A windy afternoon at the park....and a new dress!

vintage 1940s sailor collar inspired dress: desert vintage

black colin stuart wedges: buffalo exchange

Hope everyone is well! Just a quick snapshot of our afternoon at the ball park, geez was it windy. I just wanted to show off my new dress-that's all!

xo~syd

Golden Garbs- Black & Yellow

 Have you ever gone shopping in your own closet? You know, re-discover something you've had for a while, that just got shuffled to the back. That recently happened to me, when I was organizing my closet over the weekend, to prepare for the fall. I came across a few things that I had forgot about.....It was a nice little treat, like finding money you forgot you had, in your pocket! It was like having a new dress!

As I mentioned in my last fashion post, I get quite delighted when I find modern pieces of clothing, that identify a vintage aesthetic. This dress was one of those lucky finds, made by an indie designer! I picked this cute little black & yellow, floral-textile print up at my local Buffalo Exchange a few years back. It's a little higher above the knee then I'm used to for a dress (and maybe just a tad snugger than I remember-ha!), but none the less. I thought it had a 1940's cotton sundress look to it. Pretty sure the vintage feel of the fabric is what caught my eye in the first place! Well, that and I'm always a sucker for the color yellow. It was just too cute, and for 2 cents shy of 10 bucks (yes, I do remember what I dish out for things!), it just had to come home with me....So I brought it to life again!

  

The Dress

 The Fabric

The Shoes
(vintage 1940s)

The Accessories

(vintage ivory floral clip-on earrings & black snood)

The Head-Shot

Golden Garbs- Mix it up!

I think it's time for an outfit post folks!

My fashion inspiration today came from mixing the colors of blue & red together. Along with mixing a few pretty details from some different eras in fashion. No one era in particular, I threw together certain distinct elements that I happen to be fond of. Then mixed them all together to pull off a chic outfit. For example: I love the 1940's sweater girl look, the full mid-calf skirts of the 50's, and the t-strap style shoes of the 20's & 30's. So why not style them in harmony all together? I have always been devoted to the details, so this is where my fixation for accessories ( vintage jewelry imp-articular) come in. Accessories always complete the outfit and just add that finishing touch. Sort of like the final stroke of a painters brush, on his masterpiece. I think all those dainty details mesh well together don't you?

I love to use textiles and color in fashion, and some-days I feel like dressing head to toe in a specific era. Then other times I get in the mood to mix things up, from vintage pieces of different eras. I even get a thrill when my sharp-trained-eye finds new pieces that have a vintage aesthetic, to throw in the mix!

So today my outfit consist of:

Blue sweater- Forever 21 (thought it had a 1940's aesthetic to it)

Skirt- vintage 1950's (from Desert Vintage)

Shoes- Steve Madden (thought they had 1930's feel)

Red purse- vintage 1950's (thrifted)

Brooch- vintage 1930's (Desert Vintage)

Blue & white cameo earrings- vintage 1940's (thrifted) 

I decided to put my hair in a 1950's inspired high pony-tail (minus the bangs), simple & chic! Mostly because I was being lazy the night before & didn't put a set in my hair, but there is always a way to improvise!

Golden Garbs- Summer Suits!

The Summer Suit

Heaven knows I love the chic-polished look of a vintage tailored suit! Just because it's summertime, doesn't mean that I'm going to put the thought of wearing one, on the shelf for a few months! Summer suits made of lightweight linen or cotton fabrics, with a short sleeve, are a ladies alternative choice to wearing a suit in the summertime!

Here I am in one of my summer suits, in a light green (almost gray) linen fabric, with navy blue buttons!

(1940's navy mesh style wedges)

A few more sewing patterns of summer suit inspiration!

Any one of these suit ensembles would be lovely paired with a straw summer hat...

(Flickr photostream)

My latest sewing project and outfit squeezed in!

Well, I know I have been M.I.A all week, but my excuse is a good one! I have been working on sewing up this lovely little pattern! That's not all of course, but whenever I had a bit of extra time between working a gig and Romeo's soccer camp. I was pushing the pedal to the sewing machine. Still not quite done yet, just a few finishing touches like buttons & ribbon, but I thought I better get a post in before the week passes me by! I adore this late 1930's pattern, and was so excited to find the perfect fabric that not only happens to be one of my favorite colors "yellow", but has a perfect 1930's feel to the design, and almost looks like the design of fabric on the pattern sketch, except that ones green. I'm making view 1, which is the crop top version with a ribbon tie front.

Here's a glimpse of the fabric I am working with!

So today, I am taking a break from it all to have a relaxing lunch and shopping date with my Mom. Here is  the outfit post that I am squeezing into this post. These are the garbs I am dressed in today!

Another hot summer day in Tucson! Today's high is actually a relief for us, only getting to 95 degrees, as opposed to the usual 105. Ten degrees makes a huge difference in the desert, so a lightweight, cool cotton dress and snood will let the air flow both ways, if you know what I mean! It rained last night, so the combination of humid moisture and sweat, isn't good for the staying power of curls, (especially the ones at the neckline) Girls, what do we always resort to when the hair isn't cooperating? A snood or scarf right?

Outfit Details:

1940's green and white plaid dress- Tucson Thrift

1940's inspired tooled wedges- Downtown L.A's Olvera St.

Vintage leather belt with rose detail- Desert Vintage

Golden Girl Garbs- Peasant Dress

Sunday's wardrobe, as we ventured out on a family day to breakfast, and a few places to walk it off. We didn't stay out too long, as the heat was killer. I was born and raised here, and the heat never used to bother me growing up, but it seems as I get older, my tolerance grows less for it. I love living in Tucson, and won't complain about the gorgeous weather the rest of the year, but sometimes I really wish I had enough money in the bank to relocate to a summer home for the 3 brutal months of intense heat in the summertime in southern Arizona!!

It was already 100 degrees outside and it's 9:30 in the morning!

Outfit:

~1940's Mexican peasant dress

~1940's tooled leather belt

~Tooled leather wedges

~1940's silver and jade Mexican carved mask earring and bracelet set

~Taking my purse for it's last spin around town, before I ship it off today, to the lovely Mary, of Welcome to Deluxville (winner of giveaway)


Have a swell Monday all!
xoxo~Syd

Golden Girl Garbs- Casual Friday!

Just a quick wardrobe post today, it's a casual Friday for me today folks. I was up at 7:00 am this morning doing laundry, cleaning house and paying bills. All accomplished by 10:30am, thanks to the tunes of Xavier Cugat blaring on my radio! As I probably have mentioned before, I just adore the hip swaying sounds of Afro-Cuban Jazz, and it manages to get me moving every time.

My son just stares at me like I'm a weirdo because I am cleaning house and dancing at the same time. When ever he passes by me, I manage to grab him for a quick spin! Too funny....I really hope he is a dancer as he grows up to be a man. We all know every woman loves a man who knows how to dance, and can sweep her off her feet, and as much as I love to dance, it would be a bad nightmare if my own son didn't know how to!

Anywhoo, Friday's chores are almost conquered, but now it's of to the grocery store, to buy ingredients for a nice Italian meal and a cheap bottle of red wine. Sine things have been a busy whirlwind lately, I am hoping for a nice relaxing evening at home with my family, catching up on some flicks! So here's my casual Friday ensemble...

Vintage play-suit in a beige and white stripe pattern & red belt
Navy, beige & red bathing beauty pattern headscarf
Red tennis shoes
Red Bakelite accessories

I have a few fun and inspiring post planned for next week, so stay tuned and have a fabulous weekend!

Toodles,
Syd

Golden Girl Garbs- Week in Wardrobe

Happy Friday!

Sorry for my lack of post this week, it was a hectic week full of school finals and events last weekend. I am working on compiling and posting an entry sharing all of the fun, exciting news & things that I have been involved in recently. Hopefully, I will have that ready to go by the weekend, along with some pictures from last weekends Vintage Fashion Show, a recent photo shoot that I styled for the lovely Black Cat Vintage Boutique, and lastly the cover shot in the Channel Islands National Publication, for Able Grable!

For now I have a few wardrobe post from the week! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO~Syd

1940's Senorita: Mexican peasant blouse & skirt
1940's tooled leather wide belt
1940's tooled leather purse
Reproduction tooled leather wedges
1940's Mexican silver earrings, multi-colored Bakelite bangles, & red rose hair clip

Vintage gray & black argyle crop sweater
Vintage black high waist trousers w/side buttons
Vintage inspired black & white wing-tip flats-Steve Madden
USN Sweetheart locket & bracelet with white ivory flower clip-on earrings & my specs...

Late 1940's Vintage day dress in eggplant purple & yellow, southwest inspired design w/ matching belt 1940's inspired tooled leather wedges
1940's tooled leather handbag (not shown)
1940's Mexican silver earrings, cream snood (3rd day set)

My Debut!

I an so excited to announce my debut as the House Muse for Able Grable USA!

The newest creation is an absolutely stunning little number. A late 1930's transition dress into the early 1940's. The Miss Rusty Parker dress is perfectly fitting, glamorous, and a beautiful color combination of gold and teal satin!

Don't delay, order yours today!!

XOXO,
Syd Divine

Golden Girls Garbs- Saturday Shorts

Happy Monday!

Whew! Monday comes back around too fast, when you had an eventful weekend. We spent most of our Saturday at the park. My son had a mid-day baseball game. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees, a mild breeze, but plenty of sunshine. So we sat back in our lounge chairs, with a cold ice chest by our side, kicked back, relaxed and watched the game.

My future MLB player pitched 3 innings and pretty much struck everyone, but 2 players out. One hit he caught a line drive and threw it to first, just in time to get the last guy out! It is always such a peaceful, joyful moment to sit back and embrace the blessing of a child. Especially when you can sense the happiness in them, doing what they love!

A perfect day for shorts none the less! So the team mom broke out her red new tennis shoes and proudly delivered the cupcakes after the game!



I love all the amazing flowers that grow in my garden in spring, this lovely pomegranate tree just blossomed!

Enjoy your day!
~Syd

Golden Girl Garbs- I love Pink & Black!

Hello lovley bloggers!!!

Well, it is Friday and I had to squeeze at least one post in for the week. Things are getting back to normal, well as normal as their going to get, in my household. Mom is doing really well and making amazing strides everyday. She is recovering in the comfort of her own home now, and has outpatient therapy 3 times a week. Her positive attitude and determination to get her speech back will definitely help with her progress. She has to walk with a cane for a little while until her strength builds up again, but at the rate she is going, it won't be long.

Today I am going to get her out of the house for a few hours. We have been looking forward to our date all week. She is so excited and deserves all the pampering she can get after being hospital bound for a month. First we are headed to the beauty shop, to get her a fresh new haircut (something short, cute & easy for her to maintain), then to sit down for a yummy lunch at the Blue Willow, and last we are off to do a little bit of shopping.

Of course she cannot keep up with the amount of shopping & hunting around town, that we used to do in the past (not yet anyway), but she has been hinting around for a new sundress and a pair of sandals. So if she gets tired of walking, I am happy to take her in a wheelchair to a few shops.
By then, she will probably be pretty tired, so I will have to take her home for a rest. Then it's off to watch my champs (sons) baseball game under the lights tonight!!

I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU, from deep in my heart. To all of you loyal followers of my blog, who sent nothing but encouraging thoughts, support and prayers my way, during this difficult time in my life. They definitely kept me going on days that I was feeling very emotional. YOU are all inspirational and special to me!

To end the week, I leave you with an outfit post! Of course I had to dress up for my outing with Mom today. My biggest fan will be waiting to see what I am wearing, when I pick her up! I am so thankful that she is still here with us. My choice of colors today are pink & black!!





Have a nice & restful weekend!

XOXO,
Syd

A positive update & an outfit for Mom!

Today, a week after my last post. I am happy to be updating the status of my Mother, with all positive news!

She is making so much progress towards recovery. Just this last Sunday, she was excabated from the ventilator and sedation medications, then on Monday she passed all her swallowing test and was able to have the feeding tube removed, and started on a soft foods diet! Then just this morning, we received some wonderful news, that she has been cleared out of a critical state, into a stable condition. With the possibility of moving into a regular room as soon as today!

We have come along way from this time last week. She is such a strong woman, and is determined to make a full recovery. Even at her worst days, when she was struggling to breathe, and in an induced coma. She would try to open her eyes, and squeeze our hands. To reassure us she was fighting and full of faith for a recovery! At my weakest moments of fear, I never gave up hope that she would! She has survived through the worst part, and the doctor's say that from here, we should expect her to fully recover. Of course it will take time and she will need some physical & speech therapy, but that is peanuts compared to what she went through!

She already has a head start, as she continues to mumble a few words and she successfully sat up in a chair. Also with assistance, she walked to use the regular potty! When suffering a massive brain injury as she did, those little things matter so much and are huge steps to a successful recovery. Believe it or not, she can communicate with us through writing. Sometimes she spells words incorrectly or gets confused, but its enough to understand what she is trying to say. I am so thankful to see her awake, alert and able to slowly communicate. She has such an optimistic spirit and sense of humor about the whole thing. Of course she would, she is just that type of person.

The last few days of positive progression, have given us a peace in our hearts. That with some therapy, she is going to be o.k. We are just so thankful, that she lived through this injury to be here with us much, much longer. The Lord has been good to us, helping us get through this tribulation. It has definitely changed our lives, but when you have him on your side. You can get through it, to see the grace & peace that comes after the storm. She has stunned the doctor's and nurses caring for her. Working in the Neurology ICU, they have cared for many patients, and have all said they cannot believe her progress. One nurse told me that, if one survives through what she did. It can take 3 months to do what she did in 3 weeks. She is a miracle, and I fully believe in them, and the power of prayer!

On a lighter note, living at the hospital the last couple of weeks. You can imagine how emotionally draining and tiring it is. I had definitely not been in the mood or had an ounce of energy to dress up. That was all fine and dandy when Mother was in and out of sedation. Well, let me tell you as soon as she felt better and had that ventilator out. She was trying to communicate with me and ask me why I wasn't dressed up! My Mother has always been my number one fan, when it comes to dressing in Vintage, so I decided to cheer her up yesterday and dress up for her visit.

(hence the dark circles & all)

We have been running on adrenalin for 3 weeks, and now that things are slowing down and looking up. We been coming home to rest at night and recharge our batteries. Even though I am still exhausted and just catching up, I manged to muster enough energy to actually put some makeup on and curl my hair yesterday. It has been tied up in a scarf for weeks! As soon as I walked into her room, my Mother's eyes lit up and she was so happy to see me dressed up, it really made her day! She was trying to tell the nurses about my clothing, but couldn't get it out. Even when she is trying to recover, she is still the proud Mother she always was! I am so happy & thankful to see her smiling face again!

XOXO~Syd

A Wonderful B-Day!

Hi there!

Happy Monday to you all, back to business right? I hope everyone had a restful and fun weekend. Yesterday was my 28th birthday, and I am very thankful that I got to spend the day relaxing & laughing, with my loved ones!

We had lunch over at El Charro, a delicious Mexican restaurant in Tucson's El Presidio neighborhood downtown. They have been around since 1922, and reside in a lovely quaint little historic location, that was once the family home. Decorated in the bright vibrant colors of Mexico and surrounded by native antiques & collectibles, along with tons of pictures of beautiful Mexican calender girls. I just eat it up every time I visit!

My Grandmother used to love to eat there all the time when she was little. Back then, downtown was the center of business and people would walk everywhere. Her and my great Grandmother would take a walk on payday Friday's, after she payed all the bills downtown. Then go have lunch together. I have been wanting to do an entry about this restaurant for sometime now, just haven't got around to it. Will do soon....

Anyway, here are a few photos from my birthday lunch! And a few birthday margarita's in te-he!

My birthday outfit!

Vintage 1940's paisley print dress- Desert Vintage
Vintage 1940's tooled leather handbag- Buffalo Exchange
1940's inspired reproduction tooled leather wedges- Olvera St. (Los Angeles)

Accessories: Bakelite bracelets & earrings

Laughing hysterically, while the staff and family were singing Happy Birthday!! (2 margaritas)

My friend Jennifer, who stopped for a visit on her way back to Bisbee!

XOXO~Syd

Palm Springs- Here I Come!

Good Morning,

I haven't got the pictures from the event back yet, but I thought I would share something just as exciting! I found the most glorious dress! A black 1940's rayon crepe, with a peplum and palm tree motif bead- work! I was so thrilled when I saw it, because I can just picture it, paired with a stylish hat & gloves, on a glamorous evening outing in the old movie star getaway, of sunny sophisticated Palm Springs, California!

It fits perfectly to boot, no alterations needed! I am headed to Palm Springs with some friends in May, so I will have to sport it for a nice steak dinner at Melvyn's, while visiting the fabulous Ingleside Inn. Pretending I was in the company of starlets such as Greta Garbo and Rita Hayworth, who have rested their pretty little heads there.

It was one of those lucky finds, that I wasn't looking for imparticular, but it just happened to pop out at me, don't you just love those ones! It was a little bit of a splurge, but sooo worth it! I am so excited about this dress and ready to pack up my suitcase- oh wait, I still have about 3 months to go!

~Syd

Golden Girls Garbs- A 3 Day Review

Happy Tuesday!

It has been a little while since I did a wardrobe post, so I figured that I would make up for it, buy combining 3 in one today! These are my ensembles for the last few days, which includes one rainy day here in Tucson! Yay! a chance for me to wear my galoshes. I know that may seem ridiculous to some people, to get excited over it, but I hardly see the cold- rainy days folks!

I hope to post the information on "The Little Black Dress Fashion Show" event tomorrow!

Enjoy your day!

xo~Syd

Outfit Details: Sunshine Saturday

1940's navy crepe wrap dress w/ green bakelite buttons- Desert Vintage
Vintage orlon green crop sweater- thrifted
Green 1940's reproduction wedges- Rocket Originals
Green carved bakelite bangle and earrings-

Outfit Details: Rainy Sunday

Underneath coat: Yellow 1940's sweater and red skirt- thrifted
Black 1940's coat- A lovely gift from my mother about three years ago
1940's fur top galoshes- Ebay
Black 1940's pumps underneath my galoshes- Buffalo Exchange
Yellow, black and red head-kerchief- Estate Sale

Outfit Details: Monday Morning

1940's red, white and blue striped victory suit- Desert Vintage
1940's neck-tie under blouse- Razzle Dazzle Vintage
Vintage inspired red t-strap shoes- Steve Madden

Accessories:

*1940's red felt hat
*Nude seamed stockings
*Red bakelite earrings
*Red 1940's purse (not shown)

Mele Kalikimaka Part:2

Hiya!

It has been a while since I posted. I apologize for the lameness! Last week was a full plate for me. Between classes, I was busy getting things ready & organized for my first event of the year- The Little Black Dress Fashion Show, on Valentine's Day! More details to follow soon! Here are a few more photos that I received from my Hawaii in December shoot! I posted a preview picture from this series in early January, so here are the rest, as promised! I hope you all had a lovely weekend, and I hope to post more frequently this week.

xoxo~Syd

Golden Girls Garbs- Teal Hounds-Tooth

Hello Lovelies!

Just a wardrobe post for today, I hope you are all having a swell week so far!

Outfit Details:
1940's vintage teal/black hounds-tooth print dress- Desert Vintage
1940's inspired black hi-vamp shoes- BC Footwear
1940's vintage black hat- estate sale

Accessories:
Fully fashioned seamed stockings- Magnolia Hosiery
Vintage black glass earrings- Razzle Dazzle
1940's black corde purse (not shown)

xo~Syd

Golden Girls Garbs- Black & Yellow

Another rainy day here in the Old Pueblo! So that means a flat hair day (he-he!) My thick frizzy hair does not do well in the moist weather, the curls just fall right out. As you can see in the picture below, that was the case yesterday!

I really enjoy the rain, but only for a short period of time (like no more than two days in a row) and I like it when it comes in spurts. I don't think I could live in a location where it constantly rains. I need my sunshine! Oh well, I am not complaining too much, we really needed the water. Our desert was so dry, it just drank it all up!

Sorry lovely bloggers, all I have for today is an outfit post....

So here is what I wore yesterday, as I ventured out into the morning rain! At the moment I took this picture, the drizzle had stopped and I was able to take off my coat for a quick second. It wasn't really too cold, just gloomy and overcast.

xo~Syd

Outfit Details:

Yellow and black paisley print 1940's era set- made from a 1946 pattern
Black 1940's inspired hi-vamp shoes- BC Footwear
Black 1940s glass bead earrings- Razzle Dazzle Vintage
Black 1940's coat and corde purse- not shown

I think I just like the color yellow with anything really!

Golden Girls Garbs- Vibrant Colors

Hello blog-o-sphere!

So sorry that I have been completely lame, and absent from my blog last week! Classes started and I was just juggling and adjusting to my new crazy schedule. I think I have a routine down now, and should be back to posting regularly this week.

So all I have for today, is an outfit post!

Hope you all had a good weekend and an eventful week ahead. In Arizona we had a complete shift in the weather. We went from weeks of blue sunny skies and temps in the gorgeous late 70's. To waking up with the cold and rain this morning. Apparently it's supposed to rain for a couple days straight!

I am thinking that I will slip on my fur 40's galoshes, to head to class this morning. It is the perfect day to wear them and we don't get too many of those chances in Tucson! Here is what I wore out & about yesterday. I enjoyed a nice breakfast with my family and then headed to a few stores. I will do a post later in the week to show you all a few of the fabulous things I found over the weekend!

Toodles,

Syd

Outfit Details:

Late 1940's blouse- Desert Vintage
Late 1940's yellow arrowhead pocket skirt- thrifted
Red Vintage inspired t-strap pumps- Steve Madden
Black 1940's corde and lucite handle purse- Desert Vintage
Red snood and yellow lucite earrings

Golden Girls Garbs- Suits "O" Plenty

Seems like with all the important meetings and stuff I had going on last week. I was suited up more than usual in a weeks time. I do love to sport Vintage suits, as they always leave any dame looking perfectly put together in a refined 1940's gal way!

I also love to wear my hats with suits. It just adds the finishing touch of elegance and classy vintage lady! Below, I am sporting some more of my favorite suits. Hope everyone had a swell weekend!

Outfit Details:
Vintage 1940's brown gabardine suit- Razzle Dazzle Vintage
Vintage 1940's cream neck tie blouse- thrifted
Vintage 1940's hat- How Sweet it Was Vintage
Brown 1940's inspired pumps- Target
Accessories:
Vintage 1940's floral ivory earrings- thrifted
Vintage 1940's era carved ivory cameo- Was a gift from my Grandmother. My Grandfather purchased it as a souvenir gift for her. When he was stationed in Italy in 1944.
Very sentimental!

Outfit Details:

Vintage 1940's navy and gray western inspired suit- Desert Vintage
Vintage inspired ruffle collar blouse- Forever 21
Brown 1940's inspired pumps- Target