Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Last Day of August

My last day of August was very Fall like (but only in spirit. as it was in the 90s) today. I made homemade hot cocoa and pumpkin empanaditas. Wore a fall-ish like outfit today (inspired by a picture I found on pinterest). And to top the day off, a bunch of vintage little girl patterns arrived in the mail today. What was your last day of August like? Are you sad that fall is coming? Or are you excited? 


Chambray Tunic St. John's Bay {J.C.Penny}/ Mustered Pencil Skirt Made by Me/ Brown Belt Unknown/ White Tank St. John's Bay {J.C.Penny}/ Brown Wedges Payless/ Dangle Earrings Forever 21


inspiration for today's outfit.
I just look at the original post for the inspiration for my outfit and guess what?!? We wore our hair the same way! I can't believe that. And it's not a normal ponytail, but a wrapped ponytail! What are the odds of that happening? 


I must tell y'all about my wedges. I bought them two days before our trip to LA this summer for only $4!! They are normally $30 shoes. Payless was having a big clearance on their summer shoes, AND giving out $3 off coupons. So when I found these for $7 I knew they were mine. Who can pass up $4 shoes that fit AND are cute!!! Not me. *laughs* I actually found lots of cute clothes on clearance when shopping for our trip. Everything I bought was $10 or less. I even bought a pair of dressy Maurices jeans for $10. It was pretty awesome.   


I'm sorry I haven't been doing many regular posts, or any vacation posts. I've been not in a real blogging mood lately. But I have so much to blog about that I have to get my mood back soon! And I'll be having three giveaways in September. Isn't that lovely? Well, I better get going. Talk to y'all later!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

::DIY:: Easy & Elegant Braid

Today I created an easy, elegant braid on Gabrielle. I'm going to tell y'all in words - no step-by-step pictures - on on how to recreate this look for yourself, or on someone else. : )


1. To add some texture and slight body to the hair. Start off by curling the hair in loose curls. (You can add a little bit of stylish gel to the hair before you curl it with the curling iron. Heat protection too, if you have any on hand.)


2. After you are done curling all the hair. Let it set for about 5-10 minutes (leave it alone).


3. Starting on the side of the head with the most hair, start twisting the hair into a roll towards the other side (you will need a few bobby pins). Once you have rolled to about the point you want to start the braid, flip the hair up and clamp with a hair claw, or something like it to keep the hair up and out of the way.


 4. With the rest of the hair that is down, divide into two parts, as you would for a normal braid. With the piece closest to the front of the head, start twisting it, like in the picture (you won't need any pins). Keep twisting until you get closer to the rest of the hair in the back. 


5. Once you are close to the back. Start braiding all three pieces (the two twists & the normal piece). Go about 1/2 way down then secure with a hair elastic (try to pick one close to your hair color).


6. If you want to do the hair wrap around the hair elastic, do the following. Take a  smallish piece of hair from the middle. Wrap around the hair elastic a few times. Then poke it under the hair wrap and under one layer of the hair elastic. Doing your best to hid the ends. You want people to wonder, how on earth did she do that?!? ;-) And you are done! 


I hope y'all enjoyed this little hair tutorial. If you need any help, just ask me! If you would like more of these let me know. Also, would you like more pictures next time? 


Friday, August 26, 2011

I ♥ Thursday {no. 11}

Yes, I know this is a day late. But as I always say, better late then never. Plus, I was busy Thursday spending the afternoon with some really dear friends (I'll be doing a post on their visit sometime soon).


This adorable dress from Cath Kidston

Spot Holdall luggage bag from Cath Kidston.

Dotty Blazer from Ness.

Vintage 1940s Bow Pumps @Etsy.

I've been loving these bags since seeing Debbie Reynolds carry them in I Love Melvin

I'm loving Vintage Mille Bornes cards. These are from the 60s

What are y'all loving this week?

Thursday, August 25, 2011

DIY: Headbands

 I love wearing headbands! But, my pocket book is not always willing to spend a lot of money on headbands. I have found that a lot of the cute headbands cost any where between $10 and $20. No, thank you; I can make my own for a lot cheaper and cuter too! Plus, these will be custom made and a million other girls will not own them either.  =D

How to Make Your Own Headbands


Supplies:
  • 1/4 yard of Fabric (You can also just use scraps that you have laying around.)
  • 1/4 inch wide elastic
  • Thread
  • Sewing Machine 
  • Iron
  • Trimmings (Rick-Rack, Buttons, Lace, Fabric Flowers, etc...)
  • Fusible Webbing (Optional) [Mine is 1/2 inch wide, sticky on both sides, and comes in a box. You don't have to have this, but I like how it makes the headband a little more sturdier, and I have less pinning to do when I sew the headband.]


1. The first step is to measure your head. Like how I did in the picture below. Take note on your measurement, mine is 22 1/2 inches.  

2. Measure the base of your head (see picture below). This is too find out how much elastic you need to cut. Mine is 5 inches. 


3. Now it is time for a little math. Follow the instructions below for the next step. 

4. Cut out a strip of fabric that is the total of your math problem above (mine came up as 16 1/2 inches) in length, and 3 inches across (You can experiment with different widths for different looks). 

5. Fold over an 1/2 inch on each side (the long side). Iron. 

6. Fold strip in half lengthwise. Iron.

7.  Cut a piece of elastic that is the measurement of the base of your head.

8. Fold over 1/2 inch on each end. Iron. 

9.  If you are using fusible webbing you will follow the photo instructions. If not, you will just skip to number 11. 


10. Press half way. Then repeat the second half of step nine, place a small part of the elastic on the other end, and remember to add a small piece of webbing on top of the elastic. Finish ironing. 

11. Stitch around the open edges of your headband. Make sure to do a few more stitches over the elastic, making sure it won't come out anytime soon. 

12. Now it is time for the fun part! Embellishing your headband in any way you want. I will show how to add rick-rack down the center of your headband.  




If you want to add a fabric flower like how I did below. Follow these wonderful instructions




If you use my tutorial, I would love to see your results! :)


Sunday, August 21, 2011

Etsy Shopping Spree


There is nothing like shopping on Etsy. You can find almost anything you are looking for on there. May that be vintage, handmade, or supplies. It is best for me to not go searching on Etsy too often. ;-) Well, this weekend I wanted to buy some vintage magazines for BF's birthday (I mentioned it in this post). Guess what? I found some awesome things for my magazine collection! Like really good stuff. The pictures in this post show a sneak peak to some of the magazines I bought. ;-) I'll show them all to you in their full glory once they all arrive in the mail. *smiles*


I have a question. Have any of you had good success buying and wearing vintage clothing that you have bought off of Etsy? I'm such an odd size (32-28-38) that I'm afraid the clothes will either be too big on top, or too tight around my waist & hips. Give me your thoughts and tips on buying vintage clothing online. Oh, I'm also looking for mostly 1950s and early 60s dresses {maybe a few other pieces too}. Like the ones Jessica @ What I Wore and Casey @ Elegant Musings wear.

For those who collect vintage magazines. How do you store yours? I have a fairly large collection (maybe between 25-40?). Right now all of my magazines that don't fit into a modern magazine box-thing (from IKEA), which is most of them, are just laying on my bedroom floor. Not very good. I look forward to hearing what y'all have to say.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Movie Review:: I Love Melvin {1953}

I watched a simply charming movie last night. Its name, I Love Melvin. Starring: Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds. Both who are favorites of mine. *smiles* It was delightful to see them paired together after appearing together in Singing in the Rain {1952}. I have to say, I think O'Connor & Reynolds are just adorable together {I kinda wish Reynolds was paired with O'Connor in SItR instead of Gene Kelly}.



The movie is about a girl who is trying to make it in the acting world. Who has a protective family, and a rich boyfriend who wants to marry her (but she doesn't truly love him. Her father loves him as he has security {money}). One day in a park she bumps into a boy who is an inspiring photographer for LOOK magazine. Who after they meet he promises to have be on the cover. It is just a whirlwind of events after that. I don't want to give away too much of the story to y'all! ;-)


Source: imdb.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Debbie has one adorable wardrobe in this film. In fact, I wished everything she wore could just jump into my closet - hair included. *laughs* But I mean it. Everything is so cute! There wasn't one thing I didn't like that she wore. That is kinda amazing.


One of my very favorite outfits of hers was in the dance scene, Who Taught You to Dance?. Too cute! There was one interesting thing about her skirt. Her petticoat was attached to the skirt. I'm guessing this is not the norm, and they only did it for her to get dressed quicker in the scene.




Here are some of my favorite scenes from the film and we can't forget the movie trailer. ;-)



Movie Trailer.



This is my favorite dance number and song for this week. I've only listened to the song over 400 times this week.


This is my second favorite number and song for this week.


You can buy both the movie and soundtrack on Amazon.


Have you seen this movie? And what is your favorite Donald O'Connor and/or Debbie Reynolds film?


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Bramblewood Fashion's 2nd Blog Birthday!


Guess what everyone?!? Yesterday was Bramblewood Fashion's 2nd birthday. It marks the day I came up with the name, Bramblewood Fashion and I started this blog. How exciting! Maybe to mark the occasion I should buy a vintage magazine off of Etsy. ;-) But then again, Etsy, Amazon, iTunes, and Target are awful for my wallet. :p Those four stores tempt me like no other stores. Unless you count fabric stores & antique malls too. *laughs* If you really want to know. I'm just looking for a really good reason to buy some magazines I found on Etsy yesterday.


Back to Bramblewood Fashion's birthday. You can read my post for the blog's first birthday here. Or maybe you would like to see my first post back in 2009. {post 1.}


Within these two past years my blog has grown by leaps and bounds. Why only last year I had 158 GFC followers. It is amazing how many of you read my blog. I have been able to meet so many people through my blog. It has also open the doors for me to meet and become friends with some of my favorite people in the blogging world {as we have met in person and are real life friends now}. Two of them are Emily Rose & Breezy Brookshire and the Long Ladies.


It has been great getting to know you all these past two years. I look forward to getting to know more of you in the coming year. Also this coming year for my blog I have lots of fun, and new things planned for y'all! I'm pondering the idea of doing a sew along (I love these!), or maybe even doing a sewing class online. If you have any ideas on what you would like to see on the blog. Let me know in a comment below. =)


Movie Game Answers & Winner of Giveaway

Are you all excited to see the answers for the little movie game I put together? : ) The list included some of my favorite films and TV shows. Yes, most of the things I watch are not well known and I haven't seen all the popular Old Hollywood films. Gone With the Wind is one example. Also films with the popular actresses of the era I haven't really seen at all either. I've seen more films with either the popular actors, or all the lesser known actresses and actors. *smiles* Oh, at the end of the post I'll be announcing the winner of the necklace. :)


1. Above Suspicion {1943} Starring: Fred MacMurray, Joan Crawford, and Basil Rathbone.

Only one of you guessed this one and that was, Vicki. I think you all need to go watch this movie. I think you can watch it on YouTube, or on TCM. ;-)

2. The Great Escape {1963} Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner.... 

Seven of you knew this film and they are: Vicki, nzkiwigirl, Caroline, Achaia, Natasha Marie, A Still Small Voice, and Esther. 

3. The Man Who Knew Too Much {1956} Starring: James Stewart & Doris Day.

Achaia and Vicki were the only ones who guessed this one. Tsk. Tsk. I guess I'll have to do movie reviews for all these lesser known films that I simply adore! ;-)

4. My Fair Lady {1964} Starring: Rex Harrison & Audrey Hepburn.

The eight who guessed correctly: A Still Small Voice, Alisha, Esther, Vicki, Natasha Marie, Hayden, Marissa, and Chip. 

5. Felicity: An American Girl Adventure {2005} Starring: Shailene Woodley, Kevin Zegers, John Schneider, and Marcia Gay Harden.

Only four of you guessed this one: Brigid, Caroline, Marissa, and Alisha.  

6. Kit Kittredge: An American Girl {2008} Starring: Abigail Breslin, Julia Ormond, Max Thieriot, and Willow Smith.

Scottish Gal, A Still Small Voice, Alisha, Sereina, Esther, Darby May, Jordan, and Ponytails are the ones who guessed correctly for this film. 

 7. Casablanca {1942} Starring: Humphery Bogart & Ingrid Bergman.

Ponytails, Megan.Margaret, Achaia, Natasha Marie, Jojo, Marissa, Chip, SisterlyLove, Kristin, Vicki, Mary Jane, Sereina, and Esther you all guessed correctly. 

8. High Society {1956} Starring: Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra.

Megan.Margaret, Vickinzkiwigirl, Achaia, Kristin, Mary Jane, and Sereina are the only ones who knew this hilarious film!

9. The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer {1947} Starring: Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, and Shirley Temple.

Kristin, Mary Jane, and Achaia are the only three to guess this film. What a pity. This is a hilarious movie. 

10. I Confess {1953} Starring: Montgomery Cliff & Anne Baxter.

Achaia, Marissa, Kristin, and Vicki are the only ones to guess this Hitchcock film.

11. Robin Hood (2006 - 2009) BBC TV Show Starring: Jonas Armstrong, Richard Armitage, and Lucy Griffiths. 

SisterlyLove, Caroline, and Gabrielle are the only ones to guess this TV Show. 

12. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961 - 1966) TV Show Starring: Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore....

Vicki, Kristin, Mary Jane, Darby May, Sereina, Lilic Bud Gal, and Natasha Atkerson.

13. The Long, Long Trailer {1953} Starring: Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz.

Lilic Bud Gal, Kristin, Mary Jane, A Still Small Voice, and Sereina.

14. The Pride of the Yankees {1942} Starring: Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, and Walter Brennan. 


Only my good friend, Achaia knew this one. How sad. As this is a wonderful movie!


15. The Donna Reed Show {1958 - 1966} TV Show Starring: Donna Reed, Paul Peterson, Carl Betz, and Shelley Fabares.


SisterlyLove, Natasha Marie, and Vicki.


16. North & South {2004} Starring: Richard Armitage, Daniela Denby-Ashe, and Brendan Coyle. 


Lilic Bud Gal, nzkiwigirl, Caroline, Hayden, Marissa, SisterlyLove,  Kristin, Esther, Brigid, Natasha Marie, and Darby May.


17. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader {2010} Starring: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, and Ben Barnes. 


Lilic Bud Gal, Natasha Atkerson, Vicki, nzkiwigirl, Caroline, Gabrielle, Hayden, SisterlyLove, Scottish Gal, Mary Jane, and Esther.


18. The Adventures of Robin Hood {1938} Starring: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Alan Hale.


Vicki, Caroline, Achaia, Natasha Marie, Chip, Scottish Gal, and Vicki.


19. The Swan {1956} Starring: Grace Kelly, Alec Guinness, and Agnes Moorehead.


Alright only Achaia knew this movie. I thought more people might of known this movie as it has Grace Kelly in it. 


20. Knute Rockne All American {1940} Starring: Pat O'Brien, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Crisp.


Achaia, Vicki, and Esther.


21. The Santa Fe Trail {1940} Starring: Errol Flynn, Ronald Reagan, Olivia de Havilland, and Alan Hale.


Achaia, Natasha Marie, and Vicki.


22. Laura {1944} Starring: Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews.


Achaia, Chip, and A Still Small Voice.


23. Road to Avonlea {1990 - 1996} TV Show Starring: Zachary Bennett, Mag Ruffman, Jackie Burroughs, Cedric Smith....


I can't believe no one got this one. The quote was, Character 1: You're never safe from surprise until you're dead. Are you wondering who said it? Well, it was Rachel Lynde. =)


24. The Egg & I {1947} Starring: Fred MacMurray & Claudette Colbert.


Natasha Atkerson, Vicki, Caroline, Achaia, Chip, SisterlyLove, Vicki, Sereina, and Esther.


25. The AbsentMinded Professor {1961} Starring: Fred MacMurray, Tommy Kirk, and Nancy Olson.


Lilic Bud Gal, Vicki, Achaia, Natasha Marie, Chip, Scottish Gal, Vicki, A Still Small Voice, and Esther.  


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Now the winner of this necklace is.....Amanda Flynn. Hurray! I'll be sending you an email latter today, Amanda. :)


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Other news, I have some new items in my Etsy shop. Including those flowly vests that are so popular. So go check out my shop.


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