear for my child by the time he is my age. What will it be like by that time?





Sorry about rambling! I was just watching the news in regards to that tragedy at the health club in P.A. What a devastating occurrence. I guess I just had to vent on the sadness of the subject. On a lighter note, my plants are very happy right now. It is something about that rain water that performs miracles on plants and grass. No matter how much I water them, they just don't look as healthy as when they get a drink of rainwater. I am hoping we will blessed with another summer rain session tonight! I love the smell of rain and I love to cuddle up with my son and watch the rainfall through the window.





To the point though! The rain did manage to cool it down a couple of degrees. So I ventured out and about town today for a little while. School starts in a couple of weeks here, so I had to pick up some school supplies for the little guy. The older he gets, the more excited he gets about school supplies. I can remember the thrill of going back to school myself. It was always exciting for mom to take me to pick out clothing and school supplies. Then I would put my backpack together packed full with probably more than I needed. Then line all my outfits up for the first week of school. I always had butterflies in my stomach the night before and could never sleep! So I can relate to the excitement my son feels going into third grade. That's a big one...





Speaking of picking out my outfits! Some things never change....LOL! Here is what I wore today as we headed out to lunch and to do some shopping . I hope you are all having a good week so far and looking forward to a weekend full of joy and peace!








XOXO,


Syd

I am wearing a Vintage Mexican peasant style dress. Paired with 1940's reproduction tooled leather wedges. A 1940's tooled leather purse and belt three 1940's era Mexican silver bangles that were my Grandmother's, and a Lily tucked behind my top reverse roll. The bottom of my hair was also pinned in a roll to keep the hair of my hot sticky neck!

Vintage Cowgirl

Hey Yall!

Happy Tuesday to you! Hope everyone's week is going well so far. As for me, I have been a real home body lately. Staying cool indoors and working on some sewing and scrap booking projects that I started and then left neglected for a while. I seriously think that I have adult ADD. I always have too many things going at one time, the ideas in my mind don't ever stop and I really struggle to stay focused with completing one task before starting another. I am easily distracted!

So today, I decided to work on some stuff for my Vintage Cowgirl shoot in a couple of weeks. I pretty much already have most of my wardrobe stuff, (minus a few little odds and ends). I am really excited about this shoot!. Most likely because along with the Senorita shoot, it is another image that represents my hometown and my heritage. I have wanted to accomplish these two shoots for a long time now! I am so glad that it is finally getting done.

1940s and 50s western and mexican kitsch, decor & fashions are some of my favorite things to collect. Below are a few of my favorite Vintage Cowgirl images. Another half done project of mine is to have these prints framed and displayed in my house (or at least one of them...). I am taking inspiration from these for my upcoming shoot and I hope you all will love them just as much as I do! Also, I was surfing on Ebay this morning and came across some gorgeous vintage western outfits that I can't afford, but would love to share the pictures of anyway. I did manage to find a darling little bakelite boot pin, that is in my bidding price range, wish me luck!!

Happy Trails to you until we meet again!!

xoxo,

~Syd

Photos courtesy of Ebay. OMG!  just look at this 1950's Western suit.....







That cute little pin, I want in my collection...