Maxine in Trousers

Moving on

2011-02-07T13:08:00.001-08:00

To anyone who has found themselves here and I'm not, I've moved on to tumblr - check it out

craftymaxine.tumblr.com

I hope to see you there! cheers, Alana

Bazaar Bizarre Boston

2010-12-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be part of Bazaar Bizarre Boston Winter Fair 2010 - lots to get done before Sunday, so this isn't really a post... but here's the info if you're in Boston this Sunday, 12/5, come check it out!

craft show - things to remember

2010-11-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

#1 - remember to bring a camera! I forgot mine yesterday for my trunk show at Magpie I had my awful camera on my awful cell phone so they don't do it justice...

The day was fun. I met some cool people - both customers and employees- thanks to Alison for opening early, and to Mary and Louise of Magpie. It was terrific prep for Bazaar Bizarre (hope to see you there)! Today, I took a brief break from crafting, but I'll be back at it tonight. My mom sent up some cool old fabric I want to use. It was from an old high school sewing project probably when I was obsessed with Twin Peaks and I wanted to be just like Audrey Horne. Is it any wonder??

If they come out the way I expect, I'll have some new pics to post as well as some new goods for the holidays. More to come!

Gearing up for the next couple of shows...

2010-11-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving around the corner and birthday and Halloween celebrations a not too distant memory, crafting headpieces is taking up most of my "free" time. I love the deadline feeling (can you tell I'm a Procrastinator? - note the capital P) and the holiday feeling coming into the Fall. Saturday, November 20 will be my 1st trunk show at Magpie in Davis Square. I'll be there from 11am-6pm selling some cool new pieces for the holidays, noir cocktail hats from my Fall/Winter collection, and also some discounted past season items! Pictures to come (if there's time in between all that sewing).

I'll be traveling like mad this Thanksgiving - car, train, bus, to a car and another car, but I get to see my family again before Christmas. I miss them all and especially can't wait to see my adorable niece and nephew. Hopefully I'll get to post a holiday pic or two this year!

Right after that is the fabulous Bazaar Bizarre Boston (see they're great new page). I'll be there with lots of other talented and amazing vendors, so get your dollar ready and brave the line (it goes fast, I swear) for some of the best holiday shopping in the country. I think I'll start playing my Christmas music now... too early?

Still Halloween!

2010-10-31T17:25:00.001-07:00

I got to be Cleopatra this weekend -I love Halloween! That was Friday. Today, on the actual holiday I made some halloween cupcakes to bring to work tomorrow (yum pumpkin with maple cream cheese frosting) and ate mini-candies while I handed them out to the few trick-or-treaters who came to the door.

The recipe was from Smitten Kitchen and it turned out delicious - light and not too sweet. Next time I would cut back on the cream cheese in the frosting - it made way too much and I didn't make the lovely roses in the original recipe. Hope my co-workers like them! Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

It's my favorite time of year again (even with the freakishly warm weather we had here in the Northeast for the past few days). I've been walking around enjoying the beautiful colors of Fall and the crunch and rustle of leaves under my feet. This time of year means celebration to me (maybe some lingering Druidism in my DNA?) - lots of time spent crafting costumes and decorating the apartment, planning dinners and birthday drinks.

I'm going to a costume party tonight as Cleopatra (circa 1963, Elizabeth Taylor), and I can't wait to get dressed up! Hopefully there will be more festivities this weekend, but I'm winging it a bit this year.

I'll have more updates from this weekend and next weeks parties (next week is the retro cocktail hour and dinner party for my birthday)! Coming soon - hat progress for my next show!

Emily Muller- fabulous fashion week event

2010-09-28T20:30:00.001-07:00

Boston Fashion week is really something this year! Emily Muller's Fall 2010 Presentation at Looc in the South End was a classy and energetic show and Emmy really outdid herself (I'll have some pics tomorrow hopefully, but right now it's past my bedtime). I enjoyed being a part of the show and it inspired me to get my Fall/Winter line posted on etsy. Now that it's done, I'll have plenty of pics and new fascinators to show. More to come tomorrow!

cheers, Alana

Wine tasting & apple picking

2010-09-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy making hats for Emmy's show tonight (so excited! - if you're in Boston, check it out @ Looc, 12 Union Park Street in the South End, starting at 8pm) I almost didn't get around to posting this.

Last weekend, my friends (Krystle & Jamie) and I drove to Nashoba Winery in Bolton, MA. There is much to be said for having a wine/beer/spirits tasting before picking a apples on a unseasonably hot Fall day. It was beautiful and we had lots of fun. Here are some pics - because right now they're better than my words (brain is on overdrive today - sorry!)

I love Fall! Now I just have to think of something to do with 2 dozen or so apples!

Fashion Show

2010-09-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation, here are the details of my friend Emmy's fashion show next week. If you're in the Boston area, I hope you can make it - especially since I'm designing hats for the show.

Emily Muller - Fall 2010 Presentation
Looc, 12 Union Park Street, Boston, MA (the South End)
Tuesday, September 28, 8pm-10pm
RSVP: emilymuller@newbrahmin.com

I'll have pics to post next week! cheers, Alana

busy, busy...

2010-09-20T17:19:00.001-07:00

So, it's the home stretch for Emmy's Fashion Show (no name or official details - we're cool like that!) and I keep forgetting to post the pics I took at the flea market a couple of weekends ago.

I still have a post about the always fabulous Cambridge Antiques Market, but that will have to wait a little longer. This one will be mostly pics, so forgive me in advance!

My friend Alice and I drove out to the Grafton Flea market and from the entrance, my hopes sank. It was not at all what I imagined and looked to be cheesy, crappy, dirty, disappointing in every direction. There were some beautiful horses near the parking lot, so that was nice:

Strangely, it ended up being fun and we found some treasures in the midst of the debris. Alice was looking for home decor and I was looking for craft show display items (or anything cute and vintage). Here's what we found:

We also enjoyed too many wonderful Polish milk caramels that Alice got at the Russian store - yum!!

Sewing projects: finishing one and starting another

2010-09-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

I just finished my wool skirt - first pattern ever attempted! I still have to sew backing onto the waistband but it's essentially done. I already see what I could have done differently, but I really like the end result

Next up, another vintage skirt pattern! Emmy Muller is creating a line which she's going to debut at the end of this month, and she asked me to do the headpieces (details to come!). I'm so honored and excited. Now I just need to find something to wear...

I want something vintage, but I haven't found the right piece just yet. Today, I got this fabric at SewLow Discount Fabrics in East Cambridge. If you live in the area, and you haven't been to this shop yet, go! I wanted to do a day version of this skirt too, but haven't found the fabric I have pictured in my mind. For now, I'm going to tackle this simple skirt - wish me luck!

a short post about coffee

2010-09-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

There are few things I like more in this life than coffee. If someone paid me to give up coffee, I'd have to seriously think about it (and be offered a serious amount of money). My sister told me about a site she liked that has awesome coffee - GoCoffeeGo. My first purchase was from Water Avenue roasters in Portland, Oregon.

The packaging was what sold me - so clean and retro and the coffee was fabulous too. It's time to order some new coffee and this time I'm contemplating something from Atomic roasters here in Salem, MA. That's a package I can't wait to get!

New sewing project = new clothes!

2010-08-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

As someone with a large waist to hip ratio, I love my shape even as I work on overall downsizing. The frustrating part of having an exaggerated "hourglass" figure is that clothes often gape at the waist if they fit in the hip, or are too tight in hip when they fit at the waist... tailoring is the answer, but it can be difficult for a novice seamstress to get good results when altering a waist by 2 sizes. With Fall around the corner and my dislike for most of my wardrobe, I decided to try making a few of my own pieces.

I bought some patterns on Etsy, and I'm starting with this one from VintageCorePatterns:

I'm planning on making the brown skirt (pictured fig 2) and was hoping to find a mustard colored blended wool but there wasn't a huge selection at the local fabric store (choice of store is surprisingly limited in the Boston area, especially when you don't have a car!). I ended up picking this material (if you can see it, I think it looks better in person), along with some new tools so I can do this right:

(with flash)

(ambient light, no flash)

I'm hoping to get started soon, and I've invited my friend Seana to work on a skirt of her own from this pattern. Wish me luck!

Random thoughts - part 2 - pumpkins

2010-08-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

We're still in the throes of nearly unbearable summer heat and humidity here in Cambridge (the weekend was nice tho!) and I just can't help thinking about Fall. It's so close!

If you know me, you know Halloween is my favorite holiday (Christmas is a close 2nd, but Halloween just doesn't have all of the stress associated with family holidays - no offense family!). It's not just Halloween though (costume pics to come)- I love Fall and the changing colors, the crisp cool air and the crunch of leaves under your footsteps, the first sweater you put on to go outside, boots, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, jack-o'lanterns, seeds... pumpkins! Everything pumpkin!

About a month ago, I spotted a cute little terra cotta pot in Christmas Tree Shops - a grow your own pumpkin (like the one pictured here (on the left))

Within days, it produced 5 rapidly growing seedlings. 2 I transferred to a larger pot and the rest went to my friend Krystle for her back yard garden (with a promise of a pumpkin if hers succeed and mine don't). Now, 5 weeks later, I am down to 1 plant that seems to be growing a little slower (it's still alive - that's a feat for me!) and due to some zealous watering and organic potting soil 2 lovely little mushrooms (which also popped out almost overnight!):

I know it's a long shot, but hopefully the pumpkin will follow suit and take off!

random thoughts - part 1 - new camera

2010-08-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday! I'm way overdue for a post and since I'm still shaking off sleep (thanks cloudy sky) this is a perfect time... I actually have a few things to blog about today, but I might use it as procrastination technique and do it in parts.

I finally got a new camera since the old one died without too much warning. It took AA batteries and no matter how fresh or freshly charged the batteries were, the camera wouldn't take more than one picture without telling me the batteries needed to be replaced. Ughh! So frustrating. It's sad too- I'm one of those people who thinks things are supposed to last if you take care of them. Apparently, 4 years is long enough for a small, budget friendly point and shoot camera. Figuring repairs would cost more than buying a new one, I decided to go ahead. After all, you can't blog very well without a decent camera.

I stuck with the same brand, and it's a newer model of the same line although I'm not sure why when the 1st one turned out the way it did. This model uses a rechargeable battery - not sure if that will make a difference. It definitely has a sleeker look and a lighter weight. I'm happy with it so far, but I haven't had a chance to use it much in the past couple of days (the few pics I took so far will be in the next post). A visit to the family this weekend should cure that! Hopefully I'll get a chance to really put it to use.

Curious Cabinet Cards

2010-08-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

I've been interested in old photographs for awhile now - especially turn of the century or earlier photos of actresses. Not too long ago, I found this cabinet card in an antique shop:

I was instantly struck by her pose and her defiant look under the jaunty derby hat, cigarette poised. This woman has nerve! After some quick research I found out she was Belle Archer, born 1858, died 1900. Belle was a renowned stage actress and from the look of this photo, she had attitude.

I also learned that this type of photo is referred to as a "cabinet card" because of the way it's mounted and meant to be displayed easily without framing. Once I started looking into cabinet cards, I found lots of awesome images -

macabre:

odd:

fun:

cross-dressing vaudeville: which brings me to my next find - an exhibit at Ohio State on Burlesque called Loose Women in Tights, and a piece of that exhibit entitled Cross Dressing and Gender Performance in Burlesque on vaudevillian actresses who dressed as men. This phenomenon was the inspiration for the name of my shop, Maxine in Trousers. It's great to see burlesque in an academic setting as the focus of a University exhibit. This site offers a quick yet in-depth look (pictures included - nothing too risque) at burlesque from beginning to end (it's not about neo-burlesque). Very cool!

Public Garden Pics

2010-08-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

thanks ladies!

2010-08-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

Seana and Nicole - thanks for your help with this impromptu shoot in the Public Garden today.

The weather was gorgeous - a perfect summer day in Boston and the Garden is always beautiful (especially after walking through the Common - sorry Common). Although it was fast, I had a lot of fun - in the middle of everything I was distracted by a beautiful Mexican bride who had made her own gorgeous wedding dress - I wish I got a picture of the back!

Here's one pic (I'm really not glowing bronze in real life) of all 3 of us - thanks to the friendly Frenchman who took it:

progress

2010-08-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a procrastinator - always have been. Without a deadline, I don't see the need to hustle. Progress is slow but steady as I work on more hats for my friend Emmy's fashion show next month. Since I've been teaching myself millinery (from books, websites, experimentation, etc.), it's been especially slow, but also extremely gratifying. The color scheme for this particular line is deep and dark and the fabrics are wool - nubbly and textured as well as wool felt. It's August outside, but it's cold and snowy on my work table.

Hopefully I'll have lots more to show you soon, but here's some of what I have so far (the bases are just the beginning - feathers and other adornments to be added):

Lots more to come in the next few days! Surrounded by all of these feathers, I'm feeling inspired.

mmmmm... blueberry scones

2010-08-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not a morning person, and that includes eating breakfast. I love breakfast foods, but I'm usually not ready for a meal until I've been up for a few hours. I've learned that this is bad for an already slow metabolism, so in an effort to make something quick to grab for breakfast I've been trying out healthy muffin and quickbread recipes. Last week I made banana bran muffins and pineapple bran wholewheat quickbread (yay, fiber!) - sorry no pics. Those turned out so well, I decided to try scones today. Although this recipe wasn't as healthy (hey - it still had some wheat flour instead of just white, and fresh blueberries) as the previous ones, I made smaller portions to cut back on the calories. I love scones, but you never know what you're going to get when you buy them (even though I never buy them pre-packaged/processed - only at yummy places like Danish Pastry House (outpost at the City Hall Farmer's Market)).

Quite easy to make (I substituted fresh blueberries for frozen) - here they are 1/2 way through baking:

I added 5 minutes to the cooking time (they weren't quite done at 20 minutes) and put them on a wire rack to cool.

Of course I couldn't wait to try one, especially since I already had a nice hot cup of coffee waiting:

Fresh out of the oven, these scones were light and delicious. I'm sure they'll taste different once I've given them a chance to cool, and next time I might omit the cream cheese, but this recipe makes a perfect scone!

it's about time...

2010-08-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Time seems to be a constant theme in this blog, especially lack of time. Today I'm turning over a new leaf (again) to create a blog that's fun and entertaining for me and my potential readers.

I've spent some time looking at other blogs and I know what I find engaging but when it comes to blogging, it seems to me either it comes naturally or it doesn't. From now on, I'm just going to write about whatever interests me - not that I don't care about an audience, but blogging is such an egoistic venture that maybe I have to stop worrying about being perceived that way, and just go for it. So, here goes... thanks to everyone.

no time...

2010-04-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's the lack of time, or that I'm just not a natural blogger, but I haven't put much effort into this blog for months now. I'm thinking about how to re-group and start over but I hope to be back with an update soon! In the meantime, check out my etsy shop maxineintrousers.etsy.com.

cheers,

Alana

thanks!

2009-12-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

thanks to everyone who shopped Bazaar Bizarre Boston this year! It was lots of fun and the move back to Cyclorama was great - the lines were long but quick moving and inside, the shopping was much more convenient and breathable. I'll have some pics posted soon!

cheers,
Alana

memories of thanksgiving past

2009-12-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

it seems like it was over in a flash. Thanksgiving was just a week ago and I had a nice extra-long weekend with little to do but cook, eat, and craft. Here are some pics of the lovely dinner I had with my friend alyssa:
The table was brimming with sides - stuffing, sweet potatoes w/ marshmallows, peas and mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. We went without the traditional turkey this year in favor of a less expensive, smaller bird - the roaster chicken. mmm mmm good!
Alyssa's pumpkin pie didn't get photographed - we were in a haze by dessert time (some 3 hrs and a nap later...) but it was yummy!

although it's all gone now (save that last of the cranberry sauce which needs to be ditched) this is why i ate salad again today!

enjoy the holiday!

2009-11-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving - prelude to the holidays

2009-11-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving approaches, preparation for the holiday season looms. Luckily, this year, I get to spend the holiday with one of my best friends - Alyssa. I'm thankful for the relaxation that awaits instead of the stress of travel and family get togethers (sorry guys! I still love you). We've planned a nice little break with food, wine, movies, spa treatments, Christmas tree shopping, and whatever we damned well please.

Alternately, my thoughts turn to everything I have to get done in the upcoming days and weeks. As usual, I'm far behind on all of the things I've intended to get done like training for a 5K that's now 3 weeks away. Creating a to do list would be helpful, but I've even put that off. Right now, as I sit in my living room going through old inventory, I can't help but think of the new inventory and how it needs to be ready by December 6 for Bazaar Bizarre. That seemed so far away, especially with 2 birthdays and Thanksgiving next week and the shortened work week (that includes an increased workload!). Looking at the complete disarray, it's time to buckle down and get organized... so here's the 1st draft of my to do list (a work in progress)

1 - update etsy page with clearance items

2 - update blog/twitter/facebook with etsy holiday sale info

3 - check inventory and update

4 - design new tags

5 - think about promo items (this is probably the part that will give me the most trouble!)

6 - buy ribbon for new labels

7 - stamp, iron, cut, sew in new labels

8 - keep making new stuff (eventually get it posted on etsy)

9 - prep thanksgiving dinner (this can wait til Wednesday)

10 - Clean apt! (no big spring cleaning, but a dust, polish, vacuum would be nice).

11 - and clean out refrigerator

12 - Hope random craft elements (findings, headbands, etc.) make it here by the end of the week so new pieces will be ready for Bazaar Bizarre!

I'm sure there is something I'm forgetting, and this list will grow (and shrink!), but it's a start. Wish me luck! No matter what your holiday plans, I hope you have a fabulous time and enjoy the company of whomever you're with!

cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!

Alana

so...

2009-11-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

Finding time to do anything these days seems nearly impossible. I haven't started thinking about holiday shopping and it's already hectic! With the spare time I've managed to find, I've been doing some internet research on images in the public domain. I'm not sure what took me so long to look into this stuff, but there are some cool sites out there with vintage illustrations. If you're a crafter, designer, scrapbooker, or just like vintage images, these sites are a treasure. Most of the images posted are for personal and commercial use - and they're free!

The top hit was a site called Old Book Illustrations - it's full of interesting illustrations from books of every era. From nature and wildlife to literary characters, this site focuses on black and white images.

Another interesting, and free site is Victorian Vignettes. This site has tons of images (I haven't sorted through it all yet) and they're sorted in so many convenient ways. Looking for a vintage image? You're bound to find it here!

and it also has links to other sites for more illustration. Take a look, but if you plan on doing some serious browsing, set aside some time - it's definitely worth it.

Hello there - it's been way too long!

2009-11-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

So after nearly 3 months of blog-abandonment, I'm back! Blogging is hard when you are so busy with work, crafts, life, etc. Reading the blogs I love, I have to wonder what it is that they do to make it work? Maybe that's it... work! I've decided to set aside time each day for Maxine's blog, so I'll be back tomorrow with a new blog topic and a renewed sense of purpose. Right after I get my birthday root canal...

See you then,

alana

fashion to get mad about

2009-08-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so everyone's jumping on the MadMen bandwagon... that's fine by me, because it means more vintage inspired looks are popping up all over. While I appreciate the style of all of the characters, both male and female, Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks), sports my favorite style - sexy, bombshell, but not tarty. Her look is office appropriate, but not dowdy. She turns heads but leaves enough to the imagination - by today's standards at least.
I'm keeping an eye out for new and vintage pieces to compliment my wardrobe. Hopefully I can conjure up a little Joan Holloway style of my own! Follow up posts on my finds to come.

Beautiful Bride

2009-07-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Check out the lovely photos sent to me by Yami in Florida - a happy customer and beautiful bride. She's wearing a Maxine in Trousers one of a kind Deco Bridal Fascinator.

Sporting feathers to both her wedding and her honeymoon, Yami gets the most for her money! Way to budget and look adorable in this economy.

Disappointment

2009-07-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

It wasn't as if I had high hopes for Public Enemies - I should say that I'm not a fan of Michael Mann (both director and writer of this movie). However, I thought I'd be entertained for 2+ hours. I found myself laughing at inappropriate moments, mostly because the dialogue was so unbelievable and stilted.

Not even Johnny Depp (LOVE HIM!!!) could save this movie. He was awesome as usual and his co-stars gave good performances too. I enjoyed watching doe eyed beauty, Marion Cotillard, my runner up girl crush after Zooey Deschanel. Christian Bale was tense and focused as the G-Man in charge of getting Dillinger. Numerous favorites had cameos too - Giovanni Ribisi, Lili Taylor, Billy Crudup (creepy as Hoover), Stephen Lang (of Crime Story - one of the only Mann projects I liked), even Diana Krall as a nightclub singer.

The stars, costumes, props, locations - all fantastic and still this movie was a flop. Michael Mann just regurgitates his cliche-ridden, formulaic nonsense - good guy, bad guy, shoot up, love story, bloodshed, the end. This might have worked in the 1930's when movies were young and gangster films were at their bloom but it left me feeling like there was so much potential and no delivery.

Happy Independence Day!!!

2009-07-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here even if you couldn't tell by the weather in Boston! Bar-b-que's, fireworks, picnics, maybe some swimming and hopefully some sun. That's what most people want on the 4th of July.

I'd like to take some time to remember our soldiers who can't celebrate with us at home. While female pin-ups aren't for everyone (sorry straight gals!), I think they're amazing! Check out Gina Elise's Pin Ups for Vets Her site struck me as that wonderful combination of retro, fun, and patriotic. It may be considered risque, but while she's boosting morale of soldiers serving overseas, she's supporting health care for vets - something all Americans should want to do. Cheers to Gina Elise!

In the same vein, there's Pinups for Troops - a modern take on morale boosting pinups of the 1940's. Not to be confused with The Pin-Ups for the Troops project - also a morale booster, this one recreates Gil Elvgren paintings and includes a section of male pinups! Proceeds from sales of the books are donated to Fisher House.

So, if you want to support our service men and women or show your patriotism, why not get a beautiful pinup calendar you can ogle year round? In the spirit of the holiday, and good old retro fun, here are some patriotic pinups:

Happy 4th!

No frizz? Really...?

2009-06-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Spring and Summer in the Northeast mean massive amounts of rain and humidity. For my curly hair, that means lots of creative updos (and not so creative ponytails). While I like to change my style when I can, I am generally low-maintenance and I like to wear my long hair down and curly. However, on days like today, it poofs up like a poodles coat and I am pulling it back less than ½ way through the day.

That’s why I was so excited to see a new product for curly hair with so much buzz on the market. I should have been wary of the buzz. My friend ordered 2 bottles from QVC and offered me one of the bottles to try it myself. Admittedly, I only used it once, but there are no miracles in a bottle here. I styled my hair according to the directions using an ample amount cream. While I was impressed by the light fragrance and the texture (not too sticky), I was unimpressed with the results. The weight of the product made my hair fall flat and while that solves the poof-factor, it does nothing for my style.

I’ve read a good deal of positive reviews online, so it must be working for someone, just not me (or my friend – who is returning her No Frizz today).

Overall: overpriced, nothing special

more red...

2009-04-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Continuing along the color theme, I thought I'd post a picture of my new bathing suit. Of course, this is the model, not me! I wouldn't dare photograph myself in a bathing suit (especially not at the end of April) without some serious photoshop help.

Isn't it amazining?! Check out My Baby Jo for more retro suits. It comes in the mail today, so I'll let you know how it fits - fingers crossed! Maybe I should do another yoga session instead of stopping at the liquor store tonight...

April showers...

2009-04-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

are nowhere in site in Boston this week, but with all the rain we've had, umbrellas are on my mind! Check out the gorgeous parasols from Brollies Galore (in the UK). Of course, the one I love is 88 British Pounds! So red, retro, feminine and beautiful!

It almost makes me wish that it would rain... almost!

Fabulous!

2009-04-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the shoppers who made it to the Burlesque Expo this past weekend!

I had a great time and met some very cool people -customers and vendors. Hopefully next time I'll get a chance to take a class or see a show - I heard they were fantastic! If you didn't make it, stop by facebook and check out some more pics.

Special thanks to Sasha and Melissa for their help and to Devon for being my first sale of the weekend. Don't you think she looks fabulous in her black and white fascinator?!

***

I'm busy with visitors this week, but next week I'll get my etsy page up to date! Keep an eye out for my Spring sale coming soon!!

2009-04-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

BURLESQUE!!!

Have you ever wanted to see a live burlesque show? Thought about what it would be like to see some real vaudeville acts? Just like the retro fashion? The Great Boston Burlesque Expo has is all!
This weekend, from Friday night through Sunday night, April 10-12, the Burlesque Expo will showcase global and local acts, Burlesque veterans, classes, parties, and vendors! I'll have a table at the Vintage Fashion Fair (which has all kinds of vendors - just check out the list) from Saturday-Sunday.

Hope to see you there - cheers!

BUST!

2009-03-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

So, my ad is in the April/May issue of BUST magazine (with Lily Allen on the cover). It's exciting to see my first print ad and it just happens to be across from the info on (my next venue) the Great Boston Burlesque Expo! If you're looking in the print version, I'm on page 19!

Cheers,
Alana

Spring has sprung!

2009-03-10T08:07:00.001-07:00

I finally got featured in the Etsy Gift Guides:
http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/nostalgic-whimsy/99

For those of you not familiar with Etsy, it's a great site with tons of original arts, crafts, clothes, vintage stuff that you can buy, sell, or peruse. It's also the place where I made my first sale (to Courtney Love of all people)!

This is great timing since it coincides with the release of my tiny Etsy/BUST magazine co-op ad (you can check it out online at www.bust.com) - in the upcoming April/May issue.

Last but not least... save the date for the Boston Burlesque Expo, April 10-12 at the Hyatt, Memorial Drive, Cambridge. Advance tix for the Vintage Fashion Fair, where I'll be setting up shop for the weekend, are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. The expo features Burlesque acts, burlesque instructional classes, costume displays, the Fashion Fair, Friday night pool party, and more (all separate charges). Check it out: http://www.burlesque-expo.com/ Hope to see you there!

BUST

2009-03-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

My favorite magazine, BUST, has paired up with my favorite crafts/arts site, Etsy, for advertising - my tiny square of an ad comes out in the next issue (more info to come). If you haven't read BUST yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. It's packed full of articles, information, music reviews, interviews, pictures, recipes, how-to's - you name it (even the "one-handed read - check it out at the end of the issue)! While obviously geared toward (and run by) women, men can enjoy it too.

BUST describes itself:
"With an attitude that is fierce, funny, and proud to be female, BUST provides an uncensored view on the female experience. BUST tells the truth about women's lives and presents a female perspective on pop culture. BUSTing stereotypes about women since 1993."

BUST is available at Borders Books, Barnes & Noble, Universal News, and Hudson News, but the best and cheapest way to get BUST is to subscribe online.

Check out the latest issue online here.

something to blog about...

2009-03-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

In an effort to keep up with this blog, I'm looking for some good blog topics. Any suggestions?

Meanwhile, I just wanted to mention Johnny Depp's upcoming movie (due out July 1, 2009) Public Enemies.

I was hoping to post a trailer, but couldn't find one. Not only does this film feature Johnny Depp and Christian Bale (whom I still love despite his anger issues),

it looks like it will features some fabulous 1930's headwear. It may be the Depression, and they may be a bunch of criminals, but they know how to wear hats. Look for Marion Cotillard as John Dillinger's main squeeze (loved her in La Vie en Rose).

Hopefully, it won't romanticize crime too much (sure) and it won't be a bomb with Michael Mann directing. With the costumes, the men and the cars, I plan on seeing this one in the theatre.

In the meantime, I'm waiting for my millinery book, How to Make Hats, to come in the mail. The drawings remind me of my grandmother's Lady's Auxiliary Cookbook -

I can't wait to try some of the patterns!

More on Lincoln...

2009-02-14T09:03:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I forgot to mention the other show I've been catching bits of on PBS (and need to sit down and watch in it's entirety) - Looking for Lincoln. This show is hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and explores Lincoln as a myth and a man - quite refreshing considering how Lincoln has been idealized in recent times. Although I'm all for the idealistic view, its fantastic to see Lincoln as a human being. You can watch it online if you miss the broadcast (see the link above) and there are activities that may interest the history teachers out there!

The fascination with President Lincoln

2009-02-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

So, it seems like everywhere you look, there's something new about President Abraham Lincoln. I am learning a lot more from this revival than I ever did in school. Right now, I'm [trying to] watching PBS American Experience show on the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination. Its great stuff - not to be missed. I'm sure I'll get back to this topic because I find it so intriguing, so more to come!

I LOVE Cambridge Antiques Market

2009-01-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Easily one of the best places I know (not just in Cambridge, but anywhere), the Cambridge Antiques Market is 4 floors of vintage goodness. Last week I saw the sunniest yellow vintage canister set and it was love at first sight. You know that feeling when you walk away from something in a store, and its calling your name? I did it and thought about those canisters all week. I had already purchased my new (old industrial chair) and this beautiful peacock tray

so, when I got a gift certificate for the market that same day, I knew I had to go back. After a little soap and hot water (they were already in perfect condition) I filled them and put them to work.

They're where my IKEA jars used to be (those will find a new home in the pantry or on my craft shelf), just below this great free poster I got on re-nest.

Three new additions to the kitchen for virtually no money!

1st sales on etsy and new supplies...

2009-01-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

So many exciting developments - I made my first 2 sales on etsy.com this week and I'm hoping to keep the momentum going. Turning my sales into supply purchases this week has been fun. I love shopping and now I can turn some beautiful feathers (pictures this weekend) into new creations. Since my visit home to NYC, I've been building up my millinery supplies and my new project is organizing a functional craft space. So now the space is carved out, a new (vintage) industrial chair has been purchased (picture to come), but the perfect desk has yet to be found. For now, the dining table will remain command central.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

Jessie M. from Boston recently bought a fascinator to wear out for New Year's Eve. She sent me these pics of her getting ready for the big night on the town - beautiful! Thanks Jessie!

Another happy customer...

2008-12-15T13:48:00.001-08:00

Joanne J., a shopper at Bazaar Bizarre Boston, sent me a couple of pics of her bright orange fascinator in action. She said: "The hair piece added the perfect flair, bringing a unique touch to my look for the evening." Fabulous!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Bazaar Bizarre was a blast - Thanks to everyone who stopped by! The pasties were a hit and hair accessories aren't just for film noir dames anymore! Check out my etsy store Maxine in Trousers for more accessories later this week (December 12).

7 days of crafting!

2008-11-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

The final stretch of crafting for Bazaar Bizarre is here! I am almost as far along as I had hoped to be at this point, but there's so much more to do. Getting ready has been nerve-racking, exciting, and somewhat tiring, but mostly fun. More pictures should be up by the end of the week (there is SO much more to see).

Bazaar Bizarre Boston

The Castle (101 Arlington Street)

Boston, MA

December 7, 2008, 12pm-7pm

Admission - $1

(early bird tickets are available for $10 check www.bazaarbizarre.org/boston.html for details)

cheers!

crafting away...

2008-10-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

So, my fingers are quickly becoming pincushions, but I'm still at it!

Here are a couple more pictures of a fascinator I made for the Bazaar Bizarre.

There are plenty more on the way - lots of headbands too!

Hopefully, I'll get the hang of this blogging thing and I'll have something more to say soon!

Bazaar Bizarre

2008-09-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'll be at this year's Bazaar Bizarre Boston - just in time for the holidays!

In case you don't know, its a funky crafts fair with handmade goods that happens every year in various cities across the country. This year the Boston event will be Sunday, December 7, 12pm-7pm, at the Castle on Arlington Street, featuring 140 local vendors - http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/boston.html

Cheers!

2008-08-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

more coming soon...

2008-08-29T17:17:00.000-07:00