tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58004888273346283092024-03-04T21:15:11.961-08:00The New Old Me...diary of a vintage newbie.As the title states, this is my little diary to chronicle my adventures in vintage, clothing, hair, makeup, maybe even home items. I am dripping wet behind the ears when it comes to the world of vintage, so do expect some frustrations and some blundering errors in judgement. They will just make the successes all the sweeter, plus we might have a giggle along the way.23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-43528821973681609272010-10-30T18:39:00.001-07:002010-10-30T18:59:19.275-07:00Catching up...I've been away from this blog for so long that I almost forgot about it. I was Googling Freddie's of Pinewood tonight...and you all know how much I Frenching love them...and found my own review on my blog, lol. Oh yeah...my blog.<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who held out positive thoughts for Rory and I. The freakishly good news is that she beat all the odds and did not have cancer. What she did have was eosinophilic granuloma. Basically, her immune system is a little wonky and thinks she has an infection where none is present, so her body attacks healthy tissue which caused the lesion on her nose pad and the tumor on the back of her tongue. Knock wood, neither has returned but we do remain watchful as this can affect her teeth/gums too. <br /><br />In sad news, my little rescue, Saoirse Francis, that we knew and loved for 10 years encountered complications while dealing with hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). She arrested suddenly and we lost her in the middle of the night at the emergency hospital a few months ago. Truth be told, there is still a lot of guilt surrounding her passing and the all too avoidable events that led up to it. It's actually why I haven't been around...anywhere...but life moves forward and there are two more naked Sphynx cats flying around the house! More on them some other day.<br /><br />I am just getting back into my vintage swing and will have to update you on my chenille bedspread, chrome cozy tea pot, Mary Dunhill perfume purse flask, Bobbie Jerome purse, Richard Hudnut travel set, and my foray into vintage scents like Tweed and Woodhue.<br /><br />Oh, one other thing, I colored my hair a couple weeks ago. Mouse brown, esh...but hey, the grey is gone and that's a damn start.<br /><br />Um and one last thing...Where the HELL is INKY?????? :)23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-71245250091632453352010-03-29T14:21:00.000-07:002010-03-29T14:37:29.746-07:00Dear Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma...Listen you son-of-a-bitch, you may be mean...but I'm MEANER!<br /><br />Yeah, you're gonna "win" this one, but not without a fight mutherfucker. You WILL NOT take my cat without a fight. You WILL NOT inflict your pain. WE WILL FIGHT you even if it just means we keep her comfortable and help her pass before you cause unspeakable destruction.<br /><br />You picked the wrong cat!<br />See you at the surgical consult you prick bastard!<br /><br /><br />Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a big, bad cancer that affects feline nasal/oral areas. Rory, Raziel Reign's Once Upon A Dream, my bronze spotted Egyptian Mau, had a lesion on her nose pad that wasn't healing right. I thought it was because she kept rubbing it. Lesion, drooling, rubbing their mouths...all suspect signs of oral and/or nasal tumors. 99.9% of the time it's squamous cell carcinoma. Only a biopsy will say for certain, but odds are good this is what Rory has. I had looked in her mouth a few times and saw nothing...my vet saw a tumor way back on the base of her tongue and another spread under her toungue inside her jawline. I have a consult with a surgeon but realistically, the one on her tongue is in a very, very bad place that is not condusive to surgery. So, I go into this knowing there may not be a surgical solution to extending her life. There is a procedure called a mandibulectomy (removal of all or portion of the jaw). While it's really successful when combined with radiation in canines...it's not so hot with felines, typically extending life for another 5-7 months. Not sure I'd put her through such a drastic surgery and recovery to attempt a few more months. I'm really struggling to weigh treatment/prognosis/quality of life...hopefully the surgeon can guide me a bit on Thursday.<br /><br />I have read about an NSAID called Piroxicam, to aleviate pain and reduce inflamation. It's used for prostrate cancer in human applications. This may be the best I can hope for. I'm also reading about chemo drugs being injected into the lesion on her nose to slow things down. I'll do what I can...anything except allow her to suffer.<br /><br />Rory is only 9 years old, she's still got life in her eyes, bumps and purrs, still eating well...if you didn't see her nose deteriorating and notice the drool, you wouldn't think a think was wrong...for now.<br /><br />If you don't already...have your vet do an oral exam each visit, ask about an annual dental...finding a squamous cell tumor EARLY makes a ton of difference!23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-79557924976753924382010-03-20T14:42:00.000-07:002010-03-20T15:08:46.047-07:00This Summer...This Summer I won't make excuses.<br /><br />This Summer I won't hide in the house.<br /><br />This Summer I won't wear the modern matron uniform of stretch pants and a baggy T.<br /><br />This Summer I will "Wake up...Look cute...and Love myself!" <br />*Thanks <a href="http://welcometodeluxeville.blogspot.com/">Mary Deluxe </a>and Desi Mother Superior of Bus Stop Goddesses Everywhere*<br /><br />Yellow is not by best color, but when you shop CURVY vintage swimsuits, you learn to live with compromise. I wanted real vintage, not repro and these two were in my price range ($40). Plus size vintage swimwear, actually name label vintage swimwear is really up, up, up there $! I will say this...if you can find an Alix of Miami in your size and you have the budget, go for it. They are gorgeous...just google around or search Zeebay for some amazing examples.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4448235931_8afcfb3910_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4448235931_8afcfb3910_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4448237401_d80fc9019b_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4448237401_d80fc9019b_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49744939@N00/4448237401/">Larger View</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49744939@N00/4448235931/">Larger View</a><br /><br />I figure these are closer to the 60's but I think they are cute. I found the green/yellow multi playsuit on Etsy. It isn't labeled, that I know of. The yellow suit is a "Muriel" Swim and Sun. I like the girly ties on the skirt (and that it covers my bum and thighs...giggle). I found it at <a href="http://www.thatgirlvintageboutique.com/swimsuits.html">That Girl! Vintage</a>. She has others but some just look like modest skirted modern examples. There are, however, a couple of vintage Gabar worth looking at. The best part is they are under $100.23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-40710921124548953772010-03-13T17:03:00.000-08:002010-03-13T17:28:33.358-08:00Minky Sphynxy!New pictures of my baby girl from Tracy at <a href="http://nocoatkitty.com/html/slideshow.php">NoCoatsKitty</a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4430883810_38a2e71b2f_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4430883810_38a2e71b2f_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49744939@N00/4430883810/">Larger view here</a><br />You'll notice she's looking like a bald Siamese these days. Well, she sort of is, but not quite. Siamese are Pointed which refers to a color pattern that restricts the pigment to the tips of ears, nose, tail and toes. There are Pointed Sphynx kitties, but my baby isn't truly a pointed kitty. She's a MINK which is another type of pattern. Her SEAL color won't be totally restricted to points but shaded over her entire body. I think she gets to keep the dark smudge on her nose though. :) <br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4430883452_4ac48ba824_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 161px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4430883452_4ac48ba824_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Her eyes are such an amazing <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49744939@N00/4430883452/">blue</a>, but that's just her baby coloring. Because she is a MINK, she won't have blue eyes as an adult...I'm expecting a lovely change over the next few weeks and will share it as soon as her true eye color starts to emerge.<br /><br />Still no purrfect name jumping out.<br />Sabrina or Prunella are still options...but Astrid, Starla. I'm getting a celestial or glam sort of vibe from this little Starlet...hmmm, maybe Starla would be good.23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-98107822942624562010-03-13T15:44:00.000-08:002010-03-13T16:48:36.139-08:00Get In The Drecipe!Anybody remember Susan Powter of "Stop the Insanity" infomercial fame?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXqwo2NLUm3T9GhpqncyFNodGy2hfIWu5ZizTdUTFHymOxWwptUils5Y7CcSrVpu6kXjZPC52RR9N1_nZG0AJ-7knwwmd16IiqWKW-Siy_E3LP2iFUdhZuzCo8tdks176fpCpwRsmjUec/s400/Susan+Powter+weight.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXqwo2NLUm3T9GhpqncyFNodGy2hfIWu5ZizTdUTFHymOxWwptUils5Y7CcSrVpu6kXjZPC52RR9N1_nZG0AJ-7knwwmd16IiqWKW-Siy_E3LP2iFUdhZuzCo8tdks176fpCpwRsmjUec/s400/Susan+Powter+weight.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Her Black Bean Salad is one of my favorites, quick, easy, no culinary skills required dishes.<br /><br />I dub this a <strong>"Get in the Drecipe"</strong><br />Get it?...<em>Dress-i-pee</em><br /><br /><a href="http://meganonamission.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/black_beans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://meganonamission.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/black_beans.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Susan Powter's Black Bean Salad<br />1 16oz can black beans (or dried beans cooked and seasoned) *I rinse my canned beans<br />1/2 cup chopped celery<br />1/4 cup chopped red onion (I leave out the onion)<br />1/4 cup picante sauce (I sub Newman's Own Garden Salsa which is one of the lowest sodium prepared salsas I can find on my supermarket shelf)<br />2 tablespoons no-oil Italian dressing (I use Non Fat Italian)<br /><br />In it's original state:<br />Serves 4<br />Calories 140<br />Fat .5 gm<br />3% fat<br /><br />Mix it all up in a container and store it in the fridge. That's it!<br /><br />I've topped garden salads with it. I've used it cold inside a whole wheat tortilla with shredded lettuce and diced tomato to make a lunch time wrapper. I've heated it up and added a smidge of mexican cheese and set it up in flour tortillas for a hot dinner. I've even used up a couple left over chicken strips by chopping them up and adding it. Susan says you can even heat the original recipe and eat it like a chunky soup. <br /><br />Tonight, I'm actually having black beans with chick peas and corn in a recipe my Mom nabbed from a TV show. It is soooo delish! I'll have her write it down and share it with you sometime. <br /><br />If you have a fav <strong>Get In The Drecipe</strong>, please share!23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-75837634998346285672010-03-11T20:54:00.000-08:002010-03-11T21:25:37.221-08:00NSB: "Wait!...I can explain."<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4425832699_45b1068732_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4425832699_45b1068732_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I was really, really good yesterday and today. I only bid on and won a desperately needed OB Girdle. It was a thought out, planned purchase and I got it for much less than I had expected. I was really happy with me!<br /><br />Then I saw it, a yummy pink and lace confection of a dress that I need like a hole in my head (or pocketbook). I tried to resist, I really tried. Then I thought about the other two dresses that I resisted that were scarfed up and listed for sale elsewhere at 3 to 5 times the auction price. I looked at "my" dress and figured if I didn't move, she'd end up there too, far away from the financial reach of those who would love her best. I had to save her. You see? (Don't worry...I'm not buying this either!)<br /><br />The truth is, I thought it was a really pretty dress and I did give myself one pass for a useless dressy-dress. I find it really hard to find this kind of stuff in my size and I know it's not something I could make myself in this lifetime or the next. I indulged. I have nothing against sellers making a profit. Heck, I worked commissioned sales for 20 years. It's just that really pretty plus size vintage is sometimes hard to come by. I'm tired of watching these dresses go for $70-$100 at auction and end up for sale at over $300 in a zip code I'm too poor to even speak, let alone live in. It's just nice, if once in a while, we regular girls can nab one of these dresses ourselves...even if we'll be so broke we'll have to wear it at home...eating Ramen Noodles for dinner. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4425832045_7dceceb4ff_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4425832045_7dceceb4ff_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4425831617_8803a880c0_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 161px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4425831617_8803a880c0_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-51776440614654174662010-03-08T14:41:00.000-08:002010-03-08T15:11:49.740-08:00Is It Sew Wrong?<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4417614321_afcb42d628_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4417614321_afcb42d628_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4417616627_6fcc6df9df_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4417616627_6fcc6df9df_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4418408096_48a33c4f7b_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4418408096_48a33c4f7b_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I am not a crafty person.<br />My Gram sewed a bit, mostly alterations necessitated by the vertical challenge of just missing the 5' mark. She taught my Aunt Mollie a bit and if we blow out the cob webs, I'll bet my Aunt could still deliver the basics. My Mom is completely devoid of both the sewing and shopping genes. (Try growing up with that!) Me? I'd like to learn! It sure would be nice to just make a great dress instead of going blind and bankrupt watching auctions go down on LeBay! I have a big sewing basket, with practically nothing in it, stashed in the back of a closet from over a decade ago. Come to think of it, I might have a huge instruction book too.<br /><br />I've gathered the few patterns I have. The plan was to start with the nighty because it doesn't have to turn out perfect to sleep in it. Then I decided to start with a smaller project, the hat and purse pattern. Well, I read it over for an hour today and I'm on the fence. There are a lot of tiny details to the hat that I might not be ready for, including a crinoline backing for rigidity. Seriously, I spent 10 minutes trying to figure out if there was a bonus slip pattern for the crinoline yardage called for or if there was some ruffled version I wasn't seeing! LOL The other item I'd really like to get cracking on is the short sleeve version of the blouse, minus the monogram. I think it would be really practical!<br /><br />I tried looking at fabrics online but to little avail. I did find one super bit of1940's red print fabric. It's not enough to make the hat, but I might be able to just squeeze out the purse! We shall see. I didn't like a single fabric for my nighty so I will have to brave the brick-and-mortor stores. (Ex-retail junkies seldom like to hang out in stores for any length of time...sigh.) There was one cherry or berry print on white fabric that I thought would look cute for the blouse. I don't like super thin fabric that you can see your hand and bra through. So, that project will require in-person selections too.<br /><br />Finally, the NSB may have to be revamped to accommodate a little starter sewing machine...or possibly just dogear any $ I might get on my tax returns. And then there's buttons and trim and pinking shears and... Oh noooooo!!!!!<br /><br />Some others for your viewing pleasure:<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4418407202_8ebff27287_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4418407202_8ebff27287_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4417615585_ec89dc2655_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4417615585_ec89dc2655_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4417645239_863a5c55e3_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4417645239_863a5c55e3_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4418409238_8996c3baf7_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4418409238_8996c3baf7_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-91729361486357605992010-03-08T09:05:00.000-08:002010-03-08T09:19:10.287-08:00Mmmmmm...McCall'sCampbell's Soup may be <em>"Mmmm-Mmmm Good"</em> but vintage McCall's are <em><strong>"Mmmm-Mmmm Better"!</strong></em><br /><br />March 1952<br />The cover is so beautiful! What I wouldn't give to look like her!<br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4416830129_7c6376d9ff_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4416830129_7c6376d9ff_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />April 1955<br />See the pretty girls on the cover? The article is titled "The Eleven Bustiest Models". I can't wait to see if their dimensions are listed as well as any fashion hints for the curvier amongst us! <br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4416831265_6fd58f2824_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4416831265_6fd58f2824_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />May 1958<br />Maybe '58 is my year? I sure do seem to acquire issues from this year. <br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4417595194_f2f080c232_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4417595194_f2f080c232_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />...and no, I don't think these are NSB approved. Let's just think of them as "research" or "learning materials". Education is always a smart investment! ;)23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-35678875746689087222010-03-07T09:52:00.000-08:002010-03-07T10:37:47.948-08:00Just Shoe'T Me...As you all know by now, I'm participating in NSB. The concept of No Spender Bender has been tweaked a bit for my goals and dubbed the No Stupid Spending experiment for March. Shoes are definitely one of my green light items. I can't wear any of my vintage purchases until I get myself some shoes. (...and I'll be damned if I let my fabulous Freddies collect dust!)<br /><br />First up, UGG "Mar" espadrilles.<br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4414458874_6e98ce49ff_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4414458874_6e98ce49ff_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I love espadrilles, but having heavier calves (genetics and 20 years of standing in retail) the massive amounts of tie wrapping doesn't flatter me. I'm hoping this single ankle tie will do it. Loving the peep toe and the peep heel! Oh, and won't the girly cousins, my juniors by 20 years, think old cuz Skidoo is oh-so-cool to sport UGG! LOL <br /><br />Next up, a basic pair of black peep toe sling-backs.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4413690035_d927dccb9d_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4413690035_d927dccb9d_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Okay, so it's just your basic, nothing-fancy sort of shoe. That's exactly what I need! I took a risk with the size and the heel. I used to wear an 8M in this brand all the time so that's what I ordered. I even tried on an old pair to be sure. If the new pair don't fit then I know to bump to the 8.5 when I order the other pairs I have my eyes on. The heel is 3" so my body is going to have to recall how I used to get about in these things, lol. I almost wimped out for a closed toe and lower heel but I knew it wasn't going to give me the right look/line. I also think this pair will work with my black Dofan handbag.<br /><br /><br />***As an aside, my shoe shopping effort has brought back all sorts of fun memories shopping with my Gram. She always wore those ugly old lady peep-toe, ankle-strap, damn shoes and I always told her how ugly and old lady they were. Little did I know those shoes were the epitome of chic in her era. Isn't it funny that those same shoes have me drooling these days? Isn't it a shame she's not here to go shoe shopping or to say "I told you so"? Oh, the damage we girls could do! Me and my Gram and a shoe store! Love you Grammy...and thank you for teaching me about hats/gloves, shoes/purses, what fork to use, how to clean a house and all those important lessons...oh, and for helping me cut the bottoms from my burnt cookies and pretending they were delicious anyway.23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-34055702453919090002010-03-02T09:29:00.000-08:002010-03-02T09:38:33.280-08:00A REAL Pin-Up Kitten...<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4401104453_cb01a6ecb4_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 161px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4401104453_cb01a6ecb4_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4401105133_a8e28c2b70_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 161px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4401105133_a8e28c2b70_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />My little naked Pin-Up Kitten for your viewing pleasure!<br /><br />Believe it or not, they make sweaters for these little guys and gals because they get chilly with no fur to protect them. So, she really could be a Sweater Girl! Hmmmm...Pin-Up, Sweater Girl, Bombshell. I will have to keep these in mind for her registered name. Still working on her call name though. Prunella, Sabrina and Harlow are on the list.<br /><br />If you'd like to drool over even more Sphynx kitties, visit Tracy's site at <a href="http://nocoatkitty.com/html/slideshow.php">NoCoatKitty</a>.23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-52606027000642161562010-03-01T13:04:00.000-08:002010-03-01T13:53:54.359-08:00Dude, what's your BASIC?NSB = No Spender Bender<br /><br />Since I'm actually trying to build (rebuild) an everyday wardrobe, I do spend. I just try to focus my spending and pull the reins in just a little. So, in Skidoo world, NSB = No Stupid Buying<br /> <br />Alas, this means the two gorgeous party dresses I'm stalking are sort of off limits. I did give myself a free pass to indulge in one useless-for-my-lifestyle party dress, but ya know what? I don't feel like using it. (Victory is Mine!)<br /><br />So, what's my BASIC?<br /><br />Ship N Shore Plaid Blouse (Me thinks she works to the Freddie's)<br /><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.120884442.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 573px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.120884442.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ship N Shore Yellow Blouse (Love the Peter Pan collar)<br /><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.126382941.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 573px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.126382941.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Carol Brent Summer Dress (Not quite everyday but better than taffeta and rhinestones)<br /><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.90096106.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 952px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.90096106.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Handknit (so they say) Cardi (to cover the upper arm phlab when wearing dress above)<br /><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.97500370.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 455px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.97500370.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />White Knit Cardi (versatile and too cute to pass up)<br /><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.120371032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 573px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.120371032.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />...and now, just some random thought for today because I don't want to post three blogs in a row. It won't decrease my rambling, just makes me feel better to say I only posted twice, lol.<br /><br />Today started off really sucky! I found one of my holy grails (a very specific 1940's compact) that was in great shape and nobody but me was interested. I got up at 7:30am just to keep an eye on it. Some (be nice Skidoo) <em>collector</em> just had to have it and spent the last few seconds of the auction driving me to my max bid. I could have fought, I could have bid more, but piss on it. I'm not breaking the bank on something that will sit in my vanity drawer or stay tucked in my purse. I decided I'd rather have the dough for REAL clothes...so I was able to buy the Carol Brent dress with what I didn't spend on the compact. Go me! Go NSB!<br /><br />Two of my purses arrived. The satin formal Koret, to-die-for! Plus, it came with a GEN-U-WINE blue tissue from the era and a couple of hair pins AND a freaking folding comb that the seller didn't know were in there or didn't care. The white leather Koret, on the other hand, is pretty filthy. I used a little spit and it does clean up, but I don't know how to really, safely clean it. The spit works, but I don't have that much to clean this puppy. I think it was from the same person who owned the satin bag because it was hiding a few of the same hair pins AND one wicked pointed metal nail file in a plastic sheath. Talk about self protection! All I can think is that the bar scene must have been really rough for a decked out dame in the 50's and 60's! I'll bet nobody pinched her ass twice and lived to talk about it. :)<br /><br />I finally found time to open some Pre-NSB packages. My new Blue Bird Pillowcases are gorgeous and feel so so good. I <3 worn muslin! My 1950's hat and purse pattern came. I was going to make my very first sewing project the 1950's night gown pattern I purchased but I think I might go for the hat/purse first as it's small enough to hand stitch. Not sure how that will go. I do remember sewing a Barbie dress as a kid, accidentally stitching it to my PJ leg and crying...no whailing when my Mom had to break out the seam ripper. Even back then, I was the type of willful (control freak?) perfectionist child that just sort of figured fuck it, it's ruined and I want NO part of it now. Common' Mom, would it really have been so bad to have Barbie clad in her new dress hanging from my PJ's? You wouldn't have to yell at me to clean up my toys. <br /><br />Speaking of PJ's...OMG...I scored a pair of Tom Girl 1950's short sleeve pajamas in a little blue rose bud print. I love Tom Girl PJ's but never find them in my size. (I love them so much that I even hesitate to mention the label so there are more for me...pardon me whilst I cackle and wring my greedy hands) PJ's are actually NOT on my NSB approved list but hey, what am I gonna do, scold myself? Aren't they too darling in that straight, good girl next door, Sandra Dee sort of way?<br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.90572261.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 573px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.90572261.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-54251984052425125112010-03-01T11:26:00.000-08:002010-03-01T12:46:11.003-08:00Freddie's of Pinewood...PG Rating!<a href="http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/prodimages/grey-front-l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/prodimages/grey-front-l.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/prodimages/greyclassicbacklargegreyclassic1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/prodimages/greyclassicbacklargegreyclassic1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />*Photos from the Freddie's of Pinewood website!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/">FREDDIE'S OF PINEWOOD</a><br /><br />Who knew when you ordered from Freddie's of Pinewood, famous for their vintage repro denim, that you'd also get a free side order of TOURETTE'S! You know, that neuro syndrome that makes people cuss uncontrollably. (Uh...not that I need a syndrome to inspire me.)<br /><br />First, I looked at the return address on the box and muttered, "What the Hell did I order from Texas?" Then I opened the box and my Freddie's slipped out. I stripped faster than I would for Cary Grant or George Clooney! It took me a second to figure out where the zipper was, but I had my Classic Relaxed Fit Freddie's on on a flash. Damn! Denim is cold when it sits on your porch this time of year! Anyway, I jumped up on the bed so I could see them in my vanity mirror. (I don't have a full length mirror so I have to stand on the bed to see anything below my waist.) That's when it started...uncontrollable F-Bombs and Explatives. French this and French that! Where the French is my ass? Where the French is my gut? Holy French Balls, I think I like this high waist! Frenchity, French-French-French, these jeans feel goooooood! Next, I tried on my Dungaree Dolls and the highly colorful superlatives continued. Needless to say, I am seriously pleased with my purchase! I hope I can add the Utility and maybe try the Pedal Pushers some time.<br /><br />Curvy Girl Alert: <br />I'm 5'4" 42 bust, 37 waist (34 if I suck it in), and roughly 47 inch hips.<br />I ordered the Classic Relaxed in 38/48 and the Dungaree Dolls in 38.<br /><br />Classic Relaxed: Waist is a teensy big but good for tucking in layers. Belted, it should be just fine as it isn't so big that I'll have a ton of excess fabric bunched up or gapping when I sit. The hips were perfecto! They are actually a little roomy which allows for a nice drape and a clean, no bump, no buldge line. I do have a little pooch of fabric under the tummy and above the crotch (you guess where THAT is, lol) but I think that is a combo of the loose fit and the way my tummy directs the fabric. A little support garment probably wouldn't hurt, but it's not worrisome enough to really make me grab for a girdle. The legs are more than roomy enough even for my thunder thighs. I only rolled them up twice at the hem and it's not a huge cuff either so I won't be looking to hem these at all.<br /><br />Dungaree Dolls: Waist is more fitted than in the Classic. Below the waist is a good fit, not too tight, not too loose. The legs are roomy plus. I will say, as others have, that I need to move the buttons on the straps. I criss-crossed them and still have about 2 inches of extra lead. I didn't roll these when I tried them on so I'm not sure if they need to be hemmed a bit or not. I do know I will wash them prior to any alteration as some of the Vintage Dolls on FL have mentioned they shrink a little in length. These make me want to run SCREAMING to find a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtheliasAttic">Red Snood</a>!<br /><br /><br />Bottom line: I am beyond pleased! Both with the product and with the level of customer service from <a href="http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/">Freddie's of Pinewood</a>. (Remember, I used to be a retail manager so if somebody drops the ball on service, they're toast in my book.) I really can't believe the difference in how I look and how I feel in vintage cut vs modern jeans. <br /><br />I'd post pics of me in the Freddies, but I don't have any tops or the right shoes! Suggestions welcome!23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-56994498553767889352010-02-26T12:48:00.000-08:002010-02-26T13:05:58.291-08:00I need a HOLIDAY!<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4390643304_cd2de4703f_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4390643304_cd2de4703f_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4389865693_a5bceb6764_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4389865693_a5bceb6764_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Northeastern Pennsylvania or NEPA (neepa) as we lovingly call it, is covered in the cold stuff today. It started yesterday around 5am and it's still snowing nearly 36 hours later, but it's coming down lightly now.<br /><br />I need a HOLIDAY! A Jerry Moss HOLIDAY to be precise!<br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.101944213.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.101944213.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.101944394.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.101944394.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Needs some TLC to cover the wear damage along the edges, but I don't mind. I've been stalking this purse for weeks, months. Jerry Moss' Holiday bags don't seem to be in abundant supply, or maybe I just don't know where to look. The few online examples I've seen all have one thing in common...structural design that makes a vintage purse lover weak in the knees. <br /><br />I'm going to enjoy my HOLIDAY with Jerry!<br />Seriously...did you think it would be about anything but a <strong><em>purse </em></strong>today?23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-2741632655009645262010-02-26T10:25:00.000-08:002010-02-26T10:43:33.388-08:00Apologies, Monsieur Dofan!<a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.120375024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 286px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.120375024.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I forgot to mention my French beau, Dofan!<br />I haven't been able to find an association with a singular person. Perhaps he is to be my elusive accessory lover? <br /><br />Read more about Dofan here:<br />http://bagladyemporium.com/BLU/index.php?n=Main.DofanHandbags<br /><br />NAVY LEATHER DOFAN BAG WITH DOUBLE BRASS HANDLES<br /><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.98314916.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 415px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.98314916.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />BLACK LEATHER DOFAN BAG<br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.120374927.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 334px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.120374927.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />As an aside, the Koret wicker purse is the most expensive I've purchased at $40. This last, black Dofan was $32. The rest range from $22 down to $9.99 (I'm not kidding and yes, we can "high-vintage-five on those!) I see so much variation on handbag prices. Naturally, there are some features and design years, even within the same maker, that command higher prices. A $300 purse is just not in my budget no matter how rare or dreamy delicious it may be. So, I thought I'd share what I paid so other newbies know that good purses, in good condition, can be acquired by those of us whose last name is not Astor...or Rockafeller!<br /><br />Happy Hunting!23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-76464091810476929572010-02-26T09:41:00.000-08:002010-02-26T10:19:05.023-08:00Introducing my favorite MEN!So, who better to catch the eye (and heart) of a vintage loving, resolute spinster than a fella who can make a purse! Mmmmm...purses. Oh, sorry, I drifted off for a moment there...I'm back. <br /><br />Allow me to introduce you to two of my favorites. While not exactly Cary Grants, they do have a way with leather, suede, hardware and design.<br /><br />RICHARD KORET<br />(photo courtesy of bagladyemporium.com)<br /><br /><a href="http://bagladyemporium.com/BLU/uploads/Main/Richard_front1LampLJuly35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 430px;" src="http://bagladyemporium.com/BLU/uploads/Main/Richard_front1LampLJuly35.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />WHITE WICKER KORET BASKET WITH TEAL VINYL LINING AND KISS LOCK CENTER COMPARTMENT<br /><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.109106654.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 523px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.109106654.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />*I've seen a similar Koret basket done in bright yellow with a different ornament*<br /><br />BLACK SATIN KORET EVENING BAG WITH BOW TOP CLASP MADE FOR SAKS FIFTH AVENUE<br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.125036091.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 286px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.125036091.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />*Interior pic under my Little Bird Dress post*<br /><br />WHITE LEATHER KORET BAG WITH CONTRASTING RED INTERIOR<br /><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.125239749.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 648px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.125239749.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.125240011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 286px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.125240011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />*I've seen this style in at least one other color combination (dark grey/citrus)*<br /><br />EDWIN DAVIS<br />(photo courtesy of bagladyemporium.com)<br /><a href="http://bagladyemporium.com/BLU/uploads/Main/Edwin_front1LampLJuly35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 471px;" src="http://bagladyemporium.com/BLU/uploads/Main/Edwin_front1LampLJuly35.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />BIENEN-DAVIS LEATHER BAG<br /><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.125242329.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 286px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.125242329.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />*This one is cool because it still has a sticker from Camalier and Buckley which was a high end luggager out of Washington DC. They once had a boutique in the Mayflower hotel in VA.<br /><br />BIENEN-DAVIS WARM BROWN LEATHER BAG<br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.97102155.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 573px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.97102155.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />BIENEN-DAVIS DARK BROWN (FAUX?) SUEDE BAG<br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.109376367.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 573px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.109376367.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />To learn more about various vintage designers be sure to check out the "Makers" page at Bagladyemporium.<br /><br />http://bagladyemporium.com/BLU/index.php?n=Category.Makers<br /><br />Oh, and if you bump into either of my fellas, feel free to pick them up. We aren't in anything exclusive, so I don't mind. Take it from me, they can be had for a price and the best way to get these boys is on the cheap! Besides, I have my eye on a two new guys. ;)23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-86960439552018607662010-02-23T09:14:00.000-08:002010-02-23T09:32:26.644-08:00Little Black Birds Everywhere I Look...<a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.122339184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 638px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.122339184.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.122339723.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 331px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.122339723.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Oh Ladies!<br /><br />The "Eagle Has Landed"!<br /><br />There was a teensy weensy bit of stress wondering where my Birdie dress was. She was only flying about 100 miles within the state of PA. When she didn't land Friday, the seller and I were sure she'd arrive Saturday. When she didn't arrive Saturday, we held our breath for Monday. When she still wasn't safe in her nest (my closet) on Monday...I wanted to cry! So much for Priority Mail. The seller was an absolute USPS tracking commando and I am happy to report that my Little Bird Dress is safe...but the men folk might not be if I ever get my esteem meter up!<br /><br />The print is adorable, little black birds with hot pink wings. I originally thought they were red, thank goodness I decided to go with black accessories! The shelf bust is incredible! Va-va-voom! Which is so not me, but...well, maybe it could be! :) The seams are pinked, the zipper is metal and has two hook/eyes along the length to keep it nice and flat and it has it's original belt and side seam pockets that you'd never know were there. A girl couldn't ask for more!<br /><br />I also found this Koret black satin evening bag done for Saks Fifth Avenue. It still has it's original coin purse and mirror! Funny thing is the seller is also in PA about 10 minutes from me. Who knew we had these sort of finds in our little town? I need to get out more!<br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.125036227.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 286px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.125036227.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />***THE DRESS WAS PURCHASED PRE-NSB, THE PURSE WAS POST-NSB BUT PERMISSIBLE AS IT IS FUNCTIONAL, CAN BE WORN WITH WHAT I ALREADY OWN AND WAS A STEAL FOR THE CONDITION!***23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-15368409169143589472010-02-22T12:27:00.000-08:002010-02-22T12:43:10.777-08:00What is it?<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4379417443_d2fc283fd4_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 173px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4379417443_d2fc283fd4_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />That's what people generally ask. Or they blurt out, "Is THAT a cat?" Why yes, it is. It's a Sphynx Cat, a hairless variety. This particular one is a Seal Mink Girly and she's mine! She's only about 4 weeks old and it will be at least 8 more weeks before her breeder will allow her to come home. I'm sooo excited! ...and now you know why I must be good and follow my NSB as best I can. :)<br /><br />If anyone has any good name ideas, bring them on!<br /><br />I do like girly names and French names.<br />Stripper names or anything to do with nudity or lack of fur is okay too! (just keep it clean)<br />Vintage or Golden Era Goddesses might work too!<br /><br />It just has to be unique! No Spot or Fluffy (although that would be ironic).<br /><br />All I've got is: Prunella de Pilatory23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-76084758080654772462010-02-22T10:49:00.001-08:002010-02-22T11:23:23.668-08:00Dating...some things never change!This is for Miss B and C-dot and all the young, pretty things still out there in the dating world! <br /><br />Consider it Sex and the Suburbs c1990<br /><br />It was the decade of opaque tights and Miracle Bras. I was young and thin back then and probably could have made better dating decisions than I did. Call it lack of esteem, but there was no way I'd go up to a guy I liked. If they didn't come to me, I opted to pine away, miserably and not so silently (ask my girlfriends at the time). So, basically I felt if it was so hard for me to ask a guy out, it must be impossible for them and if one did ask, even if I wasn't into him, I felt I owed him the shot just on bravery alone.<br /><br />Enter the Bass Player. We'll call him BP from here out. We followed a cool, really good local band. Some of their road crew had a little band of their own and begged us girls to please show up at this dive bar and support them. We said we would and showed up on the given night, getting confused and almost going in the lesbian bar next door. Picture tight pink tneck, my little flippy black Limited skirt and my Norma Kamali super matte opaque tights and some Mary Janes stopped at the door by a handsome woman in a flannel shirt who looked me up and down and smiled and said, "Honey, I think you want the other door." :) (Seriously, had I known what would come next I would have shoved her out of my way and had a few drinks at her bar!)<br /><br />So we find the correct dive, endure the show, get a little tipsy and that's when it happened. The singer tells my gf that his bass player wants to ask me out so my gf is now in charge of passing the message. I have never liked this set up. If you want to ask me out, do it, don't send your entourage! So here I am feeling bad for a skinny white guy in an open ruffled pirate style shirt. I swallowed hard and agreed. We do the phone thing for a while, we go to the shows, we hang out at the same clubs and he decides he wants to take me somewhere nice.<br /><br />He makes reservations at Alante's, an upscale Italian restaurant. I preen all day, he shows up at 6pm, no tie, hair wet and pulled back in a rubberband like you find on produce at the grocery store. Um...okay. Band practice ran late, says he. Let's just go, says I.<br /><br />We arrive at the restaurant and a sweet little old Italian lady offers to check our coats. He pauses and says he left something in the car. He's gone forever so I hand the lady my coat and stand there and wait. When he comes in, she offers to put his coat on the same hanger as mine "to save money". What???!!! He AGREES!!!! Okay, pull it together, this is minor.<br /><br />We are taken to our table. After a few moments the maitre'de comes over and addresses my date, "Sir, did you have a reservation?" Yeah. "Sir, what time was your reservation?" Seven thirty. I look at my watch and it's 6:30pm! I interject and ask the maitre'de if he'd like us to wait at the bar. His voice becomes polite and gentle and his Italian accent rather dreamy, "Oh no Miss. YOU are fine." He shoots BP a remark and returns with menus.<br /><br />I'm the type of gal who tries to see the big picture. I wasn't going to order lobster or anything expensive in order to be considerate to BP. I decide on the chicken which comes with a side of pasta. BP literally asks the waiter, "What has the bigger portion, this or that?" He makes his choice, meal comes, I'm hesitant to eat my spaghetti because 1) I just want to go home and 2) I don't want to look like a pig trying to eat it. BP literally reaches over the table and eats the pasta from my plate as he says, "If you're done with this." EEGADS!<br /><br />Meal is over, no coffee, no dessert, can we please just go??? We make it to the coat check, inches from the door when he spots his boss. They shout greetings across the room, he goes over, leaves me standing there and glances back saying he's here with a "date". No introduction, no Mr. Boss, I'd like you to meet. Just a glance over the shoulder and a point. Only the pity he couldn't dangle me by the neck and shout "Look what I caught!" He continues to talk. I continue to stand alone at the coat check, with the little old lady's tip basket staring back from her table. In anticipation of where this is headed, I take a $10 (the smallest I had) and hold it in my palm. BP returns, grabs his coat and walks out the door, letting it close in my face as I lag behind to drop the tip in the lady's basket.<br /><br />We get in the car and I find out that he actually bought me flowers. Then goes on to say that he actually ended up giving them to his boss who forgot his own wife's birthday. (Fellas...take note! If you get a girl flowers or thought about getting a girl flowers but didn't actually deliver said flowers...DON'T TELL HER. Also a good idea if you have an ex fiancee's ring stashed somewhere and propose to a new girl with it, NOT to tell her about that either...although she will find out and you do risk becoming a eunich, so best to suck it up and buy a new ring...but I digress.) I also find out that BP left me at the entry upon arrival because he had to put his GUN which was in his coat POCKET back in the car! Who the french am I on a date with????!!!!<br /><br />I thought the torture would end here but no. We went to a movie. Good movie. He left for 20 minutes to go to the bathroom, which was nice, but then he wanted me to update him on the part he missed WHILE the movie was still playing. Um, might not I wish to enjoy the rest???<br /><br />We get in the car and he wants to go for drinks. By now, I've reached my saturation point. I just can't go on. I politely tell him I'm tired and have work early in the am. No word of lie, BP goes Jack "The Shining" Nicholson on me while driving the car. He turns, stares, no eyes on the road and accuses me of having more time for my friends than I do for him. I don't remember a lot after that except feeling like the black cat Pepe Lepue is always after and backing up against the car door. I made it home safe.<br /><br />Next phone call, I told him that I wanted to be straight and that this was just casual dating and not exclusive for me. He went on a tie raid about how if it wasn't exclusive (ie no chance of sex) then what was the point. Oh good, then you DO get the drift.<br /><br />So, that sweet girls is the story of my worst date ever!<br />Hopefully, you can chuckle as you imagine me struggling through the situation. I certainly chuckle to myself. Not much has changed, as you see. Boys are still boys, girls still give them chances. Sometimes we win, sometimes we decide it's not exclusive, lol. Life goes on and when you are meant to find the right one, you most certainly will.<br /><br />PS I'd like to tell you my next relationship went better but my girlfriends used to call him "The Pig"...mwaaahahhah!23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-2097541977582693932010-02-21T15:02:00.001-08:002010-02-21T15:39:31.132-08:00Ode to a Vintage Bra<a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.109138161.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.109138161.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>ODE TO A VINTAGE BRA</strong><br /><br />I think that I shall never see<br />The <em>girls</em> so perky as when clad vintagey!<br /><br />Modern underwire leaves me sagging and round<br />Whilst my Playtex Living points 'em heaven bound.<br /><br />The sweaters so-so, dress bust darts a-flaw<br />All is corrected with the one bullet bra.<br /><br />Dear modern makers, with you we look bad<br />Go back to the old bras, we want what we had!<br /><br /><br />I had been told, I had been warned that the bust line in vintage clothing is just an itty bitty bit different than modern garments. I was warned but being a vintage newbie and just a little pig headed, I scoffed at the idea of a vintage bra. Vintage bras are for old ladies. There's nothing sexy about them. Who wants somebody's old undergarments? They can't possibly compare to modern designs and materials. For cripes sake, I've got microfiber and freakin underwire supporting these puppies and it doesn't get any better than that. Bullet bra? Nuh uh, sista! Not this gal. Ahem, famous last words.<br /><br />So, I purchased a bombshell sweater a few weeks ago and never bothered to open the package until tonight. I also bought a Princess Peggy summer day dress which arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to try on. The sweater was nice but I kept fussing with it to lay right. And, huh. What's wrong with this dress? Hmmm...should I try?...what the heck...I think I will...donned my 1960's Playtex that I purchased as a joke to show my Mom and whaddya know. INSTANTLY, the dress fit better, the bust darts were correct...or I should say my goods were finally in the correct place. I honestly can't believe the difference! As for the sweater, holy *bleep*! LOL<br /> <br />It absolutely boggles my mind. There's no underwire in this thing yet it's the first time in ages that ladies weren't pressed against nor laying on my ribcage. The strap adjuster thing is in the front and the end is free like it could slip out any second but it doesn't. I'm left asking, how in hell did we "advance" 50 years in most aspects of society except bras. In my modern bra, I'm now convinced I look like Ma Kettle. In my vintage bra, I'm Kim Gawddamn Novak! :)<br /><br />Peace out and don't go hoarding all the vintage bras you see.<br />Save some for us newbies. Believe me, I (we) need them! :)<br /><br /><a href="http://app2.sellersourcebook.com/users/102045/dsc08209.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://app2.sellersourcebook.com/users/102045/dsc08209.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://app2.sellersourcebook.com/users/102045/galmintshirter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 563px;" src="http://app2.sellersourcebook.com/users/102045/galmintshirter.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-79076131856946561832010-02-21T09:16:00.000-08:002010-02-21T10:09:43.196-08:00NSB...BAM!...Revelations roll in.<a href="http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2009/10/12/moses-ten-commandments.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 237px;" src="http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2009/10/12/moses-ten-commandments.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Is this what Moses felt like when God turned him on to the Commandments?<br /><br />I've only been seriously thinking about NSB for a day or so and already the revelations and relevance of my spending behavior is starting to become apparant.<br /><br />I've already identified two major issues with my spending behavior.<br /><br />1. I give myself permission to indulge in all sorts of minor purchases that serve no immediate need and end up being items I could have lived without. I forbid myself higher ticket items that are truly NEEDED under the pretense that I "shouldn't spend that much". In the end, I have a big ol' rather expensive pile of random $5, $10 and $20 stuff and still don't have anything to wear to the movies because I felt I shouldn't buy the repro jeans or repro coveralls I REALLY wanted and NEEDED because I shouldn't spend $50.<br /><br />NSB Commandment #1: <br /><em><strong>THOU SHALT PONDER LONG TERM USEFULLNESS AND SATISFACTION OF THY PURCHASES</strong></em><br /><br /><br />2. My spending behavior may also have some connection to self worth and where I put myself in my own life. I find that I'm willing to splurge on those I love while ignoring my own immediate needs. I could literally have holes in the soles of my shoes and spend my last nickel on my family or pets. Not that I shouldn't be generous, just that I shouldn't be generous to my own detriment. So, I do have to wonder if this spending behavior is somehow connected to esteem. Why am I not a priority in my own life? Why would I feel guilty putting a $25 limit on a gift and saving the remainder of my discretionary income for something I need or truly want? I have relatives that don't have a problem with this! Why do I?<br /><br />NSB Commandment #2:<br /><em><strong>THOU SHALT STRIVE FOR BALANCE BETWEEN PRESSING PERSONAL NEEDS AND/OR LONG TERM GOALS AND GENEROSITY TOWARD OTHERS.</strong></em><br /><br /><br />*As a complete aside, Passover and Easter are coming and that means somewhere soon Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments will be playing. My Gram used to make us watch it every year! I still honor the tradition with my own copy on DVD. The color is superb and those Egyptian get ups and accessories...yummy! Seriously, wouldn't you love to look like this and have hunky Charleton Heston or dreamy Yule Brenner (I like bald!) fighting over you? Um...oops!...perhaps that isn't the point of the movie, but you vintage gals will understand, I'm sure! LOL<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4375867273_3c08f806e9_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 230px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4375867273_3c08f806e9_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-57522395154843929842010-02-19T15:01:00.000-08:002010-02-19T16:40:03.212-08:00No Spender Bender...<a href="http://coolrain44.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/piggy-bank-on-money-md1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 240px;" src="http://coolrain44.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/piggy-bank-on-money-md1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Inky <strong>www.inkyknits.blogspot.com</strong> and some gals at FL turned me on to the concept of a "No Spender Bender". You basically pick a calander month and do your best to refrain from frivilous shopping and spending. The goal is to eliminate mindless add-to-cart clicks which pays off by increasing your available financial resources so you can purchase the things you truly need or have really wanted and lusted after but never thought you could swing. <br /><br />I'm going to give it a try, starting *gulp* now and hopefully making it through the entirety of March. I'd really like to stick it out for April too. My Green Light items can be purchased as finances allow because they are more or less essential at the moment. I don't expect to accumulate them all in a month or two. I certainly couldn't afford to do it all at once. If the right item presents itself and it's on this list, it can be considered for purchase. The Red Lights are forbidden. The Golden Tickets are a fantasy purchase, allowable but at the expense of needed Green Light items. In other words, THINK about it and decide if it's really worth it.<br /><br />Here's my personalized "No Spender Bender" proposal:<br /><br /><strong>The Green Lights </strong><br /><br />***Proper undergarments in modern materials and correct sizes that will enhance and/or allow me to wear the vintage garments I've already acquired.<br /><br />***Correctly sized shoes (no vintage measure guesses or delusional moments of believing I can get my foot in a AAA width) that will allow me to wear the vintage garments I've already acquired.<br /><br />***Everyday handbags that compliment those shoes and complete the look. (I had to add the "everyday" stipulation because I know myself too well and can already hear the excuses for bidding on a lot of 6 sequined evening clutches at auction, lol.) This is a prime example of why I need NSB. There's a brown leather bag I've been eyeing for months, wouldn't spend $75 to buy but essentially wee wee'd that $ and more away on frivilous items I could have lived without. I'm hoping NSB will finally allow me to nab that lucious leather chocolatey goodness once and for all.<br /><br />***Everyday separates that serve as good casual vintage or vintage inspired street wear. I really need basics so this list is a bit longer.<br />-A pair of Freddies or something similar in a regular length and/or capri version.<br />-Circle skirt, pencil skirt, trousers, any wardrobe expanding bottom pieces.<br />-Casual blouses.<br />-Casual cardigans. (This means no beads!)<br />-Casual summer dress IF I truly adore it and not just because it might fit or <br /> because I recognize the label.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Red Lights</strong><br /><br />Embroidered pillowcases, dresser scarves, housewares, recipe books, star-spangled dressy cardigans, prom gowns (formals), fall and winter coats, accessories that can't be worn with what I already own, HATS fortheluva! no more random hats, red lipsticks or any makeup I can't see in person first, hair styling guides/magazines and/or styling tools until I cut/color the mess I have now, robes, nightgowns, pajamas, useless decorative items that I only feel compelled to purchase because I've seen it on the set of Mad Men (I don't smoke and found myself eyeing up Don Draper's ashtray!), buying because it's cheap, or buying something I don't love just because I think it might fit, buying anything with obviously ridiculous and way out of line shipping charges or being drawn into a bidding war that taxes my budget.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Golden Ticket Items</strong> <br /><br />I'm allowed to add pieces to my 1950's Vernonware dish collection <strong>in my pattern only</strong>.<br />(Seriously, the coupe soup bowls are like trying to find the Holy Grail)<br /><br />A perfect, it's everything I ever wanted, I want to look at it all day, cuddle in it all night and inhale it's dried on the clothes line in the sunshine scent every morning purrrfect Chenille Bedspread.<br /><br />One, gotta have it, makes me drool, will definitely fit, can't look like what I already have, I must actually look good in that color, dressy dress. (If I were a stronger woman, I would not allow this one exception but alas, I cannot live without a little loophole.)<br /><br />So how about YOU?<br />What have you been dreaming of but putting off?<br />What do you really need to make an outfit useful?<br />What are you willing to do without and what can't you live without?23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-82602392209257191272010-02-12T12:29:00.000-08:002010-02-12T13:40:28.058-08:00Let the fur fly!I was appauled today when I learned that one of my favorite bloggers got flamed for posting about a fur trimmed vintage cardigan that was her GRANDMOTHER's. Rather than continue to feed negativity on her blog, I chose to vent here.<br /><br />I'm a big girl, I know there are fur lovers and fur haters out there. What I'd like to know is where are the human beings among us, the humanity, the empathy for each other? Here was a woman who was sentimental about an item that once belonged to someone she loved very much. And what did she get for sharing her sentiment? People who couldn't see the forrest for the trees. People who were at the ready to defend a 60 year old deceased animal but entirely willing to overlook the emotions and feelings of a living, breathing, human being "virtually" standing in front of them. Sad.<br /><br />I work for an emergengy animal hospital AND I own a vintage fur stole. Sorry, but with what I see day-in and day-out, I really don't have time to champion a 50 or 60 year deceased animal. There are too many living ones who need help! Would I go out and purchase newly constructed (ie freshly killed) fur? Not on your life! Will I waste time and energy arguing over vintage fur? Phfft! Not in this century.<br /><br />I'm too busy rectifying the immediate victims of human cruelty. <br /><br />I'd rather put my energy into this...<br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4352266922_ba12dd68d3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 233px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4352266922_ba12dd68d3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Than this waste time arguing over this considering wearer and wearee are probably long gone...<br /><a href="http://www.ssplprints.com/lowres/43/main/52/131114.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 428px;" src="http://www.ssplprints.com/lowres/43/main/52/131114.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-72563079024704163572010-01-27T13:04:00.000-08:002010-01-27T14:32:01.207-08:00The Mad Hatter!<a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.119054279.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.119054279.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.119054582.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.119054582.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.119054367.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.119054367.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I've flipped my lid...for hats! I've always been a closet hat lover. I've owned and worn a few in my younger days. I think it's a genetic disorder that I inherited from my Grandmother. There are tales of Gram buying hats, hauling them home and promptly ripping them to bits and restyling them to her liking. Go Gram! I saw this lot on Etsy and could not control myself!<br /><br />In the first row, the red/cream/taupe number (far right) is a maybe. <br />In the second row, #2 (rust) is a maybe, #3 taupe beret is WHY I had to have the lot!<br />In the top row, the two straw hats and the little cap that sits atop them are strong contenders and the red cap looks interesting. <br /><br />The rest? Who knows. I'm definitely open to trying them on and maybe attempting to fix a few up (replace veils, etc). The turbans...uh, I don't think they are my style but they'd look cool displayed. ;)<br /><br />PS Do you know where the expression Mad Hatter comes from? I heard that beaver fur hats had to be treated with some powder stuff that turned out to be quite toxic, causing the wearer to go bonkers as he was slowly poisoned. Ah, the price of fashion!<br /><br />PSS I heard from the seller. Turns out she struggled with the decision to destash these hats because they had been inherited from her Mom who had collected them in the 1980's. She finally decided they deserved a home where somebody would appreciate them. The strange thing is that I was prompted to purchase them because of my Grandmother and the sentiment I feel for things she might have owned. Isn't it funny how an encounter as chance as an Etsy transaction can connect us?23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-47865050815284250152010-01-26T09:13:00.001-08:002010-01-26T09:17:07.732-08:00Embracing the Inner Betty...Yes, I am refering to Mrs. Donald Draper (or is that Mrs. Dick Whittman?...or maybe neither depending on how season 3 is going).<br /> <br />I've been looking back at season 1 of Mad Men and catching up with season 2. As I almost never watch TV, I'll have to wait for season 3 to be released on DVD. The nice thing about watching a series on DVD is that you can go back, pause and replay to scrutinize the details. <br /> <br />I have been nuts about Betty's ugly coffee cups for a while. It's the shape really, more than the color that grabs me. I finally broke down and purchased some. That set off a chain reaction. I really wanted to know more about how the women of the era functioned. What did they do all day? How did they keep their homes? What did they make for dinner? You get glimpses of Betty's days...cutting shelf paper in a house coat, marketing in heels, running around after children in slips and pin curls, casseroles and roasts served with a smile and a cigarette. Take away the whole underlying infidelity story line and the double standard by which some men chose to live, the whole housewife thing is rather appealing to me! Me! ...a true, blue single gal. What's happening here???? My inner Betty is breaking out! Rather than stuff her back in, I'm going to embrace her and see what she and I can do. (The advantage we modern gals have is that we can pick and choose what we incorporate and still leave the house and satisfy ourselves with outside interests!)<br /> <br />To help us, uh make that me, I've ordered a few helpers. They focus more to the mid 1950's than Betty's late 50's/early 60's life. I figured her style of wifeliness was cultivated a bit earlier than where the show picks up. So, here we go...guides for midcentury domesticity:<br /> <br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4306281131_63c3ca4db8_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4306281131_63c3ca4db8_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4306280531_1ac7ed270b_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4306280531_1ac7ed270b_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4306279967_e9b69ef58c_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4306279967_e9b69ef58c_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4306282325_fac150ec50_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4306282325_fac150ec50_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4306282697_67e0399f20_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4306282697_67e0399f20_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800488827334628309.post-74290473258997069152010-01-22T11:20:00.000-08:002010-01-22T12:21:47.631-08:00Vintage Kitty!<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4296092642_ee6129b86e_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4296092642_ee6129b86e_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4296084694_c607dc5904.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4296084694_c607dc5904.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I thought of a lot of titles for this blog. "Crazy Cat Lady" "OMG...I Must Be Out of My Mind" "Throw Away Kitty" The first two are dead-on accurate, lol. The last sounded a bit harsh. I got to thinking how some sellers consider anything pre-owned, passed around or tossed away as "vintage". Hey, with that loose a definition, I figured it could apply to kitty cats too!<br /><br />Meet Evair, aka Evie! <br /><br />She's a DLH (domestic long hair) blue smoke kitty who is maybe 5-7 months old. She may appear ginormous in the photo, but she weighed all of 4.2 lbs at her wellness check a week ago. Her face is so teeny tiny and her legs are short making her tres petite. I took her name from the French word for winter, "Hiver" (pronounced ee-vair). Her fur is a wintery, cool blue-grey so I thought it suited her and the nickname "Evie" will always remind me of the moment we met.<br /><br />I work as Client Services for an emergency vet hospital. I was pulling the overnight shift on New Years Eve into New Years Day. We got a call close to midnight from a local police officer saying he had three kittens in his car, all were very friendly but one wasn't doing so well. Now, if animals are considered stable, the police have instructions to use their key to the SPCA run and drop them off for staff to find in the morning. Since one kitten's status sounded questionable, we advised the officer to bring all three to our hospital. We figured we could check out the sick kitty and always take the healthy ones to the shelter at a later date.<br /><br />When the officer arrived, he entered without the kittens. He told me a fella was plowing snow in the parking lot of a grocery store and found the three kittens in a box outside the store doors. Typical "dump" scenario. I guess they figure somebody would find them when they opened the store in the morning. Great plan unless they freeze to death, wander away, get attacked or hit by a car in the meantime. Quell idiots! Anyway, the officer went out to his car and came back with two boxes. One box had two larger blue DLH's just shivering together. The second box had a petite kitty with her legs splayed out behind her. I was really worried she was a hit-by-car and if her back was injured, well...not good. <br /><br />I took the boxes to treatment and said, "Hey Dr. Sprague, could we please not have to euthanize anybody tonight?" Dr. Sprague said, "I'll do my best" and started examining the kittens. (btw We affectionately call Dr. S "the cat whisperer". Owners come in telling us we will have to use gloves to handle their fractious cat and 20 minutes later Kitty Kujo is draped over Dr. S's shoulder while he's reviewing bloodwork in the lab. It's a GIFT!) The techs started heating up IV fluid bags to bring their body temps up and getting a cage ready with food and blankets and a litter box. I sat at the desk biting my nails and wondering about that little kitty. As I waited, the info came out little by little...one female, seems strong and healthy...a male, looking good...finally the pipsqueak, a GIRL and other than being a lot thinner and smaller than her siblings, she was just fine. Hoorah! <br /><br />Now, if it's not evident to the reader, let me explain. From the moment I looked in that box, I was drawn to the pipsqueak. I don't do Boy kitties, only girls. It's just seemed to work that way for me. So, when the word came out she was a girl, I was pretty must toast. :) The official hospital policy is that all strays are remanded to the SPCA where they can be legally adopted out. This protects the animal and the practice. I was on the phone the next morning telling their shelter manager that pipsqueak had a home, that I put an ID band around her neck with my name and number and to CALL ME IMMEDIATELY when they got her. I also told them that I would run a snap test for FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline aids) at our hospital and indicate the results on her ID collar. She tested NEGATIVE on both counts.<br /><br />We quickly had a home lined up for the other female pending FeLV/FIV results. Here's where the size 8 Springolator drops. She tested a weak positive for FeLV. Now, typically if one sibling is exposed to the disease, they all are. I had no clue this was going on and was hounding the shelter only to find none of the kittens had arrived. I went in to work and all three were still in residence. Our wonderful, compassionate practice manager juggled policy to protect the kittens. She was concerned that a weak positive in one kitten might prompt the shelter to destroy them all. This isn't done because they are cruel but because FeLV is contageous and they don't have resources to quarantine kittens for months on end pending a retest.<br /><br />The news hit me like a brick wall. I have other kits in my life and bringing home an FeLV cat really wasn't an option. But, I wasn't ready to give up. I talked to our doctors and I did my own reading. What I learned was that snap tests can be wrong and all three kits should be retested. Our head doctor felt retesting now was superflous because FeLV tests should be run 3-6 months after last known exposure. Additionally, if a cat is "exposed" to the FeLV virus, they can show a weak positive while their bodies attempt to fight the virus. Some cats, a lot of cats with strong immune systems can fight the virus, it never takes hold in the red cells and bone marrow and they will test negative at a later date, will never manifest the disease and will never carry it nor pass it to any other cat. Very, very rarely there a latent carrier pops up. This is a kitty who never tests positive, never shows signs themselves, but is actually infected and serves as a carrier, infecting other cats. I really had to review the risks and it was starting to look like a broken heart was immenent!<br /><br />Time to regroup. Our house is unusual because it had been converted to 1st and 2nd story apartments decades ago. We have always occupied the 2nd floor and so have our kitties. When we bought the house and started renovating back to a single dwelling, we installed a glass interior door between the floors specifically so our cats could get spooked and run outside. That meant I could actually bring home Evair, quarantine her completely and entirely away from our long time resident felines and wait out the 3 months necessary for retesting. Once we hit that mark, I will have the ELISA snap test redone which will show possible exposure. But, I will also have an IFA test sent out. IFA is more involved and doesn't pick up simple exposure but actually flouresces any affected red cells, meaning the virus is in the bone marrow. Naturally, I'm hopeful for Evair to test negative. She is beyond sweet and deserves a long and happy life of laziness, toys, food and ridiculous amounts of creature comforts! If we do get bad news, then decisions will have to be made. It is possible to maintain an FeLV cat until such time as the disease interferes with quality of life. It just means a bit more effort to continue our very strict quarantine. Ah well...whatever it takes!<br /><br />BTW The boy kitty was neutered and went home to the friend of one of our vet techs where he is an only kitty and can safely wait out his quarantine. The other girl went to a vet tech's mom's house where she is being fostered until she can be retested. All three kittens were very unique in their overly loving, pleasing purrsonalities. It truly saved their lives and made everyone bend rules and policies to give them the chance they need and deserve!<br /><br />Peace out and remember, when faced with a lost little soul...If not me, who? If not now, when?23SkidooWithYouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09309300432998032209noreply@blogger.com4