All She Wants To Do Is Rock! :: Miss Tayva

My Cal-Noir dresses are for sale!

2012-01-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

I'm FINALLY parting with them!
VERY reasonable reserve. These are in great condition!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ITEMS

xoxo,
Ttayva

"Like" my manicure!

2012-01-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm vying for a mega set of nail polish from TheBalm... they are sponsoring a contest in which I have entered. I need you to "LIKE" my photo (no comment necessary, don't have to 'like' their page, either). I need more nail polish like I need a hole in the head... haha, but I'd appreciate your votes.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE/LIKE

xoxoxo,
Tayva

Confetti lucite jewelry!

2011-12-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

GET IT HERE:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/misstayva

Another Giveaway from Miss Tayva Jewelry

2011-09-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/misstayvajewelry

GIVEAWAY! Divine Droplets necklace by Miss Tayva Jewelry

2011-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

I'm having a giveaway on Facebook for my Divine Droplets necklace!

Visit my page, LIKE it, and you'll see further instructions on how to enter!

http://www.facebook.com/misstayvajewelry

A few new items on Etsy! + bike rally...

2011-08-29T11:52:00.003-07:00

Thanks to those of you that came out and supported the bike rally AND myself and all of the other vendors! It was a great weekend!

Now that things are semi-back to normal...

I have a few new listings on Etsy. I will be having several new necklaces and hair accessories going up in the next few days. Feast your eyes on what I've just put up!

Etsy shop... HERE!

PT's Rock'n 66 Motorcycle Rally!

2011-08-17T15:50:00.002-07:00

Just a quick note... I will be vending my Miss Tayva Jewelry on Saturday, August 26 at the PT's Rock'n 66 Motorcycle Rally in Winslow, Arizona.

Winslow is on I-40, just 45 miles east of Flagstaff.

For more info on the rally, visit the PT's Bar website.

Also, here is the event page on Facebook.

I'm proud to announce...

2011-08-10T09:59:00.002-07:00

I'm very proud to announce the addition of a new spokesmodel... the Nymphet of Burlesque, Lolita Haze! I've added 14 striking photos of Miss Haze to the photo section of my Facebook page. Make sure to check them out. Additionally, make sure to check out Lolita Haze's vintage blog!

Additionally, the Etsy shop is back online and has been updated with new items and images. ! Thanks, everyone, for your patience!

FOLLOW MY NEW BLOG!

2011-08-03T13:25:00.002-07:00

http://misstayvajewelry.blogspot.com/

Yes, I'm ALIVE!

2011-08-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted here in a bazillion years! I've just been busy with life, and the internet hasn't appealed to me one bit lately.

I spent my spring and summer coaching baseball, so that pretty much ate up most of my free time.

I also started my own jewelry company... which is most of the reason for this post!

Check it out!

Miss Tayva Jewelry

My inspiration? Vintage jewelry. Of course, it's NOT reproductions. Too much of that going around. A bit of this & that, from the 20s all the way to the 80s. I'm especially in love with the confetti lucite from the 1950s, so that is my emphasis. With a modern twist, of course.

I have an Etsy shop (here) but it's currently "on vacation" as I'm making way for some new and exciting changes! Make sure to check out the Facebook page, though. I take custom orders and can make pretty much anything you see on my page (again!) or anything that you think up!

:-)

Absence, First time working with latex, Halloween, blah.

2010-11-22T15:19:00.002-07:00

I've not posted lately, as I've been busy with this, that and the other. It's sucked for the most part, but great in other aspects.

Anyway, though it occurred nearly a month ago, I'm posting about Halloween.

One, to flaunt my new cut and colour.

Two, because I can.

So here we go...

I had to get my Spawn ready on two separate occasions, being that school had Halloween on one day, and the actual day occurred two days later. Total pain in the ass, all of that face painting.

I sewed all the costumes with the exception of the Flamenco dancer outfit (that came from Spain) and the vintage Mexican skirt on the other kid. I did the makeup myself.

I also did makeup for my best pals, Delina and Justin:

Here's my man, looking all snazzy as a butler at work...

But here we are together, naughty maid and butler.

It took me some time to get my costume together, as I had to really modify an existing maid's costume, adding fabric and embellishments to it.

I had a bunch of scraps from rubber I had cut up, so I decided to give working with latex a go. All went very well!

I made my choker...

I also made little wristlets that I wore over my long, latex gloves:

and I made a latex boutonnière for my honey:

Yes, we even brought out the riding crop, and my latex stockings were a perfect touch.
I really wanted a rubber maid's uniform, but by the time I was able to cough up the money, there was not enough time for it to be made and shipped over from England. Ohhhh well.

None of us won any prizes for our costumes when we went out. There were plenty of cool costumes, but the ones that won were the lame "sexy" storebought crap. Oh, and some guys that dressed up as Mormon missionaries with their white shirts and bike helmets. *yawn*

Yes, I chopped a good bit of my hair off and went blonde. It took a couple of weeks to get it where I wanted it to be. Nevermind the black; it was the RED that was hard to remove.
I now have white-blonde hair and love it.

"Fleur" dress giveaway from Heyday!

2010-10-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Reproduction vintage clothing company Heyday are hosting a great giveaway on their blog!
Stop by for your chance to enter to win their "Fleur" dress by CLICKING HERE!

Yes, and that's Fleur, wearing her namesake dress.

New photos by Marco Patino!

2010-10-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

My good ol' buddy Marco Patino rolled through town a few days ago. I haven't hung out with Marco in ten months, and having him on my turf was pretty cool.

Had a great time; we checked out a cacklefest, burnout contest and car show, and I got to show him around my crappy little town.

The following photos are of me and my hunny.

This weekend's car events were in memory of an old friend, Ron Miller, who passed away on New Year's Eve, 2009. He was a member of the NHRA and was a big figure in Arizona drag racing. His spirit was definitely amongst everyone this weekend!

Loverman and MarkieMan!

Dress: Anatomic Bomb
Gloves: Maxime Avet
Shoes: Vivienne Westwood for Melissa
Blindfold: Agent Provocateur
Necklace: Tarina Tarantino
Hats/Fascinators: Taissa Lada

Mike Sanchez - NEW ALBUM! Babes & Buicks... featuring me!

2010-09-28T18:23:00.001-07:00

Not singing this time. This album was recorded in Sweden, in the winter... and there is no way in hell you will drag me up there at that time of year.

But me, Frenchy La Femme and Rockin' Kitty are on the cover with a SICK mid-40s Buick.

My good pal and favourite photographer, Marco Patino, shot most of the photos (I had some hand in it, too). I'm also the goon who did the layout/graphics. Nevermind the guidelines and general roughness of the images below... it's just an example, dammit.

Nevermind the killer graphics... ! The music is great, too.

From the people who brought you Women & Cadillacs...

In 2003 we gave you the highly-acclaimed Women & Cadillacs. Now in Summer 2010 comes the long-awaited follow up Babes & Buicks, featuring England's Mike Sanchez in tandem with Stockholm's finest, The Beat From Palookaville*.

Ladies and gentlemen - let's all motor in style!

*previously known as Knock Out Greg & Blue Weather

1. Hip Boots (Rogers) Michele Publishing Co
2. The Question/Whatcha Gonna Do (Wright) Universal/MCA Music Ltd
3. Babes And Buicks (Lewen)Copyright Control
4. Let's Be Friends (Broonzy) Universal/MCA Music Ltd
5. Driftwood (Cooley) - Forshay Music Inc
6. Isabella (Getz) - Milbee Music Inc/BMI
7. Found What I'm Looking For (Sanchez) Copyright Control
8. It's Time To Rock (Sanchez) Copyright Control
9. Everybody's Got a Buick (Sanchez) Copyright Control
10. I'm Wise - Slippin' & Slidin' (Bocage/Collins/Smith) Bess Music Co
11. Got You On My Mind (Biggs/Thomas) Angle Music/Shelby Singleton Music
12. Crawfish (Weisman) Gladys Music Co/Erica Publishing ASCAP
13. Shiver & Shake (Scott) Unichappel Music Inc
14. Pretty Legs (Sanchez) Copyright Control
15. Scream And Howl (Sanchez) Copyright Control
16. Party Time (Walker/Walker) BMI/Ulysses & Bagby Music

Buy it here:

http://cnb-host4.clickandbuild.com/cnb/shop/doopin?op=catalogue-categories-null

My return to the stage (and this blog).

2010-09-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

I'm too busy for blogging. Painting, funerals, performances, nose picking, this, that, the other... No time. Except for today :-)

Anyway, YES, I sing. Everyone keeps saying, "Why haven't you told me that you sing?" Because it happens only once every leap year. Sorta.

My last stint was in the studio with Mike Sanchez... in 2008? Yeah, something like that. It was fun... I think my voice is well suited for the rhythm and blues stuff. That's all I like, anyway. I HATE the twang of a female voice singing country, and especially rockabilly (better suited for the menfolk).

I got booked on a two day festival in my hometown in Arizona. It's an event that has been going on for ten years. Do NOT ask me what gave me the idea to send them my recordings. Anyway, I did, they loved me, and I got booked. Somehow I got stuck in a headliner's slot... the main "AZ Blues Hall Of Fame" guy was opening up for me (and I think he was rather sore about it).

Most musicians are flakes... at least in these parts. I couldn't find anyone competent enough to book me. The good ones were already booked. I had a band back out. Some were too stoned to call me back.

However, I did get my baritone and tenor players from within AZ... an old schoolmate of mine, and his wife.

This guy was an excellent sax player in high school and I knew he could cut it.

I looked to California and even Texas for musicians, but they couldn't make it, either. Then a light bulb turned on over my head...

My friend Chris, aka Lucky La Rocka, and my best mate Ricky McCann do a club every month in Hollywood called The Fish Fry. I turned up in December of last year to hang out, spin records, get sauced. They had hired this band called The Rip 'Em Ups to play. I didn't know what to expect. I thought it was the typical L.A. Rockabilly band. Newp. Apparently they were similar to Ricky's old band from England, The Playboys. Right on.

I recognized the guys from then I was doing shows before (as I did a few in L.A.).

They were ROCKIN'. Holy crap. They played so many of the songs I love, and very well, too. They went mad on stage! Nasty Rock N' Roll.

I chatted with the bass player, Edgar, and frontman/guitarist, Javier, after their set, regarding the records I was spinning. Super cool guys...

Anyway, fast forward to a few months back. I got the bright idea to contact them to see if they wanted to be my backing band, and it all worked out.

So, they rehearsed in L.A. The sax players rehearsed at home... and we came together the DAY OF THE GIG and had a five hour rehearsal!

I started coming down with some crud the night before. I slept plenty, but came to so I could eat some broiled salmon that my baby made me, as well as sample some pork he was cooking (we took bean, cheese and red chile burritos to rehearsal).

Rehearsal went GREAT. I even impressed myself. I credit my awesomeness to the Jagermeister that was being consumed the entire time (no, really, it does help... stopped my cough and soothed my throat). But after that, the voice went bye-bye, and I had to load in/sound check in three hours.

Thankfully, medicating myself helped, as did the one hour nap I took. Voice was back.

I squirmed my fat ass into my rubber and headed over to the gig.

The preceding act was just finishing up when I arrived. Once his set was over, people started pouring in. Sounds big-headed, but many came to see ME. Usually this festival books the same ol' acts. I was fresh meat... Plus a lot of people know me, and I think they came to kill their curiosity.

I reckon there were 2000-3000 that turned up, but it could have been more. There were a hell of a lot of people there!

The sound engineers were a bunch of donuts and I was quite irritated that my mic sounded like I was singing into a tin can, and that my monitors kept cutting out, and they kept turning me up and down. Oh, and you really couldn't hear the saxes... but I don't think any of that mattered to the audience. I was VERY well-received. the people loved my band. And yes, they were pretty damn incredible. We played so well together for having only one rehearsal.

Four days later, I still have people coming up to me to tell me how great it was. So many people have thanked me for keeping the music from that particular era alive (1950s/60s). THAT is what stood out to me the most... !

The Rip 'Em Ups just got back from Spain before my gig and were very well-received there... people loved them here, too. They want us back next year! They were a fun bunch of blokes to work with, and hang out with, too. I hope to do it again soon!

Okay, I'll shut the hell up now... Here are some photos!

Rehearsal photos:

Bari player Ryan Bledsoe and Tenor player Julian Peterson.

Gig photos:

Load-in/sound check; Me, Javier and Edgar

Taissa Lada made my hat.

Right before I went on stage.

The Rip 'Em Ups: Javier, Edgar, Santos

Yeah, that's my fine, fine man.

The Rip 'Em Ups on MySpace

Thanks to PT's Bar in Winslow for letting us take over the place with our rehearsal.

Thanks to Winslow, AZ for having us!

Dress custom made by Anatomic Bomb in London, England

Hat made by Taissa Lada

Gloves made by Maxime Avet of France

I got my latex gloves from Maxime Avet!

2010-08-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

More Melissas... I was a naughty girl. Maybe I need a spanking :-)

2010-07-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

But they were 75% off.

And neener, I got the LAST PAIR in stock, from Tobi.

New Latex Gloves and designer spotlight: All You Need Is G L ♥ V E S

2010-07-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

A while back, I commissioned the very talented fetish Photographer, Maxime Avet, to make me a custom pair of latex gloves. He had announced that he was going to start doing custom gloves... and since gloves are his fetish, I knew they would be good.

I toyed around for weeks with design concepts. I finally knew what I wanted when he posted this gorgeous pair:

When the weather is right, I wear gloves quite often. Mostly leather and latex. Being that they hinder hand movement, I felt these would be perfect. I have a performance coming up-- that's why I bought these. The thought of handling a microphone with a totally latex-covered hand wasn't a good one. These only partially cover the hand, so some of my dexterity would still be there.

Plus... aren't these hot?

So the latex dress I bought especially for this event (from the talented Madeline "Bunny" Warren of Anatomic Bomb in London) is jade green and black. Gloves to match!

Jade green is an odd colour, to me, and I wouldn't want a ton of it in my latex wardrobe. I usually purchase my latex accessories so they match more than one outfit in my collection. However, I do plan on getting more gloves from Max...

Here are the gloves that Max made.
I think they're stunning.
But since I tend to go over the top, I asked him to add a frill at the wrist.
Like so:

Hell yes.

I should have these babies next week.

We are already planning the next pair, which will likely be elbow length.

If you're interested in some custom latex gloves, or if you just want to see the type of beautiful work Maxime churns out, check out his Facebook group, All You Need Is G L ♥ V E S.

Make sure to check out his photography work, too. Even though I've pretty much jumped off the photo wagon, I still do shoots once in a blue moon. I'm more than likely going to be meeting up with Max in November for a shoot. Can't wait :-)

Yes, another new pair of Melissa shoes.

2010-07-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Melissa Ultrawedge.

I bought these from Gilt a few weeks ago. You know me, I can't resist a Melissa sale.
These aren't my favourite style of Melissas... but they were super cheap ($50 off) AND I was looking for something to wear around town and the house that wouldn't kill my feet.
I have a few pairs of their flats already, but flat shoes kill me.

These are probably the most comfortable pair of Melissas that I own, although I wish that the toe platform was smaller. My foot needs to be arched a bit more to be comfortable.

These are pretty ace, though. I've found that of ALL of the pairs of Melissas I own, the menfolk seem to dig these ones the most. How odd. Well, they definitely stand out.

I wore my Vivienne Westwood Melissas a few weeks ago with some transparent latex knee socks:

I really love how you can see my mint green nail polish through the stockings.

These really are the perfect shoes to wear with rubber. I plan on wearing this pair for a performance I have coming up in September!

REVIEW: Fresh Cannabis Santal

2010-07-02T10:44:00.001-07:00

I'm a huge fan of Fresh. Their skincare line, although expensive, is stellar. Their soaps and lotions are to die for, and their fragrances are exquisite.

Out of the whole lot, Cannabis Santal is my favourite.

It has been marketed as a male fragrance, but it's pretty unisex. I like it just fine on myself, but I really REALLY dig it on a man. More on that later...

With a name like this, you'd expect it to smell like The Ganj', eh? Wrong. I've read plenty of reviews on the internet regarding this fragrance, and I always find myself getting rather miffed. "OMG IT SMELLS LIKE WEED".
Take it from someone who has dabbled for the past 20 years. NO IT DOES NOT. My guess is the people writing these reviews are squares who THINK they smelled it at a party one time in high school.

It does, however, have a very warm opening scent of sandalwood. Which I usually hate, but it's soooo good in this.

The notes have been described as follows: Wild Strawberries, Kumquat, Dark Plum, Patchouli, Magnolia, Rose, Chocolate, Vetiver, Vanilla Musk.

Thankfully, the patchouli does not stand out. The vanilla musk does... and lots of other stuff, but my nose doesn't individually recognize any of the stuff.

Have I mentioned how much I like this on a man??? Yes, very much so. In fact, when I smell it, I turn into this guy:

The men I know who wear it know what I'm talking about, as women around them are always inquisitive about what that hump fragrance they are hump wearing is...

So, fellas. If you want to potentially get laid (not by me, though. Sorry, I'm spoken for), grab yourself some of this.

Sephora sells it in two sizes; The larger $75 bottle (which I have pictured) and a smaller $35 one. Tayva sez the small one is sufficient, as only a touch is needed to smell humpalicious. Definitely not for those of you who like to BATHE in your fragrances.

My newest pair of Vivienne Westwood/Melissa heels... FREE!

2010-06-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

I am the proud owner of a new pair of Lady Dragon heels... which I got for FREE (!!!!) from Akira Chicago.

They were doing a giveaway on Twitter; post your favourite pair of Melissa shoes with a corresponding outfit and win, was the contest. The following was my entry:

Madeline Warren at Anatomic Bomb made me this dress, which I bought to match those heels :-)

I didn't get a choice in which shoes I was to receive; the decision was up to Melissa... but I had a feeling that it was going to be a pair of Lady Dragons!

I have been toying with the idea of making my own latex clothing since last year. Last week, I found a US supplier that sells latex sheeting at a reasonable price. I've decided to take the plunge and give it a go.

I think I know what my first colours of latex are gonna be... :-)

Thank you to Akira Chicago for hosting this most excellent giveaway! Make sure to check out their WEBSITE and to follow them on TWITTER. They are hosting giveaways almost daily!

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

2010-06-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

I was feeling a little down, so I bought myself something.

2010-06-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

TARINA TARANTINO

Lucite Heart Toggle Necklace

Feeding my Swarovski addiction.

The Schwinn Romper Grosgrain Giveaway

2010-06-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post about a giveaway on one of my favourite blogs to read... for a CUTE vintage-style playsuit/romper!
Click the link below!

The Schwinn Romper Grosgrain Giveaway

Sorta recent Lush haul... + FORUM PARTIES.

2010-06-08T09:48:00.002-07:00

I made a Lush haul back in APRIL. Thanks to the Icelandic volcanic eruption, it took me over a month to receive (whereas my UK orders always take about a week to turn up). It's also taken me just as long to blog about it as I'm here, there and everywhere...

First up is The Comforter shower gel. Paid about £11 for this. Worth it to me, as it's the HUGE bottle. At the time it was a Lush Forum party exclusive.

The Comforter is a scent I'm addicted to-- it's mostly juicy blackcurrant (almost Ribena-like, for those of you familiar with the British drunk) with bergamot, cassis and cypress mixed in. The Comforter bubble bars remind me of all of my time spent in England, as I frequently kicked back in the tub with some wine or champagne after a long day.

I've discovered that this makes an EXCELLENT shampoo, as the first couple of ingredients are almond oil and cocoa butter (I've found that in the US version, these have been omitted... not sure why).

On the US site, this bottle costs $25.95. Mine was equivalent to $15!

Not currently for sale on the UK site.

* * *

Another forum special was a huge bottle (16.9 oz) of Snow Fairy shower gel for £5.95 ($8.50 USD) and a FREE Snow Fairy solid perfume (a £5.10/$7.35 value). This is a seasonal Christmas product, as many of you know, and I suppose they had to get rid of this stock.

I have a love/hate relationship with Snow Fairy. Some days it's delightful, other days it's sickly-sweet.

It's like a combo of candy floss or bubble gum with berries. I think I like the solid perfume better than the shower gel.

* * *

I frequently pair the Snow Fairy products with Strawberry Feels Forever massage bar.

Out of all the massage bars, I think this is my favourite. It doesn't have that phony-baloney, artificial strawberry scent. It's like the real thing, with a creamy finish.

The scent is quite strong, and it lasts. Equivalent to using a solid perfume, if not better. I feel this scent lasts longer.

Many complaint that it's too greasy, but I find it perfect. Sinks right in and is a fantastic moisturiser.

Sold on Lush USA site for $9.95, I got mine from Lush UK for £5.10/$7.35.

* * *

Lush UK had Honey Bun bath ballistics on sale for £2.10 ($3). These were an Easter exclusive and I guess they were clearing them out. I purchased two. They smell exactly like their Honey I Washed The Kids soap, which is my favourite fragrance from Lush.

Though this was a seasonal product, you can get your same fix by getting your hands on their Honey Bee bath ballistics.

* * *

For placing a "Forum Party" order, I received three FREE bath ballistics - Big Blue (lemon, lavender, seaweed, sea salt); Think Pink (tonka bean, vanilla absolute, lavender) and Blackberry (blackcurrant, bergamot, frankincense).

* * *

The samples I chose (and usually choose every time I order were):

Happy Blooming bath melt (£3.60/$5.20 UK or $6.95 US site). For you 'Mericans, it smells a lot like a cherry dipped cone from Dairy queen mixed with a bit of flowers.

It's very soothing to the skin, as it contains calamine and cocoa butter.

It smells better in solid form than it does in the water, and unfortunately, the scent doesn't stick to the skin. I give it a 3 ouf of 5.

Holy crap, Creme Anglaise. Incredible stuff! The smell, the texture... and the price. Lush UK is selling this for £25 ($36), Lush USA for $45. Why?? Premium ingredients. The main one being saffron. As a food afficionado (especially when it comes to Spanish food), I know firsthand how expensive saffron is per gram. It's used to give the product the colour of real Creme Anglaise, without using artificial colouring.

It's made with various oils and butters and vanilla absolute, and is just DIVINE.

Greasy it is not-- it leaves a very velvety texture on the skin, and while the scent is supposed to be that of food-- it's not too food-like. It's hard to describe. Trust me-- it's good! Definitely worth the splurge!

* * *

My pal Lolita Haze made a decent-sized Lush haul and was kind enough to send me some samples.

No, this doesn't smell like a sweet, delectable confection.

This reminds me of being four years old. My mom used to frequent this antique shop that carried soaps and sachets like MAD. You know those little cutely-shaped guests soaps? Yeah, those. My favourite soaps were the rose-scented ones. Sort of sharp, but very clean smelling.

This is how Turkish Delight smells.

Lush calls it a body polish, and I'm not sure why. It's akin to their shower smoothies. If you've used their Ring Of Roses body butter, it leaves that moisturised yet waxy feeling to the skin.

The list of ingredients are rather interesting-- it starts of with toning rose water, has a multitude of butters and oils and finishes off with rose absolute, jasmine absolute and neroli oil.

I've used this on my face and it worked pretty damn good.

The scent really clings to the skin. You have to like rose scents to like this. It smells very similar to the tea roses I have growing in my yard.

£15/$21.60 UK, $29.95 US.

* * *

Lolita also sent me a decent-sized slice of 13 Soap. This was first released in the UK and was being marketed as an antibacterial soap. It's a strange combination of turkish rose and oregano-- and smells just like that. I never picked it up, as I always had a billion other things on my want list!

I was happy to get a sample of this. Lolita bought this as a facial soap, and it works great for that! It's not drying, and I do think that the oregano helps with keeping bacteria in check. It also contains expensive manuka honey, which also has SUPERIOR antibacterial properties.

Once a month (YAY!), my face gets rather oily and breaks out. This definitely helped keep those breakouts at bay!

I have always loved using their 'Retro' Queen Of Hearts soap on my face, but this is a lot better!

£3.60/$5.18 UK, $6.95 US

I also got a Brazened Honey fresh mask and the beautifully mimosa and jasmine-scented Sakura solid perfume, as a present! :-)

* * *

So what's the deal with these Lush Forum parties, you ask?

You have to be a member of the Lush UK forum. No biggie.

They will make an announcement about a week prior to the sale. It's usually special prices and/or special never-before-released items that may or not be available to all consumers in the future. You CANNOT order these items online; you have to ring up Lush Mail Order and place your order over the phone. They provide all of that information for you.

Perhaps a drawback for the US customers (unless you have free international calling, like me). Also, the time difference (but I'm used to that). Dunno, if you're into Lush and really want these products, it's worth it!

TheBalm foundation/powder review: TimeBalm and Sexy Mama...

2010-05-25T16:56:00.001-07:00

Hi.

It's been a while since I've posted; I'm far too busy these days being a certified art goon. I intend on setting up another blog for that, but all of the work I've been doing is top secret for the time being.

Right...

I decided to give a new foundation a whirl...

After that crapalicious Illamasqua garbage from England, I was sure I was going back to my usual Dior Nude powder. However, I didn't feel like dropping nearly $50.

I've been VERY happy with my makeup purchases from TheBalm. Their eyeshadows, blushes, and loose pigments are to die for. Their eye pencils aren't too shabby, and of course, I love their Sexy Mama powder (I think I reviewed that one in the past).

Review on their Balm Springs set HERE

Anyway, I picked up their TimeBalm foundation and some more Sexy Mama.

TimeBalm is a solid cream foundation (much in the style of Besame's) that comes in this petri dish-like container. It comes with an application sponge, which I think, works quite well. However, I think that other foundation application tools just might work better.

It comes in four shades - Light, Light/Medium, Medium and Mid-Medium.

As far as MAC shades go, I am an NC25 and the Light/Medium suits my skin perfectly.

I was pleasantly surprised about the formula... it's not the least bit greasy. It even feels matte on the skin! It hardly feels like makeup at all, which is a plus. So far, it seems to be standing up to the heat. It doesn't settle in pores or anywhere else. My skin looks flawless and so far, it hasn't caused me any issues with clogs, breakouts or irritation.

Here's a blurb on TimeBalm from Sephora's website (here):

TheBalm TimeBalm Foundation crafts a flawless face by smoothing out imperfections and leaving a perfect canvas for further beautification. Made with a vitamin-packed, rejuvenating formula, this product can be worn all day long—guilt free. The beneficial ingredients of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, soybean oil, panthenol, linoleic acid, phospholipids, and beeswax create a cocktail that combats wrinkles and protects the eye area from environmental stresses.

Their Sexy Mama translucent powder has been a staple of mine for a while. My only complaints are that you have to use your own brush, and the mirror inside the cardboard compact is a bit dodgy... but the formula is amazing. It's truly translucent, so it won't change the colour of your foundation. Also, it needs minimum touch-ups. It contains cotton powder, which has superior absorbency. Smooth finish, doesn't look cakey.

Now... I'm about to share a little secret of mine. It's the reason why I've not had to return foundation for a long while, due to ordering the incorrect shade (I always order online).

Here is a foundation matrix, put together by multiple users. It's easiest to know your MAC shade, but if you can find a shade you use, you can find the similar shades from other brands.

It's been pretty damn precise for me.

Please note that you can choose from your MAC N/NC/NW shades at the bottom left hand corner.

Click HERE to see the foundation matrix. You can also add information that isn't there.

That's all for now... hopefully I'll make a point to post more often!

Von Franco: artistic badass.

2010-05-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Make sure to follow my pal Von Franco's blog:

http://www.distortingthelines.blogspot.com/

Peddlin' my wares...

2010-04-15T21:44:00.002-07:00

Up for grabs, the now discontinued Dita Von Teese "poker chip" bra by Wonderbra EU.

The tulle rosette is detachable. Washed, worn for a bit and then removed and washed again-- the sizing is way wacky on this bra.

Tag reads 32DD, but would probably fit a 34D and nothing else. So let's just say that this is a 34D.

Paid $60, yours for $40.

Here's the matching thong, never worn (did wash it, though). Again, removable rosette.

Size medium (UK 10-12 which is US 6-8). These run true to size.

Paid $25, yours for $10.

Custom-made Cal-Noir of Hollywood dress.

Only worn 2-3 times. I love this dress, but due to a massive breastplosion, I have to get rid of this.

Measurements: 34" bust (B or C cup only), 26" waist, 36-37" hips (these are your required measurements, not the actual measurements of the dress).

Made from heavyweight cotton, little to no stretch, fully-boned bodice. Wear with our without the bolero! Made from a vintage sewing pattern.

Originally $150, yours for $75.

Lady Marlene basque/merrywidow/whatever it is they all 'em.

Tag reads 32 B, but these run big, so A 34B and even a 32C could get away with wearing this.

$35.

Brand new, no tags... Rago Longleg panty girdle. Has hidden garter clips, and a flap crotch opening (totally useless, ha).

Size small (26), recommended for 26-28" waists.

Paid $40, yours for $20.

Deadstock "Figurettes" vintage bullet bra. Size 34DD. Runs true to size. Sheer lace cups, very sexy.

Yours for $35.

Sheer red nylon panties, brand new, never worn! Size small, 26"-27" waist. Retails for $16, yours for $8.

Sheer pink nylon panties, brand new, never worn! Size small, 26"-27" waist. Retails for $16, yours for $8.

Grab these quick; these are my last two pairs, quite a steal!

Brand new Bettie Page "Queen Of The Nile" comic book. $8

New w/ no tags, never been worn... Paul & Joe Sister tank. Nice shade of royal blue, 100% polyester.

Measurements: 30-34" bust. 24" long from shoulder to hem.

$40

Nick and Nora satin hula girl nightgown. Yes, came from the kid's section, but it fits like a... not kid's.

Measurements: 36" bust, 38" from shoulder to hem.

$8.

Leave a comment with your email if you are interested in any of these items. First come, first served.

I'll give you a shipping quote once we start rappin' about these items...

Urban Decay Twitter Giveaway...

2010-04-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

and the winner is...

ME!

:-)

I recently won this awesome Summer Of Love nail polish set from Urban Decay on their Twitter page.

AWESOME timing, as I nearly ordered this set!

L-R: Shine On, Woodstock, Love Light, Hashbury, Magic Bus, Aquarius, Psychedelic Sister.

For reference, I am noting the opacity of each polish. 1 being very sheer, 5 being opaque.

Shine On - A coppery metallic shade. Opacity: 4
Woodstock - Fluorescent pink creme. Wow. Photos don't show just how bright this is! Opacity: 5
Love Light -A sheer, shimmery pink champagne metal flake; looks great layered over all of the other colours. Opacity: 1
Hashbury - Grape purple with a fuschia shift. Very vibrant, and my favourite out of the bunch. Opacity: 3
Magic Bus - A bright orange cream that reminds me of automotive paint. I'm not keen on the colour orange, but I do like this. Opacity: 4
Aquarius - A sheer oceanic blue with a green-blue shift. Opacity: 1.5
Psychedelic Sister - A very loud coral... I think this would classify as a coral? Flamingo pink? Well, something like that. Opacity: 4

You can get your very own Summer Of Love nail polish set from Urban Decay's website. ($28 USD)

AAAAAND...

Through April 19, Urban Decay is having their Friends & Family sale where they are offering 30% off if you use promo code 1SFNF

Don't forget to follow Urban Decay on Twitter, as you can get all the latest lowdown on their newest products and promotions... as well as being able to take part in their giveaways!

Blog Giveaway: FrailHeartsOfHope Lush, MAC + more!

2010-04-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hope at FrailHeartsOfHope is giving away a ton of Lush loot, plus more!

See how to enter, HERE.

(Note, do NOT leave entry comments here, click the link above, as this is NOT my giveaway!)

Here's the list of goodies to be given away:

LUSH The Comforter Bubble Bar
LUSH Melting Marshmellow Moment
LUSH Creamy Candy
LUSH Honey Bee Bath Bomb
LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel (Limited Edition!)
LUSH Snow Fairy Solid Perfume (Limited Edition!)
MAC Florabundance Lipglass
Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter
Christina Aguilera Signature Body Lotion
MAC Small Zip Up Makeup Case (From the Graphic Garden Collection)
LUSH soap samples: Honey I washed the Kids, Rockstar, Sultana of Soap, Angel's Delight, Godmother

Mine: More Melissa shoes!

2010-04-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Zen Girl, by Melissa. Almost bought these the last time around, but I held back.

So much for that... hehe.

REVIEW: Illamasqua Powder Foundation

2010-04-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Illamasqua's description of themselves:

Known for their intense colors and dramatic makeup, Illamasqua is your go-to brand for nighttime makeup—whether it's an evening out at the opera or the dance club. Conceived amidst the dark drama of Berlin in the 20s, Illamasqua was developed by professional makeup artists and launched in 2008 in the U.K. Embraced by celebs and alternative cultures alike, their colors allow you to express your most daring, boldest, and most intense sides with professional nighttime makeup that's richly pigmented and long lasting.

Sounds good, doesn't it? Yes, their colour array is quite impressive. I've heard nothing but good things about this brand and was looking to try something new, so I decided to give their powder foundation a go.

The colour I chose (PF140) was a dead-on match for my skin. (I am a 020 in Dior, O20 in Shiseido, NC 25 in MAC).

However, the formula was ridiculously chalky. It just sits on the skin. It's like using some poor quality translucent pressed powder. It offers very little coverage... and it's supposed to be a powder FOUNDATION?

Praise da lo'd for surplus Guerlain liquid foundation... because I have to wear this underneath it.

This stuff accentuates dry patches like a mutha.

Know what, it reminds me of a pressed, non-funky smelling version of Coty Airspun... which I completely hate (sorry, but I can tell who wears it as it makes you look OLD and it just sits on your skin!)

$30 and soooo not worth it. I should have returned this, but I went through it so fast that I really couldn't return it (and I hate returning cosmetics, it makes me feel guilty).

I will definitely be sticking to my Dior Nude or Forever powder! I am so bummed that this stuff sucked!

Pic nicked from Sephora.

A new dress!

2010-03-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ressurecting an old, deleted post, and more insanity...

2010-03-26T16:24:00.003-07:00

Because I like to publicly call people out.... people who suck

Recognize those tattoos? I do!

One I was wearing on the middle of my chest for 11 years until I got it covered up.

The other has lived on my ankle just as long. It's still there; I saw it this morning.

The first time this happened, I blew a gasket. I talked shit (as I'm very good at doing so, as we all know). The eruption that occured was like that of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79.

I was told (by the dude that is humping her, of course) that the tattoo was not an original piece. That it's a "rockabilly girl" tattoo.

...yeah. Typical folk who know nothing about "rockabilly" (poseurs, as they used to call 'em) nor don't know me enough to know that ISN'T my thing. That purist (or wanna-be purist) ponyloaf... I'm eclectic and don't subscribe to ANY scene.

My tattoo did differ a bit. Any old skate heads would recognize it.

But goddamn, there is a considerable likeness, and in the same exact motherfucking spot???

The other one (martini glass), I got while I was still in high school. My friend Sammy did it on me when he was starting out as an apprentice. I sure as fuck was no "rockabilly girl" back then (gawd, that term makes me want to spit). I looked like a 1983 Motley Crue reject, for fuck's sake. I drew the fuckin' thing myself, as a matter of fact.

Yes, a martini glass with an olive and toothpick in it IS pretty generic, I admit it... but goddamn. That's two nearly exact tattoos... IN THE SAME GODDAMN SPOT?

Is she taking sketches of my shit to her artist? Or photos? I hope to god it's not photos, or else he is a fucknut, too. So is the asshat who is paying for these tattoos...

Ever seen the 1992 film, Single White Female?

This situation is like that, but in reverse. Image transformation occurred after she seduced old flings and my friends.

At least haircolour and hairstyles aren't permanent. This broad has done something permanent to herself.

She also had the nerve to show up to a venue I was DJing at in December (I think someone took her there on purpose..) to supposedly confront me (ha, didn't happen). I decided going to jail was not a viable option that night (none of it was not worth my time, really). Little birdie told me that she ended up fucking her own self up that night, bu getting to drunk and somehow busting her face on the pavement. Universe did my work for me. :-)

This has gotten old. I've tried ignoring it, trust me. I did for a very long time. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Wrong. Her little fuck buddy or whatever needs to stop thinking with his Johnson and stop ignoring the warning signs, and he needs to stop enabling her. Normal people don't do shit like this! The individuals around aren't helping the situation. At all.

I'm sorry, but I think this is sick. I'm past the point of being mad. It's sad. And those around her that are enabling her (ahem) need to wake the fuck up, see what's going on and get this girl some help. Whether it be enrolling her in AA or sending her to a shrink or even more (mental facility! ... not being a smartass when I say that. I am serious). Or perhaps send her home and let her family and church help her out. I think she obviously has some severe mental issues, as well as a severe drinking problem. Of course I keep tabs as of late. All she posts about is getting drunk and drinking, and posts pictures of drinks, cocktails, etc. The people around her don't notice this??

I deleted the following post because after a while, I figured she had stopped her shit and wanted to just let this rest. I had forgotten all about her. Until January, when several people send me that screenshot of MY tattoo. Initially, they thought she had nicked a photo of my tattoo and posted it. I even chose not to blow it up that time...

Again this morning, I had three separate emails linking me to her newest tattoo I wasn't so much pissed off as I was baffled. Why, after this long, is she still infatuated with me? Even the other models she fucked with (but forgot about. Lucky them!) are in shock that this is still occurring.

This time, I don't give a shit. I'm posting this up and it will stay up. I know it won't be a wake-up for her... but perhaps for those that deal with her on a daily basis. Perhaps seeing this shit in black and white will make the lightbulb go off. SHE NEEDS HELP. I honestly think she needs to be committed. If this continues, this will not end well.

Getting someone else's exact PERMANENT tattoos in the same spots as they have them, falsely claiming professional connections to a person in order to gain work, copying photo shoots, lying about one's professional credentials, seducing a person's exes and best friends, stealing the online personas of people, portraying a false image of themselves to make friends... all scream "mentally unstable" in my opinion. Especially when this has gone on for the past four years!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=

Tuesday, 30 December 2008 at 13:00 |

The following entry is most definitely straying away from the initial concept I had in mind when I created this blog. However, after years of keeping quiet about this, I think I need to pipe up in regards to this situation. I am using this blog as a delivery device, as I have no other public forum to do so. Many of you were directed here, I'm sure, through an email I sent you, or perhaps through behind-the-scenes gossip. Either way, read on. I think it's very important that my word gets across. Many of you are being duped by a person. Perhaps you have been targeted by this person at one time or another. I feel that something needs to be said. The whole situation is ridiculous; I am tired of it and I DO NOT condone this sort of behaviour... names and faces have been omitted to protect the innocent :-)

Read on...

This entry is about a model/burlesque dancer named Betsey Bosen.

My first dealings with Betsey were in 2004 or so. In order to hustle up extra money, I used to tart up people's MySpace profiles at $50 a whack. Custom graphics and such. One of my first clients was this Betsey, and I regularly did work for her. She seemed friendly enough, and she didn't raise any red flags in the beginning. I didn't go out of my way to be friends with her, however. We emailed when we did, and I mostly kept the relationship professional. Besides, I didn't have anything in common with her. I remember her profile being chock full of musical interests, such as metal, psychobilly, etc. Music is a big thing in my life and I don't really have much interest in people who listen to that stuff. It would be like hanging out with my polar opposite. Not much fun, eh?

At the time, I was modelling for a certain vintage reproduction clothing line, as well as manning their website/MySpace and handling all of ther graphic design needs. The owners were also good pals of mine. Still love them to bits, even though I haven't seen them in more than a year! :-)

Anyway, they told me Betsey had come up to them at Viva Las Vegas (in '05) and had asked to model for them. They were cool with it. I thought it was great... that was, until I received the photos she took for the clothing line. They were almost an exact copy of the photos one of the other models had taken. Same dress, for one. Fine... but dammit, you don't take it in the same exact setting and copy the poses exactly, either! This model she copied... we've had a strange, rocky relationship throughout the years and have butted heads over silly crap many times. At one point when we did speak, the subject of Betsey came up. If you think I'm bad at spouting off... ha, this girl makes me look like an amateur. She noticed the photos, as well, and also noticed that much of her profile was copied and pasted to Betsey's profile. Of course, being the little firecracker she is, she confronted Betsey about this. Some of you reading this are friends with this model and will probably know who I am talking about, and probably heard about it all. Thinking back to this situation makes me wish I had done the same. I've been trying to keep the anger in check, though... haha.

I dropped off the face of the planet substantially when I stopped modelling in early '05. At one point after meeting my hunny, I decided to stop for good and disabled my website, MySpace, etc. Right around the time I made that decision (but hadn't removed myself from the internet), I was alerted to something very disturbing by a good friend of mine. It seems she had started nosing around this friend. Sending him flirty messages and comments on MySpace. At first, he said he thought nothing of it, as he's a prominent musician who has a lot of girls that like to flirt with him. All of that ended when he looked at her profile. He rang me up and told me to check my email, and started to explain the situation. I was taken back as to what I saw. I don't even know how to describe how I felt at that moment. Betrayed (even though we weren't close), violated... it was like looking in a mirror, except I wasn't.

There on her profile was-- blatantly copied, WORD FOR WORD-- my profile information. From both my website and MySpace profile. The girl who once seemed passionate about metal and psychobilly was now into black rhythm n' blues/rock n' roll, and liked all the same artists I did. In the same order I had them listed on my profile. Oh, she had the same hobbies as me, too! My new twin... She had even nicked photos of some of the artists I had on my profile... such as Esquerita, Johnny "Guitar" Watson. Who did she want to meet? Same folks I did. Folks that only people who have been immersed in music and musical study would know about. I've had a long fascination with Johnny Watson, and since he is long dead, I can't meet him. Therefore, I said I was content with meeting his ghost. Trying to be cheeky... She had this on her profile, too, and guess what? That bit still remains there today!

This friend of mine that alerted me to it in the first place wasn't the only one who emailed me about it... several others caught it when she tried to befriend them. Everyone I talked to about it was shocked, but even moreso when I told them I had never met her in person, had very limited emails with her and had never even spoken to her on the phone!

It gets better... That same day, I decided to give her website a visit to see if there were any other Tayva remnants hanging about. I discovered that she was now claiming to have modelled with me. Next to my name were two other well-known models. Friends, and well-known in the hot rod scene as well, and in the television world, as one was/is an actress.

I also saw that she was claiming to have modelled for high-end companies such as Christian Dior, Christian LaCroix, and others. Not trying to sound catty here, but there is no way her (or any of the rest of us, for that matter) could or would be models for those companies/brands. HAAAA!

Fuming, I emailed one of the models about it. Not only did she send Betsey a not-so-nice email, but she posted public bulletins about the incident. Since these two models are best pals, the other one had a go, as well. I checked her website, to discover that not only were these girls' names removed (as well as mine), but the Dior and LaCroix names, as well. Know what her excuse was? That she scouted us for a charity pinup calendar. I never spoke with her regarding this, the charity contacted me directly. Maybe she dropped my name, but mere name dropping does not constitute as working with someone. Not at least in the way she had it set up.

I was also told by these models (who are very well known; one is an actress, also) that she had gone to THEIR clients to try and get work and dropped their names!! I was told by some of my contacts that she had done the same to me.

After a while, I sort of forgot about Betsey. One day (a few months ago), the trusty ol' gut told me to pay her MySpace profile a visit. It was evident that she was focusing more on burlesque than modelling, and that she had found a new muse. It was good to see that she had finally stopped copying my former online persona... but sadly, she had stolen the concept and persona of another burlesque dancer. I was also surprised to see that she had moved to Los Angeles... and even further, all of my old top friends on MySpace were on hers! Some of which are nobodies (meaning nobody famous, just ordinary people). Hmmm... I find it quite strange that she is now emulating this burlesque dancer, as she too lives in L.A. and they are bound to cross paths. It's a small world, folks!

Anyway... I had a core group of friends who I hung out with (whom I still consider good friends) when I was going over to L.A. all the time. One of which I was very inseparable with. In fact, our close bond was public, mainly due to my sociopath of an ex who was making a huge stink about us being good mates and was trying to gain sympathy from everyone by telling that my mate was HIS best friend, that he (ex) and I were still together but I was cheating on him with his best friend. More psychos, ha!.. That, and I had done a photo shoot with said mate's car which was published internationally a couple of times (like a good model, I credited my mate's name for use of his car).

My other good close mate... she has made friends with and is regularly performing burlesque with him.

Oh, the first good mate I mentioned, the one where all the rumours were flying around about us? She is now sleeping with him.

I see various photos around the internet where she is hanging out with the exact group of friends I used to hang out with while I was working in L.A. Coincidence? I find it strange that a vast majority of her new friends are all my friends. Wasn't hard for her to do, though. These folks hang out on the rockin' scene and can be found at most gigs in the LA area (and most everywhere else around the world). They are musicians, DJs, clothing dealers, photographers, etc. Notable folks. Accessible because they are around.

The thing is, this happened because I no longer go to L.A. to work. I keep in touch through emails and run into these friends every now and again at shows/weekenders.

I've mostly kept this to myself. Keeping quiet isn't like me at all, but I've sort of been afraid of not conveying the point correctly, or coming off as too hot-headed and making people think I am the lunatic.

Why am I posting this? Because I am bothered, obviously! Enough is enough. I am fantastic when it comes to ignoring people. I have what I refer to as the "You're Dead To Me" list. I bung all of the worthless, annoying people who I can't be bothered with on that list. Betsey was on that list. However, like a persisting yet dormant boil, she continues to fester up every few months or so.

I was the only one out of these models that didn't call her out on it, or post something publicly. She left them alone. However, she continues to persist with me. WHY?? One can only take certain things for so long.

I'm not trying to make myself sound special, but there are a couple of others like her that after several years, still persist in nosing about my business and trying to infiltrate personal aspects of my life. She's the worst offender, though. See why I am frustrated? Why can't these people just forget about me?

Do these people have some sort of warped perception of me? They must. I am not the glamourous creature everyone thinks I am. Truth be told, I am the most boring person I know. I haven't modelled in god knows how long. I removed my website, my MySpace. I am a loner, a private person and enjoy not being out on the internet whoring myself. I just like to keep to myself! I spend my days taking care of kids, working for my hunny Mike, watching the History channel, and reading books and magazines. I don't like leaving the house. In fact, I'd rather get a rectal exam than have to go to the grocery store and mingle amongst people. My idea of a good time is not going out with friends, but watching war documentaries or reading back issues of National Geographic.

I don't like people that much. I may seem like I have a lot of friends, but I don't. I am very distrustful of people, and can be negative when it comes to other humans, but within good reason. I'm spot on when it comes to sussing out people-- from a mere photograph, even. I've learned a lot in the 28+ years I've been around. Sadly, I've found that a majority of people are only nice because they think they can gain something from you. This reason right here is the main reason I stopped modelling. I don't take kindly to ass-kissers or users. That, and putting yourself out in the open as a sex object is a good way to attract weirdos and stalkers. I did a fantastic job when it comes to that, ha!

Advice to those of you in my old shoes: don't put everything out on the internet for all to see. Keep your private life PRIVATE. Every little bit of it. Make sure your friends watch your back, as well. A couple of individuals who were stalking me relied on my best friend for information. She was inadvertently volunteering it. She'd post what her weekend plans were on her MySpace calendar. Automatically, they'd figure out that I was going to be there, too. Don't be too trusting of people who seem overly nice. I think this was my downfall. Betsey probably would have copied me regardless... but because I was inviting at first, and because I was open about many aspects of my private life, she was able to obtain more information about me and go from there. Look at what she's up to now!

We live in the internet age. I think because the internet is such a common thing in our lives, people have let their guard down. MySpace is the worst purveyor of this attitude. Social networking. Make and meet new friends, yay! I can remember a time when the internet was looked upon as a place full of stalkers, pedophiles and predators. Guess what, guys? Nothing's changed! I can't tell you the number of people I've met from MySpace that I've thought were many cans short of a six pack, or that have completely creeped me the hell out. The ones I have met and liked, well, they were already closely connected to people I have had friendships with, dealings with, etc. Not everyone is bad... but, do keep your guard up.

I hope that the people whom I consider friends that are amongst her can take all of this into account. I'm sure Betsey is a nice person, I'm not condemning her for being some horrible, evil person. I don't think she is that. I see her as a feeble, lost little sheep who can't find her flock. I don't think her place is with you. From an outsider looking in, she looks false. It's one big facade. Please be warned that her intentions with you might not be as true as she makes them seem.

As for Betsey... since you're such a HUGE fan of Jerry McCain (ha!), here's a little quote from Mr. Boogie for you... "The jig's up baby!"

You have not gone undetected this whole time, as you can see. Just knock it off, already. I've gone public with this, as I'm tired of seeing what little things you'll do next. I've turned a blind eye for a few years now, but no more. I'm sure you've observed in these past few years that I'm one to be vocal about things I don't like-- perhaps TOO vocal. Staying quiet only exasperated the situation with you, it seems. I should have taken the cue from the other girls I mentioned and told you to piss off a long time ago. I hate to say it, but sadly, you've been like a hemorrhoid, a pesky one. The sort that still itches and burns, regardless of how much anti-hemorrhoidal cream has been slathered on. Consider this the laser surgery, one that completely obliterates the annoyance, the irritation. Dare I say it? The pain in the arse.

Please, get your own identity, stop stealing the identities of others. You have looks, you have talent. With that, you can build your own persona. People will eventually find out what you're all about and will have zero respect for you if you're phony, not being yourself. Don't ride the coattails of others. It's in the poorest taste and is highly disrespectful. You won't get anywhere with it. This is now how you show admiration for others. Behaving in such a way only gets you labeled a "stalker" and results in humiliating blogs about you being posted on the internet, and then some. The coolest people of all act as themselves. Just be yourself!

Example of two models modelling for the same company Ms. Smiley face first modelled that dress. You-know-who copied months later.

Same dress, same backdrop.

* * *

Comparison between Betsey's profile and another burlesque performer. The one with the quilted-looking background is where she copied her layout, wording, slide shows, merch, etc.

New crap I've bought from Ideeli: Vivienne Westwood & Maggy London

2010-03-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

This lovely number from Maggy London was free. Yep, I had credits from Ideeli. $50, to be exact. This lovely dress only cost $49 (that's with the shipping). Originally $138. Not bad, eh?

The quality of this dress is very good. Lovely polished cotton, and it drapes wonderfully. I was a bit paranoid about the empire waist and my bigass boobs, but it looks good.

* * *

Yep, we all know I'm batshit crazy over the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania shoes done by Brazilian shoe designer, Melissa. Well, Ideeli had a crazy good 59% off sale on a bunch of these. I honestly had to stop myself. I almost got a third pair, but they were flats with a slingback (in the cutest colour of bubblegum pink) and I could see those proving to be a right pain in the ass.

So here are the Lady Dragon IIs. I debated whether or not to get these in red, but black is more versatile... plus I needed new shoes go to with my new latex dress (pics coming soon; I can't find the battery charger for my camera).

A friggin' steal! These originally go for $154 or so. I paid $68.

These are gonna look sick with my black latex stockings!

* * *

I've been moaning how I can't find a pair of black flats that I like. They are either out of my price range, or incredibly cheap looking.

I can quit moaning now, because I finally got one of the pairs of flats that I've been lusting after. Well, kinda. I wanted the flocked velvet version, but these will do. They look identical.

I'm not one for blatant designer logo display, but these I can live with. I think Vivienne Westwood has one of the coolest logos.

Right, so I got my VW Ultragirl flats... for $52 instead of $124!

However, they still aren't THESE, which I WILL get, eventually...

* * *

Right, so join Ideeli. Tell 'em I sent you. You, too, can buy cool shit like this for cheap. They sell clothing, watches, housewares, cookware, all sorts of stuff. If you're interested, just click the link provided so you wont' have to get on the waiting list.

Review: Kat Von D SINNER and Kim Kardashian perfumes by Sephora.

2010-03-17T09:17:00.001-07:00

Kat Von D - Sinner perfume

As I've stated before, I'm not a fan of Kat Von D. In fact, I think she's rather douchetastic. I normally wouldn't even be bothered to review a product like this... but the scent is so bizarre, that I HAVE to share my thoughts on this.

Sinner, created by makeup artist Kat Von D, exclusively for Sephora. Light, delicate top notes of orange blossom, refreshing mandarin, and fleshy plum create a provocative, sultry heart. Rich jasmine blends seamlessly with a white-flower bouquet, beautifully tainted by the spicy warmth of cinnamon, an herb associated with ancient rituals of pleasure. A dark, mysterious back of earthy vetiver, patchouli, and woods enveloped in creamy vanilla and sensual musk lingers on the skin.

Okay, she's a makeup artist, too? Hmmmm.

Anyway... I'm pretty good at detecting which notes are in perfume, but this was so hard to suss out. I came up with my own 'notes'.

This perfume reminds me of the summers of '83-'85, when my mom used to take me to the local outdoor swimming pool. I can't remember which perfume she was wearing at the time, but I think it was Emeraude. She also used to slather me in Coppertone sunscreen, religiously. Combine those two scents with the essence of plastic; my plastic froggy floaty ring... and what you have is Sinner.

Pretty random, eh?

Yes, it envokes memories of days long, long passed. That was probably my favourite time in my life... however, this perfume runs $42-55 for a decent-sized bottle... and it smells so cheap.

Emeraude? Coppertone? Plastic floaty toy? Yeah... NO.

* * *

Kim Kardashian perfume

Another douche-tastic person that is more irritating than a fiberglass maxi pad is Kim Kardashian. Sure, she's great to look at, but it's a bit of a case of 'the lights are on, but there's nobody home."

Anyway... she, too, came out with a new perfume at Sephora.

I gotta say, I loved my sample. I'm actually quite elated that it exists.

Every few years, Chanel makes its coveted Gardenia perfume. I'm a huge fan of this fragrance, but at $250 a bottle... no.

I was pleasantly surprised--shocked, actually-- when I got a sniff of Kim's new fragrance. I expected some fruity bullshit, like all the other young celebs do.

It smells just like Chanel Gardenia's dry-down.

I've heard so many people complain, "It smells like old lady!" Good, that means I will probably like it.

Funny, but I always get complimented on the way I smell.

So yeah, prices range from $35-65. A hell of a lot better than $200 assrape in a bottle.

Notes:
Mandarin, Honey Suckle, Orange Blossom, Pink Jasmine, Tuberose, Sensual Spice, Lush Gardenia, Jacaranda Wood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla Orchid, Sexy Musk, Creamy Sandalwood.

Images nicked from Sephora.com

Look @ my new motorcycle seat!

2010-03-10T12:53:00.002-07:00

Before & after. Custom upholstery by David Martinez.

Don't forget...

2010-03-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

About my chopper blog!

http://tayvastriumph.blogspot.com/

Seat For Sale!

2010-03-01T19:32:00.001-07:00

My hand-tooled leather seat is for sale. I'm currently getting another one hooked up, one that shall match my tank. :-)

This seat is brand new and has only been mounted on the bike. Never ridden!

Anyway, I'm asking $250, or better offer. I'm definitely up to negotiate.

Email me at misstayva AT gmail.com

If you were about to be executed, what would you request as your last meal?

2010-02-26T09:21:00.002-07:00

Vintage and Reproduction lingerie/corsets for sale!

2010-02-04T19:00:00.004-07:00

Black Lady Marlene Corselette (hard to find!), 34B. Zip front. Only been worn a few times. This runs a bit big, a 34C can get away with wearing this. Garter clips not included. Non-padded cups. $40

White Lady Marlene Corselette - 32 B. Again, this runs a bit big. Will fit great if you're a 34B or 32C. Garter clips not included. Non-padded cups. $40.
I can dye this for $8 extra.

Rago red dyed Corselette - 36B. SOLD

Exquisite Fit by Crepe Suzette corset - vintage reproduction. 36B. This will fit from a 36B - 34C - 32D.
Laces up the back, steel boned, zip front, padded cups. Detachable straps and garter clips not included. $30

I ALSO HAVE a vintage Frederick's of Hollywood longline strapless bra in a 34B. Runs true to size. Black lace, red rosette between cups. Cups are non-padded. Low back! $35. No pic at this time. Great condition, very retro and very cute!

Diva Corsets (from the UK) 22" underbust corset. - SOLD!

If you are interested, drop a comment. First come, first served. Shipping/handling is additional. I'll provide that info as the transaction progresses.

A glamorous giveaway at Fleur de Guerre's blog!

2010-01-14T15:38:00.003-07:00

From http://www.diaryofavintagegirl.com/2010/01/glamorous-giveaway.html

NOTE: PLEASE CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO ENTER! DO NOT LEAVE COMMENTS HERE!

So, it's now the future. When I was a child, I thought by 2010 we'd all have flying cars, but instead I find myself all but living in the past! Still, it's a new year and a new decade, and I noticed yesterday that I now have reached a new century of followers too - over 700 now follow this blog, which absolutely dumbfounds me!

So, to celebrate, and because I'd really like to give something back to all my wonderful supporters, I have got together with the fabulous Kiss Me Deadly to present a rather special giveaway!

How would you like to win a whole set of their beautiful peach Alouette lingerie? Oh you would? Then read on!

Alouette is a classically inspired set, consisting of a lightly padded plunge bra, 6-strap suspender belt and a pair of deep, retro knickers (there's also a cincher which isn't included in the giveaway). Modelled here by the stunning Morgana, you can see how amazing Kiss Me Deadly's lingerie looks on curvy girls, but I promise you it looks equally lovely on modern figures! The fabric itself is a shimmering peach, overlaid with delicate floral lace and finished with saucy sheer panels.

I have to say, I'm adoring the Arabian Nights theme of their current collection's photographs! I own a few pieces of Kiss Me Deadly lingerie already and it's beautifully made. I now have my eye on the Ruby Van Doren set and the amazing Jezebel knickers.

Getting back to the point in hand, how can you win this fabulous set? Well it couldn't be simpler, just leave me a comment below! For extra entries, you can make a post about it on your own blog, linking here in case I miss it, and if you follow me on Twitter and retweet my announcement from your own Twitter profile, then that could be a third entry (if you already follow me, then just retweeting is marvellous). You must leave a comment as your first entry before you can have second or third entries - it just makes it miles easier for me to keep track.

Just a few details to finish:

1. This giveaway is open to anyone in the world. Glamour knows no bounds!
2. I am not going to ask you to post your bra, waist and hip size in public, but this set is only available in the following sizes: 32B and C, 34-36 B-DD and 38 C and D for the bra and S, M, L and XL on the knickers and suspender belt, (see here for exact sizing). Sorry more voluptuous or petite ladies!
3. This giveaway will run for a week - it closes at midnight on Thursday 21st January, and I will announce the winner on Friday 22nd January.

I think that's about it! Get stuck in, gals! And chaps, do feel free to enter if you would like to win a set for your girlfriend or lady wife... but make sure you know her measurements as you won't be able to exchange! This set would make a lovely Valentine's present. Though, I can't promise it will arrive in time if you live in the Antipodes or Former Colonies! ;)

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Shoe porn: My new booties!

2010-01-11T11:46:00.003-07:00

I bought these awesome booties by Harajuku Lovers... I saw these in a magazine two days ago (except with a black bow and white ribbon vamp) and fell in love.

I belong to a members-only shopping community called Ideeli. Every day, they email me with a list of their sales-- which consist of seriously discounted (but authentic!) luxury designer goods. Their sales can be up to 80% off!

Any time they have something I really want (for a good price), I always happen to be broke.
Thankfully, I had the dosh this time around!

I also happened to look at these shoes online, last night, because I wanted them so much.
$89-94 is what they were retailing for.

I got mine from Ideeli for a measley $42!

I have THE perfect B&W striped teardrop cocktail hat from Taissa Lada to go with these booties... all I need is the black latex (which I shall have quite soon).

If you're interested in joining Ideeli, click HERE. There is usually a waiting list, but if you use THIS specified link, it'll let you right in. They carry all major designer brands. Clothing, handbags, watches, shoes, jewelry...

Oh, and go give Taissa Lada a visit!

WANTED! Records/Vinyl 45s, LPs and Compilations

2009-12-18T20:33:00.002-07:00

I am on the lookout for the following records:

~~Earl King - Everybody's Carried Away/A Weary Silent Night - ACE 564~~

Eddie Bo - I'll Keep On Trying/I Love To Rock and Roll- ACE 555

Billy LaMont - Country Boy / Can't Make It By Myself - OKEH 4-7125

Big Walter and his Thunderbirds - Pack Fair And Square - Peacock 5-1666

Billy LaMont - I Got A Rock 'N 'Roll Gal/ I'm So Sorry- Savoy 1522

Guitar Gable w/ King Karl - Have Mercy On Me / Walking In The Park - EXCELLO 45-2140

Smiley Lewis - Go On Fool/Gonna Jump And Shout - Imperial 5460

Smiley Lewis - Blue Monday/Down The Road - Imperial 5268

Joe Liggins - Crying Over You/Going Back To New Orleans - Specialty

Ray-O-Vacs - Party Time/Crying All Alone - Kaiser 384

Du-Droppers LP on Detour Records

Lloyd Price - Boo Hoo/I Made You Cry - ABC/Paramount 10177

Marie Knight -I Thought I Told You Not To Tell Them/September Song - Baton 253

Doc Starkes - Love Me Like Crazy / Rockin' To School - Linda 109

Tiny Topsy - Just A Little Bit/Everybody Needs Some Loving - Federal 12357

Tiny Topsy - Aw! Shucks Baby/I Miss You So - Federal 12302

Billy Eldridge - Let´s Go Baby - Unart 2011 (*might have this one, can't remember)

Dolly Cooper - Tell Me, Tell Me/Confession Of A Fool - Dot 15535

* * * I will be updating this list often* * *

Nail polish I am loving as of late: OPI by Sephora, Zoya, Seche.

2009-12-09T16:18:00.005-07:00

212-SEPHORA, by OPI for Sephora.
It's a smoky black that has iridescent/chameleon gold and copper glitter (metal flake is a better description). You get glints of reddish-copper, green, gold... all sorts! It's quite gorgeous.
I'm really happy that I got this polish, as it matches perfectly with the bodice of my Christmas dress!

On Stage, by OPI for Sephora.
This is a lovely grey-plum. In fact, I think it's more grey in real life than it is in this computer swatch.
What prompted me to buy this colour was a recent project I took on; helping my friend Nathan remodel his loft. One of the colours he chose was similar to OPI by Sephora's Call Your Mother. I wanted something just a bit darker, so I chose On Stage.
Although not a classic nail colour, this shade screams (to me) 1920s decor.
I'm currently wearing this shade in a half-moon manicure.

Zoya Nail Polish is pretty much my favourite nail care company at the moment. Though I only own three of their shades (which I picked up during a promotion of thers), I am in LOVE.
Longest lasting polishes, ever (even w/out a topcoat)

Ashley, Maya and Jewell, l-r.

I am really into dark, plummy shades as of late. Coral shades are another favourite of mine. I picked Jewell because after considerable research, I found it to be a very close dupe of NARS' Schiap nail polish (which is a bright, shocking pink).

I got these three polishes for free, essentially. I just had to pay shipping and handling. Make sure to follow Zoya on Twitter, as they always announce any codes, giveaways and specials they might be having.

Lastly, I must talk about Seche products.

Seche Vite is my all-time favourite top coat. Unlike traditional topcoats, you apply this one while the nail lacquer is still wet. It creates some sort of bond, dries quickly and makes the manicure last a looooong time.

With Seche Vite, my tips never chip. I end up changing my manicure out because I have so much growth at the base of the nail! I usually do this every week and a half, as I end up with right abour 1/4" of new growth a week!

Another (new!) favourite product of mine is Recondition, a product which gives brittle nails strength and flexibility.

I won this particular product from a giveaway. Thank you, Seche! Otherwise, I would have never discovered this product!

Mind you, I've tried every friggin' strengthening product imaginable. They all made matters worse. Stained my nails. Left them in terrible shape.

My nails tend to be quite fragile in the winter, as the cold always wrecks my hands and nails. This product couldn't have come at a better time!

You are supposed to apply a coat every day. So far, I've got two coats on underneath my On Stage lacquer. It works lovely as a base coat!

Since using it, I have experienced no breaks or splits. I've had my hands in water a lot (from the remodeling project). I'm really curious to see how it helps my nails hold up to working on the Triumph.

Seche on Twitter

.
OPI by Sephora swatches nicked from Sephora.com

.

New product reviews: Dior Nude, Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, OPI by Sephora and Zoya nail polish

2009-12-09T15:00:00.011-07:00

It's been a while, hasn't it?
I've been bogged down with life, pretty much...
I'm supposed to be working right now, but I'm waiting for an internet company to iron out some ongoing issue that I've been facing. No better time than now to do a makeup review!

Full-steam ahead...

After Shiseido discontinued their Cream makeup, I've wandered around from brand to brand, looking for "The One". The perfect formula and shade. One whose results last consistently, not just for a short while. Ladies and gents, I think I've found "The One"...

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup (SPF 10)

I had previously tried a sample of the liquid version, which I LOVED. I really like Dior's "Forever" powder foundation. I gave this a go without trying it out, as it was there at the duty free shop in B'ham, UK.

My initial reaction: WOW.
This is some sensational stuff.

First off, the sensation upon application is strange. It doesn't feel like a powder. It feels cool, wet, refreshing. Like applying water to the face.

The coverage is anywhere from sheer to heavy, depending on the brush you use and how much you apply. I swear this stuff has improved the state of my skin, so I find myself using just a minimal amount.

Apparently, this is another one of those mineral foundations, but it doesn't behave like the usual mineral foundation. Believe me, I've tried them all, and hate them. So does my skin!

"Nude" describes the finish perfectly. It looks and feels like I'm wearing nothing at all.

You can wear it alone, or in conjunction with the liquid version, which looks awesomely flawless.

I got four and a half month's use out of this jar, and I use it daily. Which is pretty damn good, considering I'm having to buy a compact of Dior's "Forever" powder foundation every two months.

For reference, I wear an NC25 in MAC shades.
In Shiseido, I wear O20.
In Dior, I wear 020.
I have found that Shiseido's O20 and Dior's 020 are pretty much one in the same; a PERFECT match for my fair olive-toned skin.

I top this off with a light dusting of Guerlain Meteorites in Mythic (to impart a nice, candlelight glow), and I'm good to go.

By the way, This foundation is VERY dry skin friendly!

Speaking of Guerlain Meteorites, I plan on picking up a container of the new holiday edition for 2009 (Perles Imperials). Maybe! The container is gorgeous, and I love Meteorites. I just have to see if I really want it (because I'm running low on Mythic and I like the green correcting balls, with Perles Imperials does not have).

Yes, they are $53 each, but I bought my container of Mythic in fall 2007 and it's still got about 3-4 months of life left in it-- after daily use!

If you aren't aware, Kat Von D of L.A. Ink fame has her own makeup line over at Sephora.

Here's what I think of Kat Von D:

and

I was reluctant to try any of the makeup line, as my first experience was less than favorable.
I swatched the eyeshadow palettes when they first came out, and found them to be chalky and not-so-pigmented (apparently this has changed).
Plus, my opinion of her sort of factors in...

However, I decided to try out her Tattoo Liner (in Trooper, which is a deep black shade). I'm bored with the usual MAC Fluidline and I'm still undecided if I love Urban Decay's liquid liner.
The reviews on Tattoo Liner seemed quite good-- plenty of people moaning about how difficult this liner is to remove... BINGO. Sounds right up my alley.

Apparently, you can use this to draw temporary tattoos on yourself, in addition to lining your eyes. I can't wait to try it out for this purpose! Maybe I can give myself full sleeves! ;-)

I gotta say, I love this liner. It's in a brush-pen form, which is fan-friggin'-tastic. The formula is concentrated, yet never gloppy or sticky. It applies evenly and dries in a snap. And yes, it takes a bit of effort to remove it, which means I won't have any issues with it running or looking funky at the end of the day. I've just been using it a week, so I cannot comment on how long the pen will last. So far, so good.

Product images nicked from Sephora.com

It's that jolly time of year...

2009-12-02T16:38:00.005-07:00

...and many are asking me what I want for Christmas.
My usual reply is "Nothing!" but that doesn't seem to suffice.
Since I have many friends and family members that follow my blog, I am posting it here, for everyone's convenience.

Happy holidays!

LUSH gift card - misstayva at gmail.com
http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/gifts/gift-cards

Mod Cloth gift card - misstayva at gmail.com
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Gift+Certificate

Nordstrom Wish List
https://secure.nordstrom.com/Wishlist.aspx?wishList=453410_1EF59&cm_ven=OrderCorrespondence&cm_cat=HTMLNORD&cm_pla=WishListEmail&cm_ite=ViewWishList

Atsuko Kudo voucher
http://www.atsukokudo.com/e-voucher.php

Apologies + more photos!

2009-11-17T09:42:00.004-07:00

It's been a long while since I've blogged... just busy with life.

Quickly stopping in to post additional photos from photo sessions I did with Arwendur in England (back in February !!!) and just a short while ago with Marco Patino.

Side note: Make sure to check out/follow Marco Patino's blog, HERE.

Okay, now on to the pics...

The following photos by Marco Patino...

Photos by Arwendur. Latex by Atsuko Kudo

New photos by Marco Patino!

2009-09-14T16:08:00.003-07:00

Taken Sept. 13, 2009 by Marco Patino @ Kevin Break studio, LA, CA.

Latex dress by Anatomic Bomb.

Agent Provocateur corset

See, the dress to match my Vivienne Westwood shoes!

Vesperi Latex

Giveaway at 'Diary of a Vintage Girl' blog...

2009-09-08T18:40:00.001-07:00

Taken from: http://www.diaryofavintagegirl.com/2009/09/while-you-wait-giveaway.html

Apologies for the silence - I've just been so busy since I've been 'unemployed'! If I'm not out and about, I'm glued to the screen writing emails and working on the websites. A huge post about the Scandalous High Socie-Tea is in the works, but while you wait for me to tell you all about it, how about a giveaway?

I bought a vial of the fabulous Speakeasy Vanilla perfume from Wiggle Perfume on Etsy, following a post the other week about the shop by Solanah. Now I absolutely can't fault Solanah's taste, the perfume smells absolutely delicious... just not when I put it on my skin. The vanilla smell faded immediately and the frankincense smell amplified on me until it was overpowering. I tried it a couple of times, but I have come to the sad conclusion that this delicious scent just doesn't work with my body chemistry. However, since it obviously works for Solanah and also for the lovely Twila Jean at The Mysterious Life of the Metropolitan Housewife, I thought I'd offer this little gift to one of my readers, to try it out for themselves.

So here it is, a 5ml vial of Wiggle Perfume's Speakeasy Vanilla scent!

I'm just going to copy all the gals who've done giveaways recently and say that to be in with a chance, simply leave me a comment below, but for an extra chance, post about the giveaway on your own blog and send me the link.

This giveaway is open to anyone in the world. I'll announce the winner next Friday - the 11th. Good luck everyone!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Congratulations to...

2009-09-08T07:10:00.003-07:00

Hanne S. of Finland for winning the Pandoraschoice.com giveaway!
She will be receiving the frilly knickers and seamed nylons!

Stay tuned as I plan on doing many more giveaways on my blog. The lucky winner could be YOU!

Pandoraschoice.com WINNER...

2009-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

...has been chosen.

Stay tuned!

New Triumph Blog...

2009-09-05T21:09:00.002-07:00

I've created a new blog for my Triumph project... as I'm sure some people won't be interested in this blog with all the girly crap...

Follow my blog:

http://tayvastriumph.blogspot.com/

More Triumph rebuild photos!

2009-09-05T20:43:00.003-07:00

These pistons gotta go. Although they are not pitted, you can definitely see the wear on them. The right one is a little bit melted around the skirt.

Got some new handlebars! Gotta find some risers for them, though. Might be able to find those via J&P Cycles? Anyway, they outfit all the Harley riders with their parts.

Fender repair in progress.

Yuck. Gotta sort this out; don't want any rust getting in my tank.

It might look cool, but this seat has gotta go. Think my friend has one for me. We refer to this as "The Cracker", as it's as thick as one. I can pull over on the side of the road and have a snack if I wish! Ha... bony ass + rigid frame = no bueno. I'll be selling this back to the guy who sold me the bike. He paid a bit too much for it... and with that money, I can buy my exhaust pipes (which I still have to find)

My new 1971 Triumph Bonneville chopper!

2009-09-03T07:54:00.004-07:00

This bike makes my friends' Harleys look like sissy bikes!

I have all the original emblems for this!

Big box of stuff that needs to go on the bike.

I *might* have to replace the pistons, as there is wear on one of them (just wear, not pitted or anything). New exhaust pipes are a MUST. On a quest to find those. A nice set of straight pipes will do the trick.

The seat has to go (it reminds me of a cracker... and soooo uncomfortable, esp. on a rigid frame bike). The handlebars are totally wrong for this bike-- and me. I plan on getting a set of ape hangers. I also plan on putting a suicide shift kit on it.

I don't plan on ruining the bike's look with a speedometer (not required by law).

The back fender needs further work, as it had to be altered to properly fit. However, I will not be repainting this thing-- at least for the time being. I like the way it looks.

Hopefully more on this project soon!

GIVEAWAY: Goodies from Pandoraschoice.com

2009-08-30T16:42:00.008-07:00

I've finally hit 100 followers (and then some!). To commemorate this event, I am featuring a giveaway from Pandoraschoice.com - the best place in the UK to get knickers, bras, corsets, and everything else to make you look absolutely glamourous!

Enter this contest below, and make sure to visit Pandoraschoice.com, as this site has a TON of beautiful underpinnings and accessories.

Up for grabs are (in the winner's size!) a lovely pair of black or nude seamed nylons, as well as a gorgeous pair of frilly knickers (in the winner's choice of red, black or baby pink)!

One entry per email address/IP address.

For an additional entry, you can use Twitter!
RT this:

RT @misstayva @Pandoraschoice Giveaway at All She Wants To Do Is Rock! http://tinyurl.com/nlcumf

Vintage Manicure - Addendum

2009-08-17T00:10:00.003-07:00

In regards to my PREVIOUS POST...

I've had a lot of people ask me, "How do you do your nails like that?"

I simply freehand it with the polish brush. I suppose it coincides with my artistic abilities. That, and I find that manicure guides are a) a pain to deal with, in my opinion and b) their funny shape (more suited for French manicures for square-tipped nails) make for a crap time.

I've actually heard a lot of 'vintage' gals complain about the shape of the French manicure guides.
Kustom Klaws, a company that specialises in retro-style nail decals, had boasted about coming out appropriate nail guides, but I'm not sure if they ever did, or ever will.

That said, I've found an appropriate--and cheap-- alternative.

Paper reinforcements.

New goodies up on Etsy!

2009-08-14T20:02:00.002-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7087114

Help me pay off my Triumph motorbike!

I've got retro fabric, western wear, and other vintage goodies!

Shoot with Dave Deluxe

2009-08-11T10:49:00.004-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to shoot with Dave Deluxe-- after talking about it only... oh, I dunno. Something like seven years, nearly!

Anyway, the photos involved my friend Jeff's Thompson submachine gun, and also Dave's gorgeous 1974 Plymouth Satellite (with a Roadrunner hood, says he).

Unfortunately, it was too damn hot, and far too windy that weekend. That's what we get for trying to shoot in the Arizona desert in the middle of July, I suppose.

I've another session scheduled with Dave in September, as well as a couple of other sessions that you will all hear about after the fact... as it's secret! Stay tuned.

New product review: Besame Cosmetics - Voluptuous Lipstick

2009-08-11T10:04:00.005-07:00

Gabriela Hernandez of Besame Cosmetics was generous enough to send me over a sample of the new Voluptuous lipstick. Boy, was I excited to receive it! There has been a lot of buzz about the new formula/packaging. In fact, if you recall, I made a previous post about it, HERE.

Anyway, I received a sample of Red Velvet (also comes in Rapture Rose, a "soft and luminous pink with a glossy finish" and Champagne, a "modern and sensuous neutral with a touch of shimmer and a warm, buttery base").

The colour is quite warm, and works well with my beloved MAC lip pencil in Brick. Which brings me to Besame's lip liner... as I'm curious to try this out. I wasn't keen on the last one, as it seemed to creep/feather.

My favourite lipstick formulation EVER is Besame's Enchanting Lipstick. Lovely finish, pigmented, smooth and creamy. I didn't think I'd find one that I liked more, but this one fits the bill (and then some!). Voluptuous is definitely more moisturising and it feels very light on the lips; almost as I've got a light balm on, rather than a bold lipstick.

The staying power is impressive, and if blotted, it turns to a lovely matte finish. That said, it doesn't turn all crepey and dry looking.

My only complaint is the limited colour palette. Red Velvet is okay if I've been out in the sun a bit (aka summer time), but I'm cool-toned and need a brighter red. I'm not keen on the other two colours, nor their finishes. I really hope they introduce some of the other reds, like those from the Enchanted range.

$35 gets you the lipstick, an automatic lip pencil, and an application brush... all in gold-accented black enamel.

This lipstick gets a thumbs-up from me!

Available at Besame Cosmetics

Today's (vintage!) manicure! !!!

2009-07-27T00:49:00.002-07:00

Half-moon manicure featuring China Glaze Ruby Pumps. Photos don't do this stuff justice!
Yes, those are my natural nails.

Reminiscent of:

Agent Provocateur sale - July 09

2009-07-12T22:48:00.004-07:00

Agent Provocateur is having their bi-annual (I think?) sale... by the way, hurry on over, because things go QUICK.

As a member of Club AP (not the Mark Morgan fan club, for those of you in the know... hehe), I got first dibs on the sale before the general public (non-members). In fact, I ordered within minutes of getting the email notification.

Read on...

I got this gorgeous set, named 'Kimiyo' (Make me feel so good, make me feel good. Kimiyo...) Right, so I had been lemming this set since last season, but chose the sheer lavender and black Regine set instead.

I like soft cup bras, for sleeping (With E cups, can't go without a bra..) Who can resist sheer polka-dot tulle, picot edging and adorable little embellishments? Not me, obviously.

The bra - Originally $130. On sale for $40.
Thong - Originally $90. On sale for $30.
$70 vs. $220? Hell yes.

Lois... Oh Lois.

These knickers are HOT. They had a matching bustier, as well as a GORGEOUS slip, but I passed. The bustier didn't come in my cup size. The slip had cups, but was one of these 'only available in S, M and L'... and those never fit right.

These knickers are made from satin jacquard and powermesh. I'm not crazy about the suspenders. I've not yet received this parcel and I'm wondering how adequate the suspenders will be, and if I can replace them with sturdier ones. We shall see...

Original price: $140. On sale for $70.

Lastly, I got this t-shirt, called Purdy. Adorable little puff sleeves are offset by patent leather belts wrapped around this, for a kinky bondage look. I believe this shirt was around a couple of seasons ago, and I had been wanting it since. One of the main things I like to collect from AP are their shirts.

Original price: $155. On sale for $50

Asos (up to) 80% off sale, and my purchases

2009-07-12T22:35:00.003-07:00

Asos is having an up-to-80%-off sale at the moment (can't recall when it ends)...
I was browsing the site with no intention to buy, when I came upon a couple of items I recall seeing in the past, but for much cheaper. Insanely cheap.

First up is a lovely taffeta pencil skirt, covered in frills. I like frills.
Originally $51. Got it for $10!

Cheap frills. Real cheap.

Next up, an adorable pair of high-waisted taffeta shorts. I contemplated purchasing these a while back, but sort of just forgot about them...

I got them in black (as seen on the model), by the way, rather than the blue.

Originally $43. I paid $8.50 for them! Would have cost me more to sew them myself!

The Summers the Jackson Five called Winslow home...

2009-07-12T08:31:00.005-07:00

This is from an article that was recently run in an online newspaper, my mother happened to come across it by chance. We were chuffed to see it, as she had been telling people in my hometown for years about how the Jackson family used to spend their summers there-- and they would always think she was lying (what a silly thing to lie about, really!)

Well, here's the proof...

The Summers The Jackson Five Called Winslow Home
July 8th, 2009

http://www.azjournal.com/news/126/ARTICLE/4096/2009-07-08.html

By Linda Kor
Every small town has its share of urban legends--the claim by someone who was told by someone else that a famous individual once came through town or, better yet, lived there.
That’s how it was in Winslow. Over the years a number of residents claimed that the famed Jackson Five of Gary, Ind., including Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, used to spend summers in the community. It was one of those urban legends that received a smile and a nod, but was never validated, until now.

With the recent passing of pop star legend Michael Jackson, Winslow resident Zach Thomas* felt it was time to prove something that he had known all along, because he had witnessed it first-hand.

Thomas approached Docia Blalock, director of the Roxanne Whipple Memorial Library in Winslow, for help. “From the research we conducted we learned that Samuel Jackson was a resident at 317 Snyder Ave. from at least 1966 through 1968,” stated Blalock, adding that the library staff researched old telephone books to verify residency. Samuel, the father of Joe Jackson and grandfather of Michael, lived across the street from the home Thomas grew up in on the corner of Snyder Avenue and Fourth Street.

While residing in Winslow, Samuel Jackson did what many grandparents did--he invited his grandchildren to stay with him during the summer months. In the summer of 1966, the Jackson siblings, had yet to gain national attention, though Michael’s incredible talent was on the verge of being discovered.

Thomas recalled that summer, playing ball against the five brothers at the old rodeo grounds ball field, across from Vargas Stadium.

“I remember one time we were having a good old time playing ball and their dad Joe came out there yellin’ at those boys to get home and practice their music,” recalled Thomas. “He was so mad and whooped on them the whole way home. That’s all he was about, just practice, practice, practice.”

When the Jackson boys (sister Janet was not yet born) played their music at their grandfather’s house, it brought the neighborhood to life.

“We always heard them practicing and people would come around from the neighborhood just to listen to them play. Michael was a good singer and he was a good dancer,” he stated.
According to Thomas, when the Jackson Five played at the Desert Scene Elks Lodge, people would throw spare change up on the stage for them. “It was common to do that back then for good performers; it was how they made their money for the night,” he noted.

The Thomas family knew the Jacksons well and the families spent a lot of time together.
“Once in awhile they would be allowed to go to the movies with us, but most of the time they were just practicing music,” recalled Thomas, who was closest to Tito Jackson, as they were the same age.

He recalled that the Jackson family had planned to go from Winslow on to Phoenix at the end of the summer of 1967, but received an opportunity to perform in a talent contest at the renowned Apollo Theater in New York's Harlem district.

“Someone, I think it was Diana Ross, had made arrangements for them to perform there so they headed back home,” recalled Thomas. The young singers known as the Jackson Five won the competition on Aug. 13, 1967, and that started them on the road to stardom.
The year after winning the show Thomas recalls the family traveled back through Winslow on their way to California.

“The family was riding in a van, and Tito came to the house and told me that they were on their way to California because they’d gotten a record deal,” recalled Thomas. “He was looking for his cousin to say goodbye, so we got in the van and drove around awhile, but we couldn’t find him, so they just headed out from there.”

Thomas’ mother [Lila] kept in contact with the Jackson family after they left for California and received a number of pieces of memorabilia as the Jacksons became famous.

With the knowledge that the Jackson clan did in fact spend their summers in the city of Winslow before fame crossed their path, it would appear that the community has one less urban legend to ponder and one more musical connection to add to its history.

-Advertisement courtesy of the Roxanne Whipple Memorial Library- This advertisement in the Winslow Reminder dated Thursday, Aug. 18, 1966, announced a performance by the Jackson Five at the Desert Scene Elks Lodge in Winslow for a ticket price of $1.25 per person, about $8.21 at today’s prices. The lodge was also known as the Arcadia Hall, and is located in the 100 block of East First Street in Winslow.

* Zach Thomas was my neighbour growing up, he lived across the street from us.

RIP Lula Reed

2009-07-09T09:59:00.005-07:00

It's a little late (okay, just over a year later)... Her career is important to me, so I feel compelled to post about it. I'm actually in shock that the news of her death wasn't more widespread.

Anyway, it's been a bit over a year since R&B singer Lula Reed passed away (June 21, 2008).

I remember when I first discovered her-- by mistake-- while searching online for the various versions of the New Orleans classic, Sick and Tired. Her version wasn't the same song, but just as good, nonetheless. I immediately sought out the 45 rpm single... I didn't get the King issue, but a Gusto reissue from the early '80s (GUSTO 2153), which had Bump On A Log on the B-side.

What a voice. A more refined version of Little Esther Phillips, and similar to Dinah Washington but not as refined. Her version of "Drown In My Own Tears" (1951; later covered by Ray Charles in '56) always gives me chills. I have a cut of that track that starts with the voice of a radio deejay describing her voice like that of "Gabriel's trumpet". Indeed!

Some of my favourite Lula Reed material are the duets done with Freddie King (accompanied by her rumoured husband, Sonny Thompson) on the Boy-Girl-Boy album.

In fact...

We covered "You Can't Hide" on Mike Sanchez's You Better Dig It! album.

CLICK HERE to hear "You Can't Hide" by Mike Sanchez and Miss Tayva

Our first choice was "It's Easy Child", but found that "You Can't Hide" fit more with the overall theme of the album... plus the stalker lyrics are awesome :-)

Rest in peace, Lula. Your music has been a great inspiration to me.

Freddie King and Lula Reed : You Can't Hide -

Lula Reed : Drown In My Own Tears

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Plumping Kit review

2009-06-13T10:25:00.006-07:00

I've been meaning to review this lovely little set from Soap and Glory, but sort of forgot about it. For several months.

I'm pressed for time, so I'll keep this short and will let the pics do most of the talking.

Pros: The magnetic box it comes in is cute. It has a legit mirror (not one of those stupid plastic ones), and is decorated in the inside with what reminds me of skateboard grip tape.

The lip plumping crayon is the one of those big, fat deals. It glides on effortlessly, has good colour payoff, and is very moisturising. Does a great job of plumping. Has a nice scent, but I can't place what it is.

The gloss smells like cotton candy in the best way possible :-)

No creeping or smearing from either the pencil or gloss.

Cons: The gloss is thick sticky. Reminds me of the 'clear' Sexy Mother Pucker. I found it works better in warmer weather, naturally. A bit too glittery for my liking.

This has been discontinued, *I THINK*. I saw they have another lip plumping kit on store shelves, but I've not purchased it... yet.

Left: Swatch of plumping lip crayon.
Right: Swatch of plumping gloss.

...and here they are together.

Verdict: Not bad, glad I bought this. Great for casual days, but probably wouldn't purchase again. It's the gloss I'm not keen on. I'll stick to my Sexy Mother Pucker in nude. I do, however, *love* the lip pencil.

Eye look with Holiday in Balm Sprigns

2009-06-04T10:23:00.003-07:00

Overshadow in No Money, No Honey

Shady Lady eyeshadow in Shameless Shana

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

Brows- Anastasia brow powder in Brunette

No mascara, I forgot, until I saw the photo!

RIP Sam Butera

2009-06-03T17:01:00.002-07:00

Sam Butera, former Louis Prima saxophonist, dies in Las Vegas at age 81

Posted by Keith Spera, Music writer, The Times-Picayune June 03, 2009 5:20PM

Sam Butera, the hard-driving, hard-swinging New Orleans saxophonist who was Louis Prima's longtime musical partner, died Wednesday in Las Vegas following a long illness. He was 81.

Mr. Butera joined Prima's band in 1954. With singer Keely Smith, they built one of the most popular acts in the golden age of Las Vegas. Mr. Butera cooked up the arrangements that gave the likes of "Just a Gigolo"/ "I Ain't Got Nobody" and "Jump Jive An' Wail" maximum impact.

"Louis's ace-in-the-hole was Sam Butera," said Gia Prima, the fifth of Louis's five wives and the singer in his band from 1962 to 1975. "That animal attraction that they had, with Sam's honking sax and Louis's jumping and jiving -- without Sam, Louis couldn't have pulled it off."

Mr. Butera grew up in the 7th Ward. His father owned Poor Boys Grocery & Meat Market. One evening the elder Butera took his son to see a big band, and asked the boy which horn he liked the best.

"The saxophones were closest, so I pointed to the saxophones," Mr. Butera recalled in a 1996 interview. "The next day I had a horn."

A prodigy, he turned pro at 14, serving as the human jukebox for strippers on Bourbon Street. "I worked at every joint on that street," he recounted. "You name it and I worked it. All those girls wanted to do was mother me."

At 18, he was voted the "Outstanding Teenage Musician in America" by Look Magazine at Carnegie Hall in New York. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, he considered Notre Dame University scholarships for music and track and a career in mechanical engineering. Instead he hit the road with big bands led by Ray McKinley, Tommy Dorsey and Al Hirt.

By late 1954, he'd cut several records under his own name. He often performed at the 500 Club on Bourbon Street, which was owned by Prima's brother Leon. Looking to staff his new band at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, Prima scouted Mr. Butera at the 500 Club and offered him a job.

Mr. Butera had never been to Vegas, then a desert stopover with 30,000 inhabitants. He banked as much as $700 a week backing Lili Christine the Cat Girl and other strippers on Bourbon Street; his first Sahara paycheck was $250. His wife, Vera Marie, wanted to return to New Orleans; Mr. Butera insisted they stay.

"I thought it would be a good move," he said.

It was. Mr. Butera started writing arrangements for Prima's band, the Witnesses. "That's when it happened," he said. "The sound, you know?"

That sound was an explosive mixture of jump blues, jazz, top-notch crooning and no-holds-barred entertainment. During a seven-year run at the Sahara with the Witnesses, they defined Las Vegas cool. On-stage, Mr. Butera and Prima cut up big-time, blazing away at each other during trumpet and sax duels, thrashing around, stomping through the crowd.

"His contributions to Louis are immeasurable," said Ron Cannatella, a radio host and director of the Louis Prima archives. "They were a team. They worked perfectly together."

Mr. Butera's enormous tone stood toe-to-toe with Prima's manic energy. But for all the antics, Mr. Butera was also a serious musician who insisted the music be correct.

"Every night before the shows, you could hear Sam in the dressing room running scales and fussing over his reeds," Gia Prima recalled. "He wanted everything to be perfect. I don't think there's another tenor sax man that could touch him."

Their popularity extended far beyond Vegas. After scoring a national hit with "That Old Black Magic" in 1959, they sold out as many as four shows nightly at New York's Copacana -- more than even Frank Sinatra.

"We had fun, and we played good music, what the people wanted to hear," Mr. Butera said in 1996. "And it was our own thing. Then everybody started copying our style of music."

After Louis Prima fell into an irreversible coma in 1975, Mr. Butera continued to record and tour with Frank Sinatra and others. Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, Dinah Shore and Dean Martin solicited Mr. Butera as guests on their TV shows.

In 1985, former Van Halen singer David Lee Roth launched his solo career with a copy of Mr. Butera's "Just a Gigolo" / "I Ain't Got Nobody" arrangement. Ex-Stray Cats frontman Brian Setzer scored a Grammy for his cover of the Prima/Butera classic "Jump Jive An' Wail."

During the swing revival of the 1990s, Mr. Butera was perceived as one of the music's originators. He and his band, the Wildest, enjoyed long, successful residencies in Nevada, Atlantic City and elsewhere, perpetuating the swing and shtick of vintage Vegas.

"He carried the legacy on," Gia Prima said. "Sam could really reproduce that sound. If you wanted to hear that music, you had to go see Sam. It was amazing that he kept on as long as he did."

He made his New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival debut in 2002. In the Economy Hall Tent, a tuxedoed Mr. Butera declared his intention to play "music you can relate to. All old songs. None of that new s---."

He delivered his usual repertoire of lounge-worthy Viagra jokes and airtight versions of "Jump Jive An' Wail," "Just a Gigolo" and "Down On Bourbon Street." "That's happy music, folks," he said.

During occasional New Orleans visits, Mr. Butera often purchased pastries for his mother at Angelo Brocato Ice Cream & Confectionery on North Carrollton Avenue. The title of his 1996 CD proclaimed that "The Whole World Loves Italians." He last came to town in 2003 to be induced into the Italian-American Hall of Fame. Nancy Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Jerry Lewis sent tributes; Pete Fountain presented the award.

When failing health made travel difficult, Mr. Butera retired. He entered a Las Vegas hospital in January, and never left.

Next year is the 100th anniversary of Louis Prima's birth. Gia Prima is planning numerous commemorations. With news of Mr. Butera's passing, "my heart is saddened," she said. "For me it's almost like losing Louis again."

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Vera, two sons and two daughters. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

http://blog.nola.com/keithspera/2009/06/sam_butera_former_louis_prima.html

My new babies!

2009-06-03T09:33:00.006-07:00

I've been lusting after these shoes for quite a while, ever since I saw them on a model in Nylon Magazine. Thing was, there was credit given for every single item the model was wearing, BUT the shoes...

It wasn't until an Irish pal showed me the shoes SHE was lusting after, that I knew who made them!

These are the Lady Dragon shoes by Vivienne Westwood. It's a collaboration between Brazillian shoe design house, Melissa. All the shoes are made from plastic (think along the lines of the jelly sandals we wore in the 1980s)... and they're candy scented, to boot!

When I found out who made these, I was on a mission to find a pair. The only place I could find them was on eBay-- for three times the amount they were originally being sold for!

I FINALLY found them being sold on the Vivienne Westwood site- but they had been on backorder for a long time. Until today :-)

Here they are... they come in other candy-like colours, too!

They also have another pair that I am dying to get my hands on...
So reminiscent of the 1950s lucite heels!
These are on backorder for the time being...
Very sparkly, very gorgeous!

Revlon's new Matte lipstick

2009-06-02T23:07:00.002-07:00

It's about time a drugstore brand did a matte lipstick! The last one I recall seeing one on the shelves was in 1992, and I think L'Oreal made it. Who knows.

The only acceptable matte, in my eyes, was MAC's Retro Matte line. Sure, there have been some nice semi-matte formulas out there... Guerlain's discontinued Divinora Deep & Matt was a good lipstick, as is Besame's Enchanting Lipstick.

I prefer a very matte lipstick-- the type that tends to be very drying for most folks. Right, so being that I was running VERY low on my usual Ruby Woo, I decided to check out Revlon's Really Red, as a pal of mine said it was quite good. A nice, true red-- perfect, as during the summer months, any little sun I encounter makes me tan. The bluish-reds always look too bright on me when I darken up just a bit. Plus, $6 or so versus the $14 for the MAC lipstick? Sure, why not!

I applied the lipstick and was pleased straight away. It definitely had the same consistency as MAC's matte lipsticks. The colour is VERY similar to Ruby Woo... just a tad less blue. Best of all, it wasn't as drying as MAC's. It lasted just as long as MAC's lipstick, which is the main thing that had me sold. No creeping, feathering or any of that nasty junk.

I'm not sure, as I've sort of put myself on a no-buy unless it's a) essentials or b) something really friggin' fantastic... but I'm unsure if this is a limited-edition product. I sure hope not! It works just as well and looks just as fabulous... the $8 difference is a great thing!

Anyway, here is a swatch; Ruby Woo is on the left, and Revlon's Really Red is on the right.

A few great goodies from my Nan's estate...

2009-06-02T14:44:00.004-07:00

Napkin and toothpick holder. It measures about 10 inches high. My nan had this since the 1950s and I hadn't seen this in her house until she died last summer. It was hiding behind other old cookie jars and such on top of the refrigerator. It is unmarked, no idea who made this!

A souvenir tortilla warmer from Acapulco. This was used daily. Well, until she stopped making tortillas.

Front and back view of some pot holders she made long ago. I acquired a ton of this sort of stuff; plenty of embroidered flour sack towels.

This has a matching fridge magnet that goes along with it; a miniature kitchen mixer!

A slightly worn Mammy cookie jar, and next to it, a Mammy thimble...

Cocktail glasses.

I got a brand new set of gorgeous, pillowtop mattresses from my Nan's house. I think it had only been slept on a couple of times. With it I got this great iridescent vinyl headboard...

Detail!

These didn't come from my nan's, but I thought I'd shade them anyway.
Here is a Heywood Wakefield dining table and chairs that I picked up for $70. Please disregard the ugly wall heater and the leaf leaning up against the wall.
I bought them from my friend's mom; she bought them brand new back in the day, in either San Francisco or Oakland. I can't remember...
Anyway, I might refinish this set. It has a bit of wear on it. Also, the upholstery on the chairs need to be redone.

This great plant stand/book & magazine rack came from my landlord. He was cleaning out his garage and found it. It's metal, coated in black, and it needs to be re-painted. I shall be doing that shortly. Now to decide what to put on it!

I'm selling on Etsy!

2009-05-28T14:36:00.002-07:00

This, and other goodies, here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7087114

*

eBay issue - your help??

2009-05-28T09:23:00.001-07:00

Okay, I bought some BAKELITE buttons from a seller in the UK last week or so...

Well, I received the buttons, and by sight alone, I could tell they were NOT bakelite.

To be sure, I did the Simichrome test (that's where you get Simichrome metal polish on a rag and wipe the plastic with it. Simichrome polish is pink; it will turn yellow if it's genuine bakelite).

I also did the Scrubbing Bubbles test; you dampen a cotton swab with Scrubbing Bubbles. Again, it will turn yellow if it's the real deal.

To be safe (this morning), I did the friction test. Bakelite has this odd smell when it gets hot. No smell...

THEREFORE, IT IS NOT BAKELITE.

I emailed the seller this:

Hi there,
I received the buttons today. These were listed as bakelite, but I tested them with both Scrubbing Bubbles and Simichrome polish and they did not test positive. I bought these under the assumption that they were genuine bakelite, and am disappointed.
What can we do to remedy this situation?

They replied:

Hello i am very sorry that you were not happy with the buttons, my manager has said they are definatly bakelite but if you are not happy with them you can return them and we will refund you many thanks

Am I being too pissy that they are still insisting that they are bakelite? Talk about fraud/misrepresentation!

I replied: (again)

Sorry, but your manager is wrong; like I said, these buttons didn't test positive for bakelite. I also used the friction test to be sure (based on smell), and they are not. Just because it's old plastic doesn't mean it's bakelite. I've been collecting this stuff for years in many forms and I can usually tell by sight, but I tested these buttons just to be safe.
Anyway, of course I'd like my money back, but US Postal Service rates are a lot higher than Royal Mail rates, and if I sent these back, I'd be paying almost as much as I did for the buttons! Do you intend on covering my return shipping charges?
Sorry to be a pain, but I don't think it's fair that I lose money on an item that was completely misrepresented.
Please advise as to where to go next with this.

I know I have to wait for a reply, but what should I do about this?
I have a feeling they're NOT going to want to sort out return shipping costs.
I paid about $13 or so for them. It's gonna be about $7 to ship the little packet of buttons back!
So, basically, I'm going to be out $6? I know that isnt' much, but I think it's a crock.

What should I do if they don't sort this out to my liking?

* File a fraud report with PayPal?
* Keep the buttons and give them negative feedback?

I've been using eBay for years and have never had a negative experience like this.
I'd take this to their specific forums, but the last time I had questions, I didn't get a constructive answer, only mud thrown at me (those people are nuts).

Thanks, everyone!

EDIT: I filed a dispute with PayPal, stating gross misrepresentation. It all got sorted; I got my money back and got to keep the buttons (not that I wanted them)... but at least I didn't lose any money!

2009-05-26T22:15:00.004-07:00

The pink starburst/sparkle fabric I'm using.

On a happy note, I received the rayon faille fabric mentioned in THIS POST... and I am utterly thrilled! It looks like the real deal... and I've been fondling it since I opened the parcel a half hour ago. I love that cold rayon feel!

One thing, I'm not sure if the dress I had intended on making will be suitable. It has this sort of ruffle/gather thing in the front. I'm wondering if I can omit that? It's a separate piece that's sewn on.

Have any of you sewn this pattern?

I'm talking specifically about the floral print dress, the broad with the microphone.
If so, please comment on your experiences with this pattern, esp. the gathers (please and thank you)

:-)

Annoyed and disappointed.

2009-05-26T14:39:00.002-07:00

Received my Hawaiian fabric; I swear it's 100% cotton. Doesn't feel like it's blended with ANYTHING else. It's in the wash, I'm hoping the fabric finish will change slightly, as it sometimes does. I have to rethink what I'll be making with it. I have to keep it, afterall, as there are no refunds from this place.

Dammit... I hoped to have something nice to wear by next week! I SHOULD have gone with 100% rayon. The thing is, I've scoured the internet and can't find anything I like! Well, not true. I found a yard and a half of SUN SURF (!!) fabric, but that's not enough. The other one, I already have a sarong dress made from that fabric. Everything else looks like upholstery fabric one would find on a rattan chair.

Also, my bakelite buttons did not look like bakelite when I opened the parcel. Tested them with Simichrome polish AND Scrubbing Bubbles. Sure enough-- they are NOT bakelite.

So, I emailed the seller and told him/her about it... hopefully we can get this sorted in a peaceful manner. I hate when people think all old plastic = bakelite. Arrrgh!

Back at square one, I guess. I do have an outfit I plan on making from this pink and white cotton starburst fabric (that is also slightly glittery). I may get started on it this afternoon, actually, since I just purchased the notions yesterday.

More Purchases!

2009-05-24T11:13:00.004-07:00

Cute, short cotton circle skirt from Xhiliration by Target. It's not my exact cup of tea, as I'm not totally keen on the length. But it's adorable and summery, nonetheless. A big change from the stuff I usually wear. $17.

I ran out of my usual Thayer's Rose Petal & Witch Hazel toner, and have been wanting to pick up some items from the Boots 'Original' line (glass bottles, vintage labels and formulations!)... So I opted for this one. It doesn't smell exactly like the rose one would expect... but my mom used to have a ton of Damask rose bushes, and once you clip them and perhaps smash the petals up and let them dry-- this is what this smells like. I used this in conjunction with my new serum (I picked up the new Soap and Glory one mentioned in a previous post) and Lush's Vanishing Cream. I also put Shiseido's sunscreen over it, which tends to dry me out badly, but wow, I feel a little bit TOO moisturised today.

Anyway, both this and the Soap and Glory serum get a thumbs up from me.

I found these 4.25" patent leather heels at Target; they are by Mossimo. I don't know about you, but I've always had the hardest time finding basic black pumps that are high and aesthetically pleasing. Either the heel is strangely shaped, or the toe is too pointy, or they look too slutty.
These ones are perfect. I get a teeny bit of toe cleavage, which I like. The toe is nice and round, and they are the perfect height for my taste. Even better, they were $30.

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'm vying for this adorable little frock, and it can perhaps be yours, too.

Just pop-in over at the Grossgrain blog and see how to enter.

Purchases!

2009-05-20T08:50:00.007-07:00

At the moment, I've been weeding out the things that no longer fit and that I no longer want, from my closet. At the same time, I'm trying to accumulate new outfits, and make some of the things that I do want but haven't ever worn become useful.

As I've mentioned, I also plan on sewing... and I've gotten enough stuff gathered to finally start on a project.

I was bored and browsing through eBay listings the other day and came across something that made me squeal... probably because I've only come across one once... usually the come in the form of dresses. That, and it was cheap.

I bought a 1950s lace nude illusion BLOUSE! What made me make up my mind was the skirt that the model was wearing; a taffeta circle skirt. I received one from Miss Bamboo TWO years ago, had it drycleaned and pressed, and I have completely neglected wearing it. Well, basically because I didn't have a blouse to wear with it, and have never come across one that looked right.
Until now, of course!

I also ordered up some 30s-era bakelite buttons to go with an outfit I'm making that was mentioned in THIS POST (the 40s Hawaiian two-piece number). I ended up purchasing them from eBay UK, as all the American sellers didn't have the quantity I needed. Plus, everything for sale was like $45 for two buttons and so on. I think I paid $15 total for these with shipping. They are to be made with the red heliconia fabric.

Lastly, I picked up this snazzy case on Etsy... Something vintage and cute to put my glasses and other pursestuff in. Clear plastic with rhinestones. I've been after one of these for a while (a decade, actually), but they were never the right price, or I just found something else that appealed to me more. This one is nice; no yellowing with the plastic!

I got it from Etsy seller Archivia Vintage. We follow each other on Twitter, and she had posted about a STUNNING Pake Muu that she has listed. A Pake Muu that I would kill ten good people for... but unfortunately, that wouldn't get me anywhere but locked up... haha. Lots of other gorgeous vintage goodies up for grabs!

Oh, I also picked up a new 1940s-style snood. The one I got is adorned with a bow. Anyway, I've had one snood for a decade, never really wore it until last year... and the fourth time I wear it, it decides to unravel on me while I'm out in public. I bought it at Sally Beauty, but they no longer stock them (I checked that day)... I've honestly been scouring the 'net looking for an era-appropriate one, but was having a hard time. Then I remembered what a great site Etsy is!

I'm making a trip to Target in a few days and I'm hoping that they will be stocking the new Soap and Glory products. There is a new range of skincare (for the face) that has been creating a lot of buzz, even though it wasn't released at the time people were talking! I'm basically going up there for a big tub of Flake Away, as it's a summer staple of mine. However, I'm really interested in trying their new Make Yourself Youthful face serum! I'm actually getting nervous about checking this new stuff out, as there are new lip products, body sprays, etc... Ack!

Check out the Musings Of A Muse blog entry on these products...

Anyway, folks... until next time.

Today's fabric find!

2009-05-19T11:09:00.002-07:00

I am so excited to get this! It's rayon faille. I have a great pattern for a '40s dress, it calls for broadcloth, crepe, crepe back satin, rayon, crepon, or dupoini. I know that faille has a slight rib to it, but I'm wondering if I could get away with using this?

It's seriously the coolest fabric I've seen in a long time!

Besame - clarification

2009-05-17T08:58:00.002-07:00

I wanted to point out, due to a comment on the previous post about Besame...
It was the liners that I thought were crappy.

Those that have tried the lipstick can probably agree, it's the best stuff, ever.
My favourite lipstick brands are Guerlain and Chanel, but even then... Besame is much better!
Well, I'm speaking for the old ones in the metal tubes. Smaller, yes, but less packaging bulk.
A true semi-matte formulation! I hope to god the new stuff is as good as the old stuff. This was my favourite lipstick to use!

I hope the same colours are available. Right now, it shows that only Red Velvet is going to be for sale. That shade was way too warm for me. Their bright red shade, Red Hot Red, was THE one.

I'm pondering what the rest of the makeup line is going to be like! I wonder if they're going to have a broader colour range than the last time. Foundation is the one thing I'm always trying to find an "HG" of. So far, it's a tie between the new Diorskin Nude liquid (dying to try the mineral powder version!) and Korres Wild Rose. Powderwise, BeneFit's Hello, Flawless is quite good.

I wonder how Besame is going to redo their cream foundation? I hope they don't reformulate. They just need more colours. It went from very pale to jaundice yellow :-/

Anyway, just rambling, but felt the need to clarify how damned awesome Besame lipsticks are.

All She Wants To Do Is Rock! :: Miss Tayva

My Cal-Noir dresses are for sale!

"Like" my manicure!

Confetti lucite jewelry!

Another Giveaway from Miss Tayva Jewelry

GIVEAWAY! Divine Droplets necklace by Miss Tayva Jewelry

A few new items on Etsy! + bike rally...

PT's Rock'n 66 Motorcycle Rally!

I'm proud to announce...

FOLLOW MY NEW BLOG!

Yes, I'm ALIVE!

Absence, First time working with latex, Halloween, blah.

"Fleur" dress giveaway from Heyday!

New photos by Marco Patino!

Mike Sanchez - NEW ALBUM! Babes & Buicks... featuring me!

My return to the stage (and this blog).

I got my latex gloves from Maxime Avet!

More Melissas... I was a naughty girl. Maybe I need a spanking :-)

New Latex Gloves and designer spotlight: All You Need Is G L ♥ V E S

Yes, another new pair of Melissa shoes.

REVIEW: Fresh Cannabis Santal

Out of the whole lot, Cannabis Santal is my favourite.

It has been marketed as a male fragrance, but it's pretty unisex. I like it just fine on myself, but I really REALLY dig it on a man. More on that later...

It does, however, have a very warm opening scent of sandalwood. Which I usually hate, but it's soooo good in this.

The notes have been described as follows: Wild Strawberries, Kumquat, Dark Plum, Patchouli, Magnolia, Rose, Chocolate, Vetiver, Vanilla Musk.

Thankfully, the patchouli does not stand out. The vanilla musk does... and lots of other stuff, but my nose doesn't individually recognize any of the stuff.

Have I mentioned how much I like this on a man??? Yes, very much so. In fact, when I smell it, I turn into this guy:

The men I know who wear it know what I'm talking about, as women around them are always inquisitive about what that *hump* fragrance they are *hump* wearing is...

So, fellas. If you want to potentially get laid (not by me, though. Sorry, I'm spoken for), grab yourself some of this.

Sephora sells it in two sizes; The larger $75 bottle (which I have pictured) and a smaller $35 one. Tayva sez the small one is sufficient, as only a touch is needed to smell humpalicious. Definitely not for those of you who like to BATHE in your fragrances.

My newest pair of Vivienne Westwood/Melissa heels... FREE!

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

I was feeling a little down, so I bought myself something.

The Schwinn Romper Grosgrain Giveaway

Sorta recent Lush haul... + FORUM PARTIES.

TheBalm foundation/powder review: TimeBalm and Sexy Mama...

Now... I'm about to share a little secret of mine. It's the reason why I've not had to return foundation for a long while, due to ordering the incorrect shade (I always order online).

Here is a foundation matrix, put together by multiple users. It's easiest to know your MAC shade, but if you can find a shade you use, you can find the similar shades from other brands.

It's been pretty damn precise for me.

Please note that you can choose from your MAC N/NC/NW shades at the bottom left hand corner.

Click HERE to see the foundation matrix. You can also add information that isn't there.

That's all for now... hopefully I'll make a point to post more often!

Von Franco: artistic badass.

Peddlin' my wares...

Urban Decay Twitter Giveaway...

Blog Giveaway: FrailHeartsOfHope Lush, MAC + more!

Mine: More Melissa shoes!

REVIEW: Illamasqua Powder Foundation

A new dress!

Ressurecting an old, deleted post, and more insanity...

New crap I've bought from Ideeli: Vivienne Westwood & Maggy London

Review: Kat Von D SINNER and Kim Kardashian perfumes by Sephora.

Notes:Mandarin, Honey Suckle, Orange Blossom, Pink Jasmine, Tuberose, Sensual Spice, Lush Gardenia, Jacaranda Wood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla Orchid, Sexy Musk, Creamy Sandalwood.

Look @ my new motorcycle seat!

Don't forget...

Seat For Sale!

If you were about to be executed, what would you request as your last meal?

Vintage and Reproduction lingerie/corsets for sale!

A glamorous giveaway at Fleur de Guerre's blog!

Shoe porn: My new booties!

WANTED! Records/Vinyl 45s, LPs and Compilations

Nail polish I am loving as of late: OPI by Sephora, Zoya, Seche.

New product reviews: Dior Nude, Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, OPI by Sephora and Zoya nail polish

It's that jolly time of year...

Apologies + more photos!

New photos by Marco Patino!

Giveaway at 'Diary of a Vintage Girl' blog...

Congratulations to...

Pandoraschoice.com WINNER...

New Triumph Blog...

More Triumph rebuild photos!

My new 1971 Triumph Bonneville chopper!

GIVEAWAY: Goodies from Pandoraschoice.com

Vintage Manicure - Addendum

New goodies up on Etsy!

Shoot with Dave Deluxe

New product review: Besame Cosmetics - Voluptuous Lipstick

Today's (vintage!) manicure! !!!

Agent Provocateur sale - July 09

Asos (up to) 80% off sale, and my purchases

The men I know who wear it know what I'm talking about, as women around them are always inquisitive about what that hump fragrance they are hump wearing is...

Notes:
Mandarin, Honey Suckle, Orange Blossom, Pink Jasmine, Tuberose, Sensual Spice, Lush Gardenia, Jacaranda Wood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla Orchid, Sexy Musk, Creamy Sandalwood.